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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

Belize Among Nominations for World Travel Awards
The Belize Tourism Board is excited to announce that Belize has received four (4) nominations in the World Travel Awards’ World Category. « Older: Director of Tourism Karen Bevans Elected as a Vice Chairman Belize Among Nominations for World Travel Awards Wednesday, September 28th, 2016 Belize City, Belize – September 28, 2016 – The Belize Tourism Board is excited to announce that Belize has received four (4) nominations in the World Travel Awards’ World Category. Placencia Placencia – World’s Leading Beach Destination: Placencia, Belize http://bit.ly/2cJ2cHg. – World’s Leading Destination: Ambergris Caye, Belize http://bit.ly/2d6fYHC. – World’s Leading Dive Destination: Belize http://bit.ly/2cSf4QZ. – World’s Leading Green Destination: Belize http://bit.ly/2d3S5fZ. Voting has officially opened and will conclude on October 24, 2016. We are encouraging everyone to go to www.worldtravelawards.com, register your email address and cast your votes for Belize. Travel Industry voters may apply to upgrade their account, after which their vote is equivalent to two votes.

Sagebrush fixes islanders bicycles
Sagebrush Ministry provided free bicycle services for the island community on Saturday, September 24th. A team of 15 local volunteers spent their morning at the Sagebrush Belize Campus across from Paradise Theater, and fixed a total of 67 bicycles. Under a Bowen and Bowen tent, most repairs included replacing chains, tubes and tires, and tuning other parts. According to Todd Crampton, Coordinator of Pit Stop Ministry, it was their pleasure to fix the bikes. “Bikes here corrode easily, and we decided that bike owners would benefit more from the cause. It’s beautiful to see that almost everybody here works, and sometimes you see people riding long distances. You even see mothers with their children on their bikes, and we need to keep those bikes going in good condition,” said Crampton. Crampton stated that other means of transportation are not excluded. Sagebrush is looking to offer services to fix golf-carts and motorbikes as well. Through donations and sponsorships the group obtained between $6-7,000 in necessary parts and equipment, and they are optimistic that Sagebrush will be able to expand the Pit Stop program in the future.

Four teams headed to Interoffice Football Tournament semifinals
The championship games of the 6-a-side Interoffice Football Tournament are quickly approaching. On Friday, September 23rd and Saturday, September 24th, football fanatics gathered at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex to watch the quarterfinals. A total of eight teams battled to score as many goals as possible to earn points and advance in the competition. Saturday’s second set of matches started with Martha’s Ice versus Rain. Martha’s Ice took the 1-0 win, advancing to the semifinals. S.P.T.C Boys and Victoria House followed, with Victoria House winning 1-0. Caribeña and Mambo Boys battled intensely in the third match, ending in a 2-2 tie. The last game of the night saw Costa Boys go up against a dominant Taxi Strikers, who won 2-1.

Ambergris Today

Miss Belize Universe 2016 Hits the Ground Running and Gets Her Own Song
Rebecca “Bex” Rath, Miss Belize Universe 2016, is already busy connecting with Belizeans and preparing for the Miss Universe Pageant early next year. On Friday, September 23, Muffles College welcomed her to Orange Walk with a full day of events, which including a motivational speech to students and a visit to the Banquitas House of Culture. The following day she presented the winner of Mr. Belize 2016, Rigo Vellos, with his trophy. Ms. Rath has also visited the Belize Zoo, met Gulisi School students in her native Dangriga, and received a very warm welcome when she appeared at her alma mater, Ecumenical High School, also in Dangriga.

Belize Confirms 46 Cases of Zika, Over 500 Suspected
The Ministry of Health of Belize held a press conference on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, where it was confirmed that Belize has 46 cases of Zika infection, 581 suspected cases of which 305 have been screened for the virus. These cases puts Belize on alert, even more so as six pregnant women have been confirmed to be infected with the virus (5 in Cayo & 1 in Belize). Pregnant women infected with Zika is linked to babies born with the birth defect Microcephaly. a serious condition where babies are born with abnormally small heads, which can cause lifelong developmental problems.

Misc Belizean Sources

Educational lecture and tour in honor of Belizean National Hero, Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldso
The Goldson House: Presenting the Life and Works of Philip Goldson extends a warm invitation to join in an educational lecture and tour in honor of Belizean National Hero, Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson; His biography and lifelong contributions to the Belizean Society are to be featured. The event will take place on Monday, October 3 and Tuesday, October 4, 2016 honoring the anniversary of the day Philip Goldson was laid to rest. The venue is the Goldson House, located on #82 Orange street, Belmopan City. The opening hours of the Goldson House are from 8:00am – 4:00pm.

PUBLIC & BANK HOLIDAYS 2017
IT IS NOTIFIED for general information that public and bank holidays specified in the First and Second Schedules to Holidays Act, Chapter 289 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000 – 2003, will be observed on the following days during the year 2017 in accordance with section 3 of the said Act:

Installation of the new Governor of the State of Quintana Roo
⁠⁠⁠Mayor Daniel Guerrero was a part of the delegation that represented Belize at the installation of the new Governor of the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez. Governor Gonzalez was installed on Sunday September 25th at state’s congress in the city of Chetumal after which he addressed over 15 thousands citizens. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Hon Patrick Faber headed a delegation that included Mayor Kevin Bernard of Orange Walk, Mayor Hilberto Campos of Corozal, Mayor Daneil Guerrero of San Pedro, Mayor Darrell Bradley of Belize City, Hon Elodio Aragon – Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Dr. Angel Campos – Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Belize Honorary Consul in Chetumal Jorge Valencia, amongst other invited guests from the Government of Belize and various municipalities.

4th Caribbean Youth Leader's Summit
Over 100 dynamic youth leaders are currently in Belize to participate in the 4th Caribbean Youth Leader's Summit. The objective & theme of the three day event is to establish the "Agenda 2030: From Rhetoric to Action." Over 10 countries are represented at the summit. The Government of Belize - through the Department of Youth Services - is the host of the event.

