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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


The San Pedro Sun

New Horizon SDA Primary school celebrates Children's Day
On Friday, February 17th, New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist Primary School celebrated Children's Day at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex. From 9AM to 3PM, the students participated in fun activities such as ball toss, carpet race, and lime and spoon. They were divided into eight groups, with a special color assigned to each group. Principal Samuel Chi said that Children's Day was a success. "We wanted to do a little bit of the social aspect of education. The idea was to have fun and leave aside paper and books. It was a fun day for the kids, parents, and teachers," said Chi.

Belize wins their first match at the 2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Tournament
Three athletes from San Pedro Town, Thomas Baptist, Ethnie Figueroa, and Rugerri Trejo, are representing the island and the country as part of the Belize Beach Soccer Team at the 2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship currently being held in the Bahamas. The tournament started on Monday, February 20th, and saw Belize winning its first match against Jamaica with a final score of 7-5. The match took place at Malcolm Park Beach Soccer Facility in Nassau, the Bahamian Capital City. The Belize Team jumped to a quick start, with Marlon Mesa scoring the first goal just two minutes in the first period of the game. Belize kept the pressure and by the ninth minute they were leading 4-0.

Local Softball Tournament's fourth week completed
Week four of the San Pedro Town Council Softball Tournament saw another set of three games this past weekend on Sunday, February 19th. Rusties, Extreme, Sea Star, Atlantic Bank, San Pedro High School (SPHS) and Quality Reef were back on the field at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex giving their best in order to stay in the tournament. In the next two weeks, eliminations are expected to take place, and only the top teams will remain in the competition. heir fourth victory in a 5-4 score. SPHS continues to lead in the tournament with four consecutive wins. The standings for the other teams are as follow: Sea Star with three wins and no losses. Extreme and Rusties both have two wins and two losses. Quality Reef has one win and two losses and Atlantic Bank and Tuff E Nuff are winless. The action continues this Sunday, February 26th.

Golf cart completely destroyed by fire on Coconut Drive
A golf cart, which was parked next to Island City Supermarket on Coconut Drive, suddenly ignited into flames shortly before 7PM on Monday evening, February 20th. The San Pedro Fire Department (SPFD) was alerted and the fire was rapidly extinguished upon their arrival. The golf cart was completely destroyed, but no one was injured in the bizarre incident. Reports are that the occupants of the golf cart were inside the store when their rented cart caught fire. Luckily for them, they did not have any valuable items on the golf cart at the time of the incident. Before the SPFD arrived to the scene the staff from the supermarket had begun hosing the fire in an attempt to keep it from escalating. By the time the fire fighters arrived, the fire had been completely extinguished, but nothing could be done to save the golf cart; it had burned down to its chassis.

Ambergris Today

Memorial and Funeral Services Announced for Bishop O.P. Martin
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan announced the death of our brother Bishop Emeritus Osmond Peter Martin early in the morning of Thursday, February 16, 2017. Bishop Martin died in his sleep while residing at his family home in Dangriga. He was 86 years old and had been struggling with the ailments of the aging process for some time. O. P. Martin was ordained a priest on April 3, 1959 in Dangriga after completing studies at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. He served at parishes in Corozal, San Ignacio, St. Joseph, and Holy Redeemer Cathedral. On October 7, 1982 he was ordained Auxiliary Bishop, making him the first Garifuna and Belizean bishop for the Church. After just a few years, on January 16, 1984, he was appointed the Bishop of Belize City and Belmopan. He served the Church in that leadership role until his retirement in 2007.

Mari Maga�a Crowned Miss Carnaval 2017
It was a night full of fun and laughter as five contestants took the stage at the San Pedro High School Auditorium on Saturday, February 18, 2017, for the selection of Miss Carnaval. The pageant consisted of 4 segments: Sports, Beach, Talent and Evening wear. A special presentatiation in memory of Felix Ayuso "Rey de el Carnaval" was conducted by Fatima Graniel who delighted the audience with a poem and children were invited to release ballons in his honor. To cheer up the mood and keep the pageant going, the most antisipated segment began as each contestant presented their talent; an audience favorite. In the end Vicky Marin was announced as first runner up and Mari Maga�a was crowned Miss Carnaval 2017.

