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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
Ambergris Caye has a new Health Inspector, Christina Sanchez-Martinez
As of August, 1st, Christina Sanchez-Martinez, a native of the Stann Creek District, officially became the island’s new health inspector. She recently took over the post held by Horris Patten. Martinez is no stranger to the island, having been on Ambergris Caye as a health educator before. She is happy to be back in her new capacity, and looks forward to working together with the island residents to create a cleaner, healthier place to live and work in.
The senior public health officer has been in the Ministry of Health for 14 years. During this time, Martinez has been stationed in the Belize District, thus, her close relation to Ambergris Caye. She has a strong background in health education, following the completion of her public health training at the University of Belize. “As a health inspector and health educator in the Belize District, I reached out to almost every community promoting health programs, thus, Ambergris Caye is not new to me,” said Martinez.
No exceptions made for duty-free biodegradable products: foam products get tax exemption
Across the country many business and organizations are working together to ‘Go Green’ by switching to biodegradable products in an effort to tackle excessive garbage. Non- biodegradable products like plastics, bottles, Styrofoam, and aluminum accumulate on land and in the ocean, causing harm to the planet’s ecosystem. While these conscientious businesses and organizations are doing their part to protect environment, the government of Belize is not providing the necessary help to support the movement. Recently the Government of Belize (GOB) passed a statutory instrument to give zero rated status to foam products instead of biodegradable options. Environmentalists are now calling for GOB to increase taxes on non-biodegradable products that are harming the environment, rather than relieving them from taxes.
Blue Ventures educates islanders on the impact of lionfish on the marine ecosystem
On Wednesday, August 23rd a meeting was held at the San Pedro Lions Den which was organized by Blue Ventures Organization. With the goal of educating the public on the impact of lionfish to the marine ecosystem, the conference motivated everyone to create a market-based approach to lionfish control. Attending the meeting were restaurateurs, tour guides, fishermen, conservationists as well other members of the community.
Over the years the Blue Ventures Organization has developed many strategies to reduce the amount of lionfish in the marine ecosystem. With a female lionfish laying up to 2 million eggs per year, these strategies are not enough. The large amount of lionfish in the marine ecosystem have a direct negative effect on the fish biomass.
Misc Belizean Sources
July 2017 External Trade & Consumer Price Index, 2nd Quarter 2017 Gross Domestic Product
For the month of July 2017, Belizean households saw the prices of goods and services which they regularly purchase rise by 0.6 percent, on average, when compared to the same month in 2016. The All-Items Consumer Price Index for the month stood at 104.4, an increase from 103.8 in July of 2016 (See Figure 1). For the first seven months of 2017, a year-to-date inflation rate of 1.4 percent was recorded. During the month of July 2017, Belize’s imported goods were valued at $154.1 million, down by 8.4 percent or $14 million from the $168.1 million imported in July of 2016. The Statistical Institute of Belize’s preliminary Gross Domestic Product estimates for the second quarter of 2017 showed that, during the three months from April to June of this year, the country’s overall level of economic activity increased by 1.1 percent when compared to the same period in 2016. The total value of goods and services produced in Belize was $737 million, up almost $8 million from $729 million in the second quarter of 2016. For the first half of the year, the country’s level of production was 1.1 percent higher than in 2016.
Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group Grant
On 23rd and 24th of August 2017, the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group (CBSWCG), the recipients of a Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) Small Grant entitled “Promoting the Community Baboon Sanctuary as an Eco-Tourism Attraction,” hosted a two-day symposium under the theme “none but ourselves,” at the Natural History Museum headquarters in Bermudian Landing village
The CBSWCG, in 2013 completed its 5-year management plan that articulated key goals necessary for the proper management of the Sanctuary as well as the development of the Belize River Valley (BelRiv) area. While the CBSWCG recognises previous community development efforts by both governments and civil society organizations over the years, it also notes that most of these efforts have been unsuccessful primarily due to lack of coordination and communication amongst the entities involved as well as the high levels of duplication of efforts.
