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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
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.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
