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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

Michelle Nu�ez Fourth Runner-up at Miss America Latina del Mundo Pageant
Michelle Nu�ez made her triumphant return to Ambergris Caye after excelling at the Miss America Latina del Mundo pageant, held at the Barcelo Occidental Grand Xcaret Resort in the Mexican Riviera Maya. Nu�ez made her mark in international pageantry, capturing the award for Most Original Cultural Costume and the fourth runner up position to the 2016 Miss America Latina del Mundo, a title that was won by Miss Peru. Upon her return to the island on Monday, October 3rd, supporters and fans gathered at the Tropic Air terminal to give her a San Pedro style homecoming. An emotional Nu�ez thanked everyone who welcomed her and proudly shared with them her prize. "I am very happy for having represented Belize at such a prestigious level," said Nu�ez. "It was a great experience, but also a tough pageant. I am glad I did well. Even though I knew I was competing against top contestants, I was always optimistic about my goal." An entourage of gaily decorated golf carts then escorted Nu�ez in a parade through San Pedro Town.

GOB Agrees on Date to Sign on to UN Convention against Corruption
Cabinet agreed on Tuesday, October 4th to accept the recommendation of the Government/ Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry Working Group on the Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) to sign the UNCAC on December 9, 2016, which is the International Day Against Corruption. By that date, the joint GOB/BCCI Working Group fully expects to have determined the scope of the necessary measures, including legislative and administrative measures, to ensure the proper implementation of Belize's obligations under the Convention after signing.

San Pedro man in critical condition following shooting incident
San Pedro Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday, October 3rd. 32-year-old Wayne Allen was at his residence in the DFC Area, along with his common-law wife, when he heard a knock on his door around 12:40 a.m. When Allen opened his door, an assailant fired at him twice in the face. Deputy Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Superintendent Henry Jemmott explained what the investigation has revealed so far. "Police visited the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II after midnight on Monday, October 3rd. The investigation revealed that Allen was at his residence relaxing, when he was approached by a lone gun man who fired several shots at his direction causing his injuries," said Jemmott. He continued to state that Allen was airlifted and transported to the polyclinic for further medical treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. He underwent surgery, but currently remains in critical condition.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

GOB Agrees on Date to Sign on to UN Convention against Corruption
Cabinet agreed today to accept the recommendation of the Government/ Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry Working Group on the Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) to sign the UNCAC on December 9, 2016, which is the International Day Against Corruption. By that date, the joint GOB/BCCI Working Group fully expects to have determined the scope of the necessary measures, including legislative and administrative measures, to ensure the proper implementation of Belize's obligations under the Convention after signing.

Cabinet Calls for a Return to the Negotiating Table
The Cabinet of Belize is disappointed that the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) blatantly moved the goalposts in deciding to strike, close our nation's schools and affect children and their parents. The initial BNTU campaign was first declared to be centered on a good governance agenda as set out in the eight demands contained in their letter to the Prime Minister. However, the formal strike notice sent to the Chief Education Officer dated September 30, 2016, did a switch and listed the 3% salary adjustment and the so-called Proposal 22 as the main reasons for the strike. Yet, the BNTU had already acknowledged that the Prime Minister has proposed a compromise on the 3%, to which the BNTU has not yet responded; and that Government is seeking to reconvene the Joint Unions' Negotiating Team to further discuss the compromise.

Employment Opportunity
Visit the link for current job opportunities under the Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership

E.P. Yorke keeps doors open on second day of teachers' strike
While many schools in Belize City had limited or no classes at all today, Edward P. Yorke High School did; it was also open on Monday. The reason, according to principal Rodrick Cardinez, is that school policy established under his term ensures that school will always be open unless otherwise ordered by the Ministry of Education, which directly runs the institution. The school's B.N.T.U. representative reports back to the Union. Cardinez says the school has always been flexible with absences caused by external forces, such as rainy days and storms. Four teachers of a staff of 39 absented themselves on Monday and three were absent today; but in each case work was left for the students. Student absences were low - 36 on Monday, 24 today - and the school will not penalize any student kept at home because of the strike.

Two fires were set this morning in the South at approximately 4am.
The fires located were set at 11 & 18 miles on the Hummingbird Highway. Reports to our newsroom is that traffic was blocked for some time until the firefighters could arrive on location and extinguish the fire.

The new Destination Belize publication is being launched today.

Florentina Choco graduates from Barefoot College
Florentina Choco is the first Indigenous solar engineer from Belize to graduate from Barefoot College. Floretina traveled halfway around the world to India to learn solar engineering. Since being back home, she has already trained fellow communities to set up 68 solar energy systems. 387 more villagers in Santa Teresa now have reliable and clean electricity.

BELIZE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Not long now! BELIZE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Bliss Center for Performing Arts countdown is on... Tickets for film screenings will $10. The symposium master classes will be FREE and open to the public. More details coming soon!

Improvements at Nim Li Punit
With plans underway for cruise tourism to start making its way to southern Belize, the Institute of Archaeology is already mobilizing and preparing for an increase in visitation for our archaeological sites, with renovations and improvements planned in particular at Nim Li Punit.

Belize's Ocean Heroes
The Ocean Hero award began as a way for Oceana to recognize and celebrate exceptional accomplishments in ocean conservation, advocacy and education. Being an Ocean Hero mostly means taking action to protect our oceans for people and creatures today and for generations to come. The wave to that kind of impact can start anywhere�and by anyone.

Crocodile conservation and awareness
During the month of Croctober, we are planning to head to the local schools to promote crocodile conservation and awareness, with fun games, coloring sheets, etc. 1/week. Today was more of an interactive presentation into the Wonderful World of Crocodiles at the Peninsula International Academy- we had a great time today with all the student's, and loved their enthusiasm and excitement to learn! And the student's made our day when we asked what month it was (as we thought they would say October), and they all yelled back "Croctober!!!!"

Oct 4 Croctober Fact
It's World Animal Day! Take a moment to learn something new about the wildlife around us (such as did you know there are 24 species of crocodylians in the world?), and what actions we can take to ensure future generations can enjoy the myriad of species we have today!

BAHA has confirmed bovine paralytic rabies as the cause of death in cattle in 12 farms in three districts
Orange Walk, Cayo and Toledo Districts. An increase in cattle deaths has been reported since January 2016 with a peak in June 2016. The vampire bat is the vector for bovine paralytic rabies and 1 or 2 farms being affected with rabies cases are expected per year. This current increase is an epidemic. This puts animal and human health at high risk. People should avoid contact with any animal showing nervous signs, avoid handling wild animals and avoid exposure to vampire bats and other bats. The last epidemic of rabies in cattle was in 1999 (period 1980 - 2015). In Belize rabies has been known to occur in dogs and cats (last case in 2008), wildlife (last cases in foxes in 2006 ) and in humans (last cases in 1989). Rabies is a highly fatal disease that affects all mammals, including humans. The disease is always fatal but can be prevented through vaccination. Although laboratory confirmation is essential, affected animals will usually show nervous signs and aggressive behavior. Most animals will show paralysis of the hind limbs, may be down and have excessive salivation. Avoid handling animals showing these clinical signs and immediately call BAHA animal health officers.

