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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

Tiger Sharks remain number one despite loss to Dangriga's Dream Ballers
With only one week remaining before the Pepsi National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) playoffs, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks suffered a tough home loss to the Dangriga Dream Ballers on Saturday, April 8th. However, the Tiger Sharks are still number one in the regular season with 19 accumulative points. On Saturday, April 8th, the Tiger Sharks faced the Dream Ballers at the Angel Nu�ez Auditorium. The Tiger Sharks were off to a slow start, causing the Western Ballers to gain a six-point lead in the first quarter. The home team t fought rigorously in the second and third quarter, leading the game by several points. In the final quarter, the Dream Ballers and the Tiger Sharks were battling for the lead. However, in the last nine seconds of the game, the Dream Ballers made a two-point dunk, narrowly defeating the Tiger Sharks with a final score of 79-73.

ABC Preschool hosts mega Easter Show
The Central Park was packed with children and families as ABC Preschool hosted its 2nd Annual Easter Show on Saturday, April 8th. Usually organized as a fundraiser for the preschool, Principal of ABC, Wil Alamilla hosted the show free of charge for the entire public to enjoy. The fun-filled show had various live entertainment, featuring some beloved TV and Disney characters via actors from M�rida, Yucatan, Mexico. Opening the show was the Easter Bunny and his friends. Between dances and giveaways, children were enraptured. After the bunny's performance, the San Pedro Dance Academy provided intermission entertainment with a cultural dance selection. They were followed by "Despicable Me" villain Gru, along with his mischievous Minions from and back up dancers onstage. The audience was delighted, laughing and singing along to the "Banana Song".

Tourism arrivals show a steady increase in 1st quarter of 2017
Even following such unprecedented growth in 2016, the latest statistics for the first quarter of 2017 indicate that tourism arrivals in Belize continue to register a small but steady increase. This underscores the hard work and dedication of our tourism stakeholders and the fact that Belize continues to attract travelers, as a growing and popular world tourism destination. The overnight tourism sector continues on a positive trajectory in 2017, with increases in each of the first three months of the year, leading to an overall 2.7% increase at the end of March 2017. The month of March is traditionally the apex of the tourism season. In March of 2016, there was a record number of tourist arrivals totaling over 43,000 visitors. However, this record was surpassed in March 2017, with over 44,400 tourist visitors, making this the highest number of tourist arrivals ever recorded in a single month.

San Pedro Lions host annual Pancake Brunch with the Easter Bunny
The San Pedro Lions Club hosted its 6th Annual Pancake Brunch with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 8th. The fun-filled fundraiser took place at the San Pedro Lions Den, where children, along with their families, got a head start in celebrating the holiday. After a delicious breakfast, there were a variety of entertaining activities games to participate in, such as 'Pin the Tail on the Bunny', fishing for Easter Eggs, Egg and Spoon races and puzzle races. The children took turns playing all games, hoping to win a prize! The line for face painting was long, as there were awesome designs like Easter eggs, flowers, rainbows, bunny faces, peace signs and more. The dining tables were also stocked with coloring pages and crayons so that children, and even some adults, could express their artistic skills.

Misc Belizean Sources

mzz

Nobel Peace Prize Co-Laureate Visits Belize
On April 7, James C. "Jim" Cobey, MD, arrived in San Pedro from Washington DC for a well-earned vacation. A surgeon with a Masters degree in Public Health. Jim has been an instrumental member of the international Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). ICBL was founded in 1992. A mere 5 years later, in 1997, the ICBL received the Nobel Peace Prize for its members' crucial role in starting a process that - according to the text of Jim's award - "in the space of a few years changed a ban on antipersonnel mines from a vision to a feasible reality." One year earlier, in 1996, Belize and her neighbors had all agreed to sign the ICBL's landmine ban into law, They did, and Central America therefore became the first mine-free geopolitical region in the world.

BelizeINVEST, BELTRAIDE Participates in National Protected Areas System (NPAS) "Green Dollar Symposium"
The Green Dollar Symposium was held on April 11, 2017 at the UB Jaguar auditorium to highlight the economic contributions, as indication in the Vision, which the National Protected Areas System (NPAS) is making toward local and national development. This is important as regardless of what interventions are instituted, for the next few decades Belize's economy will remain natural resource based. Caring for our natural capital should therefore be everyone's collective concern if we want to maintain our competitive and comparative advantage. At the same time, the prevailing macro-economic environment over the years has placed certain constraints on the management of protected areas and this has required that protected areas managers be innovative in securing financing and revenue generation. Throughout the symposium, it became clear that the NPAS Tagline: Nature. Culture. Life. should have great meaning for all Belizean's.

The Belize Police Department's Parking Advisory for the Cross Country Cycling Classic!The Annual Cross Country Cycling Classic will be held on Saturday 15th April 2017. The event commences at 5:00 a.m. and concludes at around 3:00 p.m. The responsibility of the Belize Police Department is to ensure the safety and security of all participants and spectators during this event. As a result, the department is asking the cooperation of the public in this venture by NOT parking in the following areas: -BTL Park and Surrounding Streets. -Entire length of Newtown Barracks -Barrack Road and Victoria Street junction -Entire length of Freetown Road to Belcan intersection -Entire length of Princess Margaret Drive Note the parking and obstruction in these areas will result in vehicle or item being removed by the Belize Police department and offenders dealt with. residents and businesses in the area are being asked to make adjustments to their schedule to minimize any inconveniences.

Easter tips from the Police Department
The arrival of the Easter holidays signals a well-earned break for many families as they head off across the country. Make safety your first priority, using these safe tips provided by the Belize Police Department Eastern Police Division. The Easter holidays represent a welcome break for many families as they take this break from work, and school to make the most of great weather. However, it also means a marked increase in traffic volumes, particularly heading out of the major cities, and Towns. Sadly, this also translates into a massive spike in road accidents fatalities, and a spike in drowning accidents and most of which is concentrated around the peak holiday periods during Easter and Christmas. Here are some great tips from Belize Police Department Eastern Police Division to help make your travels and holiday safer, so you can enjoy the break and return home refreshed and invigorated.