Guatemala buses must obey traffic laws in Belize
This bus was caught stopping to pick up and drop off customers in San Iggy which is against regulations. Mayor Earl Trapp is fully supportive of our Tour Guides, Tour Operators and the Cayo Cave Guide Association. We cannot sit back and watch this intrusion from Guatemala and other foreign operators continue. Mayor Trapp as promised embraces our guides in their continued efforts to secure their lively-hood and our tourism industry. Mayor Earl Trapp will take all necessary steps to give full support to our Belizeans to ensure that our tourism industry remains vibrant, locally sustainable and viable. Not until our guides and tour operators are granted the same courtesies in Guatemala can we allow this continued infringement. Today this Fuente Del Norte cruise bus violated our traffic laws and was dealt with immediately!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/216102482100034631/
The 2016 Cayo Got Talent youth talent show will be at the Cayo Welcome Center on Saturday, October 15th. Do you have a unique talent? Start practicing, and show Cayo what you've got. "sign up ..for the Cayo got Talent show case event taking place on the welcome center on Oct.15 , 2016 .... this is the start of something BIG.TOGETHER with your help and a number of the twin town positive youth , we aim @t helping our youths, build and grow their talents in to something great , we hope to make this a successful annual talent competition our first couple show case /display event is to find out if it is successful. only as we gain followers ,sponsors and participants we will grow into a national competition with a finals at the end of the year"

August 2016 Trade & Consumer Price Index
During the month of August 2016, the Statistical Institute of Belize recorded that on average, the prices of goods and services purchased by Belizean households were 0.4 percent higher than they were in August of 2015. The All-Items consumer price index stood at 103.7, a slight increase from 103.3 in the same period last year. For the first eight months of this year, an inflation rate of 0.5 percent was recorded. During the month of August 2016, Belize imported goods valued at almost $163 million, rising by 5.3 percent or $8.2 million from the $154.8 million imported in August of 2015.

Sales Representative needed at Traveller's Liquors Showroom in San Pedro
A VACANCY exists for the position of full-time Sales Representative / Deliveries at our Traveller's Liquors Showroom on Pescador Drive, San Pedro Town (across the street from The Greenhouse). Interested persons are asked to fill out an application form which they can get from our showroom. Applications are to be accompanied by: 1. Resume 2. Copy of Driver's License 3. Police Report 4. Letter of recommendation from previous employer. 5. Valid Social Security Card

Harvest Caye, Belize Cruise Ship Port Calendar 2016 - 2017
Harvest Caye in southern Belize is gearing up for NCL cruise ships. Harvest Caye, Belize Cruise Ship Port Calendar 2016 calendar enables you to find out schedules of cruise ships arriving in any given date in 2016 - 2017 at this Harvest Caye, including arrival and departure time. The cruise timetable list and schedules shows Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships in the port based on the cruise lines itineraries.

NOTICE from Caye CaulkerVillage Council
It has been brought to the knowledge of CCVC, that members of our community are paying our staff for jobs being done with our equipments. We want you to be aware that these monies are to be paid at the office to ensure it is is used specifically for maintenance and repairs of such equipment. Thank you for your kind co operation!

Splashers
Join us today at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar to paint this cute little blue bird. Please bring a rag to wipe your brushes. Party starts at 2p.m.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND MANAGING AUTHORITIES COVER BASES TO KEEP SCHOOLS OPEN
Ministry of Education outlines contingency plans following today's meeting with school managers and representatives.

MARINE MULTIBEAM AND SEA SEEP SURVEY DEEP OFFSHORE BELIZE
The Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum hereby informs the public that pursuant to the Petroleum Act the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum and the Geology and Petroleum Department, will be conducting a multibeam and sea seep survey in the marine territory of Belize east of the barrier reef and in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), excluding all marine protected areas as well as all areas banned from petroleum exploration which includes the barrier reef, the atolls and all World Heritage Sites with a 1 kilometer buffer around all these areas. The survey will be done in deep water only and away from any major tourist activity, fishing areas or spawning sites. This survey is part of a larger regional geophysical survey currently being done by the United States Government and the Mexican Government in the US Gulf of Mexico, the Mexican Gulf of Mexico and east of the Yucatan Peninsula to gather new regional data to advance the knowledge of the geology and hydrocarbon systems of these geological provinces.

Letter: Before a Belmopan municipal bond is considered - Part 1
by Charles Leslie Jr. We will never borrow ourselves into prosperity. Belmopan needs to attract and incentivise local and international diversified investors to build prosperity for all in Belmopan. The first thing a true leader needs to do is a full audit of our financial situation as a city, and make sure the public is fully encouraged to peruse and review the situation. The second thing a true leader needs to do is to reduce operational expenses, and this can be done in two ways: 1. Remove unnecessary spending; 2. Identify ways to bring in additional income without increasing taxation on residents and the business community. I will elaborate more on this in part two of this article.

Belize City Branding Initiative
The Belize City Council, in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank and CARILED, officially launched the Belize City Branding Initiative with a parade through downtown Belize City.

The Forest Department donated 100 seedlings to FCD
These trees are already being planted in villages such as Calla Creek and Bullet Tree. Thank you Forest Department for supporting the watershed protection program.

Belize Bird Rescue received 10 more white-front Amazons for rehabilitation
Half were illegally captive baby parrots confiscated by Forest Department, and the others surrendered older birds. All are clipped apart from the 4 in the large cage: their owner sadly passed away a while ago and the surviving spouse surrendered them for rehabilitation. It’s a long road ahead for all of them – 18 months to two years for the clipped babies, and probably longer for the-out-of-condition and habituated adults.

Channel 7

Ministry of Education Ready to Hire Temps if Teachers Go On Strike
Last night, we told you about the meeting of the San Ignacio Branch of the Belize National Teachers Union. Those teachers were suggesting that the Monday strike should be extended, with no clear announcement as to when exactly it would end. That's a suggestion that National President Luke Palacio committed to take back to the Council of Management for final approval. But, the Ministry of Education isn't waiting around; they've sprung into action to keep schools open, at all costs. The ministry and the Managing Authorities of schools countrywide are activating contingency plans, prepared for the strike to continue past Monday. Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber and officials of his Ministry met representatives of those school managers today at the ITVET compound, and the news coming out of that meeting is that teachers will be hired on a temporary basis. They will be there to fill in and make sure that children are taken care of for however long the teachers decide to strike.

UDP Goes Into Overdrive To Keep School Open, But Are They Union-Busting?
And while the Education Ministry and the political directorate are going to extraordinary lengths to keep schools open, on the ground, UDP politicians were working their tails off today. Cabinet tasked area representatives to visit schools in the constituencies and make direct appeals to the teachers and principals not to participate in a strike. We found out about it when two city reps showed up at Wesley Lower school , which is one block from our studio. We waited for them to finish and asked what the meeting was about:… Tracey Taegar-Panton - UDP Area Rep, Albert: "We have been meeting with the teachers and with the principals and the management of the schools to share with them government's responses to the eight point demands that were made by the BNTU management - because we think it is important in terms of decision making that both sides of the conversation be well represented so that teachers can make up their own minds. We are certainly concerned that schools needs to remain open, our children need to be in school and we're hoping that we can appeal to our teachers to look at things objectively and be able to keep schools open on Monday and keep children in school."

