Amandala
Sex videos "gone viral" on social media
Videos of four young Belizean females, ages unknown, have gone viral on social media since the start of the New Year, but it wasn't for their academic excellence or even their athletic achievements.
Instead, the females, apparently minors, were filmed as they engaged in casual sexual intercourse.
In one video, an apparently inebriated female and a popular Belize City bus driver were filmed on board a bus in broad daylight in a 2-minute video as they moved to R. Kelly's 2005 single, "Wine for Me."
In another video, which was 2 minutes and 30 seconds long, a group of men took turns as they had sex with another young woman who, we were told, suffers from mental health challenges.
She could be heard telling the men that she was tired and that she wanted to go home. The video showed that she pushed one of the men as she got up from the bed and tried to leave.
Belize government has to pay, says lead US attorney
As we reported in our mid-week edition, the Government of Belize has lost three petitions filed in the US Supreme Court in an attempt to fight off the enforcement of arbitral awards handed down back in 2009 in disputes with foreign investors over agreements they had with the Government of Belize.
Two of those awards together totaled US$50 million (or BZ$100 million) at the time of Monday's ruling by the highest court in the US jurisdiction.
The Government of Belize issued an official statement today saying, "The cases upheld arbitration awards against Belize procured by NEWCO, Belize Social Development Limited (BSDL) and BCB Holdings Limited. BSDL and BCB are [Michael] Ashcroft companies, and the arbitration awards they received were for the People's United Party Accommodation Agreement given to BSDL, and the PUP Settlement Deed given to BCB. Those awards are unenforceable in Belize since its highest court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), has ruled that the PUP agreements on which they are based are scandalous, outrageous and utterly illegal."
Hispanic man murdered on the seaside by the garbage dump
A man of Hispanic descent was found "chopped up" by the seaside behind the garbage dump at about Mile 3 on the George Price Highway.
According to an initial police report, the man was found dead with wounds to his head and body at about 5:30 this evening. An investigation has begun, but so far, nothing much is known about the victim except that he usually went to the area to fish.
Those who saw him said that he had defensive wounds on his hands, which indicate that he was probably defending himself from his attacker.
"Ministerial influence" ruled Immigration Department
Thirteen current and former UDP Cabinet Ministers had been named in the Auditor General's Special Report into the Passport, Visa and Nationality Departments for the period 2011-2013.
Today, Wednesday, former Immigration Director, Maria Marin, confirmed to the Senate Select Committee that these Ministers had regularly recommended persons for immigration documents, even in many instances where the applications were incomplete.
She explained that when she became "commander-in-chief" of the Immigration Department, there was a culture of irregularities that she tried to change.
Almost 90 per cent of incomplete applications were returned to applicants and a list of Ministers constantly recommending persons had been compiled by her.
When Business Senator Markhelm Jude Lizarraga asked what was done with that list, she told him that it was submitted to Minister Godwin Hulse and then Immigration CEO Candelaria Saldivar.
Senator Lizarraga asked, "What was the result of that list?"
"Shortly thereafter we saw the number of recommendations decreasing," she explained.
PM was reckless with the people's funds, said Hon. Kareem Musa
In the wake of three United States Supreme Court arbitration awards against the Government of Belize totaling over US 50 million dollars, the government of Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow issued a press release yesterday with a bold caption, saying, "The Government of Belize will not pay for PUP corruption."
In the US Supreme Court decision, the arbitration award includes payouts for botched deals with Newco, the Belize Healthcare Partners Limited, and the Belize Bank, as well as the BTL Accommodation Agreement and BTL Settlement Agreement.
This afternoon, Amandala asked the Opposition People's United Party area representative for Caribbean Shores, Hon. Kareem Musa, to comment on the government's position regarding the court decision.
Hon. Musa said that no media house in Belize has properly reported on this lawsuit. "But my understanding is that it has to do with the accommodation agreement and it has to do with Newco (the company that was supposed to expand the Philip Goldson International Airport.)," he noted.
Belize born Rakeem among Kansas City Chiefs to play in Sunday's NFL playoffs
American-football fans will be focusing on the NFL playoffs this weekend, and one Belize-Dangriga born player, Rakeem Nunez-Roches will be among the Kansas City Chiefs that clash on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
According to Wikipedia, "Rakeem Nathan Nunez-Roches, is a Belizean, professional American football nose tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft."
The picture above (from Evan X Hyde's files) was partly damaged, but we salvaged the portion showing (at the MCC Grounds, with the Belikin and Guinness pavilions in the background) some Milpros players, including Raul Roches.
