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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

Ambergris Today

Celebrity Spotting: 'Lost' Actor Matthew Fox Find His Way To Belize
American Actor Matthew Fox is well known for his role in the supernatural drama television series ‘Lost’, but he surely did not look lost when he was spotted vacationing in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Matthew seemed quite at home in this picture taken at one of the island’s most popular ‘watering hole’ Palapa Bar. Bartenders Marcial Flores and Justin Daniels took the opportunity to take a snap with Matthew. He was also spotted at another local hotspot, Sandy Toes, where Instagram fanpage @matthewfoxroxx shared this picture of him with a fan on May 21.

Belize's Annual Wonder Woman Challenge Coming Up
The Annual Wonder Woman Challenge between women of the various disciplines in the security forces of Belize starts on Thursday, May 25, 2017. Female officers from the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), the Belize Defence Force, and the Belize Police Department will partake in a two-day event that includes four physically demanding challenges. These are a six-mile relay, a run-swim-run competition, the BCG Medley in which the teams must run while carrying four different burdens, and an obstacle course competition. This year’s competition takes place on the 25th-26th of May, starting at 8:00 AM at the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters, 4 ½ miles George Price Highway. The Wonder Woman Challenge is meant to foster teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a way to encourage the recruitment of women into the security sector. Members of the public are invited to come and support their favorite team. For more information contact the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters.

Misc Belizean Sources

100% ORGANIC Black Berries Wine on Caye Caulker
Goin like the wind! Bzd$10 per bottle (16oz). How many you want? Quarts and gallons by orders only...

Island Magic Beach Resort Now hiring for Font Desk/Reservations Department
f interested please send messages to: Island Magic's Facebook Messenger or call 226-0505 or visit our office. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills using proper English is the MOST IMPORTANT required qualification for this job as well as exceptional customer service expertise.

2nd Annual Wonder Woman Challenge
The Annual Wonder Woman Challenge between women of the various disciplines in the security forces of Belize starts on Thursday, May 25, 2017. Female officers from the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), the Belize Defence Force, and the Belize Police Department will partake in a two-day event that includes four physically demanding challenges. These are a six-mile relay, a run-swim-run competition, the BCG Medley in which the teams must run while carrying four different burdens, and an obstacle course competition. This year’s competition takes place on the 25th-26th of May, starting at 8:00 AM at the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters, 4 ½ miles George Price Highway. The Wonder Woman Challenge is meant to foster teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a way to encourage the recruitment of women into the security sector. Members of the public are invited to come and support their favorite team. For more information contact the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters.

Belize National Festival of Arts
2017 Calendar of Events

FIXED STAR INLVESTMENT INC. fraudulently claims it's registered in Belize to Trade
It has come to the notice of the International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC) that an entity calling itself ‘FIXED STAR INLVESTMENT INC.’ is falsely and fraudulently claiming to hold a trading in securities licence issued by the International Financial Services Commission of Belize. We confirm that “FIXED STAR INLVESTEMNT INC.” is not licenced by the International Financial Services Commission of Belize or any other competent authority in Belize to engage in any type of trading business. The Licence displayed on the website, http://fxsfx.com/en/index.html is a complete forgery.

Corozal Cancer Walk Held In Corozal
Sunday, May 28 at 6 AM - 8 AM. Come wake up with a new week in Corozal on May 28, 2017 for a fun walk.

East Indian Festival
The Corozal Organization of East Indian Cultural Heritage (COEICH) will be celebrating its East Indian Festival in the beautiful village of Sarteneja on Thursday, June 1st between 9:00 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. See you there!

Remembering Deon Williams
"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” - St. Francis of Assisi

Sofia Guzman passes away
Services May 26, Caye Caulker Roman Catholic Church

Deputy Prime Minister Heads High-Level Delegation on Official Visit to Cuba
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Patrick Faber is presently leading an Official High-level Delegation to the Republic of Cuba from May 22 to 26 2017. He is accompanied by the Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, and the Hon. Angel Campos, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health. The delegation is supported by a technical team formed by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade, the National Sports Council, the National Institute for Culture and History, and the Belize Embassy in Cuba. The Mission will call on Vice President of the Republic of Cuba Hon. Valdes Mésa on May 24th to express solidarity between Cuba and Belize and deepen the scope of cooperation between the two nations.

CAMCAYCA & CALGA MAYORS AND COUNCILORS VISIT AMBERGRIS CAYE
Mayors and councilors of the different countries that form the organizaton CAMCAYCA (Confederación de Asociaciónes de Municipios de Centroamérica y el Caribe) and CALGA (Caribbean Association of Local Government Authorities) visited Ambergris Caye on Thursday, May 18, 2017 as part of their work visit to Belize. Our guests visited Shark & Ray Alley on board a glass bottom boat, where they got to snorkel with the sharks and rays and witness the various fishes at the site. Those that were not as brave still had the opportunity to view the marine life below the sea through the glass of the boat. After their fun experience with the sharks and rays, a luncheon awaited them at the ever so relaxing and picturesque, the Victoria House, where they were entertained with local musical treasures, Mr. Wil & Dale.