Is The Barrow Admin. Rattling The Union's Chain?
So, is the Government concerned about provoking the teachers into more drastic action? These temporary replacements, in theory allows for the Ministry to keep the schools open, and it very deliberately undermines the leverage that the BNTU had with the strike – what the Prime Minister called "holding parents to ransom." So, we wondered if the Minister has considered that the teachers may feel compelled to match and exceed government's strategy with their own equally drastic plan of action. Here's how he answered that one: Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education: "I am not trying to pick a fight; I'm merely trying to do what is required of me, as I'm obliged to do under the responsibilities that have been task to me as Minister of Education. I really hope we don't have to have to get to any point of employing replacement teachers; I really would love to see that people turn to work on Monday and that they give the government its due opportunity to fix issues."

In A Tense Time, Chafing Between Cops And Media
And while the media was waiting on the outcome of today's meeting between the ministry and the school managers at the ITVET, one of our media colleagues got into a little back and forth with the police. Amandala's Micah Goodin was outside on the verandah near a window and police said that he was in the wrong area, or perhaps thought that he appeared to be eavesdropping on the meeting. Police asked him to move – but he refused and so they sent for backup in the form of the Northside Strike Team. The northside officers came and urged him strongly to move, and after some back and forth, complemented by forceful reasoning, Goodin agreed and went quietly, with some protestation. He joined the other media who were waiting not far away. It's a small encounter that was defused without any physical confrontation, but perhaps it is indicative of some chafing between police and the media in these tense times. Now even though this happened on the northside, and today we asked the southside commander about the importance of friendly police and media relations…

Jail For Repeat Offending Fishermen
Today in the Magistrate’s Court, two men went to jail for fisheries offences. Now usually these offences only carry a fine, but brothers, Ergil and Marvin Patt, who both have a history of fisheries crimes, got a custodial sentence when they pled guilty to illegal entry into a protected fishing area near the Half Moon Caye monument, and illegally fishing in the area. The brothers were caught with a lobster bearing eggs as well as 4 juveniles – out of season. Marvin was sentenced to seven months in prison for each charge, while Ergil was sentenced to six months for each charge. A third fisherman, Medardo Rivera, pled guilty to the same crimes and was charged $1000 for each offense. If he fails to pay the first fine by October 31, and the second by December 30, Rivera will serve six months for each offense.

ACP Williams Says Cops Should Follow Up On Leads In McAfee Doc
"Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee" premiered on Saturday – and since then we haven't heard anything about police following up on the many actionable pieces of information fleshed out by the film-makers. There were two murder conspiracies unveiled, one for American Greg Faull and the other for Orange Walk resident David Middleton. Now, we're not saying that documentaries are equivalent to police investigations, but there sure is some stuff in there that crime investigators might want to look at – because at least two persons told the cameras that they abetted murder. The Commissioner of Police hasn't responded to our request for a comment, and the cops have boxed the DPP out of the case, so we asked the only police officer we can speak to regularly, Assistant Commissioner Chester Williams. He's a trained attorney and agreed that there are some leads in there that the police should be following up on:… ACP Chester Williams - Regional Commander, Eastern Division South: "I think that it is something that the police can use to be able to probe more into the death Mr. Middleton from Orange Walk and to see how we can use some of the things that have been said as a basis to be able to look at some of these persons and interview them further."

Is Police HQ Playing Favourites With Northside?
And while ACP Williams can't really speak for the investigators – it's because they have their own bosses to answer to in their formation. Back in Chester's formation, which is the Southside, they're more or less on their own. The prosecution and tourism police unit answer to the northside commander, which also has the majority of vehicular resources. That's why we listened with interest in July when the former police minister John Saldivar said that more resources would be placed in the southside – which is the country's largest crime hotspot. And the Prime Minister also saw the need when he earmarked two vehicles for the southside. Today we asked if those have come through yet – and we were surprised at the response:… Jules Vasquez: "You have recently been boasting that the prime minister would give the south a pair of wingles. Have you all received those vehicles yet, we are talking about patrols; do you all have that additional mobility that you've crying out for?" ACP Chester Williams - Regional Commander, Eastern Division South: "Well yes the prime minister had promised us 2 vehicles and I must say that yesterday we received the 2 vehicles and I must give special thanks to the prime minister despite the economic challenge we are going through he saw it fit to provide us with 2 vehicles but of the 2 vehicles only 1 has been assigned to Southside and the other was assigned to north side."

Making Manatees Matter
Belize is home to around 1000 Antillean Manatees, the largest population in the world. And though the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute has done its best to ensure that these gentle mammals of the sea are protected, dozens of manatees die every year because of preventable human interaction, such as collisions with boats or getting caught in gill nets. Today, CZMAI launched a promotional video created to highlite the importance of manatee conservation: Jamal Galves- Program Coordinator/Research Biologist at Sea to Shore Alliance: "Belize like I always mention, is the last stronghold for Antillean Manatees in the world, so our efforts here are crucial not only for Belize, but for the rest of the world. Manatees are important to Belize in that they are the only nutrient recyclers in our waterways, they eat nine to ten percent of their body weight daily, and they excrete a lot which provides food for small fishes and crustaceans and we know how Belizeans enjoy seafood. If you want to enjoy those fishes stocks, you have to keep manatees around and it has an economic value as well. Many people in the tourism sector benefits from manatees."

Re-Branding Belize City From "Bad-Man Town" to Business Center
Belize City: if you're not from here, you probably know it as the murder capital of the country. Couple the crime problem, with its tendency to flood, its squalid slums, the old buildings, and its disorderly growth, and you get the picture…Belize City is...how can we put it?: A beautiful struggle. Charming, but – not the kind of thing that exactly inspires confidence. But, the City Council wants to turn that prejudice on its head. For the last few months, they have been working with branding experts from the Inter-American Development Bank. Today, after much planning and design, they unveiled a new logo, which will be the flagship icon to re-cast perceptions of this battered City by the sea. We met the Mayor out on a parade to make a soft launch of this rebranding effort: Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City: "This is an activity that was really birthed by the IDB. We've been working with them over the last year on a branding campaign for Belize City and this week is actually the soft launch. They actually - IDB funded a consultant to come into Belize City and they actually designed a brand in collaboration with local stakeholders and having done a short consultation session with members of the private sector, members of civil society and young people."

Making Business More Affordable
We also asked the Mayor to discuss regime change in the trade licenses fees and property taxes. It was unveiled last week Thursday, after months of consultation with the business sector which calls Belize City its home. The mayor told us that if everything goes well, business persons and property owners in this City will get a significant discount: Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City: "With the trade license reform that was a process that we engaged the private sector on, we spoke to them for a period of two years. Many of the ideas came from the partnership that we develop with the chamber of commerce and we're very pleased and happy about that process. I can't tell you that it would yield something that is successful but I can tell you that the methodology, the idea of active engagement over the course of two years. The idea of having consultants come in and having it be based on analysis and response and even now the public consultations that we're launching they're not very very well attended. The last one we had, had about 50 odd people but the questions were very good."

