The Guardian
Good Friday claims two brothers in a well
Brothers Isidro and Jeovani Coyoc died over the Easter weekend at their family’s Orange Walk Farm after suffocating in a water well that they were trying to clean.
The double tragedy happened on Good Friday, April 14, 2017, sometime between 11:30 p.m. and 12 midday, at the family’s farm in the Goat Hill area of Orange Walk. That’s near to the BSI Tower Hill factory, where 41 year-old Isidro “John” Coyoc was overseeing his brother, 26 year-old Jeovani “Jovi”, who was at the bottom of the 40-foot well. They were attempting to clean it, but Isidro reportedly realized that Jeovani was in distress and having difficulty breathing.
Indira Thompson killed because she refused sex
There is much public outrage over the violent death of 35 year-old Indira “Princess” Thompson, a public fixture on Albert and Orange Streets, and a defenseless woman who was stabbed to death. At this time, the motive of her murder is believed to be her refusal of sex with her attacker.
Readers who have walked past her on the street corner may have treated her as just another beggar or homeless person. She does, however, have a home and a family that would have wanted to keep her off the streets. Those close to her say that she had to look after herself from a very early age, since becoming a teenager. She has 2 brothers, one of whom tried to give her a place to stay, but she preferred her lifestyle better. Plus, there are reports that she was also suffering from mental illness, which led her to choose a vagrant way of life.
Woman police caught on camera stealing
Woman police constable 1241 Anne Marie Anthony has been charged with one count of theft and placed on interdiction.
Police report that on Tuesday April 18, 2017 a 58-year-old Chinese businesswoman of #34 Bishop Martin Street in Santa Elena, Cayo, reported that on Good Friday April 14, 2017 about 9:27a.m. she was at her business place “Little Red Shop” when some police officers arrived to conduct a search for liquor. They conducted the search and seized several assorted liquors and left the premises.
Are teachers being bribed by BNTU president candidates?
By the time this issue of the Guardian hits the streets the General Membership of the BNTU, or if we go by the BNTU’s recent history, then we should say a hand full of those members, would be on their way to electing a new executive. The top and most sought after, high profile post on that executive is that of the PRESIDENCY. Vying for that top position are the following three persons: Mario Mesh of the Corozal Branch, Troy Coleman of the Stann Creek Branch and Senator Elena Smith of the Belize District Branch. All three persons are currently members of the BNTU Council of Management. In other word they are persons in the know. They all know what is going on in the union, because they are the persons who sit at the table and make the decisions for the GENERAL MEMBERSHIP of BNTU. The eventual winner of that contest should replace President Luke Palacio who is a glorified PUP lackey. Palacio demits office in August.
Yarborough canal to be cleared
On April 13, 2017, councillor Phillip Willoughby explained that there was a plan to clear the heavily silted Yarborough canal. Progress was made by that date with one area of the canal being dammed so that engineers could clear out the water. The mouth of the Caribbean sea that connects to the Collet Canal was dammed so as to have better access to clear the canal of the built up silt.
Councillor Willoughby gave an update on the Yarbourough canal project in a later interview on April 19. According to Willoughby, the rains during the Easter were unforeseen and created another matter to be addressed. Despite the rains, the initial project is still ongoing and the removal of built-up silt in the canals will still be addressed.
BNTU’s Illuminati
The Illuminati, is the name given to several groups, both real and fictitious. Historically the name usually refers to the Bavarian Illuminati, an Enlightenment-era secret society founded on 1May 1776. The goals were to oppose super situation, obscurantism, religious influence over public life and abuses of state power.
Don’t those words sound like what a union such as the BNTU should be all about ? However like the Illuminati has changed course over time so has the BNTU changed into now being a very secretive organization, working for special interest groups, like some sort of common mercenary. In the BNTU like the Illuminati, only the persons in a very small obscure group at the very top, know what is going on in the organization. Those are the very same persons who stand to benefit from the organization’s fortunes.
Central bank to liquidate 4 credit unions
The Central Bank of Belize which has responsibility for the supervision of credit unions has announced that it will be liquidating 4 of them. These credit unions are the Police Credit Union, the Mount Carmel Credit Union, the Civil Service Credit Union and the Citrus Growers and Workers Credit Union. In a notice which it sent out the Central Bank informs that the only credit union which was no longer in operation was the Citrus Growers and Workers Credit Union.
