Today's Belize News: September 7, 2017

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Today's Belize News: September 7, 2017 #525660 09/07/17 06:18 AM
Joined: Oct 1999 Posts: 84,393 oregon, spr Marty OP
OP Marty	FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report. 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 Rudolph Pitts found dead following late night shooting A male person identified as 36 year-old Rudolph Pitts was found dead on Wednesday, September 6th shortly after 1PM in Northern Ambergris Caye. Pitts had been reported missing from the night of Tuesday, September 5th when he and another friend, 22-year-old Edgar Lopez, were reportedly assaulted by three gunmen. Lopez, who sustained gunshot injuries to the back of his head (grazed), left arm and shoulder, was later airlifted on that same night Belize City for further medical treatment. However, Pitts was not located until his lifeless body was found today. Tropic Air adds flights from Orange Walk to San Pedro Tropic Air announced today 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. Shooting in northern Ambergris Caye leaves one person injured and another missing The official report from police indicates that on Tuesday, around 8PM, Lopez along with a friend were walking on a back street on the island, when three men approached them from the nearby bushes and fired several shots at them. An injured Lopez managed to flee from the area and was later assisted and transported to the polyclinic. Contrary to the police report, which gave the impression that the shooting took place in downtown San Pedro, an eyewitness claims that the incident happened near a resort in northern Ambergris Caye. According to the eyewitness, Lopez had just started working in the maintenance department of the resort. The eyewitness stated that when he was shot, Lopez ran to the staff rooms seeking refuge and help. He was quickly taken in a pick-up truck to the polyclinic where he was stabilized. The San Pedro Sun was also told that up to late this morning, Lopez's friend is yet to be found. Meteorologist monitoring three storms in the Atlantic Category Five Hurricane Irma is causing massive destruction in the northern Leeward Islands as it makes it way past the Caribbean and potentially into the Gulf Coast. The ninth named storm of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Irma is not the only threat as Tropical Storm Jose and Tropical Storm Katia continue to strengthen as well. Meteorologist have indicated this to be one of the most active hurricane seasons recorded, with Hurricane Irma breaking records as potentially the strongest storm in ever recorded. Ambergris Today Belize Water Services Warns Of Imposters Visiting Homes An urgent and imortant notice has come forth from the office of Belize Water Services (BWS) which 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. Missing Person's Body Found Following Last Night Shooting Incident The body of Rudolph Eric Pitts was discovered this afternoon around 2p.m. 10 miles north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, following the late night shooting incident reported this morning. San Pedro Police were investigating the shooting incident where it was reported that 22-year-old Edgar Lopez was grazed by a bullet behind his head, then shot to the left arm and left shoulder. Lopez was transported to Belize City for treatment of his wounds. It was reported that he was accompanied by another male person who was reported missing since the incident. Man Escapes Assault And Shooting Incident In San Pedro San Pedro Police are investigating an assault that took place on back street in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize that left one man injured with gunshot wound, on Tuesday, September 5, at about 8:00p.m. Investigation revealed that 22-year-old Edgar Rene Lopez was walking on 'back street' with a friend when three men approached them from the nearby bushes and fired several shots at them. Lopez managed to escape with gunshot injuries and was transported to San Pedro Poly Clinic where he was treated and later transport to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for further treatment. He remains in a stable condition. Misc Belizean Sources Police Report Shooting Incident On Tuesday 5th September, 2017 at about 8:49 pm, San Pedro Police visited the San Pedro Town Poly Clinic, where a pickup truck arrived transporting 22 yr old Edgar Rene Lopez of miles 10 North of San Pedro Town with a gunshot wound behind the head (graze), the left arm and left shoulder. Investigation revealed that on Tuesday 5th September, 2017 sometime around 8:00 pm Lopez along with a friend were walking the back street when (3) three men approached them from the nearby bushes and fired several shots at them causing the injuries to Lopez who managed to escape and was later transported to San Pedro Poly Clinic. where he was treated and later transport to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for further treatment he remains in a stable condition. Free Weekly Mobile Health Clinics on Ambergris Caye Projects Abroad Announces Free Weekly Mobile Clinics - DFC, San Mateo, & Central Park. Free Blood Sugar Testing, blood pressure testing, weight and height testing and nutrition advice. San Pedro PUP Endorsement Convention The San Pedro PUP 7 Invite the public to their Endorsement Convention where you can listen and meet the 7 candidates running for office in the upcoming Municipal Elections. New Health Centre in Santa Elena Town to be Inaugurated The Government of Belize steadfast in its continued commitment to address the basic needs of Belizeans, in the areas of water, sanitation, education, and health, has funded the rehabilitation of the Santa Elena Health Centre Project at an estimated cost of $270,000.00. The residents of Santa Elena will benefit from having primary health care services aimed to improve community health thus, making critical achievements in