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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
The San Pedro Sun
Police bring David and Anke Doehm to the island in continued murder investigation
David and Anke Doehm,who remain the prime suspects in the death of Anke's adoptive daughter 13-year-old Faye Lin Cannon, travelled to San Pedro Town on Saturday, July 29th, accompanied by an entourage of police officers. Upon their arrival shortly after 10AM, the American couple were escorted to their clothing boutique located on Barrier Reef Drive, where police conducted an inspection inside the establishment. A few hours later, the Doehms were escorted by police back to the San Pedro Belize Express water taxi for their return to Belize City, where the duo is currently living.
Lloyd Martinez shot in San Pedrito Area
The neighbourhood of the San Pedrito Subdivision in San Pedro Town was shaken last night Monday, July 31st, after gunshots were heard shortly after 6PM. When police arrived to the crime scene, the victim had been taken to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where at 6:45PM they observed a male person identified as 29-year-old Lloyd Martinez suffering from gunshot wounds to his mid- section. He was stabilized and thereafter, airlifted to Belize City's Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for further treatment. No one has been detained as yet, while Police continue investigating.
Ambergris Today
Shooting In San Pedrito Leaves Man Injured
San Pedro Police reports that on Monday, July 31, 2017 they visited the San Pedro Polly Clinic where they saw Lloyd Martinez, 29yrs, Belizean maintenance worker of a Police Street Address, Belize City, being treated for gunshot wounds to his mid-section of his body.
Initial investigation revealed that Martinez was in the San Pedrito Area of San Pedro Town inside a yard conversing with another male person when a mask man approached them and fired two gun shots causing the injuries to Martinez. Police are investigating.
Misc Belizean Sources
BELIZE FISHING REPORT, Weeks of July 24th - July 30th, 2017
Bonefish abound. All of the anglers this week have enjoyed wonderful weather and lots of fish. The week has been filled with record catches and happy anglers. The light winds we have been experiencing are allowing the fish to feed heavily and for longer periods since the tides aren't wind driven.
Policy
To manage the city
To manage it properly
Why city councilors must not be getting two salaries
The city should be paying them adequately
If we are to get quality
To increase productivity
if we are to have better accessibility
This part time shit is apathy
We need their total loyalty
BELIZEAN CYCLING POWERHOUSE ANTHONY "BURGA BOY" MORRIS!
One of Belize's most powerful cycling sprinters of all times that dominated Belizean cycling in the 1970s was Anthony "Burga Boy" Morris. Morris was not only strong in the hills of Belize's Mount Hope in the grueling Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic, but he was also a skillful finisher who would always place among the first five of cyclists that would enter the Belize National Stadium now the Marion Jones Sporting Complex.
Built to endure serious pain that the hot and wining 144 Miles cross country race from Belize City to the Cayo District and back would inflict on any weak at heart rider, Morris would persevere throughout incredible odds and against some of Belize's best cycling champions like the legendary Kenrick Halliday.
LOOKING BACK ON CLIVE GILETT & THE BELIZE TECHNICAL COLLEGE!
Belize Technical College most astute and constructive principal, the legendary Clive Gillett, stands out today as one of Belize's most accomplished and effective educators of the 1960s, 70s Belize academia. His work spans from being one of the first managers and pioneers of Belizean technical education that produced some of the best Belizean engineers of that period, to uplifting the school's academic standards to world class levels unprecedented even up to today in Belize.
Despite of the competitive edge that Belize Technical College called "BTC" had faced from other formidable Belizean educational institutions like St. John College (SJC), St. Michaels College, St. Hildas College and Wesley College in the 1960s and 70s, the first government ran academic and industrial institution, BTC, stood as the best for many through the tireless work that scholars like Belize's Clive Gillett crafted for the Belizean mind.
THE BELIZEAN DIASPORA & ITS SERVICE TO BELIZE FOR DEVELOPMENT!
(PART FOUR).
by Bilal Morris.
We here at Belizean Legends celebrate the formation of the Consortium for Belizean Development thirty-two years ago in Los Angeles, California. We honor those legendary Belizeans who stood the test of time and organized for Belize's development at home while resisting the backlash of vicious immigration laws since then that was imposed by one United States president after the next. Now as the new president of the U.S., Donald Trump, has imposed more aggressive and draconian immigration laws, it is unclear what the Belizean diaspora agenda have become almost two decades after the demise of the Belizean consortium.
