AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life News Daily news prior to today Today's Belize News: August 11, 2017

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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

MOH and PAHO promote Breastfeeding
From Tuesday, August 1st to Monday, August 6th, Breastfeeding Week was celebrated under the theme "Together we can make Breastfeeding Sustainable". In Belize, the Ministry of Health (MOH) partnered with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to host several events to promote breastfeeding, from health fairs to photo contests. The official ceremony to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week was held on Friday, August 4th at the San Narciso Health Center Grounds, San Narciso Village, Corozal District. The event provided attendees with information on breastfeeding, as well as fun activities and giveaways.

National Sustainable Tourism Policy looks at the next 10 years
Belize's tourism industry now earns up to 38% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and has been growing steadily with arrivals of overnight visitors increasing at an average rate of 7.1% per year from 2010 to 2015. Cruise visitor arrivals have also been increasing steadily, with minor hiccups in 2012-2013. Overnight arrivals for the first half of this year increased 7.8% over 2016, and arrivals in June are rivalling the figures for January, which was traditionally regarded as the high season month, suggesting that the tourism season is broadening to more months. Indeed tourism professionals would like to see year-round tourism with consistent numbers of arrivals throughout the year and throughout the country to offer steady employment for all. This interest brought 90 tourism property owners, tour operators, investors, bankers and other stakeholders to offer their input when the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation presented its draft National Tourism Policy for 2018-2028. The industry consultation was held at the Belize Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel last Thursday, August 3rd.

San Pedro Pirates to take part in 2017 Premier League of Belize
The new season of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) is set to start on Saturday, August 12th and semi-professional football teams across the country are preparing to compete. Among this year's participating team is the newly formed San Pedro Pirates Football Club. The island's first semi-pro team, the San Pedro Pirates are gearing up to represent the island in the largest football tournament in Belize. As official participants of the tournament, the San Pedro Pirates are in the process of drafting the players who will be representing the team throughout the PLB season. Since 2001, PLB has been the tournament that determines the team who represents Belize at the Scotiabank Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Champions League.

Ambergris Today

BTIA Calls On Government To Remove Increase Of Departure Tax
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) hereby expresses its solidarity with its long standing member and industry partner, Tropic Air Belize, in relation to its decision to discontinue its regional flights to Chetumal, Merida and San Pedro Sula, Honduras, as of September 2017. The position paper (posted below) presented by the BTIA on the 15 March 2017 identified the potential negative impacts that an increase in the departure tax would have on the tourisrm industry. The BTIA calls on the Government of Belize to repeal the Amendment to the PACT Act that resulted in the departure tax increase. Tropic Air's decision is sufficient evidence that tourism arrivals may be negatively impacted by the increase in the departure tax.

BTB Conducts Digital Marketing Training For Tour Operators
As part of its strategic plan to equip tour operators with pertinent marketing skills and information in order to be more competitive, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) over the past weekends conducted digital marketing training workshops for 16 tour operators in Placencia Village and Belize City. The first workshop was held at the Placencia Village Center on August 5 and 6 and a similar training was held at the Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence in Belize City on July 29 and 30. Both training events were organized by the BTB and conducted by Maynor Larrieu, a digital strategist. The workshops covered the components and benefits of digital marketing including: websites and SEO contents, blogs, online video content, email marketing, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.) and mobile marketing.

Tres Pescados Slam And Sports Fishing Enthusiasts
Belize's only catch and release fly-fishing tournament, the 9th Annual Tres Pescados Slam would turn out to be one of the best in recent years. Once again the Holiday Hotel would be ground zero for the weekend festivities. The Captain's dinner Wednesday night brought 17 teams together from Mexico, Canada, Belize and the US. Day one would not disappoint as weather forecasts showed perfect conditions for the start the following morning!! On schedule, beautiful skies and tides greeted anglers and guides for the start of day one. The fishing would prove to be outstanding. Five tarpon, five permit, numerous bonefish and two daily slams mixed up the leaderboard by the end of day one.

Misc Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Electoral Notice
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby notifies the public that a team of officers will be at the Caye Caulker Community Centre situated on Front Street in Caye Caulker Village on Saturday, 19th August 2017 from 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

Registration Offices countrywide open 26th August 2017
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby notifies the public that all Registration Offices countrywide will be open on Saturday 26th August 2017 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

A BELIZE LEGACY DEPARTS
Pat the Cat, a former cattle killing "problem Jaguar" who was rehabilitated at The Belize Zoo, has peacefully passed away in his home at the Milwaukee County Zoo at the ripe old age of 19. He happily lived at MCZ since 2008 with a fantastic family of caretakers and admirers. "Pat" contributed a stunning amount of awareness on behalf of his species, the mighty jaguar, both in Belize and the USA. Besides drawing attention to human-jaguar conflict which occurs in their native home ranges, Pat brought the world of jaguar beauty and excitement through his charismatic character, and through the development of a superb children't book, PAT THE GREAT CAT. The unique profile of this delightful story is that it was written by children in Milwaukee and by children in Belize. Soaring to great levels of popularity, Pat the Cat, for over eight years, brought pride to countless people about a very rare and special species. Pat left a happy legacy to the captive jaguar world. Handsome and charming Pat the Great Cat sired 3 cubs. His spirit will live on, and his glorious impact will be forever felt.

Belize Fishing Report: July 31st - August 6th
Some nice bonefish landed by the tournament anglers this week as well as our anglers not participating in the tournament. The weather has been good, and the tides are changing during the optimal times of the day. Every week our anglers experience the opportunity to go after as many bonefish as they desire with the abundant populations of the fish we all love to catch.

International Costa Maya Festival: Pageant Night and Other Festival Highlights

Belize Cabinet/CEO Listing

BELTRAIDE Talent Fair 2017 - Belize City Edition
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), through its technical units of BelizeINVEST and the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), is pleased to announce the official launch of its first ever Talent Fair 2017 to be held at the BTEC Enterprise Room on the ITVET Compound on Freetown Road in Belize City on August 17th, 18th and 19th (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The aim of the Talent Fair is to enable potential employees to join BELTRAIDE's employment database through a brief registration in an effort to better match talent capacity with potential existing and future investments in Belize.

Poets Corner: Unemancipated
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. Emancipation begins in the womb It there self hate is sowed allowed to bloom Having sex with gangsters thug buffoon Under the influence that clogs the tubes Creating tombs Creating a loom Creating dead souls, spirits that inflated with hate like a balloon Women need to emancipate their womb Planned Parenthood and contraceptives turn it into tombs You need a Marcus Garvey broom You need to find emancipated grooms Life is real, it's not a cartoon You have to find the healthiest of the stock so health mushrooms Women need to emancipate their wombs

Wildtracks Update: Meet Franklin...
e is the 116th primate to arrive at Wildtracks over the last five and a half years, and the 93rd howler monkey. Many of the howler monkeys that come in as surrendered or confiscated pets are in poor condition - skeletally thin, with giardia and hookworm, both internal parasites that can be transmitted to humans Franklin is no different. He was surrendered to Forest Department yesterday and is now settling into life in quarantine in the Nursery Unit here at Wildtracks. He has slept a lot today as he starts to regain his strength, and LOVES food - he has a very healthy appetite! He is rehydrating and has started a course of medications to deal with his parasites. He has a dedicated carer who spends time with him, ensuring he keeps alert and active, and builds up his stamina. She is starting, even now, to prepare him for integration into Ernie's group (Ernie, Prim, Piper and Tulie) - once he has completed his 30 day quarantine period, and his health check comes back clean. Franklin has a high chance of eventually living free, back in the wild. He will grow up as part of a troop of howler monkeys, learning social skills, climbing skills, foraging skills, communication skills - all the skills he will need when his troop is released in Fireburn two years from now.

2ND ANNUAL QUEEN OF CARNIVAL PAGEANT
September 2nd. 7:00PM. An Official September Celebrations Event.

UN Special Envoy for Road Safety visits Belize
Welcome to Belize, the UN Special Envoy for Road Safety and President of the FIA Foundation Mr. Jean Todt! Safe roads means safe communities, and we applaud your efforts and dedication to this crucial aspect that touches all our lives!

Gift of Life Belize's Pediatric Cardiology Clinic for children
From birth to 18 years. Please take advantage of Dr. Carson and his team of Tampa, Florida as they turn to Belize.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Had so many requests from people to replay a few movies because they were too busy or broke during Costa Maya .. so for those.. The Mummy, Everything, Everything, How To Be A Latin Lover, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. See ya at the movies!

The doom and gloom of Belize's general elections
As municipal elections draw closer and closer, PG, like so many of our other towns and municipalities, will increasingly become a political beehive, with swarms of political bees buzzing around. There will be the buzz of rage hurling at each other's throats, cynicism, contempt, deceit, praises, and self-pontification. For those who know my style and swagger, I'm not into the naming and slandering and character assassination of anyone, here on Facebook or anywhere else. But I will tell you this much. I will be critical, and will direct my criticisms at someone's course of action or lack thereof. Ideas to me are far more important than personalities. I merit a person more on what he or she has done than what he/she says he will do. I want to see deeds, actions, not a mouthful of hot air. Talking is cheap. Facebook is free. You don't build a reputation by what you intend to do for PG; you build it by what you have done for the town.

