Channel 5
Government Risks Debilitating Consequences with Superbond Delay
Government's inability to make the twenty-six million dollar Super Bond payment that became due on Monday comes as no surprise to the Opposition.� In fact, default on the debt obligation [...]
Major Recession Hurting Belizean Economy
Brice�o's premise hinges on the fact that the owners of the bond have put in place stringent conditions that, should government fail to pay the interest, taxpayers will be saddled [...]
B.N.T.U. Wins Major Victory on Makeup Time and Salary Deductions
Three weeks ago, the Supreme Court-ordered mediation between the Belize National Teachers Union and the Ministry of Education concluded.� Today, the parties returned to Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin's chambers with [...]
B.N.T.U. President Savors Victory Through "Steadfastness"
Palacio went on to note that they had the precedents on their side, as well as the goodwill of their membership and the community, and that was more than enough [...]
Teachers' Union Repairing Relationship with Ministry But Will Remain Vocal
The union says the financial hit to teachers would have been in the millions of dollars if the stand-off continued and the ministry followed through on planned salary deductions. There [...]
Opposition Leader Says Teachers' Love Won
Following today's announcement that teachers have secured a major win in the high court, we asked P.U.P. Party Leader John Brice�o for a brief comment on the outcome of the [...]
Godwin: I Did Not Block David Nanes Investigation
On Monday night, we aired several parts of an extended interview with Minister of Immigration Godwin Hulse. He was on a working visit in the Spanish Lookout area when we [...]
Immigration Minister: I "Managed" Department, But Not Corruption
Teresita Castellanos, one of the witnesses in the Special Select Inquiry into the immigration scandal, testified last Wednesday that the ring of corruption in the Immigration Department started from the [...]
William Mason and Others to be Tried for Murder, Kidnapping, Conspiracy
This morning, accused murderer William 'Danny' Mason and his alleged partners in crime appeared in magistrates court where a preliminary inquiry was held.� Their appearance was mostly drama-free. With the [...]
B.N.T.U. Still Wants International Investigation
Coincidentally, the B.N.T.U.'s final appearance in court came moments before the Mason preliminary inquiry. As part of their eight good governance agenda demands issued during the October strike, they asked [...]
Fatal Family Feud Troubles Eaton Lamb's Family
The murder count went up by four over the weekend; the first occurred just after midnight on Saturday. Seventeen-year-old Eaton Lamb was stabbed and killed by his cousin, twenty-four-year-old Tishaun [...]
Walter Dawson Death Still a Mystery
While the Belize City murder of Eaton Lamb is an open-and-shut case, it is a lot harder for investigators to crack the murder of Walter Dawson, whose body was found [...]
"Fu Wi Chikin" Certified!
Quality Poultry Products say that quality is not just in the name - the quality has been internationally certified. Belize's largest poultry producer has obtained its HACCP certification. This is [...]
Denys Barrow - Who Is Like Unto Him?
Senior Counsel Denys Barrow is the first Belizean to ascend to the bench of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the judicial institution of CARICOM.� Since its establishment in 2001, the [...]
Belize's CARICOM Ambassador Discusses Regional Meeting
The Twenty-eighth Inter-sessional meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government concluded in Georgetown, Guyana over the weekend.� During the conference, an update was provided on the most recent developments pertaining to [...]
Godwin Hulse Insists He Did Not Interfere in Son's Investigation
For the past several weeks there have been reports circulating about an alleged obstruction of justice due to political interference where police have reportedly been instructed not to pursue the [...]
Jaguars on the Beach - Footballers Take Down Jamaica in Penalty Shootout
The 2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship is underway in Nassau, Bahamas where Team Belize is currently doing battle on the sandy pitch against the host country.� Earlier in the competition [...]
CTV3
Salaries Not To Be Deducted From Teachers
The Belize National Teachers Union has been in a constant tug and war with the Ministry of Education since their eleven day strike back in October of last year on whether their salary will be deducted for those days teachers were out of class. The total amount in salaries amounts to over three million dollars but today the BNTU can finally breathe a sigh of relief as there will be no deduction.