Mervin "Rugged" Flores of Dangriga noted that Rakeem is "the first Grigalezan Belizean American to play in the NFL in the United States of America�" and he is "also a starter right now on his team."
Secondary school football kicks off on Monday in Dangriga
Secondary school football for the Dangriga Zone will kick off next week Monday, January 16, at the Carl Ramos Stadium. Three (3) schools will take part - ANRI, Delille Academy and Ecumenical.
ANRI doesn't have a female (F) team, so Ecumenical and Dellile Academy females will play a 5-game series.
For the males (M), it will be a double-elimination.
Games for next week are as follows:
Monday, January 16
2:30 p.m. - (F-Game 1) Delille Academy vs Ecumenical
3:30 p.m. - (M) Delille Academy vs ANRI
Belmopan 1st Division Football quarterfinals end; semifinals this weekend
I am pleased to once again share with you the results of the games held over the weekend in the Belmopan Football Association (BFA) First Division Tournament. Here are the results of the return legs (game 2) of the Quarterfinals, played on Saturday and Sunday, January 7 & 8, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium.
In the opener on Saturday, Salvapan Juventus dropped Cotton Tree, 2-0, with goals from Bertan Bermudez (22') and Scott Casey (62'). Aggregate score: 5-3 in favor of Salvapan Juventus. The nightcap saw Capital United with the 3-2 win over Wingz FC. Johnny Cardenas struck twice (22' & 59') and Michael Lewis (68') got the other for Capital United; while Wingz FC got a goal apiece from Rudy Daniel Padilla (20') and Stuart Jenkins (39'). Aggregate score: 8-4 in favor of Capital United.
Belize Jaguars to Panama for Copa Centroamericana
Leaving Belize from the Philip Goldson International Airport shortly after noon yesterday was Belize's National "A" Team, our Belize Jaguars, who will be in Panama for the next week and a half, where they will be playing a total of five games against other Central American national teams in the Copa Centroamericana 2017 tournament. The tournament is a qualifier for the CONCACAF Gold Cup later this year.
New Belize head coach Richard Orlowski of Poland expressed optimism about the team's chances of qualifying to the Gold Cup, but many fans at home are guarded in their expectations, since the team has not benefited from any tough international friendlies. On the plus side, though, the players displayed a very positive spirit, seem very pleased with the treatment they have received from the FFB, and are embracing the challenge to push the boundaries of Belize's achievement on the international stage.
Of Greeks and gifts
The Belize Prime Minister who saw through Lord Michael Ashcroft, so to speak, or did not play his game, in other words, was Dr. Manuel Esquivel, and he was not an attorney. After Dr. Esquivel, our next two Prime Ministers, Rt. Hon. Said Musa and Rt.. Hon. Dean Barrow, have both been eminent attorneys. The record of all the contracts, agreements, settlements, and litigations involving the Government of Belize, on the one hand, and various Ashcroft companies and groups of companies, on the other hand, shows that the people of Belize have been the losers during the Musa and Barrow governments. Lord Ashcroft continues to win hundreds and hundreds of millions of US dollar awards in various courts, and yet he remains in good standing in Belize: he has never been declared a persona non grata.
Attorneys never really lose cases, you know. It is their clients who lose. The attorneys always collect their fees. Over these Musa and Barrow years, the people of Belize have always been the losers in disputes with Lord Ashcroft. Overall, Belize owes billions of dollars because of loans and litigations during the Musa and Barrow administrations. Lord Ashcroft has ended up with a lot of that money, Belize has become the poorer of it, and yet there is no outcry against the good Lord in Belize. What we have, instead, is the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Opposition People's United Party (PUP) hurling charges at each other. Someone must be blamed for Belize's serious financial crisis, because the people of Belize are angry. The UDP and the PUP are blaming each other: their politically-affiliated attorneys, meanwhile, have laughed all the way to the bank, as it is said. It's nice work if you can get it.
From The Publisher
I like to listen to Captain Nicholas Sanchez when he speaks on the radio. Actually, I think he is a distant relative of mine, through the Gibson connection. I may have met him, but we have never held a real conversation.
Captain Sanchez is a Belizean who migrated to Canada when he was a young man in the 1950s and spent most of his adult life there. He has been doing tourist tours in Belize for quite a few years now; he has a reliable knowledge of the architecture, historical sites, and colonial realities of the old British Honduras which is fascinating. The man is a treasure trove of information about British Honduras/Belize.
