FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

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

Two San Pedro beauties featured in Belikin 2017 Calendar
The much anticipated 2017 Belikin Beer Calendar was officially released at a launch party on Saturday, November 26th in Belize City. The event took place at the Baymen’s Tavern of the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. Calendar fanatics flocked to the launch party, eager to get their copy signed by the featured models. This year, San Pedro beauties Dianira Rivera and Daisy Caliz are featured on the calendar. The calendar has been around for over a decade, and it not only showcases the best of Belizean beauty, swimsuits, but it also promotes Belikin beer. Each year, the calendar takes a different approach, and this year’s theme featured bars from across the country. According to Chief Marketing Officer Shelley Stonesifer, they decided to film where the beers are consumed. “This is a way of giving back to our customers by showcasing their great bars, while at the same time strengthening our business relationships,” said Stonesifer. She added that in the process, they went to some of the most popular bars in each district.

Ambergris Stadium opens up with inaugural football games
The highly-anticipated inauguration of the Ambergris Stadium was scheduled for Saturday, November 26th, but due to the inclement weather, was postponed until further notice. However, to celebrate San Pedro’s 32nd Township Anniversary, the planned football games were still on, and saw hundreds of islanders and visitors pack the new state-of the art stadium. The new sporting facility is upgraded with not only synthetic turf, stage lighting, and bleachers, but also with has concession stands, lockers and bathroom facilities. Before the official games began, the crowd enjoyed a friendly match from two local Under-13 teams. Although the stadium is not fully finished, Belize Infrastructure Limited stated in a press release that they will continue to work on the site, and will host the opening ceremony once the project is officially completed. Congratulations to all the teams who participated, especially to San Pedro FC for their great victory!

Iris Salguero departs for Miss World Pageant: Local painting to be auctioned as part of the event
Miss World Belize 2016 Iris Salguero of San Pedro Town left Belize on Thursday, November 24th en-route to the United States. Salguero will be representing the Jewel at the Miss World 2016 Pageant to take place at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Washington D.C. While at the pageant she is schedule to participate in a variety of activities. Between now and December 18th, Salguero will be competing against the other contestants from around the world in events like talent shows, national costume, social media, sporting activities, as well as a designer gown competition. In this last activity, Salguero has taken with her a design from Julie McCord (A.K.A Julie Mango).miss-worls-iris-salguero-receives-personolized-painting-2 Salguero was also provided with a painting from Belizean Artist Alex Sanker to be auctioned. The painting features a little girl hugging planet Earth, while attempting to heal the planet from its wounds with stiches and band aids. All proceeds from the auction will be destined for children in need.

Ambergris Today

Tearful Candle Light Vigil Creates Awareness for Gun Violence in Belize
Residents of San Pedro gathered at the Central Park on Saturday, November 26, 2016, for a special candle light vigil ceremony hosted by the Belize Youth Movement (BYM), Footprints for peace, and Ms. Shakera Young. The ceremony was organized for a peaceful demonstration and a candle light walk in memory of Tyler Savery, a seven-year-old whose life was taken away in a double homicide due to gun violence. Mother of Tyler, Shakera Young has decided to become an agent of change, not only for her son, but for other innocent lives who have been taken. Her goal is to raise awareness against gun violence that plagues this country and ensuring the safety of future generations. She has dedicated her time in traveling to different areas of the country to raise awareness.

Misc Belizean Sources

Price Controlled Goods
Do you know what is a Price Controlled Good? If not, here's some helpful info from the Belize Bureau of Standards. Kindly view the poster to know which items are price controlled and the maximum retailed price of these goods.

Christmas Bird Count 2016
The Belize Audubon Society is having their Christmas Bird Count in Mountain Pine Ridge on December 23rd. They'll have one in Belmopan on the 18th. Call or email education@belizeaudubon.org for more information. "Calling all birders and bird enthusiasts to participate in the 2016 Christmas Bird Count! If you are interested in being a part of the team for any of the circles shown below please contact us for more information."

Opportunity knocks!
Vancouver Island University's Building Resilience in Coastal Communities (BRiCC) program will be offering 24 internship and scholarship positions for VIU students and 7 scholarships to incoming Belizean graduate students from 2016 to 2018.

Mass First Aid Training and a Successful Blood Drive
The Belize Red Cross - San Pedro Branch (SPBRC) is proud to announce that training is underway for the staff of Mahogany Bay Village. Soon 30 newly qualified First Responders will be available to assist staff, visitors of the village and the community at large. The first 10 were trained Tues Nov 22nd, the second group is scheduled for December 6th and the third group soon after. All will be trained in First Aid, CPR and AED utilization. San Pedro Red Cross has been providing First Aid training to all the citizens, organizations and businesses of San Pedro since November 2013 for a nominal fee. This year our certified instructors were able to train many teachers, firefighters and youths of the island due to the generous contributions from sponsors.

First Friday of December Tres Cocos Trash Pick Up
Looking for that special gift for the island that has everything this holiday season? Why not join us on Friday and help us give Ambergrs Caye a nice two-hour roadside makeover! Meet us at the Paradise Theater parking lot, just north of the bridge at 9 a.m. What a great way to mark the beginning of the holiday season! (Wearing of Santa and elf caps or reindeer caps is fully endorsed by the management. Heavy Christmas sweaters optional!)

"Flame of Hope" torch
ATM: Eastern Police Division South joins along with our Mayor, in welcoming the "Flame of Hope" torch in Belize City. Please join in supporting the Law Enforcement Officers who are running right now through our city streets fundraising for the upcoming Special Olympics Games for this coming Friday. Drop a little dollar or two in the running jugs when the reach by you.

Cayo Christmas Tree Lightning
The Cayo Christmas Tree Lighting will be on Saturday, December 10th, at the Cayo Welcome Center. The SISE Town Council is doing a Toy Drive so they can provide presents to the kids in attendance.

Harp and Marimba Recital
Featuring Fernando Majus and Benque Viejop Marimba Youth. Sunday, Dec. 4 at 6pm, George Price Center

Project in Review & Award Ceremony, Art has no boundaries, Bridging nations
The National Institute of Culture and History and the Department of Youth services Offer aninvitation. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 9:30am at the Bliss.

Thanks from Belize Bird Rescue
Oh my goodness, I am beyond words. You are truly amazing - the support has been... overwhelming. It's late for us here at BBR - the birdies wake us for their breakfast at a 5.45am. We will hit the hay and tomorrow take stock of what you all have achieved. Knowing that you have been keeping this little organisation up and running with your amazing generosity and confidence in what we do is beyond words. We may sleep easier tonight! You. Are. Incredible. xxx And this little parakeet thinks so too :-)

World Heritage Site Forum
Tuesday, December 6 at 7 PM - 9:15 PM, Bliss Center for Performing Arts, Southern Foreshore, Belize City. Learn more about the value of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, "Supporting our ecomony through healthy biodiversity". There will be entertainment by Belize Dance Company, testemonials by locals who enjoy the benefits of our reserve system, and panel presentations from WWF, Jamaica's World Heritage Site Focal Point, and a local marketing expert.