LEGENDARY BELIZEAN CYCLIST & CYCLING COACH KENRICK HALLIDAY!
Belizean Legends have been honored with an future exclusive interview through a recent communication with the legendary four times Belizean Cross Country Cycling Champion, Kenrick Halliday. We look forward to sitting down with this Belizean cycling giant and bring you the Belizean Legends audience this incredible story of a Belizean cycling powerhouse!

WHO WAS PETE MATHEWS!
This moving and passionate story of one of Belize's most prolific musicians and saxophone players of all times, Pete Mathews, rose to an amazing acclaim in Jazz and popular music in Belize. Pete Mathews whom we see here in this classic photo (on the left hand side) as the horn player in the legendary "Lord Rhaburn Combo", was the brainchild behind the legendary Belizean band of the 1960s, "The Messengers".

THREE BELIZEAN FILMS SELECTED FOR CARIFESTA 2017
The National Institute of Culture and History, NICH, congratulates the three Belizean films that have been selected by CARIFESTA to screen in Barbados this August during the 13th edition of CARIFESTA. In our ongoing effort to share Belize's culture and filmmaking talent globally, NICH is assisting with some travel expenses to resident filmmakers. The three films, all past winners at the prestigious Belize International Film Festival, are: I HAD TO DO IT - Directed by Ras Pin, Produced by Michael Flores. Winner Most Notable Belizean Film at the Belize International Film Festival 2015 (Screening on Fri. Aug. 19 and Wed. Aug 23rd). LA ISLA BONITA - Directed by Matthiew Klinck and Produced by Horacio Guerrero. Winner Best TV Dramatic Series at the Belize International Film Festival 2015 (Screening on Fri. Aug. 19 and Wed. Aug 23rd). MANNA - Directed by Daniel Hyde. Winner Most Notable Belizean Film at the Belize International Film Festival 2016. (Screening Mon. Aug. 21, Wed. Aug. 23rd and Sat. Aug. 26)

Channel 7

Third City Murder In Four Days
Christian Velasquez, a 23-year-old mechanic, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting on Antelope Street Extension last night. Velasquez, who lives on Neal Penn Road, is not believed to be the intended target of the shooting, but was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Today, our news team spoke to the Velasquez' family and the police about the incident. Here's Alex Courtenay with the story... Last night, 23-year-old Christian Velasquez was with his friends at his usual hangout on Antelope Street Ext. when a car pulled out next to him and opened fire. Velasquez was shot in the abdomen several times, and fell over onto the street as the assailants fled. Police arrived on the scene not long after and began their investigation.

Are Cops Doing Enough to Counter Crime Spike?
Velasquez is the third man to be murdered in Belize City this week. Since April, murders in the city have been few and far between with many attributing the peace to a gang truce orchestrated by former Southside OC, Chester Williams. Now that three men are dead in just four days, we asked the new Deputy OC, Superintendent Daniel Arzu, what the police are planning to do to end this murder spike... Supt. Daniel Arzu - Deputy OC, Southside Police: "If you look at our crime fighting strategies, the efforts that we have been putting into keeping the streets safe. If you look at, we have been quiet over a month or even long before. I am talking about since we came in as officers in charge, we have been ensuring that the streets are equip with police officers, if I may use that word. The police officers have strict mandate to be out there to ensure that we reduce crime at all costs and we have been doing that. Our officers are all around, but criminals also find a way to commit crime and this is exactly what happened. It's not that we are having our guards down, we have our patrols effective foot, mobile, motorcycle patrols in place and it is just that opportunities, criminals are seeking opportunities to commit their crime, but definitely we are out there in full force doing what we are required to do in terms of keeping this city safe."

Did Someone Shoot At the Ministry Of Agriculture
Was someone trying to send a message to the Lands Department in Belmopan? That's what some have concluded after this apparent bullet hole was found this morning in the glass at the office of the Agriculture Department. The building on "Queen Elizabeth the Second Boulevard" houses both the Lands and Agriculture Ministries - and the puncture hole was seen on a window on the side of the Agriculture Department. But it used to be the Lands Department and some suggest that rather than just idle vandalism - it could be a message sent. That office area was used by to the Commissioner of Lands a couple years ago.

Two Pounds Of Weed In a Phase Four Home
Police found just over two pounds of weed in a Belama Phase 4 home at 5:00 this morning. Both residents Ryan Ashly Smith and Lydia Young were charged for drug trafficking for those plastic bundles of weed found in the bedroom and possession for two other very small amounts found in the house.

Corozal Cops Collected A Couple Of Shotguns
Corozal Police are reporting that they made a bust of several weapons, drug paraphernalia, and marijuana. Just before 4:00 this morning, they searched a home in the Chula Vista Area of the town. That's when they found these 2 shotguns, 3 pipes - 2 of which appear to contain unused marijuana - 7 ounces of marijuana in these plastic bags, and in this tray, and 1 live round of ammunition.

Crooked Tree Villagers Protest For A Safer Junction
On Monday's newscast, we told you about the fatal traffic accident at the Crooked Tree Junction, which killed 20 year-old Alma Flowers. She died on Sunday night when she hopped off a bus after a day trip to Melchor. Various accounts say that she got off and walked into the road, trying to get across, when she was hit vehicle driven by Belmopan resident 25 year-old Leonel Del Valle. It is still unclear who is at fault for the deadly accident but her fellow villagers want her to be the last Crooked Tree Villager run over and killed by vehicles passing the junction at high speed. The villagers say that - over the years - had a dozen people have lost their lives while attempting to get across. They organized a protest this afternoon to demand that the Government installs either a speed bump here, or a pedestrian ramp, so that it becomes easier and safer to get home. Our 7News team was there for the demonstration, and Daniel Ortiz has that story:

Insp. Fitzroy Out In a Flash
No one has been detained for the aggravated assault of Kevin Brown - but we know that eyewitnesses have given police the names of men who were involved in the melee. And those suspects do not include the Castro brothers, Wasani and Jafari. Yesterday police press officer Inspector Fitzroy Yearwood erroneously sent out information that they were wanted. His release recounted the incident, and concluded, quote, "Police are looking for the Castro brothers for questioning." Well, that was the last release he'll ever send! That's because Inspector Yearwood has been transferred out of the public relations office to precinct three effective immediately. He told LOVE FM that he asked for the transfer, while police sources told us that he was transferred by the acting OC of Eastern Division, Edward Broaster. Broaster today confirmed that he effected the transfer because he was not satisfied with Yearwood's work ethic. He stresses it had nothing at all to do with yesterday's release.

Eldred Neal's Day Of Reckoning, And Reason
PSU President Eldred Neal has been on suspension since May when he was secretly recorded in a private conversation making prejudiced remarks about the Garifuna members of the pubic service union. Well, now the Belmopan Branch wants to bring his suspension to a close - since his it has been lingering indefinitely. They've gathered signatures to force a Special Meeting of the Union to summon President Neal and the Council of Management to a Special Meeting to be held on Saturday, August 12th, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the PSU Headquarters Conference Room. Independent Mediators will be there, quote, "to bring the issue of the suspension to a close."

BTIA Stands With Tropic Air
Last week Tropic Air announced that it would be suspending 3 of its regional flights partly because of the Barrow Administration's increase in Departure Taxes. Well, the Belize Tourism Industry Association sent out a release today saying it stands in solidarity with Tropic Air - which is also a long time member of the BTIA. Executive Director John Burgos told us why:... John Burgos - Executive Director, BTIA: "The reason why we sent out the press release today is that we hope that government takes this into consideration. The negative impact that is already had on one of our main players in the tourism industry. I think this is a sign that has already impacted. What if the international airlines follow suit, what if they begin to realize that it is too expensive, our flyers are looking at the numbers and then comparing to Mexico, comparing to Cuba, they are comparing to Guatemala, to Honduras, Roatan."

Prison's View On Crime Stats
Last night we took you to the Belize Central Prison where the inmates had a very interesting sit-down with 29 kids from Belmopan. The prisoners spoke on the life they had and how it was all taken away after they were incarcerated. It was a wake-up call for those youths especially young boys who are getting a taste for life on the streets. Well, as part of that session the Prison CEO Virgilio Murrillo broke out some figures to show the kids what the broader picture of crime in Belize looks like and why we don't need them to be another statistic. According to Murrillo, the leading crimes committed between January to June 2017 are crimes of dishonesty and violent crimes

Belize City Sends The Most Prisoners
And Belize City accounts for 37% of the imprisonment rate but Murrillo says other districts are following closely behind. Virgilio Murrillo, Acting CEO, Belize Central Prison: "When you compare the district last year with this year for the same period we saw that Belmopan had a slight reduction, Belize City had a little reduction, nothing much to talk about Corozalbut if you look at Independence it shot through the roof along with San Pedro."

Principally Blacks and Hispanics Make Up Prison Population
Murrillo also shared the breakdown in crime by ethnicity. More Creole's and Hispanics are being incarcerated for crime. Here's more. Virgilio Murrillo, Acting CEO, Belize Central Prison: "When you look at ethnicity, who came to prison for this period mostly Creole and Hispanics. It's just not making any sense at all, it needs to stop, well of course we know the Hispanics is because of illegal entry mostly because 187 of those are pretty much for illegal entry then of course we have the mestizos then the Garifuna's."

