Today's Belize News: September 12, 2017

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Today's Belize News: September 12, 2017 #525783 09/12/17 05:43 AM
Joined: Oct 1999 Posts: 84,392 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 Miss San Pedro 2017 Coronated at St. George's Caye Day Parade Newly elected Miss San Pedro 2017-2018, Virginia Vasquez was officially presented with her crown and scepter on Sunday, September 10th at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex. Vasquez was crowned by outgoing Miss San Pedro Lisandra Novelo before a large crowd of students and citizens. The coronation was part of the 219th anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye. After the coronation ceremony, Vasquez and the other Miss San Pedro contestants joined a citizens and uniform parade through the streets of San Pedro Town. At the official ceremony, Mayor Daniel Guerrero welcomed everyone to the first event of the country's September Celebrations. The festivities this year are held under the theme 'Belize: Confronting Challenges! Celebrating Triumphs! Renewing our Resolve!' Guerrero reminded everyone that just as the Baymen faced struggles against the Spaniards over 200 years ago, Belize now faces challenges ahead. "Just like the Baymen collectively confronted their challenges, we must ensure that as a young nation, we work together and continue building our country," said Guerrero. Hol Chan Marine Reserve continues their annual sport-fish tagging program The Hol Chan Marine Reserve once again conducted their sport fish tagging program for bonefish, permit and tarpon as part of their research and monitoring program. This program was first launched in 2016, and is conducted from April to November. So far in 2017, they have tagged 150 bonefish and about 70 permits. The purpose of tagging is to study and collect scientific data necessary to identify growth rates, migration areas, breeding locations and determine levels of sustainable fishing. "Since bonefish, permit, and tarpon are important species for our tourism industry, we wanted to study them in more depth. When a tagged fish is caught, we record its measurements and location. That way it is possible for us to develop more ways to protect them," said Hol Chan Manager Miguel Alamilla. St George's Caye Day celebrations and Miss San Pedro coronation in San Pedro! Miss San Pedro coronation and parade. Happy 10th of September to all Belizeans at home and a broad! Hip hip hurray! Wolfe's Woofer: Even Trade "What are you having, Mario?" I asked. "Two garnaches and a tamale." My sometimes helper and I were eating lunch at Lupe's at the big picnic table. A group of workers from a nearby construction site came over to eat and Mario called to one of them. "Hey, Rafa," he said. "Come over and eat with us and let's talk about money." When Rafael got in line to order I asked, "What was that all about?" "I keep Rafa's bicycle at my house because he got no place to keep it. He pays me five dollars a week and I look out for it. Only thing is, he don't pay me for a long time now." When Rafael sat down Mario said, "Rafa, you got five dollars for me this week? It's adding up all the time." A story of recovery on World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, 2017 arla, a 33-year-old hairdresser living in the Stann Creek District became suicidal about 5 years ago. At that time, she was in a dark place where she just "did not feel normal". She describes experiencing racing thoughts, constant crying and an immense sadness "I felt isolated, like nobody cared" and pretty soon she began to think that no one would hurt her if she were dead. She attempted to take her own life several times and felt that Depression was taking over her life. She knew she needed help and eventually she reached out to a psychiatric nurse practitioner (PNP) at the mental health clinic at the Southern Regional Hospital. Doctor Love: Friendless Dear Doctor Love, I am sixteen years old and I have been best friends with this girl for all of my life. We have always been inseparable until she met this other girl and now she hangs out with her all of the time. I thought the things we told each other were only between us but I found out the other day that she is telling the new girl all of our secrets. They make fun of me and giggle behind their hands and point at me and this hurts very much. I am so heartbroken because school is starting and now she and I are not best friends anymore. I don't know why she is doing this to me. We have never even had a fight, so why is she making me feel so bad? Are we friends anymore? /s/ Friendless Ambergris Today Two Sharks Killed By Illegal Gill Nets Disturbing video footage of a15-foot tiger shark