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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

Sagebrush and Pit Stop Ministry fixes 48 bikes
Over 15 volunteers from Sagebrush Ministry got their hands dirty on Saturday, March 18th as they provided free bicycle services for the island community. From 8AM to 12PM, the volunteers repaired a total of 48 bicycles at the Sagebrush Belize Campus across from Paradise Theater. Under the shade of a tent, volunteers fixed rims and brakes, greased chains, tightened bolts, and replaced tubes, tires, chains, pedals, bearings, seats, rear hubs, sprockets and sponges. Sagebrush Pastor Rafael Torres stated that this service was influenced by Pit Stop Ministry, which is located at their main campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United Sates. “Pit Stop Ministry voluntarily repairs vehicles. Last year in September 2016, Todd Crampton from Pit Stop came and saw that bikes corrode easily here, and we decided that bike owners would benefit from the cause since many people use it as their primary means of transportation. Here at Sagebrush Church, we believe that every act of our Christian faith and love for others brings honor to God,” said Torres.

Strengthening ties between Cuba and San Pedro: Ambassador Lissette Perez pays official visit
Ambassador of Cuba, Lissette Perez paid an official visit to Mayor Daniel Guerrero, and the San Pedro Town Councilors on Saturday, March 18th. This visit comes after she made a courtesy call on February 24th. Since Belize and Cuba are members of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Central American Integration System (SICA), Ambassador Perez expressed her interest in developing a partnership that would strengthen ties between Cuba and San Pedro Town. After the official meeting, Mayor Guerrero prioritized three key areas that both countries will focus on: climate change, sports, and culture.

Police say no foul play suspected in the death of Rickilee Mercer
A post mortem examination on the body of American National Rickilee Michelle Mercer has confirmed her cause of death as drowning. Mercer, a 29-year-old accountant from Spring Texas USA, was found dead in the leeward coast of Ambergris Caye on Wednesday, March 1st. She had been reported missing at sea late Tuesday evening, on February 28th, after reportedly falling off of a Jet Ski. According to police, due to the results of the post-mortem, no foul play was suspected in the cause of death and the case has since been closed.

Ambergris Today

More Belizeans Trained To Take Care Of The Elderly
In keeping with its mandate, thirty nine persons, who are employed or seeking employment as caregivers in homes of the elderly or in assisted living facilities, received a certificate after a five-week training on Basics of Caregiving during a brief ceremony that was held on Friday, 17th March, 2017 at the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC) on the ITVET Compound, Freetown Road, Belize City. The training has three components: theory, first aid and CPR and two-week internship at the Sister Cecilia’s Home for the Elderly. The training seeks to certify persons who have a passion for working with older persons either new entrant into the field or persons who are working but have had no formal training.

Belize Listed 50th Happiest Country In The World - Not Bad!
It’s not about being the richest! Money does not bring happiness; and despite the not-so-good economic outlook and many social woes around the country, Belizeans are happy. Our country has been listed as the 50th Happiest Country in the World. NOT BAD! Considering all 196 of them. This is the latest report from World Happiness Report (WHR), produced by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The aim of the report, said Mr Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and special adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General, is to provide another tool for governments, businesses and civil societies to help their countries find a better way to well-being.

Misc Belizean Sources

SBDC Workshop: QUICKBOOKS 101-ACCOUNTING PART 3
Presented by: Mr. Jorge Gentle, Business Advisor, SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: BTEC Training Room, ITVET Compound, Freetown Road, Belize City. Workshop Date: March 24th, 2017. Time: 8am to 3pm. Cost: $60.00. QuickBooks is an accounting software program created by Intuit for small businesses and self-employed professionals. It can be used for almost all financial business processes. You can use it for entering receipts, tracking expenses, invoicing, payment tracking, tax tracking, purchase orders, and even to prepare reports and statements regarding your finances. QuickBooks is your business' solution when it comes to bookkeeping and accounting. This course was created for anyone who wants to learn QuickBooks. Whether you signed up simply to learn QuickBooks or are a complete newbie to the software does not matter. We will teach you the software from beginning to end so that anyone, regardless of experience, learns all that they need to know to successfully use the program.

World Water Day Forum 2017
The Ministry of Natural Resources, in conjunction with various local water partners, is hosting a one-day forum to commemorate World Water Day, which is celebrated annually on March 22nd under the United Nations theme for 2017: “Wastewater”. The Official Opening Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at the Ramada Princess Hotel King's Room in Belize City. The Opening Ceremony will be followed with an open exhibit and a Wastewater Forum, to be held concurrently. Official ceremonies and presentations commence at 9:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.

Princess Casino Free Zone does it again
This Friday, March 24th and Saturday, March 25th. It is another weekend of belly laughter and LOL (Laughing Out Loud) with popular Mexican imitator and comedian "CHRISTIAN BURGOS". Come out and enjoy. NO cover charge.It all begins at 10:00 P.M. Belize time or 11:00 P.M. Mexico time.

Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College's Annual Open Day
YOU ARE INVITED! It is that time of the year again. It is time for the Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College's (CEMJC) Annual Open Day. We plan to bring you lots of surprises and give you many prizes. It all happens on Thursday April 6th, 2017. Be a part of this grand event highlighting the best of CEMJC. It's all happening at the grounds in San Roman. Pin it down on your calendar and don't miss out. Please Share!

National Tapir Day Slogan Competition
The Belize Zoo is having a slogan competition. Fuego's 4th birthday will be celebrated on April 27th, and the winner along with their classmates, will be guests of honor. "In honor of National Tapir Day and “Fuego” the Tapir’s 4th birthday, The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is inviting Upper Division Primary School students countrywide to enter a slogan competition to celebrate this wonderful occasion. The slogan should promote tapir conservation and awareness reflecting pride as our national animal and may highlight their habitat, their role in the environment, or the threats they face. Interested schools will receive an illustrated information package about Belize’s National Animal to assist in creating a great slogan. Entries should not be more than 12 words long.

Duck Race Kick Off
The Rotary Club of Belmopan had a kick off party for this year's Belize Duck Race, which will happen at the Hawkesworth Bridge on June 24th. "Over the weekend, The Rotary Club of Belmopan had the official Kick-off event of the Belize Rubber Duck Race held at Buca Services Station in Belmopan City. We would like to take this oppunity to thank our sponsors for this event on Saturday Quality Poultry Central TV & Internet Belize Buca Services Co. Ltd. and too the community of Belmopan for all the support. we also want to say a big thank you to our Rotaract Club for coming out and helping us with this event. Bruce Flowers Belmopan Rotaract Club Rotary Club of Belmopan."

Submissions for the 2017 Edition of BIFF are now open
Entry forms on website at www.belizefilmfestival.com. Deadline is April 30th, 2017.

Food Travel Specialists taste Belizean Cuisine
Food Travel Specialists from Travel Specialist from Travel and Food, Central America from Intrepid Group, Currie & Co., Travels Unlimited & Cheema’s NYC LLC here in Belize to experience Belize's cuisine from The Northern Islands to Southern Belize.

CARICOM week coming!
Sign-up to participate in the Art Competition today!

