Amandala
One love, Hard Rock!
As a child, Andrew Bennett was soft-spoken and timid, but he would grow up to become, "Hard Rock," a premier disc jockey (DJ) at KREM Radio.
Hard Rock's influence on the airwaves was to be reckoned with, and so was his influence in his community.
His home on Central American Boulevard was transformed into a sort of training academy for the next generation of disc jockeys.
During the day, there was a giant sound system visible and audible to passersby, as upcoming DJs honed their talents, but by night, there was a projector up, making it possible for all to see ongoing NBA games.
Unfortunately, just before 8 o'clock on Wednesday night, Bennett was fatally gunned down a few feet away from his residence.
Macebearer Yellowman under fire
On her return to Belize today, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Laura Longsworth, confirmed to Amandala that she has received a letter from Opposition leader Johnny Brice�o, who has called for the removal of Brian "Yellowman" Audinett as macebearer or "Sergeant at Arms" of the National Assembly, a position he has held since 2008.
Serious concerns over Audinett's behavior at the Wednesday, May 17, 2017, public hearing of the Senate Special Select Committee were also raised to the Speaker by a priest of the Anglican Diocese, who has called on her to take urgent action.
Last Wednesday, Audinett, who is supposed to be the chief security officer of the chamber, was videotaped by media personnel while making threats of personal harm and damage to property against members of the Belize press corp, which responded this week by calling on the chairman of the Senate Special Select Committee, Aldo Salazar, to ban Audinett from future hearings.
Bandits still alive, following huge 81-73 win over Tiger Sharks
The number one-seeded Tiger Sharks will have to win a third and decisive game at home next week if they have any aspiration on winning their third NEBL championship in four years.
The home-town Belmopan Bandits engineered a huge fourth quarter run, to close out game two of their best-of-three NEBL championship series, winning by the final score of 81-73, and in so doing have sent this series back to San Pedro.
The Bandits, as anticipated, came out of the gate with a rush of adrenaline, scoring the first five points of the game, on a Stephen Williams long trey and an ensuing jump shot by Farron Louriano. However the Sharks was able to weather that first burst of Bandits energy, responding rapidly by outscoring the Bandits 34-to-26, to close out first half play with the slim lead, 34-31.
Man, 53, took minor on burglary job
Wayne Turner, 53, a laborer of Ranchito, Corozal District, and a minor had just burglarized Mary Hill RC School, located in Corozal Town, at about 3:00 yesterday morning and were walking out of the school compound with electronic equipment and school items in four bags (Turner and the minor had 2 bags each) when they were busted by police who were conducting an anti-crime patrol in the area.
The school principal was called to the station, where he identified the items as belonging to the school. The items were valued at about $9,000; the school had bought the items through fundraising and donations. The items were 5 laptop computers, 4 projectors and other accessories much needed by the school.
Above normal hurricane season for 2017 most likely: NOAA
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season-forecast now to be more active than normal-officially starts a week from today, on June 1, although the first named storm for the year-Tropical Storm Arlene-already emerged in the North Atlantic on the 19th of April in a month when such storms rarely emerge.
A report released earlier today by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that this year, the Atlantic hurricane season will most likely be above-normal, citing forecasters at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center.
"For the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, forecasters predict a 45 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 35 percent chance of a near-normal season, and only a 20 percent chance of a below-normal season," the report said.
Man gave 11-year-old grandson his stash of weed to hold
Despite the fact that marijuana is still an illegal substance in Belize, some magistrates use their discretion to prevent young, first-time offenders from the stigma of acquiring a criminal record when they "caution and dismiss" cases of small "possession of cannabis," as marijuana is referred to in the Laws of Belize.
Today, Magistrate Carlon Mendoza imposed a hefty fine on a 60-year-old man who had given his 11-year-old step-grandson 21 grams of cannabis to hold when police arrived at their residence on Neal Pen Road, to conduct a search.
Magistrate Mendoza accepted a guilty plea from Cecil Errol Flowers, who was charged along with his common-law wife, Cherry Mae Wallace, 58, for possession of a controlled drug, 21.5 grams of cannabis, and fined him $750, plus $5 cost of court.
Semifinals under way for Simeon Lopez Kids
Over the past weekend, the Isidoro Beaton Stadium was once again the venue for football action in the Belmopan Football Association's Simeon Lopez Kids, Youth and Female Cup 2017 Tournament, as first round semifinal games were held on Saturday and Sunday in all categories.
