The Guardian
60 million dollars for SIF and DFC
There was a meeting of the House of representatives on Friday May 12 during which Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow announced that the government will be taking on two loans for the Social Investment Fund (SIF) and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC). These loans will be facilitated by the Caribbean Development Bank at interest rates not exceeding 3.3%.
Good Samaritan shot by robbers
Eduardo Samuel Caal Sub, a 39-year-old Guatemalan living in the Stann Creek Village of Hope Creek, was shot and killed on the Coastal Road, simply because of his kindness, police believe. So far, investigations are revealing that he stopped to render aid to several men, who turned out to be criminals on the run. Those men shot him and then stole his car to make an escape.
Policeman wins $435,000 Fantasy 5
Dayton Cyril Ogaldez walked into the offices of Caribbean Gaming Company on Wednesday May 17 to claim his winnings of $435,000 for Tuesday’s draw. The policeman told the press that he will use the new found wealth to buy a new house, a new car and invest in his children’s education.
Ogaldez says he purchased the quick pick ticket at a grocery store in Lord’s Bank.
Music Week 2017, the business of music high on the agenda
Belize’s Music Ambassador along with artists including Coconobway, Jackie Castillo, TY and Unlimited, officially launched Music Week 2017 on Monday May 15. This is the second year that music week is being observed. It will feature a number of activities including conferences on copyright laws, a public and private sector dialogue with the directorate of foreign trade, presentations by MIAB’s James Sanker, a music in schools rally, an open mic night as well as free concerts on Friday and Saturday.
Government of Belize signs contract for airport link road project
A contract was signed between the Government of Belize, Nabeel Abdul Raheem Consultants, and BECA International Consultants Ltd. The contract, which was signed on May 11, 2017,was for services of consultancy and construction supervision of the Airport Link Road Project. The contract was agreed for BZ$4,973,500.
The GOB procured the services as a counterpart measure to its existing funding parter the OPEC Fund for International Development. OFID had no objections and the award for surpervision was made to a joint venture with the two firms, both having years of experience in Belize.
Love triangle ends in murder in Punta Gorda
There was a murder on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 in Toledo District. The victim of the murder was Lascelle Martinez, a popular musician of the famous “Coolie Rebels” and son of former Minister, Eden Martinez. He was fatally stabbed multiple times at the corner of West and Victoria Streets in Punta Gorda Town.
The suspect in the case in Simeon Lino.
Guatemalan gold panner dies in Chiquibul
The Guatemalan Press reported rather prematurely that one of their soldiers was killed in the Adjacency Zone. That was cause for concern because if it was true, the tension between both countries would spike once again. That was a completely false report. A Guatemalan civilian was found dead in Belizean territory, but forensic evidence is pointing to an accident, not hostile fire with the Belize Defense Force Soldiers.
CARSI 2017 Notice of Funding Opportunity
The United States Embassy in Belmopan, Belize announces a notice of funding to strengthen government through civil society engagement under the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). The purpose is to support democracy and governance efforts. The closing date for proposal submissions is June 19, 2017. The embassy intends to issue three to five awards in amounts not to exceed $1,500,000 in total funding, each to be between $200,000 and $400,000. Project periods are not to exceed two years and the anticipated start date should be September 29, 2017.
The New Children’s Agenda
Today is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Families under the theme, “Families, education and well-being.” In commemoration of this day, Belize through the National Committee for Families and Children made this 15th day of May quite monumental and symbolic as both the Prime Minster Right Honorable Dean Barrow and Leader of Opposition Honorable John Briceno made their global proclamation with the signing of the new Children’s Agenda 2017 – 2030.
The Agenda is a result of a framework that looks at the development of children and adolescence age 0-19 over the next 14 years.
Cayo Central celebrates mothers
Hundreds of mothers turned out at the Santa Elena Sports Complex last Friday for a Mothers’ Day special, which had been organized by the Cayo Central Division. The office of the Hon. Rene Montero, Representative for that Division now confirms that the Mothers’ Day Celebration was a huge success.
As highlights for the 2017 Mothers’ Day special, mothers were entertained by the New Sensation Band and provided with gifts, food and drinks. Master of ceremonies for the occasion was Mike Salazar, who was assisted by Sharry Medina.
