Amandala
Hammon Lemoth, 23, barber, survives gun attack
Hammon Lemoth, 23, a barber who was shot twice in the head on Central American Boulevard in Belize City over a month ago, is still alive today. After being shot, he was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in a critical condition. Doctors at the time described his prognosis as grim.
Miraculously, he survived. However, information to Amandala is that he is unable to walk, talk, or move his body. Despite his slow road to recovery, we have been reliably informed that the KHMH is seeking to discharge him within the next few days.
His family has not provided our newspaper with a comment on this decision taken by the hospital, but we understand that it is not being taken lightly. We understand that efforts are underway to clear his medical expenses in Belize, and to seek further medical attention for him abroad.
The PUP, UDP and the Harmouchs
An in-depth analysis of the Auditor General's audit of the Immigration Department would lead one to think that the Harmouch family in San Pedro has benefited from its relationships with political figures in both the ruling United Democratic Party and the opposition People's United Party.
For example, the audit revealed that in 2012, Abdel Harmouch became a Belizean national even though he had not satisfied the requirements to do so.
Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia had provided a reference for him to the Immigration Department for the issuance of his nationality certificate.
The Officer in Charge of the Nationality Section at the Immigration Department, Gordon Wade, however, was of the view that he did not qualify for nationality and so did not recommend him.
14,823 unemployed in Belize
There are over 2,000 more unemployed people in Belize, as joblessness increased from 8% to 9% this April, reflecting the fact that as many as 14,823 people who are of working age (14 years and above) are not even able to get paid work for at least an hour a week.
Belize's job market has failed to meet the growing demand for work. Although roughly 3,000 new jobs were created, they were not enough to satisfy the burgeoning labor force.
According to data released today by Curwen Arthurs, Statistician I (Labour Force) at the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), the majority of those who joined the ranks of the unemployed (more than 6 in 10) are women.
Deadly machete chopping in San Joaquin
Two men were chopped in San Joaquin at about 3:00 this morning near the village's fiesta grounds.
Omar Mario Gonzalez, 21, a farmer of San Joaquin who is originally from El Salvador, was chopped in the back and in the back of his head, and died on the scene, while his companion, Doniver Armoldo Ruano, 20, also of San Joaquin, was chopped in the right side of the neck, but he was able to escape.
Their attacker, then ran away.
Ruano was able to alert police, who were on patrol, and both victims were taken to the Corozal Town Hospital, where Gonzalez was declared dead on arrival while Ruano was treated for his chop wounds and was later released.
Banana and sugar lead economic rebound
Belize experienced a recession in 2016, but indications are that the economy is on the rebound, with first quarter growth of 2.1%, according to latest figures announced by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).
Jefte Ochaeta, Statistician I of the SIB's Economic Statistics Department, told the media on Wednesday that agricultural expansion-primarily from the banana and sugar sectors-accounted for most of the growth reported for the period January to May 2017.
The 2.1% increase in Belize's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can be attributed to the agriculture sector, said Ochaeta, adding that agriculture alone contributed 1.6% to the numbers, with banana production actually making the highest contribution to the increase for that period.
The Godfather of internet inventions is a Belizean-American, Andre Gray
Before the internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) became public modes of modern communications, its precursor was some dial-up telecommunications nodes. Every state in the US had them.
In New York, there was Dialnet and Telenet. These were mostly utilized by the military and some people in academia, who paid for subscription and were connected via modem on their computers. Built on to these communications nodes from as early as the 1970s were the bulletin boards system (BBS) which were around until the 1990s, when the internet came along.
The BBS had no sounds, no graphics, no videos. BBS were essentially texts streaming on computer screens in a style resembling a telegraph machine.
Allison "Harrier" Laing Tournament results
Here are the results from the Allison "Harrier" Laing Tournament which was held at the Trial Farm Basketball Court in Orange Walk on Sunday, June 25.
In Round 1 games: Crooked Tree defeated Knights, 62-24; One Love def. Truckers, 53-26; and San Lorenzo Snipers def. All Stars, 42-31; while Muffles Bobcats got a bye.
Round 2 saw Crooked Tree with the 61-32 win over Muffles Bobcats; Truckers defeated All Stars, 42-24; One Love def. Knights, 49-37; San Lorenzao Snipers got a bye; and Truckers won, 47-18, over Muffles Bobcats.