First round semifinals
In the opener on Saturday, May 20, (U-13) YWAM Valencia won, 2-0, over Police Cadets, with goals from Laddi Gillett (3') and Jorgar Cassasola (25'). In game 2, (U-13) it was Spanish Lookout also with a 2-0 victory over Mountain View Revolution, courtesy of goals by Randy Elias (3') and Derrick Guerra (43'). Game 3 (U-17 Females) saw San Martin Medina Girls playing to a 1-1 draw with BMP Compre Flames. Ashley Martinez (15') struck first for Compre Flames, but Cindy Cruz (45') got the equalizer for Medina Girls. (N.B. The other U-17 Female first round semifinal was played the previous Saturday, May 13, when Valley of Peace Girls and Armenia Girls drew, 3-3.)
Rural Female Softball scores from Burrell Boom
he Belize Rural Female Softball Tournament continued on Sunday, May 21, with 3 games played in Burrell Boom Village. In game 1, Power Outage (Crooked Tree) defeated Arrows United (Bermudian Landing), 21-2. Winning pitcher (WP) was Eyvette Flowers, and losing pitcher (LP) was Shawna Avilez. In game 2, Easy Does It won, 15-9, over Unity (Double Head). WP - Margaret Hendy; LP - Herlett Clarke. And game 3 saw Orchid Girls (Burrell Boom) with the 11-4 win over Beverly Hill Flames (Lord's Bank). WP - Valorie Vernon; LP - Alberta Bailey.
Dangriga sports stats - Mayor's Cup Week 10 results
The Dangriga Mayor's Cup 2017 continued over the long weekend with Week 10 games being played on Friday night and Sunday afternoon at the Carl Ramos Stadium.
In Friday night's opener, Valley Pride Commerciales won over Sampson FC, 4 goals to 2. Highking Roberts netted 2, and Kenton Flores and Glenmore Godoy got 1 apiece for Valley Pride; while both Sampson goals came from Wasani Ramirez. In the second game, DYFA won over Hope Creek Pumas, 5-nil. Davis Marshall, Jr. once again got a hat trick (3 goals), while Jonard Castillo and Evan Mariano got 1 apiece.
NEBL "In the Paint"
With its 69-60 besting of the Belmopan Bandits last Saturday night in game one of the 2017 NEBL Championship played at San Pedro, the Tiger Sharks stands poised to win their third such NEBL championship in four years; a feat which, when put in context from a historical standpoint, seats them as the next best thing to the celebrated Kremandala Raiders teams of the 1990's, which won a remarkable four straight semi-pro championships during the period 1993-1996, and seven of eight such championships.
Sub-shooting guard Ashton Edwards broke out in a big way, hitting four from long distance for a team high 18 points in 16 minutes of play, but, more importantly, provided his team with much needed punch off the bench. Raul Roches and MVP George Williams also had a good evening, with 15 points 10 rebounds, and 15 points 2 rebounds, respectively. The Tiger Sharks hit 8-of-27 from three-point land, with 2 each from Douglas Valley and George Williams.
Cricket Corner - Conway Young tells Dirk Sutherland, "Sorry, friend, I will leave you behind"
Hello to all following my column! On behalf of my family and the governing body of the Belize National Cricket Association, we send our deepest and sincerest condolences to the villagers of Lemonal and to Easy Does It Cricket Club on the sad passing of their loved one, Alfred Bonner. May his soul find perfect peace with his Maker. Also, to Wicked 11 Cricket Club and the Rhaburn Family of Flowers Bank, on the sad passing of their loved one, Roy Rhaburn. May his soul rest in peace.
Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association, the 2017 Harrison Parks Cricket Competition continued, thanks to our kind sponsor, Bowen and Bowen. Over the weekend, three games were played in order to be placed in playoff spots.
Editorial: A socio-political crisis
Belize entered a period of socio-political crisis on Wednesday morning, May 17, in Belmopan when roughnecks led by the Chairman of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP), Alberto August, disrupted the proceedings of a Senate Committee inquiry into scandals at the Immigration Department, and then assaulted three members of the Belizean media, including a lady news editor for this organization.
Six days after the incident in the National Assembly building in Belmopan, on Tuesday, May 23, Mr. August, who also heads the Elections and Boundaries Commission and Belize Water Services (BWS), offered a personal apology for the assaults on the media while announcing that he had organized a group he named Belizeans Against Courtenay (BAC), with the intention of returning to the National Assembly building to resume disruptive activities this Wednesday, May 24. It should be noted that Chairman August, on the Wednesday morning of May 9, had personally heckled and harassed Senator Eamon Courtenay, the lead Senator of the Opposition People's United Party (PUP), during his questioning of a witness. On the morning of May 9, Mr. August did not appear to be accompanied, and he had broken off his hostile behavior and left the National Assembly building after a while. He returned with muscle one week later.
From the Publisher
The 1960s were a time of great electoral frustration in the ranks of those Belizeans who were opposed to the People's United Party (PUP). From 1961 to 1969, in three different general elections, the PUP won 51 of the total of 54 seats contested nationwide under the new Ministerial constitution.
