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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, and other specials

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Comes Together In Support of Fallen Angel
The San Pedro community once again rallied together in support of one of their own and displayed once again how united, strong and caring the people of La Isla Bonita really are. #StrongWithKat a fundraiser for Katherine Portillo took place this past weekend for a friend in much need. Local Sanpedrana, Kathy Portillo was in a tragic car accident and suffered extensive injuries that include a severe spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the chest down. She is undergoing a complex recovery process and needs assistance with all daily living activities. The #StrongWithKat fundraiser (Dec. 2 &3) that included a radiothon, dollar drive, food sale, run/walk and T-shirt sales was a fundraiser that will help to provide 24/7 nursing care and physical therapy.

25 Individuals Receive Wheelchairs From The Wheelchair Foundation of California
Twenty five individuals living in San Pedro and Caye Caulker have received wheelchairs donated by the Wheelchair Foundation of California on December 6, 2016 at the San Pedro Lions Den. Residents of the San Pedro and Caye Caulker communities attended this event. San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero gave his gratitude, along with Mr. Glenn Perry from the Wheelchair Foundation. Eiden Salazar, San Pedro Red Cross Board President, was master of ceremonies for the evening. Over the past months, the Wheelchair Foundation officials have been working with the San Pedro Branch of the Belize Red Cross and the medical staff on the islands to compile the list of individuals who need wheelchairs.

Unmasking the Many Faces of Gender Based Violence
The University Of Belize Social Work Student Association (SWSA) and the University of Belize Social Work Department held an event entitled “ Stop Gender-Based Violence via Expressive Arts” to raise awareness of gender-based violence in Belize. This event was inspiring, empowering, innovative, and an avenue for UB social work students to express their talents and to learn from prominent activist in the Belize about all forms of gender-based violence. The event was a part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. It was held at Spoonaz Photo Café on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Students and visitors packed the Spoonaz Café, where the event was held and were treated to a range of powerful and profound performances and testimonials. There was a celebratory mood enveloped in a sobering spirit that more needs to be done to end gender-based violence. The night touched on serious and sensitive topics such as: women empowerment/leadership, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, gender stereotypes, and gender identity & Sexuality.

Misc Belizean Sources

Prime Minister’s Return Delayed
The Office of the Prime Minister informs that the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow will not be returning to Belize today as originally planned. The Prime Minister was experiencing symptoms seemingly consistent with viral gastroenteritis prior to his departure and had to be admitted to the Belize Medical Associates overnight last Thursday. The symptoms have persisted during his travel and he saw a doctor and was advised to run tests, some of which could not have been diagnosed in Belize. For this reason, Prime Minister Barrow’s return is delayed until Sunday, 11th December 2016. During his absence, Hon. Patrick Faber will continue to act as Prime Minister, and the signing of the UNCAC and the meeting of the House of Representatives will proceed.

Self-Defense for Women and Girls
Learn to use observation skils and vocal skills to prevent a situation from ecalating into violence. Learn physical skills to defense yourself including defense against gun, knife, machete, strangulation, suffocation, choking. Learn how to respond to a home invasion. Have fun, too! Saturday, December 10 at 8:30 AM - 12 PM, Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Belize, Belize City

Caye Caulker 3rd Annual Christmas Party
FREE ,FREE, FREE TICKETS ! December 18, Baskerball Court 4pm. Tickets will be available on December 1st to the 12th. During the hours of 2pm to 6pm at Step By Step Tutoring Center . Parents must come for the tickets. PLEASE NOTE--------"ONLY FOR CHILDREN LIVING ON CAYE CAULKER AGES 1 TO 10 YRS".

La Isla Carinosa Academy Christmas Show 2016
LICA playground, December 15th, 6:30pm. Its that time of the year once again! LICA CHRISTMAS SHOW. Those who attended last year can attest to all the fun we had. Don't miss out on the fun again this year. See you there!!! You can purchase your tickets at our office or with any of our students or teachers.

Poets Corner: Disability Registry
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez We need a report from the Special Envoy For all the trips and perks she has enjoyed Under the guise of fighting the diversely-abled ploy This the people of Belize a cannot be denied Since neither for us and nothing without is the diversely-abled cry This decadence hurts the I Belize became 148 signatory On 9th May 2011 fortunately To the Convention on the Rights of Person with Disability Promising protection of those with vulnerability Yet we have no disability registry BCVI, BAPDA, and NARCIE Claim they have theirs individually Inspiration Center has a personal registry What will it take to have national registry? This enables us to serve this community Persons who are most vulnerable in society It was Mrs Barrow who attended the signing ceremony Prior to her Judith’s visit to Hawaii

Yucatec Maya Huipil style blouse
Preserving our Maya heritage and culture in these modern times. Sometimes our youths do not want to wear our traditional Yucatec Maya Huipil due to western influence. Many Yucatec Maya in Belize only use the traditional Huipil for cultural presentations. What do you think of bringing our Maya wears back? How many of you young women would wear this Yucatec Maya Huipil style blouse? Season greetings to everyone from the Yucatec Maya of Corozal.

Wanaragua Workshop
Ever wanted to learn? Now is your chance... December 10th, 8:30am - 3:30pm. Helpage Building, Dangriga

Learn Spanish in a Most Practical and Easy Way
Spanish lessons are underway here in Corozal at the House of Culture, each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Interested persons are invited to attend.