Erosion at Monkey River, photos

Splashers
Join us this Thursday at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar to paint "Relaxing Day"

CUBAN AMBASSADOR VISITS SAN PEDRO TOWN
During Her visit, Ambassador Perez met with Mayor Daniel Guerrero and other elected councilors in which areas of cooperation were discussed. Mayor Guerrero in speaking with the Cuban Ambassador discussed opportunities in the areas of Culture/Music/Art, Climate Change and Sports. As part of her visit, Ambassador Perez also met with several stakeholder groups including the Cuban Community on Ambergris Caye, Costa Maya Festival Committee Members, Lobster Fest Committee and the Cultural and Festival Committees of the San Pedro Town Council in which the subject of culture, music and art were discussed. The Ambassador ended her three-days visit with meeting with Sports/Softball coordinators of the San Pedro High School team along with the Councilor Hector "Tito" Alamilla. In the coming weeks, the council will be preparing a series of proposal that will be presented to the Cuban Embassy in an effort to utilized the available human resources to improve the three main areas of cooperation. For historical context, Belize has enjoyed a long standing good working relationship with the people and country of Cuba.

Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize
Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize (BTH), is a collaborative training exercise involving numerous U.S., Belizean, and international participants. BTH will provide free medical and dental services, as well as build medical and educational facilities, valued at USD $10 million, to communities across Belize. The exercise will start on March 25, 2017 and is scheduled to end the second week of June, 2017. The construction projects are as follows: • Expansion of the emergency room at the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan. • Construction of a new medical waste incinerator housing at the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan. • Construction of a new medical clinic building at the Ladyville Health Clinic. • Construction of a new medical clinic building at the Double Head Cabbage Clinic. • Construction of three new classrooms at St. Matthew’s Government School.

Reef Week continues in Sarteneja Village!
Wildtracks Update: Inspiring, and being inspired by youths in Sarteneja - towards improved marine stewardship! Reef week activities at the Manatee Rehabilitation Centre have continued with a visit from Standard 3 students of the Sarteneja Nazarene School, who learnt about the natural resources that manatees need, and the threats they face in the coastal waters of Belize.

Beautifully painted floats
Absolutely awesome. Great work Chuy Carillo

Meditation for Beginners
Saturday, April 8 at 10 AM - 1 PM, Core Fitness - Corozal 5th Avenue, 501 Corozal, Corozal, Belize. A workshop to help you initiate a daily meditation preactice with Jeremy A. Enriquez. Everyone is invited. Small Donation fee all proceeds go to charity. Brought to you by ROC (Rhythm of Change Belize). Vegetarian and Chicken lunch is included

Forest 4 Life at SHC
The Forest 4 Life celebration at Sacred Heart College to celebrate Forest Day was this morning. "Forest 4 Life Launch, huge success! Over 1200 students attended the event. 21 outstanding performances from schools from all over the country. What a FOREST DAY CELEBRATION! This event commemorates this year’s International Forest Day and is geared at listening to young voices of our children as they express why they believe forests are important to their lives and how they can help to protect forests for future generations. A highlight of the celebration will be the official launch of the Forest 4 Life campaign, an educational and recreational program for young people to learn by doing. At this event, Forest 4 Life youngsters will invite other students to join the movement, so that they too can engage in wise use and true conservation of our forests."

10th NRM & Research Symposium
The 10th annual Natural Resource Management and Research Symposium is next Thursday and Friday, at the UB campus. It's not too late to register. "Have you registered yet? Join us as we make the effort to share knowledge and forge partnership at our annual symposium. Register at www.msbcbelize.wordpress.com Submit a publication - published or unpublished, research paper, technical report or pamphlet etc. - for presentation at our publication spotlight. What's better than free publicity for your work?? Contact [email protected] for more information."

Clean-up and beautification of the Why-Not Island
Awesome job to our sensational wavemakers in Dangriga. Jamall Swaso and the Dangriga basketball U-14 and U-18 teams carried out a clean-up and beautification of the Why-Not Island in Dangriga town. Way to go guys!

Annual Reef Week fair
Oceana and non-governmental organizations are participating in the annual Reef Week fair. This year the fair is being held in the beautiful coastal town of Punta Gorda in Southern Belize. These kinds of events provide the opportunity to engage Belizeans one on one about our advocacy goals and hear their concerns.

Channel 7

Dismembered Body Parts Found In Sack Near Iguana Creek
Exactly one week after finding out that their beloved daughter and sisters were brutally murdered, the family of 18 year old Kerona Ara is back in the news, but this time the tragedy did not happen to them. At about 1 this afternoon, a couple of Ara's brothers and their friends were hunting iguanas near the Iguana Creek Bridge. They came across a 'crocus' bag in the water that they wanted to use to hold an iguana that they had captured, but as they got closer they realized the bag was already holding the remains of a human body; the hands and feet to be exact. The boys then ran home to tell their mother, Sherlene Mai, about what they found, and the family quickly called the police. The boys were too shaken up to talk to us, but Mai recounted what they told her, and told us what she saw when she went down the river to see for herself... Shirlene Mai, Mother of Eyewitness

Police Tracked Down Elijah
Tonight, Elijah Burke remains in police custody pending charges for killing his own sister, 29 year old Juliane Burke. As we told you, it happened on Sunday night in front of her 6 year old son. She had just picked him up and was about to take him for a walk, when her brother appeared out of nowhere. He chopped her several times, chasing Juliane and her young son out on the street. She fell into the drain, and that is where he continued to savage her. He escaped before police could arrive. They rushed her to the hospital and she died 12 hours later. He had been on the run, but last night, at a little after 8:00, Northside police captured him on New Road. He is in custody pending charges for murder. But why would anyone attack their own sister in such a murderous rage? Her husband told us last night what he believes was the motive:...

Court Reverses Acquittal In Trial Without Jury, Sends Men Back To Jail
About an hour or so ago, the Court of Appeal reversed the first acquittal for murder for 3 men who stood trial without jury. Those 3 men, Orel Leslie, Tyrone Meighan, and Brandon Baptist, who had been acquitted of the murder 28 year-old James Noralez, are now back on the hook for that case. And, that's bad news for Leslie and Meighan who had been free for 1 year and 5 months after beating their case in October of 2015. In the trial which was presided over by Justice Troadio Gonzalez The DPP's office showed evidence against all 3 men that they, Aaron Paquil, and the deceased, James Noralez, were socializing in Orel Leslie's yard on November 26, 2012. They ran out of drinks, and the investigators believed - but couldn't prove in original trial - that this was the time when they lured him to the junction of Fabers Road, and George Price Highway, under the pretense of replenishing the stock.

Police Charge Minister’s Son
It took two months, but Police have charged 27 YEAR OLD Kenzel Hulse, the son of Agriculture minister Godwin Hulse. A one liner from the police a few minutes ago says that the businessman of Cohune Walk Belmopan has been charged for 1 count of harm committed upon Alberto Santos Lopez. Santos Lopez told Police that he was attacked by Kenzel Hulse who allegedly hit him in the face with a licensed firearm and assaulted him.