Within the ranks of the National Independence Party (NIP), which was Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition during the decade of the 1960s, nevertheless, there was a feeling of moral superiority to PUP supporters. NIP followers thought that their PUP counterparts were vulgar, dishonest, and fanatic. NIP supporters also believed that they were more intelligent than their PUP rivals.
Because NIP people thought they were more intelligent than PUP people, they could not accept that they were being beaten fairly and squarely in these elections. They refused to believe that they were being outmaneuvered and outworked by the PUP: the PUP were winning, in NIP minds, because they were willing to do anything to achieve and consolidate power, and the PUP were lowdown and immoral. This was the NIP view of things political in British Honduras.
Caretellas say: Do your BWS job, Alberto!
Dear Mr. August,
The day that you were shouting in the Senate, we received a communication from BWS about our water supply. Now, you are the chair of BWS and as such you are responsible for us receiving a decent water supply. The supply is less than adequate to say the least. Yesterday, I got up before 5am to do my washing as the water supply had been non-existent over the weekend, I finally completed (one machine full) at 6pm. From 7am to 1pm there was NO WATER and then it began to return as a trickle.
From the information in your communication, we learn that we are experiencing " water shortages or low pressure" This is due to an increase in population and the fact that the water mains are over 50 years old. You say that the company has now finalized the design and plans for improvements to the water treatment plant in San Ignacio, and will commence the works shortly.
Apathy and indifference - the norm
Dear Editor,
As a former employee of the greatest newspaper in Belize's history, I am honored to be able to express my thoughts and concerns in our world today. I hope that you will publish this article so that many can examine themselves on the issue I will address.
When I came to the States over 26 years ago, I embarked on a dream like so many others. As I began to achieve my dream and celebrating little successes over the years, I realized that I became aloof mentally from the painful realities of the disenfranchised in Belize and here in America. As I examined myself, I realized that my passion for the broken has morphed into Apathy and Indifference - which has become the NORM today. For many, the old saying, "Outta sight, outta mind" is apropos. As I heard stories of sadness, killings, poverty, corruption et al, I became used to it like so many people. I am not condoning inundating oneself with the negativity.
Is the best of Belize gone?
The country of Belize has gone through some trying times, and while it is often described as "a peaceful haven," it has battled and continues to battle conflicts both within and without. Trans-boundary problems have been among the most challenging. Although Belize prides itself on being an independent nation state, imperialism has vastly influenced what Belize is today. Not surprisingly, there are those who contend that the best of Belize is gone, and just decades after independence, despite a transformed and modernized landscape, life is harder for many families in today's Belize.
Sidney "Stretch" Lightburn points to the fact that more and more Belizean families are unable to afford to take family vacations today as one demonstration of how things have regressed, as, in his view, the days of abundance are gone.
"That generation [in which he was raised] had the best of Belize, because remember before that there was war and after the war, we had things pretty good here; that period between 45, 50, 60�" he said.
1st ever Caribbean Marine Climate Change Report Card discusses Belize's vulnerabilities
Belize is one of eight countries for which climate change impacts are being highlighted in the first ever Caribbean Marine Climate Change Report Card, providing an example of how climate change is impacting the Caribbean's marine environment, the threat it poses to communities which depend on marine spaces and resources for their existence, and what needs to be done to address the concerns.
In the case of Belize, there are several communities scattered across its coastline, as well as hundreds of cays dotting its maritime territory. Fishing and tourism are two economic pillars which rely heavily on marine resources, which support the livelihoods of several thousands of Belizeans and also provide a protective cover from the ravages of extreme weather events, which could become more frequent due to climate change.
PSU Council of Management suspends its president
The Council of Management of the Public Service Union (PSU) voted on Friday morning at an emergency meeting to suspend its president, Eldred Neal, until the union holds an Annual General Meeting in August, when Neal's tenure is officially slated to end.
We asked why Neal was not at the meeting, and we were told that although he was invited to attend, he had indicated that he had another commitment on Friday. However, executive members told our newspaper that the group felt that since Neal was in Belmopan on Friday, he could have attended if he wanted to.
We understand that a challenge has already been raised on Neal's behalf by a trustee of the union, claiming that Neal was not given a chance to be heard before he was suspended. We were unable to reach Neal for comment when we called him today.
Carlos Perdomo and Ady Pacheco no-show in front of Senate Select Committee
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber; president of the Senate, Lee Mark Chang, and chairman of the Senate Select Committee, Aldo Salazar, have all separately expressed their desire to see the hearings of the Senate Select Committee come to an end.
However, two key witnesses, Cabinet Secretary Carlos Perdomo and senior immigration officer Ady Pacheco, have not yet made their appearance before the committee, even though they were summoned to do so several weeks ago, on Wednesday, May 10 and 17.