Youths In Jail, By The Numbers
And of course in that mix are the youth under 18. Murrillo explained where they factor into the figures in terms of crimes committed. Virgilio Murrillo, Acting CEO, Belize Central Prison: "This is the youths, this is the young children, a total of 64 of them came to prison from January to June out of that only 6 were convicted so the other 58 were remanded. The majority of the crimes they were here for are crimes of dishonesty as you can see and violent offenses. This chart shows you that the population as of the 30th of June stood at 23 with 8 of them on remand for murder that is a whopping 35%."

The Rehab Side of Crime and Punishment
Now, last night we showed you a snippet of the different outdoor activities that the prisoners can keep busy with - they can build all kinds of furniture including coffins, design different wooden craft, they can do mechanic work, rear chickens and pigs, and cook, among other things. It is part of the rehabilitation program that should transform these criminals into positive and productive citizens. Murrillo told us more about the program and one of the inmates also shared how the program has impacted him. Virgilio Murrillo, Acting CEO, Belize Central Prison: "We have the Ashcroft Rehabilitation Center that offers rehabilitation program to the inmates. It is 3 phase program and it ranges a lot on the 12 step program so that caters to prisoner's criminogenic needs as well as their addiction whatever addiction they may have whether it is drugs or otherwise. But it is a program that is designed to let them first of all admit that they can't really help themselves and they need help and secondly it allows them to have what you call discussions among themselves as inmates where they can share experiences and that kinds of thing."

Shyne Resigns
For months now, Shyne Barrow has been on the media pushing the issue of copyright respect and revenue for Belizean artists. He took the lead as the CEO of B-SCAP, which is the Belizean Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Well, today we received a leaked copy of a letter saying that he has abruptly resigned that post. The reason? He has a dispute with with the Chairwoman of B-SCAP Heather Cunningham. He makes specific claims alleging that she is claiming exorbitant charges for expenses and salary dating back to 2010. He says this stands in contrast to quote, " the paltry sum of $2,500to distribute to BSCAP members, the equivalent of $12 per writer member and little more for producer members." Shyne concludes, quote, "I cannot defend the approach of administrative expenses first and BSCAP members last!" In the letter, he says he's lost his "confidence that BSCAP is the entity that will look after the best interests of the artists."

Caribbean Pharmacists Converge On Belize
Since yesterday, Pharmacists from all across the Caribbean have been in Belize. They're here to attend the 37th annual convention of the Caribbean Pharmacists' Association. It's an opportunity for the pharmacists to meet with their colleagues and tackle the shared problems in their profession. This year, the convention is being held under the theme "Caribbean Pharmacists Contributing to Improved Health and Wellness of our Communities". The Umbrella organization is being hosted at the Raddison Hotel by the Pharmacist Association of Belize, and today, we stopped by to find out what they've been up to:

Taking Care Of Trauma In a Violent Society
In March, psychotherapist, Dr. Alex Depaz, visited Belize to conduct a training program aimed at teaching people who have lost loved ones to cope with the trauma. Today, Depaz returned to Belize to continue that training, and take it to a much bigger scale. Depaz plans to take the training sessions across the country, so that she can teach as many people as possible the techniques and skills needed to get over the traumatic loss of a loved one. Today Depaz was joined by Belize City Councillor Phillip Willoughby for one of those sessions. We spoke to them, as well as a participant, about the importance of this kind of program...

Japanese Jujitsu In Belize
An American Martial Arts instructor is here in Belize to teach the basics of that most elegant martial art called jujitsu. Matt Salinas has been training for 12 to 13 years as part of the Prevail Combat Club in the US. He's here to host a seminar this weekend at Body 2000. Salinas told us today that anyone can learn this fighting art form. Matthew Salinas, Martial Arts Instructor: "Jui Jitsu is basically the art and science of controlling another person with only using your body. We are not going to do any striking or anything so no punches, kicks or biting or anything like that just think about wrestling with chokes or joint locks and using your body weight to control the other person if you ever seen MMA - mixed martial arts or UFC the stuff they do on the ground, controlling the person is pretty much it."

Bus Dispute, Machetes Drawn
And two northern bus drivers could have used some of that unarmed jujitsu on Saturday in Belize City. That's when they had a machete confrontation with the driver from a competing bus line. It happened right on East Collet Canal on Saturday at midday. The two men with machetes in their hands work for Cabrera's Bus Line. They confronted the driver of Kamal's bus line. The reason? Just like that road-hogging bus we showed you last week, they're competing for passengers.

Channel 5

Mechanic Shot Dead in Ride-By for Fourth Murder in 8 Days in City
Gun violence is creeping back in the south side of the City where another senseless murder took place less than twenty-hours after the shooting death of Guatemalan national Ruben Esquivel [...]

2 Shot in Same Area Hours Later
Even as police continue to investigate the murder of Velasquez, this afternoon shots rang out in that same area of Antelope Street Extension. Information to News Five is that around [...]

Criminals are Eluding Reach of Police
The murder of Christian Velasquez is the third in four days on the south side of Belize City. The two others are Wednesday morning's home invasion turn murder of Ruben [...]

Shyne Pulls Out of BSCAP; Complains of 'Obscene' Debt to Former C.E.O./Chair
Artist Shyne Barrow dropped a bombshell today when he abruptly resigned from the Belizean Society of Composers Authors Publishers.� A leaked letter bearing today's date and signed by the PM's [...]

Inspector Fitzroy Abruptly Transferred from Media Relations Unit
Inspector Fitzroy Yearwood�he was one of three liaison officers within the Belize Police Department assigned to facilitate the media with daily situation reports and interviews.� Tonight, he is no longer [...]

Murder Accused Nevis Betancourth Charged; his Family Insists He was Defending Himself
As we told you on Wednesday night, Nevis Betancourth was charged with the murder of Jose Castellanos that happened at a restaurant in Santa Elena, Cayo on July twenty-eighth.� Bentancourth [...]

Police Removed Hospitalized Suspect from Private Hospital to Lay Charges
Dueck says that Betancourth still needs medical attention for the chop wound on his arm and remains in pain. But he says that Police didn't allow him to receive that [...]

Crique Sarco Village Defines Land Space for First Time
The first Maya Land Registry was launched in southern Belize this week. After two years of inaction to a ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice that determined that a [...]

B.T.I.A. Says Gov't Must Scrap Departure Tax
The Belize Tourism Industry Association today issued a stinging release against the Government and in support of Tropic Air. The carrier last week announced plans to suspend three of its [...]

B.N.T.U. May Step in on Behalf of Dr. Lorna McKay at Gwen Liz High
The Belize National Teachers' Union may soon be involved in the battle between principal of Gwen Lizarraga High School, Doctor Lorna McKay, and chairman of the school's board of management, [...]

Belama's Ryan Smith Pleads Guilty to Weed Possession
A couple living in the Belama area went to court this afternoon for two counts of possession of controlled drugs and one count of drug trafficking with intent to supply [...]

A Speed Bump for Crooked Tree Junction Could Save Lives
On Monday you heard about the fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of twenty-year-old Alma Flowers on the Philip Goldson Highway at the entrance to Crooked Tree Village. She [...]

Charges for Hit & Run Mechanic, But Why Did Police Manhandle Victim?
Three weeks ago Blackman Eddy resident Obed Mojano knocked down and killed Seine Bight resident Dorla Flores. The thirty-nine-year-old cook was struck along with forty-four year old Lavern Arzu and [...]

How Will P.S.U. Deal with Suspended President Eldred Neal?
There is internal turmoil in the Public Service Union tonight. This afternoon, the Belmopan branch of the Union issued a release announcing plans for a meeting on Saturday with mediators, [...]

Caribbean's Pharmacists Promoting Community Health and Wellness
This week pharmacists from across the Caribbean and some international colleagues are convening in Belize for the annual conference of the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists. They will be discussing latest [...]

Local Pharmacists to Benefit from New U.B. Program
Twenty-four students will form the first cohort of a new program awarding Bachelor's in Science degrees in Pharmacy at the University of Belize. It's the first program of its kind [...]

Healthy Living: Watch Out for Zika!
We are in the middle of the rainy season when mosquito borne illnesses tend to increase. Dengue continues to infect a number of Belizeans each year and now Zika is [...]

The Guardian

Belmopan opens UDP convention season: 7 candidates seek 6 positions in Belmopan City Council
acklyn Burns, Paul Chun, Isidoro Galvez, Jem Pascascio, Angel Pastrana, Louise Willis and Anna Banner Guy are the 7 candidates in Belmopan who will be seeking to fill 6 positions for the upcoming municipal elections. The mayoral seat will be uncontested and current mayor, Khalid Belisle will be the representative of the party in the upcoming March 7 Municiapl Elections. The elections will take place at the Belmopan Civic Center from 10a.m. and will go to 5p.m.

Burglary turns murder on Mahogany Street
At 3:30a.m. on Wednesday August 9, police visited a house on Mahogany Street in Belize City where they saw the body of Ruben Esquivel Aguilar, a 45-year-old Guatemalan man, lying in the kitchen area with multiple gunshot wounds and apparently dead. Investigations revealed that at around 3:20 a.m., Aguilar's sister was awoken by a noise in the house. She then heard Aguilar shouting her name and shortly thereafter she heard gunshots.