We honor those Belizeans who served their country Belize in the diaspora through the formation of the umbrella organization called, "The Consortium", that came from every state in the U.S. where they resided after their emigration from Belize since the 1920s. It was an assembly of the best minds in the Belizean diaspora that would never be seen again in the history of Belizean emigration from Belize. These men and women served Belize honorably abroad and didn't forget the hand that once fed them and gave them birth through the birth of a nation once called British Honduras.
World Breastfeeding Week
The Ministry of Health Belize in partnership with PAHO/WHO is joining in the celebration of World Breastfeeding Week from August 1st to 7th, 2017, a week dedicated to the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding. This year, the week is being celebrated under the theme "Sustaining Breastfeeding Together".
The Ministry of Health promotes exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life as it is the first vital step to long-term health.
LUNCHEON WITH COSTA MAYA DELEGATES 2017
On Friday, July 28, 2017, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Councilors had a luncheon at Secret Paradise, located at Secret Beach, with all eight contestants vying for the title of Miss Intl. Costa Maya 2017 and the Reigning Miss Costa Maya from Honduras.
The Mayor and Councilors had the opportunity to converse with all eight participating contests and the reigning queen.
Thank you Secret Paradise for hosting us and the Costa Maya delegates!
Belize's Wonder Women! Dianne Finnegan
For the month of August we are proud to announce that Dianne Finnegan is our Belize Wonder Woman!
Since 2010 Mrs. Dianne Finnegan has been the Coordinator of the Youth Apprenticeship Program in partnership with the Ministry of Education. She takes her work very seriously, this sometimes requires her to wear several hats such as "bails bonds-woman", mother, funeral planner, babysitter, nurse, lawyer and many more. Her job does not end at 5:00 pm nor does it begin at 8:00 am. Sometimes she is awaken at 3:00 am by a phone call from one of her desperate youth, who has been arrested by the police and need her help. Sometimes it's the hospital calling that one of her youth has been shot. As always, she quickly response and races over ready to help. She has never given up hope on the young people in Belize. Calls, text, visits them and before you know it, they are back in the program.
Bright Beginning Day Care now open in Corozal, Town
Parents of Corozal town, Are you busy working and you don't have time to find a baby sitter in town? Don't worry, because Bright Beginning Day care opened its doors today Tuesday, August 1, 2017 in Corozal. It is located across from A @ R Behind Atlantic Bank Insurance Office inside the old Orange Walk Taco's restaurant used to be on 4th Avenue. What is Bright Beginning Day Care Center? The business provides full day care while parents are at work.
We handle from months old baby to 8-9 year's old kids. Well, secure building so your child can be safe while parents are at work. This day care offers full Kitchen, Diapers, chairs for months old baby, food and bathroom. Kids can play with toys such as outdoor and indoor slides, bouncy balls, reading books, puzzles, board games, coloring books, chalk boards, snacks, Indoor basketball hoops, Games for all ages and much more.
GRAND OPENING TODAY - "Bright Beginnings Day Care"
This is fantastic news for Corozal Looking for a place where your child can play, learn and grow at his or her own pace? A place filled with adventure and where craft fuels creativity? If you are seeking an environment where your little one is SAFE to explore and discover, then come in for an appointment at our brand new location.
We are open from Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 P.M.
Ages 1 to 6 years
Highly qualified and experienced personnel
Belmopan Lions Club Eye Test and Eyeglasses
Bring out the entire family for eye testing and eye glasses. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity that the Belmopan Lions Club is offering, August 7-10, 2017 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at their Den.
Sargussum bloom
Another sargussum bloom is affecting several areas in Belize. As Wildlife Conservation Society Belize's Alex Tewfik shared in December 2015, science has determined a connection between the nutrient rich environment believed to be responsible for the excess with the dispersant used in the response to the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Here's more about the spill itself.
Day 5 Moments aboard YOLO:
International Costa Maya Festival
Day 3 Moments:
International Costa Maya Festival
Costa Maya Swimsuit Shoot
Official Miss Costa Maya 2017 Swimsuit Shoot by Jose Luis Zapata Photography
Can eating big fish make you sick at some times of the year?
