AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life News Daily news prior to today Today's Belize News: March 18, 2017

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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

Death on Caye Caulker
The San Pedro Sun has received reports that a sudden death occurred in Caye Caulker. Attempts to get an official report from Caye Caulker Police have been futile. Unofficial reports are that a gentleman suffered a heart attack and died while in transit to Belize City. We will update as official information becomes available.

Bishop Glancy visits with the San Pedro Lions
Roman Catholic Bishop Christopher Glancy presided over the confirmation of 36 island children on Sunday, March 12th. After the sacred ceremony, he was hosted to a social by the San Pedro Lions Club later that same evening. For the San Pedro Lions and Leos, his visit was most welcomed. Bishop Glancy was delighted with the hospitality given, and shared that he enjoyed La Isla Bonita.

BWS starts sewer expansion on Laguna Drive
On Monday, March 13th, Belize Water Service (BWS) commenced work on its sewer expansion construction project on Laguna Drive. Funded by BWS and the Government of Belize, the $1.5 million project is geared to protect the environment, while promoting economic development. The project is scheduled to take approximately six months to complete, and is expected to benefit 62 residents/businesses. On Thursday, March 9th, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Area Representative of Belize Rural South Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr. met with members of BWS to discuss the intentions to further expand its sewage system. Alvan Hayne, Chief executive officer (CEO) of BWS, along with Sanjay Keshwani, BWS Technical Services Manager, Dave Pascascio, BWS Operations Manager, and Jermaine Jones, BWS Operations Supervisor, were also present at site, and visited the areas that will be connected to BWS' sewage system.

PM Barrow presents 2017-2018 National Budget
According to Barrow, GOB is planning around 6% less in expenditure, which will amount to about BZ$59 million dollars, while collecting nearly BZ$109 million dollars more in overall revenue than last year. In order to obtain such results, different Ministries will be seeing budget cuts, including Foreign Affairs, Health and the Ministry in Charge of the police. The Ministries of Finance, Housing and Urban Development, along with Education will see an increase of $10 million dollars. Despite the fact that Government still needs additional funds to finance its upcoming budget, Barrow told the media and the country on Monday that economic recovery is underway. "There is clearly going to be a bounce-back in terms of agriculture as we tried to set out, so we are perfectly certain that our projections are legitimate," said Barrow. With the recent Super Bond restructuring, Barrow's administration is committed to increase its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by at least 2% for the next four years, in contrast with the current -1.68% GDP. In order to achieve this and the financing of the year's budget, taxation was a must. According to GOB, they were careful as to what items to tax so the poor are not affected. During his presentation, Barrow proposed to. "Adjust the excise levy on aerated water, beer, and stout, cement and fuel to generate 0.77% or $28 million of GDP� also amends the departure fee for non-Belizeans to $40 to yield 0.30% of GDP, and a further $15 million from a 1% increase in environmental charge on imported goods. There will also be a shift in the social fee on Free Zone cigarettes to 20%, generating 0.29% of GDP," detailed Barrow.

Island residents demand better medical services
The small group of islanders took to the main streets of San Pedro Town shortly after 9AM, making their way to the Central Park. There, they rallied for several minutes, spreading the message to everyone that passed by about the need for a proper medical facility on the island: "No more lies, no more deaths, we need a hospital!" With banners demanding a medical facility and a commitment from the respective authorities, the protesters made sure everyone understood their cause. Leading the protest was island activist Omar Arceo, who asks everyone to join this campaign for the betterment of island residents and visitors. "We have been promised a hospital since 2011," he said. "It's 2017 and there is no proper medical facility on the island, which is a prime tourism destination in our country� Our visitors and island residents deserve reliable health services� people are dying because there is none!"

Misc Belizean Sources

Fundraiser on March 18th, 2017 at the Cayo Welcome Center for Jamaal Crawford
Fundraiser on March 18th, 2017 at the Cayo Welcome Center for Jamaal Crawford. There will be food, drinks and entertainment from 8 a.m. Here's another moment in Jamaal's busy schedule. He was part of the 501boyz doing a photoshoot for the basketball team. Of course the kids got involved and he put them on the stage so they can also be superstars. This is the life of Jamaal. Don't forget we are asking for your assistance in helping us raise money for Jamaal's Medical treatment. We really appreciate your help and support. You can donate to 650-02-2-267160 or 650-2-2-308940 Belize Bank. Here is the link for the gofundme page.

Belizean Fry Jacks
While they may not be the healthiest item on a plate, Belizean fry jacks are one of the most popular foods in Belize. Looking like mini puff pastries, fry jacks are small triangles or half moons of dough that are quickly fried until golden brown and served warm as an accompaniment to breakfast or lunch dishes. No one is quite sure how fry jacks got their name, but these little triangles of puffy and/or crunchy dough are near and dear to every Belizean's heart. Why You Have to Taste Belizean Fry Jacks On Your Vacation They may have a strange name, but fry jacks are one of the most popular staples of Belizean cuisine. More popular than standard bread, fry jacks are little (usually soft and puffy) triangles or crescent moon shaped pieces of dough that are quick fried and served alongside traditional breakfast foods like scrambled eggs, refried beans, and/or cheese. Fry jacks are also popular for lunch and make an excellent addition to rice and beans, stewed chicken, or other Belizean classics. Fry jacks are one of the most ubiqituous components of Belizean cuisine, so you can find them pretty much anywhere. Usually, small "mom and pop" restaurants serve up the best fry jacks. Fry jacks are traditionally eaten for breakfast and usually accompany either a sweet or savory component. Eat with jam, powdered sugar, or honey for a sweet treat or eat with refried beans and cheese for a savory meal. Fry jacks can also be used to mop up sauces and gravy from other savory dishes.

Why Visit Belize in April
With plenty of warm sunny weather and fewer crowds, April is a fantastic time to visit Belize. Whether you're interested in exploring Maya ruins, swimming with whale sharks, tubing down a river through a series of caves or simply enjoying a lovely holiday in a tropical paradise, there's plenty on offer in Belize in the month of April. Top Things to Do and See in Belize in April: Easter Week - The entire week is a time for picnics, celebrations, and festivities as this Christian nation gears up for Easter Sunday on April 16, 2017. Visit the ATM Cave in Cayo District - This enormous cave was once used by the Maya for religious sacrifices. Go to Tikal in Guatemala - Just across the border from Belize is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal, once a large Mayan metropolis. Visit Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins - Two of the most interesting Maya sites in western Belize. Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving With Whale Sharks - Every year, migrating schools of whale sharks arrive in the waters off the coast of southern Belize. Check out Big Rock Waterfalls and Rio on Pools - These two waterfalls are located in the Mountain Pine Ridge reserve, a perfect place to cool down during the hot days of April. What is the Weather Like in April?

Belize in a week itinerary
Frankly, there's no way to see and do everything in a single week in Belize, but below is an adventure itinerary that will let you see the best features in the country. Call it day zero when you arrive at the Belize International Airport. From there, it's just a short drive to the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. Enjoy a delicious dinner of Belizean cuisine before taking a quick hike through the grounds.

Night out for the Birds
It's official! BBR is having yet Another Night out for the Birds. May 12th at the Pig & Parrot Clubhouse in Belmopan. Tickets $35 from Corkers Restaurant in Belmopan (630 1045) or from BBR (610 0400). Another fun evening thanks to Pig & Parrot crew and the British High Commission. Music, bar, finger food, raffle, auctions and great company! $35 entry. Tropical Theme Thanks to David & Grace for being our wonderful hosts once again. See you there! (Advanced purchase only, non transferable after May 10th. 18yrs +)

5th Annual Lodge Bird-a-thon
The Belize Bird Conservancy announces the 5th Annual Lodge Bird-a-thon April 1- April 30, 2017. April is the time of our biggest fundraising event, the Belize Bird-a-thon, which this year will be our 5th. It's a fun time of the year for us because we get to spend the day counting birds throughout Belize while being with friends. Our goal is to have fun, but our ultimate result is to raise money for our bird research, education and conservation. We invite you to enter the bird-a-thon competition and challenge fellow lodge managers and guides to a friendly competition for the "birdiest" lodge and area. The rules are like the standard ones for a bird-a-thon, but you must count birds only observed within a 5-mile circle including the lodge grounds in a 24-hour block during a single day between April 1 and April 30. The team can count bird species any time within their 24 hour chosen day. You may have guests and other friends that would like to participate in this event and assist with your lodge's bird-a-thon team, while assisting or donating to conservation in Belize. Teams of at least 3 persons are encouraged to compete for prizes in various categories and we appreciate any donation to support our research and conservation work.