improving the quality of health of men, women, and children of Santa Elena Town. Residents will also enjoy economic benefits from the closer proximity to the health centre as the cost of travel and time would be significantly reduced since they will no longer have to travel to San Ignacio for health care services. The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Contributes to Infrastructural Development of Belize Today, September 6, His Excellency Charles Liu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), presented a bilateral cooperation grant to the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Belize. The grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize is for the year 2017 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program between the two countries. The purpose of the grant is to assist the overall development of Belize and particularly in the development of its transportation infrastructure. 'MARILIN DUPRE' at Princess Casino Freezone Tthis weekend with the spectacular live performance of "MARILIN DUPRE'. Everyone is cordially invited. It is free admission and happening this Friday, September 8th and Saturday, September 9th. Come join us and get a chance to win. It all starts at 10:00 p.m. Corozal Animal Progam Fundraiser Mark your calendars, September 15, Corozal Convention Center for this gala event. Rum tasting, ribs, beans and rice and a chicken foot eating contest! It just doesn't get any better than that. The festivities begin at 5 pm and end somewhere around 9 pm. Corozal Animal Progam will have a table set up and will be selling hot dogs for $2 each, all proceeds going to help the animals of Corozal. Seatrade Europe 2017 BELIZE INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS JUMP UP & FLAG PARTY Thank you Orange Walk for an excellent launch of Belize's Independence Day celebrations! His Excellency Governor General Sir Colville Young honored guests with his presence. Mayor Kevin Bernard and Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber delivered welcome remarks and Mayan and Garifuna dance groups entertained guests with their beautiful cultural presentations. Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Adrienne Galanek attended the fabulous launch and enjoyed Orange Walk's famous tacos! Mayor Bernard drew the next lucky town to launch next year's independence celebrations -- Congratulations San Ignacio/Santa Elena!!!!‎ Enjoy September Belize!! Koko King Schedule of events not to miss this 10th Sept weekend Friday 8th - Dinner and a Movie - Ice Age Collision Course & The Secret Life of Pets. Popcorn and roasted marshmallows for all those who have been good at school this week. Saturday 9th - beach day featuring DJ Karizma followed by our highly anticipated Full Moon Party. Guest DJ Odyssey will join our resident Blue Wave Sounds and a live performance by Stig da Artist. Tickets will be $5bz for ladies and $10bz for the gentleman can be bought in advance (to avoid the line on the night) at KoKo King from Thursday. Government of Belize Making Educational Opportunities Available for 700 Students in Stann Creek & Toledo Districts The Government of Belize in its continued commitment to ensuring that the country's most cherished and greatest asset - Our Children, acquire a quality early childhood and primary education, secured grant-funds valued at $2,232,370.02 from the Caribbean Development Bank under the bank's Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF 7) Programme for the construction of two primary and two preschools in the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts. When school resumes this September, this milestone achievement will facilitate the enrollment of 700 students at newly constructed government schools namely Santa Cruz Pre-School and Primary School in the Stann Creek District; and Trio Pre-School and Primary School Extension, in the Toledo District. The school project will provide a better learning environment and access to students and enable the schools to address the increasing demand for enrollment, alleviate overcrowding, and thus enable the country's future leaders to further boost their learning skills for socio-economic development. Kristin Marin nominated for Caribbean Regional Youth Council Electoral Board The National Youth Council of Belize congratulates Ms.Kristin Marin on the acceptance of her nomination by the Caribbean Regional Youth Council Electoral Board for the position of Vice of Membership and Partnership! We look forward to fully supporting her on her journey to success in Jamaica on Election Day, October 2nd 2017! Carnival Road March Line Up 2017 This year's Carnival Road March 2017 line up will be as follows: Grand Marshall - Stanley Lizama, Caribbean Treasures - Non competitive band, Junior Bands (7), Sunshine Masqueraders, Mahogany Masqueraders, Collect Royal Revelers, Black Pearl, Trenchtown Masqueraders, Soca Massive, Jump Street Posse , Ambulance, PanTempters Steel Band, Floats, Presidente, Belikin , Senior Bands (6), Belizean United, Mother Nature's Creation, Fantasy Karnival Belize, Titans Mas Band, Soca Moca Carnival Band, Belizean Jewels, Ambulance, Tumblers, Party Truck. Carnival Road March 2017 Route The Carnival Road March is set for September 9th, 2017 and will be commencing at 1:00 PM. The route for the road march is as follows: Central American Blvd/Faber's Road, Right onto Vernon Street, Left onto Youth for the Future Drive, Across BelChina Bridge, Douglas Jones Street, into Cinderella Plaza, Left onto Kelly Street, Right onto Baymen Avenue, Left onto Princess Margaret Drive, End in front of Marion Jones Sports Complex , JUDGING POINTS, Junior - CA Blvd & Cemetery Rd, Senior - Youth for the Future Drive, in front of Youth Apprenticeship. COROZAL LOW COST SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC FOR DOGS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, DR. CHARLES CLINIC, FINCA SOLANA. $5 PER DOG FOR ANY COROZAL DISTRICT BELIZEAN. $5 