Captain Sanchez called in on Mose's talk show on Tuesday morning this week to complain about the use of the word "diaspora" to refer to the Belizean population which has migrated abroad. In this opinion, the host of the show agreed with him, but I would like to say to them both, when you find a word you like better than "diaspora" to describe migrant Belizeans, tell me about it.
Chunox High School and ANRI study Marine Ecology and Climate Change Adaptation
Editor Sir,
Last September 2016, a team of officers from Ecology Project International (EPI) Belize program, Marine Conservation and Climate Adaptation Project (MCCAP), Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and Turneffe Atoll Sustainable Association (TASA) visited Chunox St. Viator Vocational High School, to inform our student body about marine conservation and climate change, and their organizations' work to inform the public and involve youths in their climate change campaign.
Part of this campaign, they explained, would be to have five-day marine ecology and climate change training courses later in order to raise awareness and show ways to deal with the impacts. These courses would be offered at the Turneffe Atoll. Our school was one of those selected by MCCAP.
For this course, the students that were chosen from our school, along with students from ANRI (Agriculture and Natural Resource Institute), would be based at the (UB) University of Belize Marine Station at Calabash Caye. I felt very lucky to be one of the students chosen to take part in this course.
National Indigenous Congress announces a parallel indigenous government
On the 23rd anniversary of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN)'s uprising and after three months of community consultations, the National Indigenous Congress (CNI) announced that they have been directed by the base to create an autonomous and parallel government throughout Mexico. This Indigenous Governing Council will have as its spokesperson an Indigenous woman and in the 2018 elections she will be their candidate for the presidency of Mexico.
"This is the time of the Originary Peoples, the time for us to replant and rebuild ourselves. It is time to go on the offensive and this is the agreement that we have laid out for how to do so, from our perspective as individuals, as communities, as Originary Peoples, and as the National Indigenous Congress. It is time for dignity to govern this country, this world and for democracy, liberty, and justice to flourish in its step," stated a joint CNI and EZLN communique (enlacezapatista.ezln.org.mx).
Retail prices shoot up by $15 for LPG
Belizean consumers, who have been paying between $80 and $90 for a 100-pound tank of cooking fuel, are being hit with an increase of roughly $15, based on latest information released in an announcement from the Government of Belize.
New controlled prices for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), used primarily for cooking as well as to power gas-fueled dryers in households, are in effect as of today, Wednesday, January 11, 2017, according to information released from the Supplies Control Unit in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce.
The new price list reflects two changes: the first being a change in the mixture of LPG which is to be sold on the market and the second being the price, based on the cost to import the propane-butane mixture.
Central Zone high school football results, schedule
The Central Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) 2016-2017 Football Tournament is under way at the MCC Grounds with female (F) and male (M) games being played daily this week.
On Monday, (F) SCA won, 1-0, over Ladyville Technical, with a goal from Charlize Hunter. And (M) SJC dropped Ladyville Tech, 2-1, with goals from Dion Cacho and Luiz Orozco; while Kenroy Allen scored for Ladyville Tech.
In the opener on Tuesday, (F) Gwen Liz clipped Wesley, 1-0, with a goal from Essenie Ciego. And (M) Sadie Vernon bombed Belize High School, 5-0, with 2 goals from Raheem Augustine and 1 each from Stephan Bowen, Mickhi Gill and Rjay Martinez.
Yesterday, Wednesday, (F) Maude Williams won by default (3-0) over Pallotti. And (M) Wesley crushed Excelsior, 5-0, with 2 goals from Jalen Babb and 1 apiece from Kenyon Lewis, Kermint Sutherland and Shakeem Richards.
