FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE
Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.
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
Female raped in San Pedro
On Sunday, April 16th, San Pedro Police arrested and charged 39-year-old Eldon Williams for the crime of Rape. According to the official police report, at 12:30AM on the said date, a 17-year-old female student felt someone on top of her while she was sleeping on a couch inside her living room. As she woke up, she recognized the person, Williams, was having sexual intercourse without her consent. The female, and her mother reported the incident, and a medical examination was conducted on the female, certifying that she was raped.
Projects Abroad holds Diabetes Information Session
Projects Abroad coordinated a Diabetes Information Session on Thursday, April 13th at the Lions Den. From 9AM to 12PM, Nurse Cora Guillen, along with Dr. Meg McHenry from Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, offered free blood glucose screenings and promoted the importance of healthy living, as well as diabetes counseling to five patients.
McHenry, who's a registered dietician, explained that although there was a low turnout, it was the perfect setting to give her patients one-on-one consultations. "I've been coming to San Pedro for the past two years as part of a mission to help Holy Cross Anglican School, and to offer my services as a dietician. Last year I hosted a session at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, and it was not the best area for me to give personal consultations. However, I met with five patients this year, and spoke to them on ways for them to improve their diet by limiting excessive carbohydrates," said McHenry.
San Pedro Roman Catholics celebrate Easter
San Pedro Roman Catholics annually observe Easter as the holiest time of the year. With many events scheduled by the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church, 'Holy Week' was marked with special observances. Ushered in by the 40-day Lenten season, the Holy Week is not only celebrated as the last week of Lent, but it marks a time when Christians observe Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.
Holy Week 2017 began on Sunday, April 9th, with the observance of Palm Sunday. During Palm Sunday mass, palm leaves were blessed and given to the congregation. The leaves were then turned into crosses as a token of their faith. According to the Holy Bible, these symbolic palm leaves were used by Catholics to welcome Jesus to the Holy City.
Belize's Ombudsman chairs Extraordinary Session of the Central American Council of Human Rights Defenders and Ombudsmen
Belize's Ombudsman Lionel Arzu, accompanied by his Legal Officer, chaired an Extraordinary Session of the Central American Council of Human Rights Defenders and Ombudsmen. The Extraordinary Session was convened primarily to review a Letter of Commitment to formulate and implement, subject to available resources, national and regional strategies to deal with migration affecting the region. Presentation topics included the present situation of migrants in Central America, which is thought to have reached a crisis level; the needs for consular and human rights protection for migrants, especially asylum seekers, refugees and those internally displaced; models for detentions centers and programs to house and reintegrate migrant families and returnees; and, regional collaborative mechanism among Defenders, Ombudsmen and others institutions to help protect and promote the human rights of migrants.
Ambergris Today
Erica Bodden Crowned Miss San Pedro Lions 2017
In a short ceremony held on Saturday April 15, 2017 Erica Bodden was crowned as the new Miss San Pedro Lions 2017- 2018. Following the coronation an Easter dance was held with live music from Caribbean kings and a special presentation from Ismael Antonio Chacon "El Buki."
Congrats Erica, Enjoy your Reign!
Belize Team Wins At Ancient Maya Ball Game At Teotihuacan, Mexico
The Pok Ta Pok Maya team Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk, Belize represented the country and came back victorious from a 'Pre-Hispanic Soccer' competition/ Maya ball game that was held in the ancient city of Teotihuacan in Mexico City.
The tournament of "Mesoamerican Ball Game Ulamaztli, Teotihuac�n 2017", was be held on April 14 and 15 in which 10 Mexican delegations participated, as well as Belize, as a guest country. In the final game Belize faced off with the Mexican tournament winner and ended victorious.
Misc Belizean Sources
Belize Fishing Report, April 10 thru April 16
As usual the bonefish are always plentiful and catchable. Everybody joined in the fun. Anne, Tom, Isaac, Jacob, Steve, Mary Margaret, Mike, Case, Jeff, Kathleen, Ben, Nader, Ken, Eric, Macy, Andy, Paul, Annabelle, Wayne, KT, Matt and Stuart all had a great week of bonefishing. We also caught a few tagged fish that will help us better understand their movements once we get the results. Always cool to learn more about our bonefish habits.
Yo Creek Village (Orange Walk) PokTaPok Maya team representing Belize internationally
The team won Teotihuacan team in Mexico . They won an Oxidian Trophy. The spirit of our Maya ancestors are with our team. Picture courtesy of Mrs Felicita Cantun from U Puksi'ik'al Maya.
