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The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Town Council acquires new garbage compactor
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has acquired a new garbage compactor. The new addition to the island's Sanitation Department is expected to increase the efficiency in garbage collection on the island. Present at the handing over were Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Deputy Mayor Gary Greif, Councillor Ruben Gonzalez, who now has the sanitation portfolio, and other staff members of the SPTC. Mayor Guerrero stated that as the island continues to develop at a rapid pace, so does the increase in garbage produced on the Ambergris Caye; thus, the need for more garbage trucks. In the coming months, the SPTC expects to acquire two more garbage compactors in order to further address the garbage issue on the island.

Tourism industry delivers record breaking results
Despite taking a hit from Hurricane Earl in 2016, the Belize tourism industry is the primary sector that continues to excel. From new additional flights, cruise lines, marketing strategies, and international recognition via various vacationing celebrities, Belize is definitely in the spotlight for 2017. In Prime Minister Right Honorable Dean Barrow's end of year message to the country, he indicated that he is more than confident that the tourism sector will prevail this year. "In the all-important tourism sector, there are the new airline routes to come from Fort Lauderdale and Denver, plus the already-commenced Tropic Air flights to Merida, Cancun, Chetumal and parts of Central America. A direct Mexico City to Belize connection via a Mexican carrier is also being worked on for 2017," said Prime Minster Barrow. He also stated that Belize is making accommodations to host this increase in passenger arrivals. "There is a frenzy of hotel construction in North Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and Placencia. Blackadore Caye has also broken ground, and Caye Chapel's owners expect their 200 million US dollar partnership with a five star brand to be announced by February 2017," said Prime Minister Barrow.

SP Lions Club and local developer reach an agreement after Mosquito Coast Park dispute
A dispute regarding the removal of a building located at the San Pedro Lions Mosquito Coast Park, caused a controversial clash between members of the San Pedro Lions Club and local business owner, Yoram Shoshtari. President of the San Pedro Lions Club, Nigel Belisle, stated that Shoshtari was claiming rights over the park and had ordered his employees to dismantle a structure on Thursday, January 12th. According to Belisle, the Lions had begun construction of the building on Monday, January 9th in an effort to house a caretaker at the park. After Belisle, and Lion Members Melanie Paz and Mel Spain were notified of the removal, they immediately sought assistance from Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott. OC Jemmott then sent out Sergeant (Sgt.) Derick Saldano and his team to evaluate the site. Shoshtari began explaining to Sgt. Saldano that because the park is public property, the Lions had no rights to build on it. However, the San Pedro Lions claimed that they hold full control of the property through a letter, which was gifted to the Club via a long term (typically 99 years) lease back in 1990.

Ernesto Caliz court trial for sexual assault adjourned
On Friday, January 6th, 62-year-old Ernesto Caliz, accused of sexually assaulting a toddler, faced his first court session at the San Pedro Magistrate Court. Caliz's case was briefly reviewed and then adjourned to Tuesday, January 31st when his court trial is expected to start. According to San Pedro Police, before the case commences, Caliz will undergo a 'case management' process in which all required evidence will be first collected prior to beginning of the trial. According to the police, and due to the nature of the accusation, the matter could reach the Supreme Court.

Saga reiterates responsible pet ownership after increase in dog attacks
After a recent spike in dog attacks, the Saga Humane Society is on a mission to spread awareness on responsible pet ownership. Saga reminds the general public that responsible pet ownership is a must, and that there are public laws in place regarding dogs on the island. Dawn LoCascio, who sits on Saga's Board of Directors, stated that recent incidents involving four dogs that were attacked by vicious dogs is a grave concern to Saga. "In the first two weeks of 2017, these four dogs were seen by Dr. Tummons, Director of International Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Health Assistant Ingrid Lima. The patients all suffered extensive wounds, and one died from its injuries. Two were treated and have been released to their owner, and one is in a questionable state," said LoCascio. She believes that tragic incidents such as these, can be prevented if people were not only acquainted with the laws, but adhered to them. Roaming dogs, either by choice or accident, pose a potential threat to the community. "Responsible pet ownership remains the only solution to this sad and preventable issue. All dogs must be treated kindly, cared for with food, water, shelter from the elements and proper veterinary care. They must be walked on a leash and not allowed to roam. This simple act of responsibility by dog owners could eliminate the attacks, the overturned garbage cans, feces in public areas, and alleviate the amount of "hit-and-run" deaths," said LoCascio.

Misc Belizean Sources

SBDC Workshop: ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
Presented by: Mr. Jorge Gentle, Business Advisor SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: BTEC Training Room, Itvet Compound, Free town road, Belize City. Workshop Date: 19th January, 2017. Time: 9am to 3pm. This workshop aims to equip our clients with knowledge, skills, and capabilities necessary to self-analyze their capacity as entrepreneurs, and be able to be innovative and develop the capacity to think outside of the box. Competent individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively assess themselves and utilize the tools to develop innovative business ideas, marketing strategies, and a business model that will allow their venture to be unique, structured, and focused; leading to profitability. Cost: $50.00, Includes snacks, lunch and refreshments.