COROZAL ART IN THE PARK TODAY
Just a reminder that Saturday, March 18th, 2017 will be another Edition of our monthly ART IN THE PARK event. Come out support and enjoy!

Hol Chan Environmental Education Program
Today we had some lovely little visitors from Little Angel Pre-school. As a part of their child stimulation month..they got a tour of our visitor center while they learn't about Belize's coastal ecosystem and some creatures that can be found at Hol Chan Marine Reserve!!!!!!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The Cuban Authorities in collaboration with the Government of Belize advertise scholarships to study Medicine, Dentistry and Health Technology. The scholarships are tenable for August 2017. The application deadline has been established at April 12, 2017. All applications must be addressed and delivered to: Director Tertiary and Post-Secondary Education Services Ministry of Education West Block, Third Floor, Room 10 Belmopan, Cayo District The application package and more detailed information can be accessed at the link above.

QUE VIVA CCC" - "Long Live CCC
Everyone is a winner. Here is a snippet of the current Corozal Community College Open Day Event. Spectacular and Wonderful presentations. Amazing...amazing...amazing!! Our favourite, La Isla Bontanera. Thumbs up!

Hog Head Cultural Festival
The Hog Head Cultural Festival is happening this Sunday, March 19th, at Macal River Park. It's a cultural event highlighting the Maya Culture & Traditions.

Channel 7

Almagro Comes To Belize Pushing For Referendum
The OAS Secretary General has been on a whirlwind tour of Belize. Since yesterday, he's held meetings with government official, did a flyover of the Chiquibul Forest and Caracol Archaeological Park, met with the leader of the opposition, and held a press briefing. It was a very brief one where he took no questions and simply read out a 7 minute statement. Belize's Permanent Representative to the OAS, Pat Andrews who helped organize the meeting from Washington explained that it was an on-the-ground orientation as Belize makes a push towards a referendum:... H.E. Pat Andrews, Belize Ambassador to OAS: "We thought it was the right time for him to come to Belize and kick tires in Belize and be able to see how things are in Belize, both in meeting with the Prime Minister and just a few moments ago with the opposition, important events where we are wanting to have a meeting of minds between all our people as we get ready for the referendum."

OAS SG Saw The Encroachments
But international law has no relevance along the Belize Guatemala western border. Right there, its more like the law of the jungle where Guatemalans are constantly pushing into Belizean territory. They illegally enter Belize's protected areas to look for arable land on which to farm, and to illegally pan for gold, and illegally extract timber, Xate and Scarlet Macaws. It's an ugly cycle of desperation and resource depletion, and Almagro got a fair sense of it when he took an overflight above the western border line yesterday: H.E. Luis Almagro, OAS Secretary General: "Yesterday we made an overfly in the adjacency zone, administered by Belize, Caracol and the Chiquibul national park. It was a very important overfly. We were not able to land because if climate reasons, but we were able to see it and appreciate the different realities that exist on one side and the other."

FCD Pointed Almagro To Resource Depletion
One man who knows those realities all too well is Raphael Manzanero. He's the Executive Director of Friends for Conservation and Development. He accompanied Almagro, acting as his aerial guide, pointing out areas in the Chiquibul Forest and the Caracol Archaeological park that had been or are being illegally cleared by Guatemalans. The FCD co-manages the Chiquibul, and as part their monitoring of the illegal incursions into the national park, they do regular fly-overs to map the constant de-forestation. When it was over, Manzanero described what Almagro saw. Voice of: Rafael Manzanerero, Executive Director - FCD: "We flew from Central Farm. This is way up here, so it really wouldn't show it on the map, but we are around here, went down to by Benque Viejo, we passed going along the border, then we flew south. So we travelled all along this route from north to south. We saw some of the illegal activities in the Vaca Forest Reserve. In fact there was a large area, about 2/3 of a big field is in the Guatemalan side and about 1/3 was inside of Belize."

Goat Foreign Minister Aware of Forces Pushing Guatemalans Into Belize
And when foreign Minister Elrington traveled to Guatemala two days go - even Foreign Minister Morales conceded that the situation along the border is stark and urgent: Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "Strangely enough when we were in Guatemala the Guatemalan foreign minister commented on the fact that over their side is bare and over our side is so green and verdant they found themselves - they could not contain their own citizens - into their own forests." "And we have to find some mechanism whereby we can work in concert with the Guatemalans to make sure that they keep their people over on their side and we keep our people on our side and we prevent their people from coming across and devastating out territory. And they have to do that through dialogue and discussion and working together."

There Is Timeline For Referendum In Guat
And so all that is the backdrop to this visit by the Secretary General Almagro. This week he visited Belize and Guatemala to press both sides to move ahead with plans to hold referendums on both sides of the border. Elrington told us that the long delayed vote on whether or not to go to the ICJ could be happening soon in Guatemala: Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Foreign Minister of Belize: "The indication we are getting out of Guatemala is that they are thinking about going to referendum as early as September of this year, and reports we have is that they do have the funding to be able to manage the process." "Actually in the case of Guatemala our understanding was that they needed 40 million dollars for the actual education day, and 20 million for the education campaign - so that's 60 million. And our understanding is that they do have that fund already."

Referendum An Existential Emergency For Belize
Elrington says holding the referendum is no less than an existential emergency for Belize. He explained the kind of priority that it is for government. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Foreign Minister of Belize: "Resolution of this issue has to take first priority. If you don't have a country, nothing else you will have. So we have got to understand that this takes top priority and I'm sure the prime minister is of that view as well, so that we are result to find the resources." "Our maritime borders have never even been agreed upon. That has to be agreed upon. We don't have any maritime borders agreed upon in the sea. Boundaries have to be agreed upon by countries that are neighboring countries. But we never did have with Guatemala any agreement with respect to the maritime boundaries, neither with Guatemala nor with Honduras, which is very close to us. These are the things that have to be done. We have to do it. It's just like you are on piece of land all your life, but you are a squatter. You can't do anything with that land."

Funding for Bze-Guat Effort Fading Fast
But what is also pushing things forward is the fact that the process is running out of funding. Since the start, A Group of Friends - mainly wealthy European Nations - have been funding the efforts and keeping the Adjacency Zone office open. But after 11 years of confidence building with no resolution, they are growing impatient and unwilling to fund a project that has no foreseeable end. Elrington said that has created a sense of some urgency:.. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Foreign Minister of Belize: "The taxpayers in the European countries pay the money but they have been telling us our taxpayers are not going to be funding the OAS office indefinitely - you've got to get on with this issue." "The monies that are presently being utilized there are monies that we have sought jointly from the government of Taiwan. That is not going to last much longer, and the Europeans still have not provided the funding although they gave us every assurance and have been doing so for a year now that it's going to come imminently. So we keep our fingers crossed."

OAS SG and LOO Met
And presumably, that is also the message that Almagro took to the PUP leader when he met with him this morning. He met with John Briceno just before the press briefing. It was a closed door meeting, but at its conclusion, Briceño told us what they spoke about in general terms: Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition "We want to express our appreciation for the work that the OAS has been doing in Belize, and also in the whole process facilitating the negotiations between Belize and Guatemala." Daniel Ortiz: "Can you share specifics as to - or at least, give us a broad overview of your conversation today with the Secretary General?" Hon. John Briceno: "Well, without going into too much of the specifics, certainly had to address our concern of the antagonistic behavior of Guatemala, that Guatemala has not been a good neighbor, that Guatemalan citizens continue to plunder our resources, The issue of a Sarstoon protocol. So, we have all of these issues that needs to be addressed, and we need to address it as soon as possible. We find it very difficult for us to move the process forward until Guatemala is prepared to address these issues head-on."