Prime Minister Departs Country on Personal Leave
The Office of the Prime Minister informs that the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow departed the country on personal leave on Monday, April 17th, 2017; and will return to the country on Sunday, April 23rd, 2017.
During the Prime Minister's absence, the Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Culture and Sports will act as Prime Minister.
Military Medical Service Offered in Ladyville, Belize this week
Don't forget to stop by our medical service event this week at the Ladyville Community Center/Hurricane Shelter. We are open today and will be open every day until Friday.
Belize Zoo: SAVING WILDLANDS FOR WILDLIFE UPDATE
We are in awe and so very touched by the outpouring of support we've received from friends and donors! Since the launch of our CrowdRise campaign, we have hit the $25,000 mark and counting! During that time, evidence of a mother tapir and her calf has been discovered in the area; a rare Great curassow (listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN) hopped across the highway between the Wildlands and the Zoo's Tropical Education Center. Endangered Yellow-headed parrots continue to find save haven here after a hard day of foraging, and jaguars roam and call deep into the night! Yes, our wonderful Belizean wildlife thrives here in the heart of the Central Belize Corridor, and your support will help us ensure this continues for many generations to come!
Please help us to continue spreading the word about our "Saving Wildlands for Wildlife" Campaign.
Museum of Belize Insect Room
Look out for the re-launch of the our upgraded Insect Room...coming soon!
Apply to be a BTL Scholar!
High School Scholarships to be awarded up to $12,000 per scholar*
Applicants MUST be:
1.) between the ages of eleven (11) and fourteen (14)
2.) entering High School for the first time
3.) a Belizean or a child of a Belizean and have been residing in Belize for at least three (3) consecutive years
Successful Scholarship Recipient will receive:
1.) FREE tuition for the four years of high school
2.) FREE textbooks each year
*High School Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need and academic performance.
Fill out the application form found online at www.belizetelemedia.net/scholarship-program
Deadline for submission is Friday June 16, 2017
Splashers
I will be doing a series of painting from a photographs. Join us this week for "Pelican View." Bring Rags to wipe your brushes if you can!
Belizeans participate in Indigenous Geographies and Caribbean Feminisms Symposium at UWI, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago
From March 30 - April 1, several Belizean women including Cristina Coc, Lucia Ellis, Cynthia Ellis-Topsey, Annelita Garcia, Sandra Miranda, and Selene Solis participated in a 3-day symposium entitled Indigenous Geographies and Caribbean Feminisms: Common Struggles Against Global Capitalism. The symposium was designed as a forum to bring together Indigenous and other women in the Caribbean to share academic papers and stories of women engaged in activist work in their communities around issues of gender and sexuality justice; struggles for recognition and sovereignty; indigenous women's rights, empowerment and leadership roles; environmental protection of land and water and other issues.
Launch of the Pesticides Control Board's First Strategic Plan
The Pesticides Control Board (PCB) of Belize is pleased to announce the launch of its first Strategic Plan (2017 - 2021) which was developed in partnership with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and the Department of the Environment, through the Belize Chemicals and Waste Management Project.
The Strategic Plan will be launched on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City.
In line with the vision and mission of the PCB, the overarching goal of the Strategic Plan is to "increase the responsible use and management of pesticides to protect human health and environment of Belize". The Strategic Plan sets forth four interrelated Strategic Goals (SGs) covering the areas of 1) registration and post-registration surveillance, 2) responsible use and management of pesticides, 3) strategic partnerships and inter-institutional linkages, and 4) governance, management and operations.
The Steak House in Corozal
Tired of looking for food? Here's a newly opened food restaurant in Corozal. The Steak House is an excellent food you want try. Its so excellent you might want try it again. So, stop by today at south of corozal.
Running Rebels vs. Hurricanes
Running Rebels host the Belize Hurricanes this Friday, April 21, in a "Do or Die" match inside the Complex! Come on out to support your Rebels!!
Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
Are you a young and creative entrepreneur? Are you an innovative civil society leader? Do you want to launch and advance your entrepreneurial ideas and to effectively contribute to social and economic development in your community? Become a YLAI fellow! Applications for the YLAI (Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative) professional fellows program are now open!
To learn more about this amazing program and to apply, check out https://ylai.state.gov/fellowship/
Hurry, the deadline is April 23, 2017.
Barrier Reef Drive in San Pedro closed for 8:30am mass 4/23
The public is advised that Barrier Reef Drive will be closed to ALL vehicular traffic including bicyles from 8:30am Sunday the 23rd of April for an open Mass held by the Roman Catholic Church.
