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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
Vivian Noralez wins Miss Petite Teen Earth International
18-year-old Vivian Noralez made international pageant history as the first Belizean to compete in the Miss Teen Earth International pageant. She added to her achievements by walking away with the prestigious title of ‘Miss Petite Teen Earth International 2016’.
After being in Panama City, Panama for five days, she arrived on La Isla Bonita in grand style on Monday, October 3rd, where a crowd of family, friends, and supporters gathered at Tropic Air to welcome her back. Miss San Pedro 2016-2017 Marisha Thompson, and Miss San Pedro Lions 2016-2017 Solani Graniel embraced Noralez and joined her on a gaily decorated golf cart to parade throughout the town’s core.
Miss Teen Earth International was held at the Continental Hotel & Casino in Panama City, and the pageant focuses on promoting ecotourism, as well as environmentally beneficial activities. Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, Peru, Venezuela, Paraguay, the United States, Galapagos Island, and Panama were among the top 10 finalists. The competition saw swimsuit, national costume and evening gown segments, followed by an interview with the judges, which included on-stage questions.
BTIA’s 2016-17 Destination Belize magazine unveiled
Titled “Travel Curious”, the October 4, 2016 release of Destination Belize marks the first publication of the iconic magazine since 2014. Two covers were chosen for the official marketing magazine of the Belize Tourism Industry Association. The publication was successfully redesigned and re-branded through the efforts of McNab Publishing Ltd., the Belize Tourism Board and other tourism industry stakeholders.
Destination Belize highlights the entire country of Belize, focusing on its natural and cultural gifts, told through informative articles and stories. Inspired by the social media driven “Capture the Cover Contest”, McNab and Leonardo Melendez Photography then captured similar visuals as those of the submitted photographs for the two cover shots. The images feature the wildly distinct features of Belize: our magnificent Barrier Reef Reserve System and the amazing underworld of the Aktun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Caves.
Team Victoria House are the 2016 6-A-Side Interoffice Football Tournament Champions
The 6-A-Side Interoffice Football Tournament came to an end on Saturday, October 1st , with three sets of games at the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sports Complex. The evening saw matches in the junior and senior category, culminating with the anticipated match for the tournament’s championship between Rain and Victoria House. After an intense match, Team Victoria House, with a final score of 2-1, was crowned the 2016 Champion of the Interoffice Football League. Around 8:30PM, the sporting arena was packed with football fans eager to see the championship match. The battle for the first place between Rain and Victoria House kicked off, and the cheers turned to loud roars. Victoria House was the first to score ten minutes in to the first half. Despite several attempts from Rain to even the score, the first half finished with Victoria House in the lead. During intermission, the spectators were treated to a dance performance by a group of talented dancers from Benque Viejo del Carmen.
Queen Conch season reopens
After a three month hiatus, the 2016-2017 fishing season of the Queen Conch (Strumbus Gigas) officially re-opened on Saturday, October 1st. Every year, conch represents a significant source of revenue for traditional fishermen, and its harvesting generates millions of dollars for Belize’s fishing Industry. The season runs from October 1st until June 30th of the following year. However, if the conch quota is met before the season ends, then the Cooperative Department of the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD) has the right to close the season early, which they did last year.
Team Belize grabs Bronze at Men’s Volleyball World Championship Qualification Tournament
Belize captured bronze at the Men’s Volleyball World Championship Qualification Tournament, after winning their final match against Honduras on Friday, September 30th at the Saint Catherine Academy Centre in Belize City. The title is the first time in 16 years that Belize has accomplished such a remarkable result in a sporting event of this kind. The tournament was held from September 24th through the 30th, and included teams from Belize, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. At the start of the competition, Team Belize had a slow start, but eventually began improving their performance as the tournament advanced. All teams competed in a round robin series in which the most important aspect to advance was the amount of points each team accumulated.
Ambergris Today
Rotary Club to Present Magic Show
The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye announces the Intermagia Magic Show — an evening of mystical magical entertainment from a traveling, international magic group with eight members from Spain, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico and Costa Rica. The event will be held at the Paradise Theater on Monday, October 10, at 2p.m. and 7p.m.
Tickets can be purchased from Crazy Canucks, Wayo’s Beach Bar and Keller Williams on Front Street. There is also a limited number of reserved “Chairs for Charity” seating where reserved ticket holders can enjoy a front-row view and seat service.