Mayor Agrees (Verbally) With Integrity Filings
While we had the opportunity, we asked the Mayor if he is willing to disclose his assets to the Integrity Commission, like the PUP did last week. Now, the Commission is presently not functioning. But, in all this talk about good governance that the Teachers have pushed, we wondered if the Mayor is willing to do what they are legally required to as elected public officers. He told us that he has no problem with it: Daniel Ortiz: "Is that something you would entertain?" Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City: "Well I have absolutely no problem with that. I think that as a leader we must lead by example and in relation to the disclosure of assets that's something I would encourage other elected officials to do and I would be fully prepared to do that."

Youths From All Over The World In Belize
This week Belize is hosting the 4th Caribbean Youth Leaders' Summit. Over 100 delegates from 20 different countries throughout the Caribbean, Costa Rica and Namibia have gathered in Belize to attend workshops that will better prepare them to guide the region. We spoke to Tijani Christian, the chairman of the summit, about this year's theme. Tijani Christian - Chair, 4th Carib, Youth Leader's Summit: "So the theme for this year is agenda 2030 from rhetoric to action. It's looking at moving beyond just talk shops as we like to call them and look at how we would really do action to implement the SDG. We had a lot of dialogue, we had a lot of consultation, we are saying as young people now we've done a lot of talk, we've done a lot of consultations how can we now move to the next step which to implement. And so through this summit it's really around capacity building of our youth leaders because at the same time if you want someone to really do something you have to train them, you have to equip them with the skills to do so. So this youth summit is training our youth leader to the skills necessary for the implementation of the SDG. At the end of the day what we'll be doing is a collaborative effort across all the regional networks and groups to ensure that we implement strategically because the best way is to work wise."

Cops, The Community and Crime
Today we met the Southside police commander in the St., Martin;s Area – on Complex Boulevard. That’s the very same street that has seen so much gun violence and murders recently. He acknowledged that the area is a challenge but says police have a seriously stepped up presence:… A semi permanent vehicle checkpoint has been set up in the area on Lacroix Boulevard.

Marijuana Da Maya Mopan
Cops from the Independence Village came upon a weed plantation this morning. A team of Special Branch and CIB Officers set out at around 4 this morning where they went searching in an area 5 miles southwest of the Maya Mopan Village in the Stann Creek District. That’s where they found the plantation with 36 mature marijuana plants with heights of about 9 to 10 feet. The officers immediately uprooted all the weed trees and burnt them completely. No one was seen in the area, so no arrests, connected to this plantation, could be made.

Belize Men's Volleyball Looking Promising
The FIVB International Men's Volleyball tournament continues tonight at the SCA multipurpose center in Belize City – and team Belize continues to surprise. After their loss to Guatemala on Sunday, Team Belize managed to take two back to back victories against Panama on Monday night, and Nicaragua on Tuesday. Our cameras caught the action last night and Alex Courtenay reports: And while the Belize Men’s Volleyball team looks to extend their winning record in a game against the Dominican Republic that should be starting right about now, another Belizean team is making its mark in Honduras. The girls from SCA are representing Belize in 19th CODICADER Games in Honduras.

Medals Coming Along At Codicader
Volleyball isn’t the only thing Belize is excelling at in this year’s CODICADER games. Ashanti Carr won the gold medal in the triple jump event, as well as earning a silver in the long jump. Ashanti, along with her twin sister Ashonti, Hillary Gladden and Faith Morrisin, won a second silver medal in the 4 X 100-meter relay. Faith Morrison won herself a bronze in the 200-meter race, and Alec Betancourt earned a bronze in the Judo: 90 kilogram weight class.

BEL and Belize Bank Beneficent With Ms. Bregal
Today Dangriga resident, Alexandrina Bregal, received the keys to her new house. The house is the 300th constructed by Hand in Hand Ministries’ through their “Build for Change Program". Partnering with Belize Bank and BEL, Hand in Hand Ministries was able to provide Bregal and her daughter with a new, fully furnished wooden house. Volunteers from both companies joined forces to build Bregal her new home.

Channel 5

Minister of Education Proposes S.I. to Address Replacing Teachers in Emergencies
The Ministry of Education today said it is putting in place contingency plans in the event of a prolong strike by the Belize National Teachers Union.  A statutory instrument will [...]

B.N.T.U. President Says Union Will Challenge New Law in Court
This evening we reached president of the Belize National Teachers’ Union, Luke Palacio, in Benque Viejo where the Union’s branch there was having its annual general meeting. Firstly, while he [...]

Patrick Faber Denies Union-Busting
Earlier today, Education Minister Patrick Faber had a strong response with regard to questions of union-busting in light of the statutory instrument that will be signed. He insisted that the [...]

Faber Says Some Are Ready to Become Replacement Teachers
While the contingency plans that we previously reported on are not yet ready, Minister Faber says he hopes that it will not get that drastic. But there is already interest [...]

Older, Wiser Faber Defends Actions in 2005
One of the indelible memories of protests that gripped Belize between January and May of 2005 came on April twenty-eighth, when then first-time area representative and vice-principal of Anglican Cathedral [...]

Prime Minister Asks Joint Union Negotiating Team to Meet on Salary Deferral
Following a meeting last Thursday PM Barrow said he had asked the B.N.T.U. for another meeting. On Sunday in a statement to the nation, he said the union needs to [...]

Luke Palacio Says Meeting Cannot Happen Right Now
B.N.T.U. President Luke Palacio also gave a response to the proposed meeting with the P.M. He explained that the three unions must meet to set a date, but there are [...]

Amandala Journalist Micah Goodin Gets in Trouble with Police at Minister’s Meeting
As we said, this morning, school managers gathered at the ITVET in Belize City for a critical meeting with the Ministry of Education. So did the press, to report on [...]

Murder Cases Still Open; Will McAfee Documentary Help?
The Showtime Documentary, “Gringo: the Dangerous Life of John McAfee,” remains in the news tonight. In capturing McAfee’s life, producer Nanette Burstein told the story of two murders committed in [...]

Are Police Compromised in Gregory Faull Murder Investigation?
But is there any intention on the part of the police to investigate the murders? The documentary, for many, revealed deficiencies in the investigating process into the murders. The feature [...]

Police Visit Gang Hotspots on Southside for Latest Meet and Greet
Today, the Police Department was meeting residents as part of its community policing initiatives. Eastern Division South police patrolled through the Saint Martin’s area, particularly on Administration Drive and Holy [...]

Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley Cautiously Supports B.N.T.U.
Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley’s statement a few weeks ago on an investigation into the Immigration Audit earned him praises from some quarters, but party leader, Prime Minister Dean Barrow, [...]