Any vehicle parked in this area when the barriers are closed will not be allowed to move until the Mass is over.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Channel 7
A Rare (Extra Long) Weekend of Peace In The Crime Capital
Tonight's headline is one we wish we could give after every long weekend. There was peace in the city over this four day weekend: no gang war, no one shot, and no one killed as the result of a gang beef. Yes, one woman was murdered in a crime of passion, and we'll tell you about that shortly - but first the latest on the gangs. Last week Wednesday, the gangs had a peace march. It was a first, this kind of demonstration of goodwill to the community - and many onlookers expressed more than a little skepticism. But, we now know it was more than just symbolic - because since Wednesday, there has been no reports of shooting for gang related crime in the city - and it's been years since we can say that. The peace comes out of the march, but also out of a closed door meeting that followed the march to hold down on all crime and violence throughout the easter.
Street Woman Murdered For Sex
But while there were no gang related murders, there was still a murder in the city this weekend. The victim is 35 year old Indira "Princess" Thompson - a person well known to most Southside residents. And those who traffic Albert and Orange streets would have surely seen her around a couple times, either begging for money or just hanging out on the street side. Well, early Holy Friday morning, Princess was beaten and stabbed to death at a house on Southern Foreshore. Princess was at the house alone when a man came asking for sex. She refused to sleep with him and he attacked her. I spoke to her family about her tragic story.
Six Year Old Climbs Into Vat and Drowns In San Pedro
And while the holiest weekend of the year saw a break from gang or gun murders, that doesn't mean that the easter holiday was without tragedy. A 6-year-old child drowned in San Pedro; 2 men died at the bottom of a well in Trial Farm; and a 9-year-old child is hospitalized after being pulled out of the sea in Corozal.
The first victim is 6 year-old Zaem Torres who fell into a vat filled with water and drowned. It happened on Thursday night, sometime around 11:00. That's when police visited the Bay Side area of the Island and they saw several men performing CPR on Torres's little body. It wasn't yielding any results, and he was rushed to the Otto Rodriguez Poly Clinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Reports to police are that the child climbed up on the water tank in an area that has a number of such tanks. He fell in and drowned.
Samaria Was Saved
And while that 6 year old drowned, 9 year-old Samaria Azencio is currently hospitalized at the KHMH after she almost drowned on Saturday afternoon.
We understand that sometime around 2:00, she was swimming in the sea at the Miami Beach area of Corozal Town. That's in the popular bay area, and she was there with her family, but reports are that she went under rather suddenly. There were swimmers nearby who immediately went to rescue her, and several persons performed CPR on her to save her life. They kept the CPR going even as police transported her to the Corozal Community Hospital.
Today, our colleagues from CTV 3 News spoke with one of the persons who helped to revive her as soon as she was out of the water. Here's what she had to say:
Two Men Die From Toxic Fumes From A Well
In Orange Walk District, 2 brothers died in a well on Good Friday. They were attempting to clean it, when they were suffocated by toxic fumes inside.
At around 11:30, 41-year-old Trial Farm villager Isidro Coyoc, and his 26-year-old brother, Jeovani, were on their family farm, located in the Goat Hill area. Both men were cleaning a 40-foot well, but Jeovani Coyoc was at the bottom. He started to gasp for air, and his elder brother, Isidro saw his distress. He tried to get him help, hurrying to a nearby field to get assistance, but no one could help. So, he went down into the well himself to rescue his younger brother.
Unfortunately, the toxic fumes overtook both of them. Police found both men in water above the waist; they were both unconscious, but still holding on to the ropes.
Another Fire At Chateau After Building Already Burnt Down
Viewers will remember the iconic Chateau Caribbean on Marine Parade, which was almost completely destroyed by a huge fire at the end of November.
That was just 5 months or so ago, but on Easter Monday morning, there was another blaze in the remains of that 3 storey building. It caused another headache for the Fire Department, who had to extinguish another fire in a building that had already burnt down. More vexing for the fire department is that preliminary indications are that someone intentionally lit what's left of the building on fire.
Today, one of the spokespersons for the Fire Department discussed the investigations into what appears to be arson:
BBQ Started House Fire
On Easter Sunday, the fire department responded to reports of a house fire on Elston Kerr Street in Belize City. It appears that someone had attempted to start a barbecue near the wall of an abandoned, wooden bungalow house. The flame flared out of control, caught the wood and spread quickly. The Fire Department says it is the product of pure carelessness:...