While the regulator moves to liquidate, for at least two of those which action is being taken on, the Police and Civil Service Credit unions the move was almost a foregone conclusion. There was hope for the Mount Carmel Credit Union, at least up until July of last year when it was officially announced that the Credit Union was in financial problems largely as a result of dishonesty within its management.
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.
Work towards Gang Truce in Belize City
Police and all the different city gangs have been working toward a truce that could hopefully bring an extended period of calm, if not peace, that has been very difficult to achieve in the past. These talks have resulted, at the very least, in the entire 4-day Easter weekend to be completely calm and without gang related violence.
It started as early as Monday, April 10, when gang figures from all 20 of the different Southside neighbourhoods came together at the conference room at the Raccoon Street Police Headquarters. They were there to talk out their many issues: the quarrels and the feuds that have been fuelling rivalries for months if not years.
Ministry of Finance clarifies false claims of GST tampering
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.
Payaso threatens teachers
So the Payaso is now on the news threatening those teachers who do not travel to the BNTU election venue on the buses provided for the different branches. He is telling them that they will not be allowed to vote at the BNTU election on Thursday the 20th April. Well apparently the teachers are telling Luke that April Fools’ Day does not extend to the whole month. Reports are that the majority of teachers have refused to get on the bus which will be provided for only the usual quorum of 400 and are refusing to take any more of the Payaso’s nonsense.
In the past only a mere 5 percent of the membership used to decide the fate of the BNTU and the rest of the membership were just fed whatever the executive decided to give them. Well enough is enough and the general membership of the BNTU have now decided that their voices will be heard at the election.
Prime Minister Departs Country on Personal Leave
Belmopan. April 18th, 2017. 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.
Training for officers in Gang Resistance
Members of the Belize Police Department along with members of the Salvadoran Police have gathered at the Radisson Fort George Hotel to take part in a two day training workshop. The workshop was organized by the BPD’s training unit and it is about the GREAT program. The gang resistance education and training program (GREAT) will enable officers of the two participating countries to share and further arm themselves with information on how to combat the scourge of gangs in these two countries. Salvador has had decades of experience dealing with some of the most violent gangs in the world. The GREAT program has had its challenges in Belize and this training also provides the know-how to deal with the gang problem involving the community which is affected by these gangs. In Belize the primary focus of the GREAT program is young persons who are at risk of joining gangs. This program targets them before they are incorporated into gangs.
We have two very small questions for the current BNTU leadership and their Attorney Mr. Eamon Courtenay
>We have two very small questions for the current BNTU leadership and their Attorney Mr. Eamon Courtenay
Question#1:
Why did the BNTU leadership go to court to get payment for persons who did not work 11days in November and now turn around trying to stop payment for those who not only worked back then but are being asked to work extra time?
Question #2:
Eamon Courtney, if you are so concerned about the people’s money, would you be kind enough to return those monies you have collected from holding brief for Mr. Ashcroft and the Ashcroft related companies, because those briefs were and continue, to be against the government and people of Belize. Obviously those monies came from the people’s money?
Belize City Council to assist Monkey River in erosion problem
On Wednesday, April 19, the Belize City council hosted a consultation to discuss the matter of erosion which is currently affecting the residents of Monkey River. Councillor Phillip Willoughby spearheaded the interview.
Willoughby empathized with the residents of the village that are being affected by the regrettable effects of erosion and explained that the council is prepared to help. He explained that on May 1st, the council will be hosting its annual clean up campaign. In an effort to assist the village, the council is urging citizens, bus owners, mechanics, motorists, and tire repair and garage shops to give any derelict or used tires toward the initiative. The tires can be deposited at the transfer station or the council may be contacted to receive the tires. It is the hope of the council that a substantial amount of tires can be collected by the start of the May 1st campaign.
PANCAP hosts meeting of youth to discuss ending AIDS by 2030
The focus will be to discuss the role of youth in the national and regional response to HIV and AIDS. Participants will formulate a framework for regional youth advocacy. Sexual health issues affecting young people and the barriers to accessing sexual health services will be discussed in-depth. The meeting will provide an update on the strategic directions required for ending the epidemic.
PANCAP Youth Advisor, Hon. Dr Astell Collins, explained that the meeting will be pivotal for creating a strategy for youth leaders to implement in responding to the range of challenges young people face with regard to sexual health and HIV/AIDS.