Office of the Prime Minister Requests Police Investigation into Allegations of Fraud Brought Forward by Amy Forte
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) confirms that the Prime Minister has received, in his capacity as Minister responsible for the Lands Department, a letter from Attorney Deshawn Arzu Torres on behalf of her client Amy Forte. That letter makes clear that Ms. Forte was never aware of Minister’s Fiat Grant no. 175 of 2009 in her name; and that Ms. Forte did not sign any conveyance to anyone of the land to which the Grant related. Ms. Forte and her attorney have further provided to the Prime Minister a preliminary certificate of a handwriting expert asserting that the signature purporting to be Ms. Forte’s, and which appears on a Deed of Conveyance of the said land to Andre Vega, is not genuine. This is notwithstanding the fact that a JP “authenticated” Ms. Forte’s signature.
Belize Fishing Report, August 21st - August 27th
Not too many anglers in the lodge with the threat of Harvey looming last week. Everyone that decided not to let the threat change their plans had an excellent week of fishing. There were plenty of bonefish to be had by all. Lucky for us Mother Nature was kind. We hope our friends along the Gulf coast are safe and their lives aren’t disrupted too significantly. We are thinking about you guys. Stay Safe!
Dr. Kelly Dittmar inspires women of the Toledo District to play a greater role in politics
I met some incredible women in Punta Gorda today at a roundtable with women leaders, and then at the University of Belize - Toledo District. One more talk tonight and then on to day 3 with U.S. Embassy Belize.
Summer Arts Program 2017, the Museum of Belize
To wrap up our Summer Arts Program 2017, the Museum of Belize (NICH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture's Horticulture Unit embarked on a Community Outreach initiative by extending our program highlighting Ti-Tai basket weaving and gardening to the children of the Dorothy Menzies Child Center.
In this initiative, some participants of our Summer Arts Program 2017 were able to learn life skills and garner camaraderie in sharing their newly learned talents with the children of the Dorothy Menzies Child Center.
Also in the spirit of sharing and in the season of 'Back to School', Director of the Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture Mr.Alexis Salazar, handed over four (4) school bag hampers for four deserving students at the Dorothy Menzies Child Center.
Summer Arts Program 2017, the Museum of Belize, II
Here are some images from our Summer Arts Program 'Gardening and Art' workshop which was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture's Horticulture Unit in bringing back the tradition of urban/backyard gardening to Belize City fused with abstract art (painting).
The Museum of Belize would like to thank all our participants who made this initiative possible and especially the Ministry of Agriculture's Horticulture Unit for teaching our youths the fundamentals and best practices of growing vegetables and herbs in an urban area.
Kudos to Corozal House of Culture on their murals project
Beautiful mural by Corozal Street Art Movement(CSAM) member Elvis Eddie Aldana at Her Majesty's Prison historical landmark on 2nd Street South. We are so delighted to have Mr. Aldana with us, instilling his artistic knowledge with our members! Visit the House of Culture to learn more about CSAM.
Unauthorized Neurobión ® 50 mil Syrup Bottle Found Circulating in Belize
The Ministry of Health would like to inform the public of an unauthorized Neurobión ® 50 mil syrup 240ml bottle that has been found to be circulating in the Belize market. Investigations conducted by the Ministry indicate that this Neurobión ® 50 mil has NOT been granted an importation permit for entry into Belize and we believe that the quality may be compromised. The product has been removed from the establishments where it was found and we continue to remain vigilant for any unauthorized product that may be present in the country.
Product Details:
Product Name: Neurobión ® 50 mil (Vitamins B1 + B6 + B12),
Batch Number: 05496,
Expiry Date: Nov/2020,
Stated Active Pharmaceutical ingredient: Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Hydroxocobalamin, Cyanocobalamin and Lidocaine Chlorhydrate.
Stated Manufacturer: Merck.
Belizario Sanchez passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Belizario Sanchez.
Sanchez was an employee of the San Pedro Town Council. He was a very hard working individual and always willing to help. He will be greatly missed, especially at our sporting events. May his soul rest in peace.
Orange Walk September Celebrations Calendar of Events 2017
Mr and Miss Cultural International Maya
Tonight at the Central Park the delegates of Mr and Miss Cultural International Maya will be doing cultural presentations starting at 7 pm
River and Beach Clean Up
Show your patriotism this September and your love for our beautiful Belize by helping us rid the pollution and trash! The global and annual River and Beach Clean Up is happening countrywide this year on Saturday September 30th 2017. Be a part of Belize's solution, not pollution! For more information contact Jacinta Gomez at jgomez@oceana.org or call our office at 822-2792.