CitCo Opens Books for Annual Municipal Audit
Since Bradley took office in 2012, the council has made it a practice to open up its books for audit. It regularly makes that audit available to the public as [...]

Belize City Gets a New Brand
“Savour the Flavor, Feel the Energy”—it is actually the tagline for the new Belize City brand. The Old Capital has experienced an infrastructural and cultural renaissance, though it has not [...]

Maintenance Worker Remanded for Inappropriate Contact with Minor
Tonight, forty-year old maintenance worker, Jose Luis Gonzalez of the West Lake Community on the Western Highway is on remand at the Belize Central Prison accused of touching a minor [...]

Brothers Jailed for Repeat Fisheries Offences
Two brothers are jailed after repeat fishing offences. Corozal fishermen from Chunox Village, twenty-five year old Ergil Patt and twenty-four year old Marvin Patt were sentenced to six and seven [...]

Lots of Long Holidays Coming in 2017
Here’s a little help to get you over holiday blues. Mark your calendars for some long weekends in 2017. Today, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced next year’s holidays which [...]

Senior Citizen Gets New Home in Dangriga
Today, the Hand in Hand in Ministries and two of their corporate partners handed over a new house to a deserving recipient in Dangriga Town. We’ve shown you many of [...]

Caribbean Youth Leaders Meet in Belize
Approximately one hundred delegates, all youths from twenty countries across the region, including Costa Rica and Namibia, have converged in Belize for the fourth annual Caribbean Youth Leaders Summit. The [...]

Summit Chairman Calls on Governments to Address Youth Employment
Belize since 2011 has had a national youth policy in place, but many countries are yet to ratify a strategy to empower the youth. However, Christian says that one of [...]

Olimpia F.C. Hits Belize for Clash with Police United
On Thursday, Police United FC takes on Team Olimpia in its home game for the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. In its last outing with Pachuca, team Belize took eleven goals [...]

Cayo Branch of the B.N.T.U. is Defiant and Fired Up for Strike
The Belize National Teachers’ Union continues its Stand Up For Belize Campaign in light of the planned strike this coming Monday. Today the union leadership met with the San Ignacio [...]

B.N.T.U. Executive Meets with Social Partners
On Monday, Palacio confirmed that the Union was meeting with other trade unions and social partners. One such meeting has already taken place. It was intended to be a rebuttal [...]

B.N.T.U. President Says Social Partners Must Remain United
The Belize National Teachers’ Union has argued in its response that Prime Minister Dean Barrow has tried a strategy of “divide and conquer” with the many groups flanking him on [...]

B.N.T.U. Concedes – Salary Adjustments Deferred to Next April
In the opening section of his statement to the nation, Prime Minister Dean Barrow was at pains to point out that none of the eight items discussed on the agenda [...]

CTV3

Prices Continue To Rise
The Statistical Institute of Belize today published its latest statistics on consumer prices and external trade for the country of Belize. First we take a look at the consumer price index for which the report shows that prices increased, on average by 0.4 percent for the month of August 2016 as it stood 103.7, compared to 103.3in August 2015. For the first eight months of the year 2016, has seen the highest inflation rate for the year of 0.5 percent. Food and Beverages category saw a decrease for the first time this year with 0.8 percent decrease from 2015. The average price of eggs saw a decline of 14 percent, while that of cooking oil dropped by 11 percent. These overshadowed an increase of almost one third in the price per pound of sugar, which took effect at the start of the year.

Exports And Imports Increase For The Month Of August
Turing over to Domestic exports for August 2016, this totaled $59.3 million, a 66.9 percent or $23.8 million increase from the $35.6 million recorded in August 2015. A major contributor to this increase is the rise in sugar exports, with sugar sales for the month jumping from $1 million in August 2015 to $34 million in August 2016. For the second consecutive month, sugar production from western Belize contributed a sizeable amount to exports for the month, with sales from this region totaling $5.6 million. Due to diminished shrimp sales, marine exports fell from $7 million to $3 million, while citrus concentrate exports were reduced from $7.6 million to almost $5 million, due mostly to lessened orange concentrate sales for the month. Banana and crude petroleum exports remained relatively stable, each recording little to no change when compared to August 2015.

System Develops To Tropical Storm Mathew
A 13th Storm has been named for the Atlantic Hurricane Season: Tropical Storm Mathew Although Current Projections do not include Belize, it is projected to threaten parts of the Caribbean Sea as a hurricane this weekend or early next week. Matthew is producing locally heavy rain and strong winds in parts of the Lesser Antilles and was located about 25 miles southwest of St. Lucia of the Windward Islands, as of Wednesday afternoon. A Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance mission found a sufficient low-level circulation to upgrade the former Invest 97L into a tropical storm, based on flight-level winds measured over 60 mph.

Minister Of Education Compares 2005 Events To 2016 Leading To Industrial Action
And while the media entertained Minister Faber with interviews, he also chose to comment on a particular point brought up by the BNTU. He has come under heavy criticism for being against the teacher’s protest actions today, when in 2005, when he was in Opposition he supported them and even did a thing or two on his own. Faber took on the matter directly, saying 2016 and 2005 have nothing in common. Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education: “People compare what is happening now in 2016 with what is happened in 2005, they were going to bring out the tape where they dragged me and all of that well let me be clear that I wasn’t in any strike back then, I was not a part of any demonstration with the teachers when that happened I was a responsible administrator and had gone to school that morning made sure everything is ok and made my way to Belmopan independent of any of that in the afternoon but secondly that was in a time when no increase was given ad increments were frozen now how do you compare that to when a time when the government has given two transits of a promise salary increase, approved the third one and is merely saying we want to ask you to be a bit lenient because of the hurricane and despite the fact that the experts internationally are saying to us your wage bill is way too high we will not cut that increase.

Dispute Over Salary Deferral Continues
Minister Faber also commented on the discussions between Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the BNTU which ended in a stalemate. Faber repeated what has become a mantra of the Government, that he doesn’t see any reason why the Union is taking industrial action, since there is no labour dispute. Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education: “According to the Education Act and the accompanying rules and the amended rules industrial action is warranted when there is a properly constituted labour dispute, all is now aware that in fact the 3% increment that the Prime Minister proposed for deferral is not on the table and I need to make that clear, in those Thursday’s meetings with the Prime Minister the meeting that lasted for four hours when it was that the Prime Minister tried to raise the issue of the 3% deferral the Unions representatives said NO we don’t want to talk about that, that is an issue for another meeting, that is an issue with the other two Unions and they made it clear, you’ve seen their flyer it is not about the three it is about the country that the eight demands is what they are striking for so the closest you could have gotten to a labour dispute was for that 3% that was brought in so as far as we are concern this strike does not properly constitutes a reason under our rules for the teachers Union to be striking.”