17 year old raped in San Pedro
On April 16th, a 17 year old student of San Pedro, accompanied by her mother, gave a police report that she was raped earlier that day by someone she recognized. That man was identified as Eldon Williams, a 39 year old resident of the San Pedrito area.
According to the minor, she was sleeping on a couch in their living room when at around 12:30 a.m. she felt someone on her. She claims that Williams was having sexual intercourse with her against her will.
A medical examination was conducted and certified that the minor had been raped. Williams has since been arrested and charged.
Vanzie Lamb sentenced to 3 months for weed
Vanzie Lamb, a construction worker, was brought before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser to answer to a single charge of possession of 3.4 grams of weed. The case would otherwise be dismissed by the magistrate but given Lamb’s recent charge, he was warned to stay out of trouble for at least one year. If he breaks that agreement and is charged with any offence within the year, he will be sentenced to 3 months’ prison time.
Wilfred Martinez free of possession of an unlicensed firearm
On Tuesday April 18, Wilfredo Martinez, a 28 year old Salvadoran national, was sent home free of his charge for possession of an unlicensed firearm after 5 months in prison. In court before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith, he pleaded guilty with an explanation that he was holding the firearm for his boss. Smith took the explanation in consideration and sentenced him to five months in prison.
On Monday, November 17, 2016, Martinez was seen by PC Steven Flowers and other officers running with a 12 gauge shotgun. Flowers and the other officers responded to information received in St. Anne’s village. They visited the old Maskall road near Melissa Arnold’s home where they saw a Hispanic male running through some bushes with a firearm.
Jeremy Roches pleads guilty to theft and harm
On April 18, Jeremy Roches, a fisherman of Belize City, was brought before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. Roches had to answer to three criminal offences, harm upon his relative Evan Gardiner, theft of a 26 inch male frame beach cruiser bicycle valued at $100, property of his relative Cheryl Murrillo, and handling stolen goods for the same bike. He pleaded guilty to the three charges.
In court, the prosecution dismissed the charge of handling stolen goods. Roches allegedly stole the bike and caused harm to Gardiner on April 12, 2017. According to Roches, he did not want to steal the bike but he was out of a job and he needed money. In a police report, Gardiner said that he and Roches got into a verbal disagreement and that is when Roches used a fork to cause an abrasion in Gardiner’s back.
A San Pedro chef committed to stand trial for murder
On Thursday, September 8, 2016, a stabbing incident in a warehouse occurred which claimed the life of 28 year old Elton Polonio. Accused was a 32 year old chef and fisherman, Linden Lindsi Kelly, a resident of the San Pedrito area, San Pedro Town. Since the incident, Kelly has been imprisoned.
On September 9, 2016, Dr. Estradabran conducted a post mortem on the body of Polonio and concluded that he died due to internal and external bleeding as a consequence of stab wounds to the chest. According to police reports, Polonio was seen with stab wounds to the left side of his neck, and cut wounds to the left side of his chest and one to the right hand.
Kelly was brought before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on April 19, 2017. Kelly, represented by Oscar Selgado, was told he will have to stand trial at the Supreme Court for the murder of Polonio in the June session.
Woman caught smuggling cannabis into prison
On Tuesday April 18, 20 year old Shantel Waight of Belize City was brought before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith for attempting to smuggle 14 grams of cannabis for two men in prison. She attempted to do so while on a visit to the Belize Central Prison on November 7, 2015.
Waight was caught with the drugs in a tube of Colgate toothpaste during a routine search by prison officials. She was charged with drug trafficking. Before the magistrate, Waight, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of possession of a controlled substance.
Alejandro Padilla repeats as Holy Saturday Cross Country Champion
The 89th riding of the Annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic is now history. The annual event took place on Saturday 15th April, 2017, with 80 riders which included a field of 7 former champions and the defending champion, competing in the 140 miles event. The ride started out with the lead off from the BTL Park here in Belize City to Leslie’s Imports at Mile 2 on the George Price Highway where the official start took place.
At mile 8 after the station prize Alejandro Padilla launches the first serious attack, he is followed by his team-mate Giovanni Macario, along with Brandon Cattouse and Oscar Quiroz of Team Smart and then by the main pack of riders.
It was at mile 35, that some 7 riders tried to break away, these included American Phillip Trupelli, Ernest Bradley, Guatemalan Adler Torres, Oscar Quiroz, Brandon Cattouse and Keon Robateau.