While attention has been deflected from them, our newspaper today went looking for answers as to why they have not yet testified.
In the case of Carlos Perdomo, he was initially scheduled to appear before the committee on the same day that former Cabinet Minister Elvin Penner made his debut.
Belizean stabbed to death in Chicago
Belizean Jermaine James, 35, also known as "Rasta Jayblood," who was living in Chatham, Chicago, died after being stabbed multiple times in the body by a man with whom he had an altercation.
According to the Chicago Sun Times, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner's office reported that the incident occurred at about 11:50 last night in an alley on 79th Street between Vernon Avenue and Eberhart Avenue.
During the argument, the man pulled out a knife and stabbed James. He then escaped.
When police arrived in the alley, they saw James' body lying on the ground, wrapped in a white sheet, and he was declared dead on the scene by an examiner.
Senate meeting postponed under threat of violence from UDP thugs
Whistleblower Alvarine Burgess, who in 2013 alleged that NEMO and Transport Minister Hon. Edmond Castro was involved in a visa hustle, was scheduled to testify before the Senate Select Committee on Wednesday.
Former Ambassador to Taiwan, Cherie Nisbet, was also scheduled to appear before the committee on Wednesday. She was in Taiwan at the time when efforts were being made by former Belize City Deputy Mayor Eric Chang to contact South Korean national Won Hong Kim, who was jailed in Taiwan.
However, those widely anticipated testimonies were postponed at the eleventh hour for "security reasons."
Information to our newspaper is that UDP chairman Alberto August would have led UDP thugs to Belmopan under the banner of his newly formed group, "Belizeans Against Courtenay."
However, the Opposition was also mobilizing its troops in support of Senator Eamon Courtenay.
Belize's Kaina Martinez headlines list of Texas A&M Kingsville athletes at NCAA
Starting today, May 25, Belize's most decorated woman sprinter, Kaina Martinez will be representing the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Kingsville team at the 2017 NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which take place from May 25 - 27 in Bradenton, Florida. The best athletes from colleges across the United States will be competing in this prestigious event, whose 754 participants - 377 men and 377 women - had to qualify by reaching established standards for each event at a series of meets held during the course of the previous year. Regardless of the outcome of the events in the coming few days, Kaina has made a mark for Belize, with her name high up on the list of qualifying student-athletes in her specialty races - the 100 meter and 200 meter sprints. Because of Kaina, the name Belize engenders respect and admiration among college athletes across the U.S.
The Reporter
Taiwan's Participation is Vital to Global Influenza Pandemic
The following letter was written by Taiwan's Minister of Health, Dr. Chen Shih-chu Taiwan's Participation is Vital to Global Influenza Pandemic Disease knows no borders. Only by working together, leaving no one out, can we adequately address the challenges of emerging infectious diseases, which have been made all the more [�]
Police investigate two fires
Police are investigating two fires that took place just an hour apart - one in Ladyville and the other in Orange Walk. The first blaze occurred just before midnight on Wednesday at the second entrance to Burrell Boom village, where police say they saw two [�]
Man set on fire!
A man was set on fire by two others early this morning in Belize City. Police gave very sketchy details of the incident, only saying they saw the victim, Dorien Reneau, 35, at 12:35 a.m., at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Reneau had burn injuries [�]
Lovers go to jail on gun assault charge
A man and his girlfriend will spend a few nights in jail because of an allegation of armed assault and robbery. The charge was made by Mario Galvez, business owner of Red House Liquor Store. Galvez went to the police to complain that his former girlfriend, 28 year-old Ester Garcia […]
Ontario resident critical after being shot
An Ontario Village resident and part-time barber remains hospitalized in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after he was shot at the barber shop where he worked on Central American Boulevard. Hammon Lemmoth, 23, was shot twice in the� headt around […]
San Pedro boasts $4.4 million football stadium
San Pedro town now boasts a spanking new football stadium – one of the last sporting projects to be completed under the Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL). The facility, complete with a new synthetic football pitch, lockers, concession stands, VIP and media facility, bleacher seating for […]
GOB helps internet entrepreneurs start-up
Faster Internet speeds and the enabling environment to encourage Internet and information and communications entrepreneurs start up new business ventures were the topic of discussion at workshop hosted by the Central Information Technology Office (CITO) at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza hotel in Belize City on Wednesday and Thursday, May […]
BBS acts to discourage price gouging amid rising fuel prices
The Belize Bureau of Standards is conducting a countrywide operation to zero in on unscrupulous business people who use the rise in fuel prices as their reason to impose unfair price hikes on consumers. Even before the warning came before the budget presentation, […]
Police Minister on familiarization tour
