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Chester Says GSU Officers May Be Over Zealous
Some residents in the Conch Shell Bay area and mediators in the peace pact among most gang factions in the City have gone on record stating that the Gang Suppression Unit's presence in the area are provoking the residents and undoing the peace that is being achieved through dialogues among the police and gang members. [�]
Who Killed Ludwin Lalin? Police's Investigation Lacking
Belize City Police continue to investigate the murder of nineteen year old Ludwin Lalin. The teen was shot and killed around six o'clock on Monday on Curl Thompson Street where he later succumbed to his injuries. He had been shot to the left side of the forehead. Today ACP Chester Williams, Commander of the Eastern [�]
Education Ministry Works Towards Almalgamation in the North and School Fees Reduction
With another school year wrapping up the summer time is usually when officials use that break to effect changes in the school system. Some months ago in an interview with Education Minister, Patrick Faber he spoke to us on the amalgamation of specific schools in northern Belize. Today, we asked him for a progress update [�]
Delayed Justice for 11-Year-Old, Aaron Gabourel
Seven months ago, 11-year-old, Aaron Gabourel died in a house fire on Aloe Vera Street which authorities ruled as arson. The child's mother, Caroline Hamilton says she is yet to get any justice for her son's death and the police have not given her any progress update on the investigation. CAROLINE HAMILTON "One thing I'm [�]
Mother Appeals to Missing Teen to Come Home
A fifteen year old student of Sadie Vernon High School left home on Monday morning just before midday to run an errand with her older cousin and is yet to return home. The child's mother, Caroline Hamilton is in turmoil on this Mother's Day as she sent out a strong appeal to her daughter, Aaliyah [�]
Elderly Woman Gets New Home in Dangriga
Hand in Hand Ministries and Scotia Bank handed over a new home to a family in Dangriga. Correspondent Harry Arzu has the story. HARRY ARZU REPORTING "Hand in Hand Ministries continues to collaborate with its partners in providing housing for the citizens of Belize. In an official handing over ceremony held in Dangriga they handed [�]
Police News: Marijuana and Crack Cocaine Confiscated
Two men have been charged for drug trafficking. They were arrested on Tuesday when police searched a bus at a police booth located in front of Rumors Resort in San Ignacio Town around five in the evening. There were only four passengers on board the bus. Police found 789 grams of cannabis in a black [�]
City Emergency Zooms In on Awareness and Prevention
The City Emergency Management Organization is holding a two day symposium titled "Municipal Symposium on Fire Management, Awareness and Preparation". The discussions for the two day event include administration, fire safety and prevention, operations, and fire safety for families and businesses. Councilor Phillip Willoughby spoke more about the objectives of the event. PHILLIP WILLOUGHBY "Simply [�]
2 Murders + 1 Shooting: Is the Gang Truce Falling Apart?
Over the last six days there have been two murders and another shooting incident in the Jane Usher Boulevard Area. This comes after numerous meetings among the police, gang factions and other mediators to reach a truce and ultimately a pact for peace within the City. Today ACP Chester Williams says they had intended to [�]
The Guardian
Civic Center ready by December
A state of the art sporting arena- the first of its kind in the country, is slowly taking shape at the foot of the Belcan Bridge. The Belize Civic Center was demolished in September of 2013, shortly after the Prime Minister had announced that a new arena would be constructed at the site to replace the old dilapidated structure which had seen better days.
It was not until two years later in October of 2015 that work commenced on the ground to construct the new building. Through a joint partnership between Medina's Construction and International Environments (I.E), work has been going according to plan for the two year construction of the 32 million dollar facility. Very little has been said about the structure but it is quite evident that from an outsider's view point that it is quite a remarkable building that is being constructed.
This week, the Guardian had the opportunity to visit the site and we found out that within the next 6 months the building will be complete and when it is, it will be the most sophisticated sports arena in the entire country.
DNA testing done to ID body found burnt at Rockville
Police have taken samples from the charred remains of a person who was found inside a Kia Sportage SUV which was found burning on the George Price Highway at mile 21 in the early morning hours of Tuesday May 2. Those samples have been sent to a laboratory for cross referencing with samples which were taken from the mother of Pamela Lino, a teacher whose vehicle was found burnt.
Since the incident last week, police have been unable to identify the body but there is strong suspicion that it is that of Lino who has been missing since then and whose vehicle it was that was found burning. The results of these tests are expected somewhere between three and six months.
Eamon Courtney says Ashcroft pursuing Central Bank reserves
Lord Michael Ashcroft and his Belizean business interests are once again on a full-court press against the Belizean people. They seek to undo the law that is keeping Belize's foreign reserves, and the country's economy protected. The Alliance is seeking to get the Central Bank Immunity Act struck down by the Supreme Court and declared unconstitutional.
Readers will remember that this law and the Amendment to the Crown Proceedings Act were passed by the Barrow Administration. It was necessary because the UDP government realized that the Ashcroft Alliance may be eyeing those funds. So, the Government passed the Central Bank law to ensure that those reserves are out of their reach.
That was necessary because a US court already granted a judgment against Belize, allowing the Alliance to collect an award of 50 million US dollars, which was handed down by the London Court of International Arbitration. Prime Minister Dean Barrow has insisted that his government will not pay a single cent of that award, and so the Alliance has been trying to force Belize to pay. This is an old fight in court over the abusive Accommodation Agreement which the Musa Administration unlawfully signed for BTL, when the Ashcroft Alliance was the owner.