Have always heard to not eat big fish in August, like barracuda and grouper. That was common knowledge when a child. My husband will only eat it in specific seasons because yes...reef fish can really make you sick at the wrong times.
Miss Costa Maya 2017 Delegates
Official Photo Shoot at Central Park, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Island, Belize by Jose Luis Zapata Photography.
Closure of the Shark Fishing Season
The Belize Fisheries Department would like to advise the public that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2011, the shark fishing season is closed from 1st August to 31st October of any year. The public is reminded that no person or establishment shall have in possession any shark meat during the closed season.
Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of the Fisheries Act commits an offense and shall be liable on summary conviction as stipulated in the Fisheries Act.
AWARD CEREMONY AND LUNCHEON FOR ANNUAL WONDER WOMAN CHALLENGE (2017)
On Friday, July 28th, 2017, Defence Minister Hon. John Saldivar joined Charg� d' Affaires from the U.S. Embassy Adrienne Galanek and Lieutenant Gregory Soberanis of the Belize Coast Guard as they presented awards to members of the Belize Coast Guard and Belize Defence Force, who were victorious in the 2017 Annual Wonder Woman Challenge. They handed out medals and gifts to the groups who took first, second and third place in the competition held in May.
Training on Defensive Tactics
Congratulations to the fifty-eight Police Officers that completed training on Defensive Tactics!
Belize Police Training Academy (BPTA) and the Belize Field Training Officers (FTO) Program hosted two week-long classes in the second half of July. The objective of the training was to improve the skills of the Police Officers to protect themselves and citizens.
The trainers for the course were trained by officers from the Denver Police Department in January as part of a "Train -the-Trainer" program funded by the U.S. Embassy.
Turtle nesting Season is at its peak
With green and loggerhead turtle nesting July/August. A total of 70 nest have been recorded on Ambergris Caye This year. Turtles are hatching!!!
NEW CABALLO CONSERVATION POST FOR THE CHIQUIBUL NATIONAL PARK
Through funding from the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the Environmental Management Fund (EMF), a new conservation post has been constructed in the Chiquibul National Park at a cost of BZ $115,000. Today, an official inauguration was held for the Caballo Conservation Post after which a tour of the new facilities was provided to guests. Present at the inauguration were Hon. Dr. Omar Figueroa, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development (MAFFESD) as well as CEO in the Ministry and PACT Board Chair Dr. Percival Cho, and CEO in the Ministry of Defense Felix Enriquez among others.
New Caballo Conservation Post
The Caballo Conservation Post located north of Caracol in the Chiquibul National Park was officially inaugurated yesterday. The objective of this CP is to control incursions and reduce agricultural farming and cattle ranching in the northern region of the park.
179th Anniversary of the End of Slavery
Today, Tuesday, 1st August 2017, marks the 179th Anniversary of the end of Slavery in Belize and the former British Colonies around the world.
"Emancipation Day", as today is known, is a day to recall that slavery was one of the greatest injustices in human history and one which has had tremendous impact on the physical, social, economic and political life of people of African origin. It is also a time to note that Belize's socio-cultural and socio-political landscape has been blessed with the contributions of people of African heritage.
August 1st is to be used as a societal magnifying glass to make clearer for all to see, and not lose sight, of the fact that social inequalities continue to hinder the overall development of people of African decent in Belize and around the world.
Reigning Miss Costa Maya leaves town
The International Costa Maya Festival Committee regrets to inform the public that reigning Miss Costa Maya, Gabriella Vanessa Salazar Valle has had to return to her home country in Honduras due to an unforeseen change in plans.
Channel 7
Guatemalan Tourist Murdered In Belize City, Police Mum
Police have not released any information on it, but there's a Belize City murder to report, and the victim is a Guatemalan tourist. He was robbed and murdered this weekend by an armed robber because he refused to hand over his money and possessions.
7News has learned that on Saturday, 2 Guatemalan tourists, 46 year-old Walter Lopez, and 39 year-old Josue Anitai Arizandieta, were walking on the Phillip Goldson Highway, near the Lord Ridge Cemetery. The men were staying at nearby Caribbean Hotel which is located at mile 1.5 on the Phillip Goldson High Way.
Belmopan Police Looking for Murder Suspect
A man is wanted for yesterday's murder in the Salvapan area of Belmopan. 22 year old Angel Antonio Orrellano is the key suspect in the killing of 21 year old Samuel Mendez. At 7:30 yesterday, Mendez was cutting the grass in an open lot when a gunman pulled up and opened fire. He was hit multiple times and fell on the street where he died. Police say the killing was the product of an old beef with another man.