Channel 7
Prime Minister Orders Investigation Into Land Fraud Involving Andre Vega
Tonight, there is a whole lot happening with that piece of land which Amy Forte says was fraudulently conveyed to Andre Vega with a forgery of her signature.
First, her letter to the Prime Minister has prompted him to act - which is a big reversal from the position he took two weeks ago, when he famously said of the shady land deals involving the Vega's: "what it is, is what it is."
Well, tonight he's telling the police that what it is, is likely a forgery and that they should investigate, IMMEDIATELY.
A statement issued from the Prime Minister's office at noon today says, quote,
"the Prime Minister has received a letter from Attorney Deshawn Arzu Torres on behalf of her client Amy Forte. That letter makes clear that Ms. Forte was never aware of Minister's Fiat Grant no. 175 of 2009 in her name; and that Ms. Forte did not sign any conveyance to anyone Ms. Forte and her attorney have further provided to the Prime Minister a preliminary certificate of a handwriting expert asserting that the signature purporting to be Ms. Forte's, and which appears on a Deed of Conveyance of the said land to Andre Vega, is not genuine. This is notwithstanding the fact that a JP "authenticated" Ms. Forte's signature."
PUP Calls on PM To Investigate Vega For Misfeasance And Expel Him From UDP
And into this hot, steaming mess enters the PUP to play some world cup level political football. The party had a press conference at its Independence Hall headquarters today to demand that the Prime Minister take decisive action, beyond just telling the police to investigate. Opposition Leader John Briceno says it is an act of misfeasance and government should investigate it as such:
Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition:
"I condemn yet again the corruption in the government of the United Democratic Party under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, we Belizeans have witness an obvious act of misfeasance in public office which occurred at the lands ministry. The fact that the prime minister removed Gaspar Vega from the Ministry of Natural Resources is not enough. The fact that Vega was allowed to resign from cabinet is still not enough. I'm aware of the statement coming out of the prime minister's office but this action comes way too late and does not go far enough. We in the PUP demand that the prime minister take the following immediate actions."
The Case For Forgery Involving A JP
And, Briceno says the PM also owes the press and the public a more thorough explanation than the one he gave at the House Meeting 12 days ago. Now, the Forte land deal wasn't exposed yet, and he was commenting on the one involving the Vega's, the Banos's and lands on Ramsay Caye. But - to hear Briceno tell it - the PM was blowing everyone off with his dismissal.
Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition:
"I place on record our utter dissatisfaction with the prime ministers dismissive comments to the press and ask about the recent revelations of yet another Vega land scheme. I suspect that the prime minister knew all along what was taking place that is why he was trying to dismiss it and try not to answer it and almost gave you like the middle finger to the Belizean people that he is not going to do anything about and he didn't even want to look at the files. "
Mosquito Caye Was The Prize
And while the personalities involved are all from the Orange Walk area, the island involved in this case is off San Pedro. Mosquito Caye - according to Briceno - was the prize all along:..
Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition:
"Now this Mosquito Caye land swap is an obscene UDP scam designed to reward Vegas with their own private island located right next to Leonardo De Caprio's Black adore Caye. It was never about Mr. Henry and Ms. Forte and Guzman, it was never about them. I'm not even sure if Guzman and Henry got that, I don't know who they are, I haven't spoken to them but at least Ms. Forte was brave enough to come forth and say she didn't get this land, so it was not about them it was about the Vegas, it was about compensating them. Once this land was passed over which they knew was private land because there was already a case about it then he then decided..."
Chamber Says PM Must Encourage Thorough Investigation
Today the Chamber of Commerce weighed in on the issue with an obliquely worded statement grandly titled "Underscoring the need for the rule of law."
It says, quote, "The constant media reports of the many corrupt schemes employed at the Ministry of Natural Resources are appalling. Despite evidence of blatant abuse of office for personal gain, the Prime Minister has commented that he doubts there is any "actionable illegality." With due respect to the office, it is not for any Prime Minister to make that determination. Corruption accusations must be subjected to the same judicial scrutiny to which any other criminal accusation would be subjected.
