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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
2017 September Celebrations officially begin
Under the theme "Belize: Confronting Challenges! Celebrating Triumphs! Renewing our Resolve!", Belizeans ushered in the most patriotic time of the year during the official launch of the 2017 September Celebrations. Held at the Muffles College Auditorium in Orange Walk Town on Sunday, September 3rd, the ceremony saw government officials, dignitaries and citizens come together to celebrate the 219th Battle of Saint George's Caye and the 36th Independence Day of Belize.
The ceremony commenced promptly after 1:45PM with the march procession by the Belize Defence Force (BDF). Following the arrival of honored guests, the BDF band led the singing of the National Anthem. Governor General of Belize, His Excellency Sir Colville Youn
Appointment of Honorary Consul of Canada to Belize
The High Commissioner of Canada to Belize, Deborah Chatsis, is pleased to announce that Mr. Lynn Young has been appointed by His Excellency the Governor General as Honorary Consul of Canada resident in Belize City, Belize. The Belizean Ministry of Foreign Affairs accepted this appointment on August 24, 2017.
Mr. Young is a Belizean citizen with a Master in Business Administration from Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. He is an active member of the Belizean business community, representing a Canadian company in Belize, and is an avid promotor of education and patron of the arts.
Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry hosts a consultation in San Pedro
On Thursday August 31 st, a consultation was held at the Sunbreeze Hotel, organized by the Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), with the goal to provide the best marketing practices to business owners. The consultation was attended by a variety of business owners, including restaurateurs, pharmacists, financial businesses and others.
The consultation was facilitated by Mrs. Laura Weller, a multidisciplinary Belizean Marketer and Project Manager. Her strengths lie in fusing agility and scalability to deliver actionable insights, a recipe that led to successful award-winning advertising and branding campaigns for global clients. Weller shared tips on the best practices in marketing, with the intent to help business owners strategize and take their business to the next level, boosting their employment and creating innovative ways to ensure the continuity of their business.
Ambergris Today
Expected Increases In Fuel Prices Due To Hurricane Harvey
With the passage of Hurricane Harvey over southern and coastal Texas last week, the oil refineries in the Houston area have shut down and are not expected to resume normal operations and return to full output for some weeks to come. The oil industry in Texas refines about 25% of all crude oil in the USA.
The resulting shortages in refined petroleum products have caused a sharp spike in pump prices across the USA and also in other countries that purchase refined fuel product from the Houston suppliers.
Tropic Air Adds Flights From Orange Walk To San Pedro
Tropic Air announced this week a substantial investment for its Orange Walk customers as it it will be increasing air service between Orange Walk and San Pedro to three (3) times a day, effective November 15th, 2017. Currently, flights are scheduled at two times a day, and this will add an often requested evening service.
Misc Belizean Sources
STOLEN BOAT IN SAN PEDRO!!!
23 Ft. Lanchon With 50 Hp Yamaha 4 Stroke Engine.
Please Call Armando Gonzalez 610-1448 if you have any information. Thank You.
Belize Launches Inventory Exercise on Potential Sources of Radiation
The Government of Belize today, September 5, held an opening ceremony to launch the National Inventory on Radiation Sources, an initiative derived from the establishment of a National Radiation Safety Infrastructure in Belize.
A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mission to Belize is in the country to carry out this exercise that is jointly spearheaded by the Department of the Environment (DOE) and the Belize Defence Force (BDF).
It's a Centennial Celebration!
Belize Wonder Woman of the century!!!! Happy 100th Birthday to Ms. Jane Ellen Mary Price-Usher (who is still at work even today)!
On September 5, 1917, this true Belizean role model was born as a gift to many. A lifetime of love, laughter, service, charity, and achievements!
SBDC Workshop: Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights
Presented by:
Ms. Adelita Ake, Assistant Registrar, Intellectual Property Rights. Location:
BTEC Training Room, ITVET Compound, Freetown Road, Belize City. Workshop Date:
September 14th, 2017. Time: 9am to 12 noon, FREE OF COST!!!!
Includes Refreshments !!!! The Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO), established under Part II of the Patents Act (Chapter 253), Revised Edition 2000, is the National Intellectual Property Registry for Belize, Central America.