Resentment over Audubon leads to arson in Crooked Tree
Readers who travel often to the village of Crooked Tree are well-acquainted with the Belize Audubon Society’s Visitors’ Center. That building was there up until the weekend of the village’s cashew festival, when it was completely destroyed by fire.
The building went up in flames sometime after 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 13. That’s when the site manager realized that the visitor’s center was on fire. The fire department was called in, but it was already too late to save anything, and when they came, all they could do was put out the small fires that remained. The 40 feet by 40 feet structure was completely destroyed, and at this time, the investigators from the National Fire Service are trying to determine what the cause of the fire was.
E-books for high schools in Belize
The Ministry of Education is this month celebrating Education Showcase with a number of activities aimed at highlighting education in Belize. As part of the observance, Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber has invited his counterpart minister from Antigua and Barbuda, Michael Brown to come to Belize. He was specifically invited to share his experience in the implementation technology and e-books for students to serve a double role of having students exposed to technology at an earlier age while also reducing the cost of books to students.
GOB and UNDP Host the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) South-South Cooperation
The BIOFIN South-South exchange was held on May 10 and 11, 2017 at the Biltmore Plaza and included the participation of persons from both the private and public sectors. Participants hailed from Guatemala, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Through the exchange, Belize stakeholders gained insight on finance modalities developed by targeted BIOFIN countries, as well as their experience in the implementation of BIOFIN assessments. Belize signed to the global BIOFIN in December 2015. The global partnership responded to an indication of the persistence of significant gaps in the financing of biodiversity management.
Gracie Rock residents receive capacity building through SIF
Residents of Gracie Rock Village who successfully completed training in Capacity Building programs received Certificates of Completion at an award ceremony held at Gracie Rock Community Centre, Gracie Rock Village on May 13, 2017. Funding for the project was provided courtesy of the Government of Belize through the Caribbean Development Bank.
The programs were designed to strengthen the capacity of the community to increase income from tourism and recreational activities aimed at taking advantage of the rich eco-tourism that Gracie Rock possesses.
Iguana Street basketball court rehabilitated
On Monday May 15, young men and residents of the Collett constituency gathered at the Iguana Street basketball court as the newly refurbished basketball court was inaugurated once again. Originally constructed in 1996, the court has seen very little improvement over the years and the decision was taken that it was time for a facelift. After a 12 thousand dollar investment, the court saw a resurfacing of the court along with painting and installation of backboards and rims and the refurbishing of the bleachers.
Internal union squabble turns into racism
Right now, there is major upheaval within the Public Service Union and the trade union movement in Belize following the recording and release of a conversation between union executives. In it, the PSU President, Eldred Neal, and trade unionists, Marvin Mora and Lorelei Westby, are heard carrying on in an embarrassing conversation in which prejudicial remarks were made against the Garifuna people, and members of the union who are of the Garifuna Culture.
Museum day observed in Belize
Activities for International Museum Day are being observed in Belize this week in partnership with a number of entities. As part of the celebration of International Museum Day 2017, the Museum of Belize is partnering with the Embassy of Panama in Belize in an effort to highlight both the Belizean and Panamanian cultures. The exhibit will run from May 18th to July 18th. The public is invited to view the exhibit at the Museum of Belize, from Mondays to Saturdays, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Racism in Belize and how unaware we are of it
Originally it was not our intention to write about the topic of the perceived racist remarks that have been attributed to the President of the Belize Energy Workers Union, Mr. Marvin Mora and the President of the Public Service Union Mr. Eldred Neal. We must however become involved in this conversation because it is our opinion, that the proper things are not being brought to the forefront. First of all let us state that at this newspaper we deplore any sort of discrimination and as such we condemn, the statements that are being purported to have been said by the two gentlemen. We believe that people should not be singled out for special treatment based on race, color, politics, sex, religion, economic status, education, size or any other of those things that persons may seek to use, to divide us as a people.
ROC diplomatic allies submit proposal for WHO to invite Taiwan to WHA as an observer
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has not been invited to attend the 70th World Health Assembly this year. Nonetheless, it has the obligation—and its citizens have the right—to participate in discussions on global health and disease prevention issues, a fact that is reflected in the worldwide support Taiwan has received. The ROC government takes global health cooperation very seriously, and is determined to play a role in international epidemic control efforts. As such, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally requested its diplomatic allies to submit proposals to the World Health Organization endorsing Taiwan’s participation.