BELIZEAN RAPPER KING KOSA & KONSHENS "NANA"
Belizean rapper, producer and writer King Kosa has done it again, this time it's another sure to be hit for the ladies featuring dancehall star Konshens. The song, entitled NaNa, is an ode to the supreme powers of the female anatomy. This isn't Kosa's first notable collaboration, last year he collaborated with American rapper Kevin Gates on the single, type of girl. Kosa, real name Kevin Rhaburn, is a musical prodigy, he not only raps, he produces and writes his own music as well as for other artists. Kosa has produced for many big names including Taurus Riley, Wayne Wonder, Konshens a host chart topping reggaeton artists and most recently Kevin Gates, who's Isiah album went platinum and charted number 1 on the rap charts and number 2 on the pop charts. Kosa produced the song "truth" off of the million selling number 1 rap album. Video is here.

Vacancy exists at BEL
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Apprentice Lineman in the Distribution Department at the Independence Branch of Belize Electricity Limited.

The 2017 Black Rock Bird-a-thon team!

BTB's new Registrar of Hotels and Timeshare
Mrs. Jacqueline Santos Locke

Representing Belize!
ur Youth Ambassadors had a great time exploring the United States and learning about leadership, community development, the environment and entrepreneurship. Here's to the future of Belize!

Institute of Archaeology Easter Schedule
The archaeological reserves will remain open during the Easter weekend.

SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS, CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS FOR THE EASTER HOLIDAYS
The Easter holidays are once again upon us and the Department of Transport would like to remind all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians about the important role that each and everyone of us has to play as it relates to the issue of Road Safety. We also take this opportunity to implore all road users to obey the road traffic laws with special emphasis on the following: FOCUS ON DRIVING Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times - no multi-tasking (No phone calls nor texting). DRIVE "DEFENSIVELY" Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing, and expect the unexpected at all times.

Letter: Continued government of Belize mismanagement
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) decries the announcement by the government of Belize (GOB), which expressed the intent to provide "an honourarium" to teachers who did not take part in the October 2016 industrial action. Apart from the Barrow administration's blatant attempt at union-busting, the BPP highlights the gross mismanagement it represents, which is demonstrative as to why the nation is in such a dire state of affairs: socially, economically, financially and administratively. Recently, the government presented an inadequate budget which, in keeping with the dearth of leadership, lacked in vision as well as innovation. It was essentially standard, as far as budgets are concerned, featuring an overwhelming increase in taxes, which shall inevitably burden the most vulnerable. Even more disturbing is that not far removed from the presentation and passing of said budget, the GOB had the face of brass, to announce the allocation of $1 million for the honourarium.

The Belize Network of NGOs issues a statement on GOB's "unauthorised spending" re: Teachers honorarium!

Frank Lizama has been making art pieces for more than fifty years
The former politician says that while he enjoyed serving Belize and Belizeans, there is nothing quite like making religious sculptures. He has put four key pieces on display for the Easter holiday to spread the message of Christ during this Holy Week.

ADMINISTRATION OF GST AUDITS BEGINS
It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Finance that concerns have been expressed by certain representatives of the business community over allegations of supposed manipulation of General Sales Tax (GST) audit results by the senior management of the Department of the GST. The Ministry of Finance rejects any suggestion of manipulation on the part of the GST Senior Management of any Audit carried out by mid-level to lower level GST Auditors and wishes to point out that under the provisions of the GST Act, the Commissioner of GST is responsible for the administration of the GST, and the assessment, collection and recovery of GST. Such responsibility includes the review and approval of audits after making any adjustments or choice of methodology that may be required in the course of such review. Thus, the Commissioner (and senior staff delegated by her) is expressly charged with finalizing to her satisfaction, including by way of making justified changes, audits conducted lower down the chain of command.

The Belize Raptor Center
Just another example of how a little bit of training can go a long way and improve the quality of life for a rehab bird. Our collared forest-falcon, Phoenix, got off to a rough start in his life and as a result is nervous and very easily spooked. Here is where his training came into action. We started desensitizing him to the sights and sounds of everyday life at the center, and utilized progressive training methods - positive reinforcement, empowerment, and relationship - to establish a bond with his trainer. Although his injuries prevent him from ever being a wild bird again, Phoenix has risen up and can still go out into the world and feel the sun on his face and the wind in his feathers. Here's to another training and rehabilitation success story!

Peace March Wednesday, April 12th, 2017

Situation at western border on Wednesday
Many Guatemalans and international tourists want to come to Belize for Easter....they need about six more immigration officers during this peak season....this first impression needs polishing up...this does not make us appear as a welcoming friendly people...

Tradewinds Restaurant at Orchid Bay invites with Tanya Carter!

Election of Management Committee for the Friends of the Vaca Forest Reserve
Election of the new Management Committee for the Friends of the Vaca Forest Reserve took place over the weekend. FCD commits to continue building the capability of this Committee and its members for an effective community conservation program in the reserve.

Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize
Spread the word! All medical services are FREE to the public and do not require an appointment. Dates of the medical services in Ladyville are: April 9-13 and April 17-21. The services open at 7:00 a.m. and the line will be closed at 3:00 p.m. to ensure that everyone waiting will be taken care of by 5:00p.m. See you there! So far our first Beyond the Horizon medical service event in Ladyville has treated over 1500 people. Here are some more photos.

Do your kids need something to do after the Easter Break?
Bring them to our Screen on the Green on April 20 to watch Fantastic Mr. Fox, in honor of Earth Day. Movie starts at 6:00. See you there!