that died after being caught in an abandoned gill net has triggered conservationists and residents to join the support in renewing the call to ban gill net and long line fishing in Belize. The tiger shark is one of two that were discovered this past week. The San Pedro tour company, Amigos del Mar, came across a 500-foot net that contained the two dead sharks; one of them that was believed to be a pregnant female tiger shark. Amigos del Mar was traveling back to Ambergris Caye from a trip to Lighthouse Reef Atoll. They immediately contacted MarAlliance to report the incident. MarAlliance indicated that the net had no tag denoting it was not registered, it was longer than regulations require in Belize and also reveals that shark fishing is taking place during the closed shark fishing season, all illegal acts. Justices Of The Peace Cannot Charge For Services The Attorney General's Ministry has issued a release stating that it continues to receive reports of Justices of the Peace soliciting remuneration for services they provide. The Ministry reminds the public that Justices of the Peace are wholly disallowed from requesting or accepting any form of consideration for the duties (which they have signed an Oath of Allegiance and Office) they are to provide voluntarily, without fear or favor, affection or ill-will, as a civic duty. The Ministry informs that any Justice of the Peace found to be guilty of soliciting any form of consideration from citizens will be removed, Pursuant to Section 3 s. 4(b) of the Justice of the Peace Act (Revised Edition 2011) which states: Miss San Pedro And St. George's Caye Day Celebrations San Pedro's newest beaty ambassador, Miss San Pedro 2017, Virginia Vasquez was officially presented with her crown and scepter to commence her reign during today's 10th September/St. George's Caye Day celebrations. The celebrations are part of the country's official September Celebrations leading up to Independence Day on September 21. The program included short speeches by San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Area Representative/Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia. Belizean artist Jael August entertained with her rendition of the National Anthem of Belize and a few Belizean songs. After the ceremony a student parade ensued through the streets of downtown San Pedro culminating at Central Park were residents enjoyed a beautiful day by the beach. Misc Belizean Sources Bringing in the 10th Sept in style The Full Moon party never disappoints!! Harvest Caye animal evacuation plan? As we all are trying to help those devastated in the Caribbean by Hurricane Irma and are anxiously watching the storm approaching Florida, we think about what would happen to those poor wild animals, being kept for profit on Harvest Caye by Norwegian Cruise Lines. As you all probably know, the coast of Belize is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. As we understand, the plan they have put into place is to evacuate the animals onto the property of one of the founders of the Harvest Caye animal side show, which requires many miles of travel. This would have to be done well in advance of any storm as Harvest Caye would be evacuated of all people and there would be no one left to care for the animals. According to some of the leading experts on captive wildlife, what we're seeing in Florida is the best model for the welfare of the animals. They have proper facilities on site with staff to care for the animals in situ as the stress of moving the wildlife to another site would prove more dangerous to the animals than the storm itself. In a statement Wednesday, the Miami Zoo said it would not evacuate animals "since hurricanes can change direction at the last minute, and you run the risk of evacuating to a more dangerous location." LUCERO BRINDIS CONSTANTINO MISSING LUCERO BRINDIS CONSTANTINO, age 13, of LADYVILLE, was last seen Friday morning (08 Sept), wearing black top and long jeans. She was seen with LUIS CENTURION. Her family and friends are hoping to find assistance in searching for her and would like to put together a search team to search an area of bushes nearby. The police aren't taking the case seriously and have left them with little option. Please get in touch if you have any information or can volunteer to help. Thanks. Man shot in the head on Sept. 10th On September 10th, 2017 at 5:30 a.m. police visited an area on San Antonio Road, Orange Walk where they saw 22 year old Gustavo Hernandez with a gun shot wound to his forehead. The Investigation so far revealed that sometime around 5:15 a.m. Gustavo Hernandez was walking on the road when he was shot at by a man. The shooter then rode off on a bicycle. Hernandez was transported