Monday will feature two magic shows —a matinee show for San Pedro families and children at $10 per person and a special adult show for $50 per person. The show will also open with San Pedro’s local tumbling group, The Saints. Last year, both San Ignacio and Belize City hosted sold-out events that were a huge success, so it’s going to be an exciting event to bring magic to the island of Ambergris for the first time.
New and Improved, Destination Belize Magazine Revealed
October 4, 2016, marked the release of the new Destination Belize magazine in a press conference that took place in Belize City. This issue becomes the Belize Tourism Industry Association’s (BTIA) 17th edition and a first for McNab Publishing Ltd., a publication that is the result of a successful collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board as well as other tourism industry stakeholders.
Redesigned and re-invented, Destination Belize reveals Belize’s natural and cultural magnificence. The publication plays a vital role in marketing the country–delving into Belize’s six districts, sharing informative articles, and advertising Belize’s best tourism offerings.
Misc Belizean Sources
VACANCY NOTICE for Health Professionals wanted at the Ministry of Health.
Visit the link to see vacancy notice for a Mental Health Coordinator and Regional Health Manager among others. Take note of closing date for the vacancies.
COLA President charged in connection with Tire Burning on Belcan Bridge - Official Police Report
On Monday 3rd October 2016, about 4:30 p.m., police responded to a fire on the Belcan Bridge on Central American Boulevard, Belize City where they saw several tires on the bridge engulfed in flames. This incident caused hindrance to the free passage of traffic which was delayed for a long period of time.
On Tuesday 4th October 2016, police investigations led to the arrest and charge a 16-year-old minor along with 23-year-old Adrian Avaloy and a 17-year-old all of Belize City for the offence of “Setting fire”. On Wednesday 5th October 2016, police arrested and charged 33-year-old Giovanni Brackett and 30-year-old Clayburn Pascacio both of Belize City jointly for “Cause a Bonfire to be set”.
Students from Sacred Heart Junior College have joined in the strike action
A group of students from Sacred Heart Junior College have joined in the strike action in solidarity with teachers.
While this group was out with their placards early, the teachers are scheduled to convene at 1pm for their demonstration.
Belize Destination 2016/2017 Magazine Online
Access this superb publication online. Please enjoy.
Boo at the Zoo 2016
The Belize Zoo is having their annual Boo at the Zoo on October 29th.
"BOO AT THE ZOO!: Join us for another spook-tacular 'Boo at the Zoo' event on Saturday October 29th from 1:00pm to 5:30pm. The entire family can come out and enjoy special animal encounters, treats, sweets and more! There will be prizes for the best kids' costume! Keep an eye out for updates on ticket outlets in Belize City, Belmopan, and San Ignacio.
Call the Belize Zoo at 822-8000 or email frontdesk@belizezoo.org for more information."
New Soundz Rockz Benque
The Benque HoC had another great Full Moon Concert!
"New Soundz Band from Orange Walk made a banging showcase of the richness and emerging talents in our Jewel. Our community and visiting audience totally enjoyed and danced the night away.We take this opportunity to send our humble acknowledgments towards all the logistical support to bring this event forward."
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2016
It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Miss Barrow, the Special Envoy for Women and Children, has a video out about breast cancer. Spread the word, and walk in a cancer walk if you can.
"National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to make a difference by raising awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Become involved by spreading the word about mammograms and self breast examinations for early detection and easier treatment."
Belize Bird Rescue thanks Mr Anonymous Oilman
A HUGE thank you to Mr Anonymous Oilman who sponsored our poor tractor through its hospitalisation and restored her to peak health and beauty. The Blue Beast is now back up and running (take THAT Hurricane Earl) and we are forever in your debt Mr Anon!!!!
The Blue Beast is invaluable to BBR for collecting fresh browse, perching and produce, hauling caging materials and cleaning up around the aviaries. We have been lost without her. Welcome back lady, and bless that amazing, generous donation!
Have you applied for your parrot permit?
Got a parrot??? Get a permit!!! The deadline is near!!! Don't forget to apply! Apply for your permit by picking up an application form from any of the Forest Dept offices (Belmopan, San Ignacio, Orange Walk, Savannah Independence, Pine Ridge) or by visiting our website and downloading the application form. Our apologies, the information here is a little out of date in that the agencies have not been resupplied with the forms.
http://www.belizebirdrescue.com/licence-programme
Expo Destinos 2016
Belize Tourism Board
BTB’s Annual Tourism Industry Conference
Saturday, October 22 at 9:30 AM - 4 PM.