Karcher Day
Introducing Karcher Day on Thursday, May 25th!!! Mark your calendars so you can come enjoy a day of deals, music, snacks & fun! Also featuring a karcher golf cart wash for only $5!!!! Proceeds going towards the children of Caye Caulker RC School. See you there....

Found dog on Caye Caulker
Hey caye caulker peeps, this little dog is at the split sinçe this morning...he had a leash, we take off the leash because he can be dangerous for him ( or her ? ) please come to the Blue beard french restaurant to bring him back in his sweet home.

Dj murdered in Belize City
A man known as "Hard Rock" was shot and killed near his home. Andrew Bennett, a Dj known as Hard Rock was killed on Central American Boulevard in Belize City minutes before 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24th.

Missing Person
The public is asked to assist in locating Erin Linarez. He has been missing since Tuesday, May 23rd. His last location was at Remar Rehabilitation Center in Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo District. According to the manager at Remar, he left around 4:30 a.m. and no one has heard from or seen him since. Anyone with knowledge of his current location, kindly contact the nearest police station or his mom Rose Marie Linarez at 6600506. Thank you.

Inaugural meeting of the Corozal Historical Society
The Corozal Town Historical Walk has been the catalyst in creating a group for residents who are passionate about our town and district's history. We are kindly inviting members of the community to the inaugural meeting of the Corozal Historical Society on June 10th.

"CIRCO LOS ESPANTOS"
Last days of the scary circus "CIRCO LOS ESPANTOS" located on Avenida Universidad and Insurgentes in Chetumal, Mexico right across from Wal-Mart. A new concept of circus. Don't miss it.

Oscar Puga passes, BTB offices closed Thursday
Notice: Belize Tourism Board opening hours May 25,2017.

2017 FCCA Children's Essay Competition

Channel 7

PUP Jumpy About Security, Senate Hearings Postponed
Today was supposed to be the continuation of the Senate Hearings on Immigration in Belmopan, and things were going to be hot, with testimony from former Ambassador to Taiwan Cherie Nisbet, and Alvarine Burgess, the immigration agent who turned whistle-blower back in 2013. Early this morning, however, before the media could start heading out to the National Assembly, we all received word that a decision was made to postpone the hearing. For answers, we spoke with Committee Chairman Aldo Salazar at his Belize City office about the last-minute decision. He said that he was acting on a request from Opposition Leader John Briceno: Hon. Aldo Salazar - Chairman, Senate Select Committee: "The reason is that the request came from the opposition for us to put off the hearing for a week. Out of collegiality and respect I decided that it would be best to do so, that is really the end of it."

Will Last Wednesday's Menacing Behavior Be Repeated?
And while the claims of a political party should generally not be accepted without proof, the PUP is convinced that violence and disruption were on the UDP's agenda for today. And, so, it does give pause for concern about security in and around the National Assembly when the Senate Hearings are being conducted. Today, the media asked the Chairman specifically about preventing a reoccurrence of last week's hearing, when UDP's disrupted the testimony of Elvin Penner. He told us that additional security measures will be put into place to make sure the hearings go smoothly:

Can Senate Remove The Macebearer?
So, how will the Senate Select Committee address the continued presence of Brian "Yellowman" Audinett, if he decides to come back to the hearings? He is an officer of the National Assembly, but the press has asked that he be banned, and today the opposition asked the Speaker to fire him. Salazar said that committee will have to meet as whole and come up with a decision: "Definitely that cannot be continuance, we need to go about this in a proper manner and your letter will receive and like I said this select committee, I don't control it you know, in fact I am the one that has least control over it. It is controlled by the social partners and the opposition, they are the majority so the direction that this committee is taking, the consideration of your letter is going to be by the committee on a whole, it's not my decision. So even though my view is that we cannot have that sort of activity in the house, in the chamber; it is something that is going to be considered by the entire committee not by myself."

Hon. Hulse Says Disruption Has No Place In the Chamber
And what does the leader of government business in the senate think about Yellowman's antics? Today, in Orange Walk Godwin Hulse told the media that disruption by any group - be they UDP or PUP, cannot be tolerated: "Any disruption of any proceedings in the national assembly is unfortunate. There are rules governing that the chairman acting on behalf of the president has the authority and the responsibility to kick people out who would create any kind of disruption, it doesn't matter where they are. It's not along political lines at all; disruption is disruption that's all I will say on that."