US Pres. Trump’s Alleged Russian Ties Extend All The Way To Belize?
Does US President Donald Trump's alleged Russia ties extend all the way to Belize? That's what this invoice says. International news reports say it's an off-the-books payment of 750 thousand dollars to former Trump campaign manager Davis Manafort in 2009. The transaction is disguised as a payment for 501 computers and it is billed to an offshore company called NEOCOM Services Limited registered at #1 Mapp Street. That's the headquarters for International Corporate Services which probably has thousands of IBC's registered at that same address. Doug Singh is the founder and managing partner of the operation and he says NEOCOM was struck from the register of offshore companies in 2010, and was involuntarily dissolved in 2014. The company last paid its 100 US dollar registration fee in 2009, after being incorporated in 2007.

Suspected Killer of Well Liked San Pedrano Wanted In Canada
It has been 11 months since San Pedro's Star Footballer Melvin Almendarez was murdered, and his suspected killer Canadian resident Jordan Bacchus, is still on the run. According to an online news article in the Toronto Sun, Bacchus is believed to be hiding out in Canada. Although Bacchus had surrendered all this travel documents during the court proceedings, he still found his way out of Belize. In the article it says that Toronto detectives have searched a number of home addresses linked to Bacchus but he wasn't at any of the locations. He is wanted in Toronto for a number of firearm related offenses. So, the hunt for Bacchus continues. Melvin Almendarez was killed in May 2016. Police believe he was run over by a golf cart before he was shot and killed. As we have reported last year, there is compelling evidence that ties Bacchus to the Almendarez's murder including bloody clothes at his residence, blood at the bottom of his golf cart, hair specimens from the victim on his belongings plus a positive test result for gun powder on his hands. But Bacchus simply got away after facing a minor drug charge.

A Day In The Life Of A Social Worker
Earlier this month we told you about the trauma training for social workers. Belizean American Psychotherapist Dr. Alex Depaz had organized a session on how important it is for social workers to confront their own trauma and heal before treating or helping others. Well, in order to understand a social workers' perspective, you have to understand the work they do and the role they play. Today on World Social Work Day, an open day was organized to spread awareness about social workers. Here is how the coordinators put it. Ganesha Brannon, Human Dev., Coord., - Child Protection Services: "It's, ahm looking at World Social Work Day and we are honoring our social workers for the hard work that they've been doing throughout this year and we are looking at it through the Ministry of Human Development and what are some of the services that our ministry offers to the general public."

Where Governments Get Insurance
We all know about the different insurance companies in Belize which provide coverage for life and property in the event of catastrophe, tragedy or natural disaster. But, where do Governments go to get insurance in the case of natural disaster? Well, those within the CARICOM turn to the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, which was established in 2007. Belize along with 16 other countries - mostly from the Caribbean are clients of CCRIF (C-RIF), and last year Belize received a payout for the damage caused by Hurricane Earl. Presently the CCRIF is in Belize for their very first time, and it is a perfect opportunity for them to make a donation to purchase equipment for the Belize Met Office. That donation of $100,000 was handed over today to the Ministry of Finance, and they invited the press to observe it. 7News was there, and here's what those at the head table had to say:

Immigration Reports Fast Clearances Of Long Lines At Airport
Last night we told you about those extraordinarily long lines for inbound and outbound passenger at the Phillip Goldson International airport. We said it was because there aren't enough immigration agents to process all of them which is based on observation. Well, the Minister of State with responsibility for Immigration Beverly Williams and the Director of Immigration Diana Locke were observing on that day too. They spent the day at the airport assessing the immigration work situation, and the passenger flow. Today the Director of Immigration Diana Locke told us via email that it took 9 officers only 15 minutes to clear the Southwest flight from Houston. She points out that on Fridays they have 13 flights, Saturdays, there are 22, and on Sunday's there are 12. She notes that they are constant and close together.

Dear Teenage Girls…
Five days ago, 18 year old Kiah Pastor made a thoughtful post on facebook. Now, people post stuff on Facebook all day, but hers seemed especially well thought out and lucid. It speaks about the trend of girls on social media being exploited and preyed upon by older men seeking nude pictures. She says those same men had pressed her to do the same. It’s an unusually frank testimonial of a growing and disturbing trend, and she told us more about it today:..

Anglicans Hold Synod in Belize
Since last Week Friday, the Anglican Bishops of the Province of the West Indies have been in Belize for their Provincial Synod. It's a gathering of the 8 dioceses of the Anglican Church which makes up the West Indies Province. These Synods are held every 3 years, and their main purpose is to take a long hard look the management of the Church, and the success that they have had in all 8 territories. This year, the Anglican Diocese of Belize were the host for 3 meetings under the synods, namely, the House of Bishops, the Standing Committee and the Commission on Doctrine. This afternoon, we got a chance to meet the Arch-Bishop of the West Indies, after he was coming out of one of the meetings. He granted us an interview about the assessment of the Belize chapter of the Anglican Church, and here's what he had to say:

SIF Spends On Poverty
Last night we told you that the CDB had earmarked 40 million US dollars in low interest loans for 8 Caribbean countries. Well, 5 million US of that is for Belize. According to CEO in the Ministry of Economic Development Yvonne Hyde, the funds will be used over the next four years to significantly enhance SIF's ability to provide support to poor and vulnerable communities throughout the country.

Channel 5

Human Remains Found near Blackman Eddy
Tonight, villages in central Cayo District are on edge after another gruesome discovery was made around two this afternoon. A group of boys hunting iguana on the banks of the [...]

Police Catch Up with Accused Sister-Killer Elijah Burke
In the case of another gruesome murder, Elijah Burke, a Belize City resident, is in police hands awaiting arraignment in court for the hacking of his sister. It is not [...]

S and P Not Impressed by Superbond 3.0; Downgrades Belize to Default Status
In financial news….The government has been celebrating the restructuring of the Super Bond 3.0. But the credit rating agency, Standards and Poor’s Global ratings, is downgrading Belize’s long-term currency rating [...]

APAMO Continues Challenge to Government on Taxes
Government is proposing to increase departure tax for visitors to Belize to forty US dollars from thirty-five. It intends to raise as much as eleven million dollars from this tax [...]

Belize Dragged into Trump Aide’s Laundering Claims in U.S., Ukraine
The Washington Post and other U.S. news organizations have published a huge story which places a former campaign chairman for President Donald Trump to an offshore company in Belize which [...]

Immigration Tells Why Lines are Long at P.G.I.A.
In a classic case of “progress brings problems,” the Department of Immigration and Nationality has responded to concerns that its nineteen-member staff at the Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville [...]

Toledo Construction Worker Tells of Police Beating for Intervening in Arrest
Thirty-year-old Mario Makin of San Marcus, Toledo, says that four cops beat him and left him for dead in August 2016 and nothing has been done about it. The construction [...]

Court of Appeal Orders Retrial for 3 Accused of Murder
In October 2015, Judge Troadio “John” Gonzalez ruled that three Belize City men accused of the 2012 shooting murder of B.D.F. Soldier James Noralez had no case to answer.  The [...]

Police Finally Charge Kenzle Hulse in “Pistol-Whipping” Case
Two months after the incident was first reported to police, twenty-seven year old Kenzle Hulse has been charged with harm. It was announced late this evening that the businessman from [...]