Belmopan Bandits SC remains undefeated in Premier League Closing Season
The Premier League of Belize Closing Season competition came to an end of Sunday April 16th, 2017, with two games on the schedule.
Of the two games that were scheduled to play, only one game did materalised and that game was played at the MCC Grounds between the Belize Defence Force FC and the Police United FC, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The visiting Police United was the first to make it onto the scoreboard when Anderson Cordoba scored the 1st goal of the game in the 13th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The Belize Defence Force FC was able to tie the score at 1-1 when Shane Flores scored the equalising goal for his team in the 27th minute of play. The first half of the game ended in a 1-1 tie.
NEBL regular season competition resumes this week
The National Elite Basketball League regular season will resume this Thursday April 20, after the Easter Break with five games on the schedule.
On Thursday April 20 at 8:30 pm out at the UB Gymnasium in the City of Belmopan, the visiting Cayo Western Ballaz will go up against the Belmopan Bandits.
Then on Friday April 21 at 9:00 pm at the Orange Walk Multi-Purpose Centre in Orange Walk Town, the defending champions, Smart Belize Hurricanes will see action against the Orange Walk Running Rebels. And also at 9:00 pm at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium it will be the league’s leading San Pedro Tiger Sharks going up against the Belize City No Limit Team.
Chateau Caribbean engulfed in flames again!
On Monday, April 17th, police responded to a fire on Marine Parade. There they saw the already damaged and burnt Chateau Caribbean hotel englufed in flames again. The previous fire that initially destroyed the landmark occurred on Sunday, November 27, 2016.
The Belize National Fire Service managed to extinguish the fire after a park ranger reported that he saw smoke coming from the building and later started to see flames. He mentioned that he did not notice any suspicious activity or persons in the area. Despite help from the fire service and the ranger, the cause of the fire is still unknown.
Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
In John chapter 15, verse 7, Jesus proclaimed:” If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you can ask for anything you want, and you’ll receive it.”
We live in a busy fast paced world where we are always trying to juggle several things at a time. Sometimes a few things get dropped along the way because we can’t cope with handling everything. Many times we forget to pray!
Most of us have adapted to a multitasking way of life. This way of doing things works well when we divide our tasks into main and background tasks. For example whilst cooking we can also switch on the washing machine. It can also work with our study of the word of God. We can have it at the back of our minds all day as we go about our daily lives.
One child is recovering and another lost his life to drowning
A 6-year-old boy drowned over the Easter weekend, and another child, a 9-year-old girl, is clinging to life at the KHMH after she almost died while swimming.
The drowning victim is 6 year-old Zaem Torres, a student of Water Lane Street in San Pedro. His uncle tells the press that on the night of Holy Thursday, April 13, 2017, his family went to a restaurant near their home. They had a rather busy day at the water company that they own right at their home, and so they took him with them. He was allowed to play with other children, since it is an area that is protected from traffic. His parents were keeping an eye on him because he would, as children do, run back and forth and ask for food or water.
Sedi:” I use the expression… because people understand…”
The nation of Belize owes KREM and Bro. Nuri Mohammad a big “Thank You!” Every Sunday night Sedi was on KREM radio and TV explaining vital national issues to the People. He used the correct legal, geographical and technical jargon; yet the perverse tried destroying him. All they got for their effort was dirt on their noses. They had deprived the Belizean People of the very information that they now hypocritically claim voters need so desperately! They do not give up, interminable! This time when he used an analogy that was crystal clear to “roots Belizeans;” they again got their undies all soiled. The perverse will always find fault; whatever! Nuri pulled out all the stops, but Sedi was as patient as Job and corrected him each and every time. Pressuring, badgering, leading questions and unreasonable suggestions were all soundly rejected! When the brain of KREM called, she was likewise easily corrected. Sedi even had the very book with charts and maps displaying the continuing decrease in size of Palestine (and complementary increase in size of Israel).
PUP Back-benchers
When political topics become scarce for me the temptation rouses deep within to fall back on old dependable: the ten bitter years of PUP governance under the Musa/ Fonseca administration. Now talk about radioactive names. I mean there are so many corrupt acts perpetuated under the so-called communist Said. It was all a conto sway the poor. Remember the battle phrase, “los pobres somos mas?” the brainchild of yet another communistic evangelist gone wild when he saw money and land. Trust me, Easy pickings for me to write about.