Penner faces the Senate Inquiry
Elvin Penner, the former UDP Area Representative of Cayo Northeast, has gone before the Senate Select Committee with no intentions of being forthcoming or helpful in its investigation of the Immigration Department.
For the first time in over 3 and a half years, he gave his first public comments on his time at the Immigration Department, and about Won Hong Kim. Readers will remember that Kim is the South Korean Fugitive who Penner reportedly assisted to get a passport that he did not qualify for under Belize law.
In his first public, disclosures since being sacked as a Cabinet Minister and as a UDP standard bearer, Penner told the Senate Committee that he will not answer questions pertaining to Won Hong Kim. His reasoning is that he has already been tried criminally by COLA for this passport, and he was acquitted.
Finally - expansion for Grace Primary School
On Wednesday May 10th, Grace Primary School received its long awaited school building on Faber's Road. Coming at a cost of $724,336.67 which was put in by the Social Investment Fund through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank, the Building is 121feet long by 31 feet wide. School Principal, Morna Sheppard told the Guardian that the school will house Standard 5 and 6 students. An additional $50 thousand dollars was contributed by the Parents-Teachers Association of Grace Primary for the filling of the building area.
The building will have four classrooms, male and female students' bathrooms, teachers' lavatory, administrative space, lunch shed and an access ramp to accommodate students and visitors with diverse abilities. Other features include a verandah, reinforced aluminum louvered windows, security grilles, timber doors, and lunch shed with picnic tables. Additionally, the sub-project provided office and computer equipment including a risograph along with laptops and projectors and a security surveillance system.
Ludwin Lalin killed amidst a gang truce
There are growing concerns that gang violence in Belize City has resumed after a month-long calm. Ludwin Lalin, a 19-year-old resident of the Jane Usher Boulevard Area, was shot to death a few blocks away from his home. He's the second teen to be murdered in 4 days, and his death comes 29 days after all the city's gangs came together for a ceasefire for as long as possible.
1 day before Ludwin Lalin's murder, police hosted a family day for the Jane Usher Boulevard area so that all the gangs in that neighbourhood could socialize and de-escalate any internal feuds among themselves. So, with all the efforts being made to encourage peace in all neighbourhoods, nobody expected that a street shooting would have happened. It did however, and Lalin was the victim when he went to buy groceries at a nearby store.
Magistrate Norman Rodriguez arraigned for rape
The arraignment of Magistrate Norman Charles Rodriguez, 46-years-old, took place on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 in Belize City after he was accused and charged of rape. Allegations are that on April 21, 2017, a 27-year-old woman was raped by Rodriguez in Dangriga. He allegedly turned himself into Belize City police to be read a single count of rape. At court, Rodriguez attempted to be as secretive as possible.
Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith led Rodriguez's session in court. Rodriguez was represented by four attorneys, Hubert Ellington, Herbert Panton, Kathleen Lewis, and Michelle Trapp-Zuniga. He was read a single charge of rape. No plea was taken from him on the matter. Bail was offered to him in the sum of $1,000 and one surety of the same amount. He was given bail conditions which included that he must refrain from applying for any travel documents, without the permission of the court, and must not leave the country.
CARICOM Week ends with art competition
The Directorate General for Foreign Trade was pleased to present a list of activities planned for CARICOM Week which started May 2, 2017 and concluded on May 6th, 2017. The theme of this CARICOM week was "What CARICOM means to you?".
The events started with a food and drink special at Wingz Stop Belmopan and an Open Mic Poetry Night at Sit and Sip in Belize City on May 3. There was also a sporting competition that was held for primary school children on May 3 and 5th at Du'Plooy's Jungle Lodge. Also on May 5 was the appearance of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador on the Grace and You Cooking Show on Open Your Eyes.
Caste War Education project launched at SJC
On Friday, May 5, 2017, the Saint John's College History Department launched its Caste War Educational project that included an exhibit, website, curriculum, and lesson plan. The project incorporates mixed media to be more approachable to students in this era of learning. The launch focused on the Caste War, an event which shaped the northern districts and their people.
The event included a video which gave an account of the war and the people that came as a result of the war. The video was followed by a prayer and an account of the importance of the war on the indigenous people by Pedro Carrillo who gave his speech only in his Maya language. What followed emphasized the importance of Belizean history on all Belizeans.
Gang resistance training for Cayo schools
An innovative program that seeks to engage our young people will be continued by San Ignacio Police. The San Ignacio Community Oriented Policing Program COPP is embarking on a Gang Resistance Education and Training GREAT Pilot Project within a jurisdiction occupied by many young persons. This project will allow four GREAT instructors to facilitate the GREAT Program on the Elementary Curriculum of the GREAT Program to 16 primary schools. (Four primary schools are located within the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena and 12 more are located within the surrounding villages.)
Beyond the Horizon 2017 brings free medical services to San Ignacio
Beyond the Horizon 2017 (BTH), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Health, began it's free medical services on Monday of this week, until the 16th of May, in San Ignacio, Cayo District, at the Macal River Park. The medical services are now open to the public and do not require an appointment. You do not have to be from San Ignacio or the Cayo District to be treated-the event is open to everyone. BTH and partners now have general medical practitioners, optometrists, dentists, and OBGYN specialists on staff to provide medical services. BTH reminds that given the hot weather, to bring water to stay hydrated as you wait for and go through the medical services.
Seargeant Scott Wolfe, Public Affairs at BTH told the Guardian on Monday that their Belizean counterparts are cooperating well in the efforts.
NEMO assists Biscayne freak storm victims to rebuild
Two weeks after a freak storm hit the village of Biscayne in the Belize District the NINE families affected are repairing and rebuilding their homes with assistance from the Government of Belize through the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).