The WassUp Expo !!
An opportunity for Youths to find out Wassup In San Pedro If you are between 13 - 29 come along with your family to find out WassUp in San Pedro.Take advantage of promotions and special offers. Get involved with a community service project or group. Promote your club. Fitness centers, Cross fit , Non Profit, School and college groups, music, diving , fishing clubs,sports teams come together in one place on one day only at Clubs and organizations are invited to showcase, promote, share information, and gererate awareness on what they have going on. Entry to youths is free

Minister of State for NEMO Hon. Edmond Castro Assesses Progress of Hurricane Earl Recovery & Rebuilding Efforts in Rural Belize District
Minister of State for National Emergency Management Hon. Edmond Castro has met with National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) co-ordinators in Rural Belize District to assess the progress of the recovery and rebuilding efforts for victims of Hurricane Earl, which made landfall in Belize exactly two months ago on August 4, 2016. The rebuilding efforts have included construction of homes and assistance with material for needed repairs such as lumber and zinc. In the Belize District, material has been distributed from the NEMO Office and Warehouse on the Phillip Goldson Highway near the Burrell Boom Junction, with loading, transportation and offloading assistance by the Belize Defence Force. Hon. Edmond Castro said he is pleased with the timely assistance provided to residents affected, and he thanked the NEMO coordinators, other government personnel and volunteers, as well as local contractors who have been a part of the recovery and rebuilding effort. He also thanked Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and the Ministry of Finance for promptly making the resources available for the rebuilding effort.

San Pedro Health Fair on October 22! Free check-ups!
CALLING ALL SAN PEDRANOS to bring your families and visit the Lion's Den on October 22 9 AM - 2 PM for a FREE Health Hair! High Quality services being provided by various health organisations include: - Breast Exams - Lice Checks - Blood Sugar/ Pressure checks - Drug Information - Practical Zika Information - Brushing and flossing demontrations - Kidney testing - Rapid HIV Testing .... and a kid's corner to keep them entertained while you get your health checks done!

Cayo Youth Council Supports BNTU
he Cayo District Youth Council of Belize would like to reiterate that it stands in solidarity with the Belize National Teachers Union. It also understand and supports the actions the BNTU has undertaken to gain the attention of the GOB as they demand the promised 3% salary increase as well as the immediate attention to be given to the eight (8) national issues plaguing this country. Today through their actions our teachers are sending a message to the students and families per extension that in life one must stand for what is right and not allow people to do or give you what it is they want without consequences. That it is important for the people to start to think for themselves and ensure that they all be a part of the decision making process of this country. Enough is enough.

Cayo Vehicles Collision
Accident on the Theodeoso Ochoa Street in San Ignacio Town. One person has been reported injured.

Belize's Kristian Usher: MMA Champ in Chetumal Fight
Valetodo Chetumal MMA & kickboxing tournament results. Well the night started with great controversy as one school from Mexico fighters didnt make weight until the day of the event. While all our Belizean fighters made weight on the day of weigh-ins which was Friday. Here are the results: 1. Elias Meyer lost by TKO due to stoppage by his corner in the first round. Please note that he competed in a kickboxing match. He went to fight in a MMA match but had to fight in a kickboxing match instead.

Murder of Bladis Gonzalez of Chula Vista
And all points bulletin has been issued for the arrest of Robert Locke a.k.a. "Conch Fritters" of Chula Vista Corozal District in connection with the murder of Bladis Gonzalez also of Chula Vista, Corozal which happened in Orange Walk. Subject is wanted for the crime of Murder that occurred in Orange Walk Town on the 2nd of October, 2016 that claimed the life of Bladis Gonzalez. If he is seen kindly arrest him and inform the Orange Walk Police at 322-2022, 911 or if you know his whereabouts call your nearest Police Station. In Corozal, please call 402-0022.

Billy White Wildlife Outreach
The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic teamed up with the Forest Department and Wildtracks to talk about wildlife, and why it should be allowed to stay wild, to Billy White Village. Thanks, BWRC! In related news, they are having their annual fundraising Gala on Garifuna Settlement Day at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. "Thanks to a fabulous team of educators (tagged in pics) from BWRC, the Belize Forest Department and Wildtracks for participating in another follow up event for a special patient, with so many lessons to be learned (sorry lengthy post on this one). A kind human sent young Howler Monkey 'Molly' to the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic - BWRC for veterinary care and to return to the wild."

Cayo Halloween Celebration
The SISE Town Council and Bamboo Bar are teaming up to have the best Halloween party Cayo has ever seen. The all day event will be at the Cayo Welcome Center on Saturday, October 29th. Ascenthium will be performing, along with Rosie Wood, Eddie Allen, and Justin Castillo. There will be costume contests for kids and adults. "On Oct 29th at The Welcome center will be filled with trick or treats! Live music! Great food and drinks! Its an all day event! Bring the family!"

Five most visited sites in Belize
TOP 5! The Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize reports that these were the five most visited sites in Belize, from January to July 2016. See you at International Archaeology Day at Cahal Pech! Nohoch Che'en 104,667 (number of visitors, local and foreign), Altun Ha 68,876, Xunantunich 62,425, Lamanai 41,555, Cahal Pech 18,953.

"Birds of Belize & the Art of Taxidermy" exhibit
Dr Steven Zitzer educating students from St Andrews and Sacred Heart Primary School at SISE House of Culture, during the first opening of the "Birds of Belize & the Art of Taxidermy" exhibit. Many thanks Dr Steven Zitzer, for sharing such an amazing and educational exhibit at SISE House of Culture. The exhibit will run through to November 9th 2016.

Releasing 5 scarlet macaws into the wild
On the 28th of September, FCD with support from the Forest Department and the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic released 5 scarlet macaws into the wild. These birds described as "High at Risk of being poached" had been hand reared by the FCD staff in the Chiquibul. Macaw Conservation is financed by USDOI, ROC Taiwan Embassy and WCS.

Punta Fuego Road Show
Saturday, October 15 at 2 PM - 5 PM, Dangriga Town. Faced with challenges in life and love, a young fisherman Richie is put to the test when deceit and danger come to his idyllic home town of Punta Fuego.

Channel 7

The Strike Continues, Demonstration On Thursday
There was no school again today - and the way it looks right now, there won't be any tomorrow either! This evening, the Belize City Branch President, Kathleen Flowers, announced at the union's National Headquarters that not only will it continue tomorrow, but it extends to Thursday when there will be another nationwide Teachers Demonstration. Here's what she said: Kathleen Flowers, Belize City Branch Rep.: "Strike action continues." Kathleen Flowers, Belize City Branch Rep.: "We shall not be moved, despite what will come at us with that announcement, we will stand our ground. We are standing our ground until we get a feeling that we have a solid enough bakerup to come in, not just a feeling, but we know where the feeling will come from because we are working a process. When we get a solid enough feeling and an indication from those persons we are calling on, then we will say here is the baton, the relay continues. Because BNTU has move this stagnant ship from out the dock and its sailing up the bay on our captaining it. Gearing up for day 3. How many more days there will be? I can just tell you that on Thursday we are doing our mass countrywide demonstration. You people like demonstrate yeah."