But a friend of mine advised me that said strategy was no way to win an election. An incumbent political Party must be able to campaign on its own merits, not on the fallings of its predecessor.
Bar-B-Q causes fire in Belize City
On Sunday, April 16, police responded to a house fire on Elston Kerr Street in Belize City. There they saw fire personnel putting out a blaze located inside a room of the unpainted wooden bungalow house. The owner, 52 year-old Dawn Faber, is a domestic of a Raccoon street address.
Initial police investigations revealed that on April 16, someone attempted to barbecue on a grill that was near a wall of the house. Shortly after, the house was in flames. A total value of $12,500 was lost in the fire, including a mattress and an undetermined amount of clothing. No one was injured in the fire. Police investigation continues.
Breaking Belize News
Elena Smith is new BNTU President
Senator Elena Smith is the new President of the Belize National Teacher’s Union (BNTU). Smith won by a landslide in today’s elections beating opponents Troy Coleman (Stann Creek member), and Mario Mesh (BNTU Corozal Branch President).
Some 636 BNTU members cast their votes in the elections which began shortly after midday. Smith got 349 votes, while Coleman got 147, and Mesh received 140.
Marijuana – Time to legalize it!
By Lisa Shoman: Cannabis Sativa (known locally as marijuana, weed or pot) is like alcohol, sex and voting – not for minors. But for consenting adults? Why not? I have, in my life, smoked pot/eaten laced baked goods and indulged in food prepared with marijuana. I’ve used products enriched with its close relative, Indian hemp… sometimes illegally, but lately, legally.
It is past time to stop pretending as though there is something shameful about cannabis consumption.
BNTU elections proceed
Members of the Belize National Teacher’s Union by a landslide vote, have decided to continue with today’s elections as planned. A total of 500 teachers voted “yes” to proceed with the elections while only 80 said “no”. The candidates are preparing to make their […]
Good citizen appears in court after helping cops
Today, Omar Velasquez appeared in front of the San Pedro Magistrate in connection with charges of keeping a firearm and ammunition without a gun license. In December 2015, he reportedly took officers to an area where a .38 revolver and ammunition had been hidden. […]
BNTU wants to cancel elections today due to political interference
Happening now: The Belize National Teacher’s Union (BNTU) is deliberating whether or not to differ the ongoing executive elections due to political interference. Outgoing BNTU President, Luke Palacio, put it to the district branches to vote on canceling today’s elections and resume at a […]
Guatemalan Congress rejects map to include Belize
The Congress of Guatemala has by a landslide vote rejected a proposal to print Guatemalan maps that would include Belize as a part of its territory. According to the Guatemalan media house Prensa Libre, the congress voted, 84/ 26 against using the map which […]
Two fake Police officers arrested in Belize City
According to police reports, yesterday around 4:30 p.m., police received information of two male persons dressed in what appeared to be police uniforms acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Publics Supermarket on the Phillip Goldson Highway. The two men were seen wearing khaki shirts […]
Guatemalan national escapes from custody in Benque
Yesterday afternoon around 2:40, detainee Henry Abel Calderon Garcia, 23, a Guatemalan laborer of Caracol Lane, Benque Viejo Town was reported missing from custody. According to reports from police, Garcia was asked to perform cleaning duties and was sent to the faucet behind the cell […]
Where Is Belize? And Other Fun Facts You May Not Know…
These days most people have heard of Belize. They’ve seen the TV ads and online videos of its gorgeous offshore islands, lush inland jungles, and ancient Mayan archaeological ruins. But when someone starts to plan their first trip to they often ask, “Where is it?”
It’s not unusual for people to be confused about Belize and its location. So let’s talk geography: Belize lies directly below the western Yucatán Peninsula. Corozal, the northernmost town in Belize, is directly south of the Mexican town of Chetumal. A flight from Miami or Houston to Belize takes just over two hours.
Beyond the Yucatán, Belize lies to the east of , and north of . It sits on the Caribbean Sea and is part of CARICOM—the Caribbean Community. This unique country has one foot planted in Central America, and the other in the Caribbean. Many of its coastal towns have the look and laidback feel that the Caribbean is known for.
EASTER EGG HUNTING IN BELIZE 2017!