On December 16th, the Honorable Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin gave the BNTU and the Ministry 45 days to reach an agreement via mediation. On January 16th the two parties met with mediator George Swift and reached an agreement. The sides reported back to the Chief Justice today and BNTU president Luke Palacio shared the outcome.
No Solution To Land dispute In August Pine Ridge
On Friday's newscast we reported about a land dispute between local resident, Fred Hornsby from the village of August Pine Ridge here in the Orange District and an alleged high ranking official from the Ministry of Works in Belmopan. As we had informed you, Hornsby and his family had obtained approximately 50 acres of land in the village with the intention of starting up a business.
According to Hornsby, they had gone through the proper process to seek ownership of the land but things took a turn after he was visited on Friday by representatives from the Department of Lands and Survey and the Ministry of Works escorted by police officers who reportedly barged in on the property claiming that they were instructed to conduct a survey of the area.
BNTU To Follow Up On International Investigation On Mason's Case
Last year's 11-day strike by the Belize National Teachers Union forced Prime Minister Dean Barrow to commit to eight major points put to him by the Union. There has been follow-through on a number of them, including the appointment of the Integrity Commission and the 13 Senator. One issue that seems to have taken the backseat is the investigation into the Danny Mason affair. The Union had raised the issue as a priority for them, and PM Barrow said he would ensure it is properly investigated. According to Palacio, however, there has been no update on the appointment of investigators and they plan to follow up.
BNTU Continues To Demand Overdue Re-registration
The topic of Government's proposed re-districting has become a hot-button issue because the Opposition and a number of social partners including the Belize National Teachers Union have called for the Elections and Boundaries to carry out the long overdue re-registration. The difference is that while one proposes to create new divisions to create a balance among constituencies, the other would clean up the voters list, which hasn't seen a purge since the 90s.
As we said, the BNTU has called on re-registration before any re-districting exercise, and today President Luke Palacio indicated that they plan to take their argument to a proposed meeting with the Elections and Boundaries Commission.
LOVE FM
Senator Hulse Explains Rumors of His Son Evading Charges
Last month, reports surfaced that one Minister Godwin Hulse's son, pistol whipped a man. This reportedly happened at a gas station in Belmopan and reports also suggested that Hulse used his ministerial powers to prevent his son from being locked up. Well Hulse told the media that those reports couldn't be further from the truth. [�]
Man Gets 23 Years for Killing Spouse
Thirty-seven year old Daniel Ku, who pled guilty to manslaughter last Monday, was sentenced to 23 years today by the Chief Justice Hon. Kenneth Benjamin. But Ku will only serve 13 years because the 10 years he has already served in prison was subtracted from his sentence. Actually Ku's sentence would have been 25 years [�]
Hit and Run on the Hummingbird Injures Couple
A recent hit and run traffic incident is under investigation in western Belize. We hear more in this report from our Correspondent, Fem Cruz. FEM CRUZ "A hit and run traffic incident on the Hummingbird Highway yesterday evening left a couple from Las Flores, Belmopan hospitalized. According to one of the victims Christian Alarcon, on [�]
Veteran Journalist Ails; Friends Team Up to Assist
Glenn Tillett is no stranger to the media and the well-read Belizeans both home and abroad. He has presented writings on a wide range of national and political issues on print, radio and television. To date, he continues his musings on social media for which he has a substantial following. On February 17, 2017, Tillett [�]
Olympic Association Wants to See More Participation
As we noted earlier there was the election of the executive for the Belize Olympic Commonwealth Games Association (BOCGA) over the weekend. It has been five years since the association was formed and for the most part its executive remains the same. While its social media page is not updated frequently and the website link [�]
Immigration Minister Responds to the Nanes Fiasco
Last week we reported on leaked documents that showed that immigration officer Addy Pacheco picked up the passport for Nanes Schnitzer. As you may recall, Nanes Schnitzer who also went by David Banes and David Nanes was the man who acquired several fake Belizean documents. He is also the man who evaded jail time in [�]
BOCGA Has a Not So New Executive
The Belize Olympic & Commonwealth Games Association held its election of its executive inside the Cahal Pech Room at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City on Saturday, February 18. Hilly Martinez was re-elected as President of the BOCGA. He spoke with the media immediately following the elections in which he speaks of the [�]
Amandala
The Government of Belize has missed the US$13 million or BZ$26 million payment on the 2038 superbond due today, and if it does not meet payment within 60 days, this could result in the loss of some savings gleaned from the last restructuring in 2012/2013, when creditors agreed to an 11% principal haircut. There is a 30-day grace period before a default is declared, although the missed payment this week could result in a ratings downgrade.
