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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
Two suspects detained following weekend shooting in Caye Caulker
Police have detained two persons in relation to a shooting incident, which occurred in Caye Caulker Village on Monday, March 6th. Since then, the Caye Caulker Police Formation, along with the assistance of the San Pedro Formation, have launched an extensive investigation into the matter. According to the most recent report, on Monday, March 6th at 12:23AM, McFarlane, Garcia, and Munnings were attacked on Xocol Street of Bahia Area by a male person. He had a rag over his face and fired several shots towards them. As a result, McFarlane received gunshot injuries to his left upper back and left leg, while Garcia received injuries to his left leg and left lower back. However, the injuries to Munnings (Garcia's common-law wife) were to her left upper shoulder and were reported as very serious.
On Monday afternoon, March 6th, police were able to apprehend two male persons of interest, who they believe can assist them in their investigations. They were taken to the San Pedro Police Station, were they are being detained as police continue investigating the matter.
San Pedro Pirates continue to grow as a Football Club
San Pedro's very first semi-professional football team, the San Pedro Pirates Football Club, is well into its preparation for their participation in the Premier League of Belize. Apart from training, the Football Club has also taken on several community efforts, including hosting youth football camps as well and other goodwill events.
Most recently, members of the team took part in the blood drive held by the Belize Red Cross San Pedro Branch. Several players donated blood in hopes of increasing the island's blood reserve for emergency cases. As for the ongoing youth football training camp, organizers are pleased with the number of island children taking part. The aim of the training camp is not only to nurture young talent, but to also provide a healthy recreational activity for the island's youth.
Belize Participates in UN Regional Steering Committee Meeting
The UN Resident Coordinators of the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework (UN-MSDF) Regional Steering Committee met in Placencia, Belize on March 1st, 2017 at their annual meeting.
The current Chair of the Committee, Mr. Christian Salazar, Resident Coordinator of the UNDP graciously invited the Government of Belize to share Belize's experience in ensuring policy coherence with the Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS) to the Sustainable Development goals and objectives of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. CEO Yvonne Hyde of the Ministry of Economic Development informed on the governance structure in place for the GSDS and the progress made with its implementation.
Ambergris Today
Celebrity Spotting "Tiffany Trump" in San Pedro
Tiffany Trump, daughter of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, was spotted today, March 7, 2017, catching a boat to her hotel on North Ambergris Caye, Belize. She was in the company of U.S Embassy members and her boyfriend Ross Mechanic. Tiffany has also had the opportunity to visit the mainland of Belize as she spent a couple days in Cayo and enjoying a zip lining adventure.
In December of 2016 it was Tiffany's sister, Ivanka Trump, and her husband who vacationed on the island of Cayo Espanto, Belize off the shores of Ambergris Caye.
Misc Belizean Sources
La Ruta Maya Final score over-all
Masquerade - A Night in Monte Carlo
Saturday is the big night! Get your tickets now and help this very worthy fund raiser for Hope Haven Children's Home! This will be the grandest event of the year, so make sure to RSVP; tickets are limited! A Raise Me Up benefit, Masquerade will be an unforgettable trip through Monte Carlo... Delectable cuisine will be catered by Pier 366 Seafood House and paired with great wines. Mark your calendars; this beachfront event at Banyan Bay Suites is sure to sneak up on you!
The charity organization is Raise Me Up's and San Pedro Lions Club, Belize latest project, Hope Haven, a children's home that will provide necessary services to women and children on the island. It's the first children's home on the island, and we're raising funds to help commence and finish construction.
The festivities commence at 6pm, so come dressed to the nines! The theme is black, gold, and purple (not required, but recommended). If you need to purchase a mask, Kaitlin McWHorter of Sancas Realty will have them available; make sure to buy yours before they sell out!
Every attendee will receive chips for charity, allowing them to play table games, which include poker, roulette, blackjack, and craps! The top 10 chipholders at the end of the evening will win the grand prize, to be announced before the benefit. Rebuys are allowed, so make sure to try your luck and skill at winning one of the ten prizes, valued at over $15,000!