Kulture Yabra leads at Week 4 of National Over-40 Tournament
The inaugural Belize National Over-40 Football Tournament 2017 completed its fourth week of games over the weekend, and two undefeated teams, Kulture Yabra and Mango Creek Veterans lead the standings, with Kulture Yabra in first place with 7 points, followed by Mango Creek Veterans in second. But the race is tight, as Mango Creek is also tied at 6 points with Benque Vets FC and BDF Veterans. And two others are right behind with 5 pts each - San Pedro Veterans and Belmopan Veterans. Two games each were played on Saturday and Sunday over the past weekend.
The Annual Kaina Martinez Track and Field Games, July 22-23
The Seine Bight village on the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize will host the fifth annual Kaina Martinez Track and Field Games on July 22-23, 2017. Named for Kaina Martinez, an Olympic athlete who represented Belize in the 2012 Games in London, the Kaina Martinez Track and Field Games features young athletes between the ages of 4-14 from Seine Bight as they compete in a series of track and field events.
Kaina Martinez is an 11-time All-American track athlete, two-time NCAA champion, and both the Belizean and Central American world record holder in the 100-meter sprint who grew up in Seine Bight. She has also won gold medals in the Central American Championships for the 100-meter sprint, the 4 x 100-meter relay, and a silver medal in the 200-meter event. The Track and Field Games named after her are part of her long-standing desire to contribute to the success of other young people in her community.
Cricket Corner: Last segment - BNCA President resigns
The attached message was sent in by the President of the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA), Jeremy McCulloch. He has resigned. Also, I have withdrawn from doing anything for cricket. It was a pleasure doing so, but it had gotten to a point where a line has been drawn.
I thank everyone who had supported me constructively throughout these 6-plus years� No more postings on cricket, but later I will find other positive things to write about. Thanks again. May you all, be blessed.
A message from BNCA President, Jeremy McCulloch:
Editorial: Re-registration
The newspaper is disturbed by the decision of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) to postpone re-registration yet again. For us, the UDP decision is worse than Machiavellian: it is anti-democratic. Everyone knows that the voters' lists are dirty, which is to say, people are voting in constituencies where they should not be voting, and some people are voting who should not, strictly speaking, be eligible to vote.
The first time re-registration took place in the post-universal adult suffrage (1954) era of Belize's modern politics, was in 1978. In 1978, the then ruling People's United Party (PUP) introduced the 18-year-old vote, which had been a demand of the UBAD Party (1969-1974), and 1978 was the first time Belizean voters were required to have their photographs taken for identification purposes.
From the Publisher
I went to St. Ignatius Church on Saturday morning for Lois Lightburn's funeral, and a lot of memories ran through my mind. Lois had lived in Chicago with her two daughters (one of her daughters, Alva, had been a New York City victim of the 9/11 terrorist disaster at the World Trade Center in 2001), and it occurred to me that Lois must have asked to be buried in Belize. It is an expensive proposition, you know, to bring a body home from America for burial.
Between 1975 and 1977, I was like an adopted son of Ms. Lucille Eusey, mother of Stretch, Ray and Pulu Lightburn. Ma Luz was like a stepmother to Lois, who was a daughter of Bill Lightburn, the father of Stretcher, Ray, and Pulu, through another lady. I will always treasure the closeness of the relationship between Ms. Luz and Lois. It was beautiful. They were like blood.
Neri O. Brice�o writes the Taiwan Ambassador to Belize
Dear Ambassador Liu,
I write to you as simply a man, without medals, honours, degrees, positions and titles; just an ordinary mortal as you are, but most importantly as a citizen of this beloved nation of Belize.
This country is one of the most diverse in Latin America and has a long history of cultural and racial diversity that can probably be traced back to the origin of this state. It's a country that is made of immigrants to whom it has always opened its doors with welcome arms. Some have come with good intentions and managed to integrate and be a productive part of the community and the new nation they live in, while others, we will say, have not been so generous and forthcoming.