FM: Door Open To PUP
But the PUP has been on the outside of the official meetings with the OAS and Guatemala. That's because in June of last year, the party rejected the process and the trajectory in which it seemed to be headed. The party said the process wasn't designed to deliver results or a resolution to the dispute. And since then they have not returned to the table with the Government. Today, Elrington said the door is still open to them:.. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Foreign Minister of Belize: "But there's a standing invitation for them to be present at all the official invitations that we have, because it is our position certainly the position of the prime minister and my position that this is a national issue and not a partisan issue and they are a fundamental part of the process."

Krismar Killed Christie Asking For Sentence To Be Reduced
In April of last year, a jury found 30 year old Osmar Sabido guilty of the murder of his common-law wife, 21 year old Christie Carrasco. He was sentenced to life in prison, but now his attorney is asking the court of appeal to reduce his conviction from murder to manslaughter. Sabido's attorney, Leeroy Banner had appealed on the main ground that it was a case of extreme provocation and the trial Judge did not address his mind to it. Sabido had testified at the trial that Carrasco told him that she thinks that she is pregnant for another man.

Free, After Five Years On Remand
29 year-old Brandon Taylor, who was charged with the murder of 28 year-old Kaylon Matura, is at home tonight after almost 5 years on remand at the Belize Central Prison. He was acquitted today before Justice Adolph Lucas, in a trial without jury. Matura was murdered at his gate on Central American Boulevard on the morning of May 16, 2012. He was ambushed and shot twice in the chest and once in the chin. The only person who claimed to have seen the shooting was the prosecution's main witness, Andrew Willoughby. He gave police a written statement that he saw the shooter from a distance of 150 feet, and it was raining. He said that he saw when this gunman shot and killed Matura. But when the prosecution called him to testify, he did not cooperate with Crown Counsel Portia Ferguson. He had to be treated as a hostile witness, and under questioning he insisted that he was not at the scene when the shooting occurred.

Alleged Girl Killers Shayon and Jaime Remanded
Yesterday 20 year old Shaylon Santos and 22 year old Jaime Patnett, were charged for the murder of 18 year old Kerona Ara. Today the Teakettle villagers were arraigned for the crime in Belmopan Magistrate's Court. Santos and Patnett appeared were each read a charge of murder. They were then remanded into custody and their case was adjourned until May 15. They accused of killing the 18 year old Blackman Eddy Villager, burning and then disposing of her body at the dumpsite 4 miles outside Belmopan.

Disturbed Woman Found Without Explanation Or ID Deep Inside Price Barracks
Police and the BDF don't know what to make of a hispanic woman who was found wandering on Price Barracks early this morning at 6:20. She was deep within the compound in the BATSUB area and was dressed in evening wear. A female BATSUB officer found her and turned her over to the BDF. They took her to their medical center for an examination where she did not appeared to have been raped. But she was disoriented and seemed to be having some emotional disturbance. She ALSO had scratches on her hand. She had no ID and only said she was Honduran. The BDF put her on a holding cell they say for her own safety where she proceeded to break up the beds in a rage. After that they handed her over to Ladyville Police. The cops said she didn't want to cooperate and they called immigration to pick her up. The BDF says civilians are not allowed into their camp after 9:00 pm - and they stress she was found closer to the BATSUB area.

Luz Longsworth, Leader Of UWI Open Campus
Last night Dr. Luz Longsworth was officially inducted as the Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Open Campus in Belize. Longsworth has a long history working with the university and it's Belizean installation, and today she spoke to the media about her new position and her plans for the future of the Open Campus... Dr. Luz Longsworth, Pro-Vice-Chancelor - UWi Open Campus Belize: "It certainly is one of the most I would say the most rewarding thing that I've had to do in my Career with the university and of course I know Belizeans will remember me when I was the resident tutor here of the school on continuing studies, but it is the university itself that is moving rapidly. It is the fact that the university is responding to the urgent needs of the region, that we have to change the things that we are doing and that the open campus in particular is going to be the tool, it's going to be the conduit to which the university moves its programs and its research into the region and beyond."

UWI Council Meets In Belize
And immediately after her official induction as Principal, Longsworth met with university executives for the annual Campus Council. Longsworth reported on all the initiatives and activities undertaken in the previous academic year, and detailed the plan for expanding the campus and its curriculum. After the Council, university officials held a press conference where they went over some of the particulars of the meeting. Here's Dr. Longsworth and UWI's Chancellor, Sir George Alleyne with more... Dr. Luz Longsworth, Pro-Vice-Chancelor - UWi Open Campus Belize: "I want to start by saying that this meeting is the meeting where we account for our stewardship of our resources over the last year and in the meeting this morning I shared with the members of the campus council who are here from across the region; we have representation from St. Kitts, Bahamas, from other parts of the Caribbean who sit on the council and I shared with them the major developments in the open campus over the last year, which included a rapid increase in the numbers of programs that we have offered. In fact we offered 17 new online programs. "

Those Who Care for The Aged
For many of you, there is a system or routine to take care of the elderly in your family. Naturally the kids and grandkids take up that responsibility. But not every older person has a caring and willing family - some of them are abandoned and left to struggle through the rest of their lives alone. Other families want to help their loves ones but just don't know how. Well, BTEC's caregiving training should fill that gap for the elderly. Today 39 participants graduated from a 6 week caregiving training. The all got their certificates but it's more than just a piece of paper. The Manager for the Belize Training and Employment Center, Christine Smith told us it's an opportunity to improve the quality of life for the aged. There will be a series of these trainings. And, there will be another round of trainings tomorrow in Belmopan. Now, a database has been created with the names and contacts for all these participants so if you have or know of an older person who really needs help you can call BTEC at 223 - 0322.

Young's Law Firm, Still Open And Making Orderly Wind-Up
A week ago, this station and other media houses reported that Young's Law Firm had closed its doors. Well, his family, who is running the firm at this time, have released a statement saying that they aren't closed just yet, but they are winding down. As we told you, Michael Young was the sole proprietor of the law firm. The statement says his sudden death has caused his family and the firm's staff to make personal sacrifices to maintain the operation. The statement explains that the Estate owners attempted to transition the law firm into a limited liability partnership along with the remaining attorneys, but they were unsuccessful. So, his executors, some of the staff, and the Barrow & Williams law firm acting as assisting attorney, are working on the proper winding-down of all of the firm's matters.

Is H.E. Pat Calling It a Wrap?
Today, you saw Belize's Permanent Representative to the OAS, Pat Andrews appearing at the head table alongside Foreign Minister Elrington and Secretary General Almagro. Andrews pushed for Almagro to visit Belize after talks were held in Guatemala earlier this week. By all accounts, the former banker has done a stellar job after taking over from Nestor Mendez in July of 2015. But, reports say he isn't long for the job, and may opt to leave in July when his contract expires. Today Andrews told us that he's not there yet, but talks are ongoing:... H.E. Pat Andrews, Belize Ambassador to OAS: "Regarding the question about my tenure in Washington, I am in negotiations with the government of Belize, but it's not official as yet and I really can't give you anything further than that and I do it purposely because I believe that we have lots of work ahead of us. I want to keep our embassy focused on what we are doing engaging with the OAS, engaging with state department. We are planning a trip with ministry later on for him to visit Washington."

Guat Ambassador, Not Back
And while Andrews will have an orderly departure, we don't know what to make of the reported return of Guatemala's Ambassador to Belize, Manuel Estuardo Roldan Barillas, 11 months after he was "recalled for consultation" a widely circulated diplomatic note said he had returned to Belize eon March first. It was a signal that relations were normalizing, but it turned out to be a false signal. Here's how the Foreign Minister put it:.. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Foreign Minister of Belize: "Uhm, the Guatemalan Foreign Minister is not back in the country, the Ambassador is not back in the country. He is not back in the country. We would wish for him to come back, we are hoping that he's gonna come back but he is not in the country."