BELIZE HIGH COMMISSION: ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GROUP FOR BELIZE REVITALIZED
The Belize High Commission in London is pleased to announce the revitalization of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Belize as signaled by an Annual General Meeting held today, 7 March, 2017 at Portcullis House. Over the past few years, the group had become inactive. High Commissioner Perla Perdomo sought to revitalize the group by bringing together former members for suggestions on who could be invited to participate. MP for Beckenham, Colonel Bob Stewart DSO quickly organized an Annual General Meeting.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament as well as Members of the House of Lords. An election was held to name the Chair, Vice-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer and Officers. Colonel Bob Stewart was elected as Chairman. He is supported by Vice Chairs Wayne David, MP for Caerphilly (Labour) and Stephen Paterson, MP for Stirling (Scottish National Party). Lord David Watts (House of Lords, Labour) will serve as Treasurer, while Lord John David Taylor, Baron Kilclooney (House of Lords, Ulster Unionist Party) will serve as Secretary. All others present will serve as officers. The Rt Hon. the Lord Foulkes of Cumnock was named honorary president as a sign of gratitude for previously chairing the All Party Parliamentary Group.
Fundraiser for Jamaal Crawford
Fundraiser for Jamaal Crawford who was airlifted to a hospital in Cancun, Mexico for urgent medical treatment. March 18th, Cayo Welcome Center, 8am until.... Hey guys Join us on the 18th Of March as we do a fundraiser for Jamaal. We are open to suggestions an more ideas please contact the number for more information or 605-2074 as well.
Professors from the University of Tennessee and University of Florida visited Vaca Forest Reserve
To get a first-hand experience of potential intern field projects that will support the initiatives of the Friends of the VFR.
Chaa Creek finalist for National Geographic award
Congratulations The Lodge at Chaa Creek for being a finalist for National Geographic's World Legacy Award under the category "Engaging Communities"! Best of luck and thank you for representing Belize well!
Road to Championship: La Ruta Maya 2017
Great photos....
Go Fund Me for Camille Munnings
Camille Munnings is a strong hard working mom of 2 beautiful daughter who lives in Caye Caulker, Belize. She was always smiling and happy, loved by all who knows her. She was always the life of the party, the jokester who made everyone laughter.
On Sunday the 5 of March Camille was rushed by boat to Belize with gun shots wounds to her body. One in her shoulder the other lodged in her head.. She is fighting for her life...
North Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch Group
Attention all North Ambergris Caye residents! A meeting will be held on Saturday, March 11th starting at 10PM at the Grand Caribe Conference Room to discuss the revival of the North Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch. Everyone is invites to this important meeting on the safety of North Ambergris Caye.
Upgrading of Caracol Road Project
A Consultancy Services agreement was signed today, March 7th, between the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Works, and Dr. Nabeel Abdul-Raheem Consultants of Kuwait at US$736,150.
The Government of Belize has received a Technical Assistance Grant from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to assist in financing the services of consultants to prepare a technical and economic feasibility study and detailed designs for the Upgrading of Caracol Road Project (Georgeville to Caracol Archaeological Site).
The objective of the consultancy is to determine the technical and economic feasibility of the rehabilitation of the Caracol road to paved standards. The study will include the preparation of the detailed engineering design and preparation of bidding documents. Following procurement guidelines acceptable to our funding partner, the successful design consultant was selected after thorough review of technical and financial proposals of four international firms.
Air Show at Spanish Lookout
We'll be there..will you? You can't miss this Air Show at Spanish Lookout. Get ready for an exciting Sunday this March 12th, 2017 at the the biennial "Fly In" at the airstrip in Spanish Lookout. The airstrip is half a mile past Country Side Park.
Airplanes will be arriving from the morning around 10 A.M. although the entertainment and planned events don't start till after 12:30 P.M.
RIDES! Astrum Helicopters will be offering rides for sale on location, so and your loved one can go for a flight over the country side.
SKYDIVING! We will have a professional skydiving team performing for everyone to enjoy. And for US$199 you too can jump out of a plane with a highly experienced professional skydiver who will bring you back safely to the ground.