Bigging up road repair crews
Dear Editor,
Since it is usual to hear complaints on most subjects, this will be a note with a difference. As much as people complain that the Western Highway is in terrible repair, we must admit that the repair crews do a tremendous job with what they have to work with. Without them, the road would be useless at more than ten miles per hour, and even then hard on the tires. These guys keep the road usable. Without them, we would spend hours, rather than minutes, to get from Belmopan to Cayo. While nothing in this world is perfect, these guys are out there making our world a little easier and safer. Some kudos for people who really try.
Beloved, scuttlebutt is scuttlebutt �
Greetings,
It must be that in this day and age my efforts within the trade union movement are ill conceived or simply not known. Nonetheless I take serious umbrage to the inferences drawn in your recent article regarding me and the current administration. It was not until I read that article that I knew that the Barrow administration was rooting for me to be president. This is fresh news and would have been grateful to at least know.
The second statement draws a serious inference to suggest that I am controlled by the UDP administration, If this is the view of the Amandala crew, I would deem you to be misguided without more. Perhaps it would have served all of our interest had a simple conversation been held with me about the state of affairs between both the Congress and PSU, so that misinformation and statements bordering on slandering are not so freely tendered.
Former Ex-Services General Secretary writes aspiring member
Dear Mr. Carr,
My attention has been drawn to a Radio and TV broadcast which was aired by KREM Radio and Television on the morning of Monday, June 19, 2017, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.
In this broadcast you made a number of statements about the secretary of the Ex-Services League and the Executive of the Ex-Services League, which I believe to be libelous.
I am the secretary of the Ex-Services League to whom you made reference, and at all material times I was a member of the National Executive Council.
The Panama Taiwan breakup
The announcement by the government of President Juan Carlos Varela of the severing of diplomatic ties between Panama and Taiwan was of monumental importance both to this region and Belize in particular. In an address to the nation, President Varela announced the breaking of immediate diplomatic ties and that the severing of ties was the correct path for his nation and that of China.
The possibility of mending this relationship is almost non-existent since China, regardless of not having formal diplomatic relationship with Panama before this announcement, however shared close financial ties with Latin America's financial powerhouse. The fact that China is also the second largest customer to the Panama Canal and the largest supplier of merchandise to the city of Colon's Free Zone was, I am sure, a huge deciding factor. Taiwan as expected came out with a swift and hard diplomatic statement condemning the move and announced that it would immediately cease all bilateral projects, pull its diplomatic staff and technical advisors, essentially closing its embassy. This is a monumental blow for Taiwan.
In his time he was the best�
He's 79 now, and one of his knees isn't working all that well, but he still looks spry enough to take off and push one out of the farthest corner, or slam a C. F. S. Brown fastball over the boundary for six. In 1950's/1960's Belize, everyone knew Charlie Gardiner's name. He was a top football player. And he had some brilliant days on the cricket pitch too. He had to excel. Athletics is written all over his genes.
His dad, Robert Gardiner, was among that famous group of Belizeans (British Hondurans) who boarded steamships in Belize and journeyed across the ocean to fight for Britain in the First World War. Robert won a silver cup in Mesopotamia for gaining the most points in a sporting competition for soldiers stationed over there. (Charlie says he still has the cup) His brother, Keith, was an All Belize footballer in the 1960's, a first class cricketer, and a national table tennis champion. His brother, Roy, was a highly respected boxer.
BELIZEAN LEGENDS SHINING STARS!
As a childhood friend in Belize City Derrick Estrada had more freedom than most of us who grew up in the same neighborhood and in very strict homes like mine in the late 1960s. But remembering him and his shy personality since then makes me realize that boys like him had appeared distant in many ways. For me, there was always this wonderment why my sheltered background at the time prevented me from knowing him better.
It later appeared after we both became teenagers in the late 1970s, and my family's departure from the neighborhood that divided us from connecting, that we were to meet again in more maturity. There was a sense of reluctance still, even though we would chat occasionally at the Belize Islamic Center on Racecourse Street that had become like an educational hub for some of Belize's most brilliant minds.
The saga of evidence of the common-law union!
I must confess I was not taken aback by the huge interest expressed by many over my article regarding common-law unions because it only proved that indeed many do not even know the law, their legal rights and the legal consequences that ensue when it comes to the relationships they are in. Thus, this week I will further expand on this topic as there were some rather interesting questions asked by readers. High on the list of questions is what happens if it's just a visiting relationship?