Financial Investigative Techniques (FIT) course
The Embassy is pleased to have partnered with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury to organize a Financial Investigative Techniques (FIT) course. The three-day course introduced participants to the anti-corruption efforts, the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act, evidentiary requirements, investigative strategy, and interviewing techniques. The course participants represented a wide cross section of government agencies, including Income Tax, Customs, Prosecution Branch, Belize Police Department, FIU, International Financial Services Commission, and the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Channel 7

BTL Union Flexes, Stages A (Brief) Work Walk Out
At around 3:00 this afternoon, dozens of BTL employees walked out of the telephone company's St. Thomas Street Compound. It was only for a few minutes, but was just a slight flex of the union's muscle to tell the BTL management that they are not pleased. The union refused to grant any comment, but we understand that there is a growing disagreement between them and the management over what the union says is a standstill in the negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement. This collective bargaining agreement is what determines the salary and benefits that the BTL employees are entitled to, and it is re-negotiated every 3 years.

Gangsters Hold A Peace March
Over the years, we've seen countless rallies and marches for peace by mothers of the deceased, school children, and activist groups. Today was another - except this one was very different. That's because all Belize's gangs are the ones who took to the streets to say "enough." It's a first and 7News was on the street with them from beginning to end:.. "Walk for peace, we are humans" that's what the shirt said for those gathered at the Raccoon street station. Gang crews form every block in the city took off their gang colours and put on the t-shirts At 9:40 they left off with full police escort, about 60 males from at least 14 different gangs:

ACP Williams Welcomes Vidal, Gangs Reject Him
And, ACP Williams hopes to do all that before he leaves in July. That's the date of transfer - and as you heard him say, he's ready to move on at the commissioner's will - even if the gang members think otherwise. We got a little deeper into that conversation with him - when the press asked if he's being pushed aside because he has political ambitions:� ACP Chester Williams, Commander - Eastern Division South: "I am a public police officer, I am subject to be transferred and the commissioner is the commissioner, he decides where he puts his senior officers and if he thinks that I am best suited to serve in Belmopan in the capacity that I am going, then I go with the commissioner's decision that is time for me to move on and do something different." Jules Vasquez: "But Mr. Vidal has gone on record repudiate community policing. In 2011 he told me that it didn't work, it hasn't worked." ACP Chester Williams: "At one point in time I too repudiated community policing so it's just the way how it is."

Broaster Will Be PD's Third In Command
We also got an opportunity to speak with Assistant Commissioner of Police Edward Broaster, who is also being transferred. He's leaving behind the command of the Rural Eastern Division, to take over as commander of operations in Belmopan, which is effectively third in command of the entire police department. So, when we met him at another event, we asked him about the promotion, but he was very careful the comments he made: Daniel Ortiz: "Is this a promotion in terms of the field of responsibilities you will now hold come in a few months' time?" ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Rural Eastern Division: "I believe the commissioner of police has commented on that issue and at this I will not comment on that but all I can say is that the move will definitely improve the security concerns of the citizenry of Belize."

DPM Faber Gets Another Scolding
The unions and the Chamber of Commerce have already rejected Government's decision to pay a 1-million-dollar "honorarium" to the teachers who didn't strike last October. The unions called it union busting, and today, the NGO community called it "unauthorized spending". In a statement titled, "the Belize Network of NGO's Rebukes GOB's Unauthorized Spending", the NGO's said that they are in full support of the statements made by the chamber and the NTUCB. That statement says, quote, "GOB's decision to spend $1 million of unbudgeted taxpayers' money to reward teachers who did not participate in the strike amounts to an expenditure that was not approved by the National Assembly. This makes a mockery of the national budget planning exercise."

Cost Still Puzzled Over Gungulung Murder
Police are still puzzled by Monday night's Gungulung Bridge murder. 39 year old Rafael Guerra was shot dead near his Holy Emanuel Street home. Now there are different theories as to the motive, and, as we told you last night in our story, the family has its own suspicions. One report is that the Salvadoran man who rented a room at Guerra's home may have planned or been involved in the attack and another report is that the Salvadoran man was the intended target and not Guerra. Well, police have detained this man for questioning. Today Southside Commander Chester Williams said they are still trying to fill in the loose ends in this case. ACP Chester Williams, Commander - Eastern Division South: "This murder is one that really has us thinking. We are still trying to arrive at a motive but in answering your question about how we are dealing with situation like that - I think that we have to develop a system where we can monitor these persons that are coming in that we can get to know who they are because we do have a lot of persons who have been engaged in gang activities in Salvador who are in Belize. Some of them may have put behind them their gang affiliation while some of them will bring it so we need to monitor them and see how we can clip their wings when they come to Belize so that's something that we need to do."

Cops Investigate Purported Arson At Principal's Office
Last night, we told you about the fire at the Ladyville RC School, where as much as $30,000 in equipment was lost. The Principal says that it was arson. Today, we asked the Officer Commanding Rural Eastern Division told us what they know so far: Daniel Ortiz: "The principal has told the press that investigation suggests that this is arson. Can you confirm for us and share with us what direction your investigation is leading to?" ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Rural Eastern Division: "I cannot confirm that at this time as we have not gotten the report from the fire department as it related to their investigation into that issue at this time."

Sales Tax Sets The Record Straight
Last night we showed you the letter from GST Officer Elmer Reyes. He wrote the Solicitor General a four page letter saying that there were irregularities and inconsistencies in the tax assessment procedures used the by the department. The most disturbing part of his letter is that he said the department would manipulate tax methodologies to charge businesses as much as possible. It's a sharp indictment of the department and what makes it even more damning is that it comes in the from within the department. Well the Ministry of Finance sent out a release today mostly to respond to the Chamber of Commerce which has demanded an investigation of the Department's tax assessment procedures. In it, the Ministry rejects "any suggestion of manipulation on the part of the GST Senior Management of any Audit carried out by mid-level to lower level GST Auditors." It adds that the Commissioner of GST is responsible for the administration of the GST, including the review and approval of audits.