Belize Gets Disaster Risk Donation
The Government of Belize has signed into a major insurance agreement with Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, known as CCRIF. The signing took place today in Belize City and will [...]

SIF Gets Infusion of Cash for Poverty Alleviation
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved ten million U.S. dollars to the Government in support of strengthening the Belize Social Investment Fund in order for it to continue providing [...]

Recognizing the Worth of Social Workers
Today, the Human Services Department services joined the rest of the world to observe World Social Work Day. Since 1983, the day has been celebrated around the world on March [...]

More on Budget from Economist Dr. Densil Williams
The 2017 budget which outlines government’s projected expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year will be debated in the House of Representatives at length on Thursday and Friday.  Ahead of that [...]

Sustaining Coastal Growth and the Environment
This week, the Coastal Zone Management Authority Institute is observing Coastal Awareness Week.  In its third year, the event draws attention to the importance of sustainable coastal management and at [...]

Kids Quizzed over Coastal Awareness
As part of the activities, today the Coastal Zone Authority held a trivia competition that saw the participation from schools across the city. The purpose is to raise awareness and [...]

CTV3

New NTUCB Leader Sets The Tone
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize held elections over the weekend to re-elect a new executive. If you would recall, back in December the Union body held elections and returned Marvin Mora to his position of National President. But because of the wording of the Congress’ constitution which prohibits persons who have served two consecutive terms in the Union from running again, Mora’s win was overturned. Since then, Jacqueline Willoughby has acted as President. In the new elections, Willoughby offered herself for the Union leadership but it was not to be. She was defeated by newcomer to Unionism, Floyd Neal, who got 45 votes to Willoughby’s 21. A third contender, Hubert Enriquez, eventually withdrew his candidacy.

Concepcion Village Council Member Still Waiting To Be Swore In
As part of the village council elections held in July 2016, a new village council was elected in Concepcion Village in the Corozal District. While the PUP won four seats, the UDP won the Chairman seat and two Council member seats. Normally, following the elections officials from the Ministry of Local Government visits each community to swear in the new council members which formalises their authority to act on behalf of the community. Well, it seems the Ministry of Local Government has forgotten Concepcion Village since nearly nine months later, no official ceremony has been held. Elected Councillor Rodolfo Lainez told us why it is becoming a problem for them.

ITVET Prepares For Expo And Trade Fair
Final preparations for the annual Orange Walk Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training Expo and Trade Fair are in full swing as we speak. The Expo, which is one of the institution’s leading marketing events, will take place tomorrow morning at the school’s campus. The aim of the activity is to recognize the quality of work, skills and talents imprinted in each student and at the same time, providing a gateway for new matriculation of students.

Beyond The Horizon 2017 Comes To Belize
The U.S. Army South, in partnership with the Belize Defense Force (BDF), and the Ministries of Defense, Health, and Education today announced the formation of a collaborative training exercise involving numerous U.S., Belizean, and international participants under the name “Beyond the Horizon 2017”. The BTH will provide free medical and dental services, as well as build medical and educational facilities throughout Belize, all valued at $10 million US dollars. The exercise is set to start on Saturday March 25th, 2017 and is scheduled to end the second week of June, 2017. In a release issued today by the US embassy in Belize it highlights that the BTH furthers the U.S. Government’s continued commitment to the Government and people of Belize in the field of humanitarian assistance.

Standard & Poor Lowers Belize's Long Term Foreign Currency
Standards and Poor Global Ratings has lowered its long-term foreign currency rating on Belize to selective default ('SD') from 'CC'. At the same time, the organization removed the rating from CreditWatch with negative implications, from where Belize was placed on Feb 21st, 2017. In addition, S and P lowered the short-term foreign currency rating to 'D' from 'C'. S and P also affirmed Belize’s 'CC' long-term local currency rating and the 'C' short-term local currency rating and revised the outlook on the long-term local currency rating to stable from negative. These rating actions follow Belize's announcement on March 15, 2017, that holders of more than 87% of the U.S. dollar bonds due in 2038 have consented to amendments to the terms of the bonds, which will alter the interest rate and amortization schedule.

Opposition Leader Commits to Proper Government Audits
Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceno has expressed grave concern that the figures presented by Prime Minister Dean Barrow in his forecasts of the upcoming fiscal year are not matching up. Prime Minister Barrow says the economy will grow with a primary surplus of 3.5% but aside from saying that new tax measures will provide $88 million dollars to Government coffers, he has not detailed how this will be achieved. A major challenge to keeping the PM honest is the fact that the data presented in his budget hasn’t been audited by the Auditor General’s office. Briceno said when the PUP gets into Government; every Ministry will have to keep proper financial records.

Police Finally Make Move On Victor Cituk's Case
You might remember aggrieved Corozal resident, Victor Cituk. The 36 year old resident of Corozal Town has been on our newscast twice, accusing the Police Department of unfair treatment. Cituk was severely injured when he was knocked down by the driver of an SUV on January 1st. He reported the matter to the authorities, but at least two months passed and no charges had been laid on the driver of the vehicle. Cituk claimed the Police were covering up and so he took his plight to higher authorities including the Police’s internal affairs and the Ombudsman’s office.

Identitiy Of Human Skull found At Dump Site Remains Unknown
Police investigations are tonight still ongoing in the gruesome discovery of the charred remains of a human skull. The discovery was made over the weekend in the dump site situated at the Chan Pine Ridge road. Though Police have been minimal in the information provided to the media on the case, we have been able to confirm that DNA testing has been conducted on the partial remains but police have not been able to confirm an identity.

Amandala

“Red Top” did in “El Tigre”
A man known as “El Tigre,” 62, reportedly originally from Corozal Town, a lover of Red Top rum who used to hang out at the Commercial Center on Regent Street with the homeless, and who, despite suffering with illness, refused to leave his beloved rum to go and seek medical treatment, died this evening on the sidewalk near his favorite spot under the Commercial Center. El Tigre’s body has since been taken to the morgue, where it will undergo an autopsy to certify the cause of his death. Police have ruled out foul play. El Tigre’s friends, frustrated with his stubborn refusal to get medical assistance, told us that since last Wednesday, they had been telling him to go to the doctor, and they have been telling him to go every day, but El Tigre refused. He would drink and not bother to eat.

Canadian man, wanted for murder in Belize, also wanted in Canada
Canadian national Jordan Bacchus, 27, has been wanted in Belize for murder since last year. However, before Belizean police officers could nab him, he made a clean getaway to Canada. In Canada, Bacchus has again found himself on the wrong side of the law and is being sought in connection with multiple firearm-related offences. According to the Toronto Police Service, on February 22, they executed search warrants at addresses in Toronto for him, but he could not be located at the time the warrants were executed.

Brother chops sister to death
Julianne Burke, 28, had just finished work at Aisha’s Restaurant on Dunn Street at about 8 o’clock Sunday night and was going with her 6-year-old son to her room, which is located in the same yard behind the restaurant, when her brother, who had lay-waited her, came out of the darkness and attacked her with a machete. Burke’s little son ran back to her employer, shouting that her uncle was killing her mommy. Julianne managed to escape from her homicidal brother and ran out of the yard to the front of the restaurant to get away from him, but he chased her and tripped her on the road, and chopped her mercilessly.