It is good to know that in jurisdictions such as Barbados the legislation recognizes the visiting partner, but that is not the case in Belize. This is critical in that jurisdiction, because some men sought to get away from being considered common-law spouse by virtue of the fact that they made sure they only visited and thus never "lived-in" with the partner, even when he spent most of the night with the female partner.
Yacht ran aground on the reef near Snake Caye
A United States-registered 45-foot yacht, the La Ishta II, was found on the reef near Snake Caye in the Stann Creek District by the Belize Coast Guard, who were conducting routine patrols in the southern seas last week.
A report was made to the Port Authority and the Department of the Environment, who went to the area to find out what had happened, and to assess the damages. An initial assessment of the area was also conducted by TIDE (Toledo Institute for Development and the Environment), because Snake Caye lies inside the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, a zone co-managed by that organization.
Nicholas Christian Dorion Ferber, the Guatemalan captain of the vessel, told local authorities that the incident occurred while he was travelling to Livingston, Guatemala, from Placencia, Belize. A senior officer at the Port Authority told us that they are yet to conclude their report, but it is believed that the motorized yacht ran aground due to the captain's error.
Police tribunal charges apparently intoxicated policeman
This morning at about 10:00, a policeman was seen lying on the ground near the Belmopan Bus Terminal. He tried to get up, but apparently could not. He got into a sitting position, but fell. He then managed to get up, and tried to retrieve his cap and handcuffs that were near him on the ground, but was unable to do so.
Police said that they went to the bus stop, where they saw a police officer in uniform, apparently under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They identified the officer as Police Constable 1319 Florencio Rash, attached to Eastern Division South (Precinct 1, Belize City).
Belmopan police said that they took him into custody and charged him internally. Rash was charged with "Act to the Prejudice of Good Order and Discipline, bringing the department into disrepute, conduct unbecoming of a police officer and violation of police codes of ethics."
Illegal Salvadoran family ran afoul of the law
A routine police check on a young man riding a bicycle in the Fort George area of Belize City has led to the detention of three other members of his family, who are Salvadorans and are all in Belize illegally.
The four Salvadorans appeared in the Magistrate's Court before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. They are Moses Diaz Valdez, 18; Santos Emiliano Valdez, 18; Cesar Gomez Valdez, 19; and Maria Valdez, 39, who were all charged with possession of a utensil for the smoking of illegal drugs, and possession of a controlled drug for 1.6 grams of cannabis.
Three of the accused pleaded not guilty to the two charges, but Santos Emiliano Valdez accepted responsibility and pleaded guilty to the two charges.
200 passports were stolen in 2005
At the end of August 2005, as many as 200 passports were stolen from the Immigration Department's Belmopan office.
Following that major heist, former Director of Immigration, Jose Carmen Zetina, had told the press, "I am a suspect and everybody from Immigration must be considered a suspect, including those who profess that they were on leave. They must be considered suspects."
Though this incident occurred over a decade ago, it was revisited by the Auditor General's special audit of the Immigration Department for the period 2011 to 2013. The audit revealed that one of the stolen passports had been issued to Chinese national, Qiu-Yun-Lin. It was issued on November 13, 2007, and was scheduled to expire 5 years later. The audit also revealed that this passport issued had been a part of a series issued to Immigration officer, Ady Pacheco.