Channel 7

Lots of Aviation Fuel, All The Signs of Drug Smuggling, But No Plane, No Drugs
Tonight, Hattieville Police are holding 16 drums of aviation fuel, and other items which they believe were used to illegally land a plane in Western Belize. And while the cops can't say for sure that a drug cargo was involved, those with experience in the area are certain that this was a drug plane which landed in an area located about 9 miles into the Coastal Road. The cops got the information early this morning before dawn that there was a low-flying aircraft near the Coastal Road. Hattieville Police responded, and they didn't find a plane, but they did come upon 20 drums - 4 of which were empty, and 16 filled with aviation fuel. They canvassed the area and found makeshift landing lights, 4 batteries, and canvases. This area was being used as a clandestine airstrip for this plane, and police found tracks of what looks like the wheels of the landing gear belonging to a plane. They also found the seats form a plane dashed into the bush, to make more room for cargo.

Two Charged For Gardenia Murder
We also asked Assistant Commissioner Broaster about the two men police have charged for last week's murder of 27 year Nelson Zelaya. He's the Gardenia Village resident who was shot and killed in his yard at mile 21 on the Phillip Goldson Highway last Thursday - in front of his 3 year-old daughter. The accused killers are 19 year-old Lenford Harris Jr., and a 16 year-old minor. Both males were supposed to have been arraigned today at the Magistrate's Court, but because of an error in the court book, the men were taken back into custody until tomorrow. But they have been charged, and this evening, we tried getting a few details from Rural Commander about what led investigators to charge these two, but he was very tight lipped: ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural: "I can't give any more information on what Mr. Cocom had given to you all. The two individual has been charged for the murder of Mr. Zeyala and the investigators are still getting more evidence to substantiate the charge at this time."

Northern Robbery Trio Charged
When we left you on Friday, police were charging the men accused of being accomplices in the broad-daylight armed robbery of Rapidito Loans in Corozal. Well, yesterday they went to Orange Walk court before Magistrate Albert Hoare. Turns out two of them are from the same Belize City neighborhood known as "Jump Street." They are 20 year old's Maliek Humes, of Berkeley Street and Alton Garcia of Wagner's Lane, along with 33 year old Erwin Castillo, the alleged Belize City Bank Robber who has a Corozal address. They were each read a single charge of conspiracy to commit robbery and pleaded not guilty. The police prosecutor argued that due to the seriousness of the offence and the compelling evidence against the accused, bail should be denied. The magistrate agreed and the trio was remanded to Prison until December 21st 2016. The fourth suspect, is also from the Jump Street area; he is Kareem Heusner and he is in the KHMH, still in critical condition after being shot to the side.

Still No Clues In Chateau Fire
Tonight, the Fire Department is no closer to determining the cause of the fire that claimed a Belize City landmark, the Chateau Caribbean. Fire Chief Ted Smith told us this evening that they still don't know the cause, but that the investigators worked at the scene looking for clues. As we reported, on Sunday morning at around 8:00, a fire started at the back of the building, reportedly in the kitchen. At the time about 8 persons were in the building, and police had to get out one last man who was packing up - even as the building was filling up with smoke. Staff and two sets of guests escaped unharmed, and the only injury was to a fireman who cut his arm. It is a total loss for the longtime owner, Mr. Lo, who has declined comment. He lived at the hotel and lost all his personal possessions and his business. The elegant, colonial style sea front building was first erected in 1927 as the Biddle home. It later became Belize's first private hospital, and then a hotel and restaurant.

Will You Get Your Right-Sized X-Mas Turkey On Time This Year?
Last year, getting your Christmas Turkey was a nightmare, and many folks had to settle instead for big chickens. That was because avian influenza had wiped out the local population of turkeys and imported turkeys came in late, and large. Well, this year, you shouldn't have that problem: local turkey stocks still aren't back to 100%, but they are at 50%. And to fill out the market's demand, Quality Poultry is importing Carolina Turkeys. But, will they be oversized, overpriced and overdue like last year? Well, the imported birds are more expensive because they pay 80% duty, but the importer tells us that unlike last year when they were stuck with supersized turkeys, this year he is importing large, small and medium. And, unlike last year when they landed in Christmas week, this year, Quality Poultry didn't take any chances. The imported turkeys are already in country. They cleared customs this evening and should be in freezers tomorrows. Of course, there could still be scarcity of the small turkey you're looking for because consumers will rush the local turkey, which are more affordable and fresh. But because those are in limited supply, those who can't get local will then buy out the smaller imported turkeys - leaving only big ones behind. So, the moral of this story is, buy your big, or small bird early.

Shot In The Head a Month Ago, Coast Guardsman Arzu Jr Is Home, Making Remarkable Recovery
Coast Guardsman Daniel Arzu Jr is back home in Belize. The 28 year old survived a shot to the head by a robber and after five weeks in a Mexican Navy Hospital, his family expects him to make a full recovery, and return to active duty. Today, his father Superintendent Daniel Arzu Sr. told us his son still has a ways to go, but that his progress has been remarkable:... Supt. Daniel Arzu, OC - Benque Viejo Police: "I have to be thankful to God, given the circumstances and the extent of his injuries upon his departure from here to Mexico. My families are so glad and we are so happy for the medical services that were provided to him in Mexico and now he is back home. It's all about therapy now where we need to ensure that he get the best therapy treatment for him to overcome the challenges that he is currently facing. But other than that, yes he is in good spirit."

Finding Special Needs Kids In The Regular School Setting
This week is being observed as the International Week for Persons with Disabilities and the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities has organized a calendar of activities to highlight this neglected and under-served population. Today, personnel from NARCIE, which is the National Resource Center for Inclusive Education went to several city schools to create awareness of diverse abilities in the regular school setting. I found out more:... Courtney Weatherburne reporting: Kent Young's life changed forever at age 14. He suffered an aneurysm that affected his speech and left him partially paralyzed. But that hasn't stopped him from having a fulfilling life. Kent Young, Survived an Aneurysm: "Vein burst in my head, right here, I had to get a surgery but I lost all my speech and I was supposed to gain it back not 100% but I am striving for the betterment of the people. I am fighting against the battle of myself."