Google Timelapse
This is really neat. Google Earth has made a time lapse of evolution of the world over the last 30 years. Click on the link on the far right, directly underneath the graphic, which says "Explore the World," and type in "Caye Caulker." See how Caye Caulker has changed over the last 30 years. You might have to use the zoom feature to zoom in to Caye Caulker.

BelizeINVEST, BELTRAIDE PARTICIPATES IN THE 7th EDITION OF INDIA – LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN (LAC) CONCLAVE 2016
On November 28 , 2016, BelizeINVEST a unit of BELTRAIDE, participated in the 7th Edition of the India – Latin America & Caribbean (LAC) Conclave in Guadalajara, Mexico, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN ECLAC) and the Government of Jalisco, Mexico. The event served as a platform to foster trade and investment opportunities between India and Latin American & Caribbean countries. As India – LAC cross – country investments continue to thrive to a total of an estimated $23 billion USD in 2014, key thematic areas, such as the role of regional groups and trade agreements in the India – LAC relationships, were discussed through plenary sessions which comprised of approximately 120 key public and private representations. Through strategic relationships built at the event, BelizeINVEST seeks to continue its investment promotion endeavors for the generation of Indian investments to Belize.

Temporary closing of Baking Pot Ferry
Thursday and Friday 8-noon. Public Announcement from the Ministry of Works. Baking Pot is the name, former name of Central Farm. If you mail from there, the postal stamp says 'Baking Pot' and the archaeological work there is also named Baking Pot. aThis release is first i am hearing about a bridge there! The new high rise bridge (very high ) over Macal should open in March 2017.

Belize Defence Force Lieutenant Receives Silver Medal Award
Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Velasquez of the Belize Defence Force was the proud recipient of a Silver Medal award from the Central American Armed Forces Conference (CFAC) on Wednesday November 30th, 2016 during its meeting in El Salvador. This award is in recognition of Velasquez’s meritorious participation and contribution to the greater cooperation of the armies of the Central American region. The award was presented to him by President of the Superior Council of CFAC Lieutenant General David Mungia Payes, Minister of Defence of El Salvador, on behalf of the armies of the region. Other recipients of the award included Peruvian Vice Admiral Gonzalo Polastri and British Colonel David Stradbridge.

Aquatic Homicidal Death Investigation Training
The Embassy’s Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) program facilitated an Aquatic Homicidal Death Investigation Training for 39 people from several sections of Belizean law enforcement including Crime Scene Technicians, Crime Investigators, Coast Guard Dive Team, a Medical Examiner, and several others. As part of CARSI’s overall commitment to assist in improving citizen security in Belize, the goal of this course was to equip law enforcement managers and supervisors with the specific forensic and behavioral knowledge necessary for handling aquatic death investigations. Few things in a democracy are as important as ensuring that citizens have confidence in their rule of law institutions. Ensuring all types of death cases are properly investigated is a key element in maintaining citizen confidence in the police department. Since 2008, the United States Government has provided US $40 million to the Government of Belize through CARSI to assist in enhancing citizen security and rule of law in Belize.

BTL Job Fair
This Saturday, December 10th - Belize City. Belize Telemedia Limited is looking for qualified Technicians to join our winning team!!! Applicants should possess an Associates Degree (Preference will be given to those with Computer Networking or equivalent technical field) Vacancies are available only in Belize City, San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Interviews will be held from 8am - 1pm on Saturday, December 10th at our BTL Office on Church St. in Belize City. Remember to bring along your resume and two references.

Cockscomb Basin Bird Count
Annual Belize Audubon Society bird count for this area. Open to anyone with an interest in Birds, and a great opportunity to meet professionals in the field. The Pre-count meeting starts at 7.00pm on the 15th, at the Cockscomb Basin Head Quarters. There is where we will split in teams, decide who covers which area and team members. If you plan to attend the Bird Count the following day, this meeting is a must. Dec 16 at 1 AM to Dec 17 at 12 AM, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Meet Ms. Dorla Bowman, an activist against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the Toledo District
Dorla is a social justice activist who has worked throughout Belize promoting gender equality, economic development, and peace through self-help and self-reliance. She has been actively addressing the issue of the full participation of women in the development of Belize and GBV since 1981. In her quest to address the issue of discrimination against woman, she lobbied for the ratification of the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the formulation of the first National Policy Statement on Women. Dorla has also served as the Public/Educator Trainer and Director of the Women’s Bureau (now known as the Women’s Department), the founding President of Women Against Violence, President of the National Women’s Commission, and one of the founders of the Belize Women’s Political Caucus. Additionally, Dorla has served as one of the founding members of Socio-Economic Outreach (SEO), which works to reduce poverty in the Toledo District. She developed socio-economic outreach programs focused on fighting poverty and malnutrition, in-service volunteer training, information sharing, and fundraising. Dorla also established and is the current President of Building People Movement, a local non-governmental organization with a vision of economic empowerment for marginalized communities.