Hon. Aldo Against Alvarine
So while the aftermath of last week continues to sort itself out, the hearings are expected to resume next Wednesday, and the witnesses who would have attended today will be asked to show up in a week's time. Today, we asked the Chairman to discuss the witnesses who will appear, and why the Committee believes that they can provide helpful testimony. He made it clear that while he sees the wisdom of calling Ambassador Cherie Nisbet, in his opinion, there is no need for Alvarine Burgess to make an appearance. Here's how he put it:

Hulse Hot To Trot Before Commission
And Immigration Minister, Godwin Hulse is also on the list of those scheduled to appear. He was to appear next week, but with today's postponement, that has been pushed back. He said he is eager to have his turn before the committee: "As Minister of Immigration I have been summoned to appear, it should be next week I understand there's a little delay because there is no hearing today so I might be pushed until another week - that's good. I look forward to going there and to clarify some of the points that dangling in the public's mind and in fact to set the record straight with respect to many of the improvements and changes that we've made in the department from those unfortunate dates to now."

Is Commission Crystallizing Lessons Learned?
So, how does the chairman assess the work of the Senate Select Committee so far? They've been at it for almost 6 months, and they've already logged well over 100 hours in testimony from the many witnesses who've appeared. We've heard plenty about the various abuses within the Department, and the corruption, but there has been no evidence which definitively points to one specific person caught in wrongdoing. Does the Chairman view that as a failure? That's what we asked, and here's what he said: Daniel Ortiz: "It seems from the course of the Senate hearings, all the bodies have been exhumed of all the crimes committed but nobody, no evidence has come forward to the Senate which definitively points to a particular individual to be held responsible. Would you agree?"

Man Shot In Head In City Survives
Tonight a Belize City man is in critical condition after he was shot in the head last night. Around 9:30, Hammon Lemoth was shot at the One Love barber shop on Central American Boulevard. Lemoth, who was reportedly cutting a client's hair was hit by one of nine bullets. Police quickly responded and transported Lemoth to the KHMH for treatment. Today we spoke to the Commander of Southside Police, ACP Chester Williams, about the investigation into the shooting... "Last night, sometime after 10pm thereabout police were called to the corner of Central American Boulevard and I think Augustus Street where on arrival they came across one Hammon Lemot who was suffering from apparent gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to the KHMH and there he underwent surgery last night. He is currently listed in the hospital in a stable condition-in a critical condition."

OW Principal Rejects Claims of Bullying
Last night you heard from Evangelina Alamilla, the Orange Walk mother who says that her son's principal bullied and humiliated him in front of the school assembly because of his long hair. The Principal didn't have anything to say yesterday, but today in Orange Walk she and her school manager held a press conference to say that the events categorized as bullying have been mis-represented: Cherly Distan - Principal, Solomon SDA: "The child in question is actually a young man of 13 years who is in standard 4. He has been told in private numerous times that the hairstyle he sports is not appropriate. Yes he was mentioned by name at assembly as were other students. He was asked that after assembly to kindly fix his hair at a washbasin, sometime later that morning it was brought to my attention that the young man was non-compliant. I asked him to accompany me to the basin so I can personally see it that he follows the instruction given."

Deputy PM To Havana With High Level Delegation
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber last went to Cuba for Fidel Castro's funeral in November of 2016. Well, 6 months later he's back in Havana leading a High-level Delegation. Faber is accompanied by Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Jr., and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Angel Campos. The delegation is supported by a technical team comprising officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade, the National Sports Council, NICH, and the Belize Embassy in Cuba. The mission runs from May 22nd to the 26th during which time Faber will visit with Cuban Vice President Valdes Mésa. He will also meet with the Ministers of Education and Culture, as well as other government officials to discuss culture, sports, tourism, and trade.

Galvez Says Gaza Man Nicholi Assaulted Him
Twenty-six year old Nicoli Rhys - a George Street figure who is well known to police - and his girlfriend, 28 year old Esther Garcia, are behind bars at Belize Central Prison tonight. They were remanded because Rhys was charged with aggravated burglary while his girlfriend was charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary. They pled not guilty, but Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser said she could not offer bail because a firearm was involved.

CITO Seeking Input
Today the Central Information Technology Office held a sensitization and validation workshop for their new Information and Communications Technology Policy. The document, which seeks to develop the relationship between the Belizean people and technology, has been in the works since 2013. The ICT policy was originally completed in 2015, so now stakeholder criticism and advice is being taken to update its content. We spoke to CITO's acting director, Francisco Gonzalez, about the new policy... "The policy seeks to establish a sustainable environment and ecosystem whereby the impoverished can have access to technology, any kind of technology. And it also tries to establish an environment where our education system can produce individuals who are suited for the current jobs that exist today, and that will be needed for tomorrow in technology."