The Future of Football
Today the best young footballers in the country went head to head in the National Primary School Championships. The top boys' and girls' teams from each district gathered in Belize City to decide who is the best in the nation. We spoke to the Director of the National Sports Council and the CEO of the Ministry of Sports about the importance of sports in society and the development of our youngest and brightest... In the end, Orange Walk Girls & Boys won the day. Progresso girls edged out Independence one to nil. And for the boys, St. Michaels RC from San Felipe village in the Orange Walk District also beat Independence - but this one went to a penalty kick shootout.

Romain Romances Belizean Audiences
Jamaican Reggae Superstar Romain Virgo is back in Belize for his 8th visit, and this time he's here to perform for the Flavaz Entertaiment's 8th Anniversary. He's set to headline a concert featuring an A-list of Belizean female artists. Virgo is known for the romance in his love songs, and tomorrow night at the ITVET compound, he intends to serenade his Belizean fans. After landing Belize today, he stopped by our studios to tell us why you should come out: General Admission tickets are $35.

Channel 5

Belize, Guatemala break deadlock with recent meeting
There was a meeting earlier this week between Belize and Guatemala's Foreign Ministers. The last time they met was in June 2016 at the O.A.S. Headquarters in Washington when tensions [...]

Still no Guat ambassador in Belize; Guats break bank for referendum
Speaking on the occasion of the visit of the Secretary General of the O.A.S., Elrington told the media that contrary to information widely reported in the media in early March, [...]

Work on Sarstoon Protocol drags; no confrontation at border
The June 2016 meeting in Washington discussed the heavy presence of the Guatemalan Military in the Sarstoon. At the time Guatemala committed to the Sarstoon Protocol to ease tensions since [...]

O.A.S.' Almagro commits to settling Guat claim 'by law'
Now to the visit of Secretary General Luis Almagro. Prior to his arrival in Belize, Ambassador Almagro was in neighboring Guatemala where he also met with high-level government officials in [...]

Almagro tours Guatemala border communities
As we've mentioned, Almagro arrived to Belize from Guatemala. While there, he was accompanied by Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales to several communities, including Monte Los Olivos and Las Flores.� [...]

Brandon Taylor dodges murder charge in death of Kaylon Matura
After more than two weeks in trial, the case of thirty-year-old, Brandon Taylor, charged with the May 2012 shooting murder of Kaylon Matura, came to a close. And it is [...]

Keonia Ara murder accused appear in court
The two men accused of the gruesome murder of eighteen-year-old Keonia Ara were formally arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate's Court this morning. Teakettle residents, twenty-two year old Jaime Patnett and [...]

Belize's borders are not recognized, warns Sedi
The purpose of the visit of the Secretary General of the O.A.S. was to push for an early referendum and to take the claim for resolution at the International Court [...]

Opposition also meets with OAS Sec-Gen, who calls for re-registration
The O.A.S. Secretary General, while in Belize City this morning, also made a brief visit to Independence Hall where he called on Leader of the Opposition John Briceño. Briceño we [...]

P.U.P. lends support to O.A.S.' role in mediating dispute
The O.A.S. Secretary General, while in Belize City this morning, made a brief visit to Independence Hall where he called on Leader of the Opposition John Briceño.� The discussion was [...]

Where goes the national debt?
Belize's debts have climbed over three billion dollars for the first time, much of it owed externally. A full third of that is attributed to the Superbond, the package of [...]

U.W.I. professor issues warning on debt, wage bill
The University of the West Indies' Pro-Vice Chancellor for Planning, Professor Densil Williams, is in Belize in connection with activities for the installation of Dr. Luz Longsworth as Principal of [...]

Two shot in Belize City
There was a shooting incident in Belize City on Thursday night that left a pair of young men suffering from various degrees of injuries.� Sometime after eight o'clock, multiple gunshots [...]

Woman found raped, injured, intoxicated at Price Barracks
This morning a woman was found on a football field at the Price Barracks in Ladyville. The report is that she was allegedly raped and heavily intoxicated. The identity of [...]

Dr. Luz a bright light at U.W.I. Open Campus
On Thursday night Doctor Luz Longsworth was inducted as the Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of the U.W.I. Open Campus - it is a role she has been acting in [...]

Open Campus leaders meet in Belize
The U.W.I. is the region's leading tertiary institution - it has four campuses - Mona, Cavehill, St Augustine and the Open Campus. The Open Campus is the newest of the [...]

Where is Gaspar Vega? Not at House!
Where is Orange Walk North area representative and former Minister Gaspar Vega? He seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth, never mind the House of Representatives, in [...]

Gospel Fest in Belmopan promises "Positive" clean fun
If you're looking for some clean entertainment this weekend, head west to Belmopan for the Annual Gospel Fest at the Showgrounds. It's a time for the Christian family of Belize [...]

LOVE FM

Secretary General for OAS Meets With Officials in Belize During Brief Visit
Secretary General of the Organization of American States Luis Leonardo Almagro made a brief visit to Belize this week. He left today but before doing so, he along with Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington and Belize's Ambassador to the USA, Patrick Andrews held a press conference in Belize City. Almagro met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow, [�]

OAS Sec Gen Urges for Swift Movements Toward Referendum
Guatemala's territorial dispute with Belize was the most discussed issue during the meetings held by the Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Leonardo Almagro, during his visit to Belize. A focal point of those meetings was taking the territorial claim to the International Court of Justice. The Secretary General is urging both Guatemala and Belize [�]

Danny Conorquie's Death to Be Investigated, Says OAS
In April 2016, thirteen year old Guatemalan Julio Alvarado was shot and killed by BDF soldiers in the Cebada area of the Chiquibul Forest. The Guatemalan government protested against the incident by calling it murder and recalling its ambassador to Belize. The Belize Government agreed for an investigation be done by the Organization of American [�]

Patnett and Santos Charged for Ara's Murder
The last five days had the Belmopan Police working tirelessly at trying to find out who killed 18-year-old, Keona Ara of Blackman Eddy Village. The young girl was laid to rest yesterday and just hours later investigators drafted up charge sheets for 20-year-old, Shaylon Santos and 22-year-old, Jamie Patnett for murder. Shaylon who is of [�]

Disoriented Woman Found on Military Base in Ladyville
Police in Ladyville, Belize District are probing for information into a case of suspected rape. A Honduran national who works in one of the bar establishments in Ladyville was found at around seven o'clock this morning on Price Barracks in a disoriented state. The woman was taken to the BDF Hospital where she was treated [�]

Pro-Vice Chancellor/Principal After 25 Years at UWI
Dr. Luz Longsworth was inducted as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus in a special ceremony last night. Born to Venezuelan and Jamaican parents, Dr. Longsworth found her way to Belize where she settled to raise her two children. But well before her move to Belize, Dr. [�]

Ombudsman Explains 2016 Report (Part 1)
Earlier this week we told you of the 45-page report for 2016 from the Office of the Ombudsman that was recently released. While we did note that two hundred and seven complaints were registered to his office for 2016 there were some questions as to the breakdown of those reports and their status which Ombudsman, [�]

Ombudsman Updates on Allegations of Sexual Harassment in GSU
In the latter part of October 2016 we told you of the allegations of sexual harassment coming out of the Gang Suppression Unit of the Belize Police Department. It has been almost five months now since we reported the issue which was taken to the Ombudsman by the female officers who had made the allegations. [�]

Brandon Taylor Set Free of Murder Charge
Twenty-nine year old Brandon Taylor, charged with the murder of Kaylon Matura, was acquitted of the charge today by Justice Adolph Lucas in a trial that was without a jury. Matura, who resided on Central American Boulevard, was getting ready to go to work when he was ambushed in front of his gate. His assailant [�]

Osmar Sabido's Appeal Seeks Lesser Charge
Belize Court of Appeal today reserved its decision in the appeal of 30-year-old Osmar Sabido who was convicted of the murder of his common-law wife, 21 year old Christie Carrasco. Carrasco was stabbed to her chest twice with a knife at their home at San Lorenzo Site in Orange Walk Town on February 28, 2011. [�]

Amandala

Louise Berry, 86, burnt to death in house fire
Louise Berry, 86, an unemployed resident of Iguana Street, was burned to death inside her house when it became engulfed in flames at about 1:30 this morning. Berry was sleeping in her one-flat lumber house when the fire began, and due to the thick black smoke, she was unable to escape. Her corpse was found on the floor of the house by the door, as if she had been trying to escape. The City Fire Service responded quickly and contained the fire to Berry's house, and put out the fire. Gretel Lopez, Berry's stepsister, who lived in the same yard in which Berry resided, told us during an interview this morning that Louise lived alone in her little house. Gretel said that electrical power was provided to the home by Belize Electricity Limited, and there was no need for her to use candles in her house. On many occasions, she said, she would go into Berry's house and find candles, and she would take them away, but Berry would say that she wanted her candles, because sometimes there were power outages at night.