What spells family better than a relaxing vacation with your closest loved ones? Few things… What brings families together more than seeing their little ones having the time of their lives? Again, few things… In that spirit, the team at The Lodge at Chaa Creek loves embracing all things family oriented and what better way to do so on an easter weekend than a rainforest easter egg hunt?
Youngsters and their parents woke up at the crack of our Belizean dawn to gather in search of the candy filled easter eggs carefully hidden by our team.
They raced around looking but there was really enough for everyone!
Inside the Great Blue Hole of Belize
Known to locals for centuries as a uniquely special diving location, the Blue Hole of Belize came to the world’s attention in 1971 after famed French marine biologist Jacques Cousteau declared it to be one of his top 10 diving spots in the world. Later, the Discovery Channel named the Belize Blue Hole as one of the top 10 most amazing places on Earth.
Every year, thousands of experienced divers from around the globe come to the Blue Hole of Belize to descend over 90 meters into the inky darkness.
As an underwater diving attraction, there is little variation by season or time of year so just about any time is a good time to explore the watery depths of the Belize Blue Hole. Be aware that storms or heavy rainfall can somewhat reduce visibility as well as make transportation to the Belize Blue Hole more difficult.
10 Reasons to visit Belize in Summer
It’s no secret that Belize is a terrific and magical travel destination. A country rich in excitement, there are endless adventures to explore. From beaches to food to nature, this Central American nation has much to offer. Here’s why you should add Belize to your list of best summer vacation spots!
Top 17 Things to see and do in Belize
Make 2017 the year you give yourself the gift of Belize. It’s easy to do; competition between United, American, Copa, Taca and Delta airlines has lowered fares since Southwest Airlines joined the fray in October 2015. In addition, two prestigious travel awards were bestowed upon Ambergris Caye and Placencia, so these days, both destinations are international stars.
For a small, easily navigable nation, undertaking all 17 of the nation’s top attractions would be difficult to manage in a larger country, but it’s so easy to get around Belize, you might wonder why it took you so long to get here and see for yourself why these attractions top the lists of travelers!
International Sources
Airbnb Advances Talks With Caribbean Tourism Organization Countries
Hugh Riley, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the region's tourism development agency, and eight member countries, along with representatives Chris Lehane, Bruno Lewicki and Shawn Sullivan from Airbnb, the leading community driven hospitality company, met last week to discuss Airbnb's growing presence in the region and to address areas of mutual cooperation as outlined in an agreement signed in February 2017. The topics of discussion included democratizing the tourism industry, the importance of the Caribbean region's cultural heritage and how Airbnb is expanding economic opportunities in the region. The Minister of Tourism of Belize, Manuel Heredia, explained that one of his concerns is the availability of official data on the impact of Airbnb on the accommodation sector, including the percentage of visitors who stay in Airbnb-listed properties. "If we work together and we have control over it, this will be something positive for the Caribbean and for Belize. My technical team will collaborate with Airbnb to make sure that we learn as much as possible in order to establish the proper regulations so this works in a beneficial way." added Mr. Heredia.
PANCAP hosts youth meeting to discuss ending AIDS by 2030
The Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) will host a meeting of youth leaders from 19 Caribbean countries on April 21 and 22, 2017 in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
The focus of the forum will be a discussion on the role of youth in the national and regional response to HIV and AIDS; participants will also be involved in formulating and agreeing on a framework for regional youth advocacy.
Senator Robert Browne, minister of health, wellness and the environment, St Vincent and the Grenadines and chair of the executive board of PANCAP, will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony on Friday, April 21.
U.S. Servicemembers visit Liberty Children’s Home during Beyond the Horizon 2017
Not even the inclement weather was able to put a damper on the spirits of the children living at Liberty Children’s Home in Ladyville, Belize as Servicemembers visited April 18, 2017, to lend a helping hand during a community relations event as part of Beyond the Horizon 2017.
The task force’s information operations cell coordinated the volunteer effort that included a wide range of helpful and needed services and activities.
Servicemembers spent their day removing safety hazards from the property, playing a variety of games with the children and providing basic medical examinations.
“There was a low hanging tree over one of the housing units and we decided to cut it down and get it out of the way,” said Spc. Rudy Sneed, a shower and laundry specialist with the 452nd Quartermaster Company, an Army Reserve unit based in Scottsdale, Arizona. “We were afraid the tree might fall and cause serious damage to the property.”