Briceno Urges PM to Live Up To Promise of 2004
And continuing along that line of calling on the Prime Minister to act decisively to cut off corruption, the leader of the opposition today reminded him of one of his most famous quotes from way back in 2004 when Barrow was leader of the opposition. we have his original statement from our archives followed by Briceno's comment today
Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition:
"He promised the people of this nation before 2008 that he was not going to tolerate not a single whiff of corruption and that the minute you smell corruption that he was going to act swiftly. Now here we have a case where he's not only smelling corruption but now he has the proof. Now the prime minister will tell you well he is no longer in my cabinet but I want to point out to the prime minister Mr. Vega is still seated in the front row..."
Customs Officer Charged For Manslaughter In Contraband Search Gone Bad
Three weeks ago, 30 year old Dwayne Almendarez was shot by a customs officer - and he died a few days later. Alemndarez got into a dispute with a joint law enforcement team at a contraband checkpoint in Yo Creek village. As we've been reporting, those encounters when law enforcement officers search busses with contraband have been showing increasing signs of volatility - and this one ended up with a man dead.
And, tonight, in what may be a first, the customs officer is being charged for causing Dwayne Almendarez's death.
Three Men Charged For Patchakan Maim
3 men have been charged in for a grisly chopping incident in the Corozal District. It happened on Saturday night around 11:50. Police responded and found 23 year old Diego Ek in a bad way, he had been chopped to his feet and hands.
Well this morning in the Corozal Magistrate's court 20 year old Cesar Gomez was charged with maim he is the one accused of chopping Ek. His brother, 25 year old Walter Gomez was charged with abetment to commit maim. He is accused of giving the machete to his brother Caesar and 28 year old Luis Cob was charged with common assault for threatening Ek.
Magistrate Arana did not take a plea from the men, advising that she will await the guidance of the Director of Public Prosecutions since maim is an indictable matter for the Supreme Court, but the other charges are matters to be heard at her court.
Teenaged Minor Charged For Downtown San Pedro Execution
On last week Monday's newscast, we told you about the brazen daylight murder in San Pedro's Downtown. That happened 10 days ago, and today, police reported that they've charged someone for it.
He's a 16 year-old minor, and because it is a murder charge, it is expected that he will be arraigned at Magistrate's Court at the earliest convenience, and he will be remanded. Police found the 16 year old in the San Mateo area. He is originally from Orange Walk and has been on the island for a few months.
Island Cops Got Another Gun
And, San Pedro police are keeping up the pressure. This afternoon around 12:45 in the same San Mateo area, police found a .40 pistol along with 3 live rounds. No one was present at the time of the find so it was deposited as found property. This is the fourth gun found on the island in a little over a week.
Thieves In The Temple At J Witness Church
There were thieves in the temple at the Jehovah's Witness Church on Cemetery Road in Belize City last night. Burglars broke in and stole assorted electronic items valued in the thousands of dollars. We spoke to one of the Church elders about it.
Abel Vera - Congregation Member:
"Between Monday night and Tuesday morning we had a burglary at the Kingdom Hall here, they actually cut the burglar bars for the windows for one of the halls and they gained access to the hall and they burglarize mostly electronic equipment, amplifier sound system that we use when we have meetings, computers that we use to show the videos and thing for our meetings. This is not the first time that they tried the attempt, they actually gained access one time before so I think the target the place. We are installing a brand new alarm system to deter the burglaries and soon we will be putting a camera system in."
Police Looking For Causes Behind Recent Flare-Up In Violence
And while San Pedro police have been cracking down after a string of murders, what are Eastern Division police doing to reclaim the peace in Southside Belize City?
Well, today. Southside commander Senior Superintendent Mark Vidal told us that he and his officers are doing all they can include engaging the gang intervention team. But another important factor in finding a solution to the rash of violent crimes and murder is to understand what is causing it. Here is what Vidal had to say on that:
Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal - OC, Southside Commander:
"I think generally there are certain areas that are a little bit tense obviously because of the frictions that are occurring between rival gangs but we intend to do everything that is necessarily to bring that to a halt and we will. This September festivities will attract a number of people and unfortunately will attract people who have nefarious intentions so we will certainly address those and we will address them."