Channel 7

Another Case Collapses, Joshua Abraham's Alleged Killers Go Free, DPP Laments
When 9 year old Joshua Abraham was killed on Independence Day, 2011, it was a tragedy that shook society to its core. The Standard 2 student had just returned from watching the 21st. Parade. He was standing on the sidewalk in front of his home on Victoria street - when two men rode past on separate bicycles and began to fire indiscriminately. One of the bullets hit Joshua, and he died shortly after. It happened in broad daylight, and based on eyewitness accounts, Police said the gunmen were Randy Green and Michael Young. The pair have been on remand for 5 years – but tonight they are free. That's after the prosecution could not get their confession statements admitted and could not get key witnesses to back up their statements in the courtroom. Christelle Wilson represented 30 year old Randy Green while Baja Shoman represented 27 year old Michael Young. Wilson told us that after Crown Counsel Janelle Tillett closed her case, and neither caution statements nor witness statements were compelling, she made the no case submission:…

Was Baby Janeeka Beaten To Death?
Did child neglect or abuse cause the death of a one year old baby girl? That's what Belmopan police are investigating after one-year-old St. Matthews Villager Janeeka Campbell was picked up by police yesterday in an unresponsive state. Police were in the village when they were told that a small child was in urgent need of medical care. Police picked up the child and started rushing her to Belmopan's Western Regional Hospital. They transferred her to an ambulance along the way. But the one year old was pronounced dead on arrival at the Western Regional. What's concerning is that she was found with bruises to various parts of her body. We are told she also appeared underweight. Tonight her father is detained and her mother was also questioned today. Is it a case of criminal parental neglect? Police don't know much and they aren't jumping to conclusions. The officer commanding Belmopan told us what they have at this point:…

Butane Leak Caused Chateau To Burn
A gas pipe leak caused the fire that destroyed the iconic Chateau Caribbean. That's the official report from the fire department. In a briefing today, Station Manager, Orin Smith explained that there was a leak in a section of the pipe connecting the butane gas tank to one of the stoves in the kitchen. That leak filled the air with highly flammable butane, and that's what caused the source for the ignition which burnt down the building. Reports are that employees were in the kitchen cooking at the time. Smith told us this is not the first fire at the Chateau Caribbean and that there are measures that hotel and restaurant owners can take to prevent fires. Orin Smith - Station Mgr, Fire Department: "The Chateau fire investigation had concluded. That investigation reveals that the fire originated as a result of a gas leak from a galvanized pipeline that was used to transfer gas supply to the main stove within the kitchen on the third story of the building. The pipeline had a small leak that I would believe eventually build up over time and this section of the pipeline that had the leak was within a double layer wall of concrete block and when that ignition took place that Sunday morning it cause a sudden ignition that sounded like an explosion and in actuality it actually was because of the build-up of vapour within the wall."

PM's Return Delayed By Gastroenteritis, Will Miss First House Meeting As PM
Prime Minister Barrow's return to the country has been delayed by illness. He was scheduled to return from New York today after a few days meetings relating to the refinancing of the Superbond. But a press release issued at midday announced that the PM has viral gastroenteritis and is awaiting the results of tests done in New York. The release discloses that he had to be hospitalized overnight last week Thursday with the same illness. He travelled on Saturday, but the symptoms persisted, and so he visited a doctor in New York. He is now awaiting the results of those tests and will not return until Saturday. And, so, what about the house meeting on Friday? And the signing of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption which is also scheduled for Friday?

GOB Offers Bondholders "Consent Solicitation Statement"
And while the Prime Minister is in New York, the meetings with bondholders have concluded. According to a release on the Central Bank website, government is proposing to bondholders something called a "Consent Solicitation Statement." This is kind of like a first offer, which government will send to bondholders in early January 2017. Government is asking for responses by mid-February of 2017. If at that point, 75% of the bondholders agree with the terms in the Consent Solicitation Statement – well then Government hopes to finalize a new agreement with bondholders before the next Superbond payment is due on February 20, 2017. But that's only the plan; it could get a lot more complex and drawn out, if fewer than 75% of the bondholders give their consent. Likely, bondholders will want the Government and the people of Belize to "share the pain." And that's why the press release says that , quote, "Government is seeking Parliamentary approval for a rigorous fiscal reform agenda." These fiscal adjustment measures, include refinancing the Superbond, and, in the release, Government is inviting bond-holders, quote, "to comment on possible structures for amending the financial terms of those instruments in order to put the Bonds on a sustainable footing."

The Senate's Deep Drill Begins Into Immigration Irregularities
After exactly a month's break, the Senate Select Committee resumed its hearings, drilling deep into the Auditor General's Report on the Immigration Department. They're trying to get to the bottom of the mass irregularities that her report has catalogued. Today's session was a marathon 5 hours where Auditor General Dorothy Bradley was back under the public lens as they dissected the work of her audit team piece by piece. Today, the 5 member committee, in meticulous fashion, started with the portions of the document in which she and her team complained of what appeared to be deliberate attempts at frustrating the audit process. Now, in her interview with us in September, former Acting Director of Immigration Maria Marin, flatly denied any attempts to get in the way of the auditors. She told us that she did all she could to help them, but in some instances, the department could not, for example, provide files because the Police had taken them in their own investigation.