.38 On A Corner
One more gun is off the street tonight. Last night, Belize City Police searched an open lot on the corner of George and Prince Street. They found a .38 revolver concealed in a plastic bag. No one was in the area, so it was labelled Found Property.

San Pedro Police Nab 2
Yesterday afternoon, San Pedro police got a warrant to search the home of Jimell Paul Jex and Tracy Betancourt for drugs, firearms and ammunition. In Jex's bedroom, the cops found eight live rounds of 9mm ammunition. Jex, who was the only one present at the time, was arrested for keeping ammunition without a gun license. Police are currently looking for Tracey Betancourt.

Toledo's Treasures
Yesterday our news team went on a tour of two Southern Villages that are trying to make a name for themselves in the tourism industry. Now, Punta Negra and Monkey River aren't Placencia or San Pedro, and they aren't trying to be. These laid back villages in Toledo offer visitors an immersive experience far different than the plush packages found at traditional tourist destinations. Alex Courtenay found out where tourism meets everyday life ... Located on the remote shores of the Toledo district, the villages of Punta Negra and Monkey River offer tourists with different, off the beaten path experiences. In recent years, both villages have been receiving help to market and develop themselves as alternate destinations that offer the same natural beauty, with a more rustic ambience...

Western Highway Knockdown
7News has just learned of an accident at mile eight on the Western Highway. It happened a short while ago, when a pickup appears to have knocked down a pedestrian. Our team is headed out there and we'll have more on this tomorrow.

Ladyville Cops Got A Ride
This morning, Rural Police became the proud owners of a new truck donated to them by the Courtney Coye Law firm, and a group of Friends from Ladyville. Now, you may not be too impressed by that, after all, the department gets donations like this one from time to time. But for the Rural Eastern Division, it's a big deal. That's because these vehicle have to patrol over 30 villages spread out over the north, the east, and the west. Before this, they had to do it with only 6 vehicles. So, it's a much needed addition to their vehicle fleet, and the keys were officially handed over today. We spoke with the donors and the recipients:

The Mystery Of Michael Smith
Last night we told you about the Belizean who was caused a panic on a Mexican bus after he was spotted drunk, with a gun in his waist. He gave Mexican authorities his name as Mike Kenner Smith - but he carried the identification of Nigel Arthur Myvett. Well, 7 News has learned that Mike Smith is a well known UDP groupie, who was often seen around city politicians like Zenaida Maya and Michael Finnegan. Seems he left Belize months ago headed for the states - but not before stealing a baby passport and US birth certificate from Nigel Myvett's mother. He had been watching the family's home. Smith was heading from Merida to Celestun on the west coast of Mexico. Concerned passengers saw him sleeping on the bus, apparently drunk, with the gun in his waist. They called police who removed him from the bus - only to find out he was carrying a toy gun. He told them that he doesn't know how the toy gun ended up in his waist.

Capital Cops Rewarded
On Monday we told you how Belmopan police had worked quickly to catch and prosecute a pair of robbers who had held up Circle R Rice. They found the men and the gun they are believed to have used. The pair, 28-year-old Florentino Ruiz and 21-year-old Abraham Vellos have already been sent to jail on a 5 year sentence. Well, today their commanding officer set up a ceremony at the Roaring River Golf Course to thank them for their hard and quick work. Commissioner Allen Whylie was there to give each officer a certificate of commendation.

Cross Country Comin'!
For some the Easter break is about traveling, for others its all about the religious observance, while others are just glad for the break. But if you're a Belizean - no matter what you're doing this weekend - you'll want to know about the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic. 2017 marks the 89th anniversary of the race, and we asked the Belize Cycling Federation's PR Officer, Kwame Scott, what we can expect this year... The race starts at 6:00 am on Saturday.

Caye Easter Bash
If you will be on Caye Caulker for this Easter weekend you might want to drop by the West Bay Beach Club. That's because New Belizean voices as well as other international performers will be entertaining club goers all weekend. Two of the performers came to our studios to tell us why you all should come out. Here is a little something from up and coming dancehall artist Daja. And keeping it dancehall, Jamaican artist Jay 5 flow will also be taking the stage. Here is what he had to say . There will be several other artists performing as well. So again the concert is April 15th and 16 th, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday at West Bay Beach Club.


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Channel 5

Repentant Gangsters March Through Old Capital for Peace
A truce is in the making among rival gangs in the City. Going into the Easter holidays, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, whose work in community policing has been [...]

Chester Williams Says Truce is Possible; Can Successor Vidal Hold It Together?
As we mentioned, ED-South Commander Chester Williams has played a critical role in bringing the gangs together and negotiating a truce.� While the noble attempt is nothing we haven't seen [...]

Courtenay Says Teachers' Bonus is Illegal; Payout Put Off to After Easter
The Ministry of Education confirmed this afternoon that the million-dollar honorarium promised by the Government to non-striking teachers will not go in on time. This is because several school managements [...]

Will Money Influence Outcome of B.N.T.U. Election?
In the B.N.T.U.'s convention, Senator Elena Smith, Troy Coleman and Mario Mesh are vying to replace retiring three-term president Luke Palacio. Smith has the highest profile and is seen as [...]

'Civil Disobedience' called for as N.G.O.'s Show Disapproval
The condemnation of the Government's plans has been widespread, from business to civil society to activist organizations to all major political organizations apart from the U.D.P. So what happens next? [...]

B.T.L. Workers Walk Out Over Collective Bargaining Agreement
B.T.L. employees across the country staged a walkout this afternoon in protest of what is being reported as a refusal to properly address a two-pronged labor issue with the Belize [...]

Customs Condemns, Destroys Uncustomed Goods
This past week has not been a good one for cops; in separate busts they have been captured on cell phone video with contraband goods up north. They are not [...]