Minister of National Emergency Management and Area Representative for Belize Rural North Hon Edmond Castro was on hand this past Saturday to hand over material to members of those families at the Belize District NEMO Office located in Sandhill on the Phillip Goldson Highway. The residents expressed thanks for the assistance from the Government of Belize in helping them to rebuild and repair their homes.
Of this and that...
So there are DESERVING TEACHERS who have still not been paid their HONORAIRUMS , because their various Principals and School Managements have still not presented or have presented incomplete lists to the Ministry of Education of those teachers who should have received honorariums. There are also other managements that have allegedly taken the monies that should have been paid to deserving teachers and paid all teachers, including those who were on strike in October and did not show up to work ,during that period . Not only is it political trickery to pay people who did not work, but that may also be AN ILLEGAL ACT. Those principals and managements who did so presented false claims to the ministry. The claims were false, because they did not pay those funds to the persons in whose names the funds were requested. The full weight of the law must be brought to bear on those principals and managements, in order for them to make good on those requests and correct the shortfall on payment to the deserving TEACHERS.
A Walk Through Benque Viejo published
As part of the Seventh International Festival of Culture program, a book entitled, 'A Walk Through Benque Viejo' has been released at the Centennial Memorial Park in Benque Viejo Town. The splendid book, which highlights a number of prominent Benque landmarks, along with the Town's culture and history, was distributed to students last Friday.
The book itself is the product of the cooperation between the National Institute of Culture and History, through the Institute for Social and Cultural Research and author David Ruiz, who wrote the manuscript. Both the Belize Archives and Records Service BARS and the National Heritage Library NHL of the Belize National Library Service and Information System BNLSIS were also instrumental in the production of the book.
Acknowledgments have also been conveyed for the production of the book to members of the Community of Artists for Cultural and Historical Endeavours CACHE and the staff of the Benque Viejo House of Culture, who compiled some data and were part of the original manuscript team. Elma Arzu, Montse Casademunt and Dr. Allan Moore also had an input in A Walk Through Benque Viejo.
CEMO Symposium opening
The City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO) held its 5th annual symposium on Wednesday and Thursday, May 10 and 11, 2017 at the Biltmore Plaza. The primary focus of the symposium was fire management, awareness, and prevention. The integration of emergency management into every aspect of construction and development is the best way to proactively approach any case of emergency. The council expressed their gratitude to the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize, and his cabinet and specifically applauded the national interest of Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport and NEMO.
Given the topic surrounding the symposium, Fire Chief, Ted Smith, explained that the Fire Department would have conducted five stages of presentations, active and proactive efforts taken by the department. Sensitizing the public makes up the bulk of the proactive actions that the fire departments and others need to take to ensure that the suppression of emergency scenarios are properly addressed.
Know your money
A "Know your money" training was held at the Central Bank of Belize on May 3, 2017. The purpose of the training was to educate members of the community and members of banking and other institutions that handle a mass sum of money on a day-to-day basis on authentic versus counterfeit notes.
The presenter, Barnady Dicks, Caribbean Regional Manager of De La Rue, informed those in attendance on the many instances of counterfeit and how best to counteract the efforts of counterfeiters. De La Rue is a British company that was established in 1818 by Thomas De La Rue. Since then, it has become the world's largest Integrated Security Printer and is involved in 140 different countries with the printing of currency, identification, and Product Authentication and Traceability. The company has the responsibility of not only printing Belize's currency but of implementing each security feature from before the notes are printed.
18-year-old remanded for Telswin Lara shooting
Telswin Lara, a 30-year-old unemployed of Arlington Drive, received a gunshot wound to the lower back. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Lara's home. In relation to the shooting, Dane Gillett, 18-years-old, was charged for use of deadly means of harm with a deadly instrument and grievous harm. Lara has been admitted to the KHMH where he is listed as stable.
Gillett was brought before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on May 9, 2017 for the shooting. He was unrepresented in court and no plea was taken from him. Mendoza explained that since the crime was allegedly committed with the use of a firearm, he could not be granted bail. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until July 28, 2017.
Police take Ammunition off Antelope Street and North Creek
A police search was conducted on an empty lot on Antelope Street Extension on May 3, 2017 which led to the discovery of two plastic bags which contained 6 live .38 revolver rounds in each bag. No one was in the immediate area at the time of the discovery and the items were deposited as "Found property".
Michael Bonilla killed shortly after coming to Belize City
Police from Eastern Division South continue to investigate the gun murder of 19 year-old Michael Bonilla. He was the first teenager to have been gunned down and killed in the streets of Belize City in 25 days. Investigators do not believe that he was the victim of gang violence, and so the calm that the City's gangs committed to before the Easter Holiday may remain undisturbed.
Unfortunately, this young man's life was cut short, and so, his family must try to make sense of this tragedy, and move on, if possible. The cops found him dead at around 9 p.m. on Elston Kerr Street, which runs behind the Gwen Lizarraga High School.
Dorian Blair's bail hearing postponed
Dorian Blair, one of the two Belize City men recently charged for impersonating police officers, was before the Supreme Court for a bail hearing on Monday, May 8, 2017. Unfortunately, his hearing had to be postponed until Friday, May 12 after his attorney Oscar Selgado asked for an adjournment. Judge Madam Antoinette Moore granted the adjournment and the matter was set for May 12, 2017. Before Blair left the stand, Moore asked how he was doing in prison. Blair responded that he was being sanctioned because it is claimed that he was a repeat offender of the same crime.