Power interruption 10:00am to 11:00am, Friday, March 10: portion Placencia Peninsula
Including The Plantation, Forest Lagoon Estate, Coconut Walk Drive, Poinciana Drive, Maya Beach, Cocoplum Development, Surfside Development, Seine Bight, entire Placencia Village, and surrounding areas and portion of Independence Village which includes Noralez Area, Malacate and Savannah Road. BEL to repair hotspots on power distribution system in area.
Break...Fast Women's Art Exhibit
The Wildfire Artmosphere is kicking off their Break...Fast Women in Art Exhibit this Friday, March 10th, at 7:00pm. Every weekend this month, they are having an event to celebrate Women's month.
"We are excited + honored to join you and the community and the world in celebrating Women! stay tuned for more details or just show up!"
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Some photos from the central American Waterbird Census in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.
Channel 7
Friends Executed In Double Murder
2 friends were executed over the long weekend. Their bodies were found on Saturday afternoon, thrown on a feeder road along the Western Highway. 23 year old Godwin Panting better known as "Paps" and 27 year old Albert Wade better known as "Taka" were shot dead. Now it is not clear as to what these men were doing on the feeder road or if they met up at that location but there are several reports which suggest they were lured there. Courtney Weatherburne has more details.
Godwin Panting had been working at Pepper's Pizza since late 2014. He was a contracted deliveryman. And in just those few years, he developed a close friendship with his co-workers.
Shamira Thurton, Cashier, Pepper's Pizza:
"He was a really nice person."
They were waiting for him to show up to work on Saturday morning but he never came in. But later on they found out
Murder Victim Had Been Threatened
Now according to Wade's sister, Wade was threatened. Here is how she put it.
Marybeth Wade, Albert Wade's Sister:
"He no do nothing without me, everything he does he tells me, I tell you we just close."
Courtney Weatherburne, 7News:
"He didn't tell you that he was in trouble or problem with anyone, you know why they would want to kill him like this mein?"
Marybeth Wade, Albert Wade's Sister:
"Well they just told me that, I got a text the same night from the girl he was with saying that she overheard my brother talking to somebody who was threatening him or something and that is the reason I told him call me and he say no sis "I Straight.""
Who Murdered Marvin?
And by Saturday night, police sirens would be wailing again for another murder. This time the victim was 42 year old Marvin Flowers. Close to midnight he was walking along Jasmine Street where his sister lives, when a man pulled up on bike and shot him multiple times. The shooter fled the scene, and Flowers was rushed to the KHMH where he succumbed to his injuries two hours later. His family declined comment, but we spoke to his close friend and neighbor, who gave us a little more insight into what happened...
Voice of: Neighbor/Friend of the Deceased:
"I hear the ringing and I just saw people running at the spot. I know the guy was a cool guy. I don't really know about what he was involved with."
Mother of Two In Coma, With Bullet To Head
Tonight, a mother of two is in an induced coma at the KHMH with a bullet lodged in her brain. Doctors are hoping she can make a recovery, but at this point, it's too early to tell. 29 year old Camille Munnings was one of three persons shot early on Monday morning on the south end of Caye Caulker near the airstrip on Xocol Street. The alleged culprit was a man with a rag over his face. Just after midnight, he strode up to Raul McFarlane, Akeem Garcia and Camille Munnings and opened fire, hitting the two men to the back and leg, while the bullet grazed Munnings shoulder and ended up lodged in the back of her head. She is Akeem Garcia's common law wife.
San Pedro Police detained two suspects but may have to release them because they say the victims who are conscious, namely Garcia and McFarlane don't want to cooperate.
And while that is a police matter, all Camille Munnings' family cares about right now is that she makes it. Today, her sister asking to appear off camera told us what they know about her condition so far:...