Third Belizean killed in Melchor
In less than two weeks, another Belizean has been murdered in Melchor. On Friday at approximately 9 p.m., San Jose Succotz resident and tour operator, Carlos “Botty” Manzanero, was seated with his wife at a bar known as Champon at the western border when a gunman accosted him. Manzanero was reportedly shot once in the right knee, once in the left hand and five times in the chest. He died seated in his chair. His attacker had been at the same establishment before the incident, but fled after the shooting. According to eyewitness accounts, there was no prior confrontation between the men.

Hipolito Mai drowns in Biscayne pond
Hipolito Mai, 22, of Old Well Road, Ladyville, drowned when he jumped into a pond in Biscayne at about 5:30 this evening. The body was recovered and taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where it awaits an autopsy to certify the cause of death. Police said that no foul play is suspected and have described the incident as death by drowning. Reports to us are that at about 5:30 this evening Mai and a friend went to swim in the pond. The friend jumped in, but was not aware that Mai had followed him into the pond. When the friend came out of the water, Mai was nowhere to be found. Mai’s body was later found and Compression Press Resuscitation (CPR) was performed on him, but the effort was in vain.

KREM Music Awards 2017 – the best of the best honored
The annual KREM Music Awards, our local version of the Grammy Awards, was the occasion for a red-carpet rollout at the Bliss Institute on Saturday night. Artists from every crevice emerged from their respective corner of the country to see who would be awarded for the 15 categories in which nominations had been made. The title of top female artist of the year was awarded to the self-proclaimed Soca Queen, Ernestine Carballo, who told our newspaper that, “As a female in this male-dominated business, you got to be self- motivated, believing in yourself that you can achieve anything in life.” “Not everyone would want to acknowledge or treat you with the same level of respect, you have to demand it,” she said.

Martinez’ buzzer-beater against Wagiya keeps FC Belize in striking distance of PLB playoffs
Week 9 is completed in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2016-2017 Closing Season, and we are in the back stretch of what looks to be another hectic run to the top-4 playoffs, as FC Belize made a significant move at the last minute yesterday, gaining a desperately needed victory over visiting Wagiya on a last-minute injury-time goal by Mexican striker Hector Martinez. There are now 6 teams in contention for the 4 playoff spots. Defending champion and league-leading Belmopan Bandits are pretty much in the “driver’s seat,” which leaves 5 teams – Belize Defence Force FC, Verdes FC, Police United FC, FC Belize and Placencia Assassins FC – to battle for the 3 remaining berths in the playoffs. There is no stopping Opening Season champion Belmopan Bandits from “flying the iron bird” to CONCACAF Champions League First Round this year; but a championship is still a championship, and the home stretch run will likely be flavored with some surprises from fast improving Wagiya and Freedom Fighters, who are building with their sights on next season. (See updated standings right.)

FFB launches National Amateur Women’s League
This past weekend, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) kicked off its National Amateur Women’s League football tournament with Week 1 games being played at 4 different venues across the country. According to release late last week from the FFB, “The league will be sectioned in two zones, northern and southern zones, with four teams per zone.” “The teams will be competing in their respective zones in the first round,” after which the top 2 teams from each zone will go on to the home-and-away semifinals series, the winners of which clash in the home-and-away championship series.

Editorial: Cops, crime, and the community
In Belize City, the nation’s population center, the Police Department is clearly overwhelmed by the violent and often sensational crimes which occur so frequently as to be practically dizzying. Violent crime in Belize City has been the order of the day for a quarter century and more. In fact, it was almost exactly a quarter century ago that Itza Brown, considered the Majestic Alley Crips leader, was murdered in the horse stables at the old National Stadium, whereupon there was retaliation thousands of miles away in Brooklyn, New York against a major Bloods figure who was visiting from Belize: the streets will never forget the early months of 1992. Since 1992, the United Democratic Party (UDP) has been in power for 14 years, and the People’s United Party (PUP) has been in power for 11 years. There is no real difference in Belize City’s violent crime statistics when the UDP is in power compared to when the PUP is in power. But the Opposition party, whichever it happens to be at any given time, is always tempted to blame the ruling party, whichever it is, for the rate of violent crime, because these incidents are often headline news in Belize’s media.

US attorney writes from Washington
Dear Editor, The Honourable Foreign Minister was quoted in the media as saying this past week that Belize lacked “internationally recognized borders,” and that the Belizean people therefore are like “squatters”. If Mr. Elrington was quoted correctly, then I certainly have to understand him to have been speaking metaphorically. The fact that Guatemala refuses to recognize Belize’s established borders does not render them any the less valid at law. The international community, speaking through the United Nations, recognized both the Sarstoon, and also the parallel of longitude passing north to south through Garbutt’s Falls, as Belize’s borders with Guatemala. The U.N. General Assembly passed successive annual resolutions in the years prior to independence calling for Belizean independence within just these borders.

PART 2: TRUTH & FALLACIES ABOUT OBESITY … WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS
Hello everyone. Two weeks ago, we spoke about some dynamics of obesity and managing our weight, compatible with our body type. To recap, in that discussion, we spoke about some of the causes of obesity and weight gain. We spoke about the interaction between one’s culture, environment, exercise habits, and eating styles. We also addressed one’s genetic, biochemical and physiological “set point,” that may contribute to weight management. Finally, we spoke briefly about some cases of obesity that are due to an imbalance of the hormone, insulin. This bring us up to date and since this is a large and protracted topic, today in Part 2 as a follow-up on this topic, we will not overburden ourselves with details, but rather, we will hit some of the essential points, at a personal level, where we can all easily relate to them in our daily lives. So, let’s get started.

Diplomatic relations between Belize and Guatemala not normalized
Almost a year ago, Guatemala’s Ambassador to Belize, Manuel Estuardo Roldan Barillas, was called back to Guatemala for consultations, and although a diplomatic note was sent out roughly 2 weeks ago announcing his resumption of duties in Belize, Belize Foreign Minister Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington told the media today that the Ambassador is in Guatemala—not Belize. Elrington said repeatedly that Ambassador Roldan, who was visible last week in meetings held in Guatemala with Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, is not back in Belize. “We would wish for him to come back. We are hoping that he’s going come back, but he is not in the country,” Elrington stressed.

