The Guardian
Belizean caught in El Salvador with half million U.S. Dollars
A Belizean and a Panamanian have been caught in El Salvador with half a million US dollars in what the Salvadoran authorities believes are proceeds of money Laundering.
Belizean, Oscar Lesby Itza, and Panamanian, Adam Enrique Gutierrez Moralez, were stopped by the Salvadoran law enforcement at the Oscar Romero Airport in San Salvador on Friday, September 8. The cops reportedly saw them acting suspicious, and they decided to conduct a thorough search on them. The officers searched all their bags and found 499,660 US dollars in bundles of 20 and 50-dollar bills. They have since been charged with money laundering by the Salvadoran Financial Intelligence Unit.
Unfinished remote explosive found in Corozal
Police are looking into a very worrying case in Corozal where an explosive device was being constructed. If it was in its finished state, it could have been detonated remotely. That type of apparatus has not been discovered in Belize before and the experts are concerned about the escalation of that type of threat.
That device ended up in the hands of the police in Corozal after a civilian handed it over to them on Saturday, September 9. The BDF retrieved it, and it was examined by Brigadier General David Jones, the BDF Commander, the country's foremost bomb expert.
Describing it to the media, General Jones said, "The device did not have explosives, but it is definitely someone attempting to make a sophisticated improvise explosive device or a more sophisticated bomb which would be the first that we've seen being constructed in Belize� It had a capacitor, it had a sensor and a cellphone attached to it.
Two new pre schools and two new schools for the south
On Thursday, September 7th, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber, was busy in the southern part of the country as ribbons were cut for the opening of two new pre schools, a new primary school and a new extension to an existing primary school.
Financed by government through the Social Investment Fund, Santa Cruz received a new pre-school along with a new primary school. The village of Santa Cruz is a growing one in the Stann Creek district and residents have long been clamoring for a school of their own and the government made good on a promise to construct such a school and pre school in that community.
New Health Center opened in Santa Elena
"It is our dream that in the future Santa Elena will have its own full-fledged hospital capable of addressing {to applause} all our health needs."- Hon. Rene Montero
Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin was happy to share in the celebration with his cabinet colleague, Hon. Rene Montero, in the official inauguration of the Santa Elena Health Center last Friday morning. Health services are now being accessed today at the Center.
The Government of Belize has funded the rehabilitation of the Santa Elena Health Center Project at an estimated cost of $270,000.00. With a one-storey concrete building, the residents of Santa Elena have begun to get the services at the Out Patient Services, Child Care Clinic and Pharmacy. It will be opened from Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m
Police receives grant of BZ$100,000.00 from Taiwan
On 7th September, the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) signed a Cooperation Agreement aimed at developing police cooperation and combating transnational crimes.
Signing on behalf of the Government of Belize was Minister of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, Hon. Wilfred Elrington, and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, His Excellency Charles K. Y. Liu.
The Agreement sets out the framework for police cooperation between both governments. The scope of cooperation includes the exchange of personnel visiting for study and training programs, sharing of information in the area of law enforcement, cooperation in combating transnational crimes and the implementation of other areas of cooperation.
Drama at Queen of the Bay
In perhaps one of the more surreal moments of this year's September celebrations, the Queen of the Bay coronation took place. After the addresses, it was time for the crowning and in an unprecedented manner, Zenaida Moya, through Dr. Candice Pitts, led a proclamation of her own- declaring the Orange Walk delegate, Esmeralda Cal, as the Queen of the Bay. Immediately after, there was another declaration read by Neil Hall where Aaliyah Ysaguirre was also declared as the Queen of the Bay.
What followed was even worse: while the reigning queen removed her cape, crown, and scepter and recited the words of transition to pass on the title to the new queen- in the background, Zenaida Moya did the same on Cal. She had a scepter, a crown and a cape of her own which she placed on Cal.
18 scholarships for refrigeration students
Eighteen students received scholarships to study Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC). The National Ozone Unit, within the Department of the Environment (DOE), hosted an award ceremony on September 13th, 2017 at the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET) Conference Room (Belize City). Each scholarship is set to cover the cost of tuition for each recipient for the completion of the second year of their RAC programme, and upon graduating, each recipient will receive a basic toolkit for start in the field. The scholarship recipients were chosen from 3 designated institutes across the country based on their active partnership with the Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technicians (ARACT) - ITVET Belize City, ITVET Orange Walk and Cayo Center for Employment Training (CET). The scholarships were distributed among the 3 institutes and recipients were selected based on an application process via these institutes.