GOB Asks Teachers to Come Back To Table
So, while the strike by the teachers continued today and will extent to at least Thursday, today the Government publicly asked them to return to the negotiating table to talk about the 3% salary adjustment. As we told you yesterday, it is given as the cause for industrial action in the notice sent to the Ministry of Education. The Government released a statement today which says, quote, "The Cabinet... is disappointed that the... (BNTU) blatantly moved the goalposts in deciding to strike, close our nation's schools, and affecting children and their parents." End quote. Calling them out on the late addition of the 3% as a reason for the strike, the Cabinet says, " The initial BNTU campaign was first declared to be centered on a good governance agenda as set out in the eight demands contained in their letter to the Prime Minister. However, the formal strike notice sent to the Chief Education Officer...did a switch and listed the 3% salary adjustment and the so-called Proposal 22 as the main reasons for the strike. Yet, the BNTU had already acknowledged that the Prime Minister has proposed a compromise on the 3%, to which the BNTU has not yet responded�" End quote.

GOB Commits To Fixed Date To Sign Anti Corruption
And that's not all from the government today, another press release says that the Government has agreed on a date to sign the United Nations Convention against Corruption. That was one of the 8 demands from the Teachers which initially justified this strike, and so Cabinet "agreed today to accept the recommendation of the Government/ Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry Working Group� to sign the UNCAC on December 9, 2016, which is the International Day Against Corruption." Now it's a sharp change from the position PM Barrow took just 6 weeks ago on August 25th when he outlined all the exhaustive and expensive measures that will have to be implemented if he signs. For context, here is that short clip from that interview.

PSU Starts National Consultations To Decide If It Should Stand With Teachers
And will that fixed timeline for singing the convention be enough to placate the other unions? The PSU Belize City branch met this evening and the utility unions are meeting right now. The PSU meeting had about 50 public officers in attendance and it finished at about 5:45 - with most of those walking out expressing disgust with president Eldred Neal. It seemed very contentious inside and Neal told us it was lively. We asked what are the concrete actions coming out of it:... Jules Vasquez, 7News "What motions was tabled or taken to the floor at today's meeting? Which were passed and what does it mean for the PSU going forward?" Eldred Neal, President, Public Service Union: "Well we had a very spirited meeting must I say and I want to congratulate all the members who came out. The one motion that was passed, that was tabled was that the union are to render a voice..."

Hon. Elrington Provokes Teachers With Comments
So, while the teachers and the Government rift continues to open, some are especially offended by comments made by Foreign Affairs Ministry. He granted an interview over the weekend, and when he was asked for his perspective on the teachers strike - here's what he said: Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "Union leaders are really and truly seemed to have form the view that neither the UDP nor the PUP are in fact doing what they think should be done and that they are the saviors of the country. That is not the role of a labor union. A labor has interest in looking after its constituents; the teachers. In this case teachers union should be looking after the teachers interest and those interest would include making sure that their salaries are paid and that kind of thing. But it is not my understanding that they have the remit really to take on all the issues of the country and I don't even know whether they have the wisdom or the ability or the competence to deal with those issues."

Brackett For Belcan Bridge Blaze?
Who started the Belcan Bridge Blaze? That is what police are trying to find out and today Southside Commander Chester Williams told us they have 5 persons detained and are looking for 3 others. Reports are that one of those 3 is COLA President Geovanni Bracket. Brackett denies any involvement in the fire and says that he will turn himself in tomorrow morning. Brackett sent out a press comment explaining more about this move. Brackett claims that police want another man and are holding his mother until the suspect appears.

Tyre Fires On The Hummingbird Before Dawn
And we don't know yet if Brackett and others are being investigated for two more tyre fires - which were discovered this morning around 4:00 am on the Hummingbird Highway. 7News got amateur video and out own footage to see what these looked like:.. Six flaming tyres formed a line across the highway at mile 11. In terms of tyre fire pyres, we've seen better, but, still, it must have been quite a sight for the cargo trucks drivers who commute in the pre dawn hours to find this across the road. It blocked traffic for more than half an hour and this was the scene at 4:45 am when the fire truck from Dangriga arrived and put out the fire in, ah�just about�15 seconds? The smoky sodium haze provided the end of this little scene. 6 miles north, at mile 18 it was even less dramatic where there only four tires were lined across the road, and it was over even more quickly - the fire man had no trouble - it was a one man, one hose operation.

Capital Schools Were Closed, Again
The teachers continue to stand strong on Day 2 of the strike. Last night you heard the countrywide report on the status of schools. Only a few of them were open with about a handful of students roaming around the compound. Well, today was quite the same. In Belmopan, one teacher was spotted at the Garden City Primary School with 2 students. No one else was around and all the classrooms were closed. That was the case at Our lady of Guadalupe R.C School as well�no one was in sight except for the school warden who was stationed there to turn away those uninformed parents, like this one, who still brought their kids to school. Kuxlin Ha School in Maya Mopan was also closed with a few students standing around quite confused by the sight of their empty playground.

Mixed Bag In City Schools
Today in Belize City - we also did our spot checks and found high schools like ACC and Wesley - but Primary Schools like James Garbutt and St, John's Vianney still closed - although a few teachers did show up. It was business as usual at Gwen Liz High, while All Saints Primary had a few classrooms open.

How Gwen Liz Manages
Generally high schools like Gwen Liz had better turnout of teachers and students. Yesterday, we asked the Chairman of Gwen Liz how they manage with fewer students and teachers:... Roosevelt Blades, Chairman, Gwen Liz: "Students shows up at school, our responsibility is to ensure that we have the necessary mechanisms in place to look after them and that is all that we are doing." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "So how are you all entertaining or engaging the students who are here? Are they involved in productive learning?" Roosevelt Blades, Chairman, Gwen Liz: "Yes, what we are doing is we are combining some of the classes, because you know you don't have enough students - you might have 3-4 1st forms, so you combine everybody together and then the teachers are passing on the instructions to them."

Evangelical Application for Appeal Dismiss, They Must Pay Caleb's Costs
3 weeks ago, the National Evangelical Association of Belize made much fanfare when they went to the Supreme Court to file their appeal application against Caleb Orozco's victory in the Section 53 case. Well today, that application failed, which means that they cannot be joined in the case which will take place at the Court of Appeal. That application was heard today before the Chief Justice, and Anthony Sylvestre representing NEAB made the submission before the court. The Chief Justice did not entertain the application because NEAB was not a party to the original claim. Sylvestre, who was holding brief for Dickie Bradley, asked for time to consult with Bradley, but the Chief Justice didn't want to hear what it seems was a misbegotten application, and ordered that the NEAB pay costs of 750 dollars to Caleb Orozco's attorney and the Attorney General.