UWI hold induction ceremony for Principal of Open Campus, Dr. Luz Longsworth
The University of the West Indies (UWI) held an induction ceremony for its Principal of Open Campus, Dr. Luz Longsworth, this evening at the Belize Best Western Biltmore, where the chancellor of the university, Professor the Honorable Sir George Alleyne; its vice chancellor, professor Sir Hilary Beckles, and other administrative officials of the university were present. The formal ceremony got underway with an academic procession which was followed by the arrival of Belize Governor General Sir Colville Young and a steel band rendition of the Belize national anthem, by the Panantics Steel Band. Apart from the high-powered academics from UWI, there were representatives from the University of Belize, the Lord Mayor of Belize Darrell Bradley, Belize's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Patrick Faber, as well as representatives of other Caribbean Ministries of Education and government officials.

Media boycott remains!
For the first time in its evolving history, Belize's various media outlets have come together with one voice to say to the Belize Police Department, enough is enough. We are boycotting you, until you fix the problem that your new centralized media police have created for us. The boycott word went out to the Police Department by the weekend, when they were informed that there would be no media coverage of the police's GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program that was having a graduation ceremony for 16 schools which had participated in its program. The police's Public Relations Officer, Raphael Martinez, fired off a letter on Monday to editors and managers, essentially appealing to them for their intervention to prevent their reporters from boycotting the event, which was held at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts.

Two men charged for Kenora Ara's horrendous murder
It appears that police have solved the horrendous murder of Kenora Gabby Ara, 18, of Blackman Eddy whose corpse was found smoldering and burned almost beyond recognition after she was stabbed multiple times and her throat slit by cold-hearted killers. The horrifying discovery was made at the Belmopan rubbish dump at about 3:30 Saturday afternoon by a security guard working at the dump at the time, who took a patrol behind the dump to investigate a stench that was aggravating his nostrils. He found the corpse on the ground. At the time, the body could not be identified. Belmopan police's investigation led to two men and a woman. At the conclusion of the investigation this evening at press time, police announced that Shalon Santos, 19, of Teakettle, Cayo District, and Jaime Patnett, 23, of Camalote, had been arrested and charged with murder. They will be arraigned tomorrow at the Belmopan Magistrate's Court. The woman was not charged.

Complaints about police and prison over 50% of complaints to Ombudsman
The Belize Country Reports on Human Rights Practices recently released by US Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson highlighted human rights abuses which continue to persist in Belize, most salient among them being the use of excessive force by security forces (especially the police), lengthy pretrial detention, and harassment and threats based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The report said that, "Police abuse was the most common complaint, in particular against members of the Gang Suppression Unit." This week similar concerns were highlighted in the Sixteenth Annual Report of the Ombudsman of Belize for the period January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019, which was released on Tuesday, March 14, 2017.

Croc captured in Belama Phase 2
A crocodile measuring about 10 feet in length and weighing about 300 pounds, that had been causing the residents of Belama Phase 2 in Belize City much anxiety, was captured this morning by the American Crocodiles Education and Sanctuary of Ladyville, in collaboration with the Forestry Department. The croc was captured at about 5:30 this morning and then taken away to the croc sanctuary in Ladyville, removing it out of the area and giving the residents some peace of mind. Chris Sommers of the crocodile sanctuary reported that the croc crossed the road at about 7:00 at night and again at about 5:00 in the morning. They went to the area at about 7:00 last evening, but the croc had already crossed. Officials returned this morning, setting their trap, and caught him. Sommers says that members of the public should never feed crocodiles, because they will then lose their fear of humans and will attack them.

NEBL "In the Paint"
he push for the playoffs heats up this weekend, as the second-half of the 2017 NEBL Championship resumes with the surprising Dangriga Dream Ballers paying a visit to the Running Rebels at the Orange Walk Multi-Purpose Complex in Orange Walk Town on Saturday night. The latter currently stands at (2-4), and obviously will be looking to forget their last outing, which saw them lose in a painful fashion to the Western Ballaz, blowing a 66-61 third quarter lead, and being outscored 36-17 in the fourth quarter, ultimately losing by the score of 97-83. Elvis Olivera Rebels 8.1PPG 4.8RPG 1.1APG 53.0 F/G% Quinton Bowen Dream Ballers 15.1PPG 12.1RPG 3.1APG 48.0F/G% If there ever was a must-win game, Saturday's match-up is such a game for the hometown Rebels, who will undoubtedly need to play with a sense of urgency. Head coach Brads Neal has indicated to "Inside the Paint" that "his core of young players needs to grow up and grow up fast." They must play the entire game, not just three quarters, but the entire four quarters, said Neal. They will indisputably require steady guard play from their floor general, Randy Usher, and consistent scoring from Roger Reneau (15.8 ppg).

Simeon Lopez Kids, Youth & Female Cup 2017 Tournament in Belmopan
The Belmopan Football Association's (BFA) Simeon Lopez Kids, Youth & Female Cup 2017 Tournament, sponsored by the Belmopan City Council, continued over the weekend with a full schedule of games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 10-12, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. In the first of two games on Friday night, (U-17) Bandits and Piccini Rising Stars played to a 1-1 draw. Amoteph Tingling (11') put Bandits in front, but Joshawn Flowers (58') equalized for the Rising Stars. And in the nightcap, (U-17) it was Salvapan Deportivos, 2-0, over Valley of Peace Strikers with goals from Jerry Hidalgo (15') and Manuel Figueroa (58').

Tennis News - Youth Tournament
The second Junior Singles tennis tournament for this year kicked off this past Saturday, March 11, at the Belize Pickwick Club Tennis Courts, following the last tournament held on January 29, 2017. In both tournaments, which were round robin style, Stefan Sosa's aggressive play proved too dominant for his peers, and he came out on top in both tournaments, defeating Adrian Marshalleck in the first tournament's finals, 6-0, 6-4, and defeating Carlos Mendoza in the second tournament's finals, 6-2, 6-2. In the Orange ball category, where the Court is made smaller to accommodate intermediate junior players, and which had fourteen participants, Daniel Musa made the finals by overcoming Errol Ferguson, 15-4; and Zachary Musa edged Luis Sacksick, 15-9. Daniel Musa won over his little brother, Zachary, 15-6, to take the championship, with both boys showing excellent movement on the court.

Dangriga sports stats
Here are the Week 2 results from the Stann Creek District Football Association's U-13 Smart Mundialito games that were played at the Carl Ramos Stadium on Saturday afternoon, March 11, starting at 1:00 p.m. In game 1, Montise won over Benguche DYFA, 1 goal to nil; but Montise lost that 3 points because of an over-age player. The 3 points went to Benguche DYFA. In game 2, Southside Warriors won over Ubafu, 3 goals to 1. Devin Marshall, Aaron Esterio and Dirrel Salguiero hit one apiece for Southside, while Ubafu's only goal came from Marvin Swaso. Game 3 saw Silk Grass vs New Site ending in a nil-nil draw. And in game 4, Wagierale Young Bombers won over Hopkins, 3 goals to nil. Ozil Martinez hit 2 and Nathan Cal hit the other. The Stann Creek F.A. U-13 Smart Mundialito continues with Week 3 games this Saturday at the Carl Ramos Stadium, starting at 1:00 p.m.