The Reporter
Happening now: First House Meeting for 2017; New Speaker takes oath
Retured nurse, Laura Longsworth has been sworn in as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives. Longsworth was sworn in an hour ago during the first House meeting for 2017. She promised to insist that the manner in which the Members carry themselves is […]
BelizeCity Council gets $1 Million Black-topper
The Belize City Council has acquired a $1 Million ETNYRE Black-topper asphalt distributor truck, which can spray hot tar onto the road way to help pave the city streets using the chip and seal method. The truck is part of the Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Improvement Project funded by the Inter-American […]
Public consultations on multi beam survey cancelled, no clarification on why
The public consultation on the Marine Multibeam and Sea Seep Survey have been cancelled. On Tuesday January 10, a press release issue by the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment and Trade confirmed that the consultation that were scheduled to be held at the Radisson Hotel […]
Integrity Commission sworn in
Keeping with the promise for good governance reforms, the Government of Belize, this week swore in the members of the Integrity Commission. The seven-member commission, established in accordance with Section 5 of the First Schedule of the Prevention of Corruption Act, #21 of 2007 that a new […]
Pakeman charged nine months after fatal traffic accident
Dorian Pakeman, 35, the Government’s Press Director who was placed on unpaid suspension after he knocked down and killed Dean Dawson, a mechanic from Biscayne village, was charged this week – nine months after the incident. Pakeman was arraigned on Tuesday before Senior Magistrate Sharon […]
Motorist hit by car, burns with bike
A traffic accident near mile nine on the Philip Goldson highway on Sunday night claimed one life when a motorcycle rider was hit by a reversing vehicle. The motorist, 21-year-old Jamalski Young, was on his way to work heading in the direction of Belize City when […]
Murders up at the end of 2016
Murders in Belize are at a four-year high, according to the latest crime statistics issued by the Belize Police Department. The department issued its crimes comparative statistics on Wednesday, showing that there were a total of 138 murders in 2016; a 15 percent increase from the 119 […]
Belize Territorial volunteer to stage protest against government amendment to the referendum act
The Belize Territorial Volunteers ( BTV) and its political allies will be staging a demonstration at the National Assembly building in Belmopan, on Friday January 13, 2017. In a press release issued on Wednesday the BTV stated that the demonstration became necessary as a way of […]
Canadian Tourist responds to Belize's emergency call for ambulance
A Canadian tourist from Edmonton Alberta Canada who have visited Belize numerous times for volunteer work, have responded to Belize's call for additional Ambulance service. Roman Bayrock , a healthcare provider that treats neuromuscular disease recently bought a 1996 decommissioned ambulance and fixed it up so […]
"Sexual education will guide youths to better choices," says BFLA
The Belize Family Life Association (BFLA), this week, emphasized that Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE), is what Belize needs to address the rising level or risky sexual behavior among Belizean youths. Responding to recent statistics showing alarmingly low condom use, high incidents of promiscuity, and the recent slew […]
Ain't gonna pay! Prime Minister vows over Ashcroft claims
The United States Supreme Court has slapped the Government of Belize with $117 million worth of arbitration award costs owed to the Ashcroft Alliance, but GOB says it won't pay a dime of it. On Monday, the United State's Supreme Court, refused to hear GOB's appeal of […]
Belize Economy looking up! World Bank Says
The World Bank's Global economic forecast predicts moderate economic growth in 2017. The he World Bank's January 2017 Global Economic Prospects report released on Tuesday, projected global economic growth at 2,7 percent, citing that obstacles to activity would recede among emerging market and developing economy commodity exporters. […]
13 year old goes missing from Orange Walk Town
A female minor from Orange Walk town has gone missing. Official Reports have indicated that on Tuesday January10, around 7.25 a.m, thirteen year old Ideline Adelia Romero left her home located at #14 Bautista Lane Orange Walk Town en route to classes at La Inmaculada Primary […]
Elderly man chopped to death while fishing off George Price Highway
The decomposing body of an elderly man was found at the seaside off the George Price Highway on Thursday evening. He had apparently been chopped to death while fishing there. The discovery was made in a remote area, forcing police Scenes of Crimes personnel and […]
Breaking Belize News
PUP calls for plan of action in relation to Belize- Guatemala dispute
Today, Prime Minister Dean Barrow has introduced a bill to amend the referendum act. In response to this, the opposition People's United Party (PUP) says that before Belize moves to amend the Referendum Act it must first amend the Maritime Act so that Belize can [�]
PM introduces bill to amend referendum act
At today's Sitting of the House, Prime Minister Dean Barrow introduced a bill to amend the Referendum Act; as the referendum threshold currently stands at 60 percent of votes cast. The amendment seeks to make the required threshold a simple majority of votes cast [�]
Join the 1st Chiquibul Challenge Marathon
The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic is hosting the first ever Chiquibul Challenge Marathon, to be held on March 12. The challenge will feature activities including: Running or walking a half marathon (20km), or going the full distance (40km) in one of the most beautiful [�]