to KHMH in a crtical condition. Police investigations continue. Two queens crowned on stage Congrats Miss Stann Creek, Queen of the Bay. What was won was justice. The Usher sisters and past queens stood up for justice for a legacy that is part of our history and culture. This is not a privately owned pageant such as the Miss Universe, this is a Belize pageant that is about who we are as a nation. We live in a country where justice is fleeting and so we cling onto any small gesture that good prevails over evil, and decency over corruption. There is no lack of mistrust in the justice and political system but people power went into overdrive with press conferences in Belmopan and Belize City, social media posts and media contacts and in this case we should examine the example set forth by Sherima Guity with the support of her sisters Reena Ordonez and Taryn K. Usher and past queens. PRESS RELEASE FROM PAST QUEENS OF THE BAY As past Queens of the Bay, we are disturbed and appalled by the press release issued by the National Queen of the Bay Committee. On the night of the national pageant, September 2nd, 2017, the judges assessed the candidates using the rules and regulations that were agreed upon by the committee and district coordinators, and the scores were tabulated and given to the judges for their consent; of which four out of seven judges signed the final results. For this reason, WE believe that it CANNOT be considered a miscalculation because it was given consent and approval on the night of the pageant. To ask the judges to reassess their scores of the pageant in a private meeting is outright disrespectful as it not only questions the integrity, but also the competence of that person to act in such capacity as a judge. Judges are selected because of their recognized expertise. Results for Carnival Road March 2017 JUNIOR BAND WINNERS 2017: With 494 points in THIRD place is TRENCHTOWN MASQUERADERS. With 559 points in SECOND place is BLACK PEARL CARNIVAL BAND. With 563.5 points in FIRST place is MAHOGANY MASQUERADERS. Winner of 2017 Belize Carnival Junior Road March is Mahogany Masqueraders. SENIOR CARNIVAL BAND: SENIOR BAND WINNERS 2017: With 523 points in THIRD place is Soca Moca Carnival Band. With 538 points in SECOND place is Mother Nature's Creation. With 595 points in FIRST place is Titans Mas Band. Winner of Belize Carnival Senior Road March 2017 is: TITANS MAS BAND. Cayo September Celebration Concert 2017 The big Cayo September Celebration Concert will be on Wednesday, September 20th, at the Sacred Heart College auditorium. Lord Rhaburn and Lord Laro are both coming back to play at the event. "Our 2nd annual September Celebration Concert is just around the corner. Performances by International Artists Oscar B and Lord Laro, local artists, Lord Rhaburn and Kurl Miller. It will be night of celebration! Tickets on Sale, September 1st. $50 regular entrance, VIP $100." SSBA Basketball Summer Camp Finale A huge thank you to everyone involved with this year's SSBA Summer Youth Basketball Camp! Mark O'Brien got some pictures and video of the grand finale, which was held at the SHC auditorium. "Successful end to our SSBA Summer Youth Basketball Camp. Thanks to the sponsors, all who assisted and those that came out to support. Basketball is back!!!" September 10th Ceremony & Citizens Parade 2017 South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch Meeting Wednesday SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 @ 7:00pm COZY COCONUTS BEACH BAR and GRILL. Agenda: (subject to change): 7:10 Treasurer's Report, 7:20 Incident Report, 7:30 Neighborhood Updates, 7:40 Upcoming EC Elections, 7:50 New Business, 8:00 Open floor. PLEASE PLEASE ATTEND AND BRING A NEIGHBOR! Roque Aguilar Jr. passes away Condolences to the Aguilar family. May Roque R.I.P. Splashers Come paint with us this Thursday at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar. We will be painting "Sipping In Paradise". Man found with cut throat On the 11. 9. 17 at 1:10 a.m. police visited the San Martin area where they saw a 28 year old Concordio Cucul of Belmopan with a large cut to the throat. Police have no information on the incident that resulted in his injury. He is listed in a critical condition at the hospital. SHOOTING INCIDENT On the 10. 9. 17 at 10:15 p.m. police visited the KHMH where they saw 26 year old Darwin Martinez, a graphic designer of Mayflower Street suffering from a gunshot wound to the left upper back and to the left upper chest area. The police investigation revealed so far that at 10:00 p.m. Martinez was inside a black Saturn car seated in the front passenger seat along with his uncle, the driver. While driving on Ebony Street at the turn into Sibun Street he heard several shots and realized he had been shot. The victim listed in a stable condition at the KHMH. Murder in Cayo On the 10. 