64 Police officers trained in Human Trafficking Identification and Referral
The Anti-trafficking in Persons (ATIP) Council of Belize in collaboration with the Belize Police Department is conducting a series of trainings to build the capacity of Police Officers attached to the Domestic Violence Unit and Criminal Investigative Branch. The objectives of the sessions are to provide officers with a clear understanding of human trafficking and its related issues to build the capacity of police officers in victim identification and referral. So far, 64 officers have been trained in one-day workshops held in northern, eastern, and western areas of the country.
Workshops will continue until all Domestic Violence Unit and Criminal Investigative Branch Police Officers have been trained. The next session takes place in the south on September 29th, 2017, where it is expected that 20 additional officers from Stann Creek, Independence and Toledo will be trained. The series of countrywide workshops form part of the ATIP Council 2017 plan of action to scale up the country's national response to human trafficking.
More children from Belmopan to benefit from feeding program
The children from Belmopan will continue to benefit from a feeding program being coordinated by their local Police. On Thursday of last week Howell Gillett, Officer Commanding Belmopan Police signed to an agreement with Recino's Imports from San Ignacio, which will now see 140 students of two primary schools from the Belmopan Police Jurisdiction receiving breakfast cereal.
Belmopan Police already had a midday program that fed 75 kids, but in their interaction have discovered that there were kids who were not eating before coming to school.
BNTU wants senate probe to continue until 'nomoh nomoh'
The executive of the Belize National Teacher's Union (BNTU) ,appears to be getting ready for a face off with the government once again. This time though it is unlike last year when trade issues were bunched with partisan politics. There is no sort of trade issue on the table at this time. This time it appears to be plain old partisan politics at play. Last week the Prime Minister, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, had responded to two letters from the Clerk of the National Assembly / Secretary for the Senate Special Select Committee. The Clerk had written the two letters to the Minister of Finance on behalf of the committee requesting more finances for the committee. The Prime Minister wrote back to the Clerk, informing him and by extension the committee, that both amounts of monies requested would be extended to them.
Caye Caulker runway upgrade underway
Tropic Air and Maya Island Air domestic airlines announced that effective October 1, 2017, they will be suspending all scheduled flights to Caye Caulker due to the present state of the runway on the island. The deplorable state of the present runway creates a hazardous environment and the airlines are taking this safety measure to mishaps as it related to public flight safety and service.
This notice has been publicized to the Caye Caulker Village Council as well as the Belize Airports Authority (BAA). A request has been issued for an urgent renovation of the runway as the high season on the island quickly approaches.
Those requests have not gone unheard as the BAA is in the process of procuring sufficient funds to carry out the project. An announcement was made on September 12, 2017 that the BAA and the Social Security Board (SSB) are in the final stages of working together for upgrades to the runway.
Re-Opening of the Honorary Consulate of Belize in Chetumal
The Government of Belize has officially re-opened the Honorary Consulate of Belize in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The office is headed by the newly appointed Honorary Consul Mr. Luis Montero Maldonado.
The re-launch took place in Chetumal on Friday, 8th September 2017 at an event presided over by H.E. Patrick Andrews, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Accompanying C.E.O. Andrews were Mr. Miguel Martin, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Governor of the State of Quintana Roo; Mr. Luis Torres, Mayor of the Municipality of Othon P. Blanco; and H.E. Oliver del Cid, Ambassador of Belize to Mexico. The event was also attended by dozens of federal and municipal officials, as well as members of academia and the private sector in Chetumal.
Record payments for citrus
On Friday, September 15th, citrus growers in Belize will receive their final payment on products delivered this year and it is a record breaker. According to a release from the Citrus Growers Association, payment for orange deliveries will be $2.5326 per pound solid while grapefruit will be $2.8933 per pound solid. The CGA says that these prices are the highest ever paid to growers for both Orange and Grapefruit.
Final payment for fruit delivery will be $.3674 per pound solid for orange and $.5161 for grapefruit.
Governor General receives donation of musical instruments
On September 12th, at the Belize House in Belmopan, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Belize H.E. Mr. Harald Peter Klein made a donation of musical instruments to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young. The musical instruments which included a clarinet, an oboe, a trumpet and a saxophone will benefit the Governor General's Music in the Schools Programme.
The Ambassador was joined by his Honorary Consul Ms. Kay Menzies.
Ministries of Human Development and Defence launch Belize Youth Challenge Programme Recruitment Drive
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty Alleviation and the Ministry of Defence have joined forces to launch a youth intervention project entitled the Belize Youth Challenge Programme (BYC). The mission of the programme is "to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth to produce programme graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults." The new 2-year pilot programme is an upgrade and strengthening of the National Youth Cadet Service Corps and is modelled after the Youth Challenge Programme run by the Louisiana National Guard in the USA.