Who is stealing gas from the PUP secretariat?
Information reaching the Guardian newspaper is suggesting that there is an investigation within the People's United Party Secretariat as it relates to how its meager resources are being spent. Allegations are being made that there are some within the secretariat who are abusing their rights to fuel as well as for the paying of accommodations. We understand that there is one particular individual on whom all the scrutiny is falling upon . That person, as we understand it has been known to write bounce checks to some businesses. It is no wonder how they ended up in the PUP bowels. Nevertheless, the investigation is rife with allegations that the one individual is abusing gas privileges claiming far more gas allowances than what is allowed in order to conduct the PUP's business. Additionally we understand that the individual is also putting in for hotel payments from a town where he resides. We will keep following up on this story as it becomes available.

26 Belizean students receive Taiwanese Scholarships
The Taiwanese-Belizean relationship has, for years, been one that aside from economic development, promotes educational advancement. A total of 334 Belizean students have been lucky enough to have been selected over the course of many years to study in various programs and at many different universities in Taiwan. This year, a total of 26 students will venture to the Republic of China (Taiwan) in an effort to pursue Bachelor's and Master's degrees in very many fields that will no doubt be of benefit to their home country, Belize. Of the 26, 5 were awarded their scholarships by the Taiwan Scholarship Program while the remainder was granted their scholarships by the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF). The scholarships entail airfare, accommodation, tuition, books, and a monthly allowance with which the recipients are responsible to live off.

The Blue Concas pitches on the Civic Center
The PUP Blue Concas Syndrome has started to flare up again. This time it is over the almost completed brand new Belize Civic Center, that has them all hot and flustered. In particular it is the plans for the management of the Civic Center that is causing them to go on the attack. This all started a few weeks ago when the Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) sent out the following PRESS RELEASE: "The new Belize Civic Center Sport Complex is nearing completion. With international standard volleyball and basketball courts, bleachers, concession rooms, locker facilities, stage venue, tickets booths, a skateboard park, gym area and exterior five-a-side football pitch and many other amenities. The complex will help to transform Belize's sporting and cultural life. The Government of Belize, through Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL), will soon be looking for experienced and dedicated private partner to take on the maintenance and operations of the Belize Civic Center Sports Complex.

Public Sector Workers Trust ignores Supreme Court orders
The Guardian Newspaper has confirmed that the Public Sector Workers Trust which was deemed back in March of this year as being invalid and unenforceable is continuing to operate. Its functioning is flying in the face of a Supreme Court order which stated as follows: "This Court therefore declares that the Deed of Trust dated the 29th August, 2013 between the PSU and the BNTU purportedly as "settlors" of the first part and Raymond Davis (PSU), Nadia Caliz (BNTU), Phillip Castillo (NAB) and Enrique Iglesias (BPA & BDF), purportedly as "Trustees" of the second part of the Public Sector Workers' Trust ("the Trust"), is invalid and unenforceable in that:

New outpost inaugurated in Chiquibul
On Monday July 31st, the Forestry Department, Belize Defence Force and the Friends for Conservation and Developmment (FCD) inaugurated a new outpost in the Chiquibul to curb the various threats facing the forests. Coming at a value of 115 thousand dollars the new facility will be able to accommodate 14 persons, with one of those accommodations specifically designed for a female. The building and watch tower were constructed in under a month. Additionally a road was cleared to the outpost in order for personnel to be able to access the facility at a faster pace. Minister Omar Figueroa, in addressing the gathering at the opening stated that, "we accomplish another major milestone in the historic Chiquibul forest Investment Initiative. The extremely important but very challenging task of protecting the ecological and territorial integrity of this immense landscape is today made a little bit easier with the inauguration of the strategic Caballo Conservation Post." The outpost he said will help curb problems facing the Chiquibul.

Market improvements at Show Grounds in Belmopan
For the second weekend in a row, the Department of Agriculture has spearheaded a successful market day to the benefit of farmers and customers alike near the Belmopan area. The National Agriculture Show Grounds, with additional infrastructural improvements has become a main attraction for customers and their families in need of consuming a range of wholesome produce. Over this past weekend children participated in a free rodeo show with famed singer Desmond Berry coming out to entertain the crowds with karaoke. But this is just the beginning of what NATS has to offer to the public.

Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Presents Draft Update to the National Tourism Policy
Over 90 public, private and civil sector tourism stakeholders attended a presentation of the draft update to the National Tourism Policy held in Belize City on August 3, 2017. Dr. Richard Denman, the consultant contracted for the revision process, presented the draft revised National Tourism Policy, which will guide the sustainable and resilient development of tourism in Belize for the next 10 years. The revised National Tourism Policy was drafted after extensive consultations with tourism sector stakeholders in February and May of 2017. The policy is a deliverable of the Sustainable Tourism Program II, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, through the support of the Inter-American Development Bank. During the forum, stakeholders were able to provide recommendations to further refine the draft policy.

Crime Stoppers training Belizean law enforcement personnel
An international team of officers are now being trained in the Nation's Capital to be proactive about crime. Some 20 Belize Police officers, 5 customs officers and 10 Guatemalans are being trained by a Crime Stoppers Regional initiative, with the help of Salvadoran police, in the areas of counterfeit goods, gangs and contraband cigarettes. Brand owners from Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Puma and others will be making presentations at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan on how to identify counterfeit goods during Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

Shyne in Sports and Music
Most will agree that sports and music are two productive and safe ways to develop young people and Music Ambassador, Shyne Barrow, knows this all too well as he continues to promote both for the betterment of Belize's youth. Most recently Shyne has been involved in a number of initiatives to promote both these programs and while it may not have made headlines Shyne donated a Jean Baptist tenor saxophone to the Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence music program. This is in line with the ambassador's push to promote music learning to young persons. The saxophone will be key to the music program as it promotes the playing of music.

UB President Assumes Leadership of the Council of Central American Universities - CSUCA
President Clement Sankat of the University of Belize has assumed the Vice Presidency of Consejo Superior Universitario Centroamericano (CSUCA - Central American Higher Education Council in English) for this academic year (July, 2017 - June, 2018) and will thereafter be President of the 69 year old organization, for the following academic year (2018-2019). The University of Belize under the leadership of its President, Professor Clement Sankat, has been asked by the Secretary General of CSUCA Dr. Alfonso Fuentes Soria to assume these leadership positions of the consortium based in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Fatal Accident claims life of 19-year-old
On Sunday, August 6, 2017, police responded to the scene of an accident at the Crooked Tree Village junction at Mile 31 on the Philip Goldson Highway. There they saw the body of a Creole female lying on the right side of the highway. The victim identified as Alma Flowers, a 19-year-old Belizean student, had injuries to the head, right shoulder, and left foot. She was pronounced dead by Dr. Flores at the KHMH. Initial investigations revealed that she alighted a bus and was about to cross the highway when she was knocked down by a vehicle travelling from Orange Walk to Ladyville. The driver of the vehicle was Leonel Del Valle, 25-years-old. A Notice of Intended Prosecution was served on Del Valle and a blood sample was obtained from him.

Adjournment in the case of Hard Rock's murder
On June 15, 2017, 3 weeks after the murder of 42-year-old Andrew Ian "Hard Rock" Bennett, police arrested and charged 26-year-old Belize City resident, David Richard Arnold, for his murder. Bennett, who was loved by many, was executed in cold blood on Central American Boulevard in front of his home. Arnold was taken back to court on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, two months after Bennett's death, where he appeared before Magistrate Aretha Ford. Arnold's case was given another adjournment because there is no case file against him yet. Arnold is expected back in court on October 31, 2017.

Attacker out on bail after fracturing a man's jaw
A Santa Barbara Street man, 29-year-old Jonathan Figueroa, has been accused of fracturing another man's jaw after an incident ensued on Youth for the Future Drive. The incident that has left 22-year-old Alexander Vasquez hospitalized occurred on June 11, 2017. According to Vasquez, a man walked up to him and demanded money. After telling him that he did not have any money, he was punched in his mouth by the attacker. Vasquez sought medical assistance and a medico legal form was signed by a doctor who examined and certified his injury as grievous harm.

Father crushes toddler with an SUV near Spanish Lookout
A family near Spanish Lookout is still trying to come to terms with the loss of their youngest child. A fourteen month old toddler was crushed by an SUV at about 4:00 pm on the Iguana Creek Road in Spanish Lookout last Thursday. Stephen Hochstetler had arrived in his vehicle from Spanish Lookout to unload electrical and other building supplies. Upon finishing, Hochstetler not seeing anyone around his vehicle, decided to reverse and upon doing so heard a bang behind his vehicle. He then came out of the vehicle and discovered to his horror that his daughter Hannah Grace Hochstetler had been hit. Hochstetler then pulled her from under the vehicle and found out that she was not breathing and was unconscious.

Bail for manslaughter charge
At a Special bail hearing at the Supreme Court on Thursday, August 3, 2017 where he was represented by attorney Peta Gar Bradley, Justice Denis S. Hanomansingh granted bail to 29-year-old Cayo resident Errol Smith. Smith was accused of beating up his friend Marlon Peters on July 4, 2017. Allegations are that Smith and Peters were interacting in Santa Elena on July 4, 2017 when they had a misunderstanding. Smith got enraged and attacked Peters who was knocked unconscious and left to die. Injuries from the altercation led to the death of Peters.