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Early Childhood Development
UNICEF in collaboration with the ministries of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture; Health, and Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty Alleviation is holding a two-day conference at the Princess Ramada Hotel on May 16 and 17, 2017. The conference is focusing on Early Childhood Development (ECD) as a vital faucet of achieving our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as described in the 2017-2030 Agenda. The participants had the pleasure of hearing from a variety of key players during the two day event who conveyed prominent information in the field. Teachers and educators alike were given the platform to learn how to achieve better results beyond education given our very limited financial resources.
Regional partners gather for 7th Caribbean Urban Forum in Belize City
Over the course of three days, between May 17th to the 19th, the Belize City Council will host the Caribbean Urban Forum 2017 under the theme ‘(Green) Energy, Economy and Space Pathways to Urban Sustainability.’ The forum is an annual regional gathering that brings all manner of persons and entities involved in land management and planning together to share information and create collaboration and networking.
This year Belize City is hosting the 7th such gathering where a total of 47 conference papers will be presented. These papers are the main part of the conference where wide and varied topics related to urban planning and development will be discussed. Every manner of research documents from countries across the region including Belize will be presented. The papers presented will vary from Waterfront development in Belize to affordable housing projects by the IDB in the Caribbean.
Top teachers awarded for 2016-2017
Outstanding teachers from all across the country were awarded during this year’s observance of Education Showcase 2017 on May 11, 2017. Awarded were eight teachers and school leaders that excelled in several categories including pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary levels, special education, technical and vocational, as well as school leaders.
Claudia Smith was awarded Most Outstanding pre-primary school teacher 2016. Smith said “sometimes we are the teacher, sometimes we are the psychologist, sometimes we have to be the doctor, and sometimes we even have to play the mother and father.”
Burglary in Corozal nets $57,000
Police in Corozal are investigating a burglary in Corozal where as much as $57,0000 dollars worth of valuables were stolen.
On Sunday, May 14, 2017, Elena Sanchez, a 66-year-old retiree of Corozal reported to police that she woke to find her house burglarized. According to Sanchez an assortment of jewelry and electronics were stolen along with cash, totaling an approximate value of $57,000. No one has yet been charged in relation to the burgulary.
Cultivation of cannabis in Crooked Tree
Police conducted a house search at the residence of 63-year-old Norma Aldana of Crooked Tree, Belize District on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Also present was David Aldana, 26-years-old. Police discovered 55 cannabis plants ranging from 11 inches to 3 feet 1 inch in height. Norma and David have both been arrested for the offence of cultivation of cannabis.
Female Coast Guard chokes colleague
Maribel Manzanero, 27-year-old employee at the Belize Coast Guard, was placed on interdiction in January 2016 when she attacked and choked another female coast guard over an old issue between them. She was found guilty on Friday, May 12, 2017 and remanded to the Belize Central Prison. On May 16, 2017 she was released with two court fines.
Fishermen found not guilty of gun possession
Fishermen working at Turneffe were allegedly in possession of a firearm along with live rounds of ammunition in its chamber in July 1, 2015. The bust was made by a coast guard patrol who handed the six men to police. According to the coast guard, someone was seen throwing a gun through a window and that is why all six men on the campsite were charged. The men, Giovanni Murrillo, Emiliano Camara, Jerome Bowen, Goldburn Goff, Everon Teck, and Dion Usher, were remanded to prison and later granted bail.
Gas station robbery in Ladyville
CIB Personnel responded to information received of a robbery at the Puma Gas Sation in Ladyville, Belize District. They were met by Kirk Cadle, 18-year-old gas attendant, who reported that on May 11, 2017 around 9:15 p.m., while he was sitting alongside James Leal and Ray Peters in front of the gas station, they were approached by a long gun man.
Man sentenced to three months for crack cocaine
Gerald Hamilton, a 58-year-old Belize City resident, has been sentenced by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser to three months in prison for the possession of a controlled drug. He was found with 0.3 grams of crack cocaine on Sunday, May 14, 2017.
According to police while on a patrol on Gill Street, they intercepted Hamilton and during the search for an illegal substance, Hamilton opened his hand and the officer saw two objects that he suspected to be crack cocaine.
22 Honduran prisoners escaped- possibly enroute to Belize'
Authorities have been warned that some 22 prisoners have escaped detention from the Marco Aurelio Soto prison, an overcrowded military prison in Honduras. The prison holds 17,000 inmates in a facility designed to host 8,000. It is believed that some of them are possibly headed to Belize. The escapees are of the infamous Barrio 18 gang in Honduras.