Local Rotary Club Invites You to Learn to Dance for a Cause
The Rotary Club of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye has launched a weekly dance class for couples and singles throughout the island, attendees can learn swing, salsa and other Latin-inspired dance from professional local instructor Zuzana Maros who has more than 20 years experience in music, drama and performing arts. Everyone is invited to attend and dance with locals from the San Pedro community in a relaxed, casual environment, every Monday from 7-9 p.m. at Banyan Bay's beachside conference room. The first hour is instruction from Maros, and the second hour is for those who choose to stay for group dance practice. Age 21+, couples and singles are all welcome. Dance partners are not needed to enjoy the weekly event "Let's Dance!"

Misc Belizean Sources

mzz

Belize Fishing Report, Feb 13th - Feb 19th, 2017
A windy week, some days blowing close to twenty knots. Our anglers were challenged but came through with plenty of fish caught. Allan and Cindy, Muto (our friend from Japan), Kash, Kim, Conner, Rick, Michael, and Reggie all landed their share of hungry bonefish.

Two Men Fined $10,000 for Illegal Entry into Protected Area
Carlos Palacios (35 years) and Donald Wewe (47 years) both pleaded guilty to illegal entry into a protected area in the Dangriga Magistrate court on February 20th, 2017. The men were charged under the National Protected Areas System Act of 2015 and were fined $10,000 each. Failure to make payment will result in a 1-year imprisonment. Authorities found the two men during a routine patrol within the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, Stann Creek District in April 2016. They were found in possession of twenty-seven (27) pieces of prickly-yellow lumber and a chain saw. The Mayflower Bocawina National Park spreads over 7,800 acres of broadleaf forest and contains Mayan archaeological sites, three primary waterfalls and is home to a variety of wildlife species; however, it is fast becoming a hotspot for illegal logging operations and looting. Recognizing that the complexity of illegal logging and illegal timber-trafficking requires greater collaboration of all stakeholders, the Forest Department officers and rangers of the Mayflower Bocawina Environment and Development Group have stepped up patrols and monitoring to stem the illegal forestry activities in this area. Over the next months, the Forest Department will increase the number of rangers and patrols, improve collaboration with co-managers and join law enforcement officers in setting-up road blocks and inspection points at strategic areas.

Minister of Defence Continues National Tour of Belize Coast Guard Facilities
Minister of Defence Hon. 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, Hon. Saldivar visited Calabash Caye (Turneffe) where the Coast Guard has a Forward Operating Base, constructed in 2010. The tour then carried them to Half Moon Caye and Glovers Reef (Middle Caye) where the Coast Guard partners with conservation organizations, providing law enforcement support. The group then visited Southern Long Caye where the Coast Guard recently established a Patrol Base to provide security for fishermen in the area.

The Belize Literary Prize 2016 now open for Belizean Writers
The Genres for competition are : Flash Fiction and Poetry Email: [email protected] for more information

Arte con Voz de Mujer exhibit
Corozal House of Culture, Friday March 10, 7pm

Scout Nitzia Rancharan of Corozal Town listed in Honor Roll with a 3.27 (GPA)
The Corozal Daily joins in congratulating Scout Nitzia Rancharan for her academic achievement of a 3.27 (GPA) earning her a place in the Honor Roll of her high school. Nitzia is a member of the 11th Corozal Mary Hill Scout Group. Her parents are both Leaders in the same Group. Nayeli Rancharan, mother - is the Scout Leader and Ovid Rancharan, father - is the Venture Scout Leader. Last year 2016, the entire Ovid and Nayeli Rancharan family were recognized by the Scout Association awarding them the "Family in Scouting Award"

La Ruta Maya Cultural Night 2017
The SISE House of Culture is having their LRM Cultural Night on Thursday, March 2nd, at the CWC. "La Ruta Maya Cultural Night; March 2nd 2017, Cayo Welcome Center! All are invited!"