Burglar is set free in unsafe conviction
Roger Bradley, previously convicted for several crimes of dishonesty, is a free man despite being convicted of a home burglary which occurred in 2014. On March 25, 2014, Bradley was convicted of burglarizing the home of Launa Sosa located on Freetown Road where he stole 2 leapfrog games valued at $916 along with 3 cartridges. Bradley was caught red handed inside Sosa's home by the babysitter, Maria Williams, who testified in the trial.

Two women found with ammunition in Benque
Police found a sizeable amount of bullets in the peaceful town of Benque Viejo del Carmen last Friday. An alert police officer observed two women, Shanice Monique Flowers, 25 years and her companion, Robin Tameka Whitaker, 18 years, acting suspiciously by the Centennial Park in Benque. Police conducted a search on them and were able to retrieve a grey in color sling bag, which contained .45 live rounds-99 of them. Both Belize District residents from the Mahogany Heights area have been charged for the possession of prohibited ammunition.

Shooting on Cleghorn Street leaves minor and woman hospitalized
Police visited the KHMH Emergency Room on Monday August 7, 2017 where they saw Fiona Spain, a 35-year-old Belizean domestic, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right lower back and a 14-year old Belizean male student suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the left wrist, upper left chest, and upper right back. Initial investigation revealed that at 10:00 p.m. on the same date, the minor was sitting on a chair on a verandah on Cleghorn Street when a male person walking in front of Rivero's Welding fired shots in their direction, causing their injuries. The gunman then ran down Cleghorn Street towards New Road and made good his escape. Police investigations continue.

Chinese businesswoman injured during robbery
Police visited Brother's Store in Lords bank Village on August 7, 2017 where Chun Mie Lui, a Belizean Chinese businesswoman, reported that three men entered her store. One of the men, armed with a 9 mm firearm, demanded cash and hit her with the firearm. As a result, she received a cut wound to the head. Stolen was $150 in coins, $200 Belizean notes, 1 Samsung S5 cellular phone valued at $400, and 1 Samsung flip phone valued at $50. One person has been detained pending investigation.

Consultant on bail for a count of sexual assault
A Consultant for James Brodie & Company Ltd. was granted Supreme Court bail for the offense of sexual assault allegedly committed against a 15-year-old girl from Western Belize. Fredy Espinosa, 32-years-old, appeared before Supreme Court judge Denis S. Hanomansingh for his bail application on August 3, 2017 where he was represented by attorney Anthony Sylvester. The incident occurred on July 24, 2017 in Belmopan. He was arrested and charged on July 25, 2017 in the Belmopan Magistrate's Court on a single charge of sexual assault.

Octogenarian killed in Orange Walk
Police have found Gregorio De Leon, an 85 year-old retiree, dead inside his Orange Walk Town home. The cops believe at this time that he was killed when an assailant or assailants went to rob him in his own house. On Friday August 4, at around 8 a.m., his family found him dead inside his house on San Estevan Street. He had suffered deadly injuries to the head that are a mystery at this time; it is not known what type of weapon was used to hit him in the head. A post-mortem has revealed that he died of manual strangulation.

Honduran doctor to be extradited
A Physician who was busted on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 in Orange Walk after he entered Belize illegally through the Rio Hondo River was ordered to be extradited to his home but as to where his home is, that is presently unknown. That is because Juan Jose Garcia was born in Honduras but has been living in the United States for some years now. Garcia, a 68-year-old physician, was arraigned on August 3, 2017 before Magistrate Aretha Ford. Garcia, who was unrepresented before the magistrate, pleaded guilty to illegal entry, an Immigration offense.

Illegal immigrants to be extradited after serving 10 month sentences
Three immigrants, a Honduran national and two Salvadoran nationals, were caught living in Belize illegally. On August 9, 2017, the Belize Immigration Department took them to court to answer to a single charge of illegal entry. They have been identified as 19-year-old Honduran national Tony Salomon Hernandez Almendarez along with 25-year-old Moises Isaias Franco Reyes and 35-year-old Salvador Antonio Clavel, both Salvadorans. The trio appeared before Magistrate Aretha Ford with Lindsay Wada as Immigration Prosecutor.

Homeless and mentally ill man sentenced prison
Dennis Wagner, a 49-year-old homeless man often seen in downtown Belize City, was taken to court on August 4, 2017 on a single charge of possession of a pipe used for the purpose of smoking drugs. In court where he was unrepresented, he pleaded guilty to the offense. In mitigation, the court was asked to impose a fine but given his long history of 10 previous pipe and drug convictions, Magistrate Aretha Ford refrained from imposing a non-custodial sentence. Wagner was sentenced to 7 months in prison effective August 4. His sentence was set to run concurrently with any other pending conviction

Kraal Road laborer receives gunshot wounds
At 12:10 a.m. on August 9, 2017, police responded to a shooting incident and visited the K.H.M.H where they saw 34-year-old Michael Aspinal, a laborer of Kraal Road, Belize City, with multiple gunshot wounds. Investigations revealed that around 12:05 a.m., Aspinal was riding his bicycle on Sarstoon Street when the shooter emerged from behind a house and fired several shots at him. Police investigation continues.

Alta Vista villager chopped to death
Police have found the body of a 49 year-old Guatemalan Farmer from the Stann Creek Village of Alta Visa. The cops believe that the victim, Cesar Augusto Monroy, was murdered, and left in that location, where it was already decomposing. Dangriga Police found Cesar Monroy on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at around 6:30 a.m. They were called to Davis Falls Road, which is in his home village. An inspection of his body led the officers to find a large cut wound to the back of his neck, and another on his left hand.

Caye Caulker resident fined for Fisheries offenses
Miguel Angel Moreno, a 31-year-old resident of Caye Caulker, maintains that he is not a fisherman nor was he engaging in commercial fishing despite the fact that a Fisheries Officer caught him in possession of a number of sea products including lobsters. Moreno appeared in the Belize City Magistrate's Court on August 3, 2017 to answer to two offenses, one count of engaging in commercial fishing without a fisherman's license and escaping from a fisheries officer. The incident occurred on June 27, 2017 on the West side of Caye Caulker while he was fishing with his 10-year-old son as a family outing.

Nevis Betancourt arrested and charged for murder
After receiving treatment in the hospital for his injuries in an altercation that has left a man dead, Nevis Betancourt has been released and formally arrested and charged for the death of said man. On July 27, 2017, San Ignacio Police saw the body of Jose Leonardo Nunez Castellanos, a 37-year-old Honduran construction worker, face down under a business establishment. Castellanos' body was seen with apparent gunshot wounds which he received during an altercation with Betancourt. Castellanos inflicted a chop wound to Betancourt during the altercation which caused Betancourt to draw his licensed 9 mm pistol. Several shots were fired in Castellanos' direction and one shot was fatal. A post mortem examination on the body of Castellanos certified the cause of death as asphyxiation due to trachea aspiration due to multiple gunshot wounds.

House party leads to stabbing in San Pedro
On August 6, 2017 at around 8:30 p.m., police visited the DFC area in San Pedro where they met Manuel Sam, a 37-year-old Belizean construction worker of the area, suffering from a large wound to the left side of his neck, four cut wounds to the chest, and a large cut wound to his abdomen. Initial investigation revealed that while at a house party, a domestic dispute occurred and Sam intervened. As a result, Richard Briceno inflicted said wounds.

Placencia businessman's shop is burglarized
Erwin Westby, a businessman of Placencia village, reported that sometime between 7 p.m. on August 7, 2017 and 9 a.m. the following day, his business place "Hardcore Fishing Charters" was burglarized. Stolen were 2 Penn reels 130's with bent pole valued at $10,000 each, 5 Penn reels 80's with pole valued at $2,500 each, 2 Penn reels 50's with pole valued at $500 each, 2 Penn Battle #2 4500 reel valued at $400 each, and 2 Penn 6500 reel with pole valued at $400 each, all to a total value of $45,100. Some of the items have been recovered. Two persons have been detained pending investigation.

Canadian woman loses skiff to theft
Ruth Duke, a Canadian businesswoman, reported that between the hours of 12:00 a.m. on August 5, 2017 and 10:00 a.m. on August 6, 2017, her white and grey 23 foot fiberglass skiff named "Demo" valued at $20,000 was stolen. Attached to the skiff was an outboard engine valued at $19,000. The items were stolen while moored behind her yard. Police are investigating.

Taximan killed and dumped in Belize City canal
Thomas Arthur Staine, a 39 year-old taxi driver from Belize City, was found stabbed to death. His hands were bound, and he was found lying face up. His grieving family insists that he was a quiet, law-abiding citizen who stays out of trouble, and so, they are completely stunned that he was tied up and killed. Early on Monday morning, August 8, 2017, police were called to the corner of East Collet Canal and Racecourse Street where Staine's body was found. That's where they found him with some articles of his clothing removed. He was lying face up, at the edge of the canal, with his hands tied behind his back with a black shoe lace. The officers observed multiple stab wounds to the upper chest and the right hand.

Two men charged with robbery with a firearm
Two of three men believed to have been involved in an armed robbery in the Lord's Bank area were arraigned on August 9, 2017 in the Belize City Magistrate's Court. They have been identified as 18-year-old Steve Ferrel of a Belize City address and 23-year-old Veris Ventura, originally from Hopkins Village. The duo appeared before Magistrate Aretha Ford where they were each read a single charge of robbery with a firearm. In court where they were both unrepresented, Ferrel and Ventura pleaded not guilty but due to the nature of the offenses, bail was denied and they were both remanded to the Belize Central Prison until October 18, 2017.