Breaking Belize News

Godwin Hulse son charged for pistol whipping disgruntled customer
Kenzel Hulse, 27, the son of Minister Godwin Hulse has been charged by police for pistol whipping a man at his gas station in Belmopan. According to reports, he was charged yesterday afternoon for 1 count of harm committed upon Alberto Lopez. The incident […]

Superbond renegotiations prompts S&P downgrade
Standards and Poor’s Global ratings, in light of Belize’s restructuring of the 2034 US dollar Bonds, made changes to Belize’s credit rating, including downgrading Belize’s long-term currency rating from CC to SD. S&P explained that it downgraded the raring from CC (Eminent default with […]

Old San Ignacio hospital to be new location for twin towns administration building
BBN was informed today by Earl Trapp, the Mayor of the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena in the Cayo District that the old San Ignacio Hospital will be the new location for the council’s administration building. A section of the building […]

OAS to investigate murder of Special Constable Danny Conorquie
DANNY In April of last year, a Guatemalan minor was shot and killed in the Cebada area of the Chiquibul forest. The gunfire exchange occurred when Belize defense Force (BDF) soldiers along with Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) personnel encountered the minor and […]

Elrington calls for strengthening of police-media relations
The media boycott of the police department remains in effect. According to media, the police refuses to share needed information so as to keep the public informed. Home Affairs Minister, Wilfred Elrington, however, told the media that when he was handed the police portfolio, […]

Man detained for chopping his sister to death
Sometime before 9 o’clock last night, police in Belize City arrested Elijah Burke on New Road. Burke had been wanted in connection with the vicious chopping of his sister on Wednesday night. His sister, Juliane Burke, 29, was chopped multiple times by her brother […]

Mutilated body found near Iguana Creek Bridge, Cayo District
A mutilated body was found near Iguana Creek Bridge in the Cayo District this afternoon.Police are currently on the scene. According to reports, it appears to be the body of a Hispanic man. Coincidentally, the body was found by a group of men including the […]

Brigadier General David Jones inducted into U.S. Army Command & General Staff College International Hall of Fame
Brigadier General (BG) David N. Jones, was inducted into the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) International Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place last Thursday at the Lewis and Clark Center in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA where Jones studied in 2007.

Sandhill man missing at sea
Our newsroom has received reports that a man is missing. He has been identified as Barry Rosales also known as Jaxey of a Sand Hill Village address. According to reports, he is missing at sea. His family reportedly received a call at around 3 am yesterday confirming that his bag was found. However, he was not found with it.

GOB will not protest fatal shooting of Belizean in Guatemala
Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, told the media this week that the Government of Belize will not be issuing any protest notes to Guatemala, after the fatal shooting of Belizean Amadeos Teck in Melchor De Mencos tlast weekend. Ellington explained that since the issue was a crime committed between civilians, there is no need for GOB to send an official protest note to the Government of Guatemala. He said that killings become a diplomatic issue when members of a country’s armed forces are party to such killings.

Minor stabbed during bar fight in Caye Caulker
According to police reports, last night around 7:15, acting upon information received of a stabbing incident, police visited a clinic on Pasero Street in Caye Caulker. Police observed a 17-year-old male of a Belize City address suffering from a stab wound to the left shoulder, right hand and abrasions to the head and right hand.

Over 900 students celebrate Forest Day today
Today is International Forest Day 2017. The theme this year is: “Forest 4 life”. Over 900 children and youths are expected to gather at the Sacred Heart Auditorium to celebrate the importance of forests to their lives. The event is being hosted by the Forestry Department. These students will join forest conservation partners in the Forest for Life celebrations at the Sacred Heart Junior College Auditorium, San Ignacio Town.

Belize celebrates World Water Day with forum
World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22nd and this year the United Nations is celebrating the day with the theme: “Wastewater”. The Ministry of Natural Resources, in conjunction with various local water partners, is hosting a one-day forum to commemorate World Water Day. The Official Opening Ceremony will be held on tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. at the Ramada Princess Hotel King’s Room in Belize City. T

New houses handed over to fire victims
Earlier today, National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) Minister Edmond Castro was in the Albert Division of Belize City along with the constituency’s Area Representative, Tracy Taegar-Panton handing over houses to victims of natural disaster. The houses were handed over in the Conch Shell Bay area.

Belize City cops seize drugs and ammunition
A further search was conducted and police also discovered four more black plastic bags containing cannabis and four .9mm rounds: two Luger brand, one Aguila brand, and one S&B brand.

GOB to receive US $10 million to support poor and vulnerable communities
The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved US $10 million to the Government of Belize in support of strengthening the Belize Social Investment Fund (SIF) in its continued delivery of providing services to poor and vulnerable communities across Belize. Belize SIF is an implementing agency of the government addressing the basic needs of Belizeans as enshrined in the government’s policy to alleviate poverty reduction in both urban and rural communities.

Troubled times ahead for Belize’s sugar industry as EU lifts quotas for beet sugar
The sugar industry in Belize and the greater Caribbean, may face massive declines in revenue as the European Union, the largest importer of Caribbean sugar, prepares to change its sugar regime. In October this year, the EU will lift the limitations it had imposed on beet sugar production, which will offer European consumers a more local and cheaper alternative than importing cane sugar from its former African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) colonies like Belize.

Ambassador Nestor Mendez receives medal of honor for merit
Belizean Ambassador Nestor Mendez was awarded a Medal of Honor for Merit during a ceremony last week Thursday in Panama City, Panama. The event was attended by diplomats, security experts, and representatives from international and regional organizations. H.E. Nestor Mendez is also the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the award was presented by the Sociedad de Estudios Internacionales (SEI) of Panama “in recognition of his work to promote democracy, strengthening human rights, and fostering peace and security and integral development.”

Blogs

Retire Close to Home in Low-Cost Central America Fast Facts
Central America is a popular choice for retirement for many North Americans. This is not surprising when you consider the great qualities the region has to offer. First off there are the practical aspects, such as its proximity to North America, and its similar range of time zones. Nowhere else in the world can North American expats enjoy their retirement overseas and still have the option of visiting their families within the space of two hours. This close proximity works both ways too, meaning that expats in Central America are regularly entertaining guests from back home. With a population of 330,000, English-speaking Belize offers plenty of empty, wide-open spaces. Located below Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, this is picture-postcard Caribbean. It’s a country of Maya temples, seaside condos, jungle lodges, and colonial mansions. Belize offers economic stability, ease of living, and a cost of living that is good value when you compare it with that of other Caribbean retreats. According to International Living Belize Correspondent, Ann Kuffner, depending on which part of Belize you choose to live, a monthly budget for a couple can be anywhere between $1,200 to $3,000.

Lobsterfest in Belize
Is it wrong to plan an entire vacation around one’s taste buds? Not if you crave an obscene amount of lobster! This delicacy is the superstar of Belize’s culinary scene beginning in mid-June, and since you can fly to Belize in just a few hours, envision yourself eating breakfast at home and feasting on lobster for lunch. No need to bring a bib if you make Lobsterfest your 2017 goal. Just pack wash and wear clothes and your favorite flip-flops and you’ll fit right in! This annual seafood bacchanal is no ordinary celebration. Lobsterfest is an official summer kickoff event coinciding with the first lobster harvests that continue through February 15th. The wildly popular nationwide event turns Belize into one big homage to crustaceans celebrated in three areas: Caye Caulker, San Pedro and Placencia. Bring your appetite. Is it possible to grow weary of eating this delicacy? No way.

Chocolate Festival of Belize
Wanting to showcase the superior quality of their local cacao, various chocolate manufacturers and cacao farmers in the Toledo District of Belize gathered together in 2007 to form the first Chocolate Festival. Now in its tenth year, the Chocolate Festival has blossomed into a three-day event featuring local foods, wines, trips to cacao farms and a musical competition celebrating the area’s indigenous heritage. Cacao (the key ingredient in chocolate) is indigenous to the Americas, and Belize’s Toledo District is world-renowned for having some of the finest quality cacao anywhere. Beside traditional chocolate desserts, the festival features everything from chocolate beer to chocolate soap. The festival also coincides with a large street fair with plenty of music, cultural displays, and exhibitions to entertain the whole family. The festival is held in the town of Punta Gorda located in Belize’s southernmost District of Toledo. In 2017, the Chocolate Festival will be held between Friday, May 19, and Sunday, May 21 in the town of Punta Gorda in Toledo District.