Another Belizean Chicken Producer HACCP Certified
Another local chicken producer has become HACCP certified. It's Caribbean Chicken, the Blue Creek Based Operation which has been working on its certification since 2005. Twelve years, and many hundreds of thousands of dollars later, they were certified by BAHA on May second. What does that mean for your favorite chicken dish? Spokesman Ruben Froese (Froze) explained: "Well basically with the HACCP certification we're putting out a guarantee to our customers, to the general public that the product that we put on the market is safe, it has been taken through the proper procedures for human consumption, it's HACCP approved and BAHA certified. We done in our refrigeration system is where we've invested probably heavily one of the most refrigeration as you know is key, it's critical to maintaining poultry products. So that is a major investment that we have been doing, in the plant we have been doing appraisal equipment, personnel is another major investment that we've been making, we've hired personnel to do all the training. Export has always been on the back of our minds, definitely with the HACCP certification it's coming, it's materializing right now and it is a potential in the coming years it will be an agenda that we will be pushing."

Ryan Robbed Lindsay
Immigration Officer Lindsay Wade made major waves when he appeared in front of the Senate Committee and called on them to bring Mr. Middleton. But it didn't make news years ago when he was robbed at gunpoint. On June 1, 2012, three men robbed Dorian Usher and Lindsey Wade at gunpoint - taking jewelry, cell phones and cash in US and Belize currencies. Well, today, 5 years later, one of the men was convicted. He is 33 year old Ryan Lippo Alvarez, who is presently on remand for a city murder which happened in 2016. In the court room of Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser, Alvarez changed his not guilty plea to guilty and was slapped with two - 5 year prison terms - which are to run concurrently so he will only serve 5 years.

The Art Of Fishing Out In The Deep Blue
Today a group of about 12 fishers learned all about deep sea fishing at a workshop in Belize City. Now, deep sea fishing is not like regular fishing; it uses a different set of fishing techniques and requires specialized gear. For that reason it is more expensive than regular fishing but the coordinators say it is just another way fishers can earn money and at the same time, there is less of a strain on the lobster and conch population that most fishermen are used to catching. The Director of the Belize Federation of Fishers told us that the fishers were learning their and practical. Nigel Martinez - Director, Belize Federation of Fishers: "So This workshop is the last component of a project, a 1 year project we have, the Belize Federation of Fishers have with COMPACT. Basically today what we are trying to do is to ensure that we finalize this training package, a 2 phase training package it is theory and practice all and it is in reference to deep slope fishing."

Meet and Greet, Chester's Last Tours
Today the Belize City Police held their weekly meet and greet session with the residents of Belize City. Cops from both sides of the city spoke to citizens for their input on the police's work in their neighborhoods. We met ACP Chester Williams, in the Port Loyola Area where he said that working with the City's residents is paying off...

Will Marco Meet and Greet?
The police community meet and greet sessions were popularized under Williams' command here in the city, but he will only hold that position for another month or so. Williams is being transferred to Belmopan to head up the Professional Standards Branch as part of large scale shake up in the police command. When we spoke to him today, we asked Williams about his transition and if we will continue to see the meet and greet sessions after he is gone... ACP Chester Williams - Commander, Southside Police: "Well each commander comes with their own style and this is my style of policing. I believe in policing with consultation with the public. At the end of the day the public do know what they go through on a daily basis more than the police."

Channel 5

Citing Threats of Retaliation, Senate Committee Chair Suspends Public Hearing
Today’s session of the senate special select committee was suspended at the eleventh hour.  Ordinarily, all announcements pertaining to these matters are released through the Office of the Clerk of [...]

Not Done Yet, Aldo Salazar Says Committee’s Time Must Be Productive
Following last Wednesday’s epic failure to remove the U.D.P. operatives from the gallery, Chairman Salazar went on record with a personal view that the inquiry should come to an end [...]

In Future, Committee Must Balance Rights of Protestors and Questioners
While the outcome of last Wednesday’s meeting was unpredictable, security within the Assembly Building remains an important issue and if the chairman can maintain order during the proceedings. On one [...]

Opposition Wants “Yellow Man’s” Mace Taken Away
This afternoon, the P.U.P. issued its own statement on what led to the request for a suspension. It says it is seriously concerned and appalled at the disingenuous actions of [...]

Godwin Says Disruption Should Not Be Tolerated
We caught up with the United Democratic Party’s leader of Government Business in the Senate, Godwin Hulse, at another event today. Hulse is also a former chairman of a senate [...]

“Yellow Man” Fate in Hands of Speaker, President, Chairman
“Yellow Man” Audinett’s role inside the House of Representatives may seem minor to some. But it is a solemn responsibility and his actions on May seventeenth have led to calls [...]