Beacon advance to finals of city senior female softball competition
The Belize City Softball Association 2017 Senior Female competition is fast winding down at Rogers Stadium in Belize City. On Friday 4th August, Beacon eliminated the four time defending Belize City champions the Belize Bank Bulldogs, when it defeated it by the score of 9-8 in the third and final game of the playoff series between the two teams. Beacon, batting in the top of the first inning, drew blood first when it scored 2 runs to take an early 2-0 lead. The Belize Bank Bulldogs replied with 4 runs of its own in the bottom of the 1st inning to take a 4-2 lead.

12th minute of play to give his team an early lead
The return match between the Belmopan Bandits and CD Walter Ferretti Football Club in the second match of the home and way Scotiabank CONCACAF championship will be played at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Thursday 10th August, 2017. In the first game played out at Estelli, Nicaragua on Thursday 3rd August, 2017, the host team CD Walter Ferretti Football Club defeated the Belmopan Bandits by the score of 4-1. The CD Walter Ferretti Football club drew blood first when Davila M. Mendez scored the 1st goal of the game in the In the second half of the game, the host team continued its dominiance of the visiting Belmopan Bandits when J. Laureiro scored the first of his two goals in the 75th minute of play to increase his team lead to 2-0.

Belmopan Bandits to host CB Walter Ferretti Football Club
The return match between the Belmopan Bandits and CD Walter Ferretti Football Club in the second match of the home and way Scotiabank CONCACAF championship will be played at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Thursday 10th August, 2017. In the first game played out at Estelli, Nicaragua on Thursday 3rd August, 2017, the host team CD Walter Ferretti Football Club defeated the Belmopan Bandits by the score of 4-1. The CD Walter Ferretti Football club drew blood first when Marcos Mendez scored the 1st goal of the game in the 12th minute of play to give his team an early lead.

Mayan Man Warriors upend The Kings in Firms' Basketball competition
The Belize District Basketball Association 2017 Firms' competition continued on Saturday 5th August, at the Swift Hall in Belize City with two more games on the schedule. In the second and final game of the night, Mayan Man Warriors upended the previously unbeaten The Kings by the score of 68-63. The top scorers for Mayan Man Warriors were Marvin skeet with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals and Kevin Lorenzo with 9 points, 1 rebound and 3 steals. Meanwhile, the top scorers for The Kings were Jacob Leslie with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals and Farron Louriano with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Premier League of Belize 2017-2018 Opening Season to commence shortly
The Premier League of Belize inform its football family, supporters, friends and fans that due to Club License which is a CONCACAF requirement, the league had to delay the start of the 2017-2018 Opening Season so as to give the clubs time to complete their obligations. The Premier League of Belize hereby informs clubs that the start dates is set for August 12th and 13th. Any club that does not meet their Club License requirement will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming tournament.

Belize to participate in UNCAF female football in Nicaragua
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) was made aware of false news circulating on social media that the winner of the NAWL, Belize City FC will not be participating in a female tournament in Nicaragua. The FFB investigated the matter and can confirm that the news is indeed false and that Belize City FC, now Orchids FC, will be participating in the upcoming UNCAF Female tournament. This was made clear by the Central American affiliate, UNCAF, under which the said tournament will be held. Please see attached tournament schedule.

Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
Our topic this week is "Activate God's Power." In Ephesians 1:19-20, the apostle and missionary Paul wrote: "I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms."

THE BELIZEAN MEDIA SORORITY AND ITS TOTAL DISRESPECT OF THE NATION STATE
The vast majority of 'media personnel' in Belize cling to each other more tightly than they do to the country. The treatment of the Belize - Guatemala Differendum proves my point completely! Generally, the painted faces and icons that we see, read and hear on a daily basis, display a crazy commitment to each other, rather than to the citizens of the Jewel. When dodo bird Mose laid a foul egg over the very basic word 'artificial' the majority of his colleagues followed him blindly. Not a one tackled the subject by research and explanation. Not a one of them opened the dictionary. They care more about their social connections and the warm feelings of friendship, closeness and loyalty shared among them, rather than providing a hungry public with truth!

Road traffic accident leaves drivers hospitalized
On Saturday August 5, 2017 at about 6:45 p.m., police, acting upon information received of a road traffic accident on the George Price Highway in front of Woodlands at Benque Viejo Town, visited the scene where they observed a motorcycle with its front wheel and front portion extensively damaged. A Geo Prizm taxi was also seen with its front portion extensively damaged. Initial investigation revealed that a few minutes earlier, the driver of the Prizm took a sudden left turn that caused the motorcycle to collide into the front portion of the car. The motorcycle was being driven by Frederick Joseph Bradley, a 45-year-old Belizean security officer of Branch Mouth road, San Ignacio Town, while the taxi was being driven by Francisco Javier Garcia Jr., a 34-year-old Belizean taxi driver of Benque Viejo Town.

1-year-old baby boy dies in fire
A house fire that took place on Sunday, August 6, 2017 has done more damage to the family than losing their house and other items. CIB personnel responded to a fire that was underway on Santa Barbara Street in Belize City where two wooden structures as well as a two-storey building with wooden upstairs and concrete downstairs were engulfed in flames. Although Fire personnel managed to extinguish the flames, the houses and their contents were completely destroyed. In that fire, 17-month-old Tarique Roberts lost his life. According to his mother, he was asleep when she left him in her room while she went to the shop. Shanica Roberts, the 20-year-old mother, said that upon returning about 5 minutes later, she saw a fire coming from inside the house. She attempted to get into the room but the fire was already out of control.

Youth Talks - New school year, new opportunities; new me
The summer holiday is all but over. It is time to think of the new school year. With some effort, a little strategy and game plan, you can have a terrific academic year. It is important to be a good student. Why? In our day and age, with uneducated basketball players, rappers, models and actresses being on top of the money game, education seems more... optional. You might be down with your reading writing and arithmetic and passing on to the next grade, but putting in the extra hours and going the extra mile might not seem as appealing to you. However, maximizing on your learning experience is invaluable.

Breaking Belize News

Belize deports child abductor to Canada
Robin Leanne Greenway-Trockstad, 33, was detained by Belize Police and deported to Canada where she was charged with abduction and remains detained. Her charges date back to three years ago on January 6th when she abducted her then eleven month old son and fled the country. A court order granted the child's father sole interim custody and ordered the return of the child but Trockstad never adhered to the order.

Shyne resigns as CEO of BSCAP in protest
Today Shyne Barrow announced his resignation from his post as CEO of the Belizean Society of Composers Authors Publishers (BSCAP). In a letter leaked to the media, it was revealed that Barrow's predecessor Heather Cunningham, the current chairwoman of the BSCAP board, is claiming $600,000 in expenses and salary from 2010-2013. According to Barrow, there is nothing to show how she arrived at those figures.

Police Media Relations Officer abruptly transferred amid latest Castro brothers controversy
Fitzroy Yearwood, former Media Relations Officer at the Police Press Unit has been abruptly transferred from the department leaving the media with more questions than answers into the reasons for his sudden departure.

Honduran businessman robbed at gun point in Ambergris Caye
Last night, Omar Flores, 36, a Honduran businessman of San Mateo area in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye reported that around, two male persons entered his store and pointed a firearm at him demanding money. He reportedly opened the cash register and the culprits took [�]

Police find cocaine in Benque Viejo
On Tuesday night around 7:30, police were patrolling in the vicinity of the Benque Viejo Public Library where they saw two young men running away from the area. In the process, one of the men dropped an object and upon making checks, it resulted [�]

Man shot and killed in Belize City
Last night around 11, police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (K.H.M.H ) where they saw 23-year-old Christian Velasquez with gunshot wounds to the chest and back. Investigation revealed that Velasquez was standing in front of Antelope Street Extension where several shots were fired [�]

Belize~ Unity is a Verb!
By Richard Harrison: Verb ~ a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence. Unity ~ the state of being united or joined as a whole. In the before times, Belizean families were much more united�.and why was this so, one might ask? Because UNITY is [�]

FFB schedules extraordinary congress
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has scheduled an extraordinary congress for Saturday, September 2, 2017. This time unlike the 9th annual congress, the FFB is hoping to reach a quorum. At the meeting scheduled, the FFB is hoping to approve its budget, review [�]

Important message from Elections and Boundaries Department
The Elections and Boundaries Department has issued a statement notifying the public that all Registration Offices countrywide will be open on Saturday, August, 26th 2017 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is to facilitate: a) Persons who wish to be transferred from one [�]

The Lord at it AGAIN!
By M. Vargas: To Editor and Commissioner of Public UtilitiesGentlemen: We the 'probreza' of Belize, need your assistance. The billionaire Lord is stealing our phone credits now! Since the installation of the new system at Smart, any remaining phone credit and data credit can NO LONGER be extended [�]

Police still looking for Castro brothers; Reports are that suspect may have left the country
BBN reported yesterday that the children of Minister Edmond Castro are in trouble with the law again. Police say they have been looking for Wasani and Jafari Castro since Sunday in connection with a brutal case of aggravated assault that happened in San Pedro, [�]

Nevis Betancourt charged for murder
Nevis Betancourt, 31, is accused of shooting and killing Jose "El Chele" Castellanos at a restaurant in Santa Elena Town on July 27, 2017. According to reports, the incident unfolded after a petty discussion that Castellanos had with Betancourt's mother. Castellanos was shot multiple [�]

Another report of police brutality in San Ignacio Town
There is a disturbing report of police brutality in San Ignacio, Cayo. According to reports, a 20 year old driver accompanied by his brothers - 18, a minor 13, and some employees were returning from delivering items in San Ignacio Town. They met a [�]

Blogs

Buy Travel Insurance
This blog post is way past due, but a very important one nonetheless. Earlier this year in March, I moved into a beautiful apartment with a local and a couple from Canada. This place was amazing; not only did we have a a view of the ocean from our living room, I only had to pay $350 US for a private room. This place also had a roof with a 360 view of Caye Caulker and was only steps from the beach. It was great to see a sense of community as those passing by formed a bucket brigade to put out the fire, even though it was in vain. Ironically, this was the only trip I have ever gone on without travel insurance. All my clothes apart from the ones I was wearing were burned, and I was left with a backpack containing my most essential items. This is why it's important to buy travel insurance. You just never know when something like this can happen. Another tip is to check if your accommodations have smoke detectors. I could have been burned to a crisp if this had happened during the middle of the night.