The expectation is that participants will take away the following from the presentation:
* What is BELIPO and what does BELIPO do
* Identify the main areas of intellectual property and their difference
* Identify the different types of IP in a product
* Know the laws available in Belize for protecting one's IP and the systems of registration
available
* Know the importance of IP as a business asset
PRESS RELEASE - REPACKAGING & FINAL DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS STORED IN BELIZE
As far back as the mid-1990s, stockpiles of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) chemicals (including DDT, PCB contaminated transformer oil, and Pesticides such as Aldrin, Dieldrin, and Endosulfan) began accumulating as their use became banned in Belize due to their persistency in the environment and their toxic and carcinogenic properties. These stockpiles were located throughout the country. As Belize continued implementing the Phase-Out of Ozone Depleting Substances, stockpiles of contaminated refrigerant gases also increased. Since POPs are hazardous to both the environment and human health, their inventory, repackaging, and final disposal have been much talked about in the environmental community, with two (2) failed attempts to secure their final disposal over these years. It was not until November 2016 that the final disposal of stockpiles of POPs, obsolete chemicals and ozone depleting refrigerants began in an environmentally sound manner and through the serious work of the Department of the Environment (DOE).
Belize Water Services warns of imposters
Belize Water Services informs its customers that a group of imposters are posing as BWS employees to gain access to resident's homes.
The imposters claim that they are there to install shower caps and to conserve water. Please note that BWS does not have any such campaign going on and residents should be wary of any unexpected visitors claiming to be from BWS.
BWS takes this opportunity to remind customers that ALL BWS employees wear marked clothing and drive vehicles that are clearly marked with the BWS logo. They also have photo identification badges and are instructed to display them at all times. We encourage customers to ask for identification from anyone who comes to your door.
Residents should be cautious of people claiming to come from BWS without an appointment because visits are planned ahead of time with customers. The only exception is during an emergency, such as a water main break.
Human-Jaguar Conflict Discussion
The UB Environmental Research Institute's Wildlife Biologist and Panthera Representative, Yahaira Urbina will join Marchilio Ack,the Protected Areas Manager of Ya'axch� Conservation Trust and Shanelly Carrillo, the Jaguar Officer of the Belize Forest Department on two television programs on Thursday, September 7th, 2017. These conservationists and colleagues will be on Channel 5's "Open Your Eyes" from 6:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and also on Love FM's "Morning Show" from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
First Ladies of the region meet in Belize
All the First Ladies of the region and members of the CARICOM First Ladies Net work namely: (from Left to Right): H.E. Mrs. Maria Bowne - Spouse of Prime minister, Antigua & Barbuda
H.E. Mrs. Patricia Minnis - Spouse of the Prime Minister, Bahamas
H.E. Mrs. Martine Moise- First Lady Haiti
H.E. Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow - spouse of the Prime Minister, Belize.
H.E. Mrs. Reeks Harrysingh- Carmona- First Lady, Trinidad & Tobago
H.E. Mrs. Sandra Granger - First Lady, Guyana
Happy Birthday to Mrs. Jane Ellen Mary Price-Usher
Please join us in wishing a Happy Birthday to one of Belize's most exemplary centennials, Mrs. Jane Ellen Mary Price-Usher. On September 5, 1917, this true Belizean role model was born with a genuine passion for service to her Belizean people. She lives this passion everyday by being Belize's most enduring CEO, who presently still goes to work at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union. For her life-long contributions to economic empowerment, and dedicated public service, she has earned numerous awards, including a Honorary Doctorate from Galen Univeristy,2013; US Embassy's Woman of The Year Award, 2017; and Special Envoy's Outstanding Women's Award, 2017. Happy Birthday Ms. Jane!!
Channel 7
Sugar City Showdown for PUP and UDP
The PUP and the UDP are on a collision course for tomorrow in Orange Walk. As we told you the PUP Northern Caucus, led by Monchie Cervantes in Orange Walk North are planning a protest against the UDP's Area Rep Gaspar Vega. They hope to bring out more than a thousand people form the eight constituencies in the north. Well, last night on Facebook, Vega's camp posted an ad making it clear that they plan to meet numbers with numbers.
The ad - which is the first political activity we've seen from Vega's camp in almost a year - calls out UDP supporters to participate in a rally which starts at 8:00 in the morning; the PUP's one starts at 9:00.
The ad attempts to rebut all that's being said about the scandal laden Vega in the press and the public, calling him a man of "honesty and integrity."