"Belizean Roots Expo"
The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry presents to you on April 1st, 2017 "Belizean Roots Expo". Come engage in a day filled with food, drinks, cultural performances and other entertainments. See flyer below for more information.

The Reef Week 2017 Calendar is out!
It's time to "Turn the Tide, Respect the Reef!" The Reef Week 2017 Calendar is here! Visit Reef Week Belize to learn more about how you can get involved in this year's Reef Week!

BETEX 2017: Savor your Belize Experiemce !!
Belize's Signature Travel trade show, BETEX will be hosted in Belize on May 3 - 5, 2017, in Belize City! The Belize Tourism Expo 2017 (BETEX 2017) offers Belizean Tourism suppliers the opportunity to network and liaise with international wholesalers and travel agents, who already sell or plan to sell Belize travel to their clients. BETEX was first organized in 1996 and takes place every two years, attracting approximately 300 local and international tourism professionals and press representatives. BETEX is open to registered suppliers only, which include hotels, tour operators and other tourism service providers, who will be showcasing all of our Belize travel destinations. BETEX suppliers and attendees, gain immediate competitive advantage for their businesses and stay abreast of the latest developments in Belize. Following arrivals and the welcome reception on May 3, Belize's top suppliers will exhibit at a tradeshow in Belize City on May 4 and 5 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The tradeshow will feature booth displays, seminars and one-on-one business meetings (with pre-scheduled appointments). Buyers have the option to participate in Post Tours (3 additional nights) which will allow them to immerse themselves in the product and learn firsthand how to sell Belize. Belize's rich cultural diversity and gastronomy will be highlighted throughout the BETEX event and post tours.

BROTHER SHABAZZ THE LEGEND!
My brother Nuri Akbar Estrada pulled this classic from the BREDAA archives and shared with me today in one of the most touching moments about one of the most legendary Belizeans of all times, my brother in faith, struggle and friendship, the late Ismael Omar Shabazz. As yours truly looked deeply at the historic photo, my mind could not recalled where and when it was taken if it was not for the attached notes by Nuri who reminded me that it was taken in 1984 at the Felix Bilal Islamic Center on the historic Central Boulevard in South Central Los Angeles. The moment was not only historic in terms of this period in my life just two years after my embracing Islam and doing some dynamic work as a Belizean Muslim in the Los Angeles Muslims of Belize (LAMBS), but Central Boulevard in L.A. was an historic entertainment spot where "Angelenos" could hear the best in jazz and see some of the legendary African-American jazz musicians in the 1960s and 70s.

Splashers
Join us this week at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar to paint "Truck Stop Sunset". $25 u.s $50 bz a person

THE ROTARY CLUB OF COROZAL ANNUAL CHEAP SALE
We will be hosting our third annual Cheap Sale (Garage Sale) on the 24th of Feb 2017 at the Civic Center Corozal The revenue from this FUNDRAISING EVENT will be used to improve education, health, safety and quality of life for those most in need within the Corozal District. Anne Pilling-central Corozal (will arrange location) [email protected] Questions or request for pick-up call Loreta Randall 666-3447 or Bill Hunt 620-0788 THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ROTARY CLUB OF COROZAL

Junior Buddy's 10th Birthday
Today WCS joined The Belize Zoo in celebrating Junior Buddy's 10th Birthday! He was the first jaguar born in captivity at the Belize Zoo after his mother, a jaguar that the Springfield community reported was killing and eating livestock in, was removed to the Zoo. Junior Buddy is Belize's 'jaguar ambassador' and highlights the issues faced by jaguars to tens of thousands of Belizeans and foreign visitors every year.

Cleanup in Bullet Tree Falls
Bullet Tree Falls is one of 10 communities in Belize that forms part of the Bi-national Watershed Alliance. The "Positive Environmental Group" and the village council organized a clean-up campaign to prevent garbage sipping into the Mopan River. We thank all the villagers who participated.