Auditor General Makes Major Concession On Allegation of Ministerial "Illegal" Acts
So, in the afternoon session, when the hearings resumed, the Senate Committee members turned to some of the Auditor General's findings in which persons who obviously did not qualify for visa's, nationality or passports, managed to get them anyway. Some of these people got these documents approved at lightning speed, some in a matter of days, some right after they had been given visas to travel to Belize. Here's the Senate questioning the auditors on these findings: Hon. Eamon Courtenay - PUP Senator: "We found recommendation and request made by ministers of government for individuals to be approved Belize visas, paragraph 7. First sentence; do you have any examples of these letters, recommendations and requests made by ministers?" Dorothy Bradley - Auditor General: "Yes." Hon. Eamon Courtenay - PUP Senator: "Do they form part of your report?" Dorothy Bradley - Auditor General "Yes." Hon. Eamon Courtenay - PUP Senator: "Right... The actual letters? I'm asking you these documents that you gave us, you have the actual letters from the ministers?"

Man Found With Loaded Gun At Courthouse
In June of 2010, gang leader Andre Trapp was slain outside the courthouse building in Belize City.That incident proved that predatory gunmen lurk there because that’s often the only place where they can catch major street figures outside the protection of their home turf. That’s why an arrest today is troubling to police and court security. The cops found a man at the courthouse with a loaded double – barrelled 38 pistol. 19-year-old John Orosco was acting suspiciously and fidgeting with the waist of his pants. Police searched him and found a silver, double-barrelled .38 special tucked in his waist. The gun contained 2 rounds of gold coloured ammunition. We are told the weapon appeared to be relatively new.

GSU Gets A Ruger
The GSU says they took ammunition and weed off the GSG’s turf yesterday. The unit searched an abandoned house on Caesar Ridge Road, where they found four ounces of weed, and (13) live rounds of .45 ammunition. And on Tuesday night, the unit scored with the discovery of a 9 millimeter pistol. They searched the home of a person they refer to as a “known drug peddler on Iguana Street Extension” where they found a 9 millimetre Ruger pistol. It was loaded with 6 live rounds of ammunition. No one was around and the gun was labelled as Found Property.

Accountant Nestor Vasquez Says Senator Courtenay Has It All Wrong
Last night on the news, you saw Senator Eamon Courtenay explaining why the Senate's appointment of Net Vasquez as accountant for the Integrity Commission has to be rescinded. Courtney argues that Vasquez is not a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants because his certificate of membership has expired. Today Net Vasquez responded to that criticism:… Nestor Vasquez - Accountant, Integrity Commission: "Certificate I provided when the cabinet asked for a resume is this one. It's dated January 1st 1985 okay and this certificate if you can look it carefully and show me an expiration date, if you can find one show it to me, it has none okay. I have remained a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Belize without any interruption. The internal arose when I was given the post of executive chairman at Belize Telemedia, I no longer needed a practicing certificate so I did not apply to have a practicing certificate. I closed my office okay, I discharged my staff with their compensation, I have no clients, I haven't been practicing then but I remained a member a of the Institute of Chartered Accountants."

The Belize Barrier Reef: 20 Years As A World Heritage Site
Belize's Barrier Reef is not only one of the country's largest income generators, but it's also a marvel of nature. The Barrier Reef Reserve System which includes the atolls, mangrove forests and cayes was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Now 20 years later, the organizations and industries that benefit and make their livelihoods off the reef gathered to celebrate the second largest barrier reef in the world. We spoke to John Burgos, the Executive Director of the BTIA, one of the ceremony's organizers about the importance of our reef being recognized by UNESCO… John Burgos - Executive Director, BTIA: "Well basically this is the beginning of a series of events that we've been organising over the last 5 months to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the World Heritage Site of the Belize Barrier Reef is being recognised by UNESCO community. We would like for Belizeans to really get to understand how much value it brings to the economy and to what Belize stands for not only for the tourism industry, we're looking at everything that resides within the coast line and marine ecosystems in Belize are influenced and impacted by the Belize Barrier Reef System."

Services Sector Strategy, the Real Deal
ICT, Tourism and Culture are important service sectors and the Ministry of Economic Development want to strengthen them through regional strategies. Now we know, whenever the words report or strategy are used we lose interest and faith, because almost all the time, these draft documents don't really do or change anything. But the Ministry's Acting CSME Focal Point Berisford Codd, told us they plan on seriously putting these strategies into action. At today's consultation session at the Princess hotel, Codd told us how this process works and why it is important for the service sector and the economy. Berisford Codd - Acting CSME Focal Point, Ministry of Investment: "It's not one strategy, its one strategy per sector so there are different sectors we are looking at, health and wellness, which deals with both medical providers and the persons who deal with spa and wellness that type of field, there is ICT and we also have professional services that touches architects , engineers and that sort of thing and there is culture and entertainment services , we also have some other in the pipe line such as tourism, education, and sports, so each of these sectors will get their own strategy. What we really are doing is to bring all the partners today to the table so everybody can get a greater sense of where we are going as a group."

BDF Lieutenant Colonel Stands Out In El Salvador
In June the Guatemalan President referred to Belize’s army as unprofessional – and though he’s a comedian, Jimmy Morales was dead serious when he made that cutting remark. But, the BDF is proving otherwise – and right in Guatemala’s back yard. Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Velasquez earned a Silver Medal award from the Central American Armed Forces Conference (CFAC) on Wednesday in El Salvador. A release states, quote: "This award is in recognition of Velasquez’s meritorious participation and contribution to the greater cooperation of the armies of the Central American region.” The award was presented by el Salvador’s Minister of Defence Lieutenant General David Mungia Payes, quote “on behalf of the armies of the region." CFAC promotes cooperation, coordination, and mutual support among the regional armed forces.