Chon Saan Palace in Belmopan not a finalized deal says PM Barrow
At today's sitting of the house, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said that government has not finalized the purchase deal with the owners of Chon Saan Palace in Belmopan. The establishment is owned by the President of the Senate, Lee Mark Chang who is asking [�]
Julius Espat to be reinstated in the House of Representatives
At this morning's Sitting of the House of Representatives, Minister Michael Finnegan rose at the start of the meeting to introduce a motion to have the area representative Julius Espat returned to the house. However Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber rose explaining that while [�]
Almost $9000 stolen from Chinese shop in Dangriga
According to police reports, 31-year-old Tingju Liu, a Chinese businessman of Family City Shopping Center located at # 1670 Ecumenical Drive, Dangriga reported that on Thursday 29th December 2016 between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., someone broke into his store and stole [�]
Sixty-two-year-old Salvadoran national murdered on George Price Highway- update
According to police reports, yesterday around 5:00 p.m., police visited an area near the seaside in the vicinity of mile 3 on the George Price Highway where officers saw the body of 62-year-old Salvadoran national, Salvador Rivera Marquez of Set Site, Belize City with multiple [�]
Belize Announces Consent Solicitation
Yesterday in a press release on the Central Bank of Belize website, GOB announced that it is seeking the consent of holders of Belize's U.S. Dollar Bonds due 2038 to two amendments to the payment terms of this instrument. Belize's 2038 Bonds currently amortize in [�]
Belize consul in Chetumal to be replaced soon
The government of Belize is currently in the process of searching for a new consul to the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico to replace former consul, Jorge Valencia. According to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington the government has made the decision to [�]
Sedi says no deal on Sarstoon
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred "Sedi" Elrington, yesterday, denied reports suggesting that he and Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales had made an agreement that the Sarstoon river would be off limits to citizens, especially Belizeans, until after the territorial dispute is resolved at the [�]
American tourist dies in Cayo
Reports reaching our newsroom indicate that an American female tourist from Mississippi, USA died at a popular cave tubing site in the Cayo District. According to reports, the woman arrived on a cruise ship on Wednesday and was at the cave tubing site when [�]
Experience pure adventure with Gilford and Alvis in 'Caye Boy Visits the Jungle'
Have you ever felt like a tourist in your own country? Well, author Jessica Retseck Wigh totally gave that illusion in her latest book in her Caye Boy series, 'Caye Boy Visits the Jungle'. The book features Gilford and his little brother Alvis, and their adventures growing up on an island. Gilford and his family live on Caye Caulker island, and being separated by many miles and actual water made exploring Belize City quite exciting.
In the book, Gilford and Alvis are so excited to visit Mama's family on the mainland, taking the trip as a big adventure since they're used to their little island and blue house. From doing unusual things such as getting their hair brushed to putting on "itchy" clothes, Jessica's new book shows how the brothers experience culture shock, but adapt very well to the jungle. Author Jessica explained her inspiration behind her latest Caye Boy book. "My husband I have been on the island for over 17 years, and we watched our neighborhood children grow up. We have three children of our own, and the first two books were only about the island experience, and so we wanted to add the mainland experience in the third book. When you live on an island, it is very common that people have families scattered around the country. We wanted the island children from the book to visit their mother's extended family in the mainland, and have a different kind of fun from what they're used to," said Jessica.
What It's Really Like to Vacation in Belize | Vacation in Belize
Reading blogs, marveling at amazing photographs, and seeing immersive videos of travelers in Belize can create a wonderful picture of all of the amazing attractions on offer in the country. But beyond the hype about golden sunshine, balmy temperatures, and mysterious ancient Maya temples, what is it really like to vacation in Belize?
With just 360,000 people scattered around a country approximately the same size as Vermont, it's no surprise that wildlife thrives in Belize. Ranging from friendly manatees and playful dolphins offshore to howling monkeys and some of the last indigenous big cats on the mainland, Belize is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet.
Sure, every country boasts of beaches, including popular tourist hotspots like Florida, but the beaches in Belize are truly spectacular. With more than 200 miles of coastline on the Caribbean, Belize is blessed with uncrowded stretches of pure white sand, to say nothing of the hundreds of offshore islands that are the perfect place to play castaway for a day.
The Beach of Belize at the Laru Beya in Placencia
When traveling to Belize for the first time, I headed to Placencia and checked in to the Laru Beya Hotel. On assignment to explore the new cruise island destination of Harvest Caye, we spent two evenings on the mainland. My first evening, I enjoyed some time on the sands of the beach.
A walk on the soft sands among the palm trees was worth the visit and escape from winter weather. Additionally, I enjoyed the infinity pool, especially with a view of the moon in the twilight sky.