Jealous boyfriend shot and stabbed rival to death
Alvaro Aldana, 23, was murdered on Sunday night in "PK Park" in San Ignacio Town, just before midnight on Sunday night, by his rival in a love triangle turned deadly.
His aunt told Amandala that she had been having some drinks in the park a few yards away from the scene when she saw the incident unfold, but could not recognize the victim.
She told us that it was not until the following morning that she learned that it was her nephew who had been murdered. Aldana's aunt told us that he was in the park socializing with a woman when the woman's boyfriend, identified only as "Edgar," confronted them.
Upon seeing "Edgar," Aldana told the woman to run.
Aldana was thereafter shot below his eye, shot twice in the left side of his body and stabbed once in his back. His attacker then fled the scene on foot.
Leela Vernon, 66, passes
Belizean icon and "Brukdown Queen," Leela Vernon, 66, passed away at around 9 a.m. on Sunday. According to her relatives, the Punta Gorda native had been hospitalized last Thursday for kidney complications, but died instead of cardiac arrest.
A relative of Vernon told our newspaper on Sunday that Vernon had awakened from a coma on Friday and had been speaking fluently to loved ones about the Creole culture.
Vernon has given many decades of her life to the preservation of the Creole culture and her widely known and performed song, "Ah Wah Know Who Seh Kriol Noh Gat No Kulcha," best represents her lifelong efforts.
However, she was known for many other songs for which she has received numerous awards, including her Creole translation of the country's national anthem.
Juana Cowo's accused murderer acquitted
Alberto Coleman, 57, of Hopeville, Punta Gorda, Toledo District, the man accused of the vicious murder of his ex-girlfriend Juana Cowo, 28, a career Labor officer stationed at the Punta Gorda Labor Office, was charged with murder in August 2015.
However, after almost 18 months on remand at the Belize Central Prison, today he walked out of his trial in the Southern Session of the Supreme Court, held in Dangriga, a free man after Justice Dennis Hanomansingh found him not guilty.
That brought an end to the case for the murder of Juana Cowo, whose decomposed body was found inside her apartment on Jose Maria Street, Punta Gorda, on July 3, 2015. She had been stabbed multiple times and her throat slashed. Police arrested Coleman one month later, in August, at a house in Hopeville.
17-year-old killed for owing $60
Eaton Lamb, 17, was fatally stabbed by his cousin on Pelican Street extension in Belize City just before midnight last night.
Lamb was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.
Information to us is that Lamb, of 2070 Pelican Street, had owed that relative $60.00.
A police report of today, Monday, February 20, says that "at around 11:40 p.m., while police were in the area of Antelope Street Extension, they saw Lamb bleeding profusely, being pursued by 24-year-old Tishawn Hamilton, also of a Pelican Street address, with a knife in his hand. Police quickly disarmed Hamilton and detained him, while Lamb was rushed to the KHMH but succumbed to his injuries at 12:20 while undergoing treatment."
Wife-beating BDF soldier sentenced to 3 months
-A Belize Defence Force Staff Sergeant who was criminally charged with wounding after he had beaten his wife and she had filed a complaint with police, was found guilty of the charge when his case concluded today in the Magistrate's Court. The guilty verdict that resulted in a prison sentence has brought an abrupt end to the solder's career.
Staff Sergeant Darrell Hemsley's case was heard in the number 1 court of Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, who, before imposing a 3-month prison sentence, told the convicted soldier that he was "a disgrace to the Belize Defence Force, and I will make an example out of you."