Belize Nominated For World Travel Award
The Belize Tourism Board today announced that Belize has received four nominations in the World Travel Awards’ World Category. The World Travel Awards has been taking place since 1993 and every year destinations around the world are nominated in different categories as leading travel destinations. This year, much like many years before the jewel has been nominated not once but four times in the following categories: Firstly Placencia has been nominated among thirteen other destinations as the World’s Leading Beach Destination. Beautiful Ambergris Caye has been nominated alongside destinations such as Jamaica and New York as the World’s Leading Destination.

LOVE FM

Belize Hosts 4th Caribbean Youth Summit
Last night saw the launch of the 4th Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. With Belize being the host country for this year’s summit, the substantive Minister for Youth, Patrick Faber spoke of the importance of the event and the benefits of Belize being the host country as […]

A New Brand for Belize City
In conjunction with the Inter-American Development Bank and CARILED, the Belize City Council officially launched the Belize City Branding initiative with a parade through downtown Belize City. According to Belize City Mayor, Darrell Bradley, the brand reflects the diversity and importance of Belize City. DARRELL BRADLEY “One of the things that we really like with […]

Mexico & Belize Celebrate 35 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Coupled with the recent celebration of Belize’s 35th anniversary of independence, there is also the celebration of the 35th year of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Belize which the Mexican Embassy continues to celebrate in style. A special program of events has been put together by the Embassy of Mexico for Friday, September 30 in […]

13 Public and Bank Holidays for 2017
For the year 2017, Belize will have thirteen public and bank holidays with the first half of the year having seven days off inclusive of the Easter holidays. Monday, January 2 will be given as a holiday in celebration of New Year’s Day; Monday, March 6 will be a holiday in recognition of National Heroes […]

Breaking Belize News

BNTU Orange Walk branch supports strike on Monday
Yesterday, BNTU Orange Walk branch met with their membership. Teachers were asked to participate in industrial action planned by Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) countrywide. According to CTV3 news, the president Otilio Munoz said that this plan was welcomed with open arms by teachers of […]

Minister of State for Transport Meets with Shuttle Bus Operators in Belmopan
“Minister of State with responsibility for Transport, Hon. Edmond Castro held a meeting yesterday, September 27, 2016 with Shuttle Bus Operators in Belmopan and surrounding areas”, according to a Government of Belize press release. Issues discussed included the streamlining of shuttle bus services to […]

Goldson house celebrates milestone today
The Goldson House for Democracy and Patriotism is marking its one year anniversary on September 28. It was established last year and this center is dedicated to the life, times and contributions of Belizean leader, hero and patriot, Philip Goldson (1923-2001). The research and […]

Ministry of Education and Managing Authorities cover bases to keep schools open
The Ministry of Education just issued a press release informing the public that in accordance with the Education and Training Act 2010, the Education Rules of 2000 and the Education (Amendment) Rules of 2012, it is the Ministry’s and Managing Authorities’ legal mandates to […]

Tourists robbed in Belize
Cruise News, a popular online outlet for developments in the cruise line industry, is reporting that passengers of a Carnival cruise ship were robbed at gun-point in Belize. According to the report, on Tuesday, September 13 a passenger of the Carnival Magic was held-up […]

Minister of Education to hire teachers temporarily while BNTU proceeds with industrial action
This morning at the ITVET compound in Belize City, the Minister of Education Patrick Faber, CEO’s in the ministry and general managers of schools met to determine their arrangements for next week’s planned industrial action by the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU). Information we […]

Caribbean watching Matthew
Tropical storm Matthew is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. It is projected to strengthen to a hurricane, posing threats to part of the Caribbean. At noon today, Matthew was centered near 13.6N latitude 61.3W longitude or about 25 miles southwest […]

Rock slide reported in Toledo
A rock slide occurred this morning in the area between Santa Elena and Pueblo Viejo villages in Toledo. Reports are that a crew from the Ministry of Works is in the area clearing the rubble. This may be as a result of continuous rain […]

Long weekend holidays for 2017
.The Government Press Office has issued the list of public and bank holidays for the year 2017. There are 13 public and bank holidays. Belizeans will start preparing for some long weekends next year as nine out of the 13 holidays will be observed on […]

Mayor of Twin Towns supports tour operators
This morning the San Ignacio/ Santa Elena town council and Mayor Earl Trapp issued a statement expressing his support for the Tour Guides, Tour Operators and the Cayo Cave Guide Association. In the statement, he says: “We cannot sit back and watch this intrusion […]

4th Annual Caribbean Youth Leader’s Summit being held in Belize
The Caribbean Youth leader’s summit is being hosted, this year, in Belize from September 26-30 2016. The opening ceremony was held last night at the Radisson Fort George Hotel. National youth council members, CARICOM youth ambassadors, UWI students and other regional youth organizations are […]

Rotary San Ignacio to host International Magic show
The Rotary Club of San Ignacio has announced the Intermagia Adult Magic & Dinner Show. It is a formal Gala Evening of Elegance with an amazing Steak or Seafood Dinner, professional musical entertainment and finally an hour and a half of Mystical Magic in a […]

Is the Belize dollar at risk of being devalued?
“Since May 1976, Belize has maintained a fixed exchange rate of BZ$2.00 to US$1.00. The fixed exchange rate is a cornerstone of macroeconomic stability, anchors inflation expectations and affords a stable environment for investment decisions. To preserve the peg to the US dollar, the […]

Blogs

A Look Around San Pedro Yesterday: Beautiful Weather & Changes
There are always lots of changes on Ambergris Caye but during the slow season, especially after Hurricane Earl, there is quite a bit of renovation going on. Here are some pictures from yesterday to show how things are moving…and then also, how many things, like the view, don’t change much at all. I’m going to move from south to north. I stopped into Ramon’s Village. They lost their dock during Hurricane Earl and are starting to rebuild the sea wall. The dock is probably next. It’s still one of the prettiest beaches on the island. First, the SANCAS building is almost finished…it’s just MASSIVE for San Pedro and you see it as soon as you step outside the Tropic Air terminal. I hear there will be a real estate company (SanCas/Christie’s), a LARGE gym and a shared office space – a “rent-a-business-space” which, I think, is a great idea. I then stopped on Front Street to get a look at the view…the breeze had picked up considerably since the morning.

Miss America Latina
Belize is a country that has no shortage of Fashion Shows and “Beauty” Pageants. The Little Miss Chiquita, Elementary and High School pageants, as well as Miss San Pedro are all competitions held on Ambergris Caye alone. The name is used loosely because there is much more to pageantry now than just beauty. Pageants of the 21st century also showcase intellect, and talent more than ever before. A young woman must have a great deal of confidence in herself to be among the candidates. Michelle Nuñez – Miss Belize 2016-17, is representing our country at the Miss America Latina Pageant. Michelle recently showcased her National Costume/Traje de Fantasia to a captivated audience (photos taken by Enie and supplied by Josie Nunez) She also represented the Richness of the Caribbean Sea, her costume in the featured image above was designed by Gabriel Garcia Gmx Ow. It was handcrafted with Rhinestones, Sea Shells and Pearls – luxurious tropical pageant-wear.