The Reporter
Youth shot on south side
A youth is currently undergoing surgery after he was shot earlier on the south side of Belize City. Unofficial but reliable reports are that Raheem Bodden, 18, was shot in his right shoulder sometime before 10 p.m., Friday on Antelope Street Extension in the Collet [�]
Police look for suspect in connection with arson
Ladyville police are looking for a suspect following a fire they believe was deliberately set, which destroyed a man's house Thursday night. The blaze was first spotted at around 11:30 p.m., when Lorna Bardalez,34, went outside her house when she saw her cousin's house on [�]
BDF has four new pilots and several helicopter mechanics
Seventeen members of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) who have completed a Helicopter Conversion training course today graduated, two of them with honours. Four of the members are pilots and 13 are technicians who now know how to fly, repair and service the military's helicopters. [�]
Healing Circle: an inter-generational book of poems on Belizean issues
A few weeks ago the Institute of Social and Cultural Reseach (ISCR) helped two artists from two different generations publish their collection of poems in a book named after one of their works called, "The Healing Circle." The book of poems is co-authored by past [�]
Chester out, Vidal in – Gang truce in limbo
The month of July brings with it a few changes within the Belize Police Department, one of which includes the transfer of Assistant Commissioner Chester Williams as the Regional Commander of Eastern Division South to head the Professional Standards Branch in Belmopan. It is a […]
Miss Costa Maya Belize delegate chosen
Popular beauty contestant and former Miss San Pedro, Michelle Estrella Nunez, has been officially chosen to represent Belize at the 2017 Costa Maya pageant scheduled for August 3. The 26-year-old Belizean beauty ambassador and resident of San Pedro town will compete against delegates from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, […]
LGBTI community given voice at Commonwealth
The 52 members that make up the Commonwealth have given the Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN) – a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex (LGBTI) group, increased access to that organization. TCEN is a network of 38 civil society organizations that operates in 39 countries, including […]
More Belizeans awarded scholarships to study in Taiwan
Some 24 Belizean students will travel to Taiwan later this year to pursue degree programs offered by the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) scholarship program and the Taiwan Scholarship Program 2017. The students will receive full tuition, round trip economy-class ticket, accommodations, tuition […]
Retired broadcaster, Richard Merrill, passes
Retired broadcaster, Richard Merrill – best known for his years on Love FM’s Morning Show and presenting the news during that radio station’s early days – died on Saturday in Consejo Shores, Corozal where he lived for the past few years. Originally from Mississippi, USA, […]
Belikin launches new light beer
The Belize Brewing Company, makers of Belikin Beer, on Tuesday unveiled its latest product , Belikin Light, in an already extensive line of beers. Belikin Light, offers heath conscious drinkers a comparable flavor profile of a regular Belikin, but with reduced calorie content. Nolan Michael, […]
Venezuela leaves OAS, Belize sides with US
Foreign Minister of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, emphasized that Venezuela will leave the Organization of American States and does not intend to return, during the 47th OAS General Assembly held in Cancun, Mexico. Rodriguez explained that there was a two year administrative period in which Venezuela has to […]
GOB continues investments in TVET education
The Government of Belize, in its continued effort to enhance the quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country, signed a consultation contract with a German consultancy company. The Ministry of Economic Development & Petroleum along with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth […]
Barrow speaks on IMF outlook of Belize
The International Monetary Fund, in light of Belize's poor economic outlook, offered Belize several recommendations in its latest report on the country; however Prime Minister Dean Barrow has openly rejected most of their recommendations. Barrow, responding to the IMF's recommendations after its routine Article IV Consultation, emphasized […]
BEL and shareholders meets for AGM
The Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) held its Annual General Meeting last Wednesday at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel to report the company's performance and achievements for the year 2016. According to a press release from BEL, following its vision to become a model of excellence, […]
Uniformed police constable caught drunk on video gets disciplined
A police constable who made the news this week after he was videotaped lying on the ground in his uniform – apparently under the influence of alcohol- is to face a disciplinary tribunal for the offence: “Prejudice of Good Order and Discipline.” Police Constable Florencio […]
Elvin Penner charged for fatal accident
Former Minister of State, Elvin Penner, was charged in San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for causing the death of a motorist in a traffic fatality last Friday. Penner was read charges of manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct and driving without due care and […]
Indian national robbed of over $50,000.00 cash at Airstrip in Corozal
Corozal police are looking for two thieves who netted over $50,000 in cash from an Indian national at the Ranchito airstrip in Corozal Town late Friday evening. Thirty-four-year old Avinash Deshmukh, store manager of Corozal Town, reported to police that around 5:00 p.m on June 23 he was attacked at […]
Police looking for suspected killer of Marky Mendez
The five-day search for a Teakettle resident who was reported missing came to an end on Monday after his decomposed body was discovered in a shallow creek near the old Warrie Head Bridge about a mile away from Teakettle village. The body of 24-year-old Marky Mendez was […]
Editorial
We just spent seven days celebrating Police Week, and we are pretty confident that the men and women who responded with so much enthusiasm and goodwill all have stress in their lives. Policemen are not the only ones living with stress, and stress cannot be used as an excuse for […]
Early morning murder in Corozal; suspect on the run
Corozal police are seeking the public's assistance in finding a San Joaquin man who is suspected of inflicting deadly chop wounds to two men, one of whom died on the scene. It is believed that the suspect, Arturo Tamai Tzul, might have escaped across the […]
GOB trying to avoid another million dollar lawsuit
The Government of Belize is entering into negotiations with an American businessman, over several acres of land valued at more than $8 million dollars, used for the newly-opened Rene Montero Bridge over the Macal River in San Ignacio town. Errol Gentle, Chief Executive Officer in […]
GDP and exports up! Unemployment and cost-of-living too!