The incident which landed the BDF Staff Sergeant before the court occurred on November 26, at the couple's home on Banak Street. Tricia Hemsley, Darrell Hemsley's wife, testified at the trial that Hemsley came home from work and accused her of having his social security card.
Week 2 results in Future FC U-13 Little League Tournament at ITVET
Week 2 games were played at the ITVET football field on Saturday, February 18, in the Future Football Club U-13 Little League Football Tournament 2017. All six teams in the competition saw action on Saturday.
In game 1, Jane Usher and Carlston FC played to a 1-1 draw. Zamar Alvarez shook the net for Jane Usher, while Raheem Martinez scored for Carlston FC.
Game 2 saw Future FC with a 6-1 bombing of Sports in Education Club. Mushay Morey netted 3 goals, and Kayia Requena, Anfernee Samuela and Jerwin Carcamo added 1 apiece for Future FC; while Kentrell Marshall got the lone goal for Sports in Education Club.
And in game 3, Belize Elementary edged Survivors, 3-2. Belize Elementary got a goal each from Maddox Heusner, Hector Flores and Jared Mena; while Kiwan Panting and Isani Napata scored for Survivors.
Inter-Office finals Thursday night at MCC - BCC vs Tourist Village
The Belize District Football Association (BDFA) Inter-Office Football Tournament 2017 completed its semifinals last week Thursday night and this Thursday, February 23, will close out the tournament with a double header featuring the third-place game followed by the championship final.
In last Thursday's semifinal opener, Belize City Council (BCC) shut out Latino FC, 3-0, with goals from Mario Chimal (17'), Daren Leal (38') and David "Manu" McCaulay (40'). The other semifinal which followed saw Tourist Village FC coming away with the 4-1 win over Belize Bank. Carlos Lino struck twice (23' & 53') and John Castro (16') and Anthony Arnold (26') added 1 apiece for Tourist Village; while Filipo Aldrio (57') got the only goal for Belize Bank.
The championship finals are set for this Thursday night at the MCC.
Editorial: Denial
Early in December of last year, the Kremandala group of businesses began an overall belt tightening. This was with a view to surviving the post-holidays downturn which hits the Belizean economy every January. More than that, anyone with eyes could see in December of 2016 that there were economic storm clouds all around The Jewel.
In our editorial last Friday, we remarked on the fact that the ruling political doctorate had not yet come straight with the Belizean people where our failing economy was concerned. Earlier, we had mentioned that the "free" concert organized at the Belize City Council's expense on February 11 went against the grain, because of our financial crisis. There was still no area which we could consider the Government of Belize as making a determined, visible effort to cut waste. And when the Prime Minister/Minister of Finance, Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow, was met at the airport by the media early Sunday afternoon, February 19, on his return from New York City talks with the owners of Belize's superbond, it sounded to us very much as if he was splitting hairs and damage controlling.
What the Americans and the Europeans will never tell you
Former President Barack Obama, to this day, regrets involving America in removing Libya's Colonel Moammar Gadhafi. Today, Libya does not have a truly functional government, and there are more than 1,400 armed groups fighting within the country. Libya is awash with sophisticated weapons, and its instability has to some extent contributed to destabilise Mali, Chad, Niger, Nigeria and to a lesser extent, Cameroon. The citizens of a country - not outsiders - should remove their leaders, or dictators, by themselves. Are Iraqis and Libyans better off today than they were when Saddam Hussein and Moammar Gadhafi were ruling them? That is the litmus test - nothing else.
When I visit London, to my consternation, I now see in this great city Libyans working in very menial jobs, which were once the preserve of Somalis, Algerians, Iraqis, Eritreans, Yemenis, Malians and Chadians. How hath the mighty fallen? Under Gadhafi, Libyans hardly left home - and when they did they went as students sponsored by a generous state. In fact, Gadhafi was the only Arab leader who gave Black African students scholarships, without any religious strings attached (unlike the Wahhabi Saudis). And, like the great Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana (an adherent of the Jamaican philosopher and Black activist, Marcus Garvey and the Trinidadian, George Padmore), he dreamt of a great, united Pan-Africa. He was the most generous donor to the OAU, even paying the subscriptions of lesser well heeled African countries to its successor, the African Union (AU).