Cannabis found in Lindo's Alley
Police conducted a search on an abandoned property on Lindo's Alley, Belize City on May 7, 2017. The search led to the discovery of 12 plastic bags containing 3,280 grams of cannabis which were deposited as "found property".
Cannabis and cocaine found in San Pedro Town
On May 9, 2017, police were under operation in the Eiley Subdivision area, San Pedro when they searched a room on the lower flat of a wooden apartment complex. Present were Phillip Sealy, a 21-year-old tour guide; Ernesto Lopez, an 18-year-old fisherman, and Serahi Arias, 18-years-old. The police found 424 grams of cannabis along with 0.69 grams of cocaine. All three present were arrested and charged with drug trafficking and the possession of a controlled drug,
Drug trafficking in Hattieville
On May 7, 2017, a prison officer reported that while working he saw a remanded inmate, Mark Waight, coming toward the check point area at the prison. He observed a black tennis Waight was carrying inside a black plastic bag that appeared to be swollen. The officer pulled out the soles of the tennis and cut the left foot open and found 274 grams of cannbis. Waight is detained pending charges. The officer was working at the Kolbe Foundation located on the Hattieville/ Boom Road.
Drugs found on Raccoon Street Extension
Police conducted a search on an abandoned property on Raccoon Street Extension, Belize City on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. During the search, three plastic bags containing 1210.8 grams of cannabis were found. The items were deposited as "Found property" since no one was in the immediate area at the time of the findings.
Fatal Traffic Accident on the George Price Highway
The father of a policeman from Belmopan was killed in a road traffic accident on Monday morning. Anselmo Simeon Caliz, who resides at number two Kai Mai Street in Belmopan, was found off the road on the go slow curve in Georgeville. According to Police, the 51 year old was riding a motorcycle towards Belmopan when he lost control and ran off the road. Simeon Caliz suffered from serious injuries to the neck region.
A post mortem conducted by Dr. Mario Estradabran a few hours later at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City indicated that the cause of death was due to multiple trauma as a result of a road traffic accident; primarily asphyxia due to brochial aspiration and trauma to the left lung.
Kidnapping and robbery in Ranchito
A report was made by Emil Rosado, a 23-year-old cane farmer of Ranchito Village, Eder Hall, a 26-year-old land consultant of Ramirez Layout, and Eliazar Hall, a 31-year-old farmer of Chan Chen on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. They reported that while conducting a vehicle transaction in Ranchito with Jeffery Gongora, three men held them up with weapons, tied them up, stole $13,000, $3,100 worth of jewelry, a Galaxy S6 Edge cellular phone, and a Gucci wallet valued at $600.
Rosado and Eliazar were put in the trunk of a blue Infinity car with license plate CZL-C04988 while Eder was placed in the backseat of the car. They were driven up the Phillip Goldson Highway. Upon reaching Carolina Village, Eder was able to untie himself.
Mother charged for using indecent words to a police
Ada Logan, a 39-year-old mother and housewife of Belize City, used indecent words to a police officer and was charged. On May 4, 2017, Logan was arraigned before Magistrate Sharon Fraser on a single count of using indecent words. Logan was unrepresented in court and pleaded guilty to the charge.
Allegedly on May 3, 2017, while at the Precinct 1 Police Station on Euphrates Avenue, Logan used some explicit words in the presence of a police officer while asking for her son.
Harrison Powell sentenced to five years for robbery
A Belize City woman was robbed at knife point on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 while leaving her workplace on Marine Parade in Belize City. Nazli D'Silva, a 57-year-old manager of Fish Island, was heading to her car when her attacker, a man identified as 48-year-old Harrison Powell, held a knife to her and robbed her.
Powell, who is known as a repeat offender, was unrepresented in court and pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery. D'Silva was robbed of an orange and purple bag which contained an iPod, valued at $1,500, a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, valued at $1,500, a pouch containing a total of $1,000, reading glasses valued at $200, her company's check book, and other personal items.
Three San Ignacio men charged with kept ammunition
Police visited the residence of Jose Quintanilla on Teck Street, San Ignacio Town on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. Police searched the residence and found two .380 Auto rounds, one .35 Smith & Wesson round, and one hollow point 38 Super live round of ammunition under a mattress.
Taxi man and three passengers found with firearm and ammunition
On Thursday, May 4, 2017, a taxi man and his three passengers were brought before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser to be read two firearm related charges. They were charged with kept unlicensed firearm and kept unlicensed ammunition without being granted a gun license. Initially, only the taxi man, Clive Smith, and two of his passengers appeared in court. The third passenger, Aaron Flowers, allegedly escaped police custody and had to be picked up by police from his home. At arraignment, all four pleaded not guilty.
Theft in Corozal
On May 5, 207, Rodolfo Narvaez, a 40-year-old of Halls Layout, Corozal Town, reported that his Dodge Caravan 2000 was broken into on May 4, 2017. The van with license plate CZL-01394 was parked in front of a popular bar on 1st Avenue. The right passenger window, valued at $500, was shattered. An assortment of electronics and other miscellaneous items valued at $8,300 were stolen. Police are investigating.
Louis Tucker sentenced to five years for sexual assault
Louis Tucker, a 55-year-old Belize City man, was brought before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Friday, May 5, 2017 to answer to sexually assualting a woman in her 20s. Smith found Tucker guilty and sentenced him to five years in prison effective May 5.