The latest data released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) shows that Belize had increased economic performance while battling rising unemployment and cost of living for the first quarter of 2017. The SIB released its latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Estimates, External Trade Bulletin, […]
Southside bids farewell to Chester Williams
More than 70 members of the Belize Police Department’s Belize City south side zone, along with various media houses, and supporters of the Community Policing program were recognized during a ceremony to bid Assistant Commissioner of Police and leader of the program, Chester Williams, farewell […]
Breaking Belize News
Belize observes Regional Testing Day
The National AIDS Commission (NAC) culminated six weeks of mobile HIV testing today, with countrywide observance of Regional Testing Day.
The NAC and its partners, such as the Ministry of Health and Scotia Bank, had testing sites all over the country, encouraging Belizeans to come out and learn their HIV status.
WWF challenges GOB on empty promise to protect Barrier Reef
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), in a report this week, called out the government of Belize for its failure to implement legislation drafted to protect the Belize Barrier Reef from the threat of offshore oil drilling and damaging coastal construction.
Addy Pacheco talks missing passports
Senior Immigration Officer, Addy Pacheco, had another round of testimonies at the Senate inquiry this week, answering questions about hundreds of missing passports cited in the Auditor General's Report.Senator Mark Lizaraga led the way in the questions, pointing out that over 600 passports were reported missing, stolen, or were simply unaccounted for. Lizaraga added that many of those passports re-entered into the system for renewal, at later dates.
Walk in my Shoe fundraiser
My name is Ruby Reyes and I am a teacher at SCA and an adjunct professor at UB.
I am coordinating a shoe drive to secure 50 school shoes and school supplies to 50 deserving girls of Big Falls R.C. in the Toledo District.
I taught there for four years prior to moving to Belize City so I'm aware of the difficulty parents face, like in many parts of the country, in preparing their children for school which often requires funds that surpasses the available financial resources.
U.S. Embassy in Belize celebrate 241st anniversary of U.S. independence
Last night, the United States Embassy in Belize celebrated the 241st anniversary of independence for the USA.
Charge d 'Affaires Adrienne Galanek hosted distinguished guests including Governor General, Sir. Colville Young among others.
Dr. Paul Whisnant was also present at the celebration.
Corozal police seek man for murder
Yesterday, BBN reported the murder of a Salvadoran national in San Joaquin, Corozal. Amilcar Morales Gonzalez , 21, and Doniver Ruano were riding home when they met a girl and began speaking to her. Arturo Tzul, 34, confronted the men and chopped both men [�]
Local businesses fund summer camp for over 100 kids
Green Reef, a marine conservation NGO, for the fourth consecutive year, will undertake a four week summer camp at Camp Basil Jones on North Ambergris Caye adjacent to the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. The summer youth camp program aims to promote conservation and preservation of the [�]
Ladyville farmer shot
Yesterday, Ladyville Police visited a farm located on Texas Road, Scotland Half Moon village where Timothy Schrock, 29, farmer of Isabella Bank told police that around 3:50 p.m., he was driving his tractor on the Lemonal Road heading to Scotland village. Upon reaching beside the [�]
House burns in Ladyville
Last night around 11:41, Ladyville Police visited #80 Milpa Site, Ladyville village, and spoke with Lorna Bardalez, 34, who reported that around 11:40 p.m. she went outside her house and saw her cousin's house ( Calvin Palma, 27) engulfed in flames. The structure was a [�]
Top cop Chester says goodbye to Belize City
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams today departs from his post at Eastern Division South, Belize City to take up his new position in Belmopan City. Williams now assumes the post of Head of the Professional Standards Branch unit in the capital city. Former [�]
Chester encourages youths to keep peace in Belize City
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams' departure from Belize City has raised concerns among Belize City residents. Williams' work in the streets of the city's southside included intervention programs, community policing and even a peace march earlier this year with gang members. Williams has [�]
September in Belize
September is one of the best times to visit Belize. Falling during the "low" season, visitors can get a chance to see the top spots in the country and enjoy fabulous festivals without having to deal with large crowds.