Teenaged Friend Charged For Killing Minor in Teakettle
On Friday we told you about the murder of 17 year old Teakettle Resident, Ernesto Wiltshire. Well, tonight, Belmopan police have charged an 18 year old for his murder. He is fellow Teakettle villager Shemar Santos who also happened to be a close and trusted friend of the deceased. But, friend or not, Police believe that Santos chopped Wiltshire behind the head at an area one mile behind Teakettle village and left him for dead. The teenager's body was found on Friday afternoon, but he had gone missing three days earlier. On Tuesday morning, he went swimming with two friends in the River. He returned but his friends called him back to the river, and that is when his family believes this group of friends, all minors, set up to kill him.
A search team found his decomposing body on Friday. A post mortem concluded he died from multiple shop wounds to the head.
Report: Creditor Committee Says Yes To Revised Superbond Offering
On Friday we told you about the news that government had significantly revised its Superbond offer - and yesterday we learned that the creditor committee likes the new deal. According to an article on nasdaq.com, Belize's creditors have approved the bond restructuring. the article says, quote, "a committee representing the majority of bondholders endorsed a revised proposal from Belize that reduces the interest rate on the note and shortens its maturity." End quote.
The new offer proposes an interest rate of 4.9375%, slightly below the current 5% and significantly lower than the 6.76% that was going to kick in on August 20th. The savings on interest amounts to over 50 million dollars. Additionally, the final maturity date of the bond has been brought forward from 2038 to 2034. Now, the biggest change is on repaying the principal. This was originally scheduled to be done in two payments annually for 19 years, between 2019 and 2038. But it will now be done in five annual payments between 2030 and 2034. That means that for 11 years, payments on the principal will be deferred. This will result in huge cash flow saving for government, as much as 600 million dollars over those 11 years.
CJ Says "Very Well" To Sewell Legal Team
A week ago, we told you how Mark Seawell, the last of the Seawell Brothers who's fighting his extradition to the US, went to the Supreme Court to ask the Chief Justice to reopen his habeas corpus case. Since the judge hasn't given a ruling in 3 and a half years, Seawell's attorneys want the CJ to hear new arguments which they think could get the extradition proceedings set aside once and for all.
American law enforcement says that from the late 1990's, Mark, along with his brothers Gary and Duane, set up a marijuana and cocaine smuggling business where they recruited couriers from to transport cocaine from Mexico to the US. They allegedly hired recruiters who offered spring break vacationers all-expense paid trips to Cancun if they agreed to make the trip down to Belize and pick up a pair of tennis shoes. They would take those shoes, which had a kilogram of cocaine hidden in the soles, back to the US, and that's how the drugs were allegedly smuggled in.
He Abetted In Attempted Murder Cops Say
Today Kevin Flores appeared in the Magistrate's Court, where he was read a charge for abetment to commit murder. According to reports, Flores aided and abetted Linsburgh Clarke in the shooting of Brandon Bennett on the Belcan Bridge on Friday afternoon.
Flores's offence is indictable, so no plea was taken and he was not offered bail. He was remanded into police custody until May.
Linsburgh Clarke has not yet been charged for his alleged involvement in the incident.
Customs Making Many Seizures In North
Customs in the north has confiscated as many as 15 vehicles in the last three weeks. One of them is this silver Nissan Pathfinder. On February 27th, Customs found it at the Santa Cruz landing with 45 cases of assorted biscuits and ten cases assorted sweets. A minor and an adult were inside the vehicle.
And, on Friday night at 10:00, Customs were on river patrols in the Rio Hondo when they intercepted a vessel an aluminum 15 foot skiff, loaded with 25 cases Suprerior beer and 1 case Corona beer and 6 cases 3 litre sized soft drinks.
Upstart Mexicans Defy Their Own Military At Bridge
In other news from the northern frontier, the Mexican military had major problems their side of the Belize - Mexico bridge this weekend with some very upstart cross border smugglers. Now, this is the old bridge, between Subtiniente Lopez and the Free Zone, where there had been a showdown between defiant Mexican smugglers and the Belize Customs some weeks ago. But this time, the Mexican Military was called in to deal with the same problem on their side. As you can see, the persons there showed open defiance of the military and taunted them.
Mexican news reports say they were trying to arrest someone. Belizean authorities did not get involved.