Five Things In San Pedro, Belize
Let's get all corny for a moment - gratitude makes my life better. Seriously! Even giving it a try at the end of the day - just one thing each around the dinner table - or with your partner when you are about to fall asleep - ONE thing that made you thankful that day - it may sound preachy but this stuff WORKS! I'll leave it at that. I am very grateful to live where I live. As everyone who comes on vacation to Ambergris Caye on vacation see, there is a TON to be grateful for. But when you live here�live anywhere, sometimes you need to step back and smell the hibiscus. This week, here are the things I'm really digging on Ambergris Caye.

Pet Friendly Hotels
Pets are like family and some people like to take them on vacation too. Others may be moving to Belize and need to line up a place to overnight with a pet depending on time of arrival and how they choose to get where they are going. This list of Pet Friendly Hotels created by the Belize Tourism Board is a great resource for anyone traveling with pets in Belize. (No matter how you book your accommodations, always double check with the Hotel on their current pet policies.) For your convenience, each hotel listed will be linked in blue to their website, Trip Advisor reviews and best pricing for reservations. A pdf will soon be made available with the full list to go with the Hurricane Pet Plan. Hotels and Resorts with a Trip Advisor 3 star and lower was left off in the interest of time due to Tropical Storm Earl fast approaching. I do recognize as long as it was a safe option some people may settle for lesser accommodations than they might normally.

Reef to Ruins: Where to Go for the Best of Belize
If the ancient Mayans had a buzz word destination, it was probably Belize. With beautiful shores and lush mountains, it's a popular destination even today, offering adventure, discovery, and a low-key, relaxing atmosphere. With so much to do, where do you go for the best of Belize? Most people come for two things: Mayan Ruins and the Barrier Reef. Happily, both are easily reached from nearly anywhere in the country; it's not what you would call "vast" (just a little smaller than the U.S. state of Vermont). If you're looking for city life, you'll have to look elsewhere. Belize City is the largest in the country, with about 58,000 people, and the country's only international airport. Whether you arrive by ship or plane, you'll start your Belizean vacation here. You might want to stay here, too. A variety of tours can take you to all the sights you'll want to see. If your style is more DIY, planes, buses, and water taxis, can get you almost anywhere in the country without taking all day to do it.

Dear Tropical Storm Franklin, what can I do if you make it rain on my vacation to Placencia, Belize?
Ugh there is a big tropical storm Franklin headed our way tonight.....which is always a good time to consider what you can do in the rain around here??? Also, what should you pack if it is calling for rain in the forecast when you are here?? Here you go! Top 15 things to do in Placencia Village in the rain 1.) Jaguar Lanes in Maya Beach - this is indoor bowling fun! Great pizza too, you can get a cab up there. (pic from their facebook page) 2.) INDOOR DINNER - I'd take this opportunity to visit the new spa called Naia and eat at 1981, where they have a fully enclosed restaurant. It is super cute, and somehow Mayan Modern! (pic from their facebook page) 3.) Pickled Parrot - this is not right on the sea, so you aren't going to get the lashing wet sea breeze. This is a huge, dry palapa bar and everyone in there is always fun and cheerful. The crowd favorites are Thursday trivia, the meatloaf (great rain comfort food), and you can play with Mia and Ziggy, the awesome dogs that live there and will play fetch with you for hours (wait till you see Mia's piercing stare right through your soul.) (pic from their facebook page)

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Belize
Forty years ago, few people outside of the western Caribbean were aware of the wonders of scuba diving and snorkeling in Belize. But that all changed in 1971 when famed French marine biologist and documentarian Jacques Cousteau visited the area and declared it one of his top 10 all-time favorite dive spots. Today, the Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a mecca for scuba diving and snorkeling. Thousands of visitors from around the planet flock to Belize to explore the reef. The crystal clear water, the sandy white seafloor, and the incredible diversity of marine flora and fauna have made Belize one of the most sought after dive and snorkel sites in the world. Whether you're an experienced diver or have never tried snorkeling before, there is something for everyone on the Belize Barrier Reef. Even for visitors unable to swim, the reef has many beautiful islands where visitors can simply wade into the water and look under the surface to see an astounding kaleidoscope of colorful fish, anemones, rare sea turtles, and the playful dolphins that call the reef home.

Fun times with Dooley Bear Adventures at Camp Starfish
"What do you do all day?" "Do you get bored?" These questions are asked of us every time we meet somebody new. And our answer is always the same, "Absolutely not. In fact, there are always too many things going on." Here is one example of how we "didn't get bored" this July. For two weeks each summer Sarah Jean and Dalia Neysie Alamilla hold Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish. Camp Starfish is not just any summer camp - it's a very special, free, summer camp for the special needs children here on the island. In addition to all of the lesson planning, Sarah Jean also organizes volunteers from the states. The volunteer's backgrounds range from special education to physical therapy to mental health. All volunteer their time for 2 weeks to help out our island community.

International Sources

Alberta woman sought for allegedly abducting son arrested in Belize
Lethbridge police say an Alberta woman sought in the alleged abduction of her young son has been arrested in Belize. Police had been searching for the woman for three years since her ex-husband reported she had fled the country with their 11-month-old son. An arrest warrant was issued for the 33-year-old, who can't be named under a publication ban, and police had tracked the pair to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Lethbridge police say they received a tip from Belize police in July and managed to find the pair in the town of San Ignacio.

Jails Help Turn Kids into Criminals. In Belize, There's a Better Way
In recent years, heavy-handed strategies and mass incarceration have been the preferred tactics used by many politicians in the region. Now, facing evidence that this approach has not been effective in lowering levels of violence, some governments are ready to take a different path. Belize, a country of only 350,000 residents, is extremely vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change. An investment in crime prevention and alternatives to imprisonment may seem difficult, but the reality is that reallocating resources from punitive strategies to community services and treatment is probably more efficient and less costly. A gap analysis report, published this month by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), provides a mapping of existing citizen security initiatives and recommends actions for future programs. The analysis is based on the experiences of the program, "Community Action for Public Security (CAPS)," financed by the IDB.

Assignee Says Belize Still Trying To Escape $27.4M Award
A Turks and Caicos entity that was assigned a confirmed $27.4 million arbitral award, originally issued to BCB Holdings Ltd. and Belize Bank Ltd. following a tax dispute with Belize, told a D.C. federal judge Wednesday that it must be substituted for those companies if the award is to be enforced in the U.S. Midway Investments Ltd. had asked the court last month to be substituted as the petitioner in the proceeding, which was originally initiated in 2014 by BCB and Belize Bank to enforce the...

MSAS Airmen increase Belize Defense Force aviation capability
A mobile training team of eight Airmen assigned to the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron recently deployed to the Belize Defense Force Air Wing in Ladyville, Belize, July 12-29. The MSAS plays an essential role in establishing and maintaining relations with strategic partner nations. This engagement was vital in developing greater aviation capacity and the ability to provide mutual support during air mobility operations. The team's mission was to provide several courses of instruction such as helicopter maintenance, helicopter operations, aircrew flight equipment, fuels and emergency management supporting the safe operations of the BDF-AW UH-1 Huey helicopters. As well as promoting interoperability with a number of agencies for disaster preparedness and disaster relief.

This Is the Shortest Flight in the World
It takes around 90 seconds. Belize is home to one of the other shortest flights in the world, covering a 2.4 mile distance between Caye Caulker and Caye Chapel in approximately two minutes, the Telegraph reported.

Videos

Los Lobos Futbol, Belize, 5min. We are excited to help Tony Zetina raise money for his unselfish efforts to bring the love of Futbol (soccer) to the youth of his village in San Andreas, Belize.

Belize 2017 Part 2, 3min. Our trip to Belize April 2017

Belize 2017 Part I, 4min. Our trip to Belize April 2017

Lighthouse Reef Belize 2017, 5.5min. Reef sharks, Grouper, Trigger Fish, and Rays.

Scuba Diving through Dark Tunnel in Belize, 2min. Scuba Diving off the Coast near San Pedro.

Talk Ah Di Town August 10, 2017, 18min.