UN Framework Launched
Today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with the UN launched the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework in the Caribbean. It’s a long and complicated name for an agreement between the UN and several countries in the Caribbean, where the UN provides funds to support the growth of developing countries. We spoke to Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington and the UN Resident Coordinator, Christian Salazar, about the signing of the agreement, and where the funds will be allocated… Health, poverty reduction, climate change and citizen security and justice were chosen because they were identified as key areas in raising the quality of life for Belizeans.

Praying For Peace
The wave of crime in recent weeks has left Belize City shell shocked. It’s not so much the number of murders but the types of killings: 7 year old Tyler Savery gunned down for no reason, 44 year old Dale Tillett Sr. gunned down, again, no reason. I could go on….but you get the idea…it’s just too much senseless killings. That’s why today, the Belize City Council and other members of the community came together in protest of those crimes and in solidarity for their victims. The council along with the police and other stakeholders marched through the streets of Belize City in a Walk for Peace. We spoke to the event’s major organisers and participants about why this walk is necessary in this climate of crime and violence… The event ended with a rally at BTL park where several citizens gave their testimonials and performed for the crowd…

Mayor On Foreshore Frustration
The Belize City Council has been paving roads for years. One of those roads, Southern Foreshore in Belize City, was fully cemented and equipped with a drainage system about two years ago. The street's drains were covered with metal grills that have been proven as sub standard. While the grills worked for a while, they have recently come undone, and are more of a traffic hazard than anything else right now. We asked the Mayor if there are any plans to repair this eyesore and traffic hazard urgently... These grills have been re-done a number of times.

The Death Aquatic
Belize has many traumatic deaths on land – and there are also a good many at sea, including homicides, and drowning’s of Belizeans and tourists. Now it’s hard enough to get crimes solved or causes of death identified when they occur on solid ground, so you can imagine the challenges when the deaths occur in water. That’s why last week several members of the Coast Guard dive team, police crime investigators and medical examiners participated in an aquatic homicidal death investigation training course. The course was organised by the US Embassy, and aimed to equip law enforcement with the skills necessary for analysing all aspects of aquatic death cases in the country. Participants were taught how to determine the cause of death of victims along with proper case and forensic management skills.

Belize Bank Throws A Party For Stella Maris Kids
Who doesn't love a good Christmas party? Well the students from Stella Maris certainly enjoyed theirs today. Every year the Belize Bank hosts over 100 kids at the Radisson for a fun Christmas party. Even Santa drops by bearing gifts. The senior Marketing officer, Denise Godfrey told us why they keep on organising this party and what it means for these kids with Diverse Abilities. 108 kids attended this year’s Christmas party.

Maskall Woman Missing
Belize District rural Police are asking your help to find a 67 year old woman form Maskall who’s been missing since for two days. Gabriela Mendez was last seen at Spanish Town in Maskall Village on Monday. Maskall Police searched for her from 11 this morning to 5:00 this evening and found nothing. Anyone knowing her whereabouts sis asked to contact police.

Channel 5

Toddler Dies in St. Matthew’s: Accident or Murder?
We begin tonight’s newscast with shocking news of the death of a baby girl under most mysterious circumstances, where authorities are not sure if it was an accident or a [...]

Family Claims It Was an Accident; Police Wait for Post-Mortem Results
Late-breaking information from an aunt of the deceased, who spoke to News Five via telephone this evening, is that according to Janeeka’s father, they were sleeping in bed together when [...]

No Justice for Joshua Abraham; Accused Killers Set Free
While police are yet to conclude that a two-year old girl from Saint Matthews was murdered, in the courtroom today, two murder suspects of another child walked free. The case [...]

Sick P.M. to Miss House on Friday; Faber Steps Into Top Job
Prime Minister Dean Barrow did not make it back to Belize from New York for health reasons, following meetings with bondholders.  A release today says the PM is receiving medical treatment [...]

Wilfred Elrington Stands by “Naming” of “Rude, Disrespectful” Julius Espat
On Tuesday, the Chief Justice struck out a case brought against the Speaker of the House by Cayo South area rep Julius Espat. Espat argued that his removal from the [...]

Maybe Some Cheer for Christmas This Year; Gov’t Reps Will Be Resourceful
The Christmas Cheer was introduced by the Barrow Administration to U.D.P. ministers, caretakers and other political officers.  Thousands of dollars from the public purse were also disbursed, albeit disproportionately to [...]

Irregular, But Not Illegal: Auditor General Revises Position on Minister’s Visa Recommendations
The second session of the Senate Special Select Committee recalled Auditor General Dorothy Bradley, who was joined by direct assistant and Supervisor of Audit Carla Faber to answer further questions [...]

Will Immigration Go After Beneficiaries of Visas, Passports and Nationality?
Among the many irregularities found in the Immigration Audit Report’s three volumes is the curious process by which persons who had never set foot on Belizean shores were able to [...]

Michael Modiri’s Caretaker Exposes Blackmail and False Evidence Plot
The bitter land dispute in Frank’s Eddy Village between businessmen Michael Modiri and Bradley Paumen, over access to Paumen’s Dark Night Tours, is unceasing.   Despite their names making headlines on [...]