Minister of State with responsibility f of the Public Service Union (PSU) El
or Home Affairs, Elodio Aragon Jr. commenced the first leg of his familiarization tour of police departments across the country. The tour started last Thursday at the Orange Walk Police Station and surrounding substations in that municipality. Aragon told […]
Belize gains support at 20th sitting of COFCOR
Foreign Ministers from various Caribbean Communities (CARICOM) expressed their support for Belize's sovereignty and territorial integrity at the 20th meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) held in Bridgetown, Barbados last Friday. According to a government press release, "Fifteen members of CARICOM […]
PUP condemns heckling during Senate Hearing; writes to House Speaker
Last week’s heckling during the Senate proceedings by UDP operatives and Mace Bearer, Brian “Yellowman” Audinett in the National Assembly building has prompted the People’s United Party (PUP) to fire off a letter to the Speaker of the House, Laura Longsworth. In it, […]
PSU President Eldred Neal suspended from union
President of the Public Service Union (PSU) Eldred Neal has been suspended from his post, following the release of a recording in which Neal made derogatory remarks against the Garifuna community. The PSU's Council of Management met in Belmopan last Friday, where 11 out […]
Frequent liquor consumption can cause breast cancer, study suggests
While some centenarians claim that small amounts of liquor may be good for longevity, a new study suggests that alcohol – even wine – consumed frequently can increase the risk of breast cancer.� The World Cancer Research Fund states that even half a glass […]
Decomposed body of Salvadorian farmer found in lagoon
On Sunday, Belmopan police extracted the decomposed body of a Salvadorian farmer out of a lagoon near the Santander Sugar mill in the Cayo District. Shortly after 5:00 p.m. that day, Belmopan police were alerted of a dead body floating in the Colorado Lagoon. Upon […]
Body of drowned woman recovered in Bermudian Landing
A woman who went swimming with her boyfriend drowned in the Belize River near the Baboon Sanctuary in Bermudian Landing on Sunday afternoon. Denia Zelaya, 23, a Honduran who lived on Cemetery Road in Belize City, reportedly went with her boyfriend, Police Constable […]
Editorial
A lot of us were astounded when the Barrow government announced it was considering an offer from the Ashcroft Group to build a deep water port for Belize using the existing Belize Port structure by extending it to deeper water. A deep water port out in the open, subject to� […]
Popular DJ shot dead!
A popular Belize City DJ, 42-year-old Ian “Hard Rock” Bennett, was shot as many as nine times on Wednesday night near his home on Central American Boulevard. He died� shortly after being hit. Bennett was sitting under a bus stop, which was only a stone’s […]
Killer bees sting elderly woman to death
A 60-year-old woman was stung to death by Africanized killer bees on Wednesday afternoon at the Arm of Love Primary School compound in San Ignacio town, Cayo. Around 3:00 on Wednesday afternoon, Cruz Raquel Chan, of the Trench Town area in San Ignacio […]
US Embassy taking note of Minister’s misappropriation of donations
The US Embassy says it is aware of reports of inappropriate use of the Coast Guard boats, gifted to Belize by the US government, and that it is gathering additional information in response to the allegations. The embassy’s statement was in direct response to questions […]
Pastor Louis Wade claims bogus charge by Minister's son
Pastor Louis Wade, owner of Plus TV, was arraigned in the San Ignacio Magistrate Court last Friday, on charges stemming from an incident last November involving a Minister’s son. Wade, however, refutes the allegations against him and says the charges are bogus and politically motivated. […]
Threats of violence disrupt Senate hearings
On Wednesday, as early as 6:00 a.m., elements of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), weapons in hand,� set up a checkpoint on the George Price Highway. With their command center nearby, these officers were dispatched to ensure that the Senate hearing scheduled for that day would proceed peacefully. There is […]
Breaking Belize News
Two bus drivers charged for traffic violations
Two bus drivers will be charged by the Officers of the Department of Transport for traffic offenses.
Oscar Chen of Chen's bus company will be charged for failure to produce road service permit.
Officials of the International Atomic Energy Agency visit Belize
The Ministry of Health, the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The team comprising of senior officials arrived in Belize on May 21st for a five-day visit.
DPM concludes official visit to Cuba
The Deputy Prime Minister of Belize Patrick Faber along with Minister of Tourism, Manuel Heredia Jr. and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health Dr. Angel Campos, today concluded their official visit to the Republic of Cuba.
Affixing of unauthorized lamps (lights) to motor vehicles
The Department of Transport today informed the public that affixing LED lights (inclusive of other lights varying in size and color) to motor vehicles without written permission from the Department of Transport is an offense under the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations.
Man dies in Caye Caulker, cause of death unconfirmed
A man died in Caye Caulker earlier tonight and there are varying reports of the incident.
One report suggests the man jumped off a pier on the island and broke his neck. The other report indicates that he drowned and that he didn't receive any trauma to his head.