Jesse Charged One Month Later
A month ago, we told you about a chopping in Ladyville, which left 2 brothers, Frank and Leroy Tejeda injured. Well, the man who police believed is their attacker has been caught, and tonight, he's behind bars. He's 21 year-old Jessie Mejia, and he was arraigned yesterday evening on the charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm, use of deadly means of harm, wounding, and aggravated assault. Due to the nature of the offences, he couldn't be granted any bail. He was remanded into custody until December 7, 2016. As we reported, the incident happened on Saturday, September 10, at around 2 p.m. The brothers were at their mother's barbeque stall across from the Lord's Bank cutoff on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Mejia, according to reports, had an old beef with the men. He got into a fight with them, and when that ended, he left. He returned with a machete, and he chopped both of them.

Who Shot Gizmo?
A man well-known to police was shot last night at the corner of Barrack Road and Victoria Street. 31 year old Gion Bernard better known as "Gizmo" was standing in front of his house around 5:00 when a man rode by on a bicycle and shot him several times. Bernard was rushed to the KHMH and is being treated. Police have detained 2 men in connection with this shooting. Bernard has been in the news countless times. He has been charged with attempted murder, with robbery dating back to 2008, he was also charged with rape in 2011 and the list of offences go on.

Copperbank Conch Fishers Plead Not Guilty
Last night we told you about several hundred conch that were confiscated from fishermen over the weekend. Today, one of those fishermen, Benigno Cob, from Copper Bank in the Corozal district, appeared in court. Cob pled not guilty to the charge of possession of 314 out of season conch, stating that the conch the Coast Guard and Fisheries Department found were about thirty yards away from his boat when he was searched. The cook of the boat, Felix Copo, who was present when Cob was arrested, stated in court that Cob was wrongfully charged. He also suggested that the authorities were known to take bribes.

When A Magazine Is An Experience
Destination Belize is the country's leading travel magazine and has been distributed both locally and internationally in its seventeen issue run. It's designed as a kind of handbook and orientation for tourists who find it in their hotel rooms and at embassies and travel agencies throughout the world. Today, the newest edition of the publication was unveiled, but this time, it's more than just a magazine. We spoke to Tanya Mcnab, of Mcnab Publishing Ltd, and Einer Gomez, Chairman of the Belize Tourism Board, about the new features the lift it off the paper... This edition of Destination Belize is special because it is being printed with two different covers. Some magazines will feature the ATM Caves on the cover, while others will have a shot taken at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve near Ambergris Caye. The Destination Belize app is also currently available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play store.

Around The World On A Bicycle
Since 2009 Chinese cyclist, Likun Lai, has made it his mission to fulfill his childhood dream and travel to around the world on his bike. He has gained a lot of attention throughout the years, from the media and the global Chinese community, and has inspired many. One of those people is Hui Zhang, who joined Lai in 2014, after he gave a speech at her university. Since he started, Lai has travelled to over 55 countries, in Asia, Europe and Oceana. Now he and Zhang are on their tour of the Americas, and have already travelled through Canada, the US and Mexico. They stopped in Belize earlier today and told us a little about how their incredible journey is possible...

Students Support Teachers In OW
While the teachers are striking for what they think is right, they've gotten many pledges of support - including quite a few form kids who are happy for the break form school. But others are full of passionate intensity for their teachers' cause - and so it is at Muffles Junior College in Orange Walk where yesterday about 50 students took to the streets to show their support for their teachers, and to protest against corruption. Here's how they put it:... Muffles Junior College Student: "Yeah we're protesting for the teacher, and hoping that the government reaches a compromise decision that could affect us and the teachers as well. So the more teachers fight for, the more us students will want to fight for, because at the end of the day we also get affected too." Muffles Junior College Student: "Why this protest is very important for us students now to stand along with our teachers. Our teachers of Belize. It is a national issue, we are standing up for us the students. Not only the students but the country. So it is now time for us the students, in support of the teachers against corruption, corruption in a whole, government corruption, no violence, all these murders going on. So it is time for us the student to now show our support to the teachers and our country Belize."

No So, Luke Says GOB
Earlier in the news, you heard BNTU President Luke Palacio say that Government could sign the UN Convention Against Corruption today if they wanted to. Well tow senior government sources who have been in those meetings with the Chamber says Palacio is setting the record all wrong. They say the proposed date for signing which is December 9th, 2016 was suggested by the Chamber of Commerce. We'll try and confirm tomorrow.

Joy At The Bank
We reported it last week and it was confirmed today that the Governor General has formally appointed Joy Grant has as Governor of the Central Bank of Belize. She took office earlier this week - in a sudden transition from Glen Ysaguirre - who had been there since 2008. Ysaguirre who was a career banker gives over to Grant - who is known primarily as a conservationist. The press release stresses that Grant holds a MBA in International Finance from the University of Alberta, Canada and, quote, "has extensive experience in commercial and development banking, including experience in foreign trade, credit analysis, project supervision, and financial analysis. She was instrumental in the establishment of the National Bank of Belize which was planned, operationalized, and has expanded its services to Belizeans under her leadership." End quote.


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Channel 5

B.N.T.U. Extends Strike Action for 2 Days
The Belize National Teachers Union is stepping up its Stand Up for Belize Campaign and a nationwide successful strike organized by the Belize National Teachers' Union beginning on Monday will [...]

Countrywide Demonstration by Teachers on Thursday
It is not known what the union has in place for this Friday, but as we said, there will be two more days of industrial action by the teachers bringing [...]

Teachers Thank Catholic Bishop for Support
As the situation continues to develop, the B.N.T.U. wrote to the Bishop Dorrick Wright of the Roman Catholic Church. In a release issued today, the Council of Management and Membership [...]

Education Minister says Government Did Not Break Off Talks with Union
Cabinet met today in Belmopan and out of that sitting, a release was issued asking the unions to suspend the strike and return to the negotiating table. But first, G.O.B. [...]

B.N.T.U.'s Palacio Insists G.O.B. Must Make Concessions for Deferred Salary Adjustment
On Monday, B.N.T.U. national president Luke Palacio offered further clarification on the matter of the salary adjustment, which the Government has homed in on as being ignored or set aside [...]

B.N.T.U. says G.O.B. Has Not Responded to Their Eight-Point Agenda
At today's B.N.T.U. meeting, at the top of the discussion was the release sent out by the Government. President of the Belize District Branch Kathleen Flowers told the teachers that [...]

Education Minister Maintains Ministry Will Support School Managers to Keep Schools Open
It's day-two and the B.N.T.U. has already announced that it will continue on to a third consecutive day of industrial action to be followed by a national demonstration. But even [...]

Replacement Teachers Must Be Qualified Under New S.I., Says Faber
And that statutory instrument which paves the way for the appointment of replacement teachers has also been the source of contention for the B.N.T.U. �It is felt that those teachers [...]

Government Plans Signing U.N. Anti-Corruption Convention in December
After years of resisting, the G.O.B. recently agreed to sign the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. Prime Minister Dean Barrow did so at a recent meeting with the Belize Chamber [...]

P.S.U.'s Belize Branch Meets; Will They Support Teachers?
Will the Public Service Union join the Teachers' Union in solidarity and possibly on the streets? That is the subject of consultations which began this afternoon at the P.S.U.'s headquarters, [...]

Public Officers Given Explanation on Salary Deferral But No Decisions Taken
On the matter of the salary adjustment, which the P.S.U. has voted to defer, and Proposal twenty-two relating to pensions for non-teaching staff, Neal explained that time was spent clarifying [...]