Placencia Belize
Placencia Belize is one of the most relaxing and ambient villages in southern Belize. Quaint is hardly the word we’d like to use to describe it, however. it must suffice for now. As with almost every other community in Belize, Placencia is ripe with culture and personality. There are so many activities that a simple google search will overwhelm you with options and you may shy away for the promise of an easier task. To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up the best and most interesting things to do, see, eat, and experience while in Placencia Belize. Where to go in Placencia Belize: The Beach! Seems like a no brainer right? We’re going to a sea-side community, but we aren’t going to the beach – words said by absolutely no one; ever. However, being nominated for the World Travel Awards in the “Best beaches destination” category, we really want to reinforce: Where to go in Placencia? The Beach. Miles of tranquil, reef-protected white sand beaches crown the perimeter of the village and much of the eastern side of the peninsula. Admire sunrise and sets from here.

International Sources

NOAA Outlook for Central America September 29 – October 5, 2016
During the last week, locally heavy rains trigger flooding, landslides and thousands of displaced people throughout several departments of Guatemala. In addition, increased rains have also led to flooding along the Ulua River in western Honduras affecting the Yoro, Cortes and Atlantida departments of the country. According to satellite rainfall estimates, large rainfall accumulations (>100mm) were also registered over northern and southern Guatemala, the Gulf of Fonseca region, and northern Costa Rica. Since late August, the performance of seasonal rainfall has generally favorable and much improved following a period of suppressed rainfall early in the Postrera season for several areas. The frequency of seasonal rainfall has also been average to above-average since late August, as very few areas have experienced prolonged dry spells to impede the development of crops.

This Tourism Campaign's 'No Beachside Honeymooners' Rule Boosted Belize's GDP
Tourism campaigns for Caribbean destinations often have a similar aesthetic—sandy beaches, honeymooning couples, frosty drinks by the pool. But the Belize Tourism Board and its agency, Olson, had enough of that. For its latest ad campaigns, the BTB focused on local experiences unique to Belize and making flying to the country easier. Three years ago, Olson started working with the BTB, launching "Discover How to Be," a campaign that showcased the country's culture and experiences you can have there. Olson and the BTB also worked with Southwest Airlines and WestJet Airlines to open up more routes and direct flights to Belize from the U.S. and Canada. The strategy worked—the campaign was responsible for increasing travel to Belize and boosting the country's GDP by 2.24 percent, according to the Central Bank of Belize. "We set rules from the beginning—no honeymooners, no frozen drinks, nobody getting a massage by the pool," said Kevin McKeon, chief creative officer at Olson. "We want to go for someone who's a little more ambitious about what they're looking for in a vacation. The takeaway is you're going to meet some fascinating people and come back with a story you didn't expect to have." Its latest campaign, "A Curious Place," which launched this week, continues that theme. Videos feature a cacao farmer, a meat pie seller and "Coconut Leo," a Belizean who climbs trees upside down and cuts down coconuts.

Belize ‘giving us a fighting chance’
The plaintiff in the lawsuit against Belize’s sodomy law remains hopeful his case will resonate throughout the English-speaking Caribbean. “People are beginning to realize that it is possible to advance LGBT issues in the region,” Caleb Orozco told the Washington Blade during an interview at OutRight Action International’s offices in lower Manhattan on Sept. 21. Orozco, who is a prominent LGBT rights activist in the Central American country that borders Mexico and Guatemala, and his group, the United Belize Advocacy Movement, filed a lawsuit against the colonial-era sodomy law in 2010. He spoke with the Blade less than six weeks after Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin of the Belize Supreme Court ruled the statute is unconstitutional. Consensual same-sex sexual relations remain criminalized in Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago.

Little boy from Belize undergoes lifesaving surgery in Houston
A 4-year-old boy from Belize underwent lifesaving heart surgery at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital through the HeartGift program. The HeartGift program provides surgeries that will save the lives of children from areas wheres specialized medical treatment does not exist. The child from Belize, identified only as Jose, was the recipient of this year’s lifesaving gift On Sept. 15. He traveled from the village of Franks Eddy in Belize to Houston through the HeartGift program. Jose’s surgery was a success, but will be staying in Houston until Oct. 7 to get checkups before heading back home. The HeartGift program said Jose and his mother, identified only as Brenda are staying with a generous couple in Tomball, Texas, while Jose recuperates.

A wee Irish girl discovered oil in Belize and changed the country
“When we discover how our mind works to bring out the full potential, we not only are more useful to ourselves, but more importantly to humanity,” says Susan Morrice, who will be honored next week at Project Aspire’s Scholarship Dinner. The fundraiser’s theme is “The Power of the Entrepreneurial Spirit.” Wallace Pratt’s wise words, “Oil is found in the minds of man,” resonated with the honoree and keynote speaker, motivating and inspiring her to research how the mind actually works and allowed her to pass on the discovery of all discoveries. At Belize Natural Energy, it’s called “The oil within!” The wee girl from Belfast, Ireland—a geologist/explorer—felt a pioneering spirit in the United States when she was hired by an American company. “I had heard about you Americans,” she said, “and that the entrepreneur spirit was the backbone of your country.”

Savage thrills in Belize
Dancehall star Savage delivered a brilliant performance during a show called Soca or Surrender (SOS) at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City, Belize, recently. He was the only dancehall artiste billed to perform and he brought the essence of dancehall to the stage with a hyped-up performance in front of 3,000 fans. He got the place in a frenzy with his hit song, Culu Culu, then he paused and told the audience that "mi bring a bed from Jamaica", and two security personnel brought out a large divan and plopped it onstage. The crowd almost lost its mind.

College of the Ozarks students travel to Belize
College of the Ozarks students traveled to Belize for their fifth medical mission trip to the country. The College began traveling to Belize in 2012. Sponsors for the trip included the following: Steve Shepherd, athletic director; Karen Shepherd, associate professor of nursing/simulation technology coordinator; Dr. Sheryl Haile, professor of psychology; and Dr. Eric Bolger, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College. Six students represented the nursing program, three represented the men’s basketball team, and two students represented the psychology department. C of O also partnered with RowKids of South Carolina during this medical mission trip. The students stayed in San Ignacio and visited in the community. All the students spent time in Billy White Village, playing with the kids and doing construction work to accommodate the growing attendance of Billy White School.