Are Senior Police Behind Blackmail and Abuse of Jerome Crawford?
Crawford claims that he was physically abused by the arresting officers, a matter which is presently before the court.  He also says that in visiting the Belmopan police station on [...]

Wilfred Elrington Supports A.G. in Case Against Andre Vega and Sharon Pitts
The government is filing a lawsuit against Andre Vega for not reimbursing to government a four-hundred-thousand-dollar compensation that was paid to him in a land scandal surrounding a property near [...]

Still Time for Sarstoon Protocol Before 2016 Ends?
The last we spoke with Minister Elrington, he made it clear that communication with his counterpart in Guatemala, Carlos Raul Morales, was non-existent and that things relating to the territorial [...]

Leaking Gas Pipe Took Out Historic Chateau Caribbean
An investigation into the cause of a massive fire that decimated the historic Chateau Caribbean Hotel a week and a half ago, has concluded.  According to officials at the National [...]

Accused Hitman or Police Victim? John Orozco Jailed Over Firearm
A teenager, who was busted in front of a Belize City Magistrate’s Court room this morning, is claiming the police planted a gun on him. Authorities suspect they may have [...]

Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework Officially Launched in Belize
Today, the Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework was officially launched following the signing of the agreement between the Government of Belize and the United Nations. The five-year program links the national [...]

Stella Maris Kids Get Christmas Treat from Belize Bank
Christmas is a time for giving and in the spirit of goodwill the Belize Bank, threw a huge party for the children of Stella Marris at the Radisson this morning. [...]

CTV3

Senate Select Committe Meets And Discusses Recommendations Made By Ministers
The senate select committee’s much-anticipated hearings on the Auditor General’s special audit report on immigration resumed for second session today at the National Assembly building in Belmopan. Today’s hearing resumed right where the first one in mid-October had ended, with the Auditor General Dorothy Bradley appearing before the committee members for interrogation. If you can recall, on her first appearance Bradley entered a statement on the record, admitting to committing an error in her report which said that House Speaker Michael Peyrefitte had committed an irregularity when he signed an application for passport. Flanked by her two attorneys Derek Courtenay and Phillip Palacio, Bradley was asked to respond questions and requests for clarification on a number of aspects of her 700-page report. She was joined by a member of the auditing team to assist in the responses to questions about the auditing process.

Prime Minister's Trip Back To Belize Delayed
Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country on Saturday to attend a meeting in New York City to further carry out Superbond negotiations with bond stakeholders. While the PM was expected to return to the country today following those meetings, a release issued by the office of the Prime Minister earlier today indicates that Prime Minister Dean Barrow will not be returning to the country until Sunday December 12th. So what does his late return mean for Friday’s special House sitting and the signing of the UNCAC, both set for Friday December 9th? Well, according to the release, both the House meeting and UNCAC signing will continue as scheduled with acting PM Patrick Faber. According to the release, PM’s delayed return is attributed to matters regarding to his health, “The Prime Minister was experiencing symptoms seemingly consistent with viral gastroenteritis prior to his departure and had to be admitted to the Belize Medical Associates overnight last Thursday. The symptoms have persisted during his travel and he saw a doctor and was advised to run tests, some of which could not have been diagnosed in Belize.”

Pitts, Vega And GOB To Meet Face To Face In Court
The 30 days given to Andrea Vega and Sharon Pitts by the Attorney General’s office, to respond to the Government’s order requiring the return of $800,000 which Vega and Pitts obtained as compensation in questionable land deals, has expired. CTV-3 News has confirmed that neither Vega nor Pitts responded adequately to the Attorney General within the period given. Pitts, who received $400,000 as compensation for land she was sold by the Government for $10,000, reportedly did initially respond through an attorney, in which she committed to responding properly by December 1st, but that letter never materialised.

BDF Lieutenant Receives Silver Medal Award
Belize Defense Force Lieutenant Anthony Velasquez has received the Silver Medal Award from the Central American Armed Forces Conference (CFAC) on Wednesday November 30th, 2016 during its meeting in El Salvador. This recognition was awarded Velasquez in recognition of his meritorious participation and contribution to the greater cooperation of the armies of the Central American region. The award was presented to him by President of the Superior Council of CFAC Lieutenant General David Mungia Payes, Minister of Defense of El Salvador, on behalf of the armies of the region. The CFAC was created in 2007 and has as its mission the promotion of a permanent and systematic effort of cooperation, coordination, and mutual support among the member armed forces. It includes professional development exchanges, cooperation on dealing with shared issues and threats to democracy, peace, and freedom in the region.