No stopping the Bandits, lead PLB standings at Week 4 of Closing Season
At the completion of Week 4 games this past weekend in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2016-2017 Closing Season, defending champions Belmopan Bandits SC are still riding high in their quest to secure a berth in Stage 1 of the CONCACAF Champions League 2017.
Belize's representative in the CONCACAF Champions League 2017 is to be the champion that posts the highest aggregate total of points in the PLB Opening and Closing Seasons 2016-2017. Belmopan Bandits SC won the Opening Season. Even if another team should win the Closing Season, their only hope of taking the Champions League berth away from the Bandits would be if they can garner enough points in the Closing Season to make up for the Opening Season gap that the Bandits put between them. A look at the numbers below (Final Opening Season standings, and current Closing Season standings) indicates that the odds are exceedingly heavily in the Bandits' favor; and, indeed, they are "taking no prisoners," as they remain undefeated at the top of the current standings.
NEBL "In the Paint"
The San Pedro Tiger Sharks suffered their first loss of the season on Friday night on the road, at the hands of Dangriga Dream Ballers at the Ecumenical High School Auditorium. The Dream Ballers utilized the term, "just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water," made popular in the well-celebrated shark movie, "Jaws," as a motivational tool to ambush the unsuspecting (4-0) Tiger Sharks.
The Dream Ballers (1-2) used a 25 to 16 explosive second-quarter run to balloon a once modest 10-point (16-6) first-quarter lead, to a 19- point 41-22 lead at the conclusion of first half play. This lead obviously would play huge, as they were able to withstand a frenzied third-quarter 21 to 2 Tiger Sharks charge, which saw their lead evaporate and the score tied up at 43 to 43 at the end of the third quarter. Miraculously, they regrouped rapidly, and quickly orchestrated a game-closing mini 14-9 fourth-quarter run, to record the big 57-52 upset.
24 tons of deleterious DDT stockpiled by Belize headed to France for destruction
Although Belize discontinued widespread use of Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethylene (DDT) for mosquito eradication two decades ago, it is believed to still be in the environment, as well as in the bodies of people who had been exposed over the years. The potentially hazardous chemical-which can also be passed to babies in breast milk-has been stockpiled in Belize for more than 35 years. In fact, when a regional assessment was done in 2005, Belize had the second biggest stockpile of all Central American countries, next to Guatemala, but it has been unable to dispense of the DDT until now.
Latest reports are that the hazardous waste, amounting to roughly 24 tons, is to be shipped to France for final destruction, since Belize does not have the requisite facilities to dispose of the waste through high-heat burning in a controlled environment.
Developed in the 1940s, DDT was used as an insecticide in fighting mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, but it was banned in the US due to reports that it causes adverse environmental and health effects, including adverse effects on human and wildlife reproduction.
Breaking Belize News
Police identifies dead body found yesterday
The body found behind Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio Town has been officially identified by Inspector Fitzory Yearwood as 21-year-old Chester Earl Theus.
According to police reports, Theus was killed sometime before 11 on Sunday night. However, he was not discovered until around 7 a.m. on Monday.