Why Lee Mark Made the Right Call on Refusing Privilege Motion
The Opposition senators’ attempt to stand up for what happened to the press on May seventeenth, during an ordinary meeting of the Senate, did not get very far. On Friday, [...]

Media Makes Official Complaint on Removal of “Yellow Man”
There is pressure building tonight for the removal of “Yellow Man” Audinett as Macebearer and Sergeant-At-Arms given his appalling behaviour last Wednesday, when he attacked members of the media within [...]

Man Critical After Overnight Belize City Shooting
The streets of the city have been relatively free of gun violence. But around nine o’clock on Tuesday night, shots rang out on Central American Boulevard on the south side [...]

N.T.U.C.B. Tackles Hard Questions After Incendiary Neal/Mora Recording
The decision-making body of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize met on Saturday at its headquarters here in Belize City.  That meeting came hard on the heels of Public [...]

Congress Respects P.S.U. Autonomy, Presents Forum for Dialogue
According to Neal, the N.T.U.C.B. has commenced a process which will give all parties the opportunity to fully discuss the matter of race relations within the unions.   Isani Cayetano [...]

Godwin Ready to Go to Senate Inquiry
One more issue on the senate in tonight’s news…Senator Godwin Hulse will appear before the Senate Special Select Committee in the very near future. As Minister of Immigration and Nationality, [...]

Training for Deep Sea Fishing
The Belize Federation of Fishers and the Department of Fisheries are training fishermen for deep-sea fishing. The training is a part of a project being implemented over the last year [...]

How to Preserve Collections in Times of Disaster
The Museum of Belize under the National Institute of Culture and History culminated a two-day workshop entitled, Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Collections.  Its objective is to empower collectors, custodians, [...]

1 of 3 Accused Robbers Pleads Guilty
One of three men accused of robbing an Immigration Officer and a businessman at gun point of their personal items and a significant amount of cash was convicted in the [...]

Kareem Smith Burglary Charge Dropped
A recent murder suspect saw a charge of burglary against him struck out this morning when he appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court.  He is Kareem Smith, a well-known [...]

Caribbean Chicken is Now Certified
A few weeks ago, Quality Poultry Products of the Cayo District became the first company to certify to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points standard, securing a potential place in [...]

Police Boast of Safer Community During Meet and Greet
With gun violence significant low, police continue its program of community policing. Today, ACP Chester Williams was on the south side of Belize City, particularly the precinct one jurisdiction, meeting [...]

Emmy-Winning Belizean-American Anchor Kendis Gibson Tells of “Coming Home”
Less than two weeks ago, acclaimed Belizean-American journalist Kendis Gibson, an Emmy Award winning reporter and anchor for ABC, visited Belize for the first time in over ten years.  During [...]

CTV3

Chairman Senate Inquiry Explains Postponement Of Hearing
After building quite a lot of sensational hype, over the appearance of Ministerial visa hustling whistleblower Alvarine Burgess at the Senate Select Committee hearing scheduled for today; and whether UDP Chairman Alberto August, National Assembly Macebearer Brian “Yellowman” Audinette and a group of their supporters would return to cause chaos – it would all just not be. This morning the news spread like wildfire that today’s Senate hearing had been cancelled. The controversial decision was taken by the Committee this morning on the basis of credible information that UDP supporters – masked behind an adhoc group known as Belizeans Against Courtenay – were planning to show up outside the National Assembly and attempt to harm Senators Eamon Courtenay, Mark Lizarraga and Elena Smith. Chairman of the Senate Select Committee Aldo Salazar, who presided over last week’s violent disruption by the UDP, explained that he was initially not supportive of not holding the hearing.

Minister Of Immigration Weighs In On Immigration Scandal
We also caught up with Lead Government Senator and Minister of Immigration Godwin Hulse and asked him about the violent actions by Yellowman at last week’s Senate hearing. Godwin Hulse, Lead Government Senator/Minister: “I know that question has been asked over and over but my simple answer is the command and the control of the National Assembly that the Standing Orders fall under the prevue of the Speaker and falls under the prevue of the President when it is the Senate, the Chairman acts on behalf of the President and consequently whatever the Chairman does with respect to that that is a done deal...”

BAJC Graduate Receives Top Prize In Regional Competition
Eighteen year old Jo-Elisa Clarke, a recent graduate from the Belize Adventist Junior College, has received the top prize in a regional competition held by the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organization (CANTO) to promote technology in business. In commemoration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on May 17th, CANTO called on students from all Caribbean countries to participate in their annual video competition. Clarke seized the opportunity and was one of several participants to submit. We spoke to her today to learn how she went about preparing her submission.