Rural Division Police Commander Says We Must All Speak Out on Contraband
As many as four police officers have been placed on interdiction for their alleged involvement in the contraband of goods.� The unprofessional conduct of the police officers has left the [...]

Alvarine Burgess Vs John Saldivar over Detention Following Football
Alvarine Burgess first came to national attention on this station as the "whistleblower" that exposed Minister Edmond Castro's involvement in visa recommendations for Chinese nationals.� She won a defamation case [...]

Latest on Guatemalan Gold Panners Captured in Chiquibul
Despite the presence of F.C.D. rangers, police and B.D.F., illegal incursions into the Chiquibul continue.� Over the past three weeks, a total of thirteen Guatemalans have been detained well inside [...]

F.C.D. Continues Fight Against Gold Panning Despite Challenges
Gold panning has evolved into one of the two primary threats to the integrity of the Chiquibul. It's a high level risk within the national park because of the ruggedness [...]

Discovering Monkey River and Punta Negra's Tourism Value
The pristine sandy beaches of San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia and the inland destinations, such as the Cayo District, are known to attract visitors from all over the world. But [...]

B.T.B. Says Majority of Jewel's Overnight Visitors Coming for First Time
As reported earlier this week, tourism arrivals by overnight and cruise remain healthy, with March setting a record for overnight tourism arrivals at close to forty-five thousand. But where are [...]

Ladyville Police Handed New Truck
Burglaries have been on the rise in the Rural Eastern Division - and it is no secret that the jurisdiction is understaffed and under-resourced.� Simply put it is a large [...]

Where Will We All Be Going for Easter?
The exodus of Belizeans to destinations across Belize - and some outside - has already begun.� Unlike other holidays such as Christmas, Belizeans mostly stay close to home for Easter, [...]

What to Know Before You Go to Mexico
While San Pedro and Placencia are wildly popular destinations for locals during this time, thousands of Belizeans also go across the border to neighboring Mexico. Destinations such as Cancun, Merida [...]

LOVE FM

Gang Members March for Peace
A peace march focused on bringing gang members together to reduce the level of gang related crimes in Belize City was held today. Hipolito Novelo reports.

San Pedro Resident Feels Jilted Over Swamp Land
Forty nine year old Orrin Cain says he was unjustly moved from a parcel of land he has been living on in San Pedro Town. Cain says he began developing a swampy piece of land back in 2007 and has applied for a title since he says he has developed it by planting mangroves and [�]

Belize's Shrimp Industry Shows Promise
A meeting between the Shrimp Growers Association and the Government of Belize was held recently. The meeting which was held with officials from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce was aimed at looking at ways to revive the industry through team work. In recent years, the shrimp industry has taken a hit in Belize [�]

Price Hikes for Easter Fish
Two to three years ago when you would visit the fish market around Easter time, you would have paid about seven dollars on average for a pound of snapper. This year, the prices for fish are at an all-time high as we found out for ourselves when we took a walk at the Vernon Street [�]

Motive Still Unclear in Guerra's Homicide
Thirty nine year old Rafael Mario Guerra was shot and killed on Monday night as he was walking home on Holy Emmanuel Street. Reports are that Guerra, who is originally from El Salvador, was with a man who had just arrived in Belize from El Salvador. That man was staying with Guerra until Sunday night [�]

Police News: Firearms and Marijuana
On Tuesday night police conducted a search in an open lot at the corner of George and Prince Streets in Belize City where they found a black plastic bag containing a point thirty eight revolver. No one was in the area at the time of the discovery therefore the firearm was labeled as found property. [�]

Cristina Coc: Keynote Speaker at Trinidad Event
In the edition of the Trinidad Guardian dated April 12, 2017, Belizean activist, Cristina Coc was featured for her dynamic presentation as the keynote speaker at a 3-day symposium. The 36-year-old was one of several women leaders from the region brought together in Trinidad for the event organized by the Institute of Gender and Development [�]

Verge of Umbra Tops Metal Battle in Guatemala
Verge of Umbra is not your regular local band. It is a group out of Dangriga that somehow brought together the genres of rap and reggae. The 5-member team is making its mark on the international scene and will perhaps become even more recognized in Belize after it won the Metal Battle 2017 held in [�]

The Reporter

Corned beef ban lifted
The temporary ban which was placed on corned Beef products imported from Brazil have been officially lifted by the Belize Agriculture Health Authority(BAHA) along with the Ministry of Health (MOH).   In a press release dated Monday April 10, 2017 BAHA and MOH confirmed that Belizean […]

El Nino expected to cause fewer hurricanes in 2017, experts say
Experts are calling for a below-normal hurricane season this year, as a potential El Ni�o may limit the development of storms. El Nino expected to bring about fewer hurricanes in 2017 The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have […]

6 year-old dead after buggy and pickup collides
A six year old child is dead, while several of his siblings are recovering from injuries they sustained after a horse and cart buggy that they were traveling in was involved in a collision with a Dodge Ram Pickup truck.   At approximately 12:00 p.m on […]

Two remain critical after separate shootings
Two men remain in critical condition after they were shot in separate incidents over the weekend. Earlin Butler Jr., 21, a clerk at the Vital Statistics Unit, was shot at his house on Rivero Street in Belize City sometime around 7:00 Sunday morning. Reports are […]

Police quick response lands Circle R Robbers in Jail
Two Belize City men, who it is believed robbed Circle R Product manager at gunpoint on Friday April, 7 2017, were both convicted and sentenced to the Belize Central Prison, while police say that they are seeking another suspect.   The duo 28 year-old Florentino Ruiz� […]

More contraband cops caught on camera
As the news of more contraband cops seems to be emerging out of the North, two more police officers were placed on interdiction after they were caught on camera smuggling contraband items and evading Customs officials over the weekend.   In a video footage which was […]