FOR FIVE IN ONE (5 in 1) VACCINATION (REQUIRED). BRING VET CERTIFICATE IF YOUR DOG IS CURRENT ON THIS VACCINATION. NO SOLID FOOD AFTER 6:00 PREVIOUS NIGHT. WATER IS O.K. ALL DOGS MUST BE LEASHED OR CAGED. BRING A TOWEL FOR YOUR PET. PUPPIES MUST BE AT LEAST FIVE MONTHS OLD. LIMITED SPACES - APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY. PLEASE CALL 636 9698 FOR AN APPOINTMENT. Directions: Head towards Consejo on Fourth Avenue. After you pass the Civic Center, turn right. Turn left at the fourth street. Dr. Charles' clinic is the second building on the left. Young Leaders of the Americas U.S. Embassy Belmopan is proud to announce that four businesses and social entrepreneurs from Belize have been selected for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI Professional Fellows Program 2017! Their companies include sports, environment, youth empowerment and food. Over the next few days we will feature each participant. Starting with Keisha Rodriguez the Co-Founder and Director of Communications, Outreach, and Networking for Belize Association of Planners (BAP), which addresses relevant planning and development issues in Belize, with an emphasis on vulnerable urban communities. BAP seeks to apply knowledge and skills to address inequalities and urban and environmental injustices. Study on freshwater macro inverts of the Chiquibul The 2nd study on freshwater macro inverts of the Chiquibul Forest is concluded. Presently the Chiquibul streams have good water quality but gold extraction in southern Chiquibul is reducing water quality. Continuous assessments over time will be important to better understand observable changes and validate the root causes. This research program was supported by Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) Termites of Belize Tiring and exciting weeks of termite research are over. There are still tons of data to be processed, but one of the final products was sent to us from our collaborators- poster on Termites of Belize. We gonna bring one to the forestry and one to BAHA. Our termite team from Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Botanical Garden is holding the products of that work- reference collection of termites in small viles and the reference poster. If anybody from UB wants to study termites, you can use our reference collections as a baseline. There will be also fun brochures for kids to read! Roni Martinez, Elma Kay, Edgar Correa, Minerva Gonz�lez Angela Chen. Highlights of this year summer camp at Camp Basil Jones Channel 7 PUP Takes A Stand On Tower Hill Goodnight and welcome to 7News. Tonight we'll start as we sometimes do when major events happen, with extended coverage of the drama at the Tower Hill Bridge in Orange Walk where police had to use tear gas to disperse a crowd of PUP protestors. Joining me in studio to break down all that happened on the bridge from beginning to end is News Director Jules Vasquez, who has the sunburned face and the red tear-gassed eyes to show that he was out there today. Jules, let's jump right into it - how did it all start? Edward Broaster, Assistant Commissioner of Police: "Sir, please move your vehicle." Hon. Jose Mai: "Arrest me sir. Respectfully I will not move. We are asking for two hours." Vega Announces Possible/Likely Return to Politics And so while that is all that happened on the bridge, there was lots of other very big news coming out of Orange Walk today - and most of that from the Gaspar Vega camp. The embattled, scandalized UDP Orange Walk North Representative made an appearance and actually took a few questions form the media. We have all that coming up, but first to the most news making announcement - that Vega - despite all he's been accused of - is considering throwing his hat back into the ring as a candidate for the UDP in Orange Walk north. Here's how he put it today:... Jules Vasquez - Reporter: "Mr. Vega will you run again? Look like you dih get inna political trade." People: "Yes, yes, he will run!" Hon. Gaspar Vega- Orange Walk North Representative, UDP: "Let me tell you something, if me not running means that PUP weh win, I weh bloody run!" Briceno Prays For Vega's Return And while many in the UDP - including Deputy Leader Patrick Faber is scratching his head about that - which we'll tell you about in our next segment, the PUP is rejoicing. Here's how Opposition Leader Briceno put it today: Hon. John Briceno- PUP leader: "I am praying to the good Lord for Vega to run again. We want him to run in Orange Walk North to continue to represent the stench of the UDP, the corruption of the UDP, everything that has gone wrong with the UDP." Ramon Cervantes Jr.- PUP candidate, Orange Walk North: "Well, let him run. Let him come and I'm waiting for him whenever he is ready." PUP And UDP's Sugar City Face-Off Ok, so far in the news tonight we've shown you the ruction and tear gas at the Tower Hill Bridge when the PUP tried to block it. And then, we showed you the major political announcement from Gaspar Vega who's planning a political comeback, it seems. But the main event really was the competing mass party events: the PUP had a protest against, while Vega's people set up a rally for him in front of his house. Jules Vasquez and Angel Noble covered all corners of this story:.. When the PUP protest moved off at around 9:30 AM it was only a few hundred people. John Briceno bolted out. As the Orange Walk leaders took the front. It was a northern caucus event, but there was definitely a national presence - there were as many as 40 busses from different areas. UDP Ministers Saldivar and Faber Face Off On Facebook And so UDP Belmopan Representative John Saldivar went out to give his hearty support for Vega, and that didn't sit too well with the man who replaced Vega As Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Party Leader Patrick Faber. He posted a very telling remark on Facebook, saying, quote, "for this wondering on a day like today, I do not support or defend