Attorney/Politician Phillip Palacio Dead At 43
Well known attorney and former PUP politician Phillip Palacio died this morning at a hospital in the US. About one month ago, the 43 year old discovered that he had stage 4 cancer in his brain, which had already spread to his lungs. This footage taken by a friend showed him 11 days ago after he had gotten brain surgery at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. And while he looked healthy enough in those pictures, the cancer had already spread aggressively and then it overtook him early this morning. He had seizures at the residence where he was staying in California and was rushed to hospital. He passed at around 4:15 am this morning. He had first been hospitalized on February 17th.
The sudden and unexpected death, after a short battle with an advanced case of cancer has triggered an outpouring of sympathy from many Belizeans and his colleagues in the legal profession. This morning, we spoke with one of his peers Bryan Neal, about Palacio's contribution to the legal profession in Belize. Here's what he had to say about his colleague and friend:
Cleyon, The Survivor Needs Your Help To Keep Going
Since September of 2014, we've been telling you about Cleyon Marage. He's the young man who's been battling acute myeloid leukemia, which is a cancer of the blood.
Since then, his family has been struggling with the crippling cost of his medical bills, and they also worry about his continued health, given that his doctors have already told them is chances of survival are very slim.
Well, little Cleyon has been beating those odds surviving almost a year, even though the doctors only gave him 1 month. His parents managed to get him a herbal treatment to substitute for the chemotherapy which was yielding very little results. They say that they still have a lot of expenses for him, and they're hoping that the public will come out and support them in a barbeque sale. It's happening this weekend, and his mother stopped by our office to beg for your help:
Caracol Road Coming Closer to Reality
The Caracol Road is coming closer to reality. A Consultancy Services agreement was signed today between the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Works, and a Kuwaiti consultant. The contract is valued at $736,150 US dollars which is being paid through a Kuwaiti grant. The consultant will prepare a technical and economic feasibility study along with detailed designs for the Road from Georgeville to the Caracol Archaeological Site.
Now, it's just a feasibility study but the consultant says he hopes to finish it before the 8 month timeframe:
Consultant"
"And we assure you that we will ask my team to expedite the study to be finished as soon as possible, because you are familiar that once this feasibility study is finished then you have to approach the funding agencies for the required funding to construct."
FCD Calls All Partners To Discuss Chiquibul
And in other News related to the Chiquibul National Park, last week Friday the Friends For Conservation and Development held a bi-national consultation at the OAS Adjacency Zone Office at the Benque border. The purpose is to try to decrease the number of Guatemalan incursions into the Chiqubul.
14 Belizeans, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Forestry Department, the Agriculture Department, Immigration, BDF, Police and FCD met with 15 Guatemalan officials to discuss the Chiquibul-Maya Mountain Action Plan. Attending from the Guatemalan side were representatives from the Guatemalan Ministry of Agriculture, Associacion Balam, CONAP - which is like their version of PACT, the Guatemalan consulate, and INAB.
FCD reports that this is the third time that a Chiquibul-Maya Mountains Technical plan is being developed, and it serves as a roadmap for FCD and their counterparts, Balam, who are on the ground actively trying to do conservation work to protect the Chiquibul on both sides. The first plan was developed in 2007 and then in 2013.
Ruta Maya Finish Is Dramatic and Dominated By One Family
The 20th Ruta Maya River challenge ended its 169 mile trek on Monday in Belize City. Rhonda Crichton and Javier Guettierez called the finish live for Channel 7:
So while D & A Smart won the final leg, NICH had the best overall time by 1`4 seconds. The two worked together on the last leg to leave the defending champ Koop Sheet metal behind:...
The Cruz brothers who won are from Esperanza, and so are the female winners, who also happen to be the sisters of the male winners:
The One Cruz sister you didn't see is Delia. She is a part of the winning female team, and also the mother of the 9 year old, another Cruz who made it all the way along with a very young team of his uncles:�
Tiffany Trump Tries Belize
And while many watched the end of the race, we didn't see Tifanny Tump. US President Donald Trump's daughter Tiffany arrived in Belize over the weekend with a large escort of SUV's. She posted this video of her zip lining on her Instagram account. Her sister, Ivanka visited last year.