Tonight, Belmopan police have released this wanted poster of Orellano because they fear that he might try to leave the country. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Belmopan police.
Mayor Makes It Official, He Won't Run
Will he or won't he? That's the question it seems we're always asking when it comes to the mercurial Mayor Darrell Bradley and his ever changing interest in the post of mayor. In 2014, he put the UDP through fits with his constant flip-flopping on whether he would or wouldn't run again. But for the 2017 run-up to the 2018 election, he's done no such thing: today, Bradley made it clear, he's out, he's walking away from City Hall after the next election and he wants Dion Leslie to replace him. Here's how the mayor put it when he met with the press today:...
Jules Vasquez, reporter:
"So you will not offer yourself as mayor again?"
Darrell Bradley, Won't run - Endorses Dion Leslie:
"That is correct. I want to make it very clear that I am an ardent and I continue to ardent supporter of the United Democratic Party. I think that the United Democratic Party has done well by the people of Belize City and the people of the country of Belize. This is not to discount the fact that over the last many years we've had challenges as a party and as a government. But I think that on a whole the party has done well and I am very proud and pleased to continue to support that party."
Leslie Says It's A Tough Election For The UDP To Win
So Leslie will try to reach out to his fellow councilor and mayoral aspirant Phillip Willoughby - who, despite his history of "electus interruptus" - says he's not backing down this time.
But, the truth is the last thing the UDP needs right now is a costly internal battle for the mayoral nomination, because as even Party Leader Dean Barrow concedes - the next municipal will be tough for the UDP in the city. They've controlled city hall for 11 years - going on 12 - which means the party has won four in a row. Today mayoral hopeful Dion Leslie told us he is aware of the challenges:
What Will Darrell Do In Caribbean Shores?
But while Dion Leslie has his own hands to pray - so to speak, the Mayor has to figure out what's next for him. As he's said, he wants to be in the House of Representatives - but with him now stepping out of the Mayor's chair - his path to a seat in the House is not so clear. We asked him what's his plan:
Jules Vasquez, reporter:
"It is counter intuitive to think that you can relinquish a war chest like the city council and still you lost the last time being mayor where you had goods and services to help people with. Well you will lose even worse if you run this time and you are not the mayor and you don't have those goods and services."
Darrell Bradley, Won't run - Endorses Dion Leslie:
"My response to that would be firstly, we have never ever used the city council resources to benefit any political ends. Clearly if you are in the office of mayor, you are doing a good job, people will say okay then I like this guy for mayor, I think he is going to do a good job as an area representative - I would vote for him. That is the extent of my using the city council."
City Man Shot In San Pedro
San Pedro Police are investigating a shooting yesterday, which has landed a Belize City man in the hospital.
It happened at around 6:30 pm in the San Pedrito area of the island. Police say that 29 year-old Lloyd Martinez was having a conversation with another man when a masked gunman approached them and opened fire. He was hit twice in the midsection, and he's currently receiving medical treatment.
Going To The Frontline Of the Fight In Chiquibul
Another Conservation Post was yesterday opened in the Chiqibul National Park- this time it's in the Caballo area. That's the Northwestern part of the Chiquibul - about 1 kilometer from the western border. It's part of a PACT funded Chiquibul Forest Investment Initiative - to protect the national park from Guatemalan poachers who continue to press into Belize.
Courtney Weatherburne has more on how impactful this new post will be in safeguarding the resources in that area.
These BDF officers are very much used to climbing up and down these watch towers, its part of their daily routine. The only difference today is that
They are overlooking another area of the Chiquibul from a brand new conservation post.
Courtney Weatherburne:
"The Caballo Conservation Post is one of four posts in the Chiquibul. It's located in the North western part of the National park. Now, it might seem like just another tactical base for park rangers. But really, it's at the front line of Belize's fight to keep Guatemalan poachers out of the Chiquibul where they have been exploiting and abusing the protected resources, from land, to Scarlet Macaws, to timber, Xate, gold, and wildlife. But even though they have these four posts, the fight continues."