My first to Belize will not be my last. The small English speaking country in the midst of Central America definitely wet my appetite to explore more of country and also to refocus some of my travel dreams back to new places in the Americas. This trip is exactly why I made a new spot in the Americas my 2017 Bucket List dedication. I have much to see and explore in the "New World" and plan to do a little more this year, especially some of the beaches.
12 Reasons Belize Honeymoons are Trending Big Time!
1. No hassle travel.
Who wants to spend those first precious hours holed up in a tourist class airline cabin when you could be making sure the hammock on your resort balcony is big enough for two? It only takes a couple of hours to get to Belize from North America; what's more romantic than being rested and ready for love?
2. Belizeans can't wait to welcome you.
Fall in love with everyone you meet-not as much as you love your new spouse, of course--but when you emerge from your love nest, people you meet everywhere you go are so warm and friendly, you'll be posing for selfies with them.
3. Safety first.
Belizeans know a thing or two about what it takes to keep honeymooners content and delighted. They deliver on assurances by making certain resort properties and tourist hubs are safe and secure. No nation is totally crime-free, but you can count on Belize to have your back.
4. Size matters.
Belize is the same size as the state of Massachusetts which means that you can drive from north to south of the country in less than 5 hours. As a result, you'll see more of the sites in half the time, so if sitting on a tour bus getting to see sites isn't on your honeymoon list, just say, Belize please.
5. You couldn't be bored if you tried.
Rainforests, caves, Mayan ruins, more birds than you knew existed, cultural attractions and recreational fun awaits--and there's shopping to be done, too. By the time you return to your accommodations after your excursions, you'll be ready for a nap. Or not so much.
Hollywood Stars Vacation in Belize
As one of the hottest vacation destinations in the region, it's no surprise that celebrities are flocking to Belize to enjoy the country's ample sunshine, fabulous weather, delicious food, and pristine nature. Recent appearances by actor James Franco, star of Spring Breakers, Oz the Great, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes, by local media Ambergris Today are indicative of the growing popularity of Belize as a vacation destination.
James Franco was spotted at the reknowned Tipsy Tuna bar in Placencia in Belize's southeast, taking time out of his busy schedule to snap a few selfies with grateful and adoring fans. Another famous personage who popped into the Tipsy Tuna in the past month was Drew Carey, a well-known comedian and host of the long-running game show "The Price is Right." Carey and Franco were on hand to ring in the New Year in style, enjoying all the fireworks, food, and fun that has made San Pedro and Ambergris Caye such popular vacation destinations.
Not to be outdone, the legendary actor Alan Tudyk, star of numerous popular television productions including Newsreaders, Dollhouse, and Young Justice, was seen escaping the snow and cold in America by enjoying time out on the water in Belize. Tudyk was spotted heading out to the Belize Barrier Reef where he had plans to dive the Belize Blue Hole, rated as a top 10 dive spot by the celebrated French marine biologist Jacques Cousteau. Tudyk paused long enough to make a number of fans happy as they eagerly snapped selfies with the star.
5 Romantic Belize Resorts That Are Perfect Escapes For Valentine's Day
Looking for the perfect place to stay over Valentine's Day Weekend in Belize that offers luxury, affordability and romance all rolled into one? Check into one of these high-end Belize resorts and take advantage of special offers just for couples.
Belize is an amazing Valentine's destination thanks to its lush natural beauty, delightfully balmy temperatures, and the many exciting adventure options available for visitors. Belize is just a short flight from the United States and is the only country in the region where English is the official language.
Below are the 5 most recommended romantic resorts in the country:
What's New in Belize for 2017
2016 was a banner year for Belize, and travel experts expect only more positive developments in 2017. With progressive improvement in total visitor volume year over year, Belize is rapidly becoming one of the top vacation destinations in the region.
A few key developments in tourism in Belize include:
In October 2016, the prominent Canadian airline WestJet began operating non-stop flights between Toronto's Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Belize City (BZE). This marked the very first time that Canadians could travel directly to Belize.
Lonely Planet, the world's number one publisher of travel guides by volume, declared that Belize was a Top 10 destination for budget-conscious travelers. Belize was the only country in Central or South America that made the top 10 list.
International Sources
Caribbean nationals assume key positions at OAS
Caribbean nationals have taken over key positions within the Organization of American States (OAS) including chairing the hemispheric body's Permanent Council.
Belize Permanent Representative to the OAS, Patrick Andrews, Thursday assumed the chair of the Council.