The new Centenary
On the night of May 29, 1972, Evan X Hyde was the president of the UBAD Party, but it was the UBAD secretary-general, Norman Fairweather, who became a great hero of the movement that night when he led two UBAD members, the late Michael Hyde and Edwardo Burns, on a rampage against institutions of the ruling, oppressive People's United Party (PUP). Evan X Hyde having established his place in history with the sedition victory of July 7, 1970, after May 29, 1972, UBAD had two heroes. In early 1973 there was a division between the two UBAD leaders, and the executive of the organization split in half. The Fairweather faction supported the Unity Congress, comprised of the People's Development Movement (PDM), the National Independence Party (NIP) and the Liberal Party. (The Unity Congress became the United Democratic Party {UDP} in September of 1973.)

From the Publisher
You know that in the matter of the scandal at our Immigration Department, there was great and manifest reluctance on the part of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) to initiate an inquiry of a public, official nature. In fact, the attitude of the UDP administration was and is a story unto itself, but the real, original story was the crazy corruption, from high places to low places, involving visas, nationality certificates, and passports. It was under severe duress that the Barrow government permitted a Senate Select Committee to investigate. The question in the streets today is: what took them so long, Rasta? In the matter of the disenfranchisement of Kaina Martinez, arguably Belize's best athlete, with respect to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the silence of the UDP politicians and bureaucrats has been, as they say, deafening. On the other hand, the Opposition People's United Party (PUP) has done nothing to expose and publicize the injustice done to Kaina. I may be a tiny bit surprised, but, more importantly, I am very, very saddened.

Jules writes ComPol Whylie
Commissioner, We met on January 11, 2017, at Old Belize to discuss the state of police/media relations. At that time, the media agreed to try a new public relations model for a six-week period. Nine weeks have elapsed. I write today on behalf of my fellow media practitioners from Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVE FM and LOVE TV, KREM Radio and KREM TV, The Amandala, The Reporter, and The Belize Times to inform you that the media has rejected this public relations model. We do so, because it does not work - and it does a disservice to the public we both serve. The problem continues to be, first, a lack of dedication on the part of the persons designated to liaise with the media. (Yes, they don't all work for the media - they have other responsibilities - but at least the Police Press Officer is supposed to answer our queries in a timely manner.) Second, we cannot get the Public Relations Unit to hold briefings on any major crime, particularly when there are multiple major incidents during one weekend.

Time for cops to quit doing "special duty"
Dear Editor, Last week, Sister Yaya posted on facebook an observation she made about what she thought was a uniformed police officer standing duty at a Chinese restaurant in Belize City. It turns out that the police officer was indeed on, what those in the Department call, "special duty". The owner of the restaurant confirmed that for a significant period of time he has been paying for an officer to be present at his establishment and that this practice has been around for decades; therefore, he could not understand why people were suddenly concerned. Fair enough! Whereas the Police Rules, made pursuant to section 7 of the Police Act, allow for the employment of police officers for private purposes, it appears to me that the intent, could not have been for police officers to hold standing duty at private establishments. Rule 11 states that "[w]here members of the Department of and below the rank of Inspector are required for private purposes, such as keeping order at fetes, dances and similar entertainments, or at meetings or functions whatever, the person requiring their services shall pay to the Commissioner of Police in advance the following sums of money for each such member of the Department."

Belizean woman knocked down and killed in Melchor
A San Ignacio woman died after she was knocked down on Monday while seeking to buy medication at a pharmacy in Melchor, Guatemala, for her ailing mother. According to a Guatemalan newspaper, Peten La Verdad de Las Noticias, the victim, "Aura Lidia Betancourth Manzanero, 44, was not able to say goodbye to her mother, who resides in San Francisco, Guatemala, since a vehicle driver who was driving at excessive speed on Fourth Street in Santa Elena Zone 1 ran her over." The victim's nephew, Francisco Tzin, told Guatemalan reporters that he and the deceased were crossing the street when the driver lost control of the car.

Breaking Belize News

Belizean shot and killed at popular bar in Melchor de Mencos
Confirmed reports reaching our newsroom indicate that a shooting occurred a short while ago at a popular bar at Champon in neighboring Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala. Reports indicate that a Belizean tour operator from San Jose Succotz, Cayo, was shot multiple times inside the establishment in front of his wife.

Media boycotts police
The media is currently at odds with the Police Press Department as the model on how information is made public has effectively blackballed the media from access to basic details of major criminal incidents. The media's frustration has bubbled over into a sustained boycott by many media outlets who have agreed to not cover and report on all police related, community policing and other positive initiatives of the Police. Earlier this week, Breaking Belize News joined Channel 7, Plus TV and other media houses in this boycott.

OAS Secretary General meets with PUP leaders
Today, Secretary General of the OAS met with Opposition Leader, John Briceno, Former Prime Minister Said Musa, Chairman of the PUP Henry Usher, and former Senator Lisa Shoman at Independence Hall in Belize City. The Secretary General was accompanied by the Special Representative for the Belize/Guatemala affairs, Magdalena Talamas.

Barbeque fundraiser being held for woman shot to the head
Caye Caulker resident, Camille Munnings, was shot to the head and placed in a coma last week. However, doctors are seeking to get her out of the coma naturally by weekend even though a bullet is still lodged in her brain. When she regains consciousness, doctors will examine her brain to determine the damages and will decide if they should remove the bullet or not.

Superbond 3.0 is now a done deal
Yesterday, the Government of Belize via a press release announced that holders of more than 87 percent of Belize's U.S. Dollar Bonds have consented to certain amendments to the terms of those Bonds. According to the release, following extensive consultations with representative bondholders, Belize has now revised its consent solicitation. "The Bonds contain a collective action clause that permits modifications with the written consent of holders of more than 75 percent of the outstanding principal of the Bonds. Once that voting threshold has been reached as it now has for Belize's Consent Solicitation, the proposed amendments become binding on all holders," the release states.

39 people trained to take care of the elderly
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE, is Belize's leading centre for industry specific workforce development, providing effective, demand driven, user-friendly and value based programs that will develop, deliver and sustain a quality work force. Its' mission is to develop a [...]

OAS Secretary General visits Belize
Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), H.E. Luis Almagro Lemes arrived in the country yesterday. The Secretary General visited PM Barrow at his office and was accompanied by Special Representative for the Belize-Guatemala Affairs, H.E. Magdalene Talamas, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, [...]

Sunny skies in the forecast today
The National Meteorological Service of Belize reports that a moderate northeasterly airflow will prevail. The 24-hour forecast is for sunny skies during the day and partly cloudy at night. Showers will be isolated this afternoon and a few showers will develop along the coast [...]

Team building for police women held in Belize City
A team building session was held for female police officers in Belize City this week. Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow, participated in the session. Barrow addressed a congregation of female police officers. During her address, Barrow touched on a number [...]

Canadian fugitive wanted for murder in Belize
A Canadian citizen, 27-year-old Jordan Bacchus, is on the run in his home country by Toronto authorities for multiple firearm offenses. Bacchus, however, is also wanted in Belize in connection with the 2016 murder of Melvin Almendarez in May 2016 in San Pedro.The San Pedro Sun [...]

Government at odds with opposition over SSB purchase of BEL shares
The People's United Party (PUP) have condemned the Government of Belize's purchase of shares in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) with funds from the social Security Board. On Monday Prime Minister Dean Barrow, during his presentation of the national budget, announced that the SSB would [...]

Two men charged for murder of Keona Ara
Two (2) men have been charged and are expected to be formally arraigned in court tomorrow morning for the murder of 18 year old Keona Ara. They are 22 year old Jaime Patnett of a Belmopan address and 20 year old Teakettle resident, [...]

Tourism industry asks "Where's the growth"
While the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) reports continued growth in the tourism industry, tour operators, hotel and restaurant owners, particularly in inland tourist destinations, are recording declines in their level of business. According to arrival data from the BTB, tourism overnight, cruise, and airport [...]

Policeman knocked down in Belize City
A police officer was knocked off his motorcycle a few minutes ago in Belize City. According to eyewitness accounts, he was near the corner of King and Albert Street when a van collided into him. The nature of his injuries is not yet known [...]