Gold Panning Hurting Chiquibul
And it's conservation posts like these that help park rangers and BDF deter and catch Guatemalan poachers. Last night we told you about the 2 Guatemalan gold panners that were caught in the Ceibo Chico area of the Chiquibul. They were found with gold mining tools, a bag of weed and 6 live 16 gauge shotgun shells. They were charged with firearm offenses and the forest department is expected to charge both men for illegal entry. Now this arrest is one of many but it hasn't deterred these Guatemalan gold panners. As two are arrested, 2 more are probably planning to set up camp near by. Yesterday the Executive Director of Friends for Conservation and Development Rafael Manzanero discussed just how serious this threat is and of course how detrimental it is to the National Park.
Investment Programme In Chiquibul Working
But it's not all bad news, there has been a reduction in some illegal activities. Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry Dr. Omar Figueroa - who's spearheading the the Chiquibul Forest Investment Initiative shared some of those positive outcomes.
Dr. Omar Figueroa, Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry:
"We developed a joint unit patrol program, installed conservation posts, conducted active research and monitoring and introduced inter-institutional planning as a result Xate harvesting and illegal logging have been reduced considerably that proves that our collective efforts can and have helped to reduce some of these problems we speak about today."
Cops Get Weighty Weed and Glock Gun
Yesterday afternoon at about 3:45 Belize City's Precinct 2 Strike Team conducted a search at a Nutmeg Street home occupied by Malic Ovado, Clifton Allen, and Keshawn and Allen Swasey. After combing the inside of the house, the cops found a black plastic bag containing 25 parcels of cannabis, weighing just under 7 pounds.
After finishing up on Nutmeg Street, the Strike Team headed over to the St. Martin's Area, where they found a black 9mm pistol and 7 live rounds of ammunition hidden under some bushes.
Would Mayor Leslie Liberalise the Nightclub Regime On P.M. Drive Entertainment Strip?
So, now that Dion Leslie has his eyes set on the mayor's chair in City Hall, what will he do about the mayor's decree that all those bars in and around BTL Park that aren't enclosed - have to shut down at midnight? Reports suggest Leslie has a vested interest in one of those bars the park - so we asked him about it:...
Jules Vasquez, reporter:
"It is rumored or people say that you may have an interest in certain outlets in that area. Is it something that you would seek to reverse this hard lined position that the mayor has taken - no extension if you are not an enclosed space?"
Dion Leslie, UDP Mayoral Aspirant:
"Well it's something definitely we have to go back to the residents, because all of this came about when we did have a consultation with the residents."
Will Dion Do The Media Dance Like Willoughby?
And - as he said earlier - Leslie is also trying to find a way to work with co aspirant for the UDP's mayoral nomination Phillip Willoughby. We'll have to wait and see how that goes, but in the meantime, Willoughby is basking in the light of media attention that he requests for his various initiatives. Leslie says he's seen all that, but it's just not his style:...
Jules Vasquez, reporter:
"Certainly you have won key endorsements within the party, but every night I see him on the news. It's like you may be winning internally, but it looks like he is winning the popularity contest, because I see him on the media so often. Does this concern you?"
Dion Leslie, UDP Mayoral Aspirant:
"It concerns me about Channel 7, you should blame no one but yourself. No, Phillip is doing good work and he is still a part of the council and he is promoting good initiatives throughout the city. So you can't deny that. My work is on the ground."
Cane Farmers Come Out Fiery
There's hard talk now being heard in the sugar industry - and it doesn't look good for harmonious relations going forward between BSI and the largest famers association which is the BSCFA.
The BSCFA issued a release in Spanish yesterday evening. It is a response to a notice put out by ASR/BSI twelve days ago, in which the company warns that if the BSCFA opts out of the current cane purchasing agreement, BSI would not be able to accept cane from their members.
What A Difference A Year Makes: Bird's Isle Is Back
The Bird's Isle basketball court is a Belize City landmark. It was the showcase for Belize's best basketball talent in the 70's and also a concert venue for acts such as a very young Byron Lee and the Dragonairres and Pluto Shervington, among many other songsters and entertainers.