In court, the victim took the stand and told the court that on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, she was walking on Mahogany Street when she saw Tucker coming in the opposite direction. She claimed that when Tucker got closer to her she moved and went to stand near a fence in the area and that was when Tucker grabbed her private part. She said she immediately reported the matter to police. She was placed in a police mobile and was able to positively identify Tucker as her molester.
Wilhelm Gillette is free of 2012 murder charge
Wilhelm Gillette has been set free from prison after 4 � years on remand for the September 15, 2012 murder of Norval Belisle. Gillette was brought before Justice Madam Antionette Moore who found him not guilty of murder in the trial by judge. He was represented by attorney Arthur Saldivar for his trial in Belmopan but was represented by attorney Leeroy Banner at the ruling.
The case against Gillette began on April 10, 2017 and ended three days later. He was acquitted of the charge on Friday, May 5, 2017 after the Justice said that she was unsure of Gillette's guilt due to the quality of the identification given by the Crown's two main witnesses.
Brother injures sister over a family dispute
Rayford Saldano was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Monday, May 8, 2017 for a single charge of wounding his sister, Joleen Saldano. Rayford was unrepresented in court and pleaded guilty to the offense.
In court, he told Chief Magistrate Smith that he and his sister got into an argument on Friday, May 5, 2017 after she put him out of their mother's house. Joleen reportedly removed his clothes from the house and the clothes soon ended up in the garbage. He claims that he demanded the rent and utilities money he had just paid his mother, a sum of $180, and asked his mother for more money to get him on his feet and it was at that point that his other siblings began attacking him.
Belizeans win in Mexico
Over the weekend, some Belizean cyclists travelled to Cozumel, Mexico, to participate in the 'Carrera de Ciclista Cozumel 2017". Darien Anderson, Darnell Barrow and Byron Pope represented Benny's Megabytes, Herman 'Hijo' Requena for Westrac Alliance, Brandon and Kaya Cattouse represented Smart C-Ray, Santino Castillo from Team Santinos, Gian Lino from Cabral/Marin Cycling and Shawn Codd rode for Team Yapurlandia.
In the Elite Race, which was 70 miles, Byron Pope was in a 2 man break away that survived all the way to the finish line. Pope edged out the Mexican to win the race. Darnell Barrow showed no signs of selfishness when he gave Brandon Cattouse the perfect lead out, Cattouse won the bunch sprint and was 4th overall.
Belmopan Bandits clinch a spot in the Pepsi National Elite Basketball League finals
The 2017 Pepsi National Elite Basketball League competition is fast coming to a close. On Thursday 4th May at the UB Gymnasium in Belmopan in the second game of the semi-final round between the Belmopan Bandits and the Dangriga Dream Ballers, the Belmopan Bandits narrowly eliminated the Dangriga Dream Ballers by the score of 76-72 to advance to the finals for the very first time in the team's history.
The top scorers for the Belmopan Bandits were Farron Louriano with 24 points, 13 rebounds and a steal; Devin Daly with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals and Stephen Williams with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and a steal.
For the visiting Dangriga Dream Ballers, the top scorers were Dillmore Conorquie with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals; Quinton Bowen with 18 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals and Tahj Wells who contributed 14 points to go along with his 12 rebounds, 1 assist and a steal in a heart-breaking defeat.
Football Federation of Belize to Hold Tryouts for Belize's National U-20 Female Team
The Football Federation of Belize is calling on female footballers to participate in the ongoing tryouts for the National U-20 team this weekend at its training facility. Those players listed must report to the Federation by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2017. For players who were born in the year 1998 or 1999 and are interested, you are asked to report to the FFB by 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2017. All players must bring along their passport boots, shin guard, toiletries and other necessities.
The National Female U-20 Team will be competing in the UNCAF U-20 Central American Qualification Tournament. There will be two groups and Belize is set to compete in group "A" along with Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Group "B" is comprised of Panama, Honduras and El Salvador. The tournament will be held from June 18 to the 24, 2017 at the Estadio de Futbol Independencia in Estel�, Nicaragua.
Jose Alexis Rodriguez Villalobos captures Men U-23 Individual Time Trial in Pan Am Cycling Championship
The Pan American Cycling Union held its Men U-23 Pan Am Individual Time Trial Championship on Friday 5th May, 2017, in San Domingo, Domingo Republic.
The Men's U-23 Individual Time Trial championship saw the participation of some 25 countries from across the Pan American Region including Belize.
At the end of the 30Km event, it was Costa Rican Jose Alexis Rodriguez Villalobos who took first place in a time of 0:37:53. Villalobos was followed by Ian Garrison from the United States of America, and he was followed by German Nicolas Tivani Perez of Argentina and he was followed by Facundo Crisafulli also of Argentina and he was followed by Colombian Julian Cardona Tabares to round off the top five finishers in the U-23 category.
Jose Luis Rodriguez of Chile captures Pan American Cycling Championship Men Elite Individual Time Trial
The Pan American Cycling Union held its Pan Am Championship in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from May 4-7, 2017.
Belize had representation in the Men's Elite Individual Time Trial, Men U-23 Individual Time Trial, Men Elite Road Race and the Men U-23 Road Race.
The Men's Elite Individual Time Trial was held on Friday 5 May, 2017, and covered a total distance of 40Km. This event saw the participation of some 22 cyclists from across the Pan American region.