Fire engulfs wooden kitchen and bodega in Orange Walk
In the early morning hours of Thursday, May 25, police visited San Jose Village, Orange Walk District where a wooden kitchen and a wooden bodega were seen engulfed in flames.
Arson in Ladyville Village
Last night around 11:50, Ladyville police responded to a fire at the second entrance of Burrell Boom Village where they saw two boat moulds on fire.
Two burnt tires and a bottle with gasoline were seen on top of the boat moulds.
Man set on fire in Belize City in stable condition
According to police reports, yesterday around 12:35 p.m., police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (K.H.M.H) where they saw Dorien Reneau, 35, of Belize City suffering from burn injuries to the left arm, left abdomen area, and left foot.
US Embassy monitoring Minister Saldivar's use of Coast Guard vessels
The US Embassy in Belize is aware of a situation in which Defense Minister, John Saldivar has reportedly used U.S. donated Coast Guard vessels and fuel to ferry his privately owned Bandits team to and from San Pedro for games on the island, according [�]
FCD assists farmers in Vaca Forest Reserve
Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) is assisting farmers in the Vaca Forest reserve area in Cayo. FCD is distributing supplies for the farmers' agro-ecological activities. The aim is to conduct better sustainable practices in the reserve. This initiative by FCD is supported by [�]
Second Annual Wonder Woman Challenge
The Annual Wonder Woman Challenge between women of the various disciplines in the security forces of Belize started yesterday. Female officers from the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), the Belize Defense Force, and the Belize Police Department are partaking in the two-day event that includes [�]
Mexico extends stay to Belizean regional visitor card holders to 7 days
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize, yesterday, informed that on May 19, an amendment to Section III of Article 52 of the Migration Law was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, by means of which it extends from three to seven days [�]
KHMH Finance Director fired
According to reports, the Director of Finance of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), Norman Augustine was sent home earlier this week. Yesterday, KHMH CEO confirmed to the media that the Board of Directors had decided to pay Augustine and let him go. The [�]
Trump proposes to cut aid for Central America
U.S. President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, proposed a budget which seeks to cut government spending by some $3.6 trillion over the next decade with drastic cuts in spending and aid for most federal departments including the State Department, which provides aid to Mexico and [�]
Of men,dogs and fear - Trump and Alberto August
If you know who you are, and where you are supposed to be, you don't have to bully your way to get there. The spectacle of Trump shoving Dusko Markovic, the leader of Montenegro, to get to the front of a photo op is [�]
Nazarene Church supports Pastor Wade
The Church of Nazarene has issued a statement indicating that it finds the charges made against Pastor Louis Wade Jr. totally unacceptable. The release says that the church continually keeps check of its pastors to ensure their right standing with their doctrine and belief [�]
Spending some time at Palapa Bar
Now located in downtown San Pedro, owners Scott and Jodie Harnish experienced much heartbreak when they lost their beloved, recently transplanted bar, during the devastating Hurricane Earl of 2016. But, as her owners, and truthfully, all those who knew her would say, "She's resilient and strong". So, like a phoenix rising from the ashes (rubble), she came back and she is bigger and better than ever!
The final result; a gleaming, fantastic space with an extra-large bar that can seat tons of people. The inner tubes are still outside on the turquoise water, and you can still get your beers dropped down for you in a bucket. The laughter is just as loud, or perhaps louder now, and the palapa casts its shade on you when the sun gets to be a bit too much.
Visiting Sarteneja in Northern Belize - Everything You Need to Know
Due to Sarteneja's position on the Bay of Corozal, it is the only place in Belize where you can watch the sun set over water. Still the home of fisherman and lobstermen, the village is also renowned for its artisan boatbuilders. Another important local industry is pineapple farming.
Sarteneja is located in the northeastern tip of Corozal District in northern Belize approximately 40 miles north of Orange Walk Town.
Tourism is only starting to discover Sarteneja so there aren't many connections to this remote village. From Orange Walk Town, it's about an hour or so over smaller roads to traverse the 40 miles to the village of Sarteneja. You can also arrive by water taxi (Thunderbolt Water Taxi) from either Corozal or Ambergris Caye.
Something People Rarely Do On Ambergris Caye
It is a known fact that Belikin beer drinkers and Travelers Rum lovers, visiting or living on Ambergris Caye often do not usually drink enough water. Or in my case, iced coffee often keeps me from the healthier hydration option.
Despite the importance of water, it is often the overlooked and people often reach for other liquids, such as coffee, sodas, juices, and alcoholic beverages. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 43 percent of adults drink less than four cups of water daily, which includes 7 percent of adults who drink no water at all.