Mad City Money project
We are working to help improve education and leadership opportunities for Belizean youth! The Embassy is happy to support the Belize Credit Union League (BCUL) in its Mad City Money project with students at Sadie Vernon High School. This unique initiative, done in collaboration with other credit unions across Belize, allows the youth to engage in simulation exercises that encourage financial awareness and literacy, and teach the advantages of making good financial decisions. Students learn these skills by practicing budgeting as adults, under realistic circumstances. The project is a part of the ongoing Embassy's grant to BCUL under the Central America Regional Security Initiative Economic Support Fund (CARSI ESF) which provides youth and marginalized communities with alternative activities.

Channel 7

Teachers Get Pay, Give Days
Today, after over 3 months in court, the Belize National Teachers Union has won a victory against the Ministry of Education. Their pay for the 11-day teachers strike will not be cut. But, they've got to give something too: they've agreed to work 6 extra school days so that all schools get the required number of days to complete an entire school year. This is the outcome after the Chief Justice ordered that both the Teachers and the Government should try to resolve the dispute through court ordered mediation. That ended last month, and this morning, the Chief Justice finally was able to put it into a perfected order. This means that teachers and students are being expected to report for classes for 3 more days before going on the Easter Break, and 3 more before going on the summer break.

Danny Committed to Stand Trial
11 days ago, we told you how the police withdrew charges against Melissa Ferguson, wife of accused murderer William Danny Mason. The cops didn't have enough evidence to prove that she was involved in the kidnapping of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, which led to his murder. Well, there won't be any such easy acquittal for Mason and his 4 fellow accused, Ashton Vanegas, Keron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo. They will all have to stand trial in the Supreme Court. That's decision that the Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith, made this morning during the preliminary inquiry. Now, the preliminary inquiry is done by the Magistrate's Court to test whether the police have gathered enough evidence to try a case in the Supreme Court.

Cayo Deceased is Belize City Man
The identity of the second victim in the Cayo double murder has been confirmed. He is 22 year old Chester Theus. He is originally from the Long Barracks on Caesar Ridge Road in Belize City. Now as we told you, the report is that Theus was allegedly hired to kill Aldana on Sunday night. And then about 7 hours later, Theus himself was shot to the head. Theus's body was found on 1st Street in san Ignacio Town yesterday morning around 6:00. Today the family who took care of Theus and raised him as their own told us more about his life, but they couldn't say much about his execution in Cayo. Shemalone Middleton, Sister: "One of my mother's friends asked me if she wanted a baby, because his mother wants somebody to give him too and my mother took him and raised him up until my mother my mom got sick, after my mom got sick he used to be around me a bit and then he went around his mom and from there he went to jail I don't know."

Police: Eaton's Cousin Was His Killer
Yesterday we told you about Eaton Lamb, the seventeen year old who was allegedly stabbed to death by his cousin, Tishaun Hamilton. Police were on patrol in the area when they saw Hamilton chasing Lamb. They intervened and detained Hamilton but were unable to save Lamb's life because he had already received a serious stab wound and died half an hour later. Well, today the fireman appeared unrepresented in the Magistrate's Court. He was read one charge of murder, but no plea was taken because it is an indictable offense. No bail was offered, and Hamilton was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until May. Not only was he arrested by police, but they also found a 7 inch knife believed to be the murder weapon.

PM Barrow Gives Props To Brother Barrow
Last night, we showed you most of our interview with the Prime Minister when he returned on Sunday from his New York Meetings with Belize's Creditors. One part we didn't get to show you, however, was his comments on his brother, Denys Barrow, being appointed as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice. The younger Barrow has confirmed to us that he will join the court in June. He will become 1 of only 7 judges at the court - which marks him out as one of the pre-eminent jurists in the Caribbean. And even though his government is losing its best attorney, the Prime Minister said that it is a mark of distinction for his brother and Belize: Reporter: "The appointment of your brother as a judge on the bench for the Caribbean Court of Justice, can you share with us your thoughts on that?" Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "I've always said he was the best lawyer in Belize and so I am very happy for him that his merit, his talent, his absolute brilliance which has been longstanding is now rewarded. So it's a tremendous achievement for him. It is also a tremendous achievement for Belize."