corruption and my expectations are that those in our beloved UDOP don't either. John Saldivar posted a lengthy response saying, quote, "Today I went to Orange Town not to support or defend corruption but to stand in solidarity with a colleague...No matter the perception that has been fueled by media and political agents, unless and until Hon. Vega is convicted in a Court of Law, he deserves our solidarity...I stand firmly against corruption and will never support or defend it, but I am also a firm believer in natural justice and our colleague deserves our solidarity unless found guilty." John Saldivar Disagrees with PM, He Says Forte Not Credible So while the UDP is clearly divided on the Vega issue, we're not sure where the party collective is on the Amy Forte issue. She's the Belmopan resident who says her signature was forged in a land flip which saw Gaspar Vega's son, Andre end up with 7 acres of land on Mosquito Caye. The Prime Minister has said there is credible evidence that her signature was forged leading to a fraudulent conveyance. But John Saldivar seems to think that Amy Forte's story is not credible. Here's what he said about it today:... Hon. John Saldivar: "The person, who made that accusation refuses to give a statement to the police, refuses to give a statement to the attorney general and we are also aware now that the person who was the agent on her behalf was her own partner." Saldivar, No Apologies for Coast Guard And while we had Saldivar in front of us, it was the first opportunity we had to get comment on the controversy surrounding his use of Coast Guard Vessels as a ferry o transport his Bandits basketball teams. The US Embassy who donated the vessels, expressed its diplomatic displeasure, while Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers have said it shouldn't have happened, but today Saldivar said - in a very curt remark - that he makes no apologies: Hon. John Saldivar- Minister of National Security: "I have no apologies at all for using government resources to help the young people of this country, to help the communities in this country, to help sports of this country and if there are colleagues of mine who differ from that, I certainly do not resile from that belief because that is why I am in politics- to help my people. And who has a difficulty with that, I'm sorry." Another San Pedro Murder There's another murder on San Pedro to report tonight - and again it appears to be an execution attempt. Last night at around 8:30 22 yr old Edgar Rene Lopez and Rudolph Pitts were ambushed and fired upon by three men. Lopez was grazed to the head, but Pitts was unaccounted for. He was found dead at 2:00 this afternoon. This evening superintendent of police and the Deputy Officer Commanding Eastern Division, Raymundo Reyes shared an update. Supt. Raymundo Reyes, Deputy OC - Eastern Division: "San Pedro police received a call via the emergency line and as a result they visited the San Pedro Polyclinic where they saw a male persons suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds to the left side of the head and to the upper left arm. The person name learned to be Edgar Lopez, 22 years old a caretaker and a resident of mile ten north of San Pedro.." Cops Find Another "Gaza" Grenade And so, while the San Pedro police had to respond to a murder in the island town, just after midnight last night, the Gang Suppression Unit had to call in the BDF's explosive experts to retrieve a live grenade in Belize City. They found it in what is on Plues and Dean street, which is within the territory of the George Street Gang. Today, BDF General David Jones, who is Belize's foremost explosives expert told us that he is worried about the timing, since September Celebrations are picking up, and such an explosive poses a serious threat to public safety: SSB Wants You To Pay More, Here's Why The Social Security Board, is on a countdown to destruction, according to the SSB's financial experts. They say that in 3 to 4 years, the Social Security Fund will not be able to support the growing number of pensioners, unless there is an increase in the contribution. Now, before you dismiss this as ploy by the SSB management to take more money from your pay to put into the fund, we think you should hear them out. The last audit of SSB says that they collected around 80.1 million dollars in 2016, but they paid out 83.5 million dollars to persons who claimed for pension, sickness and disability benefits. That's a 3.4 million dollar deficit, and the projections are that the deficit will balloon to 11.4 million dollars at the end of this year. Senate Hearings Resume With Immigration Director So, at the top of the news, we've shown you the political hurly burly which happened Orange Walk over the latest Vega land scandal. But, for 8 months now, ruling UDP had been under sustained attacks from the weekly revelations in the Senate Inquiry into the Immigration Department. The Senate Select Committee took a month-long break, and resumed today to take testimony from the current Immigration Director Diana Locke. After all the abuses at the Department have been laid bare for the country to see how the corruption was able to spread in Immigration, the Senate Committee wanted to hear what changes were made since 2014 to improve oversight. They had a 2 and a half hour conversation with Director Locke, and here's what she had to say about the recent fixes: Belizeans Bleed For Barbuda Tonight, Belizeans are looking to the eastern Caribbean with prayers and sympathy, after Category Five Hurricane Irma slammed the Leeward Islands, including Antigua And Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis. Barbuda took a direct hit from the 185 mile an hour winds, leaving that island devastated 0 there were three reported fatalities and 90% of the islands housing stock has been destroyed. It showed no mercy bringing down some of the strongest buildings and pummeling the weak ones. IT HIT