At the Ramada Belize City Princess. The Belize Tourism Board’s annual Tourism Industry Conference aims to share knowledge with our tourism industry partners on how to effectively operate in the industry based on past, present and future opportunities, threats and accomplishments.
Ambassador Carlos Moreno hosted an Environmental Round- table
On September 30, Ambassador Carlos Moreno hosted an Environmental Round- table with local Belizean stakeholders at the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan. Key government, environmental NGOs and private sector representatives engaged in the round table which focused on the issue of water management in Belize.
The Ambassador’s Round-table brought together decision makers to discuss challenges and areas for collaboration in the formulation and implementation of polices aimed at conservation and better use water resources in Belize.
Top 7 Nonstop Airlines and Flights to Belize
Want a nonstop flight to Belize? According to American Airlines Flights to Belize, here are the following flight schedules of nonstop flights to Belize:
American Airlines offer daily flights from Miami to Belize all year-round including that departs five times a week from October to November. It also has flight schedules on an everyday basis for the remaining months of the year.
One of the cited schedules of flight from Miami to Belize is from:
Friday 11:11am to Saturday 11:20am,
Friday 12:20pm and Saturday 12:36pm.
American Airlines offer daily flights from Dallas to Belize, one that heads off on Saturdays for all months except October and one that heads off daily in all months excluding October and November.
Cocktails for the Manatees
Saturday, October 15 at 8 PM - 11 PM,
Hour Bar Belize. Things are looking up for endangered Antillean manatee, but the work is not done. This year we are seeing a slight reversal over previous trends. At least part of this can be attributed to the hard work of staff and volunteers of the Sea to Shore Alliance and our partners, who along with the people of Belize are committed to protecting them here, in their last stronghold.
Splashers
Join us this week at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar to paint these lovely Hibiscus!
Catholic Archbishop Kalenga Meets PM Barrow, Calls for BNTU to Return to Negotiating Table
Prime Minister Right Honorable Dean Barrow met with Archbishop Leon Kalenga, Papal Nuncio to Belize, this morning at the Prime Minister’s Belize City office.
Among other matters, the Prime Minister and the Vatican's Emissary discussed the current Belize National Teachers’ Union strike, and the fact that so many Roman Catholic schools are among those closed by the strike. Archbishop Kalenga, as Representative of the Holy See, made clear that the interests of the children are paramount and that those interests require schools to be open and children and teachers to be in their classrooms.
The Archbishop therefore called for the BNTU to return to the negotiating table with Government and for teachers to return to school. Children should not be punished, the Archbishop said, and issues between the BNTU and Government needed to be worked out through dialogue and not school closure.
Utilities Union & Christian Workers Union are in full support of the BNTU.
BNTU Corozal Town Branch
Today, Corozal Town teachers go on a house to house campaign advocating and teaching the most important lesson to all..."STAND UP FOR BELIZE"
Students, teachers, business leaders, everyone in our Corozal Community you are welcome to join the motorcade that will leave the junction of Libertad at 9:00 in the morning Thursday, September 6th to the Andres Campos Civic Center for a grand rally. Support our teachers and wear "green".
At this corner, we support our teachers 100% and we will march with them shoulder to shoulder until it is necessary.
5 things to know about BELIZE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2016!
1. It takes place in Belize City from November 10-13 entirely at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts with encore showings of select films to take place November 14-16.
2. Free Community Screenings will take place in 9 public spaces countrywide.
3. The BIFF Symposium will take place on November 11 & 12 also at Bliss. All master classes held as part of the two-day Symposium are free and open to the public.
4. Ticket prices will be: Opening Night - $25 (red carpet arrival, cocktail and film), with a CASH BAR; Closing Night - $15 (film, reception, awards show); Film Screenings - $10 each on Friday and Saturday; Festival Pass - $75 (Includes opening, closing and access to all films in the festival.
5. On a date to be announced, tickets can be purchased at the Bliss Box Office, and for the first time, online at the www.belizefilmfestival.com website.
A review of Tony Wright's book, "Belizean Musicians past and present!"