Still No Forgery Complaint From Forte
And while that happens in the foreground, in the background, the criminal investigation into alleged forgery of land documents involving Andre Vega still hasn't gone anywhere. And that's because the accuser Amy Forte still has not made a formal complaint to police - and unofficial reports to our newsroom suggest she might not do so. We attempted to reach her attorney who didn't reply to our text message, but it seems there are what the attorneys call "extenuating circumstances." First, we have received unofficial reports that there were back channel talks between Forte's representatives and Vega representatives to discuss a settlement - but we are told the quantum of those settlements was where talks broke down.
Second, as we have been reporting, Forte has a brother who has some familiarity with land dealings - maybe not this specific deal, but land dealings, generally, we are told.
Opp. Leader Explains Large Acreages of Briceno Lands Have Been in Family For Decades
And as part of the ongoing political warfare of this issue - the Gaspar Vega camp is now throwing allegations of land grabbing by PUP leader John Briceno - who is the former Minister of Natural Resources from 1998 to 2006.
They point to some massive land holdings in the name of Briceno's family, his father and his uncles specifically.
They point to Parcels for 700 acres and 100 acres which were issued to the Briceno Brothers, Elijio - Joe, Graciano and Eudaldo on March 06, 2008. Today John Briceno told us that those are family lands which his father got in the early 1970's. He says he and his brother brought it from the bank when it was going to be auctioned and they now have it as a cattle ranch.
In Walks Hilmar
And while all this political mud swirls in sugar city, the town has basically moved on from the murder of 24 year-old Daniel Sosa, which happened at end of July.
The man who is accused of shooting him in the head is UDP big man Hilmar Alamilla, and he's at Belize Central Prison. He was taken back to the Orange Walk Magistrate's Court today for a routine adjournment in the case, and he was taken back to the Hattieville Prison.
Viewers will remember that Sosa, Alamilla and 2 other friends had a wild night on the town which ended when Alamilla allegedly shot Sosa in his head inside his pick-up truck. The two friends reportedly ran off, and that's allegedly when Alamilla shoved the body of his friend out of the passenger seat of his vehicle and drove home. Sosa died near the garbage dump of the D Victoria Hotel in Orange Walk.
Mother Accuses GSU of Brutalizing Her Son
Tonight, there is another allegation of abuse by the GSU, and the woman making the accusation is a former career civilian employee of the police department. Jenny Baizer told us that her son Shakeem Humes - who is not a stranger to police - was picked up by the GSU near George Street - and taken to a deserted location in West Landivar where he was beaten for an hour. She told us why it has angered her so much.
Jenny Baizer, Mother of Shakeem Humes:
"I really doesn't appreciate what the Gang Suppression Unit did to my child. Jules, when I saw my son I had to cry, because of the condition that he was in. I ask what had happened to him and he said that they chance him. He said that they took me by "Hanger" and took off the handcuff from me and then the police that slapped him on Plues Street, him and I started to fight. And when they saw I was beating the police, they intervene and all of them crowd him and they beat him. He told me that they beat him badly. They stomp and kick and choked him until he was unconscious. He told me that after that he place the handcuff back on him and threw him in the sea. He told me that the water was shoal and so he manage to come out."
Las Flores Says No To Belmopan Mayor
Yesterday we told you about the dispute at St. Michael Roman Catholic School in LAs Flores Village, Belmopan. The community was in an uproar because they accuse the mayor of allowing a private landowner to purchase land that the school had been tending for years, in the hopes that it could use the space for expansion.
Mayor Khalid Belisle sprang into action and proposed two alternative parcels of land to Father Jordan Gongora of the Belmopan Catholic Mission. He also made other suggestions to soothe things over with the catholic mission. And with that the mayor said that an amicable and mutually beneficial solution had been arrived at. End of story, right?
Not so fast!
80 Year Old Knocked Down And Killed
There has been another motorbike fatality, and this time it's an octogenarian who was knocked down and killed this morning.
At around 6:20, 20 year old US citizen Jessica Miller who lives in the Buena Vista area was driving towards Spanish Lookout in a heavy morning fog. She told police she suddenly saw a motorcycle with no license plate. She swerved, but the back of her Subaru Impreza hit the cycle. The driver, 80 year old Salvadorean Jose Francisco Ayala sustained body injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival at San Ignacio Community Hospital. Miller was detained and issued a notice of intended prosecution.