Premier League of Belize names Individual Awards winners
The Premier League of Belize hereby informs the general public of its recipients of awards for the 2016-2017 Closing Season. Below are the list of awards and their respective recipients:
Best Goal Keeper - Shane Orio - Belmopan Bandits SC
Best Defender - Elroy Smith - Belmopan Bandits SC
Best Midfielder - Denmark Casey - Belmopan Bandits
Best Young Player - Rene Leslie - Placencia Assassins FC
Best Goal Scorer - Daniel Jimenez - Police United FC
Most Valuable Player - Daniel Jimenez - Police United FC
Fair Play - Wagiya FC
Best Coach - Marvin Ottley - Verdes FC
Best Manager - Lorin Frazer - Verdes FC
Playoff MVP - to be announced
Belizean Assistant Referee assign to officiates CONCACAF U-17 semifinal match
Belize's Assistant Referee, Ricardo Daniel Ake, was assigned to officiate the CONCACAF U-17 game that was played on Friday, May 5, 2017, between USA and Cuba in the semi finals of the CONCACAF U-17 Tournament that was hosted in the Republic of Panama.
To be assigned to a CONCACAF tournament, the match official must pass the physical fitness test and excel in both the technical aspect as well as the theoretical aspect of the game. At the tournament, he is assessed in each game assigned in the preliminary round. Only the top match officials remain for the subsequent round of the competition. Ake was one of the few top match officials to remain to the end of the tournament.
Mother's Day Specials
When the People's United Party succeeded in gaining control of the OWTC in 2012, their leadership spent countless prime time hours on CTV3 in lamenting about an $188,000 debt contracted by the previous Town Council under Phillip de la Fuente for street works carried out by Demars Construction Company. The present mayor even challenged this debt contract in the Supreme Court but had to honor the said debt.
No sooner had the ink dried on the court ruling when the Mayor started to court the principal of Demars Construction Company, Mr. Denny Grijalva, to extend the same credit facility to his Council only he wanted ten times the disputed amount. Rumors around town are that presently the Council is in the RED for $1.6 M to Demars, in addition they also owe a Mennonite contractor for about a third that amount. So the same man who once railed endlessly on TV about inherited debt has no qualms to sink his successor deep in mire just so as to get a wink from the powers-that- be to run in OW East for the 2020 Generals.
"The reality is that it is the masses of the Belizean people who must be educated"
I have to thank the Amandala Editor for this week's headline and for much of the quotes that I will use below! World Press Freedom Day has just gone so this is the perfect time for us to reflect on the work of the 'Fourth Pillar of Democracy.' On May 7, 2017 Love News carried the following: "According to the Reporters without Borders, in Belize, the coverage of political developments and criminal cases in Belize is polemical because the media have become polarized." I want us to stay focus on the main point which is: In Belize the media have allowed itself to become way too polarized! Note that such a defective media will fail the populace; others will have to educate the people! I write to get straight, correct facts to the readers - no deceit, no lies; just the straight facts!
Breaking Belize News
Belize Is Not A Destination, It Is A Lifestyle
Something to ponder, if you are a Belize tourism stakeholder:
How much of the $166 billion global travel is Belize tapping into?
I don't know - really - the Belize Tourism Board which collects taxes from me (which I consider extortion), does not send me an annual financial report that I can peruse.
Actually, I haven't found one person in the Belize accommodation sector that gets full access to this data.
Motorcycle stolen from Pound Yard Market in Belize City
Kent Alexander Thompson, 33, a traffic warden and a resident of Race Track area, Burrell Boom Village, Belize District, reported that between the hours of 5:55 a.m. and 6:05 a.m., on Wednesday May 10th 2017, someone stole his silver and black Meliun Motorcycle with [�]
Two people arrested after marijuana growing operation discovered in Crooked Tree
Yesterday morning, police arrested and charged two persons for the offense of cultivation of cannabis. According to reports, police conducted a house search at the residence of 63-year-old Norma Aldana of Crooked Tree Village, Belize District. Also present at the house was 26-year-old David [�]
Robbery at Charlton's Cable Office in Bella Vista Village
On Wednesday, May 10th around 4 p.m.., Independence police responded to a robbery and visited the Charlton's Cable Office in Bella Vista Village, which also houses the ICB and Western Union offices where they received information that Lesli Williams, 29, a Guatemalan cashier of [�]
GOB signs contract for Airport link road project
Today, a contract was signed between the Government of Belize (GOB), Nabeel Abdul Raheem Consultants (NARCO), and BECA International Consultants Ltd. for the services of consultancy and construction supervision of the Airport Link Road Project. According to a GOB press release, the agreement was [�]
Fun Afternoon of Mothers' Day Shopping in Belize City
Yesterday I hopped on a late morning water taxi - headed for Belize City. Mirab's - the department store of Belize - was having a Mothers' Day event and I thought I'd get there a tad early and walk around the area.
The store is located in the historic area of Belize City called The Fort George Area. It's where the cruise ships dock�and I'd reckon the prettiest part of the city.
They were having a Mothers' Day event - snacks, sangria and the store looked gorgeous.
That didn't take long . . .
The placement of a full-time police officer in the newly opened North Ambergris Caye substation is already paying dividends.
According to Rob Eykelbeysh, president of the North AC Neighborhood Watch program, the officer stationed here since the grand opening May 2 already has a drug bust under his belt.
PC Nestor Campos confirmed the bust today. PC Campos was patrolling up near the Rojo Lounge on Saturday, May 6, when he spotted a young Hispanic male who was told to stop. When the man started to bolt, PC Campos jumped off his motorcycle and grabbed him by the shirt.
Thinking on the Fly and My Funny Roatan Check In Experience
Bits and pieces of our group of 15 on the sailing Belize to Roatan and flying back experience are starting to reach the next level on the internet. The other bloggers in the group, Leisa and Ronnie have started going through their over 600 + (we were all shutterbugs) pictures and video footage and posting on their blog First World Refugee.