The classic long overdue history of Belizean musicians past and present finally came through Tony Wright's touching rendition in narratives of Belize's most celebrated musical artists and musicians of all times in the book, "Belizean Musicians past and present".
It's been recently since yours truly luckily got a copy, earlier than was expected, through the kind efforts of my cousin Elena Babb who purchased it and send it through my sister who had just returned back to Los Angeles from Belize for the September celebrations.
Browsing through it almost immediately, the colorful photos of some of my favorite Belizean artists, bands, and musicians made me smile and brought me back to the days of my teenage musical explorations in Belize when receiving a top vinyl album through the Belize post office of one of my favorite musical artists or bands from the States. Tony's acclaim book of Belize's musical best touched my heart as the copy touched my hands. Fresh off the press in Belize, the work pulled me deeply in a solitude moment of one automatic reading of every story page by page. In reflecting on its content, Wright had produced a masterpiece of Belizean musical anthology that will be the best Belize will ever see from a homegrown Belizean social revolutionary in a long time.
FCD returns back to the Vaca Forest Reserve
After 18 months of absence, FCD returns back to the Vaca Forest Reserve. Today a meeting was held with the Management Committee of Friends of the Vaca Forest Reserve. Attending were also representatives from the Forest Department, Agriculture Department and Cooperatives Department.
Channel 7
Child Perishes in Fire, Two More Critical
Tonight a family in the Lake Independence Area is grieving deeply after an 11 year old child perished in a house fire, while two others, 4 and 8 are clinging to life at the KHMH. And to make it worse, they are sure someone set their house on fire. 7News was on the scene last night and it's one of the worst domestic tragedies we've ever seen. Jules Vasquez has the report:…
Last night Caroline Hamilton strode up Aloe Vera Street towards her home - the apparent confidence in her gait gave no clue of what she knew awaited her at the end of the street. She implores the fire men, "Is my child dead" - unable to respond, they return blank stares:
Caroline Hamilton - Mother of Child Perished in Fire:
"My baby dead? Please tell me..."
Fireman:
"No mommy we just the try figure out"
Pope's Emissary Says Catholic Bishop May Have To Be Replaced
Turning now to the news of a visit by Catholic Archbishop Léon Kalenga. He's the Apostolic Nuncio of Belize and El Salvador, and as the Ambassador for Pope Francis, he is the Vatican's Diplomat to Central America. He was in Belize today, after Sister Barbara Flores – manager of Catholic Primary Schools, sent him an urgent invitation last week. That's when the Catholic Bishop Dorrick Wright issued a statement in favor of the school strike and telling parents to keep their kids home – which went against what Sister Barbara understood to be the official position for Catholic Schools.
So Kalenga was here on important church and state business, and as the Holy See's emissary, he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dean Barrow.
That meeting was to have taken place at the Radisson Hotel, but at the last minute, it was changed to the Prime Minister's Belize City office.
That shift did allow us to get an opportunity to speak with Archbishop Kalenga at the Radisson, and he shared briefly with us the reasons for his visit. Chief Among them is the failing health of Belizean Bishop Dorick Wright, and the very real possibility he will have to be replaced.
Archbishop Says Teachers Must Teach, Kids Must Be In School
This evening, the Office of the Prime Minister released a statement outlining the meeting Archbishop Kalenga had with the Prime Minister.
That press release notes that the Archbishop discussed a number of topics with the Prime Minister. Those included, quote, "the current Belize National Teachers' Union strike, and the fact that so many Roman Catholic schools are among those closed by the strike."
The release goes unto say, quote, "Archbishop Kalenga made clear that the interests of the children are paramount and that those interests require schools to be open and children and teachers to be in their classrooms." End Quote.
In that brief encounter with him, the press did ask him to share his thoughts on the strike which continued for its third day today.
Application Forms Ready For Temporary Teachers
But, that call will most likely go unheeded tomorrow, which is when the teachers will hold their second national demonstration in 2 weeks. The strike continued today, and making good on their plan of action, we saw Belize City teachers going house-to-house, visiting residents to meet with them directly and share their reasons for the extended industrial action.
Last night, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber told us that the Statutory Instrument to hire temporary teachers has been signed and today we learned that the Ministry of Education has already sent out application forms for teachers who want to be hired as temporary replacements. He said that his ministry would only bring the emergency measures into effect as a last resort, and that, "It is my hope that we will not have to at all."