I was recently asked by a Canadian friend (who owns a Belize beach house) to help him remember to drink more water. I started out with google and sending interesting water glass pictures. Doing so made me address not drinking enough myself - thanks for the inspiration to be healthier JC. Not long after, I was surfing the Play Store and I hit the perfect answer for both of us - a fun water reminder option.
PICTURES OF BELIZE: BEST BEACH PHOTOS OF 2017 (SO FAR)
If you're anything like us, travel envy and wanderlust are very VERY real things that you feel. Sometimes you browse #travel and wonder why you do this to yourself and then proceed to plan a hypothetical trip to said place in Instagram's search. Usually, we'd frown upon intentionally sparking destination jealousy but we couldn't help it this time.
Check out the best beach photos of Belize this year so far (in no particular order)
Visit the famous chicken drop in San Pedro Ambergris Caye
Come say hi to the staff of Wahoo's Lounge that works hard behind the counter that makes Wahoo's Lounge famous. if your looking for Wahoo's Lounge it is located in the heart of San Pedro Ambergris Caye. It is located in front of Spindrift Hotel on the first floor on the beachside. Wahoo' s Lounge has reasonable bar prices of 5bze for a beer, drink, or any other beer that is on 5bze pricing. It is 5bze everywhere on the island. Wahoo's Lounge has a view from the Barrier Reef and the waterview. It is an indoor bar with great music you might like. Don't worry, because Caliente's offers food right next door while you site back and have drink here at Wahoo's Lounge. Tourists come here just for one reason: The Chicken Drop. If you're a fan of gambling you might win alot of Cash. Also, every Saturday is Karaoke for those who want to try your Tryaoke. Many people may be asking "What is Chicken Drop? "
Why visit Belize Cave Tubing Eco Park
This cave adventure is one of the most popular Mayan burial sites in Western Belize. Actun Tunichil Muknal (the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre), also known locally as ATM, is a cave in Belize, located near San Ignacio, Cayo District, notable as a Maya archaeological site that includes skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware. There are several areas with skeletal remains in the main chamber. The best known to all visitors is "The Crystal Maiden", the skeleton of an adolescent (now thought to be a teenage boy), possibly a sacrifice victim, whose bones have been calcified to a sparkling, crystallized appearance.
International Sources
No Tropical Development Is Expected This Weekend Across The Atlantic, Caribbean & Gulf Of Mexico
Weather analysis today indicates that tropical development is not expected through this weekend and likely into next week. A tropical wave located to the east of the Lesser Antilles near 50 West Longitude, which exhibited a flareup of shower and thunderstorm activity yesterday, now has minimal shower activity with it. This tropical wave is expected to pass through the Lesser Antilles this weekend and is likely to bring some increase in shower and thunderstorm activity across much of the Lesser Antilles starting on Sunday and continuing into Monday. Tropical development is not expected from this tropical wave due to very high wind shear and very unfavorable environmental conditions.
Looking ahead to next week - Some of the model guidance, including the European and UKMET models are hinting that the Bay of Campeche and the western Gulf of Mexico may be areas to keep an eye on. The UKMET model and the European model disagree on what may occur. The UKMET model is currently forecasting that a tropical disturbance now in the eastern Pacific will be pulled northward into the Bay of Campeche late next week where it tries to develop.
Trump proposes deep U.S. spending cuts in Mexico, Central America
President Donald Trump on Tuesday proposed drastically slashing U.S. foreign aid spending in Mexico and Central America, which are struggling with drug violence, graft and poverty that prompts many from the troubled region to migrate north.
Tuesday's proposal foresees 2018 Mexican aid of $87.66 million, down more than 45 percent from the 2016 outlay.
The budget proposes scrapping most U.S. money for the Mexican military, along with counterterrorism funds and some governance programs. Narcotics and law enforcement spending would fall from $100 million in 2016 to $60 million.
In Guatemala, U.S. aid would drop almost 40 percent from 2016, to $80.66 million, while in Honduras and El Salvador it would fall nearly a third. Some of this money benefits Belize.
Scotland's Love Affair With Seaweed
In the 1960s, my aunt Annalena kept a small tin in the kitchen cupboard of her Glasgow flat and would bring it out to dispense treats to visiting children - not candies but dulse (Palmaria palmata), red shards of dried seaweed that we would place on our tongues, savoring the mysterious sweet-bacon tang, until they melted away like communion wafers.
To many urban westerners, seaweed is Asian fare, a staple of the sushi bar, but it has long been regarded as a delicacy in the western highlands and islands of Scotland. Because of tidal conditions, constant sea temperatures and unpolluted shores, the region is particularly rich in seaweed varieties, which were used for fertilizer as well as food. A sixth-century Gaelic poem, sometimes attributed to St. Columba, who lived on the Hebridean island of Iona, asks God to assist the monk's daily routine: "Let me do my daily work/Gathering dulse/Catching fish/Giving food to the poor." The early travel writer Martin Martin, visiting the Hebrides in the 18th century, noted that seaweed was eaten by "vulgar natives," and it was widely regarded as famine food.