Breaking Belize News

Two trucks collide
Reports reaching our newsroom is that a Toyota Hilux and a Wingle pickup truck collided on the George Price highway this afternoon near the entrance to Camp Belizario. The drivers were both treated at the San Ignacio Community hospital and have been released. Information […]

BDF Lieutenant awarded Silver Medal
Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Velasquez of the Belize Defense Force was the recipient of a Silver Medal award from the Central American Armed Forces Conference (CFAC) on Wednesday November 30th, 2016 during its meeting in El Salvador. This award is in recognition of Velasquez’s meritorious participation […]

Belize National Football Team called to camp
The following article was sent The Football Federation has decided to call players of the National Football Team, just one month away from their participation on the upcoming UNCAF Copa Centroamericana Tournament to be held in Panama on the 13th-22nd of January. How […]

PM Barrow not returning in time for House Sitting and signing of UN convention against corruption
The Office of the Prime Minister issued a press release this afternoon informing that Prime Minister Dean Barrow will not be returning to the country today as originally planned. According to the release, PM Barrow was experiencing symptoms seemingly consistent with viral gastroenteritis prior […]

Parent detained for questioning in death of infant daughter
Police have detained the parent of an infant child for questioning after the child died suddenly yesterday. Belmopan police reported that the child was seen with various bruises to several parts of her body. A post mortem has been scheduled to determine the exact […]

Two-year-old boy drowns in Toledo
A two-year-old boy drowned yesterday in Jalacte village, Toledo. According to reports, Clara Coc Koy, 33, reported to police that around 12:10 p.m. on December 6, 2016 while she was serving lunch to her children, she noticed that her youngest son 2-year-old Samuel Koy […]

Police find 1238 grams of marijuana in Teakettle village
Acting on intelligence, Belmopan police discovered 1,238 grams of cannabis in Teakettle village yesterday morning. According to reports, at around 8:30 am police conducted the search in an empty lot in Teakettle which led to the discovery of the cannabis in a black plastic […]

Questionable medication in Belize
There are shocking revelations that the people of Belize were possibly being treated for health conditions with medicine that doesn’t meet Ministry of Health standards. The CEO in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ramon Figueroa, has not confirmed this frightening possibility but did confirm […]

Manatee dies in boat collision
.A 7 foot manatee too big to fit on the scale at the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic (BWRC) was reported dead yesterday. According to the BWRC, the manatee may have been the largest patient seen at the clinic’s facility in Central Farm so far. […]

Pitts and Vega to be summoned to court
The Acting Solicitor General is preparing to file a claim against attorney Shaton Pitts and son of former Cabinet minister, Andre Vega. On November 4 the Government of Belize had written the duo requesting that they return the $400,000 they had each received as […]

Letter to the editor; 60% is a 75% but a 70% is not?
The following is a letter submitted to the editor 60% is a 75% but a 70% is not? Belize Defence Force Math (101) I write as a concerned parent of an Officer of the Belize Defence Force, who wakes up […]

Gas tank explosion caused Chateau inferno
A leaking gas tank caused an explosion which ultimately led to the fire that destroyed the historic Chateau Caribbean almost two weeks ago, according to Fire Chief Ted Smith. The fire reportedly began near the rear of the building close to the kitchen of the […]

Blogs

PUDDLES: A MAN OF TWO COUNTRIES
Puddles was born on Caye Caulker and now divides his time between Canada and Belize. On Caye Caulker he’s usually seen in a bike basket toodling around with his people Al & Jo-Ann. I imagine that in Canada he spends his time rolling on grass and hiding from snow. As you can see from the candid shots below, Puddles is a bit of a partier.

Mexican Beef Tortilla Bake
Very easy to make and delicious for every last bite.This dish will be a hit if you take it to your next potluck.

Why visit Belize? 10 Good Reasons Why You Should Travel To Belize Now
From since I started blogging about Belize, the most frequently asked question has been: why visit Belize? This is only logical when one is considering whether Belize a good place to travel. After all, the Caribbean offers a lot of options. When I ask myself why should someone choose to travel to Belize as opposed to another place? For me, the reasons are pretty simple. vacationing in Belize is relaxing and soothing. It’s also physically and mentally stimulating. Many visitors love it so much that they later choose to retire there. So, I’ve prepared a photo collage to show you why Belize is awesome, and let’s see if I can convince you. 1. The key to having good conversations is having interesting stories. How about adding scuba diving with whale sharks to your recent activities? They are gentle and docile creatures but something about having the words whale and shark next to each other makes it sound intimidating. Or maybe that’s just me? 2. Hiking is more fun in Belize. Imagine after a two-hour hike, you end up at the mouth of an amazing cave such as Actun Tunichil Muknal. Getting inside involves swimming and squeezing yourself through narrow areas. Old Mayan pots, cool rock formations and sacrificial remains make the trip worth it.

International Sources

Volunteers provide dental care in Belize
A local dental team of three recently travelled to Belize to provide volunteer dental care to people living there. Dr. Cindee Melashenko, when still in dental school, had travelled to West Africa and Guatemala to do volunteer dental work and had found the experience to be very “inspiring” and “humbling.” Since that time she had bought a dental practise and become a mother, two things that tend to keep one tied down. This past year she decided that it was time to do another trip. She mentioned it to her co-workers Karen Bradley, a Registered Dental Hygienist and Jenna Pederson, a Certified Dental Assistant and they both asked if they could go along. The trio discovered the Belize Mission Project, founded by Dr. Frank Whipps. Once a year he organizes a trip to Belize. The group that travels there are made up of those who have a desire to volunteer their time and talents to serve the less fortunate people of Belize, who have dental and medical needs. It is a non-profit trip, which gives the participants the chance to do something for others out of pure love.