Well, the strike continues tomorrow, and the pressure on the Ministry to keep school opened is building. We've since gotten a copy of those application forms, and it looks like this.
Utility Unions Urge Teachers Back To The Negotiating Table To Fight For 3%
And while the temporary teachers await activation, tomorrow, the real teachers take it to the streets in demonstrations all across the country – but who will join them? – And we don't just mean bystanders, we mean which union. As we showed you yesterday, the PSU is just starting its national consultations and the Belize City one ended with no clear consensus on whether to join them tomorrow. But the utility unions met into the night, and issued a press release saying that they support the BNTU 100%, while also urging them to go back to the negotiating table.
The release says, QUOTE, "we hereby…express our support for the teachers to be paid their 3% increase….we…call on other members of the joint negotiating team…to do their utmost best to unify their position in this regard." End quote. This statement refers to the fact that two of the unions – the PSU and the APSSM have agreed to defer their 3% increase.
Matthew Descends on Bahamas
Hurricane Matthew, a storm that was at one point recorded as the strongest hurricane in the region in the last decade, passed through Haiti, the Dominican Republic and parts of Cuba yesterday, leaving devastation in its wake. Matthew, now a Category 3 hurricane, has moved on to its next target, the Bahamas.
Since it made landfall yesterday, at least 25 people have been killed in Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, and thousands have been displaced. Heavy flood waters swept through urban areas and farm lands, carrying cars, boats and livestock and even uprooting trees.
While the storm makes landfall in the Bahamas tonight, residents of Florida and other states in the South Eastern US have begun their evacuation efforts.
Brackett Told Teachers About Tyre Fires, And Then...
Geovanni Brackett – he's been one of the most militant critics of the government recently – and on Friday you heard him turn his venom on Senator Pastor Ashley Rocke.
As president of COLA he's also been backing up the teachers in their strike – and when he addressed a gathering of the teachers at their national headquarters on Tuesday, Brackett made it clear that COLA has its own way of showing support:
Geovanni Brackett – President, COLA:
"I could tell you that we at COLA is supporting the teachers 100%. So no bex if a lee road gets closed here and there, or a little tyre gets burnt here and there so we a show a little support a different way."
Brackett Charged For Setting Up Belcan Tyre Fire
Literally minutes after he said that, when the teachers were wrapping up that meeting in song, – the trye fire started on Belcan Bridge. Now, you might say, well, ok, there it is….but that's not how it works – you can't charge someone for a crime based on what they say. Brackett was at the BNTU when the fire started – but police say he was the man who set it all up. Today he was charged with causing a bonfire to be set. After hiding out from police last night, he turned himself in today:…
A small group of COLA loyalists gathered near the precinct one police station waiting for their president who pulled up in his attorney's BMW at 8:20 AM, along with his co-accused, Perry "Sticks" Smith.
For today's performance, the t-shirted Brackett had to quickly slip into his militant uniform and was embraced by his COLA supporters.
Those COLA supporters warmly welcomed Officer Commanding Southside Chester Williams who arrived and pressed the flesh like the police-tician that he is.
Brackett and Co. Taken To Court
So that was earlier today and this afternoon Brackett and Perry "Stix" Smith were arraigned at the Magistrate's court. As we told you they, along with Clayburn Pascascio were charged with causing a bonfire to be set without police permission. The trio pled not guilty to the charge and were released on bail of $500. When the men emerged from court we challenged them on their alleged involvement in the Belcan Bridge Blaze. Brackett and Stix maintained that they had nothing to do with it.
Geovanni Brackett – President, COLA:
"I maintain my innocence, during these heightened times and heightened period I'm expected that these kind of heat is to come down on me and I will remain that I am innocent until proven guilty."
Courtney Weatherburne:
"And I have to make reference to the comments that you made at the same BNTU meeting; Angel and I were there. You mentioned, I have the transcript right here that's already taken out that you mentioned that COLA is in full support of the teachers 100%. And in your words: "So no bex if a lee road gets closed here and there, or a little tyre gets burnt here and there so we a show a little support a different way." I have the transcript here sir what do you have to say in response to that?"
Stix And Dianne Duel Over "Youth"
Now even before the arraignment, there was some heated back and forth outside the courtroom about the role of the 2 minors. The allegation is that Brackett and his crew paid these minors to start the tire fire. Well, these boys happen to be a part of Dianne Finnegan's Youth Apprenticeship Program and she was there to defend her youth. We start off with Finnegan's comments and move on to Smiths and Brackett's as they deny the allegation.