Illegal Honduran immigrant women being sent home
Two Honduran women will be facing time in detention at the Belize Central Prison until Friday, May 19, 2017 after which they will be returned to their homeland. They are Greisy Rodriguez Roman and Keyli Cabrera Sabillon that came to seek employment in Belize six months ago.
They were onboard a BBOC bus on May 16, 2017 when they were intercepted at a police check point at Mile 16 on the George Price Highway. An Immigration officer requested documents and when they could not produce any, they were taken off the bus, detained, and escorted to the police station. Police later handed them over to the Immigration Department in Belize City.
Three years in jail for robbery
Samir Martinez, the bus conductor that was robbed in July 2016, is now getting justice. His attacker, Elroy Hemmans, an accountant of La Democracia, has been sentenced to three years in prison on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Hemmans, who had initially pleaded not guilty, changed his plea at his last trial.
Pepsi truck driver robbed
On May 11, 2017, John Gabourel and Raynard Rhaburn, sales men onboard a Pepsi delivery truck, were approached by three men on Mahogany Street, Belize City. One of the men pointed a gun to Gabourel and demanded money. Gabourel was searched and his wallet was removed from his pocket which contained $54.00 in cash, his driver’s license, and his ATM card.
Robbery at Stann Creek Western Union
Police from Independence Village responded to a robbery on May 10, 2017. They visited the Charlton’s Cable Office in Bella Vista Village which also houses the ICB and Western Union office. They received information that Leslie Williams, a 29-year-old Guatemalan cashier, had been taken to the Independence Village Polyclinic. Investigations revealed that Williams was at her workplace when a man entered and demanded cash.
$38,0000 robbery in Santa Elena, Cayo
The owner of Chen’s Supermarket from Santa Elena Town in the Cayo District, Wei Bin Chen was caught off guard on Monday morning and robbed at gun point. He reported to police that two men on bicycles approached him an robbed him of $38,000. The 60 year old Chen was hit to the left side of his face with a firearm and was robbed of $38,000.00 in cash which he had on him. The incident occurred when Wei Chen was exiting his abode on Eduardo Juan Street at about 8:00 am
Teenager charged with drug and bicycle offenses
Kyle Latchman, an 18-year-old construction worker, was caught by police with a bag of cannabis while riding contrary to the flow of traffic and later managed to escape. He was recaptured and charged with four criminal offenses on May 15, 2017. He was fined with drug trafficking, escaping from lawful custody, causing a bike to proceed up a one way street, and riding a bicycle without a bell. He pleaded guilty to three of the four offenses as he claims that he was not riding contrary to traffic and that it was instead a young man with whom he was riding.
Three years in jail for robbery
Samir Martinez, the bus conductor that was robbed in July 2016, is now getting justice. His attacker, Elroy Hemmans, an accountant of La Democracia, has been sentenced to three years in prison on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Hemmans, who had initially pleaded not guilty, changed his plea at his last trial.
Belmopan Bandits is Premier League of Belize Closing Season champions
The Premier League of Belize 2016-2017 Closing Season Tournament came to an end on Saturday 13th May, 2017, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan when the defending champions, the Belmopan Bandits blanked Verdes FC by the score of 1-0 to retain its billing as the top football team in the country.
The spectators that went to the stadium to support their team was treated to a real beauty as nobody gave up anything until the late in the second half of the game that the Belmopan Bandits’ Ian Gaynair was able to penetrate the defence of the Verdes FC to score the only goal of the game.
Football Federation of Belize Elections Nominations close
The Football Federation of Belize announced that with the unset of the FFB executive elections, the nomination period closed. The nomination period allows an individual to submit his or her documents after being nominated by a district association chairman and seconded by another.
Monday 15th May, 2017 was set as the deadline for those who wished to contest the two remaining executive positions of President and Vice President on the FFB Executive Body during the 10th Ordinary Congress set for Saturday, June 24th, 2017. Those who have submitted their names will be vetted before any official information is released from the FFB.
Belize City Primary Schools Basketball Competition opens
The 2016-2017 Belize City Primary Schools Basketball competition opened on Wednesday 10th May, 2017, with two games played at the Gateway Youth Centre in Belize City.