You better Belize it; Visiting Belize for easter
We take this greatest pleasure in inviting you to come visit Belize. Our country has the friendliest friends and visitors with a warmth that results both from an instinctive sense of hospitality and from various cultures that have made Belize unique. In Belize, you can experience the warm Caribbean teeming weather with the wonders of the deep, and lush, exciting interior where you can walk the pathways of our rain forest and discover the exotic and breath-taking wildlife that awaits you. Crawfish, the feeding time on the house reef of Caye Caulker is an impressive sea game and a must for anybody who can take a boat on the small island off the coast of Belize. Much more than to snorkel around the whole day, there is a lot to do here. And that's exactly how it should be. Most backpackers have visited the Mayan sites and colonial towns of Belize, which are on their way to the jungles of Guatemala and to more ruins. On Caye Caulker, they press the break button for a few days. From the hundreds of islets along the world's second largest barrier, Caye Caulker, Placenia, Corozal and San Pedro is the easiest to reach and most convenient. Crawfish also for backpackers A lot has changed in the past five years, Everywhere is now being built.

Why Choose Belize as a destination for vacationing
Living in harsh winter conditions for five months of every year, it is understandable to want to escape the cold for a few weeks and get some serious vitamin D. With 5-star resorts, long beaches, cabanas, and cocktails on demand, the east coast of Mexico is often the destination of choice for many. But if you’re seeking an adventure that will break up your trip to Mexico, Belize is only a six-hour road trip directly south of Cancun. If it’s still the relaxed vibes and stress-free ambience you are looking for, then Caye Caulker is the destination for you. Caye Caulker, located only 21 miles northeast of Belize City, is surprisingly only four miles in length. But don’t let the size of this tiny island reflect the people and things to do on it. Caye Caulker is predominantly a fishing community, although over time as travellers have spread the good word to fellow nomads, this tiny island now relies profoundly on tourism.

Let's protect our Barrier Reef in Belize by Oilspilling
Coral reefs, some of the Earth’s most remarkable natural structures, are more than just beautiful to admire. Besides fostering a diverse marine environment, coral reefs are also vital to the health of the oceans. In total, coral reefs cover about 0.1 percent of the ocean’s but they nurture 25 percent of the world’s marine species. Coral reefs are the ocean’s lifelines and when they disappear, it can create an ecologically devastating domino effect. Sadly, the world’s corals are rapidly disappearing due to warming ocean temperatures, human industry, overfishing, and ocean acidification. For example, over the past thirty years, the Great Barrier Reef has lost approximately 50 percent of its coral. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which was placed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in Danger in 2009, is facing a similarly dismal future. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is home to an amazing 1,400 different species, including 500 types of fish and 100 corals. This reef hosts the world’s largest population of threatened Indian manatees, as well as endangered sharks and marine turtles; however, in recent years, the reef’s ecosystems have been damaged by coastal construction, and oil concessions continue to pose a threat.

Marine Biology class travels to Belize over Spring Break
A Saint Mary’s marine biology class took in-depth learning to a whole new meaning. The class spent spring break in Belize at South Water Caye applying what it learned in the classroom life to the natural world. Saint Mary’s assistant biology professor Laura Kloepper said marine biology had not been taught in years, but the department now plans on regularly running the class. “For the past few years no one has been teaching that class,” Kloepper said. “So we’ve resurrected the marine biology class and we plan on teaching this every two years. This trip to Belize was part of the lab component for our marine biology class that we offer here for majors.” Kloepper said studying Belize was an obvious choice because of its diverse environment. She said it provided a unique opportunity to learn more about a field that is not as prominent in a landlocked state like Indiana. “If you’re teaching marine biology in Indiana doing a lab is a little difficult. So we decided to make our lab one big field trip to Belize where it is a very diverse coral reef ecosystem that’s pretty easy to get to,” Kloepper said. “It’s also one of the few coral reefs that is still fairly unaffected by coral bleaching.”

International Sources

New documents show Trump aide laundered payments from party with Moscow ties, lawmaker alleges
Did former Trump campaign manager launder Ukrainian payments through Belize, as alleged by Ukrainian lawmaker? - A Ukrainian lawmaker released new financial documents Tuesday allegedly showing that a former campaign chairman for President Trump laundered payments from the party of a disgraced ex-leader of Ukraine using offshore accounts in Belize and Kyrgyzstan.
A Ukrainian lawmaker released new financial documents Tuesday allegedly showing that a former campaign chairman for President Trump laundered payments from the party of a disgraced ex-leader of Ukraine using offshore accounts in Belize and Kyrgyzstan. The new documents, if legitimate, stem from business ties between the Trump aide, Paul Manafort, and the party of former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, who enjoyed Moscow’s backing while he was in power. He has been in hiding in Russia since being overthrown by pro-Western protesters in 2014, and is wanted in Ukraine on corruption charges.

'Camp Macaw'
Check out 'Camp Macaw' an article featuring the efforts on the ground to protect Scarlet Macaws in Belize. Special thanks to National Audubon Society and Audubon Magazine! Roni Martinez Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize

Dallas DJ Starts Four-Day Techno Fest in Belize to Help Charity
Veteran Dallas DJ and promoter Willie Trimmer has served as an ambassador for the Dallas house and techno scenes for nearly two decades. Through his promotion company 12InchPimps, he’s organized parties, managed DJs and held down several residencies himself. Now he’s leveraging his experience and connections to start the four-day Festival of the Sun & Moon in San Pedro, Belize. Andy Caldwell, DJ Dan and Hatiras will headline the 20-artist lineup at the inaugural festival, taking place April 6-9. The U.S., Canada, England, Germany and host country Belize will all be represented, and Texas alone will have 6 artists on the lineup: Andy Austin, Girlbot, Nate Nelson, Stetra, DJ Dilly and Trimmer — all from Dallas — plus Zekk from El Paso. A portion of the proceeds from Sun & Moon will benefit two nonprofits: the San Pedro Aids Commission and Raise Me Up. The latter is run by a former Dallasite and works to help the poor in San Pedro; the group's latest project is building a shelter for women and children.

Manafort cash trasferred to US from Belize, says Ukraine lawmaker
Ukrainian Lawmaker Serhiy Leshchenko said the amount and date of the payment _ October 14, 2009 _ matches one of the entries on the so-called Black Ledges, the handwritten accounting books of the Party of Regions, where Paul Manafort's name stood next to several entries as receiving the party's funds. Leshchenko argued that the documents found in Manafort's office and the invoice in particular show the mechanics of money-laundering that should be investigated by U.S. authorities. "Paul Manafort is an American citizen. NABU [Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau] has enough to do with corrupt Ukrainian officials. I think they can be party to a bigger international investigation,'' he said. "First of all, it's up to American officials to investigate, because we're talking about American citizens. Money (was) transferred to an account in the United States from Belize opened with an account in Kyrgyzstan, so Ukraine is almost not involved in this.''