Public Officers Countrywide Invited to Give Views on Issues at Coming Meetings
P.S.U. President Eldred Neal advised both unionists and public officers who were not members to attend the coming meetings so that their views can be heard and taken into account. [...]

Do You Support Prolonged Strike by the B.N.T.U.?
And tonight's question is: Do you support prolonged strike by the B.N.T.U. until their demands are met? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 or post [...]

COLA's Geovannie Brackett Sought in Belcan Fire Investigation; 5 Others Detained
On Monday afternoon, a tire fire erupted on BelCan Bridge in the city in the height of the rush hour, disrupting the flow of traffic. This morning at around four [...]

C.E.O. of Corozal Free Zone Out
We can confirm tonight of a major change at the Commercial Free Zone in the north. On Monday, the Free Zone announced it was investing over two million dollars in [...]

Joy Grant Leaves F.I.U. for Central Bank as Governor
Another major change is at the Central Bank of Belize. We reported back on August first, that Ambassador Joy Grant was moving up from the Financial Intelligence Unit to the [...]

Faber Scorns Strike Success and Why Edward P. Yorke High School Kept Its Doors Open
Back to the strike�The B.N.T.U. claimed considerable success on Monday with their planned industrial action, so much so that they extended it into a second day, today. However, some schools [...]

Minister of Education Addresses Meeting on Curriculum Reform
Before heading out to cabinet today, the Minister of Education Patrick Faber, addressed educators on the issue of curriculum reform. Faber says the current programs are outdated and need adjustment [...]

New Destination Belize Magazine Released
Destination Belize is moving on up in the online world. At the unveiling of the country's main tourism promotional publication, it was announced that the magazine is now complemented with [...]

Bartenders and Wait Staff Complete Training
More than twenty trainees received certificates in wait staff and bartender training from the Belize Training and Employment Centre in Belize City.� The Wait Staff Training was geared towards those [...]

Parents Freed of Charge over Unsupervised Minor
Thirty-one year old Stephanie Ortiz, and her common-law husband, forty-one year old Solomon Francis Alvarez were taken to court late on Monday afternoon to answer to a very unusual charge [...]

Hattieville Man Reaches Out for Help with Surgery
Forty-five year old Sheldon Dennison of Hattieville Village is asking for your help. Dennison says he needs an urgent surgery, but he simply can't afford it. He got injured on [...]

Ocean Heroes Janet Gibson and Wil Maheia Honoured by OCEANA
OCEANA has two new Ocean Heroes. Since 2012, every year, OCEANA Belize selects Belizeans to honor as Ocean Heroes. The winners are those who accomplish tremendous work in ocean conservation, [...]

CTV3

Teachers Extends Strike Action Until Thursday
As day two of the planned strike action being carried out by the Belize National Teachers Union in pursue of better governance in Belize, came to an end, it was announced that the strike continues into day three and day four. This announcement came following a meeting held today at the BNTU headquarters in Belize City with the executive members of the union. Kathleen Flowers - General Secretary Belize National Teacher's Union: "The word out now is that the strike now continues, so we are gearing up for day three, how many more days there will be, I can just tell you that on Thursday we are doing our country mass demonstration, you guys like to demonstrate right, and as we speak there are people working the machinery to make sure that that demonstration can be done within the legal parameters and frameworks of this country and we have elements of the public relation team preparing to get the word out because we are calling on every breathing living person we know and are friends with; parents, children, tertiary institution, students, grandma, grandpa, and their best cousin, everybody come out with us on Thursday because we are going to be doing a continue demonstration so that kind of gives you a little insight."

MOE Not Convinced About Strikes Success
The BNTU has indicated that their national strike has been a resounding success. Yesterday the Union reported that over 90% of schools were closed, and that the majority of their teachers stayed out of the classroom. Today, it was pretty much the same. But the Minister of Education Hon. Patrick Faber isn't convinced that the Union's numbers are true. He told the media that the Unions were looking at the numbers instead of the impact of their actions. Honorable Patrick Faber - Minister of Education: "While I don't wish to pick a fight what you heard yesterday was the report and very vague reporting coming from officials from the Union who you would expect to say there was this kind of success, in fact, I believe that the numbers of teachers and the number of schools that remain open particularly in the urban areas yesterday would proof the BNTU his numbers to be false..."

MOE Ready To Replace Teachers On Strike
Minister Faber also addressed the possibility of the Unions strike to be extended to the rest of the week or beyond. Last week he announced that the Ministry has made preparations and that he would sign a Statutory Instrument to adjust the scope under which special licenses could be issued. This is to be able to give replacement teachers the authority to teach. The BNTU has taken this measure as a direct threat, and today the Minister reiterated that it is the course they will take. Honorable Patrick Faber - Minister of Education: "We have said already what our proposal is, and please understand I heard Mr. Palacio misquoting me yesterday again to say that the minister is saying that it is his ministry that it is responsible to put in place contingency plans in the schools..."

Criminals Target Chinese Establishment
Forty six year old Belizean Chinese businessman, Jian Hua Tan is lucky to be alive tonight after he was assaulted by two male individuals yesterday at his business establishment Diamonds Supermarket located in Trial Farm Village Orange Walk District. Reports indicate that sometime around 6:00 in the evening two males, one of Hispanic descent and the other of creole descent entered the store in an attempt to rob from the establishment. The man of creole descent reportedly grabbed Tan from behind and placed a knife to his chest while he demanded money. The individual then allegedly pushed Tan to the ground and robbed him of his wallet which contained his Social Security Card, Driver's license, one hundred US dollars, four $50 Belize dollar notes, twenty five $2 US notes, $3,000 Hong Kong currency, $500 in Chinese currency and a $50 King George coin. The robber then proceeded to search Tan's front pockets and robbed him of four $50 Belize dollar notes. And while all of this was happening the second robber reportedly jumped over the counter and stole a total of $200 Belize dollars from the cash register. Both men then rode off on bicycles making good their escape as they headed towards the Trial Farm Football field.

Raul Rosado Resigns As Chief Executive Officer Of CFZ
There is a major shake-up at the Commercial Free Zone in Corozal to report tonight. We have confirmed from multiple reliable sources that Chief Executive Officer and a ranking UDP member and financier in the north, Raul Rosado Sr., who is related to former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, has resigned from his post. There have been multiple reports as to what led to the sudden resignation, none which we have confirmed, therefore, we can only report tonight that Rosado is no longer the Free Zone's head honcho. We attempted to get comment from Free Zone officials today, but no one was available for comment. The Free Zone has for a very long time operated with very little transparency, even as a heavy cloud of notoriety hangs over it.