Men Convicted For Taking Timber In Reserve
Last May, the Association for Protected Areas Management Organizations and the Forestry Department conducted an operation in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park. They found Carlos Palacios and Donald Wewe in possession of twenty seven pieces of prickly yellow lumber and a chainsaw. They were charged with entering a protected area and destroying valuable timber. Palacios and Wewe appeared in the Dangriga Magistrate's Court yesterday where they were they pled guilty to the charges. They were fined $10,000 each, and if they default on the payments, must serve one year in prison. Both APAMO and The Forestry Department are hailing the conviction as a notable victory for conservation. APAMO says, quote, "illegal timber harvest is one of the biggest threats to the conservation of Belize's valuable forests�This constantly growing unlawful commerce is a major contributor to the yearly increase in deforestation and destruction of wildlife and flora." End quote. They add, quote, "a National Park is established for: the protection and preservation of natural and scenic values �for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public."

Toledo Farmer Says He Got Chanced By Forestry
And so while that is a definite and much needed win for conservation in its battle against lawless loggers, the next story we're going to tell you about is not so clear cut. It's about farmers in the Toledo District who were farming in the Colombia Forest Reserve, which is a protected area. Now that is definitely off limits, but they say they were in there for a decade, and then suddenly on Friday, Forestry and police swept in, and without any notice burnt their corn and rice. Benito Makin told us via telephone that he lost a whole lot:.. Benito Makin - Aggrieved Farmer: "They burned down our plantation without telling us anything. They could have at least informed us to pick up our corn, if they know that we are in the forest reserve, but nothing like that happened. They did not inform me. The loss of my corn is, around 14,000 pounds of corn. That's a big lost for me because that is the only thing I have to depend on to feed my children, to find my little dollar out of that, feed my chickens with it and I right now I'm staying without food. What am I going to eat? I need to feed my children, now and tomorrow. It's a lot of us. Why is it only our farm that they destroyed?"

Making Chicken Quality
Earlier this month we gave you an in-depth look at Good Manufacturing Practices. Beltraide had organized a workshop for business operators to learn more about the strict and costly but very necessary HACCP certification system. HACCP, which is a food safety system stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point. Well, a few large scale companies are putting that theory into action. Quality Poultry Products is one of them. They were officially HACCP certified in late January. Yesterday at a press conference at their poultry plant in Spanish Lookout, I found out what it took to get this point and what it means for their business and the industry going forward. Here is that story. Quality Poultry, it's a stop everyone makes on their grocery run. It has been a Belizean staple for about 30 years. The company officially became Quality Poultry Products in 1975 and since then the business has expanded significantly with 351 employees, 12 branches countrywide, even a restaurant chain 'Quality Chicken Express'. But apart from the growth of the business operations, General Manager Raymond Barkman says they also want to ensure their customers always get products that meet food safety standards.

Standards Undermined By Contraband
Now what about other companies and manufactures? Shouldn't they also follow in Quality Poultry's footsteps ? According to Agriculture Minister Godwin Hulse, other businesses are working on getting HACCP certified. He says this move towards this food safety system can be successful as long as contraband goods stay off the local market. Hon. Godwin Hulse - Minister of Agriculture: "Several are in process. As you know we have some other industries that are there such as; Marie Sharp, the citrus people, Running W is there already, almost there. So we have several that are coming after that which is key and I have said in this ministry 4 very clear priorities, BAHA is key, animal and plant health is..., please understand, I would smash anybody who dares to contraband anything into this country, if I could because that is where the mess comes in. The border has to be tight. I'm saying publicly for business men, importers, anyone who thinks they can bring contraband. BAHA has the mandate from me to confiscate and to find and whatever needs to done and don't call anyone because, they can't help you, because you cannot destroy our domestic production."

Haulover Creek Almost Completely Cleared, Revealing Magnificent Mangrove Forest
For the past two weeks, this Channel has been leading the reporting on the state of the Haulover Creek. It's news because the creek is the final stretch for one of the country's most beloved sporting events, the Ruta Maya. When we first visited two weeks ago, it was completely impassable, and the attention we brought to it got the Forestry Department involved and on the ground within days. Today we went back up the creek to see how it's been going:... Today, the Haulover Creek had all the signs of a healthy waterway. We could see water flowing, and instead of looking dank and funky, it appeared green and vibrant. Marcello Windsor- Deputy Chief Forest Officer: "What we have noted, through observation only, is that there is some current, or there is some stream flow, and that is very important I think as we complete the task we will have a better stream-flow I should say."