Dianne Finnegan - Coordinator, Youth Apprenticeship Programme:
"The sad thing about it is that I've been saying forever that when you talk about crime and violence young people don't just get up and do things. It's instigated, it's because of a reason and what is so sad here is that adults who you think should know better, who say they represent the people and are there to try and make a difference, a positive difference in people's lives are the ones who are manipulating these individuals to get their agenda across and that is wrong and that is sad."
Musa Says Brackett's Tyre Comments Have No Bearing On What Happened
But Brackett's comments to the teachers about "a little tire getting burnt here and there" – how damning is it really? His attorney said it is inconsequential:…
Jules Vasquez:
"Are you concerned that those comments may assist in framing him?"
Hon. Kareem Musa - Attorney for Brackett/Smith:
"They are absolutely in no way connected, they would have to try to connect those dots and it's a far stretch to even connect that. Geovanni say things on a daily basis against this government but there is no connection, you have actually go out there and light the fire to be charged with this particular offence and that's not what the police is saying you know. They are not saying Geovanni went out there and set this thing on fire and that's the injustice of this whole thing, they are trying to say that he is one who organised it."
Chamber Applauds GOB, Says Luke Had It Wrong
Last night, we showed you how BNTU President Luke Palacio said that from his meeting with the representatives from the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he concluded that Government did not need to wait until December 9 to sign the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
During the news, two Government sources called us to say that Luke has it all wrong, and today, the Chamber confirmed that indeed he is. Their statement starts by applauding the Government's commitment to sign unto the UNCAC.
Their statement says, "The BCCI also recognizes that the signing of the UNCAC triggers a time-clock for the effective implementation of a foundation framework that will enable the main sections of the convention: Preventive Measures; Criminalization and Law Enforcement; International Cooperation; Asset Recovery; and Technical Assistance & Information Exchange."
USAID and PASMO Shut Down in Belize
USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, and PASMO, the Pan American Social Marketing Organization, will both be pulling out of Belize in a few weeks. Recently both have been active in HIV and AIDS prevention and education awareness and as
part of the winding down of operations, USAID held a forum today at the Radisson Hotel entitled, "Presenting results and good practices for 10 years of promoting a sustainable response to HIV in Belize." We stopped by to find out how exactly their absence in Belize will affect those vulnerable populations, such as men who have sex with men.
Here's what the Director of Health Services had to say:
Dr. Marvin Manzanero - Director of Health Services:
"I know PASMO has closed the doors so whatever activities they were doing they would have to be subsumed somewhere else. It's not only the ministry of health I think other entities at the NAC will be looking at it. I believe PASCA is still going to be around for a next couple of weeks as I understand it but they are still wrapping up their activities as well. So some other entity or entities would have to pick up that responsibility."
Why Did Raul Rosado Roll?
He's been CEO of the Free Zone for 8 years, but Raul Rosado says he's moving on – and tonight, there are many murmurs about the terms of his sudden departure.
Rosado told us today that he has been looking at business opportunities, specifically one in the free zone for the import and export in clothing, accessories and footwear. He said he didn't want to create a conflict of interest so he stepped down, in consultation with Free Zone Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors. Rosado conceded that the Zone's Chamber of Commerce was quote, "a little worried about the conflict of interest", so he agreed to resign.
But what about reports that he had been intercepted with huge amounts of undeclared cash? Those were all over Facebook yesterday and Rosado says the rumour about being caught with 1.5 million us dollars in Southern Belize is false, and the report about undeclared money at the PGIA, is about another Rosado not related to him.
Magicians Visit And Cast A Spell
Magicians from South America and Europe will cast a spell with a mind bending performance at the Biltmore this weekend.
It's the "Intermagia" Magic Show, organized by the Rotary Club of Belize, which features 3 magicians from Spain, Guatemala and Chile. They stopped by our studio today to tell us how they will show Belizeans what magic is all about. First, the Rotary's Fundraising Director did the introductions:
Misty Michael – Fundraising Director, Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise:
"This is the second year that our rotary club is organizing the Intermagia Magic Show. It's basically a magic show that has magicians from Central America, Guatemala, Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, we have one from Spain who has worked with a very famous magician that some Belizeans might know, by the name of Chris Angel, in Las Vegas."