Barbuda, St. Barth�©lemy, St. Martin, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands. The islands are left in shambles. Irma spared Puerto Rico and is now heading for Florida. Bar Association Rejects PM's Planned Appointee to Appeal Court Last week we told you about Franz Park - the Miami based attorney who the Prime Minister wishes to appoint to the court of appeal. Well, the Bar Association today sent out a release saying that he does not meet the requirements for appointment under the constitution, and the bar has voted against his appointment at a meeting last night. The Leader of the Opposition also wrote a letter to the Prime Minister earlier this week saying he objects:... Hon. John Briceno- Leader of the Opposition: "We wrote a letter to the Prime Minister on Monday saying that we see nothing, nothing his CV and the Prime Minister refused to give me any new evidence as to why Mr. Park supposed to be appointed in the Court of Appeals. I see something that is very troubling and Belizeans need to take a look at what is happening we need to see the appointments that are being made at the Magistrates level..." Channel 5 Opposition protest becomes chaotic riot at Tower Hill A protest proceeded as planned in Orange Walk today.� But what started as a peaceful march against the "hot bed of corruption'' at the Ministry of Lands escalated into a [...] P.U.P., U.D.P. lock horns in Sugar City But before the police would descend on the protestors, by nine this morning, thousands gathered along the San Lorenzo Road where the march kicked off.� Their call was for the [...] Embattled Gapi Vega speaks, basks in supporters' love As we've mentioned, beleaguered Orange Walk North Area Representative Gaspar Vega was met by a group of supporters outside of his residence this morning.� While those numbers paled in comparison [...] Ex-Lands Minister says he helped many get land too Vega, during a brief interview with the media, also attempted to explain the situation at the Lands Department while he was in office and the many efforts he purportedly made [...] Belmopan's John Saldivar sides with Vega over constituent Amy Forte Standing firmly in Vega's corner is Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar.� Saldivar has been an ally of Gapi Vega since his unsuccessful attempt at deputy leadership of the United Democratic [...] The Bar turns down Franz Parke for Court of Appeal A special session of the Bar Association of Belize met in Belize City at the Radisson Hotel on Tuesday night. Its purpose was to consider its position on the appointment [...] Will law group's opinion count? There are reports to News Five that members of the social partners are likely to raise objections based on the position of the Bar. The Opposition Leader John Brice�o is [...] Bar president points to landmark C.C.J. decision on tenure Banner referred us to the Bar's case against the Government decided in their favor earlier this year in the Caribbean Court of Justice concerning tenure of judges and also setting [...] Man dies from shooting in North San Pedro A shooting overnight on the north end of Ambergris Caye turned murder today after police discovered the body of thirty-six-year-old Rudolph Eric Pitts. Just before nine p.m. on Tuesday, twenty-two-year-old [...] 'No money no deh,' P.M. tells Senate Committee The Senate Special Select Committee resumed public hearings this afternoon and we will have details of the testimony of Director of Immigration Diana Locke shortly. But first, the Government of [...] Three years later, Immigration Director says verification for visas still a problem As many as one hundred visa applications appear weekly on the desk of the visa vetting committee established in the aftermath of the Won Hong Kim/Elvin Penner scandal. It was [...] When will passport system be fixed or changed? In February, News Five reported on a temporary backlog of passport processing in Belmopan due to issues with the antiquated system in place. At that time the Ministry, represented by [...] No repeat of Won Hong Kim, Director says The Senate Committee has heard many different explanations for how Won Hong Kim's picture got into the Belize Passport Information System despite his never having been in Belize - that [...] Police meet and greet on Jane Usher Boulevard Police were out on their weekly meet and greet visits today with residents across the city. We went along with the cops on the south side in the Jane Usher [...] Police aim to disarm criminals on Southside When we spoke with Superintendent Arzu, we also asked him about the increasing number of weapons and drugs recently seized, retrieved primarily from empty or abandoned lots. Arzu says that [...] Hurricane Irma flattens Barbuda; northern Caribbean and Florida next for Cat 5 storm Hurricane Irma - one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic - is hammering Puerto Rico tonight after slamming a string of small northern Caribbean islands where at [...] S.S.B. explains why increased contributions will lead to increased worker benefits For the past several months, we have been telling you about the Social Security Board's proposed changes in contributions. Consultations have been held around the country and it is yet [...] Pay your contributions online! There's other news from the S.S.B.