9. 17 at 8:50 p.m. police visited Buena Vista, Village, Cayo where they saw the body of 22 year old Jose Ulysess Sibrian, a Salvadoran National who lived in Buena Vista, Cayo. The body had a stab wound to the left side of the chest and side. Earlier in the night he was socializing at a local bar when he and and another started to argue and he was stabbed. Police shoot man accused of chopping On 10.09.17 at 4:35 p.m. police responded to a chopping incident at mile 25 on the Hummingbird Highway. 49 year old Ricardo Oh reported that he was chopped by 32 year old Florentino Coc who was several feet away under a shed. When he was approached by the police, Coc picked up a machete and advanced towards the police in a threatening manner and despite being cautioned and the firing of two warning shots he did not relent. Only when he was shot in the right leg did he stop. He was arrested and taken to the Southern Regional Hospital for treatment. The Reporter Police investigate murder and other crimes Police are investigating a number of violent crimes that occurred over the extended 10th weekend across the country. Just before 9:00 on Sunday night, police were called out to Buena Vista village, Cayo where they found the body of Jose Ulyses Sibrian, 22, a Salvadoran who lived in Buena Vista. Sibrian's body had stab wounds to the left side of the chest and side. Police say Sibrian was socializing at a local bar and got embroiled in an argument with another man, which resulted in the stabbing. Police are seeking the man pending investigations. Witness in Daniel Sosa murder killed Police have confirmed that Gustavo Hernandez, the witness in the murder of Daniel Sosa, was shot dead over the weekend. Police say that they found Hernandez, 22, with a gunshot wound in his head at around 5:30 Sunday morning on the San Antonio Road, Orange Walk. Authorities took Hernandez to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment, where he died from his injury 13 hours later. Police say that he was walking on the road at around 5:15 Sunday morning, when a gunman on a bicycle approached him and fired the shot which caused his injury, then fled the scene. Police shoot machete-wielding man Police say they were forced to shoot a man in the leg this weekend after he allegedly accosted them with a machete. According to police, officers responded to a call about a chopping incident near Mile 25 on the Hummingbird Highway. They say that upon arrival, they saw Florentino Coc, 32, under a shed near the scene. Coc, police allege, had chopped Ricardo Oh, 49, and when they tried to approach Coc, he picked up a machete and charged towards them, in a manner the police described as "threatening". Irma slams into southwestern Florida Hurricane Irma slammed Marco Island off Florida's west coast today, with winds of up to 120mph but has since been downgraded to a category 2 storm. More than 2.5 million homes in Florida are without power, and parts of the city of Miami are under water. About 2ft of water has been seen in Miami's financial district, where one major street resembled a river, but the worst damage is expected on the west coast. Some 6.3 million people in Florida were urged to evacuate. Irma has already devastated parts of the Caribbean, killing at least 27. Two crowns, one queen! Two women were crowned Queen of the Bay (QOB) today at the launch of the September Celebrations, but only Ms Dangriga, Aaliyah Ysaguirre will be recognized as the official queen. During the coronation of Ms Ysaguirre this morning at the Memorial Park, National QOB Committee Chair, Zenaida Moya, went on stage with a separate crown, scepter and sash to pronounce Orange Walk Queen, Esmeralda Cal, Queen of the Bay at the same time outgoing QOB Christalyn Castillo was doing the official handing over to Ysaguirre. The Mistress of Ceremonies, Shari Williams eventually had to ask the police to escort Moya off the stage, and Ms Orange Walk went with her. Following the display, carried on live television, Ms Emma Boiton, original coordinator of the QOB Committee, issued a letter announcing that Moya had been dismissed immediately from her post as Committee Chair. Titans Mas Band wins carnival competition Titans Mas Band has emerged the winner of the senior division for Carnival Road March competition 2017. Titans, who appeared as the fourth senior band in the carnival line-up, secured the victory with 595 points for their presentation entitled, "Celebration of Life." Mother Nature's Creation came in second with 538 points, while Soca Moca Carnival Band, third with 523. In the Junior band division, the