Paumen People Protest In 'Pan, Again
At the beginning of November, we showed you a protest from a group of residents living in Franks Eddy and other surrounding villages. They were a small group of the 300 workers employed by American tour operator Bradley Paumen. Those workers are the ones most affected in the fight between Paumen and his neighbour, Michael Modiri. As we told you, Modiri claimed that Paumen was still trespassing on his land to run his million dollar tour operation at the Dark Night Cave system in Cayo South. So, he took the decision at the start of this cruise tourism season to block the road which Paumen unlawfully built on his land. Now, this road is the fastest route from Belize City, where the cruise guests arrive, to Paumen's Dark Night operation in Central Belize. Modiri insists that Paumen can choose several other routes to get to the caves, but he's ignoring them just to save time because the cruise schedule is so tight.

Bze Engineering Students Did Good In Chetumal
University of Belize Students did the country proud last week when they bested 35 teams and won an engineering competition at the Instituto Tecnológico de Chetumal. Now UB has been participating in this event since 2010, and this is the very first victory. And how did the team of five Associates level students do it? Well, they had to figure out how to build a bridge to match the load bearing specifications set out by the event organizers. The event lasted three days, and in the end, their design won! Today they told us why their project stood it:.. Irvine Ruiz, Leader, - UB Team: "When we went to Chetumal, I needed to redesign the bridge because the dimension was different. It was one meter long by a height of 7.9 centimeter by width of 10.5. The idea behind this is that we used macaroni to build the bridge. We see here the efficiency and the most logical. We study engineering. So we compete against architecture civil and like my colleague said we are mechanical and electrical, so we don't study in depth with designing of bridge. We only cover some areas like framework and calculating the load side. So we sit together and plan more or less what our design will be about and then we build the bridge."

Cluster Survey Collects Crucial Data
The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, or MICS, is a collaboration between the Statistical Institute of Belize and UNICEF. It aims to collect and analyze data about Belize citizens in order to better inform policy making. The survey, which is repeated every 5 years, focuses on the wellbeing of the country's women and children. Today the results of the survey were presented and reviewed by key stakeholders, who began work on using the data to advise policymakers. We spoke to UNICEF's Social Policy Specialist and Officer-in-charge about the findings of the survey. Ilija Talev - Officer-in-Charge, UNICEF Belize: "Today we're at the Biltmore in order to present the results of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. It's a complicated name for a survey which UNICEF together with the government of Belize, specifically the Statistical Institute of Belize conducts every 5 years in the country to collect information on the wellbeing of women and children, primarily. And families in a variety of domains, ranging from health, education, violence, knowledge about HIV, a variety of areas."

Defence Strategy Review Invites Input From Civilian Organizations
2 months ago, we told you about a National Security and Defence Strategy which the Government's security technocrats have been working on updating. They're trying to meet the evolving security needs of the country, while deploying the state's resources in the most effective and efficient manner. Today, those discussions resumed, and this time, the Government invited civilian organizations to participate, hoping to draw on their in-the-field experience. That allowed for border activist Wil Maheia to join in the discussions, and it did make for a contrast, since he is one of the government's biggest critics on all the ways that the country's Defence forces neglect the border areas. He and other participants granted an interview explaining what happened in today's workshop: Felix Enriquez, CEO - Ministry of Defence: "In as much as how we who are putting the strategy together have a very good idea of what the problems are, where security is concerned. The problems of security is a lot more complex that what it used to be and so the ministry of defence and ministry of home affairs must be able to articulate the concerns of the other interest groups. These interest groups, the business bureau, the other political parties, they are familiar with some realities as well that we may have not considered."

Musa Led Delegation To Cuba in 99
And tonight we continue our analysis of Fidel Castro's legacy, in Cuba, Belize, and the world - seen through the eyes of three men who knew and admired him. We start with former Prime Minister Said Musa. He is a long time disciple of Castrism - going back to the 1970's. And when he became Prime Minister in 1998, the second major state visit of his administration was to Cuba. It happened in February of 1999 and was the single largest delegation ever of Belizean ministers and high-level government functionaries. It included, no fewer than 6 ministers, and countless CEO's, hangers-on and business persons - even Michael Ashcroft, who pulled up the party on his yacht. Yesterday, Musa told us why it was a priority to go to Cuba:... Jules Vasquez, 7News: "1998, everything has fallen away, you assumed office as prime minister. The first state trip that you organized probably in February of 1999 is to Cuba. Speak about why was that a priority for your government, as soon as it assumed office in 1998 to lets go to Cuba?"

More Cuba-Belize Pre Independence History
That gesture of gratitude has a lot to do with Belize's independence. There's an entire untold history of how much the communist country actually supported Belize. Untold, because that was the height of the Cold War, and Belize had to be courting Cuban support on the down low, out of the sight of Uncle Sam. Yesterday in Havana, former Foreign Minister Assad Shoman told us why Cuba supported Belizean independence so enthusiastically:... Assad Shoman, former Foreign Minister: "And he was a leader, I would say, among and with the people. He would have easily been seen talking to workers in a factory, to farmers on the land, students and teachers in their schools, as playing basketball with young kids, children, or slugging baseballs with professionals, or shadow boxing with Mohammed Ali."

Shoman Says Revolution Will Live On
And when it comes to Castrism, Shoman is the supreme Belizean authority. He is so committed to the revolution's ideals, that he moved to Cuba where has been living for a number of years. Yesterday he spoke of Castro's popular touch and his enduring legacy:... Jules Vasquez, 7News: "Cuba was only too happy to support Belize in its quest for independence. What do you recall of those days in the, I guess mid to late 70's?" Assad Shoman, former Foreign Minister: "Well Jules the amazing thing, I mean you go before that when Belize had not even won self-government yet, the highest representatives of Cuba abroad at the time, which was Ernesto Che Guevara said at a world meeting, a regional meeting, in Uruguay in 1961, that Cuba respects the Independence of Belize. I think, in part he did that, to, to (chuckles) confront Guatemala of course, but, but Cuba has supported our independence all the time, from the very beginning."

Did Castro's Revolution Punish Cubans?
So, while Shoman believes the revolution will hold firm against the assaults of empire, at what cost to its citizens' liberties has Cuba pursued its socialist ideal? One of the Cuban states' popular slogans is: "Socialismo or Muerte" which means Socialism or Death. And that's where many Cuban dissidents say Fidel's dictatorship has taken the country. We asked his admirers if there isn't a quite significant taint on the Great Man's legacy because of this:...

Did Castro Remain In Power Too Long?
And, speaking of history, critics say Fidel Castro should have been history long ago, that he should have moved on long before the last embers of revolution went out. In fact, Cuba has been called a gerontocracy, rule by the aged, which was confirmed when Fidel handed over to his little brother Raul in 2008. At the time, the elder Castro was 82, and the younger was 77. But, the 72 year old Said Musa - who, as far as anyone can tell is still heading for another election, says the timing is just fine:... Castro's funeral is set for Sunday December fourth. The guest list is said to be 20 pages long. Belize will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber and Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington.