In the first game played in the girls’ competition, St. Martin De Porres School won handily over St. Luke Methodist School by the score of 29-0. The top scorer for St. Martin De Porres School was Shantel Flowers with 19 points.
In the boys game played, St. Martin De Porres School also won over St. Luke Methodist School by the score of 35-11. The top scorer for St. Martin De Porres School was Evan Welch with 12 points while the top scorer for St. Luke Methodist School was Andy Flowers with 6 points.
San Pedro Tiger Sharks fourth time to the Pepsi National Elite Basketball League finals
The championship for the Pepsi National Elite Basketball League of Belize is now set to commence on Saturday 20th May at 9:00 pm out at the San Pedro High School Auditorium in San Pedro Town between the San Pedro Tiger Sharks and the Belmopan Bandits.
The San Pedro Tiger Sharks laid claims to the final spot when it eliminated the Cayo Western Ballaz on Sunday 14th May, 2017, by the score of 82-69 out at the San Pedro High School Auditorium. The top scorers for the San Pedro Tiger Sharks were George Williams with 23 points, 3 rebounds and a steal and Raul Roches who scored 20 points to go along with his 10 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.
Outside the box in 2020
I decided to stay tuned to Wave television this morning, Wednesday May 17, since they announced earlier that my friend Fonso would be on with Joe. Maybe I am one of those old people who opposes change, but I consider Fonso and Joe Bradley as complementary to each other on the morning show. After all it is considered a political talk show not “Court TV”. People want to hear the latest “chisme” and enjoy when the UDP’s radio and TV station lashes back at those who dedicate their entire morning shows in attacking this UDP government.
House fire in Bella Vista
Police responded to a house fire in Bella Vista, Toledo on May 13, 2017 and upon their arrival, police saw a wooden house with a thatched roof engulfed in flames. Investigations reveal that Elvira Peck, a 40-year-old domestic, went to San Isidro Village and left her 2-year-old, 6-year-old, and 16-year-old behind. The neighbor was alerted by smoke and went to rescue the children who all escaped uninjured. It was revealed that one of the children was playing with a lighter. The building and its contents were completely destroyed. The fire was extinguished by fire personnel.
Lionel ‘Diablo’ Gentle and Rupert ‘Canalete’ Anderson
Lionel Diablo Gentle: some of us called him Hitler. Those who were closely attached to him called him Diablo. You see, Diablo used to play football on the popular and powerful BEC football team. His teammates like Pine Hernandez, Chico Ellis, Malcolm Hemmans, Claude Robinson likewise his opponents like Angus Vernon, Charlie Gardiner, Bembe the Mugger Garbutt (now deceased), and Roo Robinson all believed that Diablo was the best football stopper this country has ever seen.
The name Hilter, I believe came from Adolof Hitler who dictated the direction of the world in the 1940’s which led to World War II. Hitler Gentle dictated things in the defensive lines of football in Belize. The word Diablo is a Spanish word which in English means devil. I believe his devilish attitude on the football field is why he derived that nickname from his closest friends.
Words of Life
In the Gospel of John, chapter 16, verse 24,Jesus said, “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.”
Every prayer should have a foundation on which to build up to answers. The foundation is made up of our definite request which is supported by the word of God with thanksgiving.
Regional Writers’ Conference held in Benque
As part of the recently ended seventh International Festival of Culture held in Benque Viejo del Carmen, a Regional Writers’ Conference was also held at the Mount Carmel High School. Present at this conference were writing luminaries from Belize, Honduras and Guatemala.
Ivory Kelly, English lecturer at the University of Belize, who is about to release her second collection of short stories and has spent much time on the internet promoting and celebrating the work of other Belizean writers, told the audience that there was a paucity of locally produced material. She also said that writers need time to write and that some entity like the National Institute of Culture and History NICH needs to invest in our writers--to take a sabbatical.
Breaking Belize News
Transformation apace- Development unhindered
Amid the revelations emerging from the Senate Special Select Committee Hearings, some of which are admittedly disappointing, to say the least, we must not lose sight of the fact that whatever went wrong at Immigration or any specific department or ministry (such as Lands or Natural Resources) has NOT centrally impeded nor undermined this government’s national development agenda. In every part of the country, the signs of development and physical transformation are visible, unmistakable and irrefutable.