Mahogany Masqueraders took first place with 563.5 points, while Black Pearl and Trench Town Masqueraders took second and third with 559 and 494 points respectively. Bands scored points for: the durability of their costume, creative use of colors and carnival spirit, and for their performances in mass camp inspections held before carnival day. Controversy deepens over who is Queen of the Bay 2017 The controversy has deepened over who is Queen of the Bay 2017, after the National Queen of the Bay Committee says it will still crown Ms Orange Walk, despite an overruling late Saturday night, that Miss Dangriga is the queen. The September Celebrations Committee issued a press release late Saturday night following a meeting with the National Queen of the Bay Committee, and with the majority of the judges. At the close of that meeting, the September Celebrations Committee, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, declared Ms Dangriga, Aaliyah Ysaguirre as the winner. That declaration overruled an initial announcement late Friday by the National Queen of the Bay Committee, headed by Zenaida Moya. That decision was that based upon a review by the judges of their scoring on pageant night, Ms Orange Walk, Esmeralda Cal is the true winner. Despite the overruling late Saturday night by the September Celebrations Committee, reinstating Ms Dangriga as the Queen of the Bay for 2017, the Queen of the Bay Committee maintains that Miss Orange Walk is the winner and that she will be crowned during the Tenth ceremony this morning in Belize City. Breaking Belize News Belmopan man cut to the throat Last night around 8:50, San Ignacio Police responded to an incident in Buena Vista Village where they saw the body of a man with stab wounds to the left side of his chest and side. The man was identified as Jose Ulysses Sibrian, 22, a Salvadoran residing in Buena Vista, Cayo District. Graphic designer shot in Belize City According to police reports, last night around 10:15, Belize City police visited the KHMH where they saw Darwin Martinez, 26, a graphic designer of Mayflower Street suffering from gunshot wound to the left upper back and to the left upper chest area. Man stabbed to death in Buena Vista; Police seek one man Last night around 8:50, San Ignacio Police responded to an incident in Buena Vista Village where they saw the body of a man with stab wounds to the left side of his chest and side. The man was identified as Jose Ulysses Sibrian, 22, a Salvadoran residing in Buena Vista, Cayo District. Queen of the Bay controversy continues Following this morning's historic display at the Queen of the Bay's coronation, the national Queen of the Bay (QOB) Committee Chair Zenida Moya has been terminated, and the Orange Walk Committee is coronating its own Queen. The original national QOB Committee Chair Emma Boiton, issued a letter to Moya this morning, thanking her for her services as coordinator and relieving her of the post with immediate effect. Attorney General's Ministry remind JP's of code of conduct The Attorney General's Ministry issued a release on Friday, September 8, 2017 in response to reports received of Justices of the Peace soliciting remuneration for services they provide. Orange Walk man shot to forehead this morning This morning around 5:30, police visited an area on San Antonio road in Orange Walk where they saw Gustavo Hernandez,22, with a gunshot wound to his forehead. Corozal police find explosive device at night club According to reports, shortly after midnight last night, police found an explosive device in a night club in Corozal Town. Police and personnel from the Belize Defense Force (BDF) were called to the scene. Two queens of the Bay? For the first time in 72 years, two Queens of the Bay (QOB) were crowned simultaneously on the same stage. Days of controversy came to an explosive conclusion this morning at the Fort George Memorial Park when the QOB Committee Chair Zenaida Moya walked up and crowned Ezmeralda Cal, at the same time the official QOB, Aaliyah Ysaguirre was being crowned. Early morning double shooting at fish market in Belize City The September shooting spree in Belize City continues on the 10th of September with the shooting of 2 brothers early this morning. The incident occured at the fish market in Conch Shell Bay. Belizeans celebrate Saint George's Caye Day By Zoila Palma: Today, Belizeans across the jewel celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye. The Battle of Saint George's Caye is commemorated because in the 1500's, the Spaniards made constant attempts to control the region of the Yucatan coast which included Belize. By the mid 1600's, shipwrecked British sa Illegal net kills two sharks Two sharks were found dead this week