Art Competition Seeks To Promote Recycling And Marine Protection
Over the weekend, Oceana in Belize held a national annual initiative to raise awareness on the importance of protecting our marine environment. The initiative is known as Hands Across the Sands and involves people turning up to make a human chain as a symbol of resistance. Today we got an update from the northern representative Ryan Rivera about how it all went. Ryan Rivera - Oceana in Belize Corozal Rep: “Over the weekend the event, Hands Across the Sand was a fairly good one, this year we had a god turn out compared to last year we had between forty to fifty people, we had groups from the Scouts representing, we had two Scout Units and we had the Rotaract members, we had the Rotary members and members from the Anglican Church as well, and of course the Oceana Volunteers as well was fairly well and in Orange Walk as well, I think they had about twenty to twenty five people, they had one youth group, which was Seeds of Change, that participated...”

LOVE FM

Deep Slope Fishing: An Alternative for Fishermen
The Belize Federation of Fisheries, BFF, is hosting a three day ‘train the trainers’ workshop in Belize City. Participants, members of each association under the BFF, engaged in an educational session this morning about deep sea fishing. Director of the BFF, Nigel Martinez spoke to Love News. NIGEL MARTINEZ ” We also spoke to an […]

Clive’s Narrow Escape; Shooter at Large
A man narrowly escaped an attempt on his life after a bullet grazed him this morning. Thirty year old Clive Jones of Ladyville Village told police that around 6:39 he was riding his bicycle on Perez Road when he noticed two male persons walking towards him coming from the opposite direction. When one of the […]

Protecting and Recovering History in Times of Disasters
The National Institute of Culture and History and the Museum of Belize concluded a two day workshop focused on training museum operators, private collectors, archives and library employees on disaster preparedness and recovery of collections. The training titled “Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Collections” is the third in the last three years. Organizers conducted trainings […]

Year 2 of the Wonder Woman Challenge: BCG vs BDF
Starting at eight o’clock tomorrow morning, several women attached to the Belize Coast Guard and the Belize Defence Force are going to embark in a competition dubbed. ‘The Wonder Woman Challenge’. This is the second event of its kind spearheaded by the Belize Coast Guard. Team Captain of the last year’s winning team, Officer AlmitaPinelo […]

Land Rights and Racism: Challenges of the Garinagu
The National Garifuna Council had its conference over the weekend in Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District where they took care of basic council business and reports. In addition to this, the Council also allotted a portion of their time to discuss several land issues that the Garinagu are experiencing particularly in the south. President of […]

August Apologizes for Assault Against the Media
The media houses in Belize are lacking an association but even so, members of various media houses have been coming together of recent to speak out on their rights as reporters in Belize. Recently, there was a joint effort made in boycotting the Belize Police Department and today, there is another joint effort taking place […]

Belizeans Against Courtenay (BAC) Explain Senate Disruptions
Eamon Courtenay is the lead Senator for the People’s United Party who is being targeted by a group of persons who are forming the group, Belize against Courtenay (BAC). Leading the movement is Chairman of the United Democratic Party, Alberto August. August told Love News in this venture he is acting as a private citizen. […]

NEAB Speaks of Biased and Corrupt Law Enforcement
The National Evangelical Association of Belize has issued a release surrounding the incident involving Louis Wade Jr and Roberto Montero on November 23, 2016 followed by Wade being charged last week. The release by the NEAB noted that they are backed up by their more than two hundred and fifty churches nationwide when they express […]

No Confirmation from FIU on Money Laundering Investigation
UNIAN News, an organisation operating out of Ukraine, recently reported that their former president, Viktor Yanukovych as well as American national, Paul Manafort are being investigated by the Financial Intelligence Unit in Belize for money laundering. According to the article, the matter continues to be investigated with Doug Singh being at the centre of the […]

Body Found in Western Belize
Authorities were called out to an area between Banana Bank and Santander after a body was found nearby. Fem Cruz has the story. FEM CRUZ “

Senators Debate on the $20M From CDB to DFC
Two loan motions of significant amounts and importance was passed during Friday’s Sitting of the Senate. One of the loans approved was for twenty million US dollars from the Caribbean Development Bank for the Development Finance Cooperation. Senators first debated this loan. OSMANY SALAS “The effects of correspondent banking relationships, excess liquidity in the market […]

Breaking Belize News

Woman killed by Africanized bees at Primary School in Cayo
A woman died this afternoon after she was stung by Africanized bees. The incident occurred at the Arms of Love primary school located in the Kontiki area in San Ignacio, Cayo.