No Charges Yet In Murder of Father of Five
And of course one major part of addressing crime is solving cases. Police are having some difficulty laying charges in the murder of Gilroy Martinez. He is the father of five who was killed near his home in the Jane Usher area on Monday. As we had told you police had detained 2 persons, but Vidal says they have been released.
Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal - OC, Southside Commander:
"We have made some inroads but not enough that we can move forward with charges. But there are other information we are working on and certainly as it develops you will see something in that regard as it comes to any"
No Clues For Newborn Baby Discarded In Canal
Another case police are having trouble with is the discarded new born baby that was found on East Canal on July 20th. Vidal told us this case isn't as straightforward as you might think.
Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal - OC, Southside Commander:
"There are a bit of challenges with that investigation as you know it is not a simple get statements and move forward there are other things with it. As you know there were certain items recovered from a house so we are waiting for a response in that regard and there are other things that needs to be done there have been persons of interest detained but they have to be released, we can't hold them forever so as the investigation continues we a can bring back those people and then once they are brought back and we have enough those people will be charged."
PUP Leader Says Good Riddance To Carlos Raul
As we've been reporting for the past two days, Guatemala's Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales was fired on Sunday after he refused to do President Jimmy Morales's bidding and expel the head of a UN backed agency. But Carlos Raul - who is married to a Belizean - won't find much sympathy in Belize where he only has one public friend - and that's foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington who sings his praises without apology. Today the Leader of the Opposition had no kind words for him:..
Zabaneh: Lost A Hundred Mil At Mayan King
On last night's newscast, we showed you the first on-camera comments that Stann Creek businessman John Zabaneh granted after the US Treasury Department removed him off their list of drug kingpins.
You heard him say that his attorneys are reviewing his case to determine if he can sue the US Government for the tremendous losses he and his family suffered. He estimates that figure to to be in the vicinity of 100 million dollars in losses over 5 years.
Perhaps the most striking example of the real time effects of the kingpin designation is the Mayan King Banana Farms. It was one of the most successful agro businesses in the south, but the US sanction struck like a hammer blow, sending it into the depths of complete ruin.
GDP Shows Modest Growth In Second Quarter
And Maya King is big part of Belize's Gross Domestic Product. Since the Kingpin designation put Belize's most productive banana farm out of commission, Banana exports have struggled.
Today, the news from the Statistical Institute of Belize was that the GDP grew modestly in the second quarter of the year, even though Banana exports were down. Here's a clip from their press conference outlining the figures, and posting to a few key developments in the economy:
Angelita Campbell - Statistician II:
"For the second quarter of 2017 Belize produced goods and services totaling 737 million dollars, an increase of 8 million dollars when compared to the same period of last year. For the first 6 months of 2017 we saw an increase of 1.1 percent or 16.5 million dollar increase when compared to the same period of last year. We have an increase in agriculture hunting and forestry of 4.2 percent of 3 million.
Trade Imbalance Decreased In First Six Months
Turning now to external trade, for the first 7 months of the year, imports were down, and exports were up - which reduces the trade imbalance. Here a few key areas that went up, and down:
Tiffany Vasquez - Statistician II:
"For the period January to July 2017 Belize's imports were valued at 1.05 billion dollars, this is a decrease of 5.3 percent or 59 million when compared to January to July of 2016. Falling imports within the category of machinery and transport equipment was the primary cause of the overall decline in imports."
Minor Inflation in July 2017
Turning now to the Consumer Price Index, prices in July of 2017, were only slightly higher than one year ago - including the sky-high price of gasoline and diesel. Here's how the numbers people put it:
Jacqueline Sabal - Economic Statistics Department:
"The inflation rate for the month July 2017 stood at 0.6 percent. This means that on average prices were higher than they were in July of 2016. The inflation for the first seven months of the year 2017 1.4 percent in comparison to the same period of last year the 0.7 percent decrease in the food and non-alcoholic beverages category was solely due to a decline in food prices. "
MOH: Say No To Neurobion
IF you take a multivitamin suspension named Neurobion, the Ministry of Health says you should stop doing so now. A release says that an unauthorized bottle of the multivitamin suspension has been found circulating around the Belize market. they say It is packaged in a 240 ml bottle that has syrup in it.
According to a release, quote, "The ministry conducted investigations that discovered the Neurobion 50 mil was not granted an important permit for entry in Belize leading them to believe that the quality of the product may be compromised. The product has been removed from establishments."