Today, the vulgar natives have been vindicated. Seaweed is recognized as a mineral-rich superfood, and its harvesting for culinary use is big business. One award-winning company, based in Edinburgh, Mara Seaweed, now exports to outlets like Blue Apron in the U.S.A. The female founders, Fiona Houston and Xa Milne, along with their team, harvest their seaweed on the coastline around the charming fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife, north of Edinburgh.
Looking back at fishing trip to Belize 30 years ago
"Cast, mon, cast now," said my Belizean flats guide, Joel Westby.
He is screaming this at my back because I am doing my best to do what he says. A wizened, grizzled Belizean, burned dark as mahogany by the tropical sun, his reputation ran far and wide in fly fishing circles. Joel hated to miss a cast to a bonefish, permit or tarpon.
After my cast fell behind and far short of the big bonefish he had just spent 10 minutes poling me into position for a cast, the air was dark with language I had not heard come from the lips of a guide, let alone one that was a living legend. It was a good thing he was fouling the air with the pidgin Creole of the Caribbean, or my feelings probably would have been crushed.
That day was 30 years ago this month. Since this is Memorial Day it is only fitting I remember a fishing trip to Belize, the subject of one of my first Streamside columns published in the Cody Enterprise in May 1987.
Free Health Care as Dangriga Appears on the Horizon
A Blackhawk helicopter thundered down the Caribbean coastline breaking the early morning silence of Sovereign Day, May 22, 2017, drawing a cheerful crowd of people from the nearby town. Alerted by the helicopter, the locals came by car, bicycle, or on foot, to visit a sprawl of Army-green tents that had popped up near the landing site, seemingly overnight. The tents are marked with banners emblazoned with the emblem of the Red Cross and the circular insignia of Beyond the Horizon 2017.
The arrival of the helicopter and the raising of the tents mark the beginning of an eleven-day free medical event for the people of Dangriga.
BTH 2017 is a U.S. Army South partnership exercise with the Belize Defense Force and the Ministries of Defense, Health and Education. The exercise consists of five construction projects and three health care events in communities across Belize.
U.S. accusation creates vexing financial worries for region
CARICOM leaders are in a state of shock, dismay and disbelief after the United States accused 14 of the 15-member states of money laundering. News reports indicate that this accusation was included in the March report from the International Narcotics Control Strategy of the U.S. Department of State.
According to a report in Caribbean Life, the countries that were included are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.
Other Caribbean territories and countries also labeled as money launderers in the U.S. report are Aruba, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, the Dominican Republic and Saint Maarten. The country of Montserrat was omitted because it is still considered a British territory.
Recap of day 1 at NCAA Track Championships
Kaina Martinez set a new school record and ran the fastest time of 11.46 seconds in the prelims of the women's 100-meter dash to qualify for the finals in two days. Plaserae Johnson also participated in the event, but fell three seconds short to qualify as she placed 9th with a time of 11.68 seconds.
Martinez and Johnson along with LaGae Brigance and Keandria Taylor ran an impressive time in the women's 4x100-meter relay prelims and claimed the top slot with their 45.01-second time, which currently sits second in the school's record book.
Videos
Check it!!! Belize cavs fan.. Wanna be like Lebron, 1min.
OCEANA and World Turtle Day, 1min. In honor of World Turtle Day on May 23rd 2017, Oceana partnered with Sea to Shore Alliance and the Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary to take 22 students from the Gales Point Government School to cleanup the turtle beach in the village. Up to 20 bags of trash were removed from the beach which already has its first turtle nest for this nesting season! These kids are turtley sensational!
No Fear Promotions Project X Episode 2, 17min.
2017 NTHU Educational Service Group, 4min. The NTHU Educational Service Group created a cool video in which you can see some of the amazing work they do in Cayo every Summer. Some is in Chinese, but the pictures say it all. Thanks, NTHU! See you soon!
Belizean Sunrise, 3min. Sunrise over the ocean in Belize and a morning swim
Summer 2011 Sittee River Belize, 6min.
Belize Music Week 2017 With Shine Barrow, 15min.
Southern Belize Trip, 9min.
Belize diving, 2.5min. Diving at the Blue Hole in Belize.
BELIZE THE MOVIE, 28min.
Belize Now - May 26, 2017, 24min. La Gracia Village receives first of its kind smart solar power system in Belize, the Ambergris Stadium is officially inaugurated, and Minister Aragon commences national tour of the Police Department. These stories and more on this week's edition of Belize Now. Thanks for joining us on this Friday, May 26th, 2017!
Belize 2017, 7min.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