City Cops Find Weed and Weapons
Police continue to find weapons and ammunition. Yesterday, the Special Assignment Team did several searches on the South Side of Belize City and found a total of about one and a half pounds of weed, most of it, in Conch Shell Bay. They also found a black Lorcin brand .380 pistol along with one magazine.
And while the Special Assignment Team is win the southside, the Northside still has a strike team. Yesterday, they conducted a search in Munoz Alley and found forty-nine 9 millimeter rounds of ammunition and 129 grams, or four and half ounces of cannabis. All items were deposited as found property.
Two San Ignacio Shotguns
In Cayo, San Ignacio police found two shotguns on Saturday. They searched a bushy lot in San Antonio village where two 16 gauge shotguns and ten 16 gauge cartridges were found. Again, found property.
In Case Of An Oil Spill
At last month's House Meeting, the Barrow Administration introduced legislation to enact an indefinite moratorium on offshore oil drilling. It was immediately embraced by the conservation community. But, while it eliminates the risk of oil spills in the country's marine territory that could have been caused by oil-drilling companies, there are other types of oil spill disasters.
That's the discussion that the Department of the Environment hosted today as part of a 3-day meeting with experts to update National Oil Spill Contingency Plan. The DOE wants to make sure that if an oil tanker truck should overturn and spill oil into a river, the relevant Government Departments, the conservation community, the private sector, and the civil service will know just how to respond to minimize the damage to environment, and shorten the clean up time afterwards.
Radiation in Belize?
And while the Department of the Environment was hosting that meeting on the oil spill plan in Belize City, other representatives from that Department were in Belmopan hosting the launch of the National Inventory on Radiation Sources.
It's an initiative derived from the establishment of a National Radiation Safety Infrastructure that the DOE and the Belize Defense Force are leading.
They intend to collect information on all sources of radiation in the country, especially those that are severe threats to public health.
Representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency are here to assist the Belizean authorities to carry out this initiative. The opening ceremony was held this morning at the NEMO Training Room, and Foreign Affairs CEO Pat Andrews was one of the keynote speakers.
Here's what he had to say on the importance of this information collection:
Bringing CARICOM First Ladies Together
Every few months, Ministerial representatives from all Caribbean Nations attend the CARICOM Meetings to discuss shared concerns and challenges within the region.
Well, the wives of the Prime Ministers from the different countries which make up CARICOM want to form a network to function in a similar way. It's called the CARICOM First Ladies/Spouses Network.
The network is in its infancy, and, right now, the First Ladies and the Wives of the different Prime Ministers who made it to Belize are currently in deliberations about how this network will function.
We stopped by the Launch to speak with some of the First Ladies who are participating and here's what they had to tell us:
Courtney W. Featured Presenter At "Silvaana Udz Lecture Series"
UB's Faculty of Education started the "Silvaana Udz Lecture series" in 2014 as a way to introduce students to writers and poets from Belize and abroad.
But, in a sense, journalists are also story tellers, just like writers and poets, we live by words except we can only use them to get to the truth. And that's the spirit in which our own Courtney Weatherburne was the featured presenter at this year's lecture. The event was titled, "The Role of Today's Journalist in Belize's Democracy and Development". 7News attended the event at the Jaguar auditorium and organizer Ivory Kelly told us why Courtney was the right choice:
Ivory Kelly, Head of Planning Committee- Silvana Udz Lecture Series:
"This is fourth Silvana Udz lecture. We started it four years ago in an effort to introduce to our students here at UB people who we feel are good examples of professionals who have majored in the arts and who have contributed positively to their field."
Let the Mas Camp Madness Begin
If you've been listening to the news closely enough, you've probably heard pounding soca music in the background. That's because it's carnival week - and one of the Das Camps, the Titans is set up directly down the street from our studio.
And tonight, Titans and a number of other Das Camps in the city are jumping because their camps are being visited by the judges - who want to see the carnival spirit in its rawest form - when people are ready to dance on the streets for hours in just shorts and t-shirts, while others work until the early morning preparing costumes. We got the first tat set last night when we visited two Das Camps:..
The Mas Camps continue tonight and we'll have that story for you tomorrow.