"It is undeniably an incredible opportunity for each Member State that assumes the chairmanship to leave his or her mark in elevating the institution's history and in contributing to its betterment and that of our hemisphere and all our countries," said Andrews, adding that climate change and sustainable development will occupy a prominent place in the Permanent Council's work agenda.
The outgoing chair of the Council and Permanent Representative of Barbados, Selwin Charles Hart, thanked the OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro, and his colleagues in the Council for the support received during his term.
Belize tries to change superbond schedule
Belize has launched a consent solicitation in an effort to amend the amortization schedule and lower coupon payments on its 2038 bond.
The Central American country wants to cut the interest rate on its so-called superbond to 4% per annum starting February 20 until maturity.
The bond currently pays 5% annually, with a step up to 6.767% starting August 20. It also wants to adjust timing of principal payments from the current 38 semi-annual installments starting in 2019 to three equal amortizations on February 20 of 2036, 2037 and 2038.
"The two amendments ... are, we believe, the mildest adjustments to the terms of the bonds that will still achieve the objective of putting the bonds on a fully sustainable basis," Belize Finance Secretary Joseph Waight.
In return, the sovereign is offering holders a consent fee of 0.25% of the face value. The consent solicitation expires on January 26. Citigroup is acting as agent on the transaction.
La Ni�a's Days Are Numbered
So long, La Ni�a.
In its latest monthly advisory, issued Thursday, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center all but sounded the death knell for the 2016-17 La Ni�a. Sea surface temperatures in the benchmark Ni�o3.4 region have remained in the weak range for La Ni�a (0.5°C to 1.0°C below the seasonal average), and the subsurface cold relative to average across the equatorial Pacific has almost completely vanished. In a new ENSO Blog entry, NOAA/CPC's Emily Becker reviews global weather conditions and how they've stacked up against La Ni�a expectations (fairly well, especially for temperature).
Models are close to unanimous in bringing the Ni�o3.4 region into the neutral range over the next couple of months. There are some model indications of a weak El Ni�o kicking in by summer 2017. That wouldn't shock me, given the continued predominance of a positive Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Positive PDOs are associated with a higher frequency of El Ni�o events, and the PDO has now been in positive territory in each month from January 2014 through December 2016-the first time this has happened across three consecutive calendar years in records that go back to 1900. Even so, NOAA's Emily Becker isn't ready to predict a 2017-18 El Ni�o: "A three-year series of El Ni�o/La Ni�a/El Ni�o has only happened once since 1950, in 1963/1964/1965. This doesn't make it impossible that El Ni�o could develop, but it means that we aren't counting on it."
Belice le arruina la fiesta al anfitri�n Panam� y le saca un empate sin goles
Belice viaj� a la Copa Centroamericana con la encomienda de hacer un buen papel, aunque no se esperaba demasiado de la selecci�n m�s d�bil del torneo, pero por lo pronto le empat� sin goles al local en el debut de ambos en el torneo.
Y es que a pesar de la insistencia de Panam� a lo largo de los 90 minutos, no tuvo la pegada suficiente para vencer a una f�rrea defensa visitante que obtuvo una igualada de m�rito. El conjunto canalero tuvo las mejores oportunidades a lo largo del encuentro, pero se mostr� chato y sin ideas a la hora de definir.
Gente como An�bal Godoy o Rolando Blackburn no pudieron vulnerar el arco de Woodrow West por m�s que insistieron.
Belize Urges 11th Circ. To Toss $22M Telecom Contract Suit
Law360, Miami (January 13, 2017, 10:33 PM EST) -- The government of Belize urged the Eleventh Circuit on Friday to dismiss a claim it owes a company more than $22 million for leased telecommunications equipment, saying a lower court failed to properly consider Belizean law and wrongly found that it waived sovereign immunity.
The Central American nation seeks to escape contract clauses that waive its immunity and agree to litigate in U.S. courts, contending that its budget minister lacked authority to enter into the deal with plaintiff GDG Acquisitions LLC, so the agreement is void...
Nelson Institute grant supports Drake service projects in Belize
A new grant will help Drake University enhance current and future projects in Southern Belize.
The Global Pressing Issues Grant, funded by Drake's Rolland and Mary Nelson Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs, will help Drake students and faculty to collaborate across a number of diverse programs Drake offers in the Toledo District of Southern Belize. A team of faculty members will implement new practices to assess the benefits of these service projects and weigh the benefits against project costs, such as the local resources required to help facilitate the work.