Orin Smith, Station Manager - Belize National Fire Service:
"On Sunday 17th April, 2017, at approximately 1:38pm, the National Fire Service received and responded to a report from the police of a structural fire at a 3739 Elston Kerr Street Belize City address. Two units were dispatch to that location. On arrival on the scene, smoke was seen coming from a 10x20 wooden structure with zinc roofing elevated approximately 1 foot off the ground. Following a brief size-up, the fire department got into operation to extinguish the fire. The fire was later brought under control and extinguished. As a result of the fire, the west section on the structure received fire damage. The structure is own by one Miss Faber. The structure was not insured."
Fire Dept: Principal's Office Set On Fire
So, while the fire investigators aren't suspecting arson in that Easter Sunday blaze, they strongly believe that last week Monday's fire at the Ladyville RC School was definitely set by someone who wanted to burn the principal's office down.
We spoke with Police before the long Easter weekend, and they said that they couldn't confirm that arson was the motive. But, today, Station Manager Orin Smith walked the media through the reasoning that clearly points to arson:
Orin Smith, Station Manager - Belize National Fire Service:
"I think the investigators concluded that that was incendiary. There is evidence of photographs where I see where burglar bars were being cut, some completely cut - others were not completely cut. There is a photograph I saw where an aluminum louvers were torn open in trying to get into the office. However, the officer I understand was double barricade with burglar bars on the exterior as well as the interior and that gave them whoever it was trying to get in there a difficulty and I supposed frustration, hence the fire."
Teenager Raped
A 17 year old girl was raped inside her home on Easter Sunday morning. She was asleep in her family's living room when she was awakened around 12:30 by someone having sex with her. She recognized the man as 39 year old Eldon Williams. Williams has been charged for rape.
Independence Police Have No Leads on Stolen Revolvers
Independence police are running into dead ends on their search for the four .38 revolvers that were stolen from KBH on Wednesday the 12th. Police say they have interviewed about 8 persons including the security guards at KBH but still have no leads as to where the guns are or where the thief or thieves are hiding out. Police continue to work on this case and are asking the public to call the police if they have any information that could help them get these guns off the street.
72 Year Old Survives Knocked Down
An elderly man is lucky to have survived a Holy Thursday accident on the Northern Highway. 66 year old John Milton Tillett was driving his Ford F-250 around 6:30 on Thursday evening. He was heading to Belize City from Ladyville when 72 year old Daniel Ramos walked across the highway between miles 2 and 3, in front of DK Supermarket. Tillett slammed on his breaks and swerved to try and avoid hitting Ramos but it was too late - but fortunately Ramos survived the hit. His right arm was broken, and he got a cut wound to the forehead and abrasions to the knees but he is being treated at the KHMH. Tillett was served with a notice of intended prosecution.
Cops Got Weed By the Pound
Police are reporting that they have taken 22 pounds of marijuana off the streets.
The bust was made On Good Friday when officers found 20 pounds of marijuana in an abandoned lot on Water Lane. The officers also found marijuana plants, and one person has since been charged.
Cross Country Pedal By Pedal Review
The 2017 Cross Country is over - and again, Belizean will have wait another year to see one of our own wear the garland. This year, first second and third went to foreign riders. And if you're scratching your head and asking what went wrong, Kwame Scott has reviewed three hours of footage to give you the answer. Here's his report on the Classic that was another heartbreaker:.
At the sign in we saw, 2017 Belmopan Classic Winner Oscar Quiroz followed by teammate Ron Vasquez, the winner of the KREM New Year's Day Classic and team Digicell's brightest hope Joslyn Chavaria Jr.
And here's Belize's best finisher in 2016, Joel Borland. Belize's current national under 23 road champion, Giovanni Lovell, Masters Rider Kenroy "Smokes" Gladden, American John DeLong of Ken's Bike Shop, 50 year old Fitzgerald Palas Joseph, Guatemalan Adler Torres, Veteran Quinton Hamilton, and David Henderson Jr.
Belizean Riders Couldn't Keep Up With Foreigners
And so while you've seen the pedal by pedal account of the race, what about the riders reactions? Of course, the elite Belizean riders were disappointed - they got beat by the same rider two years in a row, followed by a man old enough to be their father! We spoke to four of the top five finishers and here's how they put it:...
Apart from the Garland and a trio of trophies, Padilla also takes home six thousand four hundred dollars for finishing first. That in addition to any other station prizes he claimed along the way.
50k Belizeans Passed Through Northern Border Over Easter
For many Belizeans, Easter is all about getting away to the islands or inland destinations to soak up sun and saltwater. But, Chetumal is also a popular getaway. And though we don't know how many went to the cayes or Placencia, the Immigration Department can tell us exactly how many went to "Chet." The total passing through the Santa Elena Border in Corozal for Thursday April 13th to Monday April 17th is 48,815 persons. That's both ways, so you can estimate that about 24,400 persons went each way between Thursday and Monday. That's in addition to the three thousand who go to the Free Zone every day.