Enculturation and Preservation
The late Andy Palacio, a native of Belize, sang these words as he fought for the preservation of Garifuna music and culture. As a volunteer, an outsider, merely living and working among the people of Belize for two years, the question has entered my head over and over – what does this look like for me? What is my place in cultural preservation? In the efforts to learn from and be with people here, I find there is a certain push-and-pull between the enculturation and preservation of my own self. Having been born to Japanese and Portuguese parents living in the United States, I’ve always had a difficulty defining my culture. I find it much easier to identify the culture in the other than I do in myself. And while I’ve been taught to celebrate the cultures of all peoples, it can, a t times, be awkward to figure out how to do that in a way that honors and respects different cultural sensitivities–to both respect and celebrate the sacredness of culture. Over the year and a half I’ve lived in the rural south of Belize, I’ve had the privilege of partaking in different celebrations of the diverse culture here: the Mayan deer dance, the battle of the drums, Garifuna Settlement Day, and Belizean Independence Day. As I continue to encounter these experiences, I find myself cherishing culture not just in the fireworks of celebrations, but also in the subtle steady candlelight of everyday living.

The traditions and origins of tamales
Back in the late 1930s and the early 1940s, my parents would often drive to Montebello in California to buy tamales from a market where the building was shaped like a giant tamale. I can’t remember much about their tamales accept there was a cornhusk with a dough filled with some kind of meat. What is a tamale? It is generally a meat filling surrounded by dough. The dough is called “masa harina” and is made from white corn flour mixed with lard and a meat broth. The masa is spread out on a cornhusk or banana leaf – each present a difference taste to the tamale – and filling is spread on top of the masa. The mixture is folded over, thus filling is surrounded by the masa. The cornhusk or banana leaf is tied and is placed in a steamer and steamed for three or more hours. Masa harina is available in many supermarkets. Today, in most Mexican restaurants, the tamales are about two ounces. I like to call them border tamales. When I lived in Texas I called them TexMex tamales. In San Antonio I went to the tamale factory where some were handmade. Once you go south of the border, tamales are all different. Tamales originated in Mexico by the Mayans in about 1,200 BC. The Aztec, Olmeca, and Tolteca moved south into the Inca Empire and all along the way different countries made their own version of the Mayan tamale.

Videos

Bumm & Chime - Run Mr Peters, Run, 5min. Christmas di come! Gather your friends and bring the Gombay drum, accordion, harmonica, banjo, jawbone of a donkey, maracas or rattles and anything else that can make brukdong music! (Source: Belizean Journeys).

Aggressor Fleet Belize, 2min. Belize is a wall diver's paradise. Sheer walls like Painted Wall, Half Moon Caye Wall and Quebrada are adorned with huge crimson gorgonians and giant orange elephant ear sponges. Moray eels, spiny lobsters and tiny arrow crabs hide in every crack, crevice, cave and tunnels of these beautiful coral formations. These are just a few things you will see at Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Cay and Turneffe Reef. Jump aboard of Aggressor Fleet Liveaboard and experience the best diving out there.

Christmas in San Pedro Belize, 2.5min. One of the few Steel drum recordings made in the main Square of Ambergris Caye in San Pedro.

Guest Testimonials of Caves Branch and Tours, 1min. John and Sarak Kendall visited Belize in October of 2016. The couple chose a Jungle and Beach Package which included the Xunantunich/Caracol Mayan Ruins Tour in Western Belize. This is a short mini-movie on their experiences....

We Have Solar Power In Belize, 3min. One 153 watt panel, 30amp charge controller, two 12v deep cycle batteries and a Canadian Tire 3000 watt invertor

Belize Children Cahune Palm Shelter, 1/2min. Our children build themselves homes everywhere they go, Belize is no exception.

Belize - Harvest Caye, 2min.

Belize - Parasail, 4min.

Belize - Parasail 2 our turn to go up, 8min.

Belize Diving, 4min. Diving at Paradise Canyon, Half Moon Caye and the Aquarium with Edgar from Ramon's Village Divers in Ambergris Caye.

Loggerhead Turtles mating in the wild, San Pedro, Belize!!!!, 1min.

U.S. Embassy Belize 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence Flash Mob, 3.5min. In partnership with Special Envoy Belize, the U.S. Embassy held a flash mob in downtown Belize City to continue fostering awareness of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender Based Violence (GBV), which began on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on December 10, Human Rights Day. Ambassador Carlos Moreno, Special Envoy Belize Kim Simplis Barrow, and Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Debbie Lingwood led the Embassy’s team to a popular SOCA song, “Phenomenal.” Fourteen members of the Belize Defence Force participated by holding anti-GBV signs. U.S. Government program alumni, including Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI participants also took part in the flash mob.

Mexican Embassy - "Ven A Comer En Belice", 20min.

Ministry of Health Western Regional Team - End of Year Update, 31min.

Pallotti School Of Music - Annual Christmas Concert, 20min.

Belize Vignettes, 2min.

A Drive Through San Pedro Belize, 12min. A Drive Through San Pedro Belize Filmed early evening Wednesday December 7th 2016.

Snorkling at Shark Ray Alley, Caye Caulker, Belize, 2.5min. Video from our snorkling at Shark Ray Alley, Caye Caulker Belize.

Belize City, St. Georges Caye Day, 2016, 2min. Video from the celebration of St. Georges Caye Day in Belize City in Belize (10 September 2016).

Open Your Eyes: Belize International Yoga Festival, 55min.

You Better Belize It - Belizean Adventures 2016, 1.5min. Adventures swimming at shark ray alley at Belize as well as fun moments at Caye Caulker and Sam Ignacio.