as a result of out-of-season shark fishing. Channel 7 news reported that a San Pedro tour vessel came across a 500-foot net, which contained the two dead shark, one of which was believed to be a pregnant female tiger-shark. The net, which is far longer than Belizean regulations allow, did not have any markings, leaving authorities with questions as to who could have cast the net, or when it was cast. Police officers charged with extortion are out on bail Two police officers are out on bail, after being charged with a single count of extortion. Magistrate Aretha Ford released 37-year-old Sergeant Lenancio Bol, and 30-year-old Constable Daniel Requena, on bail valued at $2000, for taking an $800 bribe from oneEstefania Gomez. Both men are scheduled to return to court on November 14. All eyes on Queen of the Bay crowning ceremony After multiple press releases circulating contradictory information on who will be crowned Queen of the Bay this morning, Belizeans are anxiously awaiting the ceremonial launch scheduled for 9 a.m. Yesterday the National Celebrations Commission issued a release saying that the 2017 pageant winner Aaliyah Ysagguirre would be crowned; however, around 3 a.m. today, the Queen of the Bay Secretariat issued its own release, saying that Esmeralda Cal would receive the crown. Blogs Happy September 10th! A Parade, Immigrant Life - A Sunday Morning in San Pedro There is always celebration and HUGE fireworks on the eve before. But last night�at about 8:30pm, torrential rains hit and the party was cancelled. This morning a parade was scheduled - the uniform parade - and I headed to town. Spoiler alert: With all the wind being sucked into gigantic Hurricane Irma thousands of miles away, it is HOT right now. And I didn't make it to the parade. But here is what I saw this Sunday morning, September 10th in San Pedro town. The kids were supposed to be at the football field by 9am. Let's just say that my arrival at 9:30 meant I was WAY early. A few of the souvenir vendors were open. I keep meaning to buy one of these woven straw bags for grocery shopping. Retro-chic. 2017 Fireworks Display in Corozal ; A Saturday evening Celebration At Maimi Beach On, Saturday, September 9th, 2017 the Corozal people came out to enjoy September Celebration night eve at Maimi Beach, Corozal. This main event in Belize is celebrated a day before September 10. To respect the National Holiday of Belize. In Corozal, the main event was where everyone had gathered to await the fireworks at Maimi Beach. Also, live music was being played for people to enjoy. A number of people came out to either dance, sing or just watch everyone else. This band played until the Wee hours to celebrate Sepemtmber month. At 12midnight, the colorful fireworks display was lite up. I started recording the fireworks display and during my recording, I enjoyed watching the fireworks. I saw Children and adults from all ages enjoying the fireworks. some gathered in front of the Mirador Hotel and some stay at Maimi Beach. It was great to see this event happening in Corozal and I hope the town keeps up the good work for the town to enjoy. Here are some pictures and videos of last nights event. Battle of Saint George's Caye held in Corozal 2017 The Battle of St. George's Caye was a short military engagement that lasted from 3 to 10 September 1798, off the coast of what is now Belize. However, the name is typically reserved for the final battle that occurred on 10 September. The Spaniards had previously attempted to expel the British settlers and their slaves on six occasions, most recently in 1779. September 10, 1798, marked the final Spanish attempt to take over the area. Today, the Battle of St. George's Caye is a national public and bank holiday. Mini Parade in Corozal as part of the September Celebration 2017 The month of September is usually the fun part of your visit while being in Belize. I went to take pictures of a mini parade in Corozal. And, this mini parade is to collaborate the month of September to showcase the celebrations of Belize. 25 motorist came out for the parade. And, at midnight tonight there will be fireworks at Miami Beach. 