SJC Remembers Michelle
Last Saturday, St. John's College held the launch of its new magazine, as well as the opening of the Michelle Perdomo Art Gallery. Perdomo headed the SJC art department for four decades, and was a huge influence on several of Belize's most prominent artists. On Saturday, Perdomo was honored by school officials and artists for her contributions to the school and art in Belize. Michael Coye - Chair of the Board of Trustees, SJC: "Today we join together to celebrate the arts at SJC. Today we recognize the invaluable contributions made by our beloved Michelle Perdomo. We celebrate her special gift of sharing. Of her talent, of her art, of her boundless energy, of her life with us her at SJC. Commemorating this gallery in her name is our way of shouting out our highest praise for Michelle. Today we also launch the SJC Magazine, a magazine that marks another milestone in the history of SJC."

Channel 5

Possible Drug Plane Landed and Abandoned Items Near La Democracia
Police are tonight investigating the landing of an aircraft, presumably a drug plane, overnight in the vicinity of La Democracia, Belize District.  Officers at the Hattieville substation were notified of [...]

Security Forces to Double Down on Securing Drug Airstrip
The coordinated response involving a trio of law enforcement agencies was fairly swift, but not fast enough to arrest the ensuing activity.  So, was their reaction timely enough?  That’s what [...]

Employees Try to Pick Up Pieces from Devastating Chateau Caribbean Fire
Employees of the Chateau Caribbean are picking up the pieces in the aftermath of a fire that destroyed the iconic restaurant. While most people are preparing for the Christmas, scores [...]

Should Belizean Tour Operators Be Allowed Access to Harvest Caye Cruise Port?
And tonight’s question is: Do you believe Belizean tour operators should be allowed access to Harvest Caye Cruise Port?  Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 or [...]

Fidel Castro: Remembering the Man and the Leader
A memorial attended by world leaders to reflect on the life and death of celebrated Cuban leader Fidel Castro is taking place at this time in Havana, Cuba. Deputy Prime [...]

Elian Gonzalez and Others Pay Tribute in Havana
Ahead of this evening’s memorial ceremony, millions of Cubans have been paying their respects to Fidel Castro where his body lies in state in Havana. World leaders have also been [...]

Government Calls Stakeholders to Table to Formulate National Defense Strategy
Stakeholders from the public and private sectors are drafting a strategy which they will present to government to ensure the national security and defense of the country. The document focuses [...]

Gardenia Murder Suspects Charged
On Monday night, we told you that four persons of interest in Nelson Zelaya’s murder were in police custody. Today, two of those men were charged for the Gardenia resident’s [...]

Gales Point Resident Gone Missing for a Week
A forty three year old Gales Point man is missing. On November twentieth, Delbert Delroy Andrewin is said to have left his home that morning in Gales Point and headed [...]

Police trained in Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
As you may have heard before, IMPACT Justice is a Canadian Government-funded project that is being implemented from the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in [...]

Police Commissioner to Plan Introduction of Mediation Process
Regional Project Director, Professor Velma Newton proposes a process similar to mediation by the courts. In this case, however, it is the Commissioner of Police who is to formalize the [...]

IMPACT Justice Program Reaches Out to Schools
IMPACT Justice is also targeting other social groups, specifically the education sector where counselors and teachers are trained to resolve conflict between students. Three weeks ago, the IMPACT Justice Project [...]

Including Persons With “Diverse Abilities”
This week is disability awareness week. It is being observed from the twenty seventh of November to the third of December. The week includes the United Nations sanctioned international day of [...]

MICS Survey Finds Improvement in Key Belizean Indicators
UNICEF assists countries to collect and analyze data to fill gaps in the monitoring of the situation of children and women through its international household survey called the Multiple Indicator [...]

From Yes to I Do: Nissi and Elmer’s Perfect Wedding Day
On Sunday afternoon at the Biltmore Plaza in Belize City, two souls became one as the bonds of marriage between Nissi Arzu and Elmer Figueroa were celebrated.  Partnering with Confetti, [...]

CTV3

Businesses Watch Out For GST Scammer
Tonight members of the business community here in Orange Walk Town are advised to be on the lookout for an individual who is passing himself as a worker of the General Sales Tax Department. Reports to our newsroom, which have also found their way on social media, indicate that on Saturday November 26th, 2016, sometime around 3:00 in the evening, a male person of Creole descent visited Diamond Supermarket located in the Trial Farm Village here in Orange Walk Town to purchase a bottle of water. But apparently the true intention of the individual was not to purchase water. Sources tell us that after purchasing the item, the said individual exited the store and headed to his vehicle, a white 2013 GMC terrain.

Zafra To Open December 5th
The Belize Sugar Industries Limited is scheduled to open its gates to farmers on Monday December 5th as of 10:00 in the morning, as the long awaited start of the 2016- 2017 Sugar Cane Crop season comes into full effect. The date was set after a meeting held yesterday between the BSI/ASR and the different Cane Farmers associations. Adalid Wicab- Chairman of the committee of management –BSCFA: “Ayer tuvimos una junta con todas las Asociaciones juntos en BSI a las dos de la tarde adonde se decidió que la feche de la zafra va hacer inicio el cinco de Diciembre a las diez de la mañana y va a empezar con una cuota de cuatro mil seiscientos.” And with the opening of the crop season just days away, Chairman of the committee of management for the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, Adalid Wicab, says the BSCFA is ready to start the season and is confident that the association will experience a successful crop.

Authorities Investigating Possible Landing Of Drug Plane
Hattieville Police are tonight investigating an incident which involves an alleged drug plane that landed in Western Belize early this morning. Police are currently holding 16 drums of aviation fuel, and other items which they believe were used in the illegal plane landing. While authorities are unsure whether a drug cargo was involved, all indications of the incident leads to believe that it was indeed a drug plane which landed in an area located about 9 miles into the Coastal Road. According to information from local police, the report of a low- flying aircraft near the Coastal Road, was received just before dawn today, Hattieville Police responded to the report, but when they arrived in the area they did not find a plane, instead they encountered 20 drums, 4 of which were empty, and 16 filled with aviation fuel. Further search of the area led to the discovery of makeshift landing lights, 4 batteries, and canvases. They also found the seats from a plane in nearby bushes, presumably taken out to make more room for cargo.