Belize hosts 37th Annual Convention of Caribbean Association of Pharmacists, 41min.

Veterinarian Association of Belize discuss animal care, 28min.

Expressions of Emmanuel speak on its missionary work for the deaf, 31min.

International Day of World's Indigenous People, 50min.

Chocolate Festival of Belize, 1min.

Mexico Rocks Belize snorkeling, 7min.

Belize Ocean Life, 11.5min.

Butts Up Cave Tubing - Belize, with Jimmy, 39min. his is a video of out Cave Tubing excursion we took in Belize with Butts Up Cave Tubing: They picked us up right outside the cruise terminal. After leaving town, it took about an hour to get to the national park. Along the way Jimmy, our guide, provided useful information. - The "hike": About 30 minutes. Mostly a reasonable dirt path through the woods, a couple of points where it is a bit steep up or down a hill and 3 points where you wade across a river (under 2 feet deep at the deepest) - The water: Refreshing after the hike. Most of your body doesn't actually get wet. You wade onto and off of the tube, and your butt is in the center of the tube, but while riding the river you stay fairly dry. This wasn't "whitewater" - it was more of a "lazy river" - The guides: they work their butts off pushing and pulling the tubes and at points doing so while swimming. - Fear of drowning: Pretty minimal. Most of the time the river is only a few feet deep and it's not that fast a current. You're wearing a lifevest, you're on an inner tube, and there's a guide ratio of at least 1:8 required by the park -In conclusion it was the best money we spent the entire cruise, well worth the money. Jimmy was an Excellent guide. After the tour lunch was great and we were returned to the port doorstep. definitely a must do in Belize.

Backpack fundraiser San Pedro Belize, 1min. Hi friends, Angelina and Kyla are providing school supplies and gently used backpacks to the Rise Me Up foundation in Sand Pedro Belize this Sept 2017.

Kriol Drum Camp, 4min. The National Kriol Council, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, is having their annual Kriol Drum Camp in Belize City. The camp, sponsored by the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project, aims to preserve the rich musical customs of Kriol in Belize. Here is short video promoting the Drumming Summer Camp that the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project is currently sponsoring in collaboration with the National Kriol Councilas part of our soft components' pulbic awareness and capacity building campaign. We would like to thank the Government Press Office for the production of this video. As part of our MoU agreement with the Council, the particpants are to conduct a five minute performance at the Opening Ceremony at the Expo on Saturday, September 16th at 11:30 a.m. so if you are at the Expo on that date and time please stop by to see their performance.

La Infiel Reybinky feat. Memo Mc, 3min.

Preparation for Tropical Storm Franklin, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, 1min.

Nearly as big as our 38ft boat!!! whalesharks 3 of them!!, 1.5min. This is an awesome closeup encounter with whale sharks in southern Belize

A BASE STEALING PAT BENNETT ROSE TO BECOME ONE OF BELIZE'S BEST IN SOFTBALL!, 27min. Pat Bennett rose to become one of Belize's greatest softball players of all times. She has also become one of the best Belize softball archivist today in terms of Belizean softball history in general. Formerly one of the presidents of the Belize Softball Federation (BSF) in the 1980s and 90s , Bennett also rose to prestigious athletic status as one of the most skillful Belizean softball base stealers of the 1960s and 70s. She was known for her great speed and base steals, and probably the Belizean athlete that wrote the "softball book of steals" so to speak that she is remembered for. She possessed the athletic ability of sliding like an ice skater on dry grass and ground at Belize's Rogers Stadium and MCC Grounds to beat the opposing team defenders. Another one of Belize's most accomplished softball athletes of the period, Sonia Buller-Davis, reflected on Bennett's awesome skill and stated in an Belizean Legends interview with yours truly that Pat Bennett was the best she has seen.

BELIZEAN SOFTBALL "QUEEN" MARGARET USHER PITCHED WINNERS GOLD FOR BELIZE!, 17min. Belizean Legends featured two years ago the legendary Belizean ace pitcher, Margaret Usher, from the 1979 Bronze Medal Team, that struck out the American batters in a historic game that gave team Belize an advantage to beat the softball world champions the United States, "Orlando Rebels", 2-1 in the 1979 Pan American Games. Margaret Usher stole the hearts of many Belizean sports enthusiasts who still feels that she has become Belize's best pitcher of all times because of her strikeout averages, and having taken Belize to international acclaim standards in the historic game against the world best softball team at the 1979 Pan American Games. She also led Belize's national team to win the gold medal in the 1980 Central America softball tournament in Mexico City just after the national team came back from the Pan American games in 1979.

ELAINE SMITH'S BELIZEAN SOFTBALL TEAM SPIRIT EMPOWERED THE 1974 GOLD MEDAL TEAM!, 17min. The documentary series called Belizean Legends profiled the legendary Belizean softball player and gold medalist, Elaine Smith, two years ago during a very spirited discussion on Belize's "Golden Girls" of Belizean softball Hall of Fame. Smith, who contributed effectively as a skillful utility player and pitcher that sometimes would be used to relieve the dynamic Belizean ace pitcher, Linda Lewis, in international and national softball tournaments Belize played, was heavily relied upon by her coach Raymond Lashley. She played on the Belize national selection that won the gold medal in the 1974 Central American & Caribbean Games in Santa Domingo, and became one of the cadre of outstanding Belizean softball athletes that had built the "Gold Medal Team" to world class standards.

BPP'S PATRICK ROGERS DISCUSSES THE ICJ, COMPROMIS & GUATEMALA'S CLAIM TO BELIZE (PT. 1), 31min. The featured interview here on Belizean Legends highlights the work of the Belize Progressive Party's (BPP) political leader, Patrick Rogers, who has emerged today as a progressive voice on the Belize political scene after many years as an activist for many Belizean causes on the ground in Belize. Rogers, who is also an astute Belizean historian with credible historical facts to drive home his political views on the Belize / Guatemalan Dispute, spoke with Belizean Legends producer and host, Bilall Morris, about the insidious and treacherous Compromis signed by the Belize and Guatemalan governments in December of 2008, without the consent of the Belizean people, to take the aged old Anglo Guatemalan Dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

BELIZEAN SOFTBALL SUPERSTAR---BEVERLY "BUNNY" RHAMDAS!, 27min. Belizean softball player and Gold Medalist Beverly 'Bunny' Rhamdas who played on the Belize national selection that won the gold medal in the 1974 Central American & Caribbean Games in Santa Domingo continues today to become the best archivist for that era of Belizean softball greatness we called here, "The Golden Age of Belizean Softball". Rhamdas' sharp memory of the historical period when Belize athletic ability among its women were are its best is greatly celebrated here. Belizean Legends is grateful to her for the outstanding assistance she has shared with us over the years almost three years since she honored this documentary series with her incredible story of triumph and glory as one of the best Belizean softball players of her time. We honor her presence among us here in Los Angeles, California, and it would not have been able to tell this spectacular story without her.

SAME OLD ME"---BELIZE'S MUSICAL STAR HARRINGTON TRAPP!, 28min. The legendary Belizean musical artist, Harrington Trapp, musical career span from his time as as a vocalist in the 1960's with bands in Belize like The Promoters and Glenn Bood & The Telegrams, to his work as a musical artist and vocalist in the United States in the 1970's and 80's with Belizean bands like the legendary, The Webb, to the reggae band called the Babylon Warriors. Since making his mark as an outstanding vocalist and trombone player with the Webb, Trapp later went on to carve out a career for himself as a solo artist and vocal stylist in the 1990's and beyond. His incredible body of work has warranted much respect and admiration from new and younger Belizean artists of today who credited the veteran Belizean artist, producer, and musician, with a model to emulate in their careers.

WHEN BEULAH GILLETT PLAYED SOFTBALL FOR BELIZE & BEAT THE BEST IN THE WORLD!, 20min. The feature brings to you the work of the legendary softball player, Beulah Gillett, one of the Belizean softball players from the 1979 Bronz Medal team that beat the United States Orlando Rebels at the 1979 Pan American Games 2-1, and the 1980 Gold Medal Team that won the Central American Softball Championship in Mexico City, Mexico. They include ace pitcher Margaret Usher, Doreth Martinez, Glenda Ellis and many others. Gillett's story of remarkable athletic performance done two years ago, will thrill you the Belizean Legends audience as one of Belize's best short stop players in the game. Her creative production in this exclusive interview was made possible here through the videography skills of her daughter who lives with her "Belizean superstar" mother in Chicago, Illinois.

BELIZE'S HUMBLE SOFTBALL GIANT---BRENDA JOHNSON-GABROULLE!, 34min. The documentary series, "Belizean Legends", profiled the legendary Belizean softball player and gold medalist, Brenda Johnson-Gabroulle two years ago, who played on the Belize national selection that won the gold medal in the 1974 Central American & Caribbean Games in Santa Domingo. Johnson discusses her softball career in Belize with "Belizean Legends" host Bilal Morris and revisits highlights of the game where Belize won its first gold medal in an international sports competition, and the homecoming reception that the Belize national team received from Belizeans and government alike.

SUPA G - Party Insane (Official Music Video), 3min. The official music video for "Party Insane" -- the first single from the upcoming new album! Directors: Ben Popik & Joanna Popik of Island Films

Belizean Boil Up | Smacking Noises, 22min.