10 Things You Need to Know About The Battle of St George's Caye Every year on September 10th Belize celebrates St. Georges Caye Day, the day that a heroic crew of British settlers, buccaneers and slaves defeated the Spaniards from occupying the territory of Belize. Many people in Belize and the world might not know or understand the significance of this day; thus, we decided to compile 10 important facts that you need to know of the Battle of St. George's Caye. A Trip to the ATM in Belize - A Five Star Adventure Tour This is not an ATM to make your cash withdrawals or deposits. Rather, it's a depository for history, spirituality, geology, and life sciences. ATM is the name for the highest rated adventure tour in Belize. It stands for Actun Tunichil Muknal or the Cave of the Crystal Sepulcher. Sounds a bit like an Indiana Jones adventure, and in reality, it is. The archaeological site was inhabited between 200-900 AD. At one time, the population in the surrounding area reached 12,000 to 15,000 people. Now, it's fairly sparsely inhabited. One of the things that makes Belize unique is its underworld or Xibalba. Caves were sacred sites for the Mayan ceremonies to take place. Today, many of those caves are turned into natural adventure spots. Places to go cave tubing. Or, like ATM, a triathlon site for cave diving/swimming/hiking and trudging through rivers. "Belize is like a Swiss cheese," says our guide, Carlos the Caveman. "We have the longest underground water system." Water sinks through the limestone to form caves, he explains. "ATM was discovered many moons ago by our ancestors. We had respect for caves." He says the older generations told their children and grandchildren not to go into caves, as there are spirits within. International Sources I Had to Go on a 10-Day Vacation With a Stranger From a Dating Site - After Realizing at the Airport it Wasn't a Match "I need a vacation partner. Wanna come?" he wrote. "Sure, where are we going?" I replied, amused but also intrigued. I had been messaging with this guy who I had matched with on Tinder, and after about a week of chatting, he popped that question. We were 1,500 miles apart and had never met. We had crossed paths on the app while I was traveling for work and now I was back home. Since we lived in separate cities, one of us was going to have to travel if we were ever going to see each other. So why not meet in the middle? Actually nowhere near the middle - more like neutral territory, a.k.a. Belize. First dates usually involve awkward conversation and a couple of drinks. Ours would include passports and an awkward airport layover. We traveled up and down the country, zig zagging from the coastline to the interior jungle regions, even crossing into Guatemala to visit the Tikal Mayan ruins. It was the kind of trip that would put any couple (or wannabe couple) to the relationship test, with long bumpy car rides, unpredictable weather, and spotty Wi-Fi connections. How Global Warming Could Push Hurricanes to New Regions Many scientists say there's little doubt that global warming intensified Hurricane Harvey's rainfall and may have contributed to the intensity of Hurricane Irma, which has already set numerous records for Atlantic storms. But beyond individual hurricanes, scientists are also studying how climate change could change the paths of storms. That could bring new risks to regions like Western Europe, the American northeast, and even Southern California, according to climate scientists who study exactly how hurricane paths will change in the decades ahead. Hurricane Harvey's stall over the Texas coast may have been an early sign of just such a shift. Climate scientists say that changes in the jetstream may have been at least partly responsible for Harvey's disastrous rains, and may also have been a factor when Superstorm Sandy turned westward over New York in 2012, rather than veering eastward like most tropical systems at that latitude. Watch the Ancient Art of Chocolate-Making The Maya, Toltec, and Aztec people started cultivating the fruit of the cacao tree more than 3,000 years ago. Considered the "food of the gods," the chocolate-making tradition originated in the Maya world, which encompasses modern-day Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Mexico, and El Salvador. Cacao-from the Olmec ka-ka-w-was traded as currency and valued for its purported medicinal and aphrodisiacal qualities. The beans were roasted, ground, and brewed into a bitter hot chocolate drink that was used in religious ceremonies, buried in the tombs of dignitaries, and used to worship Ek Chuah, the Maya god of merchants and patron of cacao. It wasn't until Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century that sugar and milk were added to the mix. Chocolate eventually made its way to Europe, and in 1585 Spain received its first recorded shipment of cacao beans, where it proliferated in the Spanish court. Videos Steel Band hyped up the Carnival!, 1min. Listen to the sounds of the Caribbean culture! Citizen's parade - 10th parade, 18min. Queen of the Bay, 1hr45min. The video of the moment the QOTB ceremony went viral, 8min. Here is a video of the spectacle that happened at Queen of The Bay crowning at the Official 10th of September Celebrations for Saint Georges Caye Day. I apologize