Two men shot near barbershop
At around 10:00 last night the peace was shattered on Belize City’s south side. Two men were reportedly gunned down near a barbershop in Lake Independence. Fortunately, the men remain alive but in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). We will […]

San Ignacio businessman reportedly robbed of $50,000
According to reports, yesterday an Indian businessman was robbed in front of his home on Thornly street in San Ignacio. The assailants stole $50,000 and escaped. The businessman has a store at the Benque Viejo Free Zone. BBN will have more on this story […]

Media requests “Yellowman” to be banned from Senate hearings
Last week, Chairman of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Alberto August led a group of men who are protesting for the removal of Senator Eamon Courtenay from the Senate. During the incident, Mace-bearer Brian “Yellowman” Audinette assaulted media personnel from three different media houses. […]

PUP says UDP thugs intended to cause violence at Senate hearing
This morning, the People’s United Party (PUP) via a statement on social media said they were informed last night that United Democratic Party (UDP) operatives had been engaged to initiate real violence outside the Senate today. According to the PUP, those include attacks on […]

Senate inquiry postponed for “security reasons”
Confirmed reports to BBN is that the sitting of the Senate Special Select Committee scheduled for today has been postponed. Famous whistle-blower Alvarine Burgess was scheduled to testify today to the committee about her involvement and any information that she has on the Immigration/Passport […]

Blogs

4 day Ocean Crossing – Sailing from Belize to Roatan
I was one of 15 people that ended up with a golden ticket for a 4 day two catamaran caravan sailing from Belize to Roatan including amazing wildlife at Lighthouse Reef, snorkeling the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye Wall, an overnight ocean crossing and no shortage of ab master laughter. We enjoyed 96 hours in our own private “Blue Planet Belize” moment while we headed towards a travel channel worthy time on Roatan eating and drinking our way around the island. 11 of us finished our adventure with flying back to Belize from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport. Saturated with a broad range therapeutic experiences, sailing truly is an activity that will soothe your soul and help you remember what it really means to live your life to the fullest. And that my friends, is a great health benefit. The largest pod of dolphins I have seen so far in all my years of boat travel in Belize and otherwise.

BELIZE RESORTS: BEST RESORTS TO STAY IN 2017
When it comes to Belize Resorts we’re sure you’ve heard and read about all the great places to stay. “Luxury” Resorts are a dime-a-dozen around everywhere as the word has been coined by anyone who has a nice set of couches and can take a striking picture of the arrangement. To us, luxury means something different – it’s in the experience, not so much the amenities because a spa is great but if the massage is bad was it really luxury? We can vouch for the following Belize Resorts to be in the “best” category. Luckily your resident Belize Travel Experts (bloggers) have rounded up a list of top recommendations for travelers looking for the best resorts in Belize.

Why You Have to Visit Hopkins Belize on Your Vacation
Often ranked as the friendliest village in Belize, Hopkins is in the center of the Garifuna culture, a unique people with both African and Caribbean roots who migrated to the country in the 18th century. With a laidback, easygoing atmosphere, the village is a popular destination for visitors interested in learning to play Garifuna drums, sampling Garifuna cuisine, learning more about traditional fishing culture, and as a jumping off point for the nearby Belize Barrier Reef. Hopkins is a quaint Garifuna village on the Caribbean coast in the southeastern Stann Creek District of Belize. Hopkins is located eight miles south of Dangriga and approximately 90 miles south of Belize City.

Why You Have to Visit Placencia Belize on Your Vacation
Described by locals as “barefoot perfect”, Placencia is a small 16-mile long narrow peninsula in southeastern Belize with gorgeous beaches on the Caribbean side and a lovely mangrove-lined lagoons on the western side. Located just a few miles from the Belize Barrier Reef, Placencia is one of the country’s premiere spots for diving, fishing, cruising, and snorkeling vacations. Nearby on the mainland are several Garifuna villages, Maya ruins, and one of the country’s largest nature preserves complete with indigenous jaguars. Placencia is located on the Caribbean coast in southeastern Belize in Stann Creek District. Placencia is approximately a 30-minute drive south of the city of Dangriga.

Marie Sharp's Factory Tour
Starting in 1980, local Belizean chef Marie Sharp began developing flavorful sauces made with the peppers, vegetables and fruits grown locally on her family’s farm. Now exported to North America, South America, Europe and Asia, all of the sauces made in the factory are still made from locally-sourced ingredients by a small staff. The factory’s official address is Number 1 Melinda Road in Hope Creek Village, Belize just a short distance from Dangriga. The factory runs Monday through Friday except for holidays but it’s always best to call ahead to arrange for a tour. The phone number for tours is (501) 532-2087 and they can be contacted at the very appropriate email address of [email protected]

International Sources

Kent resident Judith Gray to study in Belize through Project Dragonfly
Kent resident Judith Gray, a new master's student in the Global Field Program offered through Miami University's Project Dragonfly, will travel to Belize in June to study coral reefs, manatees, howler monkeys, jaguars and other wildlife, while learning the methods communities are using to sustain them. Gray works as a school improvement coordinator at Akron City Schools.