Editorial
Since the dawn of creation until today no one apart from� Jesus of Galilee has ever come back from the dead on his own power. There have been truly remarkable men and women who� have walked this earth and accomplished great works —� creating empires, establishing dynasties, giants in architecture, […]

Monday night’s murder brings total to 44!
In the latest murder to be reported, a construction worker identified as Rafael Mario Guerra was shot and killed Monday night in the Gungulung area of Lake Independence by two assassins who emerged from a van. Guerra didn’t stand a chance. Seven shots fired at close range caught him in […]

Belize Rap & Reggay Ban to compete in Waken, Germany
Verge of Umbra, a new and dynamic hybrid� Rap & Reggay band out of Dangriga will be representing all of Central America in Germany in August� at the largest metal festival in the world. Verge of Umbra won this honour by beating out five other bands –� Heresy� of Costa […]

Belmopan Mayor and UB's new president strengthen relations
The University of Belize and the Belmopan City Council are currently looking at ways to collaborate and develop the municipality, the university and the country. On Wednesday April 5, the Mayor of Belmopan, Khalid Belize made a courtesy call on the new President of the […]

BCCI calls for an end to corruption
"Our nation's economy is failing because of decades of corruption, not just by high officials, but also by those in the public sector whom we entrust with our socioeconomic wellbeing," was the message that the Belize chamber of Commerce and Industry had this week.   The […]

Dad beats abusive son-in-law – with machete
A� protective Dad who used a machete to teach his stepson� a lesson, not to beat his wife, is now facing criminal charges of� dangerous harm. Armando Cobb of Corozal chopped his son-in-law,� 38 year old Gabriel Zelaya across the neck, across his arm and across his back. Zelaya, a […]

Mexican health official makes working visit to Belize
The Secretary of Health and Director General for State Health Services of Quintana Roo, Alejandra Aguirre Crespo, paid a working visit with health officials in Belmopan on Wednesday to discuss bi-national cooperation issues. Aguirre met with Minister of Health, Pablo Marin and the Chief Executive […]

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Safety tips for Easter from the Department of Transport
The Easter holidays are once again upon us and the Department of Transport would like to remind all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians about the important role that each and everyone of us has to play as it relates to the issue of road safety. [�]

Belizeans prepare for the 89th Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic
While many travelers book their vacations early to be in Belize in time for the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling race; the Western Border in Benque Viejo today had an increase in travelers waiting in long lines to enter the country for the Easter. [�]

Employees of BTL walk out
Reports to our newsroom are that at 3pm today, employees of Belize Telemedia Office on St. Thomas Street in Belize City walked out. The employees walked out as a sign of protest because they had allegedly requested information from management about a memorandum of understanding [�]

Belize network of NGOs condemn GOB's unauthorized spending
The Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) today issued a release expressing its full support of the press statements issued recently by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) pertaining to the Government of Belize's [�]

Sick and Tired? One Thing We Can Do To Save Belize Now
A question I have gotten a few times, so I have taken the time to answer as simple as I could. The question: "What can Belizeans really do to make a positive change in Belize?" LEGITIMIZING THE ISSUES We have to focus our [�]

Chester says he would want to stay in Belize City, a little longer
Top Cop, Chester Williams, who is also an Attorney at Law and Assistant Commissioner of Police, has finally spoken on his transfer. Effective July 1, he will be transferred to the Prosecution Branch in Belmopan. His "Community Policing" techniques on Belize City's volatile southside will be replaced by former GSU Boss, Inspector Marco Vidal.

Parking advisory for Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic
The Annual Cross Country Cycling Classic will be held on Saturday, April 15th 2017. The event commences at 5:00 a.m. and concludes at around 3:00 p.m. The responsibility of the Belize Police Department is to ensure the safety and security of all participants and spectators during this event.

San Pedro police arrest 2 in marijuana search
On Tuesday April 11, about 5:30 a.m., police conducted a search at the residence of Marisella Garnett Casey, 30 and Derek Albert Livingston, 26, of DFC area, San Pedro.

Police find ammo in San Pedro
According to police reports, yesterday around 1:30 p.m., San Pedro Police conducted a search at Jimell Paul Jex and Tracy Betancourt apartment with the strength of a search warrant for drugs, firearm, and ammunition.

Police find .38 revolver in Belize City
Last night around 7:20, police conducted a search in an open lot at the corner of George and Prince Streets, Belize City where they found a black plastic bag containing a .38 revolver firearm bearing serial # 600902.

A message from the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority
The Belize Solid Waste Management Authority (BSWaMA) and the Ministry of the Environment issued a release today stating that the waste transfer stations in Belize City, San Ignacio/Santa Elena, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Burrell Boom will all be closed to the general public at 12 noon on Holy Thursday, April 13th, and will re-open at 8:00 am on Tuesday, April 18th, 2017. The Regional Sanitary Landfill located at Mile 24 on the George Price Highway will be closed at 12 noon on Holy Thursday, April 13th, and re open at 8:00 am on Tuesday April 18th, 2017.

Blogs

A diamond in the rough: Belizean rap group releases first single!
An up and coming rap group from San Ignacio Town has released their first single titled "1 I Want". Better known as "501 Prince's", the group of young rappers features Amir Frutos, Tyromae Tyler Vasquez, and Deon Harris, also known as "Genuine". The group's love for music is evident in their track. With successful social media reviews of their first song, The 501 Prince's are now looking to shoot their next music video right here in San Pedro Town. With the help of Daddy Rock Night Club, Keller Williams Realty, World Class Fashion Show and The Saints Dance Crew, the talented young artists promise their second single will be just as great as the first!