Parranda Festival in Belize Lights up Easter Week
Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, a multi-award-winning boutique eco-resort invite guests to Hopkins, Belize for the 4th annual Belize Parranda Festival – Belize’ premiere indigenous folk art festival. Scheduled for April 15, the festival will feature international music, art exhibitions, and local food. This event is sponsored by the Belize Heart and Soul Foundation, Hamanasi Resort and the Parranda Fest Committee. Activities will get underway at 10 AM at the Palmento Grove Cultural and Fishing Lodge on Holy Saturday, April 15. Hopkins International Parranda Fest 2017 Will provide the best of Belizean Cultural & Musical Entertainment for the Easter Weekend. It all starts off with a cassava baking exhibit and a cultural art & music exhibition that goes through at 6:00 with live entertainment. Night time on stage will be a variety of local bands with featuring renowned Belizean Garifuna artist Aziatic. He has been a dynamic star in Punta Rock and Parranda music for 20+ years.

ETBU students spend spring break on mission
East Texas Baptist University students spent spring break demonstrating the love of Christ by serving people in the jungles of Belize, in a storm-damaged area of South Louisiana and on the beaches of South Padre Island. “We are grateful to have committed Christian servant leaders in our East Texas Baptist students, who are willing to sacrifice their vacation time for the blessing of others,” President Blair Blackburn said. Lisa Seeley, director of global education and the ETBU Great Commission Center, led 10 students to recover water wells and share the gospel of Jesus in Belize. The team worked in Otoxha, a remote jungle village without electricity or running water. “Seeing how different our cultures are was eye-opening,” sophomore Abbey Sturdivant said. “Even though we are so different, we are all equal in the eyes of God.”

Five Caribbean Nations Named Major Illicit Drug Transit Countries
A list of five Caribbean nations has been sent to the U.S. Congress by Donald Trump with the label: “major illicit drug producing and/or drug-transit countries.” That’s according to the latest International Narcotics Control Strategy Report on Drug and Chemical Control, released recently by the U.S. State Department. Belize was also listed as a major transit country for illegal drugs destined for the United States from source countries in South America, due to its position along the Central American corridor. The State Department also says the country’s remote jungles provide a hospitable environment for the growing and transferring of cannabis and urged the government in Belize to strengthen its public security and law enforcement institutions through more effective anti-corruption legislation, comprehensive background checks and vetting of new and existing personnel, better training, and continuing education programs.

Caribbean Development Bank Seeks to Reduce Poverty In 8 Countries with $40M Funding
The Caribbean Development Bank has announced $40 million in funding for poverty reduction in eight countries in the Caribbean region, through the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF). The resources will support improved access to quality education, water and sanitation, basic community access and drainage, and livelihoods enhancement and human resource development services in low-income and vulnerable communities under the ninth phase of BNTF (BNTF 9). Countries that will benefit are Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname.

Caye Caulker foto's & tips: Shark alley
In wezen kun je Shark Alley, voor de kust van Belize, ook als een verborgen water zien. Weliswaar niet echt buiten de gebaande paden, want het kan er druk zijn met toeristen. Maar wel verborgen in de zin van dat je het zonder gids niet gemakkelijk zult vinden. Het is namelijk een gedeelte in de Caribische zee. Bijzonder aan deze plek is, dat het er stikt van de pijlstaartroggen en rif- en zusterhaaien. Ze doen over het algemeen geen vlieg kwaad, en vandaar is het een populaire plek om er te snorkelen. Dat het echter ook wel eens fout kan gaan, heb ik gisteren beschreven in de blog "Trouble in paradise"

SPMAGTF-SC 17 begins pre-deployment training at Camp Lejeune
Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command 17 have begun training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 8, 2017, to prepare for their upcoming deployment to Central America. The task force, comprised of approximately 300 Marines from both active and reserve components, will deploy to Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras this summer to build upon security cooperation efforts and established relationships in the region. "The mission has to do with helping our allies and partners in Central America keep the peace within their borders,” said Col. Michael V. Samarov, commander of SPMAGTF-SC 17. To accomplish the mission, the Marines will participate in shoulder-to-shoulder training with partner militaries, and conduct infrastructure improvement projects.

Videos

Muffles College Student Government Association nomination day, 4min.

The biennial Corozal Community College expo, 8min.

CENTAUR COMMUNICATIONS TAKES THE WORLD WIDE WEB INTO THE CLASSROOMS OF CONCEPCION R C SCHOOL, 5min.

Fun Fridays, 100min.

The National Budget 2017 - 2018 - Review by Senator Mark Lizarraga, 56min.

UNICOMER - Corporate Social Responsibility Events, 21min.

Orange Walk ITVET - Technical & Vocational Education in Belize, 24min.

Awesome octopus video, Mexico Rocks, San Pedro, Belize, 2.5min. an Octopus at Mexico Rocks. The other fish he encounters is a Peacock Flounder.

Garifuna Drumming Belize-John Canoe, 1min.

Clark Edwards visits Altun Ha Belize in 2008., 2min. Clark takes a tour of the Altun Ha Archaeological Reserve in November of 2008.

Morning Matters at Maxis, 58min.

Comparative Analysis on Budget - A Regional Perspective, 29min.

Inter- Ministerial Coordination for ECD - Goals & Objectives, 47min.

US Embassy in Belize - Visa Requirements, 17min.

Here's a snapshot of the life of outstanding Belizean entertainer, broadcaster, and comedian, Edison Seferino Coleman., 10min. Report by Steve Lovell.

I am passing by Xanadu Island Resort and is just FABULOUS!, 7min.

Mayan Mysteries Through The Mists Of Time, 12min. The Mayan Meso American civilization spanned the regions of Belize, Guatemala and Mexico. The Mayan tribes were very advanced and they studied the night sky with astounding accuracy and built monuments that are still standing today.

BELIZE 2017, 2min. Me and my 12 friends and our fishing trip in Belize.

YOU BETTER BELIZE IT - Hopkins, Belize - Part 1, 7min. We travel to Belize looking for crocs. It's likely we just end up drinking scotch at the bar. Don't stop Belize in. Karaoke happens.DRONES HAPPEN. DRONES ARE NOT A CRIME. I FLEW A DRONE AT AN AIRPORT YOU BASTARDS. Rum punch is delicious. This may be the ADD talking.

Spending the Weekend in Belize, 6.5min. There is so much to do in Belize. Water Taxis, Private Islands, Conch Diving, Bars on the Water, Cave Exploring, Mayan Ruins, The Blue Hole and much more...

Sail fish in belize, 1min.

Sailfish release in belize, 15sec.

Kori Diego - Volley Ball Athlete from Belize, 2min.

2017 La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge Day 2, 26min. See the second day of competition while the paddlers travel from Banana Bank to Double Head Cabbage

Bus ride through Corozal Town, Belize, 1.5min.

Living off the Grid Belize Fly Fishing Barracuda, 8min. Come join us on the remote Caribbean island as we experience our first day of Living off the Grid in Belize.