Keeping The Carnival Peace
And while the Mas Camps dominate the week - the Carnival Association is taking time out to make peace. That's after a fight broke out in the parking lot of the Marion Jones Stadium after Saturday night's King and Queen winners were announced. President of the Association Sandra Mahler told us why they had a peace meeting today:...
Sandra Mahler, President - Carnival Association:
"What we've done, we've called an emergency meeting today and we met with the two bands. We also met with the police department, carnival commission, the judging association and we've come to an agreement that the incident that happened outside of Marion Jones, the two band leaders have decided to move forward in peace. So on Wednesday we are going to have an official press conference so that public can see that the actual bands are sorry about what happened, because that is not what carnival is all about. Carnival is about fun and unity. So we are going to prove to the public that come Saturday we are coming down marching for peace."
A Play To Resurrect the Memory of Antonio Soberanis
In this September Celebration month, you'll hear a lot about George Price and Phillip Goldson, and maybe even Simon Lamb and Samuel Haynes. But one patriot and nation builder you probably won't hear about is labour leader Antonio Soberanis. He's the labour leader from the 1930's who revolutionized Belize's labour movement. Today Joseph Stamp told us why he wants to memorialize and invigorate the memory of this often overlooked historical figure:...
The play is set for tomorrow and Friday night at the Bliss Centre.
FFB, Deviling The Details
Last night, we showed you the extraordinary congress that the executive of the Football Federation of Belize hosted on Saturday afternoon. They were trying to take care of some business that was left untouched after the failed ordinary congress in July.
Some of the financial matters were addressed, but one element which caught our attention was the 2017 budget. It's for 1.4 million dollars in this fiscal year, and of that 1.4, FIFA provides 1 million dollars in funding to the FFB. Of that, the FFB is going to spend $848,000 or 63% on administrative costs of running the FFB offices.
That looks rather high, and so we asked the Acting President about it:
Marlon Kuylen - Acting President, FFB:
"The budget was approved with conditions that in future the affiliates have more say or a hand in what is or how the budget is produced. So that was approved with the conditions that on a monthly basis the affiliates received financial reports from the federation and that we provide a list of the salaries and stipends that make up the administration cost of the budget."
FFB Fire Who?
And in our last story from FFB's extraordinary congress the executive had to remove an agenda item which had planned to dismiss a number of persons from the FFB.
Among that list of persons to be terminated were Ruperto Vicente, Michael Blease, John Palacio, and Shane Orio. But, most of those dismissals never happened because due process was never followed.
In that letter from FIFA, the Secretary General referenced the dismissals noting that the congress does not have the authority to terminate them.That's because, similar to the electoral committee, and the electoral appeals committee, no proper justification was given.
TIMELESS Motown MEMORIES
And we close tonight with highlites of this weekend's FrankIe Reneau's TIMELESS Motown MEMORIES show at the Bliss, COURTESY NICH,
Channel 5
O.W. Sees Protests Wednesday over Gaspar Vega Land Issue
The battleground over the continuing scandal in the Ministry of Natural Resources shifts north to Orange Walk Town. On Wednesday, the Opposition People's United Party, led by its Northern Caucus [...]
P.U.P. Demand Fuel Tax Cut as Belizeans Seethe About Increase
Outrage has been widespread in the twenty-four hours since the Government of Belize's announcement on Monday that fuel prices are to go up once again for the fourth time in [...]
Is A.G. Too Intimidating for Amy Forte?
The People's United Party last Wednesday threw its unquestioned support behind Belmopan resident Amy Forte, who directly wrote Prime Minister Dean Barrow to clear her name concerning the allegation of [...]
Opposition Keeps Up Pressure on Land Scandals
According to the Opposition Leader, Prime Minister Dean Barrow has not responded to his letter last Friday that outlined his demands with regard to the land issue. But that does [...]
John Brice�o on 'Get Mi Rich' Scheme
On Monday's newscast, we questioned why Andre Vega would be compensated with public land on a private caye in the extreme north of Belize for privately-owned land in which a [...]
Attorney General Says He Needs Statement to Build Case
Opposition Leader John Brice�o has taken a firm position in the latest round of the Vega scandal, condemning unreservedly the land grab and compensation scheme involving relatives and friends of [...]
Call Center Employees Call Out Owners for Hard-Pay
About twenty employees of the little known "United Association for Healthy Living" are claiming that they are owed salaries for two pay periods. The call center located on Mercy Lane [...]