CDC Still Warning Travelers About Zika In The Caribbean
Reports of Zika cases in the Caribbean may have disappeared from the headlines and even PAHO’s latest epidemiological reports show few to no reported cases, but the US Centers For Disease Control is still warning those thinking of traveling to several Caribbean nations about the virus especially as the weather gets warmer, News Americas Now has found.
Thirty-seven Caribbean countries, including the US territories of Puerto Rico and the USVI, remain on the CDC’s travel advisory list as a “Level 2” alert, which advises travelers to “Practice Enhanced Precautions.” The CDC on March 10, 2017 updated its travel advisory for the islands.
Two Caribbean destinations in latest top 20 list of places to honeymoon
To help newlyweds, and the engaged, better navigate the honeymoon destination market, Flight Network, the largest travel agency that is both owned and operated in Canada, has spent months researching and interviewing the best of the best to curate the ultimate list of top 20 luxury honeymoon destinations, which includes two Caribbean resorts.
5. San Pedro – Belize.
San Pedro is a slice of paradise facing the Caribbean Sea. Home to the world’s second largest barrier reef, the Pedro Barrier Reef, is a world treasure you will get to enjoy every day you spend there. When not snorkeling or diving though, you’ll find yourself kicking back under a palm or exploring the old fishing village turned town that’s said to inspire the song, ‘La Isla Bonita’. San Pedro is also incredibly close to the world-famous Mayan ruins, a truly special place to explore.
The Top 10 Things to Do in Belize
When it comes to choosing a place for your Caribbean vacation, Belize might not be at the top of your list — there are more popular Central American and Caribbean destinations, after all. However, what makes Belize a truly amazing holiday spot is its diversity in both terrain and activities. The country’s eastern side provides the azure blue waters that make the Caribbean such an in-demand destination, as well as the second largest coral reef system in the world. On the west side, you’ll find lush rainforests, historic Mayan ruins and many different species of exotic wildlife.
Tourism is continuously expanding in this small, but lovely, country, as Belize had the fastest growth of any tourism destination in the last year, with an overall growth of 13% in the last two decades. Aside from its growing popularity, here are the top 10 reasons why you should visit Belize this year.
Videos
HONEYMOON IN BELIZE | 2017 | GoPro HERO3, 6.5min. Footage of our honeymoon in Belize filmed entirely on GoPro HERO3.
We stayed just north of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye in February 2017 at Captain Morgan's Retreat (captainmorgans.com).
The Mayan site we visited in Xunantunich outside San Ignacio. We snorkeled at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.
BSI ASR CROP REVIEW 2017 - WEEK 19, 4min.
CNN Special on the Hummingbird Highway in Belize, 4.5min.
Cayo Western Ballaz basketball game Thursday night vs. Belmopan Bandits, 1.5hr.
Belize, 8min.
SARSTUN REFUGE INTERNATIONAL, 3min. Located on the river between Belize and Guatemala, Sarstún is an isolated community greatly in need of basic health care and education systems. Their “road" is the river and the "highway" is the Gulf of Honduras. The nearest health care facility is a two-hour boat ride away in Puerto Barrios. The journey there costs about $100 round-trip and is too expensive for the local residents to afford.
Belize Tourism - “Southern”, 1min.
Ride Day 24: Chetumal to San Ignacio, Belize, 30min. After a few days rest I was on my way to San Ignacio and a new country in Belize. Unfortunately for me, the weather forecast was for rain for the next 3-4 days, and there was really only a few things I wanted to do with my time in Belize. One was to do some diving in Ambergris Caye on an island off Belize City. Which was now out of the question due to the weather and the other was to visit the Altun Ha ruins.
Once I entered Belize and drive a few miles past the border crossing on my motorcycle it was just bucketing down with rain, and the radar and weather forecast indicated no respite in sight for at least a few days, so I decided that I would see plenty of ruins ion this trip and the best thing to do for me was to head West our of the weather. So, as with any adventure, you need to be able to adapt, so I decided to head to San Ignacio on the far west of Belize near the border with Guatemala and stay a night or two near San Ignacio as there were more ruins in this area.
HALF MOON WALL~Lighthouse Reef Belize, 5.5min. Marine Life we typically see on the wall also a visit to Half Moon Caye " World Heritage Site" home to the nesting Red Footed Booby Bird.
Belize Marching Band 2017 - Road March, 3min. Saturday, 8 April, 2017 Location: Orange Walk Town.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