Here are 5 great reasons why you should visit Belize in September:
Affordable Flights:
All four of America's biggest airlines now offer non-stop flights to Belize, making it easy to get great prices on airfare to Belize.
The Whole Month is One Big Holiday:
Belize has several national holidays that all occur in September, making the entire month one non-stop celebration.
What Is the Climate Like in Belize?
If you had to describe the climate of Belize in one sentence, you could say that it's very similar to South Florida. Officially, Belize is a sub-tropical country that enjoys warm weather year-round, gentle trade wind breezes, and a mean humidity of around 83%.
Unlike North America, Belize only has two seasons, often referred to as the "dry" season and the "green" season. The "dry" season is also the "high" season for tourists, roughly corresponding to winter in North America but featuring long stretches of sunny days and delightfully warm temperatures. The "green" season is the "low" season, roughly corresponding to summer in North America but without any significant elevation in temperatures.
Visit Belize's Cayo District: 7 Reasons This Should Be Your Next Destination
Below are 7 great reasons to visit Cayo District:
It's the "Wild West:"
Often known as the "Wild West" more for its abundance of pristine nature and exotic wildlife rather than the presence of cowboys, Cayo District is the eco-tourism heartland of the country. It is home to enormous national parks, animal sanctuary, pristine rivers, and spectacular waterfalls.
Ancient Maya Sites:
The ancient Maya civilization once dominated Central America from Mexico in the north to El Salvador in the south. Belize was the heartland of the ancient Maya culture, and today is home to more Maya sites than anywhere else in the world.
Some of the most impressive Maya sites can be found in Cayo, including the ATM Cave, Caracol, and Xunantunich. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal is located just a few miles from Cayo District across the border in Guatemala.
Time Magazine Says You Should Visit Belize in your 30's
On June 25, 2017, Time Magazine published a video on its Facebook social media account that listed seven amazing trips that travelers should enjoy in their 30s, including Belize.
The Time Magazine video extolled the highlights of Belize for individuals in their 30s, describing it as the perfect honeymoon or beach destination because it is far (from the United States) but not "too far." Indeed, all four of the biggest airlines in the United States now offer non-stop service to Belize from major cities across the country, with flights taking just 2-5 hours to arrive in the country.
For honeymooners of all ages, Belize is well-known as a place for exotic destination weddings because of its luxury resorts, hundreds of picturesque islands, sugar sand white beaches, and lush natural jungle settings.
The Time Magazine video also described Belize as a great beach destination and a world-class spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Many newlyweds enjoy experiencing these and similar activities on the islands, including sea kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, sailing, and sampling fresh-caught seafood with a lovely beach barbecue.
Belize Sleeping Giant Mountain
With one foot in the Central American jungles and the other in the Caribbean Sea, Belize may be small but it's packed with adventure and culture. Belize is even known to offer great tales from the mythical world, and today we are going to explore a mythical slumbering giant that lies in the mountains of Belize, the Sleeping Giant.
Lying 19 miles from the country's capital, Belmopan, the Sleeping Giant features can be defined. His facial profile and barrel chest is a portrait of his slumber, as he reigns over the vibrant green valleys below. Cast under the spell of eternal rest, his domain and minions bring alive the serenity of a dream living in harmony with the enchanted terrain.
Vacation Planner, Whats Ahead and New Codes
Everyone always wants to know what is happening when while they are planning their trip. Things change so fast it is hard for everyone to keep track, thankfully Paradise Guy has stepped to help. He currently has the most up to date general events schedule. Click through for a complete calendar on all the Ambergris Caye nightlife (which bands are playing where, trivia, darts, karaoke etc.)