VIP Says Amendment For Referendum Act Not Good For Belize
If you have been in tuned to the news lately, you would know that Guatemala has officially commenced preparations for public consultations to educate the Guatemalan people on the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute for a final decision on whether or not the matter should be settled at the International Court of Justice. And while Belize had not taken any previous stand on the issue, tomorrow the Senate is expected to meet with the aim of ratifying the existing Special Agreement between both parties so that a referenda can be held as soon as possible. But while GOB is taking its own measures with respect to the issue, there are many Belizeans who are against GOB’s position including members of the Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) who expressed their dissatisfaction and concern through a release earlier today. The VIP believes that the ratification will open doors for GOB to mislead Belizeans into jeopardizing Belize’s territory in its entirety and is claiming that the government is taking huge steps without considering seven crucial points.

History Of Corozal Comes To Life
Today the Corozal House of Culture held one of its lecture series entitled Perspectives of our Past at the Corozal Junior College conference room. The topic today was the Old Market which has been in existence in Corozal Town for over 130 years. Historian Roy Rodriguez shared with the audience some of the interesting research findings he found in his work. Roy Rodriguez - Historian: “The building, that’s the old market, was designed as a public market but it only become a market for butchers selling meats, mainly beef and pork, but its location on the beach front provided a space outside with a small Warf where fish and vegetables and fruits were sold by fishermen from across the bay. Because of the commercial activities then there was a space in the market for a government bonded warehouse, there were many butchers in Corozal town but only three of them rented spaces in the market; butchers who sold meat especially pork, at their houses, were view with certain dislike as people doubted whether health inspector had examined their animals before slaughtering.

COP Accused Of Wounding Placed On Interdiction
Police Constable Jaime Gongora has been placed on interdiction after court proceedings took place on November 15th, at the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court, where he was read a single charge of wounding, following a report of police brutality made against him. During his arraignment, Gongora plead not guilty to the charge and was offered bail in the sum of $4,000 plus one surety of the same amount. Charges against Gongora stemmed from an incident which took place on Sunday November 6th in the village of Guinea Grass. Twenty one year old, construction worker, Hugo Noh reported to police that the village’s lone police officer attacked him with his police issued firearm, causing him serious head and body injuries. Today CEO in the Ministry of National Security, George Lovell spoke of the incident, stating that the Police commission takes all reports of Police Brutality very seriously and this case is no different and is being handled with outmost urgency.

Robber Shot In Attempt Robbery At Rapidito Clings To Life
Yesterday, three of the four men fingered by the Police as those involved in last Thursday’s wild attempt at an armed robbery at Rapidito Loans downtown Corozal Town were arraigned on the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery. The fourth man, identified as 28 year old Kareem Heusner, is believed to be the main suspect, who entered the business premises wearing a hood and pulling the trigger wildly. The Police say about nine expended 9mm shells were found at the scene. The gunman had to exit the business however as the security guard returned fire at him, and is suspected to have injured him in the exchange of gunfire.

Amandala

Landmark building, Chateau Caribbean Hotel, destroyed by fire
The Chateau Caribbean Hotel, one of the old capital’s landmark buildings, which was built in 1927 and was a favorite hotel and restaurant which has seen many glory days, including the filming of an action movie Dogs of War, was destroyed by a huge fire which began about 7:30 this morning, Sunday, November 27. Even up to 3:30 this afternoon, smoke was still rising from the burnt remains of the building. The flames were completely put out at about 9:30 tonight, about 14 hours after fire engulfed the iconic landmark. The elegant Chateau Caribbean Hotel, made of timber and concrete, was located in the Fort George area, at the corner of Marine Parade and South Park Street. The fire reportedly began in the kitchen of the establishment. It quickly spread from there to the other parts of the building. The guests of the hotel were safely evacuated and the Belize City Fire Service went to the scene and commenced its attempts to put out the flames that had engulfed the building.

Career criminal Basil “ET” Willis remanded for burglarizing Grace Primary School
A Belize City man who has over twenty previous convictions was remanded to prison this morning after he was arraigned on charges of burglary and handling stolen goods. Basil “ET” Willis appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser, who read a single charge of burglary to him. Willis pleaded not guilty to the charge, but court prosecutor Corporal Christopher Smith objected to the court granting him bail. Smith submitted that the crime of burglary is prevalent around this time of the year and also that the school was deprived of food that it needs to feed hungry children through its feeding program. Smith also objected to bail for Willis on the strength of the prosecution’s case against him, and the history of the defendant. “If granted bail, this accused might go out and commit other offences,” Smith finally submitted.

Cops say customs broker stole 11 49-inch TV sets
Yesterday, Thursday, some family members of Justin Longsworth, a man who has been accused of a peculiar theft, waited for his arraignment to conclude so that they could sign bail for him, but that was not to be. Longsworth, whose attorney, Bryan Neal, appeared at his arraignment, was remanded to prison until his next court date on January 31, 2017. Police charged Longsworth with one count of theft for stealing eleven 49-inch flat screen television sets, the property of Radisson Fort George Hotel. The theft allegedly occurred on October 31. Longsworth, 21, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, but the court prosecutor objected to the court granting him bail. Chief Magistrate Smith upheld the objection to bail and remanded him to prison. Longsworth, an employee of a custom brokerage firm, was given the specific task of clearing the television sets from Customs for his company’s client, the Radisson Fort George Hotel.

“We’ve already lost 60 – 75 % in income.” — Belize City tour operators
A number of local cruise tour operators in Belize City have reported a staggering blow to their earnings over the past week. According to tour operators, they have already lost an estimated sixty to seventy-five percent in their incomes since last week when the Norwegian Cruise Line began to dock south on Harvest Caye instead of the Fort George Tourism Village in Belize City. In a press conference held on Thursday, operators alleged that the cruise line had previously indicated that only their new ships would dock on the island, while others would continue to dock at the Tourism Village as per usual. However, that has not been the case and local tour operators have been unable to access the island and are restricted from interacting with tourists. “They are no longer coming to Belize. They are going to Alcatraz Island. It’s an island for tourists and [not] for Belizeans; it’s an Alcatraz island; you cannot go there. If you go there, you will come out in a body bag,” said Yoni Rosado of Cavetubing.com.

S&P knocks Belize with another downgrade
Earlier this month, the US-based international ratings agency, Standard and Poor’s, downgraded Belize’s credit ratings, and this week, 10 days after the last ratings action, S&P subjected Belize to yet another downgrade—this time, lowering Belize’s ratings to reflect the country’s recent move to renegotiate the block of debt held by foreign bondholders. S&P said, “Belize’s government has initiated discussions with holders of the sovereign’s U.S. dollar bonds due in 2038 amid worsening external, financial, and economic conditions. We believe these discussions are likely to lead to a rescheduling of these bonds within the next six months. As a result, we are lowering our long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Belize to ‘CC’ from ‘CCC+’.” S&P also signaled a high chance of non-payment. Before the November 14 downgrade, Belize’s long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings were listed at ‘B-’ and its short-term foreign and local currency ratings at ‘B’. S&P also categorized Belize’s outlook as “negative,” signaling that it could subject Belize to further downgrades.