CDB projects 1.7 percent growth for region
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), at a press event last Friday, projected a 1.7 percent economic growth among its borrowing member countries (BMC) for 2017 in contrast to the negative 0.9 percent performance in 2016. The CDB's Director of Economics, Dr. Justin Ram said [�]
Family claims KHMH negligence left new born baby with burns
A new born baby boy initially suffering from digestive challenges went into surgery but left with his right foot badly burnt last week. According to his family, the digestive surgery was successful but afterward he was sent to the pediatric ward of the Karl [�]
Defense minister continues National Tour of Belize Coast Guard facilities
Minister of Defense, John Saldivar, has visited Coast Guard Facilities in the Central Sector as part of his national tour of Coast Guard facilities countrywide. Accompanied by Admiral John Borland and senior personnel from the Ministry of Defence, Saldivar visited Calabash Caye (Turneffe) where [�]
"Absolute nonsense!" PM brushes off immigration scandal
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, this week, said that the incidents of immigration fraud revealed in the Auditor General's Special Audit report of the Immigration and Nationality Department, could not have affected the 2012 General Elections. Barrow said that the amount of persons who actually [�]
Man who killed wife gets reduced charge
In December 2006, Daniel Ku was accused of killing his wife Anna Maria Magdaleno Basto. Ku alleged that during an intimate moment with his wife, she told him she had a lover who was 10 times better than him in bed, prompting him to stab [�]
William Mason to stand trial in June
His wife, Melissa Ferguson, walked away from charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping but William Mason will stand trial for the kidnapping and murder of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas. Along with Mason, to stand trial are brothers Terrence & Keiron Fernandez, Ashton Vanegas and Ernest [�]
BNTU victorious (again)
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) has won another round of battle against the Ministry of Education and by extension the Government of Belize. According to BNTU President, Luke Palacio, the Ministry of Education will not deduct the salaries of thousands of teachers who participated [�]
Two Men fined $10,000 for Illegal entry into Protected Area
The forestry department issued a press release today informing that Carlos Palacios, 35, and Donald Wewe, 47, both pleaded guilty to illegal entry into a protected area in the Dangriga Magistrate court yesterday. The men were charged under the National Protected Areas System Act [�]
Godwin Hulse defends son who pistol whipped a disgruntled customer
Minister of Agriculture, Godwin Hulse, at a media event yesterday was asked about an incident in which his son allegedly pistol whipped a man but has not faced charges. Hulse, however, said the situation was not as clear cut as the allegations have made [�]
NGC mourns passing of Bishop O.P. Martin
The National Garifuna Council 9NGC) issued a press release today saying joining Belize in expressing condolences to the Martin family and the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Belize on the transition of beloved, retired "Ibisibu" (Bishop) Osmond Peter Martin to Seiri. Bishop Martin was a [�]
Fair weather to prevail
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly fair, dry and warm conditions to prevail with some changes later this afternoon. A few showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected throughout inland areas and coastal areas tonight. The wind will blow from the east to southeast at [�]
Belize, Fiddling while Rome burns
Belize has a very small skilled population with around 4%, or 14,000, having a bachelor's degree or higher education. The majority of these either work directly for the status quo or are answerable to them in some way, shape or form. They are mostly [�]
Ready for Fun on a Cool House Boat Tour Around Ambergris Caye?
FUN! is the operative word on board the Sea's d Day house boat tour. What ways can you have FUN? How about kayaking the leeward side of Ambergris Caye, paddle boarding, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, kicking back on inflatables, plunging off the boat's water slide, eating delicious food (even freshly baked goodies), dancing, singing or just relaxing on the top deck. How FUN is that!?
The Sea's d Day is Seaduced by Belize's newest addition to its fleet of fun in the sea vessels. It's a 58-foot house boat complete with two bathrooms, a full kitchen, air conditioned seating areas inside and also two outdoor decks with comfortable seating.
YEAH! SEA's d Day explores the pristine waters and white sandy beaches of the leeward side of the island on day trips, sunsets and dinner cruises. Needless to say we had a BLAST! Love the new boat. It's very homey and you can get really comfortable in its surroundings.
We experienced the day tour that had us frolicking in the water around one of the sandbars on the northern end of the island. After playtime - LUNCH - grilled chicken with peppers and onions, cilantro rice, black beans, tortillas and a variety of sauces and toppings. (CILANTRO! Not for me though. The crew knew cilantro and I don't mix and was very accommodating in offering me 'non-cilantro' rice and toppings.
Belize, employment option for dozens of Honduran migrants
Welcome-BelizeTegucigalpa - Given the limited employment options, Hondurans have had to emigrate for years to find an opportunity abroad. The lack of employment is the main cause of emigration in the Central American country conclude various studies.
Although the main emigration destination of the Hondurans is the United States, they have had to explore new options in view of the high risks that the journey to the American nation entails.
Belize, a neighboring country has opened as a new opportunity for dozens of Hondurans who travel every Monday and return every 15 days after completing the working day.