But, last year when Hurricane Earl lashed Belize City and its environs, the court was left mashed up. But, exactly one year later the historic Birds Isle basketball court has been resurrected but with a sleek and finer finish. Today Henry Young Jr. told us more about the renovations:
Steve And The Signs
So far on the news tonight, you've seen a lot from Mayor Darrell Bradley. The media caught him at the unveiling of a sign in the Belama area. It's the work of Steve Perrera, the attorney behind those now iconic Belize signs at the Baron Bliss gave site and the Seashore drive area. Now he's a put a "LOVE" sign in the Belama Phase 2 Park - and he told us why this one may be more important than the other more famous signs:...
Steve Perrera - Sign Benefactor:
"We wanted to create another sign, something that would create and emanate a sense of feeling of love and happiness within the community and so what we decided, I designed this new sign for families so that persons who are in relationships, husband and wives, persons who are getting married, persons attending prom, so that they can utilize the sign and appreciate it and that image of love resonate within their photos and pictures that they want to do, but this is more of a sign that is design for families here in Belize more so than the touristic approach that the other signs were used for."
Public/Private Partnership Working in Bella Vista Residential Community
And that kind of public/private partnership is the same model which is getting 8 streets paved in the Bella Vista residential community. The Mayor explained today:...
Darrell Bradley - Belize City Mayor:
"All of the streets to the north side of the Bella Vista area will be asphalted and the work is about 25% completed. People in the Bella Vista area were saying that they had a high property tax bill. I attended a meeting that was organized by the residents - about 45 residents attended. It was very positive in relation to how we were going to structure it. We did a quotation from a resident who also in involve in the construction industry and street improvements.."
The Importance of Emancipation Day In Belize
Today is observed as "Emancipation Day", in remembrance of the year 1838, when slavery was abolished in many former British colonies in the Caribbean.
So, today marked the 179th anniversary of end of one the greatest injustices in human history.
And to remind Belizeans about their cultural heritage, the UBAD Educational Foundation, and their community partners invited Guyanese sociologist Dr. Patricia Rodney to Belize.
She's the wife of Guyanese activist and historian, Walter Rodney - who was assassinated. Between 1960 and 1970 he became a well known activist in the Caribbean, Europe and Africa, recognized for his activism and writings to improve the social and cultural standings of the working poor in Africa and the Caribbean.
Plumbing the Code
Yesterday the Public Utilities Commission, along with the Ministry of Education and the ITVET began a "Train the Trainers" workshop for Belize's plumbing lecturers. The two week program will work as a refresher course for plumbing instructors, and will help them to get up to date with the latest technological advancements in the field. The workshop also covered the importance of the Plumbing Code, which are guidelines every plumber must follow. Today we spoke to the PUC's Director of Water and Waste Water, Rudolph Williams about the importance of the event...
Making Mental Health Accessible
BTEC and the Mental Health Association also held a workshop today, this time focusing on increasing Belizean's access to mental health care. The Mental Health Facilitator Training workshop was designed to educate community leaders about mental health issues, how to identify them, and how to get them the necessary help. Today we spoke to the workshop's Master Trainer as well as a few participants about the training...
Sheryl Smith Augustine - Nat'l Certified Counsellor/ Master Trainer:
"We are doing a 2 day workshop, a mental health facilitation. The workshop is geared towards helping individuals identify mental health problems also to be able to do some initial assessment and to be able to link persons who need mental health services with the services that are currently in existence.
Venezuelan Embassy Argues Its Case In Belize
Venezuela is making headlines in news outlets all over the world after a very controversial referendum was held on Sunday.
Now, that country has been going through sustained civil unrest, but on Sunday, the government of current president, Nicholas Maduro, held a referendum. Venezuelans voted on whether to replace the current legislative body, the National Assembly
Maduro wants to replace it with the Constituent Assembly, which would have the power to rewrite the country's constitution.
The National Electoral Commission, which is the Venezuelan version of Belize's Elections and Boundaries Commission, which oversees elections in that country, says that more than 8 million Venezuelans voted and supported Maduro's plan to replace the National Assembly.
Channel 5
Wilfred Malcolm: was shooting victim an unlucky thief or innocent?
There are more questions than answers in the fatal shooting of a fisherman in South Stann Creek. Wilfred Malcolm was along with a friend when a single gunshot from a [...]
Puzzling over death of Nevis Betancourt in Cayo
There is another fatal shooting that is under investigation. Last Thursday in San Ignacio, Jose Castellanos was at a restaurant when he was fatally shot by Nevis Betancourth.� Tonight we [...]