LOVE FM

Burning Tires on the Highways in the South
Love News has confirmed that five persons were arrested and police are looking for three more in connection with the Belcan Bridge tire-burning episode that occurred between four and five o'clock. Traffic was diverted for about an hour as fire officials and police cordoned off the area to douse the flames. In the wee hours [�]

Another 2 Days of Industrial Strike by BNTU
The strike continues into its third day tomorrow. The Belize National Teachers Union has decided to extend its industrial action to two more days. Tomorrow, members of the BNTU will take to the streets campaigning and educating Belizeans of their cause. And on Thursday, teachers along with supporters will launch a nationwide mass demonstration. This [�]

BNTU Says Government Is Flip-Flopping; GOB Says It's the BNTU
And while the teachers will strike again tomorrow, Government Ministers say it's time to return to the negotiating table. Today a release was sent out in which in which the Government expressed its disappointment with the Belize National Teachers Union for striking, closing schools and affecting children and parents. The Government's release says quote, "The [�]

Belize to Sign Anti Corruption Convention on December 9, 2016
Today Cabinet met in Belmopan and two releases were issued out. One of those releases deals with Cabinet's agreement to accept the recommendation of the Government and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry Working Group on the Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Government has proposed to sign the UNCAC on [�]

Deputy Prime Minister Says Proposal #22 Would Crash the Government
Last week the President of the Belize National Teachers Union, Luke Palacio told the media that the industrial action has nothing to do with the three percent salary increase which Government had asked to be deferred until 2017. Palacio says the strike was based on good governance and the demands made to the Prime Minister. [�]

3% Negotiations are Up to the Prime Minister
With the Government calling the unions to come back to the negotiating table and with the union writing and demanding their three percent, Education Minister weighed in on the issue of the salary increase, reiterating that the decision is entirely up to the Prime Minister and not the Ministry of Education. PATRICK FABER "On the [�]

Guatemalan Convicted for Rape in Southern Belize
A Guatemalan man was convicted of rape. Correspondent Harry Arzu reports. HARRY ARZU "A Guatemalan national by the name of Mario Salam has been convicted yesterday on three counts of rape in the Southern session of the Supreme Court here in Dangriga. This stems in a report in 2014 that was made against Salam by [�]

Gion Bernard in ICU Following Shooting Incident
Authorities on the north side of Belize City are investigating a shooting incident that occurred at around five o'clock yesterday evening on Barrack Road. The shooting has left 31-year-old, Gion Bernard in the ICU at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. Reports reaching Love News are that Bernard was standing on Barrack Road [�]

17th Destination Belize Tourism Magazine Launched
The Belize Tourism Industry Association unveiled its seventeenth Destination Belize Magazine today. President of the BTIA Osmany Salas tells us about the magazine and the contributions made for its publishing. OSMANY SALAS " Even though online technology is becoming the new platform for advertisements, Salas says that having a print magazine is still very important [�]

NEMO Prepares to Hand Over New Homes to Hurricane Victims
Two months after Hurricane Earl made landfall in Belize, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is continuing its rebuilding efforts. Minister in charge of NEMO, Edmond Castro met with the organization to assess the progress of recovery. Rebuilding efforts included construction of homes and provision of materials such as lumber and zinc needed for repairs [�]

Amandala

Cops stake out KREMANDALA compound
By 10 this morning, several teachers had gathered outside the KREMANDALA compound on Partridge Street in support of their president, Luke Palacio, president of the Belize National Teachers Union, as he spoke to the media about the ongoing industrial action against the government for refusing to accede to eight proposals as a part of "It's not about the 3 [per cent salary increase]; it's about the country" campaign. Palacio and his teachers, however, were shadowed by at least four police officers who took up positions on the opposite sidewalk, across the street from the compound. The presence of the police was perplexing, because the BNTU members numbered about six people, and there was no violence, or threat of violence coming from the teachers. The Police Department later released a statement confirming that police officers had been deployed at various schools to protect teachers and students who had shown up during today's protest.

Elrington thinks teachers "too stupid" to deal with national issues
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), which launched a successful industrial action against the Government of Belize today, after negotiations on its eight-point demand failed, came in for some critical remarks from Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred "Sedi" Elrington. KREM's News Director Marisol Amaya and other media representatives interviewed Minister Elrington when he was leaving a United Democratic Party Council Meeting at the party's headquarters on Saturday. Amaya asked Elrington if it is his sense that his party is in trouble, given the support for the BNTU that came from the Chamber of Commerce yesterday, Friday. Elrington replied, "No, no, I think there is a misconception, really. In any democratic country, strikes are a given � there are strikes almost every week."

Confusion in Lord Ridge: Debbie Humes buried in wrong grave
Even in death, popular Carnival dancer, a reveler of Soca Moca Carnival Band, Debbie Humes, 39, of Mayflower Street, the mother of three children, is not resting in peace. She was buried in the wrong grave at the Lord Ridge Cemetery last Saturday, said her family. Humes was killed at about 5:50 Friday, September 16, when the house, which was the headquarters of the Soca Moca on Dolphin Street collapsed and fell on her and some other carnival members. Humes was crushed, and died due to massive injuries to her internal organs. Her aunt told us that since her burial last Saturday, she came to them in dream, saying she was not content and was not resting.

BNTU strike a success; strike continues Tuesday
Today marked the start of a new academic week, but school buses rolled into Belize City almost empty, to deliver students, in most cases, to empty or closed school facilities. It appeared that most teachers and parents had responded to the battle call of the Belize National Teachers' Union (BNTU,) who on Thursday had announced that they would have engaged in industrial action today, Monday, because government had not favorably responded to their 8-point agenda for improved governance. When Amandala visited secondary schools like Sadie Vernon Technical, no teacher had arrived, while Maud Williams and Excelsior High, also on the southside, recorded only a handful of students and teachers. Twenty-two of forty teachers, and ninety-eight of six hundred students showed up for classes at Gwen Lizarraga High School, located in the constituency of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Patrick Faber. All the Roman Catholic secondary schools, such as Saint John's College (SJC), Pallotti and Saint Catherine's Academy (SCA), had closed their doors.

Barrow gets his way in Senate through Church pastor, Ashley Rocke
Senator Pastor Ashley Rocke, representing the Churches but selected only by the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches, led by Pastor Howell Longsworth, is again in hot water and again it is because of his actions in the Senate. At the last Senate meeting on August 31, the Opposition People's United Party tabled a motion to have a Senate select committee investigate the findings of the controversial Auditor General's Special Report into Belize's Passport, Visa and Nationality Departments. However, that motion was "knifed" in a vote of 5 in favor and 7 against after Rocke, who had initially sided with the PUP's motion, later abandoned his position when Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Godwin Hulse, proposed that a bi-cameral joint select committee instead lead the investigations.

Protesters (not BNTU) burn tires on BelCan Bridge
On April 20, 2005, the BelCan Bridge recorded a dramatic clash between police officers and supporters of the then Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), joined by university students. That clash was a part of a sustained campaign against the administration of former Prime Minister, Said Musa, which had allegedly engaged in massive corruption. Eleven years, five months and three days later, BelCan Bridge would again record another clash between civilians and the state. However, this time it would be against the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) government, under pressure by the Belize National Teachers' Union, which is engaging in continued industrial action until government favorably responds to its 8-point demands for better governance.