Their amusing account of our Journey to Jonesville, Roatan in search of the (now infamous to all of us who were there) Hole in the Wall Bar and Grill is worth reading. Some people that that write humorously have that spread component across their lives, this is the case with Ronnie and Lisa. They matched their day of infamy story with an equally funny flip video in the Guava Grove pool that thankfully did not qualify for tosh. O with any wipeouts - Caddyshack Pool Party Redeux in Roatan!
Belize's Laughing Bird Caye: Find Tranquility on this Tiny Atoll
If a Belizean tells you that Laughing Bird Caye is for the birds, it's okay to believe him. This little isle situated within an azure lagoon is a popular place for visitors and residents who appreciate the nation's ecological wonders. If you're eager to see how it feels to perch on an island that's just 1.4 acres in size, put this destination atop your Belize itinerary. That said, don't let the size of this caye fool you because there's lots to do here: swim, picnic, scuba diving or do nothing but lie on the white sand. You won't be the first visitor to find contentment staring up at palm trees and cotton-candy clouds. This little atoll is found on Victoria Channel's western side. Only 11 miles off the Placencia Village coast in the Stann Creek District, Laughing Bird Caye has the distinction of being the southernmost island in the Barrier Reef lagoon.
Hire a guide in Hopkins, Placencia Village or elsewhere on the Placencia Peninsula to enjoy your Laughing Bird Caye outing to the max. Tour fees cover the boat ride from Placencia Village to the Caye and back. Depending upon your desires, everything from a picnic lunch to scuba gear can be provided by your licensed tour operator.
St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park - Everything You Need to Know
The unique geological features within this 575 acre forest plus the beauty and wildlife combine to offer visitors plenty of reasons to tour this area. But it's the cave system that's the big lure: walk the 200 yards into the enclave to marvel at prehistoric-looking speleothems and Mayan artifacts. What's the Blue Hole? It's the lush blue pool deep within the cavern that's 100-feet deep and 300-feet in diameter. Don't confuse this Blue Hole with the place near Lighthouse Reef atoll that's beloved by divers. That said, what other excursion offers opportunities to see wildlife, Mayan artifacts, a cool cave and a sinkhole fed by underground rivers all in one place?
This destination is close to the nation's capital, Belmopan, but you don't have to be headquartered there to visit because licensed tour agents will be happy to escort you to and from this natural wonderland.
From Belmopan, travel about 12 miles southeast along the Hummingbird Highway to the park's entrance. Expect to hike through the jungle to reach your destinations.
Visit Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary - An Unspoiled Belize Paradise
How often are you given an opportunity to visit a 300-year-old, 16,400 acre wildlife sanctuary that, some experts believe, may have been the first European settlement to have been built in Belize around 1750? There's a small Mayan excavation site in the southwest corner of the Western Lagoon, so if you're interested in how archaeologists work, you might catch a glimpse of Chan Hiix as it's being revealed. Birders are particularly impressed by so many avian species found in here, and anyone interested in botany will discover vegetation, plants and flowers not seen elsewhere in the region.
Crooked Tree is located approximately 32 miles north of Belize City.
If you're driving on your own, take the Northern Highway from Belize City until you reach Mile 33, a dirt road leading to Crooked Tree. Alternately, the Orange Walk/Corozal bus will drop you two miles from your target destination and you can walk there. Alternately, book a tour from all points in Belize courtesy of your resort concierge and they will take care of all arrangements including transport and perhaps a picnic.
International Sources
Cierra el FBI la frontera con Belice
FBI closes the Belize / Mexico bridge? Chetumal, 11 de mayo. - Cierran el puente internacional Chactemal que comunica a M�xico y Belice, as� como el antiguo acceso, debido a operativos binacionales que se vienen realizando en la Zona Libre de esta naci�n caribe�a, as� como en las 14 comunidades de la ribera del R�o Hondo para la b�squeda de los supuestos homicidas del exmarine de Estados Unidos, Drew Thomas DeVoursney de 36 a�os, as� como de su novia la canadiense Francesca Matus, de 52 a�os de edad.
De acuerdo a datos recabados de manera sorpresiva ,un helic�ptero de la Polic�a Federal Divisi�n Caminos, empez� a sobrevolar la comunidad fronteriza de Subteniente L�pez, l�mite territorial entre M�xico y Belice, donde primeramente se pens� que se realizar�a un operativo por parte de instancias federales para detener a las personas que se dedican al llamado tr�fico hormiga de mercanc�as, tabaco y licor, procedentes de la Zona Libre.
Funeral today for Keswick woman killed in Belize
A funeral service will be held today in Richmond Hill for a 52-year-old woman whose body was discovered earlier this month in Belize.
"Franca had a zest for life, contagious smile and positive energy that enlightened every single person she touched," an obituary reads. "Family would like to thank her friends in Belize for their efforts over the past week."
Friends and neighbours gathered at Matus's Keswick home over the weekend to lay flowers and cards at a makeshift memorial on her front lawn.
Those who knew her described her as a friendly person who "never, ever went by without saying hi."
Matus, a Sault Ste. Marie native, moved to Toronto after completing college where she worked as a mortgage broker for nearly three decades.
Though she recently moved to Keswick, Ont., the snowbird often spent her winters in Belize.
Life of Belize murder victim celebrated, as mystery still surrounds her death
As questions continue to swirl around the mysterious death of a Ontario woman in Belize, hundreds of friends and family of Francesa Matus came together Thursday to celebrate her life at a memorial service in Richmond Hill, Ont.