Police tight-lipped on evidence against murder suspect Hilmar Alamilla
The murder of twenty-four-year-old Daniel Sosa in Orange Walk continues to rattle the northern community. Sosa was shot on Saturday morning inside a red Dodge Ram pickup belonging to forty-two-year-old [...]
Angel "Weche" Orellano wanted by police in security guard murder
Police have released details of a man wanted for the murder of twenty-year-old Samuel Mendez, a resident of Salvapan, Belmopan. He is twenty-two-year-old Angel Antonio Orellano, also known as Weche, [...]
Duck Run grocers sustain massive damages from fire
A family lost almost half a million dollars of property in a fire on Monday night.� Sometime around eight that night, the family had just closed their business 'Super Tienda [...]
For personal reasons, Mayor Darrell Bradley will not continue past 2018
Mayor of Belize City Darrell Bradley is heading back to private life at the conclusion of his second term in February of 2018. He confirmed the decision not to contest [...]
Bradley says there was more to come - and weaknesses in leadership
Love him or dislike him, there is no question that Mayor Bradley thought big. The City's first ever municipal bond helped cement hundreds of streets and improve driving conditions in [...]
Why Darrell Bradley wants Dion Leslie to succeed him at City Hall
Attention now turns to August twenty-seventh, when either Dion Leslie or Philip Willoughby will be chosen by United Democratic Party voters to replace Bradley. Already enjoying the open support of [...]
Leslie will continue to campaign - will he broker deal with Philip Willoughby?
Even if most think Leslie is the frontrunner on August twenty-seventh following that endorsement from Mayor Bradley and Albert Area Rep Panton, the aspirant and three-time councilor has been campaigning [...]
Mayor says Philip Willoughby doesn't have what it takes
But does that mean that the man in the Superman hat has met his kryptonite? This would not be the first time that Willoughby has not had party backing for [...]
Police rewarded for heroic river rescue
It is not often that the good deeds by cops are celebrated publicly - but two officers attached to the San Ignacio Police Station are being praised by their Department [...]
Conservation post addresses continuing threats to Chiquibul Forest
The Chiquibul forest is being pillaged by gold panners and cattle ranchers, who illegally cross into the national forests to ply the lucrative trade. Friends for Conservation and Development has [...]
Venezuela's man in Belize says don't believe hype over assembly vote
In international news, the South American country of Venezuela has been a noted supporter of Belize in the area of trading for petroleum and social missions established under the presidency [...]
Venezuela thanks Belize for O.A.S. support
The fight over Venezuela also continues in the Organization of American States. Countries not aligned with the Bolivarian Alliance of the Americas (ALBA) have tended to vote in favour of [...]
BERT collects new air ambulance on nineteenth anniversary
Today marks the nineteenth anniversary since BERT opened its doors in 1998, offering pre-medical ambulatory care to Belizeans. It was initiated by local Rotarians along with Yvette Burks Barnes, who [...]
BERT rebuilds EMT cadre after defections due to pay
Just last year, BERT temporarily closed its doors but was able to reach an agreement with the Ministry of Health for a forty-five thousand dollar subvention for operational costs. General [...]
Feel the 'LOVE' in Belama Phase Two Park
The fifth in a series of signs created by attorney Estevan Perera and supported by the Belize City Council was unveiled this morning at a park in Belama Phase Two, [...]
'Magnificent Seven' to compete in KTV the Remix
Another highly competitive round of KTV the Remix begins shortly at the Bliss and the performers are ready to bring it on. Tonight, the genre of alternative music will be [...]
CTV3
BSCFA Opened To Negotiations Will BSI/ASR Accept?
Yesterday the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association issued a fiery press release in response to a notice issued by BSI/ASR twelve days ago, in which the company warns that if the BSCFA opts out of the current cane purchasing agreement, BSI would not be able to accept cane from their members under law. Today we sat down one on one with CEO of the BSCFA Oscar Alonso and Chairman of the Committee of Management, Adalid Wicab where they expanded on yesterday's release further highlighting that the association does not take BSI's current actions of what they describe as intimidations against their member owners, lightly.