"Service-learning projects can provide very high-quality educational opportunities for our students, and we have a great deal of expertise that we can bring to bear on maximizing the value of those opportunities," said Professor David Skidmore, chair of the Nelson Institute and the Principal Center for Global Citizenship. "We have always approached new project partners with a commitment to equity and mutual benefit. This grant will allow our faculty to identify and implement new ways to ensure that we are maximizing benefits to our partners abroad."
Top fisheries data expert from Iceland shares expertise with CRFM countries
Through the long-standing partnership between the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the United Nations University Fisheries Technical Programme (UNU-FTP) in Iceland, the university has deployed one of Iceland's top fisheries data experts to the CRFM Secretariat for a short site-based assignment, to provide operational support and guidance at the country level for improving the management and usage of fisheries data systems.
The visiting expert is Dr Einar Hj�rleifsson, who has been working at the Marine Research Institute, Iceland, since 1996. Hj�rleifsson's primary role has been data analysis and stock assessment. Over the same time, he has been working at the UNU-FTP in a role as a teacher and student supervisor. During his visit to the Caribbean, Hj�rleifsson will be working under the guidance of CRFM's deputy executive director, Dr Susan Singh-Renton.
Singh-Renton emphasized that "Dr Hj�rleifsson's present assignment with the CRFM is intended to allow him to give special 'on-the-ground' attention to all aspects of the fisheries data systems in two CRFM countries that have made reasonable investments both for the present and the future of their data systems. Hence, the assignment is expected to build further on such investments."
UND parasite researchers do big work in disease, ecology studies
UND professor Vasyl Tkach can appreciate a good tapeworm.
"They want you to have happy lives," said Tkach, using a set of forceps to prod at a mass of preserved white worms in a petri dish. His colleague, UND professor Jefferson Vaughan, can summarize the motivation of the common parasite in brief.
"They don't want to kill you," said Vaughan. "They just want your nutrients."
Indiana Jones was more fixated by snakes than tapeworms, but he might have appreciated the scope of the work being done by parasitologists such as Tkach and Vaughan.
In separate upcoming studies, both men are focusing their efforts on a parasite of small size and massive impact-a set of microscopic organisms which cause malaria.
Tkach is going to Brazil primarily to study strains of malaria and other diseases found in rainforest birds, a group of animals which increasingly come into contact with expanding human settlements. Vaughan just received word that the National Institutes of Health approved nearly $140,000 in funding for his study aimed at putting a nail through the heart of mosquito-borne malaria in the Central American nation of Belize.
Videos
H.E. Patrick Andrews assumes Chairmanship of OAS, 1min. Yesterday the Permanent Representative of Belize to the Organization of American States (OAS), H.E. Patrick Andrews assumed the Chairmanship of the Permanent Council of that hemispheric institution.
Justin & Maya Caye Caulker Belize Wedding Video, 5.5min. Destination wedding in Caye Caulker, Belize. By Jose Luis Zapata
RUTA MAYA 2011,BELIZE, 3min. Ruta Maya from San Ignacio Town to Belize City
Our Honeymoon at Coco Plum Island Resort in Belize 2016!, 16min. We had an amazing time at this resort. You must go sometime! The place is incredibly beautiful and the people that work there are amazing. We can't wait to go back.
KCB - Lamanai Ruins in Belize, 61min.
Mahler Baked Rice (Grace & You), 15min.
Mindfulness Techniques for fulfilling life Experiences, 40min.
Entangle Techniques (Primary & Secondary Art Skills Training Project - PSAST), min.
PM Barrow Breaks Down PUP Legacy Cases, 27min. During today's Meeting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow spoke in depth about the recent court judgments involving NEWCO, Belize Social Development Limited and BCB Holdings Limited.
Belize Trip 2016 -GoPro, 16min.
Central America: Belize, Guatamala & Mexico Backpacking Adventure, 5min.
Walking Around San Pedro, Belize (2/3) December 2016, 10min.
International Film Festival Belize, 8min.
Fly fishing in Belize, 6min.
Belize Vacation, 5min.
Patrick Rogers of the BPP Speaks On Guatemala Issue, 4min.
FILM FINANCING PANEL - Belize Int'l Film Festival - Nov 11, 2016, 57min. Moderator: Brent Toombs (Oxa Productions) Panelists (L-R): Tim Cruz (Guerilla Hollywood), Christ Pack (World of Wonder, Island Hunters) Eckehardt Von Damm (Corazon Films), Cristina Venegas (University of Santa Barbara)
Amazilia tzacatl, 1min.