"DELICATESSEN" - Now open on 5th Avenue, Corozal
Great service - Offering Dairy and FUD Meat Products. Smoked Ham, Pechuga, Americano, Virginia by pound and by pack. Sausages, Atun, Filete - Various types of yogurts and other dairy products. Flan, La Villita Butter, Bacon, Philadephia Cheese, Different flavours of OLE CAFE. Come visit and try out our first branch in the country here in Corozal and avoid the drive across the border. Other branches will open in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Orange Walk and Belize City.

A brazen evening robbery leaves an American retiree and his wife shaken
Corozal has not been spared by the recent increase in home invasions, robberies, assaults and burglaries. American retiree, Boyd Wayne Bowers currently living on Ferry Road, Southend, Corozal District reported that around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday January, 11th 2017 he was upstairs inside his two storey home, along with his wife Pok Kim, a retired Korean national when they heard their dogs barking. Pok Kim ran downstairs to check where she met up with three masked men who had gained entry to their house and one of the assailants was armed with a handgun. The intruders proceeded to tie both him and his wife inside a bathtub. They then reportedly spent about half an hour ransacking the house then left with a 14K gold wedding ring with a 1k white oval diamond stone on it and two small diamonds on each side valued at $32,000.00BZ, (2) Sieko watches valued at $800.00BZ, a ladies watch brand unknown valued at $50.00BZ, an 18k gold necklace valued at $12,000.00BZ, an 18k gold necklace with pearl and a 1/2k diamond valued at $1,600.00BZ, sets of pearl earrings valued at $2,000.00BZ, (3) 18k gold charm bracelets valued at $1,000.00BZ each, 1 silver bracelet valued at $25.00BZ, $2,000US in cash (mostly in $100.00US dollar bills), $550.00BZ in different denominations, a 3 foot crow bar valued at $50.00BZ, an axe with a red handle valued at $50.00BZ. The heist added to a grand total of $59,325.00BZ. All three assailants wore masks and were identified by Mr. Bowers as being of dark complexion. When they left, it is reported that a white mini-van (CHEVY TYPE) was waiting for them and drove in the direction towards Corozal Town.

Road Safety Project Receives Prince Michael Safety Award
The Belize Road Safety Project has received a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for collaborative use of the Safe System approach. Well deserved. They've significantly reduced road traffic fatalities on the George Price Highway. "The Project, which was launched in 2013 with funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Belize, received the commendation in the Road Safety Management category. The Road Safety Project focuses on the corridor between Belize City and Belmopan, including Belmopan Ring Road. Prior to 2013, this stretch of road accounted for almost 50 percent of all road traffic deaths in the country of Belize. At the end of December 2015, this figure had fallen to less than 10 percent.

FCD's Karst Management Unit monitor the Kabal Caves
At least 6 entrances have been recorded for this first set of caves that makes the Chiquibul Cave System.

South MPR highlands birding Big Day on Sunday Feb. 5th
Space for 4 only. Leaving San Ignacio at 3.30am and back by 5.30pm. Fuel contribution $35bz. First 4 to confirm are in. Posibilities? Sedge Wren, Cabanis' Wren, White-winged Tanager, Stripe-tailed Hummingbird, Red Crossbill, Plumbeous Vireo, Solitary Eagle, Red-tail Hawk, Gray-collared Becard. Plus 14 other specilaties if we hike hard into the 1500 foot ravines and canyons.

Downtown Project at House of Culture
Here are some pictures from the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvention Project's Community Outreach held today at the Belize City House of Culture. We had a good turnout from the community. We want to thank everyone that made this a day a succsess.

The Reporter

Police look for clues in murder of elderly man
Belize City police are searching for clues in the vicious murder of Salvador Marquez, 62, whose corpse was found with huge chop wounds across the face, head and left arm on Friday evening. The Salvadoran man left his house in the Gungulung area of Lake Independence in Belize City to go fishing in a remote area 1 1/2 mile away at the seashore at mile three off the George Price Highway earlier in the day and when he did not return home in the afternoon as he normally did, his family went looking for him. They discovered his body hidden under some mangroves in the area, with Marquez still clutching his fishing net. His icebox and bicycle lay nearby. His machete that he took was missing. Marquez, who moved to Belize from Salvador for years ago, had been robbed in the area of his catch before, but this time all the fish he had caught were still at the crime scene.

Breaking Belize News

More delays for 13th Senator
The commencement order for the appointment of the 13th Senator takes effect on January 20, however, it appears the swearing in of the newly selected senator, Osmany Salas, will not happen until after March. Head senator for government business, Godwin Hulse, recently told the [�]

Another Deadly Grenade Found in Belize City
South-side police have taken yet another American made grenade from the city's murder capital. The discovery was made earlier today but police press officer, Fitzroy Yearwood is not releasing any further details. "I won't pinpoint the specific location of the discovery of the grenade [�]

Police intercept over 55 pounds of cocaine in San Pedro
Fifteen parcels of cocaine will not be reaching their intended recipients because the drugs were seized by police today in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The discovery was made this morning by San Pedro Police and the drugs were discovered on the North Coast of [�]

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