Tech Pioneer John McAfee Says New Showtime Documentary Linking Him to a Rape and Two Murders Is 'Nonsense'
A new documentary sets its sights on the controversial computer antivirus pioneer John McAfee, who made headlines four years ago while on the run from authorities in Belize after they sought to question him in the execution-style murder of his neighbor. In Showtime's Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee, which premiered on Sept. 24, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Nanette Burstein travels to the impoverished South American nation where the multi-millionaire software developer moved in 2009 and digs into his alleged involvement in two homicides and the alleged rape of his business partner. Not surprisingly, McAfee, whose popular antivirus software was acquired by Intel in 2010 for $7.68 billion, doesn't plan on watching the documentary. "Let me make this perfectly clear," he tells PEOPLE. "I had absolutely nothing to do with the murder of [his neighbor] Gregory Faull or anyone else. And I have certainly never raped anyone."

MSU bioarchaeology lab researches, uses Mayan skeletons
Whether it’s bones from central Belize or cadaver remains, MSU’s bioarchaeology lab offers something off the beaten path for students who want a chance to explore anthropology. Researchers from MSU travel to Belize every two years to excavate Mayan sites with the permission of the government of Belize, professor in the Department of Anthropology Amy Michael said. The remains are then transported to the bioarchaeology lab in Giltner Hall to be studied. Undergraduate students can participate in the project through Fieldschool, an archaeological experience for undergraduate students. The programs, which last five to six weeks, takes place all over the world, including on MSU’s campus. Anthropology and human biology senior Christiana Hench chose to go to the Belize field school to fulfill her methods requirement.

10 questions with Arlie Petters
Arlie Petters, a mathematical physicist, became dean of academic affairs and vice provost for undergraduate education earlier this year. During a break from his work, Petters talked with The Chronicle about his knowledge of Russian, favorite vacation spot and love of HGTV. When you have a day off, what do you do? There's a book I've been reading, and my favorite author is Jorge Amado. I just finished "Home is the Sailor." So when I have a day off, I get to do a little bit of reading, just to get away from the intensity of the job and research. That is a delightful read. He is hilarious, and at the same time, touches on certain key aspects of the human condition. What languages do you speak? So I am from Belize, and our local language is called Creole. We were a British colony and so we have an English creole. Now that's also different from the language I studied when I was in college. I studied Russian, and the reason is that in those days you had to do French, German or Russian if you were going to do your Ph.D. in mathematics. This was during the Cold War, so I was fascinated by getting to know a bit about Russia. When I finished my Ph.D., the Cold War was over, and then all the journals that were in my field got translated to English.

Archaeology Under The Canopy
Indiana Jones has nothing on Anabel Ford. The daughter of a Hollywood actress and a world-renowned sociologist, Ford is the archaeological powerhouse who in 1983 rediscovered the ancient Maya city of El Pilar. Once home to a thriving population of more than 20,000 people, El Pilar straddles the present-day border of Belize and Guatemala. Lying beneath the lush canopy of the Maya forest, the city reached its zenith around 700 A.D. It is now protected as El Pilar Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna, encompassing 5,000 acres and an ancient Maya center that includes 150 acres of temples, plazas and palaces. Ford, who has been working in the Maya forest since 1972, came across the city site of El Pilar while doing survey work in the region. She spent the next three decades mapping, excavating and studying the site and its surroundings, and has made El Pilar a unique model of binational cooperation, community empowerment, conservation and preservation.

The Caribbean Court of Justice — And What It Means For the Region
In the decades-long debate over the establishment and adoption of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the final court of appeal for the English speaking countries of the region, one of the primary arguments in favour of the court has been the potential positive role it could play in the development of our jurisprudence. By this it is meant that having a court comprised of individuals who have a greater connection to life in the region than their London based counterparts case law will emerge that is more sensitive to our social and economic realities. Those who have studied the CCJ’s case law have concluded that these expectations have been met. One of the most recent reviews of the court’s judicial work to date was done by Professor Rose-Marie Bell Antoine who, among other things, has described the court’s decisions as a continuation of a “fine tradition of sound judicial reasoning from Commonwealth Caribbean courts”. An example of this fine tradition in the area of constitutional law is the October 2015 judgment of the CCJ in a case brought by several Maya peoples of Belize for damages arising out of their government’s failure to prevent private individuals from destroying their customary land tenure.

Videos

The Goldson House for Democracy and Patriotism, 1min. The Goldson House is celebrating its ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Can you believe that it’s been a year? On September 28, 2015 The Goldson House for Democracy and Patriotism was inaugurated. If you haven't had the opportunity to visit the Goldson House as yet, what better time than now to do so. On Monday, October 3 and Tuesday, October 4, 2016 we are honoring the anniversary of the day Philip Goldson was laid to rest with an open house entitled The Life and Works of Philip Goldson. On both days The Goldson house will be open from 8:00am- 4:00pm making it accessible to have a tour at an hour of your convenience.

Swimming with sharks in Belize, 1min.

Mangroves in Belize: A Partnership in Conservation, 2min. In 2016, the Pan American Development Foundation and Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort collaborated to plant mangrove seedlings in Southern Belize in an effort to reduce coastal erosion. In partnership with Christ the King Anglican School in Dangriga and Holy Family R.C. School in Hopkins, they completed two replanting activities. The program hosted a two-day workshop on types of mangroves, principles of ecological restoration, reforestation case studies, reforestation methods and climate change adaptation engaging volunteers from both communities. The group of volunteers planted mangrove seedlings in two locations near each school.

Foresters Lodge Belize, 9min.

GoPro HERO4: Belize and Guatemala (Tikal) Adventure, 20min. The majority was filmed with multiple GoPro Hero4s & a few scenes with a Canon DSLR Rebel T3i. Locations in Belize: - The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center founded by one of the most genuine people I have ever met, Sharon Matola. - Actun Tunichil Muknal (aka ATM Cave) in Cayo District. - Xunantunich Ancient Maya archaeological site in western Belize. Location in Guatemala: - Tikal National Park The most spontaneous trip I have ever done in my life. I hope you enjoy this travel log of Belize and Tikal!

This Baby Nurse Shark Is Very Curious About A Diver. Its Next Move Will Make You Smile., 1min. This baby nurse shark in Belize is very curious about a diver and closely checks him out. He then swims under and around the diver before following him over the sea grass through the shallows. He acts more like a lost puppy than a shark. Nurse sharks occasionally follow divers but this one is exceptionally friendly and comfortable being right up close to people.

Heavy rain in Arenal Village, 1min.

Amandala Journalist removed from Public Facility because participants at ITVET meeting complained of noise,3 min.

Waterfall in BeLize, 2min. Under the waterfall in BeLize, PLacencia . In the mountains and jungle. PoV filmed.