� The Social Security Board is slowly changing from its traditional way of receiving and making payments. An online contribution portal is being used for [...] Carnival leaders promise revelry, not rivalry Today, carnival band leaders, police and representatives from the National Celebrations Committee and the Belize Carnival Association converged at the Bliss Center for the Performing arts to sign a carnival [...] Lilian Salazar is KTV the Remix Champion! KTV, the Remix, closed with a bang on Tuesday night with the big announcement of who the people had chosen as this season's KTV champ. It came down to four [...] LOVE FM First Ladies from across the Caribbean converged in Belize Today the CARICOM First Ladies/Spouses Network was launched in Belize. The Network sees the unison of the wives of Caribbean state leaders to focus on addressing four key areas within the Caribbean. Dalila Ical reports. First Lady, Kim Simpliss Barrow "Through the efforts of regional organizations we were encouraged to create a network of first [�] Measures taken to strengthen Oil Spill response capabilities The Government is strengthening the country's oil spill response capabilities by updating its National Oil Spill Contingency Plan. Stakeholders from various Ministries, Departments, Private Sector, Academia, Civil Society, and Non-Governmental Organizations associated with Disaster Risk Management and Oil Spill Response, are meeting in Belize City to participate in the three day workshop. The meeting's objectives [�] Las Flores community reject agreement concerning land dispute The Belmopan City Council has come to an agreement with the Catholic Diocese over land issues at St. Michael Roman Catholic Primary School in Las Flores. As we reported, villagers were up in arms after the land adjacent to the school was sold to a private individual. Villagers say the land had been earmarked for [�] Big Red finds home on Harvest Caye The Scarlet Macaw affectionately known as 'Big Red' remains on display on Harvest Caye. A group of conservationists have launched a campaign that asks the public to boycott everything that has to do with Norwegian Cruise Line. Big Red has been on Harvest Caye for about four months now but despite the cries of environmentalists, [�] NEMO launches National Inventory on Radiation Sources A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency Mission to Belize is in the country carrying out an exercise on potential sources of radiation. The launch of the National Inventory on Radiation Sources was held today at NEMO's Headquarters in Belmopan. According to the CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Patrick Andrews, the initiative [�] Former Parliamentarian turns 100 Jane Ellen Usher is today celebrating her centennial year. Our young viewers and listeners may not be too familiar with Mrs. Usher, but she is one of Belize's highly accomplished women. Many Belize City residents may also be familiar with her as she is the current Chief Executive Officer at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union. [�] Lynn Young appointed as Honorary Consul of Canada Belizean Lynn Young has been appointed as Honorary Consul of Canada resident in Belize. Young's appointment was announced this morning as it was accepted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last month. Young has a Masters degree in Business Administration from Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. Young is described as being an active member [�] Another Belizean makes Belize proud After five years of scientific research, Belizean Keisha Melodi McSweeney has completed her doctoral degree in the field of genetics and genomics. Dr. McSweeney successfully defended her dissertation entitled "Microelectrode array modeling of genetic neurological disorders in the era of next generation sequencing" to a panel of six accomplished and celebrated scientists at Duke University [�] BWS warns customers of imposters The Belize Water Services is warning customers of imposters. According to BWS 'a group of imposters are posing as BWS employees to gain access to residents' homes. They do this by advising customers that there is a need to install shower caps in order to conserve water. However, BWS does not have 'any such campaign [�] PUP & UDP take to the streets in Sugar City The People's United Party's Orange Walk North Committee has organized a protest for Wednesday morning in that municipality against what they term as the rampant corruption in the lands department by former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega. PUP Leader John Briceno spoke about the protest. Opposition Leader, John Briceno "They are the ones that are [�] Fatal Traffic accident claims the life of an elderly man Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a traffic incident that claimed the life of an eighty year old man. Police report that around six twenty this morning, twenty year old Jessica Miller, a US citizen residing in the Buena Vista area was driving a red Subaru Impreza on Buena Vista Road going towards Spanish Lookout [�] Manager frustrated with repeated store burglary A store was burglarized sometime last night in Roaring Creek Village. Fem Cruz reports. Fem Cruz "The Leons family, Manager and Owner of Leons Vegetable Shop located in front of UNO Gas Station in the village of Roaring Creek are appealing to you the public for information that can help them recover a number of [�] Home burglarized in Punta Gorda A quantity of cash was stolen yesterday from a home in Punta Gorda. We hear more in this report from correspondent Paul Mahung. Paul Mahung Owner of the home Francilia Williamson spoke to Love News about the incident. Home owner, Francilia Williamson "Monday this guy happens to work for me off and on was at [�] Police take drugs and weapons off the streets Police continue to conduct several successful operations across the country. On Monday, the Special Assignment Team conducted several searches on South Side Belize City. As a result, officers found and confiscated one and a half pounds of marijuana, another 338 grams in Conch Shell Bay area, 145 grams in Partridge Street extension, and 227 grams [�] NEMO's Search and Rescue Forum The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends on November 30, leaving two more months of potential storms or hurricanes that could affect Belize. Belize's National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO, is not taking chances as it continues to review and refresh its Emergency Management Plan and the roles and responsibilities of its coordinators, committees and volunteers countrywide. Over [�] CONCACAF new requirement