for the quality because I took the video with my phone. I just had a sick feeling in my stomach that something was going to happen so I recorded it and could not believe what I was seeing. Up to the Maya top, 2min. Escape Belize has a great drone video showing the way to Cahal Pech. Definitely worth a watch. Belize Carnival 2017 #2, 10min. Belize Technology Report ( episode 4), 34min. As seen on television in Belize. Representing New Buildings Ltd. & its sister companies. Internal commercials are all Mennonite owned businesses. Produced, filmed, scripted, narrated and hosted by Steve ODell. Second narration and GFX by Roseanna ODell. Belize Island Girl - Highlights: Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, Hol Chan, Shark Ray, 8min. Belize Island Girl - Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Ambergris Caye, 4min. Belize Island Girl - Sailing to Caye Caulker,4min. Paradise in Belize, 3.5min. Cay Caulker, San Pedro, Belize City and everything in between. Belize - Ambergris Caye snorkel w Scuba Steve - October 2016_1, 10min. First time in Belize, amazing trip. Scuba Steve is the MAN... and a master diver. Zip lining in Belize, Harvest Caye, 5min. This was third and final run of the course. AKA the "Superman" run. Fly Fishing Belize, Turneffe Atoll, 4min. Fly Fishing Belize (tarpon, permit, bonefish) In case you missed it: September 10th Celebrations & Coronation of Miss San Pedro, 45min. September 10th Celebrations & Coronation of Miss San Pedro Southern Belize Home Construction, 3min. Belize Aquaculture, 18min. Beautiful house reef in Belize, 4min. We love house reefs, where we can snorkel right from the shore. Tranquility Bay Resort at Ambergris Key was excellent. We spent 5 days with kayaks and snorkel-gear from morning until late evening. We anchored with the kayaks and explored the beautiful reef starting from meters from the pier. It was so good that we didn't spent any money on the quit expensive boat trips. Should You Eat Street Food on Ambergris Caye in Belize? Watch This!, 2.5min. Hey Everyone, It's William Narod, The Paradise Guy, here on beautiful Ambergris Caye, Belize. On today's video, I take you along for a weekend tradition of enjoying some roadside barbecue or street food with the family. Not only is this an inexpensive treat, it is delicious too. Backpacking Belize \| SOLO FEMALE TRAVELER \| Ep. 30 \| Caye Caulker pt.1, 3min. Where to go in backpacking Belize? CAYE CAULKER island of course (pronounced Key Caulker btw) ! This tropical paradise is a must for backpackers as the island's chill vibe will sooth away any hangover that you might have caught will traveling and partying in Mexico (especially Tulum ;) ). How to get to Caye Caulker? Easy! It's only 45 minutes away from Belize City and easily accessible with the water taxi. Belize Carnival 2017 Junior Bands, 8min. The Belize Carnival 2017, Saturday 9th September featuring all Junior Bands. Belize 2016, 8min. Belize Carnival 2017, 4min. The Belize Carnival 2017 featuring PanTempters Steel Band. Belize Carnival 2017 #5, 14min. The Belize Carnival 2017, Saturday 9th September. On Baymen Avenue winding up...Featuring Fantasy Karnival Belize, Titan Mas Band, Soca Moca and Belizean Jewels. Titans won this year's road march and was crowned 2017 Band of the Year. Nurse Shark Belize, 4min. Belize's September Celebrations, 6min. "How To Belize" at Mahogany Bay Village, 3min. The past month and a half I spent in Belize have been nothing short of amazing... the people, the culture, everything. Belize Carnival 2017 #4, 6.5min. The Belize Carnival 2017, Saturday 9th September on Youth For The Future Drive. This video features Soca Moca Carnival Band, 3rd place winner. Belize 1930's, 12min. Getting a glimse of Belize City in the 1930's using the Huntley's Film Archives. At around 8:26 you will see the ferry that was used before the Haluover Bridge was built. The area and the bridge was called Haulover because that is where the logs were hauled over after floating down the river. Driving over the Haulover Bridge going North on the right hand side on the banks of the river, one will notice a slab of concrete. I always wondered what that was used for. According to the film ( at 8:26), that was where the ferry docked as it came across the river. Other interesting shots in the film is the Government House with some of the other buildings that were on the property before the 1931 hurricane. Loyola Park before and after the same hurricane. After effects of Hurricane. Damage after. British colonial car loaded onto ferry. Railway. Belize City devastated. Choppy waves at sea from boat. Wind bending palm trees. Empty small boat bobbing. Ships launch. Still pictures of devastation and panoramic sweeps.