Described on Thursday as "radiant," "smart," "a remarkable woman" and "a beautiful mother," Matus, 52, was found murdered along with her American boyfriend Drew De Voursney near the seaside town of Corozal, Belize, on April 30.
While Matus's family declined a request for an interview, a statement sent to CBC Toronto reads in part:
"Today a beautiful service was held in honour of Francesca. Behind those walls, all the ugliness and brutality surrounding her death didn't exist. Instead we chose to celebrate Francesca's life with friends and family from both Toronto and Ottawa. Messages from as far as Belize and Italy, and the beautiful eulogies given, were a true testament of the amazing human being that Francesca was."
Wyoming National Guard kicks off second medical event in Belize
Soldiers from the Wyoming National Guard kicked off the second of three medical readiness events as part of Beyond the Horizon 2017 at Macal River Park in San Ignacio, Belize May 8. BTH 2017 is a U.S. and Belize partnership exercise designed to provide humanitarian and engineering services to communities in need, demonstrating U.S. support for Belize.
Lt. Col. Amy Surdan, a nurse practitioner with the Wyoming Medical Detachment, has served on a previous Beyond the Horizon mission. Surdan, who works in the women's health tent, claims that the way the event is set up this year is better than her previous experience.
"I really prefer this one," she said. "Just for the way this is set up, where it is in one location throughout the whole duration. It makes it easier to work out the kinks of supply and transportation of medical equipment. It allows us to bring and use more specialized items we wouldn't be able to otherwise."
The Reserve Belize: A Cautionary Tale About Buying Property Overseas
How things got messy at this luxury development in Belize, previously known as Sanctuary Belize: feuds, delays and a tangle of lawsuits.
When Nancy Cunningham, a saleswoman in Delaware, bought a lot in 2008 in an up-and-coming real-estate development in Belize, she thought she and her husband Ken had made a great investment, she said. "We were told there would be hotels and a spa. They said there would be a golf course. There was going to be a marina with restaurants, condos, shops and stores," said Ms. Cunningham, 54. Thus far, there is no golf course, hotel, or...
11th Circ. Won't Rethink $22M Belize Telecom Deal Row
The Eleventh Circuit summarily refused Wednesday to reconsider its ruling forcing the government of Belize to face allegations that the country owes more than $22 million for leased telecommunications equipment.
A three-judge panel's single-paragraph refusal noted that no circuit judge had asked for a poll on full court reconsideration in the face of Belize's request. The country had been trying to upend the panel's late February decision affirming a lower court ruling and holding that the Central American nation cannot escape contract clauses that waive its...
Cyber Security Awareness Training Well Received in Belize
The Center for Information Security Awareness (CFISA), a business in Boca Raton, FL, has recently held presentations in Belize. They are proud to announce that they have received follow up communications from the Belize Public Utilities Commission in relation to those presentations. Specifically, the commission expressed its gratitude to CFISA for its contributions to the 1st National Cyber Security Symposium. People are encouraged to read the initial press release to obtain a better awareness of the role and goals of the symposium.
Michael Levin, CEO & Founder of CFISA, says: "The letter we received from the Belize Public Utilities Commission, supported by the people of Belize, the Belize government, and the Caribbean Networks Operators Group, was incredibly well-received. We love what we do, and we're very thankful to have been given the opportunity to make a difference."
Videos
Belize Nature Tour Scuba,Belize Zoo, Ruins,landscape 001, 54min.
Belize, 21min. Nice interview...
Belize Nature Tour: numerous shots of snakes,crocks,turtles,vegetation, 40min.
Belize Nature Tour numerous shots of snakes,crocks,turtles,vegetation, 11min.
Leon Jacob Highlights 2017 Orange Walk Rebels (Belize) NEBL, 3.5min. Leon Jacob 2017 Season with the Orange Walk Running Rebels.
Tropic Air flight to Belize from Roatan, 3min. Scud running from Roatan (RTB) to Belize (BZE)
Due to cumulus cloud, our plane was scud running (flying at a lower altitude.) Generally RTB - BZE route has planes flying 7000 - 9000 ft. Even though Tropic has instrument-rated pilots, weather and prevailing wind speed can cause a need to fly low. Thankfully it was only fluffy clouds that made for a relaxing flight and set our altitude closer to 7000 feet that day. Our speed was about 145 knots (268 kilometers per hour) with zero turbulence the whole way.
National Agriculture & Trade Show 2017 - Belmopan City, Belize, 5.5min. Enjoy some highlights from this year's National Agriculture & Trade Show Grounds in Belmopan, Belize.
Luis Blas Mendez : Americas reality. BGIP., 2.5min. Americas reality including Belize.
Morning Matters of the Day, 61min.
Tips For Picture Perfect Photos for Prom - Richard Holder, 25min.
Karl Heus�er Memorial Hospital - Nurses Week 2017, 25min.
The Loft Boutique & Gift Shop - 2017 prom Collection Showcase, 36min.
Belize Sabi & Adi, 10min. Caye caulker / Belize dive /San Ignacio/ Bellas / farm / fishing /placencia/ Gopro HD / Waterfall/ volunteer Go slow / Turkey / pitbull / punta gorda / belize beach /paradise
Snorkeling Belize, 20min. Snorkeling on the barrier reef of Belize, May 2017.
Belize Spring Break 2017 - San Pedro Island, 6.5min. This was my college Spring Break trip spent in Ambergris Caye, San Pedro - an island right off of Belize.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