Where is the key for the San Jose Palmar Community center?
Reports reaching our newsroom indicate that health workers had to provide medical services on the verandah of the community center in the Village of San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District for clinic day. This morning, residents were upset because when community health workers arrived, they [...]

Blogs

Reef to Rainforest: Tiffany Trump enjoys the luxuries of Ga�a Riverlodge and Matachica Resort in Belize
Sister resorts Ga�a Riverlodge in the Cayo District, and Matachica Resort and Spa on Ambergris Caye were hosts to Tiffany Trump from March 4th through the 11th. The fourth daughter of the 45th President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, enjoyed fabulous accommodations and delightful service at both resorts after opting for the Reef to Rainforest package. Alongside her boyfriend Ross Mechanic, Trump enjoyed three nights at Ga�a Riverlodge's Waterfall View Cabaña, soothed by the sounds of the Five Sisters Waterfalls on site. The couple was accompanied by a secret service team of about 10, who took care of them while they adventured in the mainland. They had a blast zip lining and visiting the Barton Creek area!

Explorer Series: Mayan Foodie Clarita De La Fuente
If you've ever been to Ka'ana you've seen the traditional Mayan fogon (aka kitchen) that sits just above our reception area. If you're lucky, you've taken a private cooking class there from the one and only Ms. Clarita De La Fuente. She's given our guests a hands-on tour of Mayan culture through the food of its people for years, and now she's sitting down with us to talk about her history and what makes Mayan cuisine so special. Tell us a bit about where you come from and your heritage. Well, my grandfather was from Mexico while my grandmother was from Guatemala. Both of them were descendants of the Mayas. They settled in Belize and got married in Succotz Village near Ka'ana. I grew up learning all the traditional ways of the Maya people: the culture, the dances, the food.

What to Do in the Rainforest in Belize
WestJet Magazine, the in-flight publication of WestJet Airlines, recently recommended visiting the rainforest in Belize. WestJet currently offers non-stop service from Toronto to Belize. In an article published on March 15, 2017, WestJet magazine described some of the many exciting things to do in the rainforest in Belize. If you are interested in exploring the rainforest in Belize, here are four things that WestJet magazine recommended that you include on your vacation: Night Hiking: By day, hikers can marvel at the variety of trees and flowering plants in the rainforest. But it's only at night when the jungle truly comes alive. Lodges like Cave Branch offer guided night hikes through the rainforest, giving visitors a unique chance to glimpse deer, tapirs, wild boar, tarantulas, red-eyed tree frogs, and occasionally even jaguars that call the rainforest home.

Enjoy a Fabulous Easter in Belize
Easter is quickly approaching (Easter Sunday is April 17 in 2017) so now is the right time to book a fun vacation in Easter. Whether you're a family looking to reconnect and enjoy some fresh air, honeymooners wanting a romantic getaway, or adventure travelers looking for fun in the sun, there's something for everyone in Belize for Easter. Belize is a hot destination for North American travelers and airlines like Southwest, American, Delta, United, and WestJet make it easier and more affordable than ever to get to Belize in just a few hours. Belize's unique climate means that Easter will fall during the period of "Iguana Rains" this year, a brief season of refreshing early morning rain showers and abundant sunshine with highs around 85F (29C) and lows around 76F (24C). Easter is the only four-day holiday on the calendar in Belize, making it the perfect time to tour the country and soak in some local color.

Belize: A Hidden Gem Few Americans Know About
As close as two hours' flying time from the United States is the small nation of Belize, a land where there are no Starbucks, transnational fast food joints, or even big name hotel chains. Far off the radar for many Americans, Belize is rapidly becoming a top destination for exciting vacations. Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and with a long 180-mile coastline on the Caribbean, Belize is the only country in the region where English is the official language. Despite being roughly the same size as Vermont, Belize was once the heart of the ancient Maya empire and is home to more Maya ruins than anywhere else. A diverse landscape ranging from waterfalls and pristine rainforests all the way to gorgeous tropical islands and sugar sand beaches gives Belize a unique natural beauty. All international flights arrive in Belize City on the Caribbean coast, but the good news is that all the top destinations in the country are within easy reach. Head east and there are hundreds of offshore islands to choose from. The massive Belize Barrier Reef, part of the second-largest coral barrier reef in the world, is a wonderland of marine life ideal for scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing. The Lighthouse Atoll is where you'll find the Belize Blue Hole, rated a top 10 personal favorite by legendary oceanographer and documentarian Jacques Cousteau.

Corozal Community College Business fair 2017
On Friday March 17th, 2017 the Corozal community college held it's annual Business Fair. This fair is one of the biggest event held in the Corozal Community College School compound. Locals from Corozal are familiar with this event and hundreds came out to support this worthy cause. I traveled to the Compound to witness one of the amazing you did not wanted to miss. Displays from various subjects, Science, Experiment, Physical Education, STEM Club's Display - Automatic Irrigation System and Home Automation System, Primary Math Competition, Electric Power saver, Tacos was sold at the business fair in Corozal Community College 2017. Let's talk about food. It was done by the time I even thought about it. By 1pm most food serving on the compound almost sold out. You could have seen a variety of foods like Tamales, rice and beans; Snacks like: cookies, shrimp ceviche, chipotle, pastries, brownies, drinks like: coffee, natural juices, Soft Drinks and more. I love one of the best homemade chipotle with corn tortilla chips. MM Good! The students of the Corozal Community College spend hard working months preparing this event. And, Also, parents put an extra mile to spend with their child to help this Business fair possible. The teachers and the Vice principal would like to thank all who came out on this business fair 2017. As, I observed the students creativity of Corozal Community College, the time put for this booth took time. I loved the decorations displayed outside the compound. The Bright colors that sparkled from the distance called my attention. All this products where made homemade, creativity.

International Sources

Veterinary team cares for native species at Belize Zoo
Students at the College of Veterinary Medicine can get an idea of what it's like to care for wild animals, thanks to a partnership between the college and the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center in Central America. By working with clinicians in the zoo's animal hospital, the students also contribute to efforts to save some species from extinction. The Belize Zoo focuses exclusively on native species, exhibiting 170 animals representing 45 species, many of them at risk of extinction. The zoo doesn't capture wildlife for its collection. Instead, animals arrive as orphans or rescues, or are treated at the zoo's hospital for illnesses or injuries that preclude releasing them back into the wild. Cornell's partnership with the zoo began in 2011, when wildlife medicine professor George Kollias began taking students to Belize as part of a zoological medicine course.

You better Belize it
Sie kommen von vorn, von hinten, von allen Seiten und schwimmen einem sogar zwischen den Beinen hindurch. Ammenhaie, Stechrochen, die Futterzeit am Hausriff von Caye Caulker ist ein beeindruckendes Meeresschauspiel und Pflichtprogramm f�r jeden, der sich mit dem Boot auf der kleinen Insel vor der K�ste von Belize absetzen l�sst. Viel mehr, als den ganzen Tag herumzuschnorcheln, gibt es hier auch nicht zu tun. Und genau so soll es sein. Die meisten Rucksackreisenden haben die Maya-St�tten und Kolonialst�dte Yucatáns besichtigt, sind auf dem Weg in den Dschungel Guatemalas und zu noch mehr Ruinen. Auf Caye Caulker dr�cken sie f�r ein paar Tage die Pausetaste. Von den Hunderten von Inselchen entlang des zweitgr��ten Barriereriffs der Welt, ist Caye Caulker am einfachsten zu erreichen und am g�nstigsten. Das hat Folgen.

Caribbean islands count on coral to build up coastal resilience
Twice a week, fisherman Romould Compton puts on scuba gear to dive to the seabed and clean tiny elkhorns growing in the coral nursery off the Caribbean island of Carriacou, tending them until they can be transplanted to a damaged reef nearby. He hopes his conservation work will help to bring back more of the fish, such as red snapper, king butterfish and hind, that many islanders depend on. "In my area we depend on the reef for our survival and livelihoods, and a lot of reef is dead," said Compton by phone from Windward, Carriacou, one of the lush, mountainous islands that make up Grenada in the southeast of the Caribbean. "A lot of unemployment has been happening so we've got to turn to the sea to keep our livelihood going." Across the Caribbean, scores of projects are underway to restore battered coral reefs and replant damaged mangroves, crucial to livelihoods from fishing and income from the millions of tourists who flock to the tropical beaches each year.