The delegate of the National Institute of Migration (INM) in Puerto Cort�s, Francisco Mungu�a, informed on Monday that a boat with a minimum of 75 Hondurans departed from that area, who regularly travel to Belize to work and then return to the Central American country on their rest days .
The official explained that this day only sailed a boat but there are days when they do two, traditionally every Monday dozens of Hondurans embark on these trips in search of employment.
International Sources
Student studies UI effort to help sustainable entrepreneurs in small Belize town
Every year during spring break, University of Iowa faculty member Bob Walker takes a group of entrepreneurial students to consult with small-business owners in the village of San Pedro Columbia, Belize.
Last fall, UI student Mackenzie Phillips visited on her own as part of a research assignment and found Walker's efforts have made a big difference in helping Belizeans improve their livelihoods through sustainable entrepreneurialism.
"Some of them became emotional telling me how much they appreciated working with the students and what a difference they made," says Phillips, a senior from Remsen, Iowa, majoring in marketing and minoring in social work. "One caf� owner was in tears telling me how our students taught her about short- and long-term goals, which makes it so much easier to manage her restaurant."
Walker, a lecturer in the Tippie College of Business and John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC), has been taking students to Belize for five years, starting when he taught at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids. San Pedro Columbia is a challenge for entrepreneurs because of its small market size-the population is about 700-and remote location in southern Belize.
Belize misses payment on 2038 bond: financial secretary
Belize has missed an interest payment on its only international bond, the Central American country's financial secretary, Joseph Waight, told IFR on Tuesday.
The missed coupon on the country's US$530m 2038 bond, which was due on February 20, could put Belize in default if the government fails to pay before the end of the 30-day grace period, according to the bond's terms.
Belize and its creditors have been engaged in discussions to amend the terms of the bond - the country's third restructuring in a decade - since late last year, but a deal has so far been elusive.
Local authorities had aimed for a restructuring to take place before a US$13.2m coupon payment due on February 20 and launched a consent solicitation in January to amend the bond's amortisation schedule and lower its coupon.
A bondholder group appointed by the majority of holders, however, quickly rebuffed that offer arguing that it would reduce the net present value of the bond by over 40%.
In Belize con i Maya sui fiumi in piena
Mi era stato detto che in Belize ci sono dei fiumi tra i pi� selvaggi al mondo e, non essendo un Paese industrializzato, avrei potuto trovare finalmente un popolo tra quelli pi� in armonia con la natura.
Sebbene fossi partito da solo, ho trovato in breve tempo tre giovani Maya dallo spirito avventuroso: Adolfo, Ernesto e Victor.
Con l'intenzione di discendere insieme il fiume Moho in zattera, siamo andati fino alla cascata di Aguacate, un salto di circa due metri tra le rocce.
Dato che costruire un'imbarcazione per quattro persone avrebbe significato mettere in acqua un transatlantico, abbiamo deciso di farne due piccole, ma "agili" e "leggere".
Per scelta non abbattiamo mai alberi vivi e capita che i materiali (bamb� e piante infestanti, o tronchi secchi) siano da cercare a chilometri dal fiume. Lavorare nella fitta vegetazione della giungla inoltre significa farsi mangiare vivi dagli insetti e trasportare pesanti carichi in spalla. Ma in questo caso abbiamo avuto pi� fortuna del solito.
Caribbean warned of impact of lingering drought
Many Caribbean countries experienced a relatively dry January this year but there is some likelihood for incipient drought concerns in some places by the end of February if it becomes as dry as January, the Caribbean Drought and Precipitation Monitoring Network (CDPMN) has warned.
In its Caribbean drought Bulletin released here Monday, the CDPMN said there is however, little concern over drought in the Eastern Caribbean apart from in the south, particularly over Tobago, where there could eventually be impacts by the end of the dry season in May.
"There is some likelihood for incipient drought concerns in some places by the end of February if it becomes as dry as January. There is much greater concern for western countries over both short and long term drought. This is particularly so over the Cayman Islands and Cuba.
"Other countries like Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico and French Guiana should monitor conditions closely as the region goes through its dry season," the CDPMN noted.