American Detained for Causing Death of Elderly Belizean in Cayo
An elderly citizen was knocked down and killed this morning as he rode his cycle in Buena Vista village, Cayo District. Just before six-thirty a.m., twenty-year-old Jessica Miller, a U.S. [...]
Senate Returns with Private, Public Hearings
The Senate Special Select Committee on Immigration resumes on Wednesday after a month-long break. However, the public hearing will not be held at its usual morning time slot, but in [...]
Las Flores Residents Reject Plan to Settle Land Dispute
A land dispute involving the Belmopan City Council, St. Michael Roman Catholic Primary School and residents of Las Flores has taken an unexpected turn, as members of the community have [...]
Presenting on the Strengthening of Belize's Oil Spill Response Capabilities
This morning, stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as members of the environmental community, gathered at the Radisson to present on the strengthening of Belize's oil spill [...]
Chicken Dread Vs CitCo, Round Two
On Friday following a confrontation with police and special constables of the Belize City Council, proprietor of the 'Chicken Dread' fast food franchise Paul Ferguson had agreed to sort out [...]
CARICOM's First Ladies and Spouses Team Up
A few years ago a special group of women from across the Caribbean gathered to launch a campaign against teenage pregnancy. They are the spouses and partners of the Caribbean's [...]
The Mas Begins
With the Carnival King and Queen 2017 determined on Saturday night, the mas camps got underway on Monday night in the north and south sides of the city. The bands [...]
Category 5 Hurricane Irma to Strike Caribbean, Florida
The revelry aside�.the Northern Lesser Antilles and Florida are bracing for a category-five hurricane to make landfall over the next few days. This morning, Hurricane Irma was upgraded from a [...]
'Miss Jane' Marks 100 Years
She was born Jane Ellen Mary Price, but she is known across Belize District as Jane Usher. Today, the founder of the credit union movement and former minister of government [...]
Back to School for Belizean Students
"Free paper bun" for thousands of our nation's students, most of whom returned to the classrooms on Monday for another year of classes. Parents paid the tuition fees, bought the [...]
The Grand Finale of KTV the Remix
The finale of KTV, the Remix, takes place tonight and we are surely counting down for the moment. Just for tonight, the venue has been shifted to the spacious Saint [...]
CTV3
Hilmar Alamilla Escorted To Court Under Heavy Guard
There was heavy police presence in the area of Hospital crescent between the Orange Walk Police station and court this morning as alleged murderer forty two year old Hilmar David Alamilla, was escorted back into the Orange Walk magistrates court for an adjournment on the murder case brought against him following the shooting death of twenty four year old Orange Walkeno Daniel "Danny Boy" Sosa back in July of this year. Of note is that this time we were allowed inside the court room. Alamilla was arrested and charged on Saturday July 29th for the brutal murder of Sosa, whose body was discovered near the entrance of D-Victoria Hotel parking lot with a single gun-shot wound to the head a few.
Senate Select Committee Hearing Resumes Tomorrow Who Will Testify?
After several weeks of being on break, tomorrow the Senate Select Committee will resume its hearings at the National Assembly building in Belmopan. Prior to going on a temporary pause in late July, the Senate hearings had called a long list of witnesses to testify on what they know about certain activities in Immigration, mostly which were highlighted in the Auditor General's special audit on Immigration.
Mexicans Lement Cancellation Of Tropic Air Flights To Chetumal
Last month, Topic Air announced that it would discontinue its regional flights including its air travel to San Pedro Sula, Honduras and Merida and Chetumal in Mexico due significantly to the higher tax and fees charged by the Barrow Administration. In their public announcement Tropic Air's CEO Steve Schulte noted that there was [quote] "no clear path to sustainably serving these markets under current economic and regulatory conditions" [end quote].
The airlines have been hit hard over the years with an increase in the rider's fee and then an increase in the Departure Tax this year. In a report published in the Novedades Quintana Roo over the weekend, Mexican tourist officials lament the decision by Tropic Air, indicating that they made attempts to keep the flights going.