PUP Condemns Disruption of Senate Inquiry
The People’s United Party (PUP) have issued a press release condemning the disruption of the hearing of the Special Senate Select Committee on May, 17, 2017 by the UDP Chairman, Alberto August, Brian “Yellowman” Audinett, and Allan Kelly.
Louis Wade to be charged for assault and using indecent words
Plus TV’s owner and host of the Rise and Shine morning show, Louis Wade will be arraigned tomorrow morning at 9 at San Ignacio’s Magistrate Court for “assault”, and “using indecent words”. Wade is being charged for an incident that occurred in November of last year between him and the son of Rene Montero, the current Representative for Cayo Central.
Belize City man arrested for assaulting three women
According to police reports, Shirley Mejia, 41, of Pinks Alley, Belize City reported that on Tuesday night around 9:39, while standing in front of her house with her daughter and daughter-in-law, she was approached by Davone Gillett, 20, of Pinks Alley, Belize City. Gillett then pulled out a firearm […]
Elodio Aragon embarks on countrywide tour of police department
The Minister of State with responsibility for Home Affairs, Elodio Aragon Jr. will embark on a countrywide familiarization tour of the Belize Police Department. Through the tour, Aragon will familiarize himself with the day-to-day operations of the individual police departments throughout the country, and […]
Stakeholders champion multi-sectoral approach to early childhood development at 2nd biennial conference
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation; Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture; and Ministry of Health in partnership with UNICEF yesterday concluded a two-day Early Childhood Development (ECD) Conference under the theme: “Positive Play, Positive Minds, Brighter Tomorrow”. Stakeholders and […]
The Belize Chocolate festival kicks off this Friday
The annual chocolate festival will be held this weekend in the Toledo district. The three day celebration runs from May 19-21st in Punta Gorda and is a part of the cacao-driven culture of the Toledo District. The Toledo District is known for its superior cacao. […]
PG man wanted for murder and stabbing, police say
Yesterday around 12:25p.m., police visited the Punta Gorda Hospital where they saw Lacelle Martinez, 36, Belizean musician of Victoria Street, Punta Gorda Town suffering from stab wounds to the left side. Police also saw Tiannie Figueroa, 20, of VOA Road, Punta Gorda suffering from stab […]
Body of Guatemalan national awaits a post mortem examination in Belize City
Yesterday, the Government of Belize issued a release on the Guatemalan national found dead in the Chiquibul National Park. A joint operation conducted by the Organization of American States (OAS) along with the Belize Defence Force (BDF), Belize Forensic Department, and Guatemalan officials, located […]
Police detains 12 year old student for armed robbery
A 21 year old driver for Zeta Purified Water reported that at lunch time yesterday, while driving his delivery truck on Mahogany Street along with his coworker, he made a stop at the corner of Western Avenue and Mahogany Street where his coworker went to purchase […]
23 Participants to Receive Certificates in the BPO Industry
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE held a 3 weeks training in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) field of job preparedness training. The classes were a unique blend of soft skills, customer service, and technical aspects needed in this […]
PUP leader says GOB rigged Integrity Commission’s decision
People’s United Party Leader, John Briceño, is claiming that the Government of Belize manipulated the Integrity Commission, to allow for minister’s of government to get away without disclosing their financial statements.
The Games People Play – Antics in the Senate
Brian Audinett aka “Yellowman” – Sergeant At Arms, National Assembly
“Put that down and no the video me before I stone you over this thing (railing) ya. I no play you know.”
Brian Audinett aka “Yellowman” – Sergeant At Arms, National Assembly “Why you like video people, that’s what cause me to broke people phone and so.”
Alindy Marisol Amaya – News Director, Krem News “You can try with mine.”
San Pedro, Belize
San Pedro Town is the one and only town on the popular Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. It serves as a hub of amenities for the 20,000 expats and locals who currently live on the island. This is where they go to shop, bank, and socialize.
IL Belize Correspondent Ann Kuffner lives close to the town center. “We can get most of what we need right here,” says Ann. “Every year more conveniences are available. We have reliable power, water, cable, and internet. There are many great restaurants, bars, and a monthly gourmet farmers’ market. We have a theater north of the bridge. Events and parades are held often. The road north has now been paved, making it easy to get to beaches and resorts that used to be remote. And the San Pedranos are friendly and helpful in general, making it easier to fit in.”