Forget Beating Swords into Ploughshares, How about Turning Bicycle Parts into Guns?
The bible talks about beating swords into ploughshares, meaning turning weapons into tools for work. Well in Belize, it's more like turning bicycle parts into guns!
This afternoon at 3:00, Ladyville police saw a man standing on the step of a shop acting suspiciously. Police searched him and found part of a bicycle with a rubber handle adapted to be used as a firearm. The 26 year old was detained pending charges.
PUP Not Ready For Vega Recall
Earlier on in the news, you heard the leader of the opposition waxing poetic about why the UDP Party Leader Dean Barrow must expel former Deputy Leader Gaspar Vega from the party.
But, the opposition has avenues it can also use to remove Vega as area representative in Orange Walk. They can force a recall vote and if Vega is as unpopular as they claim, it shouldn't be that hard. Today, Briceno came quite a bit short of supporting a recall effort; he said, though, that they would be willing to engage in a symbolic effort:…
Who Will run For PUP Mayor?
But it's nonsense to talk about a recall right now when the PUP appears to be struggling to attract top tier candidates for its municipal slates in a few key areas, like Belize City. The UDP had a "buff" city convention on Sunday which featured hotly contested races - while no one seems to have any clue who the PUP will feature as its Mayoral candidate for the city. We asked the PUP Leader about it today:..
Jules Vasquez:
"When will the PUP name or select or nominate its City Council slate for Belize?"
Hon. John Briceno- PUP Leader:
"We are working on it and we are taking our time because we want to ensure that we get the best possible team to represent the party."
Does PUP Leader Stand By Hon. Julius?
We also asked the opposition leader about the recent Julius Espat walkout from the House of Representatives. He walked out and his party didn't follow. Today, the party leader said respect to the honourable Julius, but they've got work to do:..
Jules Vasquez:
"Much has been made of when Julius Espat left the house two weeks ago, he walked out in an anger, I don't want to say a tantrum, but he was upset when he walked out and he seemed to have spoken to you and if one can read lips he seemed to say ‘Weh uno gwen do?' and then you seemed to have said ‘We a meet you up' or something to that effect. What was that exchange about and was that an indication that the PUP have become somewhat fatigued with Mr. Espat's tantrums and histrionics?"
Sr. Supt. Vidal Feels Media Taints Meet And Greet Sessions
Now back to police news, the 7 August murders certainly has the city on edge…well what better way to try and calm residents than to go out on a meet and greet in the hottest of the hotspots. We caught up with Commander Vidal and his team in the Conch Shell Bay area. But Vidal took a different angle at today's session, he started off by saying that we the media don't really help the situation when we attend these sessions. He didn't ban us but just hinted that we should give the police and the residents some space and alone time.
Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal - OC, Southside Commander:
"There has been this talk about no meet and greet, the meet and greet have continue, one of things though I think from having spoken to the residents not only here but they are a bit intimidated by the media presence in getting some information. I have personally visited some areas alone..."
Solar For San Carlos School
When school opens next week, many kids and teachers will be dragging their feet to their classrooms after this long summer break. But the students and staff at San Carlos Government School will be rushing to get back. That's because Programme for Belize installed a solar panel system at the school. Now this school has been operating without electricity for years and today the system was finally declared complete. Executive Director for Programme for Belize Edilberto Romero told us about the significance of this project not only for the school but for the community.
PFB Gives Schoolkids Scholarship
And beyond that San Carlos Solar Panel Project, Programme for Belize also has 6 other students excited to go to back to school after they were awarded with a 1 year Scholarship to high school. Romero told us more about this scholarship initiative. We also spoke to the recipients about how this scholarship has given them a major boost in their academic journey.
Edilberto Romero - Executive Director, Programme for Belize:
"Now the scholarship today we are awarding 6 scholarships, it is funds we got from the Massachusetts Audubon Society we got a grant and it is raised through birding people who go birding in their parks and pay for it."
Fam Trip Finale
For the last two days, we've been showing you highlights of the FAM trip that the BTB organized for the press, so that we can't try to entice you to become a tourist in your own country.
But, just how much did BTB pay, and did they get value for money? We have the answer in our final our final story on the trip:
AmbergrisCaye.com 