PM On Personal Leave
And while thousands of Belizeans went to Chetumal for their break, Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country yesterday on personal leave, and he will return this coming Sunday.
During his absence, Deputy PM Patrick Faber will take over as Prime Minister.
And that's the news for tonight.
Thanks for joining us. With your news I am Courtney Weatherburne
Police Report on Rape Incident in San Pedro Town
On 16.04.17 a 17-year-old female student accompanied by her mother reported that on Sunday April 16th, 2017 at 12:30 a.m. while she was sleeping on a couch inside the living room and awoke when she felt someone on top of her and recognized the person as Eldon who was having sexual intercourse with her without her consent. Medical examination was conducted on the female certifying that she was raped. Police have since arrested and charged 39-year-old Eldon Williams, unemployed of San Pedrito area, San Pedro Ambergris Caye for RAPE.
Channel 5
A "Princess" slain: Indira Thompson stabbed to death over sex rejection
The life of one person was cut short at the start of the Easter holidays in the City and it was a mentally challenged woman. Indira “Princess" Thompson lived her [...]
Gangs at peace through Easter; follow-up session conducted
There has been a noticeable calm in the streets of the Old Capital since last Wednesday, when leaders of various Belize City gangs took the streets for a first-of-its-kind peace [...]
Warring factions look to sign up to keep the peace
Jawhi, along with Brother Nuri Muhammad, has been busy with the leadership of the respective groups hammering out the terms of the peace treaty. While he has chosen, at this [...]
Interpol looks for seasoned criminals, including Manuel 'El Pelon' Castillo
The International Criminal Police Organization, known as Interpol, has fingered six Belizeans among two hundred fifty-seven Caribbean nationals wanted this Easter by the agency, according to website News Americas Now. [...]
Guatemalan Congress rejects expanding map to include Belize
Weeks ago, we reported that a leaked progress report by a consultant in Guatemala was pushing the idea to officially include Belize as part of Guatemala in that country's map. [...]
Brothers suffocate in Orange Walk farm well
Two brothers perished in a well on their family farm on Good Friday in Tower Hill,� Orange Walk. The Coyock brothers were cleaning out an old well when one of [...]
Boy drowns in a vat in San Pedro
Six-year-old Zaeem Vicente Torres, a resident of San Pedro Town, lost his life over the Easter weekend in a most bizarre incident. The infant was at a restaurant along with [...]
Girl, 9, fights for life after nearly drowning in Corozal
Drowning is a common concern in the Easter Holidays as Belizeans travel to sources of water for relaxation. The family of nine-year-old Samaria Azencio Murcia waits by her bedside at [...]
Razed Chateau Caribbean lights up again - why?
It may have been raining on Easter Monday afternoon, but that didn't stop fire from once again engulfing the Chateau Caribbean Hotel on Marine Parade. It was previously severely damaged [...]
Small fire hits home at Elston Kerr Street
There was also fire reported on the Southside of Belize City, at a residence on Elston Kerr Street. On Easter Sunday afternoon, fire personnel were called to put out a [...]
Fire Service confirms Our Lady of the Way fire was incendiary
Last Monday night, police responded to a report of a fire at Our Lady of the Way Roman Catholic School in Ladyville, where the lower flat of a two-storey building [...]
Prime Minister off on personal leave
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is off on personal leave. He left the country on Easter Monday, April seventeenth and returns on April twenty-third. During the Prime Minister's absence, the Hon. [...]
B.N.T.U. prepares for convention - leading candidate denies promising sweets for presidency
The Belize National Teachers' Union meets in convention beginning on Wednesday in Corozal Town. In addition to usual union business for reporting to its membership such as financial reports and [...]
Moody's gives Belize and Superbond thumbs up
Belize is buckling down to the business of paying off Superbond three point oh with interest payments resuming on a semi-annual basis subject to conditions until 2030 when the first [...]
Symposium honors Caribbean feminism
Indigenous women from Belize participated in a three day symposium in Trinidad earlier this month.� Cristina Coc, Cynthia Ellis-Topsey, Annelita Garcia and Sandra Miranda, along with Selene Solis of the [...]
Man charged for rape of teen in San Pedro home
That's the good news, but thirty-nine year old Eldon Williams, an unemployed man of San Pedrito area of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, has been charged with the rape of [...]
Sports Monday reviews disappointing Cross Country Cycling Classic
Good evening, I'm James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. [Highlights of weekend sporting activities�.]
AmbergrisCaye.com 