3 shutouts and a draw; 2 teams still undefeated at Week 8 of PLB Opening Season
There were 3 shutouts over the weekend in Week 8 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Opening Season 2016-2017, and the other game was a 1-1 draw. When the dust settled, red cards and all, FC Belize is still undefeated, as is league leading and defending champion, Belmopan Bandits. In the only Saturday night game this past weekend, it was home standing Belmopan Bandits with the 2-0 win over Verdes FC at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, both goals coming from Brazilian striker Aloisio Teixiera (33' & 71' PK). In one of the 3 games on Sunday, FC Belize came back from a 1-nil deficit to clinch the 1-1 draw with host BDF FC, despite FC Belize playing the last half hour a man short due to a red card ejection. A defensive error in clearing the ball gave BDF striker Michael Myvette a clear opportunity inside the FC Belize eighteen, and he promptly blasted it past FC Belize goalie Rodrigo Ibarra from close range at the 41st minute.

Brothers HABET Table Tennis Team League Round 3 results
The 2016 8th Annual brothers HABET Table Tennis Team League continued this past weekend, Saturday, October 1, with Round 3 of preliminary stages of the tournament at the Belize Elementary Auditorium. Below are the results: 1st Division - Racqueteers defeated SJC Wildcats, 3-1; The Prodigies def. Ping Pang, 3-1. 2nd Division - Bismark def. Strikers, 3-1. 3rd Division - C-Ray def. T3, 3-1; Ace def. Thunders, 3-1.

Sugar City Hoops Week 5 results
The Sugar City Hoops Basketball Tournament/Season continued with Week 5 games on Friday, September 30, at the Orange Walk Multi-Purpose Complex. In the opener, (17 & Under) East Coast Ballerz won, 53-38, over Muffles Bobcats. East Coast Ballerz was led by Norris Fisher 23 pts 10 rebs, and Kristan Puerto 13 pts 18 rebs; while for Muffles Bobcats, CJ Vasquez had 19 pts 6 rebs, and Kristian Cabrera 7 pts 13 rebs. And in the nightcap, (25 & Under) it was One Love, 71-48, over Devils. Leading One Love were Jerry Vasquez 22 pts, and Tyrone Baptist 14 pts 10 rebs; while Devils had Vicente Avila with 19 pts 7 rebs, and Bryton Rowley 10 pts 9 rebs.

Belize vs Honduras in International Friendly on Saturday at FFB Stadium
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) informs the public that the Belize National "A" Team will be playing an International Friendly match against Honduras National "A" Team on Saturday, October 8, at 4:00 p.m. at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan. The following players have been selected to represent Belize: Goalkeeper - Woodrow West (International), Shane Orio (Bandits), Usef Guerra (Verdes). Defense - Dalton Eiley (Placencia), Jose Tinoco (Police), Tyrone Pandy (Bandits), Trevor Lennen (Police), Elroy Smith (Bandits), Ian Gaynair (Bandits), Jaron Myvette (Verdes).

Editorial: Sick and tired of being sick and tired �
Last September, when Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow announced two months before the general elections that he had reached a compromise with Ashcroft, the Government paid an initial deposit of 72 cents US currency per share, amounting to $65 million. The matter was then left to a foreign arbitration panel to resolve after the companies invoked the UK Investment Treaty, to which Belize is a party. That panel handed down its decision on June 28, and the Government of Belize was given 10 business days to come up with the second tranche of payments, which it did by the specified date on July 13, paying $29.5 million in US dollars and $134.9 million in Belize dollars in compensation, plus $27,000 British pounds in legal fees and 33,000 Euros in arbitration costs. However, the Ashcroft group demanded that the portion paid in BZ dollars should be paid in US dollars instead.

http://amandala.com.bz/news/publisher-317/
As I'm watching the Weather Channel reports on Hurricane Matthew this Sunday morning pre-dawn, I'm thinking a couple things. One is that the meteorological science is much advanced. Matthew got big early in its move westward from the distant eastern Caribbean, so that we Belizeans could watch the formation and growth of this monster when it was at least a week away from us. With the memoires of Category I Earl's devastations from two months ago still fresh in our minds, there were a couple mature Belizean ladies I spoke to who were very worried. There were days when it appeared on the television screen that Matthew was headed towards Belize. As I'm writing, however, the storm has begun the northward turn which had been so confidently predicted by the weather scientists, after first slowing down.

Maybe if "the elites" went on a diet of Ramen Noodles �
Dear Editor, Although it likes to call itself "The Jewel," to be completely candid (tourism might suffer a bit) I propose we re-brand the country to be "The Empire of Debt and Illusions." Elections in Belize are always the same, with the parties (Let's Party!) taking turns at the money trough. Red? Blue? Neither party has shown an interest in anything but GREEN- the color of their pocket-linings� the color of U.S. dollars. Jeez! What's a poor boy to do? Well, for one, I'd put the Bibles aside for a little while and focus my attention on more secular matters, such as the rampant graft pauperizing the country and the total UNACCEPTABILITY of political power without ACCOUNTABILITY. You're wrong if you think you cannot contribute towards the meaningful changes necessary for a better life in Belize.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Child dies in Belize City fire
Reports reaching BBN is that a child has perished and died in a fire in Belize City tonight. The blaze occurred on Aloe Vera street in the Saint Martins area of Belize City. The child is a student of Stella Maris School. [�]

President of COLA wanted for burning of tires on Belcan bridge
The President of Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) Geovanni Bracket posted on social media that he heard that he was wanted for the fire lit on the Belcan bridge yesterday. He said that he, Perry Smith and four other young men will [�]

BPP responds to Government on announcement of signing the UNCAC
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) issued a release today stating that it recognizes Government's announcement of its intent to sign the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), on 9th December 2016, as being a long overdue determination. The BPP says they are informing Belizeans [�]

Minister Castro assesses progress of Hurricane Earl recovery
Minister of State for National Emergency Management Edmond Castro has met with National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) co-ordinators in Rural Belize District to assess the progress of the recovery and rebuilding efforts for victims of Hurricane Earl, which made landfall in Belize exactly two months [�]

Serious road traffic accident in San Ignacio
A road traffic accident happened a short while ago in San Ignacio Town. The accident happened on Teodocio Ochoa Street and one of the victims has been identified as Michael Preston, owner of Midas Resort. Preston was driving a red vehicle when he collided [�]

BNTU extends strike to Thursday
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) have announced plans to continue its strike into Wednesday and Thursday. The union's executive council met this afternoon and decided that tomorrow teachers will go out into towns to hand out info sheets to parents to inform the [�]

Florentina Choco: Belize's first indigenous solar engineer
The GEF Small Grant programme implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-Belize has inaugurated the Santa Teresa Solar Project. The project grant of $100,000 was approved by the National Steering Committee of the GEF SGP on 28th February 2015 to Plenty International Belize Limited, [�]

Belize Cabinet Calls for a Return to the Negotiating Table
The Cabinet of Belize has issued a press release regarding the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) strike. According to the release, Cabinet is disappointed that the BNTU blatantly moved the goalposts in deciding to strike and closing the nation's schools as it affects both the [�]

Drug bust in San Pedro
Authorities in San Pedro Town have arrested a man for drug trafficking. According to reports, Edward Amador, a mechanic of the DFC area in San Pedro was in possession of a shoe box and when police opened it, it contained 950 grams of cannabis. [�]