Wyoming National Guard Provides Medical Care in Belize
Soldiers from the Wyoming National Guard kicked off the second of three medical readiness events as part of Beyond the Horizon (BTH) 2017, at Macal River Park in San Ignacio, Belize, on May 8th. BTH 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. U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Amy Surdan, a nurse practitioner with the Wyoming Medical Detachment (MedDet), has served on a previous Beyond the Horizon mission. Lt. Col. 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,” said Lt. Col. Surdan. “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.”

Fate of World’s Wildlife Hangs on Sustainable Tourism
“While wildlife keeps all of us alive, its future is squarely in our hands,” says John Scanlon, who heads the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, CITES. “We alone will determine the fate of the world’s wildlife and in doing so our own destiny.” Scanlon made these observations at the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 17th Global Summit in Bangkok, Thailand in late April, an event held in advance of the International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated around the world on May 22. In Belize, which bridges the divide between the Caribbean and Central America and encompasses the world’s second largest reef, more than 50 percent of residents support themselves by income generated through reef-related tourism and fisheries.

BANK WOES SPREAD
In the past year or so, several of the larger commercial banks in the United States such as JP Morgan Chase and the Bank of America cut ties with counterpart institutions in the Caribbean, blaming increased pressure from federal regulators and higher costs to monitor the legitimacy of transactions from the region as reasons. It was easier to simply sever ties as they have done. Stung by the moves and forced to seek out alternative international banks to process bank transfers, checks and other transactions, banks in the region hurriedly concluded new arrangements with others to keep customers happy. In one instance, the Belize’s Central Bank was forced to play the role of an international bank, processing checks and other transactions just to keep commerce moving as several of their banks were left in the lurch.

Videos

Talk Ah Di Town May 18, 2017, 33min.

Gracie Rock Resource Center, 4min. Members of the Gracie Rock Community recently received certificates in various areas of tourism and recreation, through a Social Investment Fund Capacity Building Program.

Grace And You Cooking Show Caricom Belize Semi Boil Up, 19min.

The Belize Marketing & Development Corporation - Promoting Agribusiness in Northern Belize, 23min.

Adventuring in Belize with Toddler, 14min. Our first family vacation in 5 years! It was much needed and much enjoyed. Unfortunately the husband didn't have as much fun as he ended up with food poisoning. Twice. But Addie and I enjoyed the pool and we were lucky enough to get our own guide to help us on a snorkel trip (Thanks Tuff Enuff). Addie did really well on our first out of the country trip. She handled the long plane rides and customs lines like a champ. She even surprised me and really enjoyed floating on the ocean looking at fish, waves and all. I really enjoyed Belize, I wish we could have spent more time on the reef, but we still had a good time. Accommodations - Coco beach resort. Location - Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Belize Scuba Diving FEB 2017, 1hr52min.

Belize Canoe - River Pt. 2, 2min.

Belize Crystal Caves Pt. 1, 1min.

Howler Monkeys in Belize!, 1/2min.

Rotary Club of Belmopan - 3rd RubberDuck Race, 17min.

HOMECOMING: Kendis makes his triumphant return from vacationing in Belize. Watch how it all played out., 2min. We hope to welcome you back to Belize soon, Kendis!

Police Check Point Talk Show, 60min.

CARIBBEAN CHICKEN GET’S THE GO AHEAD TO EXPORT IT’S PRODUCTS, 5.5min.

Cultural Relations in Belize The Creole Garinagu Conflict, 60min.

East Indian Community - Cultural showcase, 35min.

International day of Families - The Modern Family, min.

BELIZE-BOUND, 5min. Kendis Gibson returns to his birthplace and gets in touch with his roots.

Belize - Sea Turtle, 2min.

Belize Swimming in a Cave & River Roll, 1min. Rio Frio Cave, ATM Cave and this cave - Nohoch Che'en Cave were all great adventures and fun. The water was warm and the caves were cool!

Belize Canoe - Double Waterfall, 3.5min.

Cave Tubing in Belize, 52min.

Belize, 6min.

Belize Getaway February 2017, 7.5min. Our winter getaway to Belize to celebrate Nik's 50th Birthday. Split our time between Placencia and San Pedro. Great scuba diving, beautiful scenery, and relaxing days by the pool.

Chelsea & Javon's Epic Trip to Belize, 13min. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE YOU'VE NEVER BEEN - Take a peek into Chelsea & Javon's awesome Belize adventure where they ended their Belize vacation at Coco Plum Island Resort.

Belize Water Rescue for Tourism, 5.5min. This is a fun video of a water rescue class for the tour industry in Belize using stand up paddle boards and kayaks.

How to make fry jack from belize, 4min.

Gunjai: A Garifuna dance / music for celebration, 2min. While traditional Punta, Punta Rock, and Paranda are well-known Garifuna genres and dances, Gunjai is hardly heard of among non-Garifuna people. It is a celebratory, action-dance that the Garifuna people participate in to celebrate victory.