met with resistance Football Club owners are putting up resistance to a requirement posed by CONCACAF. The resistance has to do with insurance for football players. FFB's Acting President Marlon Kuylen shared more details. FFB's Acting President, Marlon Kuylen "As part of CONCACAF's club licensing one of the criteria is because there is a list of thirty items [�] Breaking Belize News Theft in PG Punta Gorda police are investigating a case of theft in that southern municipality. Anthony Westby Jr., a businessman of #33 Mahogany Street, Indianville area, Punta Gorda, reported that between the hours of 10:00 p.m. on Monday, September 4, 2017 and 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 someone entered his garage [�] FFB's plans to terminate Ruperto Vicente et al delayed At the FFB Extraordinary congress held on Saturday, the executive had planned to dismiss a number of employees. Those employees were: Ruperto Vicente, Michael Blease, John Palacio and Shane Orio. However, they were never dismissed because due process never happened. Of FFB $1.4 million budget, 63% to go to salaries The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has budgeted $1.4 million dollars in this fiscal year. FIFA is set to provide $1 million in funding. Interestingly, more than half of the budget or $848,000 will be spent on administrative costs of running the FFB offices. KREM's Editor, Marisol Amaya, attacked by police at PUP protest KREM's Editor, Marisol Amaya, was today attacked by a ranking police officer during today's opposition led peaceful protest in Orange Walk. After the rally in Orange Walk Town, the protestors moved to the Tower Hill Bridge and blocked the bridge. Officers on duty attempted to have them peacefully remove the vehicle blocking the road but when diplomacy failed officers fired tear gas into the crowd causing many to scatter. Woman jacked at her workplace A woman was robbed at gunpoint inside her workplace on Tuesday afternoon. According to police reports, two men stormed the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority located at mile 3 on Tuesday afternoon. Police tear gas protestors at Toll Bridge in Orange Walk Just after noon today, protestors in Orange Walk were taking their protest to the Toll Bridge and had just arrived when they were tear gassed by police. About fifteen buses were also blocked in Orange Walk as they headed to join the other protestors in their attempt to block the bridge for an hour or two as requested by the PUP Party Leader, John Briceno. Blogs Orange Walk Town celebrates Maya Hero Marcus Canul While Marcus Canul may not be the most recognizable figure in Belizean history, he did play a huge role during the Caste War in the Orange Walk District. A Maya general of sorts, Marcus led attacks against British intruders back in 1872. During this time, the British would ransack and burn Maya villages just to be able to penetrate deeper into the interior forest to have access to better logging areas. Many text book stories of Marcus Canul are misleading, as the British portray him and his resistance group as nothing more than a 'band of thieves'. Still, his true story lives on in the memories of the people that came after him. For the Maya of the North, Marcus was a warrior who fought against invaders for his land, his people and his culture. Get Sticky for Free to Show Support and Save Wildlife Sometimes people tip the balance the wrong way the and others have to step in and speak up for nature and the animal kingdom. This is the case down south at Harvest Caye, a cruise ship port island off the coast of Placencia. They wanted to promote Belize's wild life through having an education center, unfortunately capturing and caging a rare Scarlet Macaw is not the right way to go about it. Sadly macaw, Big Red, was being assessed to be released from rehab back into the rain forest where he should be - home. Thankfully a group has stepped up to help Big Red and you can too. On August 31,2017 a campaign to boycott Norwegian Cruise Lines was launched, and members of the public, especially cruisers, are being offered free bumper stickers to show their support and solidarity with the wildlife of Belize. Heading South on Ambergris Caye Yesterday was a day chock full of errands. If my ten years living in San Pedro has taught me anything, it's one of our primal skills, somewhat lost in the land of Amazon Prime, Uber and Super-Targets - hunting and gathering. A quick stop at the back of town to take a picture of the new sign at the International Water Taxi terminal. And then south�passing Regina's Paleta Factory. If you haven't tasted her fresh fruit pops, you are CRAZY! You can buy them all over the place - at the store at Grand Caribe (2.5 miles north), at San Pedrano Store (on Front Street, San Pedro), at La Divina Providencia (in Escalante) and at her shop here - 2 miles south of town. International Sources There's No Need to Panic Over the Mexico Travel Warning Travel warnings for Quintana Roo. Travelers who keep an eye on U.S. State Department warnings may know by now that the department has issued cautions for the Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur. The addition of those states to the government's periodic updates of travel dangers caused a significant stir, largely because they are the homes to two of Mexico's most popular resorts: Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. It is not surprising that these states were included in the warning, which was issued Aug. 22. As Mexico's powerful drug cartels have splintered, a spiral of crime and violence has enveloped all parts of the country, to include its storied resorts. However, I believe that by understanding what drives the violence, and the types of the incidents that result, companies operating in Mexico and travelers to the country can avoid most of it. Tortola Hurricane Hole (Before Irma): Scroll Down To See What It Looks Like After Surrounded by mangroves, Paraquita Bay