Belizean dies in Brooklyn at age 104
We cannot say for sure whether she was the oldest Belizean alive at the time of her death, but Mrs. Rhoda Isabella Cherrington lived to see the impressive age of 104 before quietly passing away at her Brooklyn home earlier this month. Funeral services were held today for her at St. Marks United Methodist Church in Brooklyn. She was cremated. Mrs. Cherrington, who was born on September 23, 1912, in Mullins River, is survived by her daughter, Constance Evandne Cherrington, 7 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Her parents were Constance Elizabeth Robateau and Robert Smith, and following her mother’s death when she was only two years old, she was raised by her grandparents, George and Elisa Smith. She would later move to Belize City in 1933, where she met and married Terrence “Ossie” Cherrington. While she only gave birth to one child, Mrs. Cherrington was mother to several children, providing a home to her adopted daughters, Marva Cattouse-Brackett (deceased) and Sylvia Blades-Wiltshire, and her nephews, Irving and Lerman Bruhier.

Belmopan 1st Division Football results and schedule
Another round of games was played over the weekend in the Belmopan Football Association (BFA) First Division Football Tournament at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. One more round of games remains, with four teams from each group qualifying to the quarterfinals, which are tentatively scheduled to be played on December 18. In Group A on Friday night, Cotton Tree United and A.C. Milan played to a 0-0 draw. Two more Group A games were played on Saturday, November 26. In the opener, Roaring Creek United got a goal each from Kenny Williams (4’) and Amir Torres (22’) to win, 2-1, over UB Jaguars, whose only goal was by Tivi Ramos (81’). And in the nightcap, Wingz FC also won, 2-1, over Las Flores. Stuart Jenkins (12’) and Gabriel Lewis (87’) shook the net for Wingz FC, while Christian Orellana (8’) scored for Las Flores.

Chief Thanksgiving Day Race results
Here are the results from Chief Thanksgiving Day race held yesterday. The race for Elite/ Junior and Weekend Warriors (W/W) ages 30-44 went from Leslie’s Imports to Philip Goldson Highway via Boom Road and back, for 50 miles. The Weekend Warrior riders ages 45+ did the same distance and route. The Elite race started at 8:20 a.m., followed by the W/W 45+. 27 riders started, and 21 finished the WW 30-44 yrs/Elite/Junior race. Finishing order was: 1st place Brandon Cattouse (C-Ray, 2:03:17); 2nd Jose Choto (Immani’s Store, st); 3rd Joslyn

Hold everything! 2 playoff spots and Golden Boot on the line this weekend
Race to the playoffs: There have been tight playoff races before in Belize’s Premier League tournaments, but none within memory has been so suspenseful this late in the regular season. Two teams only have already secured spots in the playoffs – Belmopan Bandits SC and Belize Defense Force FC, presently at 39 points and 30 points, respectively. (See standings below.) For that reason, their clash this weekend in Week 18 will have little significance. But 4 other teams are in the hunt for the 2 remaining playoff berths. At 22 points, many are counting out Placencia Assassins, although they are considered the favorite to win against Wagiya in their last game, which would put them at 25 points. If FC Belize, who had fallen in a terrible slump ever since their default loss to the Bandits, should lose to Freedom Fighters at the MCC this Sunday, Placencia would have the edge in goal difference.

Castro’s Cuba and Price’s Belize
The fifteen-year period between 1966 and Belize’s independence in 1981 is an interesting and important one in the history of The Jewel. At some point in this period, Fidel Castro’s Cuba became a factor in Belize’s struggle for independence, and (or but) the relationship between Cuba and Belize had negative implications for Premier George Price’s political coalition, a coalition which had supported him from the time he became Leader of the People’s United Party (PUP) in 1956. To study 1966 to 1981, you would have to go back to a time when the PUP was an undefeated powerhouse in Belizean politics, and the struggling Opposition was led by the National Independence Party (NIP). It was not until 1973 that the now ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) was formed, as the result of an amalgamation of the NIP, the People’s Development Movement (PDM), and a new Liberal Party. PUP personalities who are still available for scholars to consult on the period in question include Fred Hunter, Hector Silva, Assad Shoman, and Said Musa. Hunter was a PUP Cabinet Minister throughout the period, while Silva was a Cabinet Minister until 1974. Shoman and Musa became PUP Senators in 1974, and then PUP Cabinet Ministers in 1979.

From the Publisher
As chairman of Kremandala, and as former president of the United Black Association for Development (UBAD: February 1969 – November 1974) and the Revolitical Action Movement (RAM: October 1969 – January 1970), I extend deep condolences to the family and friends of Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, and I express solidarity with the people of Cuba during this time of mourning for the loss of the greatest, most magnificent revolutionary of our lifetime. Fidel was a man of superb intellect, singular courage, extraordinary strength and stamina, and historic national and international accomplishments. He dedicated his life to fighting the curses of colonialism, imperialism, racism, and the exploitation of human beings by other human beings.

Male suicide
Dear Editor, I am an Irishman who loves Belizean folk and my connection was initiated by an investment in Belize. As was the case when I first invested, my group of investors put Belize people at the top of our aims for prosperity. Being involved in healing means that I am interested in how many people commit suicide worldwide every day. The 10 to 1 male to female rate of killing themselves in Belize is not far from the world average. I am aware of associations in Ireland that try to help men, particularly. This effort is based largely around helping men to talk to other men, women, just anybody! I would love to help getting past this social taboo.

A call for the death penalty for renegade officers
Dear Editor, Our culture is simply that we must respect the uniform. It’s simple: “Thank-you Officer;” “Yes, Officer;” “No, Officer!” ALWAYS respect and obey the uniform. Equally, this respect must also be earned by each and every officer after the sacred oath is sworn; otherwise, society will disintegrate from its core structure of law and order. Look around. Everything is connected. What do you see with murders per capita which surpass even Jamaica? Is it safe to go outside? Today, unfortunately, this oath has faded for some officers and our parliamentarians are called to take account of our legislative deficiencies. Our legislative agenda must respond to the fact that officers in full uniform, heavily armed, have disgraced an entire protective institution, threatened our nation’s sense of security, are abusing public confidence and are betraying the only institution sworn to protect innocents and to uphold the law. Is there a society if there is no law?