Corozaleno Residents To Reappear In Court For Drug Trafficking Offenses
Corozal residents, thirty one year old Jose Garcia and thirty year old Bryan Hernandez, today reappeared in the Orange Walk Magistrates court for charges of drug trafficking after they were caught with more than twenty pounds of weed back in July of this year. As we had reported Orange Walk Police were conducting a vehicular checkpoint near the Establo roundabout in Trial Farm village on July 12th when they intercepted a grey Ford Van, belonging to the courier service BPMS, which led to the discovery of two parcels of cannabis weighing ten and one kilogram respectively. Garcia and Hernandez were subsequently arrested and jointly charged for drug trafficking.
Guatemala's Congress To Decide Whether President's Impunity Will Be Revoke
Since last week we have been reporting about the political crisis faced by Guatemala in relation to the investigations being carried out against President Jimmy Morales who is being investigated for allegations of illegal campaign finances amounting to approximately $800,000.
Tonight we can report that yesterday the Guatemalan Supreme Court of Justice has evaluated the petition presented by the Public Ministry and the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala which claims that President Morales' National Convergence Front Party received and concealed such funds during his election campaign in 2015. The court has, therefore, ruled to authorize the Guatemalan Congress to review lifting Morales' immunity so that he can be investigated.
Dr. Jane Usher Celebrates 100th Birthday
Today Belizean icon, Dr. Jane Ellen Usher who is also recognized as the longest running Chief Executive Officer in the country of Belize is celebrating her 100th birthday and today we look back at a few of her many contributions to our jewel over the past years. Dr. Usher was born on September 5th in the year 1917 as Jane Ellen Mary Price to parents William Cadle Price and Irene Cecelia Escalante. She is one of eleven children and is also the sister of the Father of our Nation, Right Hon. George Cadle Price. Similar to her brother, Dr. Usher has touched the lives of many Belizeans as she dedicated her life to serving the people of Belize in various fields including politics, community affairs and union movement. During her career, Dr. Usher began working at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union as a clerk in 1944 where she then became the treasurer before being named as CEO of the company in 1956 at age 39.
Category 5 Hurricane Irma Barrels Through Leeward Island
We're barely four months into the 2017 hurricane Atlantic season but this morning the 10th storm was named Jose and we could be witnessing the naming of the 11th if a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico strengthens before making landfall. But tonight, all eyes are on Hurricane Irma, a category-5 hurricane that has been classified a very dangerous and potentially catastrophic storm, and which at this hour, is battering the Leeward Islands and very likely aiming at the U.S. gulf coast through the weekend. At this time Irma is not a threat to Belize.
LOVE FM
Government says Harvey to be blame for the next fuel increase
A couple of weeks ago Harvey spared Belize and went on to develop into a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, causing devastating effects on Texas in the USA. And while we only felt the effects of Harvey's remnants, motorists are about to feel the real effects in a few days. A government issued release [�]
Churches disapprove of this year's Tenth Celebration
Today, the Belize Council of Churches issued a release expressing its quote "dismay" over the decision to hold the September tenth parade, in observance of the Battle of St. Georges' Caye, on Sunday. While the Council is not opposed to celebrating the tenth, they are protesting the celebration being held on the Sunday. In its [�]
Military Tattoo's mishap
On Friday, the Police and Military Tattoo was held in Belize City at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. As part of the show, the Belize Police Department showcased how officers respond in a riot type situation. As part of the simulation of what was believed to be white smoke was used. Turns out, one of [�]
Police investigating alleged forgery
The Major Crimes Unit of the Belize Police Department is investigating the allegation made by Amy Forte. What appears to be Forte's signature, appears on land documents that has to do with a transaction involving Andre Vega, son of Former UDP Minister Gaspar Vega and 7 acres of land on Mosquito Caye. Forte has, through [�]
Las Flores up in arms over land
Today was the first day of school for thousands of primary school students across the country. It was not business as usual at the St. Matthew RC School in Las Flores as there was visible police presence. This is because residents have been up in arms over the sale of a piece of property adjacent [�]
Police discovery of explosive may have saved lives
An explosive device with a radius blast of 200 meters was found on Saturday morning in Belize City. Members of the Special Assignment Team found the rigid threaded plastic detonator type explosive with one 16 volt battery and two 15 feet electrical wires. The detonator was not found. Authorities believe that the explosive may have [�]
Police conduct anti-drug and anti-firearm operations
The Special Assignment Unit of the Belize Police Department has been very active, particular over this past weekend. Several anti-drug and anti-firearm operations were conducted in mostly Southside Belize City. The Unit discovered several bags of marijuana, a .32 Taurus Brand revolver along with six live rounds of ammunition. They also found seven .22 and [�]
FFB holds Extraordinary Congress
On Saturday the Football Federation of Belize, FFB, held it's Extraordinary Congress in Belize City. Items on the agenda were the approval of the 2016 Ordinary Congress minutes, approval of the President's Activity Report, 2015 & 2016 Financials, 2017 Budget and Strategic Plan and the re-election of Electoral & Electoral Appeals Committee and electing an [�]
FFB operational expense is 63% of its budget
During the briefing reporters were given the opportunity to ask questions. One of the questions posed dealt with the FFB's budget. Figures show that 63% of the budget is earmarked for operational expenses rather that football itself. Acting President of FFB, Marlon Kuylen explained. Acting President of FFB, Marlon Kuylen "When we get our funding [�]
FFB fires staff to save cost
In order to reduce operational costs, the FFB has dismissed several employees who form part of the secretariat. The dismissal of these persons was one of the topics that was discussed at length. President of the Premier League of Belize, Ian Haylock spoke on the matter. President of the Premier League of Belize, Ian Haylock [�]
Who to Believe Amy or Darlene?