An Introduction to Coral Reefs
The tropical latitudes of the world's oceans could be called the desert sand dunes of the ocean. They are barren, relatively sterile places. The water is a pleasure to swim and snorkel in - but because it is so warm, it tends to float on top of the colder water underneath. This inhibits the deep-water upwellings that bring nutrients to the ocean's surface - the same process that makes waters off the California coast so exorbitantly productive, though frigid and murky. But there is one brilliant exception to the general scarcity of life in the tropical oceans: coral reefs. These colorful ecosystems teem with circuses of sea creatures. They host as many one quarter of the ocean's species, including such photogenic reef icons as moray eels, clownfish and groupers, with food and shelter. Coral reefs, unique to bathtub-warm waters, create wave breaks that protect coastal communities. They provide income for fishermen and food for millions. They support lucrative tourism, often based on snorkeling and scuba diving. The organisms living in coral reefs may even offer scientists clues in their search for a cure for cancer.

Why Are Basketball Games So Squeaky? Consider the Spiny Lobster
It is the unofficial soundtrack of basketball, a noise consistently heard but rarely considered - rubber-soled shoes squeaking on the hardwood. Squeaks are the background rhythm to the game. But that sound is also one of the enduring mysteries of sports, and presents a question that gets scientists talking: Why do basketball shoes squeak? To understand, it may help to consider violins and the California spiny lobster. Sheila Patek, a biologist at Duke University, is an expert in spiny lobsters, among other oddities of the animal kingdom, and several years ago discovered that some species of the clawless crustaceans do something utterly unusual. To scare away predators, they rub a smooth, rubbery protrusion at the base of each antenna against the smooth, hard part of their heads. The result is an audible squawk. The spiny lobster became the first known example among animals of the stick-slip phenomenon, a deeply studied principle of science and engineering. It is when two relatively smooth or flat surfaces become repeatedly stuck and unstuck by the forces of friction, creating a vibration that becomes a noise.

Derek Walcott, Poet and Nobel Laureate of the Caribbean, Dies at 87
Derek Walcott, whose intricately metaphorical poetry captured the physical beauty of the Caribbean, the harsh legacy of colonialism and the complexities of living and writing in two cultural worlds, bringing him a Nobel Prize in Literature, died early Friday morning at his home near Gros Islet in St. Lucia. He was 87. His death was confirmed by his publisher, Farrar, Straus and Giroux. No cause was given, but he had been in poor health for some time, the publisher said. Mr. Walcott's expansive universe revolved around a tiny sun, the island of St. Lucia. Its opulent vegetation, blinding white beaches and tangled multicultural heritage inspired, in its most famous literary son, an ambitious body of work that seemingly embraced every poetic form, from the short lyric to the epic.

Commonwealth trade a non-starter for Britain and the Caribbean
What was described as an "historic meeting" of Commonwealth trade and investment ministers in London recently, in an attempt to make use of the "Commonwealth advantage" to boost trade within the 52-member bloc, is more likely to prove to be an exercise in practical futility, and more of cynical attempt at political cosmetics by the British government to allay Brexit fears domestically. Ministers and representatives from just 35 countries attended the meeting on March 9-10, jointly convened by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council. However, Kehinde Andrews, writing in London's Guardian newspaper in the context of Britain's scramble for a Commonwealth free trade area widely viewed as "Empire 2.0", said, speaking of the African experience, "Nations no longer ruled by force and fear will not supplicate themselves to Britain because of misty memories of empire."

Videos

Parrot Fish Poop Makes Beautiful Beaches, 1min. The beautiful white sand beaches and reefs of tropical areas around the world exist largely thanks to parrot fish droppings. The Maldives form a constellation of almost 1,200 coral reef islands in the Indian Ocean. They have stunning white sand beaches surrounded by emerald blue water. And according to a new study, they may owe their existence to parrotfish. More specifically: to parrot fish poop. For Scientific American's 60-Second Science, I'm Julia Rosen.

Land of Belize, December 2016, 6min.

Belize Training Run, 6min. Canoeing in the river

Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge - the Video!, 7min. Here's the video of our 2017 La Ruta Maya experience! The rainstorm at 4 minutes is the best!

Shark Feeding - San Pedro, Belize - Jan 2017, 6min.

Quading thru a police checkpoint in Belize, 11min. Was going to buy and forgot my Ls at home. Officer Hernandez let me go home nd get it. I left in a hurry ;)P. My apologizes for the rattling sound. Belize roads destroy everything. TURN YOUR VOLUME DOWN SOME.

A short sunset timelapse this evening in Belize City., 1min.

Zenaida Moya Show Episode 14, 90min.

Take A Virtual Nap in Belize, 20min. If you can't be in Belize to kick your feet up, here's the next best thing - 20 minutes of soothing Belize audio courtesy of The Touch of Sound that will instantly transport you to a Belizean hammock for the perfect power nap. ZZZ.

LENNOX SAMUELS, THE WORLD & BELIZE! (PART ONE), 35min. When you are persistent and patient there are many credible things that come your way. This awesome story about a renaissance man named Lennox Samuels who hails from Belizean shores was intended to be written some thirty years ago. And through the kind patronage of some very good friends, it has finally come to view and to you the Belizean Legends audience. Early in my migration from Belize to the windy city of Chicago, Illinois in the United States in 1981, one of my brothers had introduced me to a Belizean brother, Calvin Flowers, studying medicine at the University of Chicago. It was an opportunity of a lifetime that was given to me in concern for my educational pursuits since yours truly's journey had began as a medical student and later ended up as one in the field of journalism. Calvin Flowers struggle to succeed will require volumes here, and for another time, but he painted for me a portrait of a Belizean colleague who had succeeded spectacularly in the field of journalism and was doing big things already on the American scene. Calvin said Samuels wrote a story about him called,"Illegal Alien", after the outstanding journalist had completed a Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Journalism at Marquette University. The story thrilled me emotionally as much as the one of Calvin's iron-man personality that was revealed in front of me as a positive role model of perseverance and tenacity.

ORANGE WALK PRE SCHOOLERS TAKE THE STAGE AT THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS, 5min.

EMPOWERING WOMEN IN A CHANGING WORLD FOR A BETTER TOMORROW, 5min.

INNOVATIVE IDEAS SHOWCASED AT BISHOP MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL'S ANNUAL OPEN DAY, 8min.

San Pedro High School Boys WIN! They are off to the Softball National Finals!!! CONGRATS!!!, 1/2min. San Pedro win 13-3!!!

Belize NOW - Episode 14, March 17, 32min. The Prime Minister presents the 2017-2018 budget, GoB rejects IMF's punitive proposals, and we got an update on Belize's Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy. These stories and more on this week's edition of Belize Now!

Romain Virgo will be live in concert at the ITVET today, Saturday, March 18th!, 3min.

UnBelizeable 2017, 7min. 1 week holiday in Belize

Belize 2016, 6min.

Mahahual, 5.5min. Mahahual Mexico small town in the yucatan peninsula near the belize border. Is a quiet town with 1000 people. It gets full during the day when a couple of cruise ships comes in and visitors come out to play. great snorkeling, bird watching, scuba, food, and camping.

Belize Tour To Cave Tubing., 45min.

Swimming With Sharks | San Pedro, Belize, 9.5min. I went to belize for spring break, I got a ton of footage diving, ate lots of delishious food. I highly reccomend going.

Belize Mali: Drumming, 15min. Practice session at Antelope St Ext Belize City @Hamalali Wayunagu Headquarters

Belkize 2016, 52min.

Missionary receives Belize's first ever Lifetime Humanitarian Award and appointed as Belize's first, 8min.

Belize Jungle Life Hasta Alaska S03E07, 15min.