Science and The High Seas
This week Belize is hosting scientists and legal experts from around the world. They are participating in a workshop to develop conservation policies for waters outside of national jurisdictions. Those are the bodies of water that are not within the maritime borders of any country. The initiative, which is being funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, brings together experts in sustainable environmental management. We spoke to a few of those experts today for more details. The discussions about the policies are still in the early stages, but the final drafts will be presented to the United Nations General Assembly.

Weed Caught In Caye
San Pedro resident Brionne Swift has gotten off a double murder charge before, but today island police say they caught him with nearly two pounds of weed. At 2:30, a joint special branch and CIB team, acting on intelligence intercepted 37 year old Swift with a parcel containing 941 grams of cannabis. That's just under a kilo, or about two pounds. He is detained pending charges of drug trafficking. And in Belize City, at 6:30 this morning police found 650 grams, or just over a pound of weed on Justice Street.

Saldivar Takes Coast Guard Tour
2 weeks ago, we told you how Defense Minister John Saldivar started his tour of the Coast Guard facilities and forward operating bases countrywide. Saldivar wants to get a firsthand experience of the conditions of these facilities, to see which are substandard, and which need urgent attention for upgrades. On Thursday and Friday of last week, he and his senior staff accompanied Admiral John Borland on a tour of the Coast Guard Central Sector, which includes areas such as Calabash Caye, Half Moon Caye, Glovers Reef, and Southern Long Caye. At the end of the the tour, Admiral Borland told Saldivar's media outfit what the locations mean to the Coast Guard's ability to police the Belize's territorial waters.: Saldivar and his senior Defense staff will tour the Coast Guards Northern Sector Next week.

Buddy's Birthday
Today the Belize Zoo celebrated the birthday of one of it's most famous animals, Junior Buddy the Jaguar. To celebrate, the zoo threw a party and invited the children from St. Agnes Anglican School and other partners to participate. Alex Courtenay heard there would be cake, so he went up to the zoo to join in the festivities... Junior Buddy, as well as the zoo's other jaguars will be used to spread the message of conservation to all those that visit.

Life's a Beach, Belize It
Right now in the Bahamas, Belize's Beach Soccer Team is coming down from the euphoria of winning their first game of the 2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships. That game was played yesterday in Nassau where Belize went up against Team Jamaica, and put off quite a showing. They were looking for payback since Jamaica defeated them 2 years ago. So, the Belize side erupted when Marlon Mesa scored the first goal in only 2 minutes of play. About 2 minutes later, Belize got its second goal from Raymond Brenton Ramos who showed some fancy football skills with this bicycle kick goal, also known as the Chilenas. Belize's Marlon Mesa scored a third goal shortly afterwards, and when the first period ended, Belize was in the lead 4 goals to 1.

CDB Hopeful for Belizean Economy
For the last few nights, we've been reporting on the CDB's annual press conference which was held in Barbados on Friday. 7News attended and we've been using the event to give you some regional perspective on regional economies. Belize is one of the economies that showed negative growth in 2016, despite a forecast which said it would grow by 2.7%. But still the Bank president says this country's economy has more resilience and potential that many small islands in the Caribbean. He explained why:.. Dr. William Warren Smith - CDB President: "You're only now scratching the surface of the potential in your tourism industry. My view is that, if there is a Caribbean Country that has the opportunity to really boom in that area it would be Belize, because of the cultural endowment; you know, the cultural history that you have. That I think is one good opportunity for the restart of the economy. As far as the other parts of the economy are concerned, Belize is in a very good position when we look at its energy situation."

Belize Among First In Line For CDB
And the President's confidence in Belize is demonstrated throughout the fact that Belize, St. Lucia and Suriname were the three main beneficiaries of new loans form the CDB in 2016. The President explained why:..


Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
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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 NewsPJ

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 [�]

Blogs

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 Sourcesizz

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.


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