San Pedro, Belize's Busiest Thoroughfare: A Stroll Down The Front Street, Part One
There are three main streets in San Pedro down on Ambergris Caye Belize. All were given prettier names a while ago - for example, Middle Street is called Pescador Drive - but they are almost ALWAYS referred to by the original monikers. Front Street, Middle Street and Back Street. Easier and almost impossible to confuse. We even have a Back a Back Street (the street that runs behind The Back Street) but let's focus on the MAIN STREET for now. Front Street runs along the ocean front. When I first moved here about 10 years ago, it was still a sand street but that has changed. Cobblestones came�and more visitors found out about our amazing and quirky little island and things grew. And keep on growing. As with many busy popular tourist towns, the main street became more busy and more expensive�and some homes and smaller business moved away�

FIVE AWESOME BELIZE EXPERIENCES WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS�.
One of my favorite things about Belize is the lack of "cookie cutter" resorts. Belize is unique, less commercialized and more adventurous than the all-inclusive resorts you find with most vacation options. Yes, I have traveled with my grandkids to the carefree resorts with tons of food options, huge pools and daily activities for the kids. Granted, we have made lifelong memories on these trips, but I soon realized the experiences were the same. Eat, swim�repeat� However, Belize seems to offer those moments where you slow down and realize why you choose to travel with your grandkids. You want them to experience the beauty of this unique little country and the kindness of the Belizean people. Experience their culture, sample their traditional foods and respect their challenge to protect the "second largest barrier reef in the world" and their little piece of paradise. As I continue to explore Belize; I'm making a list of favorite things to do when traveling with grandkids!

Bandfest 2017 takes over Orange Walk
Brightly colored costumes, soulful music, and amazing food were only a few of the reasons hundreds were in attendance at the 12th installment of Band Fest, one of the biggest events on Belize's social calendar. Band Fest 2017 was held at the People's Stadium in the northern district, Orange Walk, on Saturday, April 8. The event kicked off with a marching band parade through the streets of Orange Walk Town. Over 700 band members competed in the blazing heat for the championship, and the glory that comes with it. Participating bands included: Corozal Community College, Orange Walk Uprising, Drum Corp, and the Holy Redeemer Marching Band. Other bands that took part at this year's event were the Police Youth Cadet Corps, Wesley College, Mahogany Heights Dream, Southern Sounds Drum Corp, Stella Maris Futuristic, Sarteneja United Drum Corps, and Central Drum Corps. The event also featured performances from guest band Colegio Liceo Santa Cruz and Banda Latina LISCA from San Andres, Peten. The competition was tough, and the judges had their work cut out for them in deciding the winners. When the final scores were tallied, Corozal Community College took first place in the wind instrument category, netting themselves $6,000 cash and a trophy. Their win marked the third consecutive year the band has taken the top spot in that category. Following up in second place was the Wesley College Marching Band, with is debut performance at Band Fest. The team took home $2,500 cash and a trophy. The second place win was a testament to their level of preparation, being a first-time competitor in the event.

Santa Rita Maya Site in Corozal Belize
Santa Rita is a unique ancient Maya site because it survived the collapse of Maya society into the Late Post Classic Period and the early days of the Spanish incursion into the region. Today, it is believed that the ruins known as Santa Rita were once the ancient city of Chetumal. The modern day town of Corozal in Belize was built on the abandoned ruins of Santa Rita. Although not much is left of the original Santa Rita, visitors can still explore one large building that has been left untouched. Other points of interest to see in Santa Rita include rooms, passageways, vaults, and coastal lookouts that were used by the ancient Maya to defend their vital trade network. Archeologists have performed painstaking work to identify artifacts and grave goods to piece together the tentative identity of Santa Rita as the ancient city of Chetumal. Santa Rita is open all year-round but can be difficult to properly appreciate during heavy rains. Once in Corozal Town, the ruins of Santa Rita are only a short distance away near the Coca-Cola factory.

International Sourcesizz

Monkey River in Belize: An isolated town connected by love
Living in a tourist town is anything but relaxing, to say the least. My family lives on Anna Maria Island, so I know well the honking of car horns and smell of exhaust fumes as we try to reach our home. That's one reason my family searches for locations that are as isolated as possible when we vacation. When my uncle mentioned the disconnectedness of Monkey River Town in Belize, we knew that tropical Central American country would be our next destination. We could sit back and relax as we watched Jurassic-sized snook, silver dollar, permit and countless bonefish swim past us. Monkey River Town is idyllic, but our family vacations are not just about being chill. The intent is to teach my brother and me how objects and wealth are useless to the pursuit of happiness; that social connectivity and love are the only true paths to being happy. Monkey River Town is very isolated, a village notched between an impenetrable jungle and the unforgiving sea. Getting to the remote town is a trek few people I know would be willing to take. Located 13 miles south of Placencia and 28 miles north of Punta Gorda, the only road to Monkey River requires travelers to brave 10 miles of dirt roads with potholes large enough to swallow a motorcycle. At the end of the dusty, jostling journey, you arrive at the mouth of a wide and lazy Monkey River. To cross over, you'll need to have a connection to someone in the town willing to pick you up via a rustic Panga boat.

Family sues over North Cobb High student's drowning in Belize
The mother of the North Cobb High School student who drowned while on a school trip in Belize last year is suing the Cobb School District and the Cobb County Government among others. Adell Forbes, mother of the late Tomari Jackson, filed the lawsuit in Cobb State Court on March 24. Tomari, a 14-year-old North Cobb High freshman, and 31 other North Cobb High School magnet students traveled to Belize on a weeklong study-abroad trip in February 2016. During the school-sponsored trip, Tomari drowned in the Sibun River in the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a nonprofit education and training center. The lawsuit accuses the Cobb County School District, the Cobb County Government, the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize, the sanctuary's owner and six adult chaperones of "willful, wanton and unconscionable disregard" and negligence that caused Jackson's death.