Fund Your Caribbean Adventure With Simple Photography
Floating peacefully in the warm Caribbean waters, we’d just about given up on our quest to spot a manatee (sea cow). My friend—a freelance photographer like myself—had been raving about the possibility all day…but now it was almost time to head back to dry land.
Suddenly, I felt something enormous brushing against my leg—a huge manatee, far bigger than us and twice as bold. Despite his size, he was a gentle and playful creature, eager to join in our swim.
Days later, I would still find myself smiling every time I thought of this event. It was, without a doubt, the highlight of our trip—and just about the only thing that neither of us caught on camera. We traveled all the way from Antigua in the central Guatemalan highlands to beachside Placencia on the Caribbean coast of Belize, snapping up a storm along the way. It was a long journey and an adventure in the truest sense of the word.
Visited the inauguration of the Corozal House of Culture Historical Walk in Corozal
All Corozalenos where cordially invited to the opening ceremony for the inauguration of the Corozal Town Historical Walk that began at 9 am on Thursday May 18th, 2017. We want to kindly thank our collaborators; the Corozal Town Council, Belize Archives and Records Service, Corozal Junior College, Mr. Roy Rodriguez, Mr. Oscar Riveroll, Mr. Francisco Magana, Mrs. Amira Leiva, Mr. Graham Sampson, the Ahmad Family and Mr. Jorge Clarke. All have been an integral part in the research, collection of images, installation and inauguration of the Historical Walk. Join us tomorrow in celebrating this milestone with our beloved community!The Corozal House of Culture was originally built in 1886 as a Market for Corozal Town. During its lifetime the Market was utilized for a century as it was originally intended. Abandoned for a decade, the building was refurbished in 1996 and reopened as the Corozal Tourism and Cultural Centre, but was closed in 2003. Due to the historical nature of the building, it was transferred to the Institute of Archaeology's management and remained unused, until the idea to convert it to a House of Culture was born.
RAINFOREST REMEDY: RECONNECTING WITH NATURE IN SAN IGNACIO
One of the biggest joys I find in life is discovering something I never knew existed but somehow feels so familiar that it lights up my imagination. This happened with our trip to Western Belize and it came out of nowhere. I was planning my trip to Naia and their PR said, "we also have this amazing property in San Ignacio if you want to extend your time in Belize!" Honestly, I ignorantly never knew that there was a magical place in western Belize that is chock full of adventure and healing. So of course I put aside whatever it is that I was meant to be working on (typical me) and fell down the rabbit hole. Mayan architecture. Rainforest medicine. Cave exploring. Jungle Horseback Riding. I was hooked before I even really knew anything about it but came to me at the exact moment where I could truly understand the magic.
I spent the next 2 days devouring Rosita Arvigo's book about her time with one of the last Mayan healers in the area. It was spellbounding. There are thousands of medicinal species of plants here. The biodiversity is astounding and it's been quietly healing people for hundreds, maybe thousands, of years. Bush doctors, shamans and village healers were common practice and had continued to scrape together this tradition orally after the Spanish burnt most of the important codexes that housed a wealth of critical information.
International Sources
OutRight Honors LGBTIQ Human Rights Defenders at United Nations
On May 15, 2017, OutRight Action International honored Caleb Orozco, the man who successfully challenged Belize's sodomy law and won, with the Felipa De Sousa Award at the organization's annual gala, a Celebration of Courage.
Caleb Orozco, Executive Director of LGBTIQ organization, Unibam, stole the show with his reflection on the struggles and successes of overturning Belize's anti-sodomy law and changing the landscape of LGBTIQ rights in Belize and beyond. Kenita Placide, OutRight's Caribbean Advisor, presented Orozco with the prestigious award and commented on the changing situation for LGBTIQ individuals in the Caribbean:
Advanced nursing students from Florida Inter-national University lighten load of Beyond the Horizon 2017
In a small open field next to a school house, hundreds of peo-ple gather to receive free health care provided by the U.S. Army in San Ignacio, Belize, May 12. Treating only acute illnesses, the medical exercise is the second of three 10-day events that will be administered during Beyond the Horizon 2017.
BTH 2017 is a U.S. Southern Command sponsored exercise, led by U.S. Army South, and runs from March 25 to June 17. It is a partnership exercise between the U.S. military and the government of Belize, that consists of the construction of medical clinics, school buildings and provides three medical readiness treatment exercises.