is where charter companies like the Moorings and Marine Max hide their boats from Hurricanes such as Irma. No one has a more scientific, well thought plan. Take a look at it, then scan down to see what the bay looks like post-Irma. A real cheeseburger in paradise: Miss Debs charms Belize with American-style fast food This week I reached out for a classic cheeseburger at Miss Debs - the first food truck in the beautiful country of Belize in Central America. With a tip of the hat to Jimmy Buffett ... this is a cheeseburger in paradise. Last week, I was in downtown San Ignacio in the Cayo District of western Belize on a jumping Friday night. I saw a crowd of locals lined up at a food truck. As I drew closer to see what the fuss was about, the unmistakable aroma of drive-through cooking hit me. Yeah, I get around, I'm a regular Anthony Bourdain without the phony, and when I visit a foreign land, nothing hits home like a big juicy burger hot off the grill. Miss Debs is Debbie Baldwin, originally from Arizona, who married a car customizer from Belize in 1985 and moved south. "I have always loved to cook and I've always wanted to have a diner. So my husband and I compromised and we bought the shell of a 1996 Chevy P30 truck," she said. Mayan child sacrifices in Guatemala were buried with 'supernatural' jet black volcanic stones 4,000 years ago From building cities aligned with stars to purposefully crossing their babies' eyes, the Mayan civilisation was known for its strange rituals. And a new study has shed light on perhaps one of the weirdest rituals undertaken by the ancient civilisation - child sacrifices. Researchers have discovered 42 obsidian ritual stones in the ancient Mayan city of Ceibal, Guatemala, some of which were found in the graves of child sacrifices. The findings suggest that the precious rocks were thought to hold spiritual or 'supernatural' powers for Mayan people. Uncommon Cacao vs. global commodity markets A new report from the farmer financier highlights imbalances that disproportionately hurt farmers and create disincentives among manufacturers and retailers to push for change. To understand the impact that volatile commodity markets have on the "little guy," just look at the Ivory Coast. The West African country is the world's largest producer of cacao - the fruit that chocolate is made from. To help farmers stabilize income, the government sets a minimum price for purchasers: last year it was $1.88 a kilogram of cacao beans. But the markets had a different idea. Higher-than-expected yields drove down futures prices for cleaned, roasted cacao beans on the London and New York markets. In turn, the Ivory Coast's government slashed the guaranteed price to farmers by 36% - a decision that affects cacao farmers worldwide because the price is set every year in West Africa where 60% of the world's cocoa is produced. Here's where Uncommon Cacao comes in. The Berkeley, Calif., social enterprise provides logistics and financial services to smallholder cacao farmers, connecting them with premium chocolate makers. It started in Belize in 2010 with a vision of making cacao trading more equitable for local farmers and has grown to a network of 2,600 farmers in five Latin American and Caribbean countries. Hurricane Irma wipes tiny Caribbean island off the map The tiny Caribbean island of Barbuda is "practically uninhabitable" after it was steamrolled by Hurricane Irma, officials there said as the superstorm's confirmed death toll climbed to three Wednesday. Barbuda and Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne reported that 90 percent of the structures on Barbuda were destroyed by the 'cane, which was packing sustained 185-mph winds when it made landfall at 1:47 a.m. "As it stands, Barbuda is practically uninhabitable," Browne told Antigua/Barbuda Broadcasting Services, adding that destruction on the island home to nearly 1,700 people was "heart-wrenching." Videos Celebrating the Maya Mestizo Culture, 2min. The Northern Maya Association of Belize held their first activity on Saturday, September 2nd in honor of Icaiche Maya leader and hero, Marcus Canul. In his honor, Orange Walke�os dedicated the day to Marcus with an exhibit on the Maya of Belize, their traditional foods, and much with cultural and music presentations. PUP Rally, 23min. PUP march against corruption in Orange Walk Town 'Miss Jane' Marks 100 Years, 4min. 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 as well as mother of twelve children celebrates a milestone and well wishes have been pouring in to mark her one hundredth birthday. Bright and early, the centenarian headed to work at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union as she does on her daily routine. We felt the warmth of those around her and experienced the wisdom of her years. News Five's Duane Moody reports. The Belize Festival of Hope - Partner Report, 4min. Two years of work and preparation are now over and it is time for the Belize Festival of Hope to enter the history books. KTV the Remix Finale (September 5, 2017), 3.5hr. Morning Matters with Terry Gordon, 60min. Morning Matters at Altun Ha, 60min. PUP And UDP's Sugar City Face-Off, 13min. PUP Takes A Stand On Tower Hill, 24min. BTL's Internet to School Program to experience DigiNet via fiber, 22min. San Pedro High School to be the first institution on the island to receive the new DigiNet Service The Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda speaks of the destruction following Hurricane Irma, 37min. Some reports say that the island is now uninhabitable with losses of up to 90% since the passage of the Category 5 storm. Antigua, for the most part, escaped the brunt of Hurricane Irma. Even manatees get together in September!, .5min. by Jamal A. Galves - manateeman Elaine Ford studying Tropical Biodiversity in Belize! Natural History Museum Collection, 1.5min. Elaine being eaten by mosquitos and talking chocolate and plants in Belize. Belize 2017, 7min. Belize, 17min.