Justice of the Peace Darlene Padron fired off a letter to the Attorney General of Belize through her attorney, Godwin Haylock in respect to her name being called as the JP who authenticated the signature of Amy Forte. The letter confirms that Pardon was indeed the JP who authenticated the documents used for land transaction [�]
Cruise lines new schedule may mean more business for Belize
As the Caribbean braces for hurricane Irma, the storm has pushed Florida based cruise lines to change their itineraries. Most of them are either pushing their schedules up or down while others have made changes in course as they stay clear of the of the Eastern Caribbean. Disney Fantasy is switching its schedule around during [�]
Aaliyah Ysaguirre is 72nd Queen of the Bay
The 72nd Queen of the Bay is Miss Stann Creek Aaliyah Ysaguirre. She was selected as queen designate on Saturday night at the Bird's Isle in Belize City. Eight young ladies vied for the coveted title including contestants from Toledo, Stann Creek, San Ignacio, Santa Elena, Belmopan, Belize City, Orange Walk, and Corozal. Throughout the [�]
Deserine Usher launches Queen of the Bay book
Last Friday night saw the launch of a publication dedicated to the past queens of the bay. The book looks at the history of the illustrious pageant and was put together by Queen of the Bay 1993, Deserine Usher. She told us where the inspiration for the book came from. Deserine Usher Last year, the [�]
Orange Walk in September Celebrations mode
The Official National September Celebrations Launch was held in Orange Walk Town on Sunday. The event officially starts the celebration of the 219th anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye and the country's 36th anniversary of independence, under the theme, Belize - "Confronting Challenges! Celebrating Triumphs! Renewing Our Resolve!." The event was held in [�]
Carnival King & Queen Winners-Jump Street Posse & Belizean Jewels
Also over the weekend, Belize City hosted the 2017 Carnival King and Queen competition. The event was held at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. Six Senior and eight Junior groups displayed their flamboyant creations. When all the flaunting was done, Jump Street Posse took the crown for King and Queen in the Junior Category. Mahogany [�]
Preparations continue for municipal elections
The People's United Party continues to prepare for the upcoming Municipal Elections scheduled to take place in March 2018. Over the weekend, they held two municipal endorsement conventions. In Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cristian "Danny" Castellanos will head the slate as the Mayoral candidate. His team consists of councilor candidates Luis Avila, Edgar Guerra, Manuel [�]
Patrick Harris & Ervin Fitzgibbon will stand trial for murder in Supreme Court
Two men charged with two separate murders, were committed to stand trial in the October session of the Supreme Court at preliminary inquiries that were held today before Acting Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser. They are Patrick Harris and Ervin Fitzgibbon. Harris is charged with the murder of Dillon Grinage, which occurred on December 31, 2016, [�]
Tropic Air expanding its wings
Tropic Air has announced that effective November 15 they will be providing an additional flight from San Pedro Ambergris Caye to Orange Walk Town. According to President of Tropic Air, John Grief the third, the move is an effort to meet the demands of their passengers. The new flight will leave San Pedro at four [�]