So far, providers are seeing approximately 500 to 600 patients a day at San Ig-nacio. The first medical event in Ladyville, treated upwards of 3,500 patients over the ten-day period and it is looking like they will exceed that number in San Ignacio.
Surprising sylvan elegance: Belize's Blancaneaux Lodge
Bouncing along in the back seat of a school bus, reggaeton blasting over the crackly loudspeakers, I bid farewell to Belize's Caribbean coast and headed west, deep into its thickly jungled backcountry.
I had spent three days unwinding at the beach at Caye Caulker and now was bound for San Ignacio and ultimately the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve for a stay at the understatedly swanky Blancaneaux Lodge, owned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola.
Blancaneaux Lodge, one of two Coppola hotels in Belize, is an earthy oasis in the midst of a vast protected forest. The weather conditions and landscape are nothing that you would expect from Belize: low humidity, pine trees and oaks, rocky paths, mountain streams. The resort comprises 20 rooms that overlook Privassion Creek, which runs through the property with tumbling waterfalls that create refreshing swimming holes. In the spirit of disconnecting, WiFi is available only in the main lodge and around the pool, but it's unlikely you are going to miss it when there is so much to do on property.
Engineer Unit gives more during Beyond the Horizon mission
U.S. Army Engineers from the 372nd Engineer Company, a reserve unit out of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, stand in formation and listen to the students of St. Matthews Government School outside of Belmopan, Belize, sing their national anthem during the morning assembly May 2, 2017.
The Soldiers are constructing a new classroom building for the school as a part of Beyond the Horizon 2017. BTH 2017 is a partnership exercise between U.S. Southern Command and the Government of Belize designed to improve health and educational facilities by providing five construction projects and three health care events in the districts of Cayo, Stann Creek and Belize.
The engineering crew awaits the chance to interact with the kids and present a duffle bag filled with sports equipment they brought from their home station. Soldiers from the 372nd gathered, purchased and transported various pieces of athletic equipment they hoped the children would enjoy. They did this on their own, without input or direction from their first sergeant or company commander.
Videos
Plus TV in Belize interview with children chess champs, 12.5min. An interview on Plus TV in Belize. Were the Davis boys were interviewed about their Chess Tournament wins in 2017.
Did you know that whale poop helps you breathe?, 1.2min.
Snorkeling in Belize with NWTC Study Abroad, 7.5min.
Snorkeling With Sharks & Peeing On Jellyfish Stings In Belize, 5.5min.
JASON Project V Belize 1994 crew video, 8min. JASON V: Planet Earth (February 28 - March 11, 1994)
A journey to the rain forest, caverns, Mayan ruins and coral reef of Belize. This is the crew video that was put together from outtakes of the two weeks of live broadcasts and behind the scenes footage.
Dr. Meg Lowman (aka CanopyMeg) appears in this video.
Music Week 2017, 33min.
HORSE RACE SHOW 5 18 2017, 2hr.
Dynasty Hair, 22min.
SJC Caste War Project, 1hr.
Eldred Neal on Controversial Comments, 37min.
Chocolate Stout & Chef Kuylen, 42min.
National Agriculture and Trade Show Grounds Upgrades, 3.5min. Belizeans will soon view the National Agriculture and Trade Show grounds in a different light as major projects are on the way to ensure that the show grounds is utilized throughout the year. Janel Rodriguez tells us more …
Birdy's La isla Bonita Birthday, 4.5min.
Belize Adventures Tours at Portofino Beach Resort, 1min. Do nothing or do EVERYTHING at Portofino Beach Resort on San Pedro Belize. We will help you organize tours to the many cultural and historical wonders of Belize, including world class diving, fishing, inland trips, massages, kayaking, sailing and parasailing and much more.
Snorkeling in Belize, 3min. Snorkeling with sharks, manta rays, and all sorts of colorful fish in the reefs of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, off the coast of Caye Caulker in Belize. An adventure day during Month 4 of the World Race.
Song Time - Belize Study Abroad with NWTC, 4min. Every morning they sang songs for about 20 minutes. As you can see, they enjoyed this time very much!
Dolphin in the Belize River, 1/2min. Bottle Nosed Dolphin riding the waves in the Belize River behind our tour boat.
Snorkeling & Diving with Portofino Belize - beautiful underwater footage, 4min.
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