Lord Ashcroft 'to donate to Conservative Party again'
Lord Micheal Ashcroft, the former British conservative party treasurer told BBC news that he is considering giving money to the party again. Lord Ashcroft, who co-authored a controversial book on former Prime Minister David Cameron, said that he would be donating through the Leader's [�]

Belize Teachers Call Us To Reason
As the teachers enter their second day of industrial action, insisting that their just demands be met, the rest of Belize is called to reason. Belize has enough resources for ALL the people to live a relatively high standard of living in safety and [�]

DFC Expo highlight Impact on Belize's Economy
The Development Finance Corporation (DFC) hosted its first Productive Sector EXPO at the ITVET courtyard in Belize City this past weekend. It was held on Saturday October 1st. The expo featured a cross spectrum of DFC clients; from small-micro sector enterprises to larger productive sector [�]

Muffles Junior College students support BNTU
The students of Muffles junior college held a protest yesterday expressing their support for their teachers. They expressed that they are part of their fight to save Belize. The youths told CTV3 news that "�in order for us to raise the standards in our [�]

Villagers close down the Santa Familia Primary School in Cayo
Reports reaching our newsroom are that villagers in San Familia, Cayo have closed down the Santa Familia Primary School. Police have been dispatched to Santa Familia Village where villagers are gathering at the school. This is a developing story. Save © 2016, www.breakingbelizenews.com. This [�]

Man shot in the face in San Pedro Town
A shooting happened in San Pedro Town early Monday morning. Police investigation reveals that the victim Wade Allen, 32, was at his home with his common-law wife when around 12:40 a.m., he heard a knock on his door and when he opened it, an [�]

Blogs

The Savvy Travel Secrets Our Editors Use to Save Money
International Living editors and correspondents are constantly on the road seeking out the best-value retirement havens. All that travel means they're pretty savvy when it comes to getting the best deals and saving money while on the road. I've persuaded them to share some of their top tips. These are the strategies they use every time they go on the road�tried, tested, and proven to get you the best deals and ensure you make the most of your travels, whether you're scouting out a location for your new life overseas, heading off on vacation, or exploring your new country. With so many websites and airlines, booking flights can seem like a daunting prospect. Tamarindo Correspondent Jackie Minchillo says she uses Google Flights when looking for the best airfares. "Instead of sticking with one airline and collecting miles, I always book the cheapest flight on whatever airline I find, and use a general credit card whose points can be put toward any airline," she says. "One credit card with a great travel rewards program and no foreign transaction fees is the Starwood Preferred Guest Amex card."

Time to eat some Conch!
Are you ready to devour some delicious conch dishes? You better be! The 2016-2017 Queen Conch Fishing season officially opened on Saturday, October 1st and kitchens across the country are already dishing out some classic conch dishes. From the classic ceviche� To a 'good for the back' conch soup� And lets not forget some tasty conch fritters! In Belize the Queen Conch Fishing season run from October 1st to June 24th. Restaurateurs and the general public are advised to use, consume and dispose of all Queen Conch meat in their possession before the season closes.

International Sourcesizz

Ramon's Village Resort: San Pedro, Belize
Inspired by the South Pacific island of Bora Bora, this self-contained sanctuary on Ambergris Caye has its own white-sand beach, dive centre and spa. Stay in breezy, thatched-roof cabanas among tropical gardens and swaying coconut palms in this Polynesian-style paradise off the coast of Belize." The resort sits on the edge of San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye, or 'La Isla Bonita' after Madonna 'dreamt of San Pedro' in the song of the same name. It's a 10-minute walk to San Pedro's shops, restaurants and bars, and even less to its tiny airport where Tropic Air flights connect to the mainland in 15 minutes. While San Pedro is walkable, hiring golf carts is a fun and quick way to get about. The waters of Hol Chan Marine Reserve offer excellent diving and snorkelling, or head north to Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve and the coastal Mayan sites. The tropical Polynesian vibe works well, given this is a Belizean island in the Caribbean. Cool, thatched cabanas in lush green gardens filled with colourful bougainvillea, lilies and hibiscus, and beach location create an almost-instant feeling of relaxation. Since the 1980s, the hotel has been managed by Ramon Nunez, a San Pedro native and Belize's first certified scuba diver; he once guided Jacque Cousteau. Spot him at breakfast and ask for a story.

The Strange Reappearance of the Once-Vanished Green Sea Turtle
The morning was dusky, sunrise nearly an hour off, when Frank Burchall pulled out of his driveway on Bermuda's east end, his granddaughter Mimi beside him, and headed for work in the languid seaside port of St. George's. Burchall's route took him along Barry Road, a single-lane coastal track that wends between pastel houses on one side and the cerulean Caribbean on the other. Daylight began to bleed into the dim world. And then, in his headlights, Burchall saw the wanderer. His first thought was that the diminutive creature waddling across the road on August 16, 2015, was a freshwater turtle-maybe a terrapin or a slider. But when he picked up the reptile, he realized it was something different. Something with flippers. Burchall put the errant sea turtle-which Mimi named, predictably, Mimi-into a pot and drove south to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, where the captive was installed in a quarantined tank and entrusted to an aquarist named Ryan Tacklin. The caretaker inspected the turtle with growing excitement: its blue-gray carapace was just a thumb's-length wide, and a faint, belly-button-like scar, where the creature had recently been connected to its egg, creased its plastron. "It was obvious that it had hatched within the last few hours," Tacklin recalls.

Videos

  • Belize: powered by over 50% renewable energy., 1/2min.

  • We were happy to show Miss Belize Universe around the Belize Museum, 1min. As a representative of our country, she wants to know details of our history and culture beyond the textbooks!

  • Ocean Hero 2016 - Janet Gibson, 10min. In her forty year (and counting) career, biologist and zoologist Janet Gibson has played an influential role in just about every marine conservation strategy or resource management strategy developed in Belize. Gibson was also a driving force in securing reserve status for two marine protected areas: Belize's first marine reserve, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Glover's Reef Atoll, one of Belize's three atolls. She was also a key member of the Belizean team that worked to have seven sites within the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System declared World Heritage Sites.

  • Belize Day 6: Hol Chan, Shark-Ray Alley, Lazy Lizard, 5.5min. Chris and Leah adventure to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark-Ray Alley. Afterwards they sailed to Caye Caulker and enjoyed a few drinks and a game of cornhole at The Lazy Lizard at The Split.

  • Belize/Guatemala 2016, 7min.

  • Cave Tubing in Belize with Old House Hostel, 2min. Going Cave Tubing with the staff of the Old House Hostel in San Ignacio, Belize. So much fun! Guided by Johnny with Max's Adventure Tours.

  • Ocean Hero 2016 - Wil Maheia, 11min.

  • Belize 2015, 6min.

  • Water taxi from Caye Caulker to Belize City, 1min.

  • James Bus Schedule -Belize, Central America, 1/4min. James Bus Line runs all over Belize. I think they are the biggest bus line in Belize. This schedule was as of 10-4-16

  • Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative, 1min. This morning six Belizean Entrepreneurs traveled to the U.S. to participate at the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative! Lets bid them a fond farewell! Safe travels!


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