Videos
Someone in Belmopan is saying "Yes!" to offshore oil in Belize, 2min. Our marine resources don't need a dirty and dangerous threat like offshore oil. It's time to legislate a clear position on the Belize's marine environment, including the lagoon and deep sea areas.
Jamaica 5 (0) - (2) 5 Belize Highlights, 2min. Congrats to Sean Mas (Caye Caulker) and the entire Belizean team on beating the Jamaican team in beach football. Well done! (I hope I got the beach football part right.) If anyone has more information, please post. I believe the matches are being played in the Bahamas.
Local Producers Talk Tilapia Farming, 5min. The five-year joint aquaculture project between the Governments of Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) came to an end this month. Last week, we had an opportunity to talk to the aquaculture coordinator and a couple of the Tilapia producers who participated in the project. Here's more�
Belize Now 10 - Feb 17, 2017, 35min. 1. Belize and PAHO Sign Country Cooperation Strategy
0:40 - 5:26
2. "Give Your Heart to A Child" Campaign Seeks Loving Homes for Children
5:27 - 8:47
3. CARICOM Skills Certificate Offers Greater Opportunities to Belizeans
8:48 - 12:46
4. Cabinet Approves National Road Safety Master Plan
15:21- 22:02
5. Local Producers Talk Tilapia Farming
22:05 - 27:12
6. CARICOM, Cuba Agree to Expand Preferential Market Access
27:13 - 30:18
In Case You Missed It (#ICYMI)
1.Historic First Shipment of Live Cattle Exported to Guatemala
31:09 - 31:40
2. Community Centers Refurbished to Meet Hurricane Shelter Standards
31:41 - 32:27
3. Minister Elrington Leads Belizean Delegations in Mexico and Guyana
House Boat Family Picnic Seaduced by Belize, 3min.
Overview of Banking and Financing in Belize | RE/MAX Island Real Estate, 3min. Join Will Mitchell of RE/MAX Island Real Estate for a short overview of the banking system in Belize. Learn about the different banking institutions throughout the country and alternative financing options available to you.
The windiest day yet. Belize. San Pedro. Ambergris caye., 1/2min. The windiest day yet. Belize. San Pedro. Ambergris caye. 2/20/2017
A COROZALENOS CRY FOR HELP, 6min.
NICH - Annual Street Art Festival 2017, 22min.
Rembering Lee Laa Vernon, 33min.
National Health Insurance (NHI) - Universal Health Coverage Update, 37min.
Junior Jaguar B Day, 5min.
CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship Bahamas 2017 : Belize vs Bahamas., 62min.
"Carnaval Chetumal 2017", 1min. Schedule for the "Carnaval Chetumal 2017". Presentando el programa del Carnaval Chetumal 2017.
23 Febrero: Despika y Mc Dharta,
24 Febrero: Mariana Seoane,
25 Febrero: GRUPO La Estampida Musical,
26 Febrero: Margarita La Diosa de la Cumbia Sitio Oficial,
27 Febrero: Havana Energy Band,
28 Febrero: Impacto Latino
Belize meditation video, 10min. Relax to this natural combination of sights and sounds of belize ocean and rainforest
Belize meditation video, 11min. Relax to this natural combination of sights and sounds of belize ocean and rainforest
DROPPING THE GOPRO IN THE OCEAN//Belize Trip Days 1-2, 11min.
Dive at Hol Chan, Belize 2017, 2.5min. First Dive at Hol Chan, Belize 2017.
Tropical Fever Dreams: Two weeks in Belize, 20min. I took a trip to Belize in January of 2017. This is a video slide show with music from that trip. I went from Belize City to Dangriga then out to South Water Caye, back to Dangriga to Hopkins to Blue Creek with a side trip to Punta Gorda. Then back to the airport.
2016 Hamanasi Belize Land, 5min. Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, Belize: cave tubing the Crystal Cave system, Garifuna Dancers.
2016 Hamanasi Belize Seea, 6min. Scuba diving with Hamanasi Resort crews in South Water Caye and Glover's Reef, Belize.