Auf Caye Caulker wird der Schlendrian geleb
Der Hai kommt von hinten und schwimmt mitten zwischen den Beinen hindurch. Es ist ein kurzer Schock. Von allen Seiten gleiten Ammenhaie und Stechrochen dicht �ber das Seegras, unter und zwischen den Schnorchlern hindurch. Es ist Futterzeit am Hausriff von Caye Caulker. Ein halbes Dutzend Boote liegt an Bojen vert�ut, die beiden gr��ten sind dicht bepackt mit Urlaubern von Kreuzfahrtschiffen. Die Haie der Shark and Ray Alley sind so konditioniert, dass sie zu den Booten schwimmen, wenn sie nur die Motoren h�ren. Und so jagen sie nun aus allen Richtungen heran. Es ist ein beeindruckendes Schauspiel, wie es selbst weitgereiste Taucher selten zu sehen bekommen. Viel mehr als den Schnorcheltrip gibt es auf der winzigen Insel in Belize nicht zu tun. Und das, finden die meisten Touristen, ist auch gut so.

Security Awareness Training Provider To Speak At Cyber Security Symposium/a>
Michael Levin, CEO and founder of The Center for Information Security Awareness (CFISA) in Boca Raton, Florida, has been asked to be a guest speaker at the upcoming National Cyber Security Symposium in Belize. The 1st National Cyber Security Symposium is set to be held April 24th through April 28th, 2017 at the Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City, Belize. "It's an honor to be able to share my knowledge on cyber security best practices with others," Levin states. "I will be focusing on cyber security awareness training as well as ICT policy development and law enforcement. I hope to help attendees from the Caribbean region develop better cyber security best practices to help reduce their risk." The Symposium is hosted by the Belize Public Utilities Commission and will be held on behalf of the Belize Government. Levin, along with a number of other professionals, will share information with audiences regarding cyber security, a field in which Levin holds many years of experience.

Dr. Maher Soudah Pioneers New Lucrative Medical Schools
West Palm Beach, FL: Well known and respected educational Doctor, Maher Soudah, MD, has pioneered two new medical education schools located in the beautiful country of Belize and also in South Florida. Columbus Central University (CCU) is now open in the astonishingly beautiful country of Belize. Columbus Central University is a quality medical school located in Belize where students study medicine with accredited pre-med, basic and clinical science programs. The medical curriculum taught at CCU by President and CEO Maher Soudah and his talented team integrates top academic features of American and Caribbean medical schools. Belize is considered the absolute best place for medical education in the Caribbean.

Love a great sauce? Here are some pantry staples we wouldn't live without
As a food writer, I have some privileges that many regular folks don't. People mail me their high-end food products to try. I talk to chefs about what's in their pantries. I read cookbooks and write recipes for a living. But I, like most people, don't have infinite cash to spend on high-end staples. There are certain items, though, that I believe are worth the extra money, ingredients that make my cooking better or are shortcuts to deliciousness that I prefer not to live without. I actually stockpile a few of these items, because I panic if I run out. My husband, an archaeologist, has been to Belize a handful of times for work, and each time, he returned with a few bottles of this versatile, delicious hot sauce. It's made from red habaneros grown in Belize, and the sweet heat of those peppers is combined with a shockingly short list of ingredients - vinegar, carrots, salt, onions, lime juice and garlic. The only problem with Marie Sharp's has been that for many years, it was really hard to find in the states. When I found it on Amazon, we no longer had to conserve. Better yet, a reader recently tipped me off that Dragon Star Foods in St. Paul carries the sauce (our favorite is the "hot" version) for just $3.79 for a 10-ounce bottle. That's a little more than half of what we were paying online. We literally put this sauce on and in everything - soup, chili, stir-fry, meat, fish, eggs, tacos, you name it. Available online or locally at Dragon Star Foods, 633 W. Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul; 651-488-2567.

Videos

  • King Kosa ft Konshens & Shenseea - Best NaNa, 3min. Belize's Kevin "King Kosa" Rhaburn's new international song with Konshens & Shenseea. She has the best nana apparently.

  • Police check point show, 43min.

  • GFSS Belize 2017, 4min.

  • CASI ME MUERDE! Buceo en San Pedro, Belize, 14min. Encuentro cercano con una morena y un tiburon.

  • Getting PADI Scuba Diving certified in Belize with the Pro Dive Center, 4min. Today is Day 1 of getting PADI certified in Belize! I spend the day working with the Belize Pro Dive Shop learning scuba and exploring the ocean.

  • Collecting samples from headwaters of the Chiquibul River, min. FCD research team collect samples in the headwaters of the Chiquibul River as part of the macro-invert studies to understand the integrity of the water resources.

  • Easter Safety, 1.5min. from PGTV News Network

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ7e9n6t2eU, 26min.

  • Homemade Easter Baskets (Zap Custom Designs), 22min.

  • Island Schedule for Easter Break, 20min.

  • Caribbean Tires Easter Promotions / Vehicle Safety, 24min.

  • Police United Vs Verdes FC, 1hr45min.

  • How to Make Belizean Hot Cross Buns | Good Friday Specialty, 4min.

  • Belize Snorkeling, 1min.

  • Cave Tubing in Belize with D King Adventure Tours, 1.5min. Our cave tubing and zip lining tours takes you to Cave Branch Outpost located in Cayo. The tour includes a jungle walk, a gentle float through the caves and zip lining. There's so much to witness within these caves and the environment such as animals that inhabit this region. We provide transportation, food, most gears and free rum punch. The only things tourist need to bring are water shoes (available for rent at Cave Branch), bug spray and towels. The tour will take no longer than 6 hours.

  • Belize Blue Hole Skydive, 3min. March 24, 2017 a group of the coolest humans got to jump over the beautiful Blue Hole in Belize. This happened to be my first skydive, and probably the first person to ever have their first skydive over the Blue Hole. Such a rad day, beautiful people, and breathtaking scenery.

  • ST HERMANS cave in Belize, 1min.

  • IZE Belize with Fred Dodd traveling to South Water Caye from Blue Creek March 2017, 65min.


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