BDFA Inter-Office Week 3 results, schedule
he Belize District Football Association (BDFA) Inter-Office competition continued at the MCC Grounds last week with Week 3 games on Tuesday, November 22, and Thursday, November 24. In the opener on Tuesday, Belize City Council and Latino’s FC drew, 2-2. Darren Neal struck twice (7’ & 37’) for BCC, while David Ellis (56’) and Yancey Eck (58’) scored for Latino’s. And in the nightcap, it was Belize Bank, 2-1, over National Aggregates. Francisco Briceno got both goals (11’ & 67’) for Belize Bank, while Jaslyn Cadle (57’) got the sole tally for Aggregates. Game 1 on Thursday night saw RF&G Insurance crushing Smart, 4-0, with a goal each from Kendice Williams (6’) Gareth Humes (27’) Douglas Bowen (41’) and Kevin Martinez (66’). In game 2, BTL dropped KHMH, 4-1, with goals from Rasheed Pollard (7’), Jael Ottley (45’) and Sean Moreira (15’ & 50’); while Hilton Rodriguez (68’) got the only goal for KHMH.

MCC neglect
Loyal football fans still visit the MCC Grounds for Inter-Office football games during the week, CYDP Peace Cup games on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and Premier League of Belize (PLB) games on Sunday afternoons. The National Sports Council is supposed to have some employees responsible for the upkeep of the field and environs, but sometimes you have to wonder. Do the Commissioners in charge of football games for the PLB ever make complaints in their reports about the state of the field, the team benches and the entrance gates? As it is, the playing field is bad enough. But is there any excuse for the mud and water that collects and settles around the edges whenever it rains? All it takes is an employee with a shovel about an hour to clear the drain around the edge of the cement fence that encloses the field, so that the water can flow into the drain outside at Calle Al Mar.

What went wrong with the US$100 mil debt-for-climate swap?
Swapping US$100 million in debt for climate conservation and development commitments seems an easy proposition to accept, especially for a country with a growing and unsustainable debt burden—one that it again finds necessary to renegotiate in the face of multiple economic challenges. However, two years ago, Belize opted out of an offer to implement a pilot model for how developing countries could cope with mounting debt distress through a mechanism dubbed the Marine Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust. The idea was for a block of Belize’s super bond debt to be repurchased, and the proceeds of the arrangement would have financed conservation and development initiatives in Belize through the routing of debt payments to a trust set up in Belize.

Teachers hurting – their pay docked when they need it most
Teachers were overjoyed last Monday when Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin ruled that the Ministry of Education should not withhold its salary contributions for those teachers who had vacated classrooms in eleven days of protest. But on Friday, that joy quickly dissipated when teachers lined the banks only to realize that their last pay before Christmas had been docked. However, school managers had been forewarned of what could occur on Thursday in a memorandum signed by Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Carol Babb. “In light of the Court Order restraining the Government of Belize/Ministry of Education until trial or further Order of the Court from withholding salaries for individual teachers for the days, when those teachers were on strike, the Ministry of Education and Treasury Department are doing their best to process payment of full salaries for the November period in keeping with the order,” the memorandum said.

Breaking Belize News

Mass First Aid Training and a Successful Blood Drive
The Belize Red Cross -San Pedro Branch (SPBRC) announced that training is underway for the staff of Mahogany Bay Village. A total of 30 First Responders will soon be available to assist staff, visitors of the village and the community at large. The first […]

Fair weather to prevail
Mostly warm and dry weather is expected to prevail over the next 24 hours with sunny skies and partly cloudy skies today and tonight. The wind will blow from the east to southeast at 10-20 knots and the sea state will be choppy to […]

NEMO Minister delivers houses in Burrell Boom; Sandhill to receive NEMO building from US Embassy
Yesterday, NEMO Minister Edmond Castro was in the villages of Burrell Boom and Sandhill handing over more houses to victims of Hurricane Earl in those villages. Castro was accompanied by NEMO Regional Coordinator for Cayo and Belize Districts Al Westby, as well as NEMO […]

Canadians beat Belize’s drum
A two-day marketing initiative sponsored by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in Toronto, Canada has attracted reached 86,000 Toronto residents across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, generating more than 18,000 video views and 4,800 engagements, measured by likes, shares, and comments. The promotion also […]

Two men arrested for Gardenia murder
Two men have been charged with the gruesome killing of Nelson Zelaya in front of his daughter. The incident occurred sometime on Thursday morning when the victim went behind his yard in Gardenia to fetch some firewood. The two accused reportedly sprung up from […]

Missing man feared dead
Delroy Andrewin, 43, has now been missing without a trace for 9 days. The Gales Point Manatee resident was reported missing on November 20, when he last left home. The family suspects he has been killed, however; information from police is limited. Investigations are […]

Cuba’s revolutionary leader, Commandante Fidel Castro, will be buried in a state funeral on Sunday, December 4.
Belize’s Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber will be joined by Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington at the funeral as they represent the country. Prime Minister Dean Barrow will be unable to make it to the event but he has written Fidel’s brother Raul expressing his […]

Tortilla maker faces $3,000 fine or two years imprisonment
A tortilla maker is $3,000 away from spending two years in prison. Ariel Santana, 51, was dragged in front of Magistrate Norman Rodriguez on Monday morning where he plead guilty for failure to display his GST registration certificate. He was fined $3,000 which is […]

Coast Guard shot in the head miraculously survives
A Coast Guard Officer, Daniel Arzu Jr., who was shot to the head several weeks ago survived and is expected to make a full recovery. When he was shot in the head on October 25, many thought that they would be attending his funeral […]

Accused killers free to go
Gilbert Craig and Theodore Andrews have walked from the August 2011 killing of Troy Bowen. Bowen was shot once to the head while he was walking home near Marigold Lane. After 7 days in a critical condition, he succumbed to his injuries and the […]

Blogs

10 of 30 Trained and a Successful Drive
In an effort to strengthen South Ambergris Caye, Mahogany Bay Village has pledged to have 30 staff trained in 3 First Aid sessions. As of Tuesday November 22nd, 10 newly qualified Red Cross first responders are now onsite to assist visitors at Mahogany Bay and in the island community at large. The second group of 10 is scheduled to receive training December 6th and the last shortly after. All will be trained in First Aid, CPR and the newly added AED (Automated External Defibrillator) utilization. As much as we like to plan in advance, sometimes there is just no way around it and the blood drive this past Saturday November 26th was one of those cases. We were all super excited to get our first 10 pints within the first hour and a half. Over the course of the day we collected 16 pints – enough to save 48 lives. One of our donors was someone paying it forward for a family member. For those that did not want to give blood but still wanted to help, the board organized a Dollar Drive & collected $205 from our charity minded Ambergris Caye community.