BSCFA Membership Welcome 22 Million 3Dollars Investment But Say No To Proposed Amendments
Consultations conducted by the BSCFA with its members concerning the current proposal made by BSI/ASR, concluded last week. The general consensus coming out from those consultations, according to CEO of the association, Oscar Alonso, is that while farmers welcome BSI/ASR's proposed 22 million dollars investment to the factory, there are some concerns with the company's proposed amendments to the current Cane purchase agreement in order for the investment to take place. So the BSCFA has come up with proposed changes of their own hoping that they are accepted by the milling company.
UDP Divided Over UDP Candidacy In Corozal Town
Several days ago, you heard the hosts of the Sugar City Morning Show complaining that the UDP was slow in getting their acts together for the municipal elections slated for March 7 next year, in particular here in Orange Walk Town where the UDP seems to be having an extra hard time putting a team together. In Corozal Town, while the PUP town council slate has been set since mid-June, the UDP have decided to hold their convention on August 20th. With the current four-term Mayor Hilberto Campos deciding not to seek re-election, it means the race is now on for a new candidate. For some time only traffic department manager, Richard Quan, had expressed interest and was almost declared the Mayoral candidate, but at the close of their application deadline two weeks ago, current Councillor Rafael Shafrir Castillo, submitted his application for the post which now means they will be heading into a contested convention.
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Father Sought for Abduction of Son
Police are asking the public to be on the lookout for 18-year-old Tereak Palacio Senior. Palacio reportedly abducted his one year five month old son, Tareak Junior, from the child's mother's home on Monday afternoon. Police say Palacio is also wanted by the Family Violence Unit for breach of protection order. The child was last [�]
GOB Discrimination Against Maya People Still Alive, Says TAA
The Toledo Alcalde Association says the government of Belize continues to discriminate against the Maya people of Belize. In a statement issued on Monday, the Association says that in February of this year, GOB informed the Toledo Alcaldes Association that it has not published the appointment of Alcaldes since 2015 and that no Alcalde jurisdictions [�]
Bain Gets Four Million In Lawsuit; He Sued for $40M
Professor Brendan Bain won his case against the University of the West Indies. The Jamaica Gleaner is reported that the Full Court has ruled that the termination of the contract for University of the West Indies, (UWI) Mona consultant, Professor Brendan Bain, was a breach of his right to freedom of expression as guaranteed in the Charter [�]
Training of Trainers Underway for New HFLE Primary School Curriculum
Almost five years ago, in September 2012, the Ministry of Education bowed to public pressure and removed the HFLE Manuel from primary schools with a commitment to review the lessons. The pressures came from the group, Belize Action when they kept hammering that a large part of the guide was geared at normalizing homosexuality. Another [�]
A Piper Cherokee For Wings of Hope
Some months ago, the aircraft belonging to Wings of Hope was damaged in an incident in southern Belize rendering the vessel useless. Since then the Wings of Hope organization out of St. Louis, Missouri, USA sent an aircraft on loan to Belize's office. Yesterday, however, Belize's Wings of Hope received a Piper Cherokee 6 Aircraft [�]
A Subvention for BERT to Be Penned
September 2016 saw BERT Ambulance Services in financial troubles and as a result they had opted to hand over the service to the Government of Belize. After just completing eighteen years of service to the country, a convoy of ambulances was seen heading to the parking lot of the Central Health Region as part of [�]
Police Duo Dubbed Heroes Out West
On Saturday two Police Constables attached to the San Ignacio Formation rescued three teenagers who were caught in the currents of the Macal River in Cristo Rey Village, unable to get to shore. As we have reported, the three young men seventeen year-old Kevin Requena, fifteen year-old Leigh Alvarado and seventeen year-old Brian Oliver became [�]
Mayor Bradley Says It's Personal
Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley will not seek re-election for the upcoming municipal elections slated for next year. Bradley told the media he decided not to submit his name this year due to personal reasons. Hipolito Novelo reports.
Outgoing Mayor Endorses Dion Leslie for the Seat
With Darrell Bradley out of the picture, two men have submitted their names with the hopes to become the next Belize City mayor under the UDP banner. They are councilors Dion Leslie and Phillip Willoughby. So who does he support? Today he threw his entire support for Leslie saying he is the best man for [�]
AG Speaks on Staffing, UNCAC and Pending Judgements
It has been seven months now since former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Michael Peyrefitte took over the office of the Attorney General. His office is the umbrella organization of several agencies including Vital Statistics, the UNCAC implementation, as well as any legal proceedings brought against any governmental departments. Peyrefitte was a guest on [�]