Alex Courtenay:
"And can you tell us a bit about the show that will be happening?"
Channel 5
11 year old Boy Killed in Tragic Fire; 2 Other Minors Cling to Life
The most tragic of deaths—heartless and cold—is that of an innocent child being killed. That’s what happened on Tuesday night on Aloe Vera Street when an arsonist entered into the [...]
Geovannie Brackett and 5 Others Charged for Belcan Tire Burning
On Monday afternoon, an eerily familiar scene unfolded on the Belcan Bridge in Belize City as burning tires blocked traffic and filled the air with thick, black smoke. Unlike the [...]
Dianne Finnegan Attacks Activists for “Recruiting” Youth Apprentices
The two minors charged along with twenty-three year old Adrian Avaloy for setting the tires on fire are participants in the Youth Apprenticeship Program that is coordinated by Dianne Finnegan. [...]
Kareem Musa Wonders at Police’s Double Standards
While Finnegan called out Brackett, Brackett’s attorney – Kareem Musa – who is also the area representative for the Caribbean Shores called out the police. He says he’d like to [...]
B.N.T.U.’s Branches Get Ready for Simultaneous Nationwide Demonstrations
Today is being celebrated as World Teachers Day. But, for the teachers in Belize, it’s day-three of their strike action as a part of the Stand Up for Belize Campaign. [...]
Teachers Hit the Streets for Public Education and Community Service
The Teachers’ Union believes its message can be better spread to the community. So today, the men and women usually found in their classrooms were out on the pavement across [...]
Utility Unions Throw Support Behind B.N.T.U.
On Tuesday evening, the three unions representing public utility workers – the Communication Workers’ Union, the Energy Workers’ Union and the Water Services’ Workers’ Union—met in Belize City to discuss [...]
Chamber of Commerce Still Deciding on Possible Shutdown
The Belize National Teachers’ Union wrote to the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday requesting their support for a shutdown of businesses on Thursday. According to the Union, [...]
Business Community Pushes for Governance Reforms While Waiting for UNCAC
Meanwhile the Chamber has reacted to G.O.B.’s announcement to sign the United Nations Convention on Anti-Corruption on December ninth. The B.C.C.I. says it supports Government’s plans to sign the UN [...]
Cayo’s Student Teachers Join B.N.T.U. Protests
On Monday, we showed you the students of Muffles Junior College protesting in solidarity with their teachers. It was a rather interesting dynamic, as many have criticized teachers about abandoning [...]
Papal Nuncio Visits, Weighs-in on Teachers’ Strike and Bishop’s Succession
On Tuesday, the B.N.T.U. sent a letter to Reverend Bishop Dorrick Wright expressing their support for him and in turn thanking the Reverend Bishop for his support of their strike [...]
Man Charged for Ladyville Attempted Murder
A Ladyville man was arraigned and charged with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, dangerous harm, wounding and aggravated assaulted of two brothers which happened on September tenth. [...]
Teenager’s Charges Dismissed; He Escaped Alleged Police Brutality
Teenager Leon Martinez is free of any criminal charges tonight. Police say he tried to escape from the Ladyville Police Station while under detention for an alleged burglary and common [...]
NEAB Out of Section 53 Appeal; UNIBAM’s Caleb Says They Were Taught a Lesson
On Tuesday, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin, who, in August, authored the historic decision on Section Fifty-three of the Criminal Code of Belize, denied the application for leave to appeal made [...]
Caleb Orozco Says Sex Definition Needs to be Litigated
The Government, represented by the Attorney General, initially chose not to appeal the decision at all, provoking fierce reaction from Belize’s more conservative elements. It was only after some protest [...]
U.S.A.I.D. Closes Doors in Belize and Looks Back at HIV/AIDS Program
Back in 1996, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) closed its Belize office after thirteen years and more than one hundred million U.S. dollars in assistance to Belize. [...]
Grandparent Puts Idle Children to Work in Support of Teachers
Support has been coming in for teachers from all corners and tonight, one parent is taking on the challenge. Maria Villanueva, a resident of Belize City, is in full support [...]
B.N.T.U. Reflects on World Teachers’ Day
As we mentioned earlier in the newscast, today is World Teachers Day. While it was not planned to coincide with this ongoing strike, B.N.T.U.’s Kathleen Flowers, says they are gratified [...]
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