A Walk on the Beach – Town to Palapa Bar – on ONE GORGEOUS DAY in San Pedro
Yesterday you could feel the beginning of winter in Belize. Slightly lower humidity, a cool breeze from north, sun and lofty pinkish clouds – it was absolute perfection. Before headed to what I will now call “The Camp” or Cayo Frances Farm & Fly for 2 nights, I took a walk along the beach in town. A walk that I haven’t taken in a while. Almost every dock is rebuilt since Hurricane Earl at the beginning of August. And things were looking absolutely beautiful. First things first. I continue my bird watching on the way to town from North Ambergris Caye. I’m stumped by this fluffy hawk…does anyone know what she is? I started at the oldest and certainly one of the cutest hotels in San Pedro – the 50 year old Holiday Hotel. She doesn’t look a day over 10. I’m just going to inch northward… And passing the Tacklebox (now called Island Tackle) – one of the oldest bars in San Pedro. Anyone know what is considered the oldest?

International Sources

Belize, Please—You Shouldn't Travel Anywhere Else
A new page in the history books makes Belize our winter-getaway pick. With a recent amendment overturning its law positioning homosexuality as an act “against the order of nature,” Latin America’s only officially English-speaking nation is now poised to initiate every stripe of traveler into its little realm of glittering waters and drenched rain forests. While international flights converge on Belize City, most vacationers make a beeline for San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, a thin spit of offshore sand that functions as a gateway to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The scuba diving is superlative, but weekenders needing to fully unplug can board a puddle jumper for the real Belizean experience in the southern jungles of the Toledo district. Dense with impenetrable green forests and scarred with Mayan ruins, the region flaunts its Robinson Crusoe appeal like an antidote to the crowded seashore up north. The area’s ecotourism orbits around Belcampo Belize (BelcampoBZ.com), a state-of-the-art hideaway that functions like a utopian amalgamation of a farm and a safari lodge. You’ll hear howler monkeys hoot as you dig into your fresh salads from the garden, and birds of prey will flash across the sky while you soak in the swimming pool. Chocolate-making classes are offered here, and a brand-new rum distillery casts an intriguing light on refining sugarcane and elevates the cocktail program.

Belize's Glover's Reef providing refuge for new generation of sea turtles
A new generation of threatened hawksbill sea turtles is thriving in the protected waters of Glover's Reef Atoll, Belize, evidence that efforts to protect these and other marine species in one of the world's great barrier reef systems are working, according to WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) and the Belize Fisheries Department. In a recently published study in the journal Endangered Species Research, scientists have reported that the coral reefs surrounding the atoll are home to more than 1,000 juvenile hawksbill sea turtles- good news for a species. The authors of the study titled "In-water assessments of sea turtles at Glover's Reef Atoll, Belize" are: Samantha Strindberg, Virginia R. Burns Perez and Janet Gibson of WCS; Robin A. Coleman of WCS and Sawfish Consulting Ltd.; Cathi L. Campbell of WCS and the University of Florida, and Isaias Majil of the Belize Fisheries Department. "The findings of our research show that juvenile hawksbill turtles are thriving at Glover's Reef- extremely good news for this endangered species," said Virginia Burns Perez, WCS Technical Coordinator in Belize.

The Queen – Britain’s most powerful weapon
The United Kingdom now finds itself in a period of great uncertainty. After the vote for Brexit, the change in government and Donald Trump’s victory in the United States presidential election, nobody quite knows where the ancient kingdom is headed. Only one figure has the experience and stature to sell the UK on the world stage. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was there when Britain stood alone against the Nazi war machine and saw the liberation of Europe at the hands of the Russians, Americans, and her own people. She watched as Europe rebuilt after the war and was present as the German state adapted to a new age of democratic power. The Queen also saw the rise and fall of Russian Communism and the creation of NATO. During The Queen’s reign, regimes have come and gone, but the British Monarchy has remained virtually unchanged from its position at the start of the 20th Century. To the rest of the world, The Queen is a titan of history and a true stateswoman. As the UK attempts to negotiate with world leaders, The Queen could prove a most valuable asset. President-elect Trump has recently spoken about his deep admiration for Her Majesty, and she is widely respected throughout Europe. Her impressive standing on the world stage could be a major factor in keeping Britain from being an irrelevance in the coming decades.

Banana prices rise as Brexit bites
Unfavourable exchange rates force four major supermarkets to increase banana prices in past two weeks Banana prices have risen for the first time in five years, with loose bananas up 4p per kilo at Asda, Morrisons, Lidl and Aldi. Aldi was the first to increase prices two weeks ago, and was quickly followed by the other three retailers. Barring a couple of short-lived price rises related to temporary production shortages, banana prices at Britain’s major retailers have remained at or below 68p per kilo since 2011. Asda, Morrisons, Lidl and Aldi – which are currently sourcing their bananas from Costa Rica, Cameroon, Colombia and Belize respectively – have all increased the price of a kilo of loose bananas from 68p to 72p – a rise of six per cent.

Videos

Iconic Chateau Caribbean “Gone” in Sunday Blaze, 6.5min.

The Zenaida Moya Show - First episode 28th Nov 2016, 1hr21min. The first episode featured Professor Patrick Menzies and Attorney-at-Law Arthur Silvidar and they discussed the President elect Donald Trump first 100 days Policy Plan and the impacts, if any, on Belize and Belizeans living in the USA

Jenko Veli @ Belize International Film Festival, 5min.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle Recovery | WCS Belize, 2min. A new generation of threatened hawksbill sea turtles is thriving in the protected waters of Glover’s Reef Atoll, Belize, evidence that efforts to protect these and other marine species in one of the world’s great barrier reef systems are working, according to WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) and the Belize Fisheries Department.

The Great Blue Hole, Belize (Oct. 2016), 5min. Our trip to the Blue Hole with Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop out of San Pedro, Belize. October 2016.

Down in Belize with Dell and the Smith Brothers, 3min.

Disability Awareness Week, 7min. Disability Awareness Week is being celebrated in the Corozal District. The events for commenced on Monday with a school march through the main streets of town and was followed by a unique pampering session. We stopped in to find out how the children were overcoming their disabilities.

Castro Speech - The Impact of The Death of Fidel Castro, 22min.

The Implications of Castro's Death on the Region, 35min.

US Embassy - Young Leaders of the America's Initiative, 30min.

Cuba & world leaders honor Fidel Castro at memorial ceremony, 4hr.

Liz and Aimee's Adventures in Belize, 24min.

BELIZE 2016, 5.5min. Belize trip -- Thanksgiving 2016.

Citrus Products of Belize Ltd Advertisement, .5min.

Giant Loggerhead Turtle - Belize, November 2016, 1/2min.

Swimming with sharks and stingrays in Belize, 1min. Swimming with sharks and stingrays during feeding time near Caye Caulker in Belize on my travels. One of the coolest snorkelling experiences ever.