For those of you that are thinking about Belize the next 3 months or have your tickets booked, below is an overview of various annual festivals and events.
Videos
New Song from Belizean Dian Songs Ft. Altee - Wine and go down, 4min.
Sitting of The House of Representatives (6/30/2017)
Belize 2015 Trip, 3.5min.
Belize Diving Teaser, 3.5min. Ambergris Caye, San Pedro Belize First diving experience and diving certification in Ambergris Belize with Ambergris Divers .
Marimba musicians in Benque are so talented!, 2min.
SWFL man starts petition to ban unattended baited hooks used to trap alligators, also Crocodile sanctuary in Belize, 2min. A N. Fort Myers man has created a Change.org petition hoping to get unattended baited hooks banned for trapping alligators. Vince Rose runs a crocodile sanctuary with his wife in Belize. He said there's several other methods trappers can use that are safer for both the animal and people.
SONGS ON CANVAS----THE TALITA LONG STORY!, 42min. Meeting Talita Long for the first time in 2008 at Jordan High School in South Central Los Angeles where she taught Art Education open an opportunity for me to view the life of an incredible American artist of Caribbean heritage who is the mother of the acclaimed and legendary African-American actress Nia Long.
It is so true that you never know who you will cross paths with until you explore the realms of this global community. As an educator myself at Jordan High School that opened up a whole world to me of black and brown unity, it was coincidence that brought me to connect with this very hidden American artist who just happened to be in the school's cafeteria that day having lunch and expressing a bright spirit as she sang in the style of the legendary African-American singer, Minnie Riperton. Being a passionate music lover, it didn't take me long to look up and see Long's identity that was a direct replica in voice of the beloved Riperton. The legendary songbird, Denise Williams, another African-American female artist also came to mind, and so my connection with Long began.
Grace & You -Benjamin's Summer Smoothie & Devon Creme Pie, 25min.
BFLA Summer Activities Team Relay Triathlon Experience, 21min.
Police Youth Mentorship Program Basketball Cup Tournament 2017, 28min.
Some fun at CC lobster fest pageant!, 10min.
Cindy and Leon provide some musical talent during intermission at the Caye Caulker Lobster Fest pageant!
, 9min.
Miss Lobster Fest 2017 Caye Caulker, 10min.
Caye Caulker Lobster Fest- Miss Lobster Fest 2017, 25min.
Monica & Jesus' Belize Vacation 2017, 3.5min.
Placencia Peninsula, 2.5min. I introduce to you Placencia Village! One of many famous tourist attraction destination in the beautiful country Belize! Placencia boast some of the best beaches, the locals are very friendly, and the resorts are world class. Placencia needs to be a bucket list destination for any tourist traveling to Belize.
Trip to Yucatan and Belize, 7min. Our trip in Yucatan and Caye Caulker in April 2017.
Belize Trip 2016, 6.5min. Video of all of our fond memories in Belize! We all hope you enjoy!!!
We hope everyone who was in Belize with us had a great time as well.
Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve: Conserving critical tropical rainforests in Belize, 3.5min. One of the reserves Ya'axch� co-manages is threatened and needs urgent action to save it. Slash and burn agricultural methods, escaped fires, illegal logging, poaching and resource extraction have increased deforestation rates in the 36,000 acre Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve. These forests provide essential clean water, flood prevention, sediment retention, rain generation, and carbon storage services for the Toledo district. The livelihoods and way of life of at least 4,000 inhabitants from communities downstream are dependent on the survival of this reserve.
Celebrating our Ocean Hero 2016, 10min. The Ocean Hero award began as a way for Oceana to recognize and celebrate exceptional accomplishments in ocean conservation, advocacy and education. Being an Ocean Hero mostly means taking action to protect our oceans for people and creatures today and for generations to come. The wave to that kind of impact can start anywhere�and by anyone.
In her forty year (and counting) career, biologist and zoologist Janet Gibson has played an influential role in just about every marine conservation strategy or resource management strategy developed in Belize. Gibson was also a driving force in securing reserve status for two marine protected areas: Belize's first marine reserve, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (also the first of its kind in Central America) and the Glover's Reef Atoll, one of Belize's three atolls. She was also a key member of the Belizean team that worked to have seven sites within the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System declared World Heritage Sites.
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