Machel arrives early to assist Belizean musicians
Soca superstar, Machel Montano, will be the headliner at this year's 4th annual Soca and Jazz Festival scheduled for Wednesday September 20th at the Hour Bar Field. His appearance is a few days away yet Montano is already in Belize and he will be making the most of it.
Music Ambassador, Shyne Barrow, who's office is the major sponsor for Montano's visit, told the Guardian that Montano will be holding meetings with Belizean artists to help them in their craft. Among those meetings will be a lunch in Belize City next week.
MOU signed for Port of Magical Belize.com Cruise Ship Docking Facility
The Government of Belize signed a Memorandum of Understanding Thursday, September 7th, 2017, with Portico Enterprises Limited (the "Developer" doing business as Port of Magical Belize.com), to construct a world class Cruise Ship Docking Facility on a parcel of land located along the coastline just south of the Sibun River in the Belize District (the "Project").
The Port of Magical Belize.com Cruise Ship Docking Facility, being led by David Gegg and Gulab Sharma, proposes to construct a cruise docking facility to accommodate four Oasis class cruise vessels in Phase I, inclusive of a marina, 120,000 square feet of retail space, a water park and pool area, an arts and craft centre, an aquarium and an indigenous cultural centre. Phase II of the project will include two (2) additional berthing docks, a Five (5) Star 300 room hotel and a water theme park.
New NEMO Deputy National Emergency Coordinator
Mr. Colin Gillett has been named as the new Deputy National Emergency Coordinator for the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).
Mr. Gillett holds a Master's Degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados. His work experience includes Director of the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, Project Coordinator for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belize, and Private Consultant in Project Management and Logistics.
PUP prepare to strike again!
Feeling that the near riotous event of last week was a success, the PUP have been holding meetings with chief agitators, Oscar Requena and Servulo Baeza, in the hopes of riding what they saw as a successful event. The problem with the meetings is that both men who are expected to lead the charge for the PUP are so dense that during most of the meetings all Johnny Briceno could do was hold his head in disbelief of what was being proposed to be the next course of action.
For his part Briceno's brother and advisor to Johnny, too, buried his head in his lap and hoped that the meeting would come to an end very quickly. The two cavemen masquerading as the brain thrust of the PUP have very little to contribute to any real change to what is being offered by the PUP.
Red Cross advises how to assist after Hurricane Irma
:Irma, the strongest Atlantic hurricane in more than a decade has battered millions of people in the Caribbean. At least 34 people are believed to have been killed.
The Category 5 hurricane has cut a swath of destruction through half a dozen Caribbean nations and overseas territories. Reports from Barbuda suggest that nearly every building has been damaged or destroyed, causing approximately 1,800 persons to be without shelter, while hundreds of thousands of people in Puerto Rico are without power according to authorities. Further reports of severe destruction have been received from the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla, as well as Saint Martin and St. Barts (Saint Barth�lemy), St. Kitts and Nevis, and Cuba.
Remembering St. George's Caye Day
With the festivities of the Tenth now over, the Belize Archives & Records Service BARS would like to share with us some factual information surrounding St. George's Caye Day. Just as in every 10th celebration, it serves us well to remember the great sacrifices of our forefathers.
Many Belizeans who have read about the engagement between the Settlers and the Spanish might recall that there were defensive Forts at the Belize Settlement. Apart from the most commonly known Fort Balccares and Fort Lindsay located on either sides of the Haulover, there were also forts at present day Belize City. There were Fort Barrow, Fort Wexford and Fort Dundas. Fort Barrow was located around the area of the old hospital on the Northside, while Fort Wexford and Fort Dundas were on the South. Fort Wexford was located on the property belonging to Thomas Paslow who financed the fitting out of the house, as well as, the cannons and swivels in the yard and on the wharf.
Triplets at the KHMH
On the morning of Tuesday September 5 a set of triplets were delivered at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The two boys Marlon, Malrick and girl Miracle were brought to the world by way of C-Section and weighed an average of 5lbs. On Wednesday of this week the triplets were officially introduced having been born to 20 year Virginia Garnett who saw the C-section performed on her by Dr. Jose Guerra.
The birth of one child presents its challenges and more so the birth of three. With those challenges in mind, that the KHMH solicited the help of the business community to aid with supplies necessary for the care of the babies.
The University of Belize and WWF will develop the first ever watershed management plan for Belize
The University of Belize through the Natural Resource Management Program from the Faculty of Science and Technology and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), will develop a Management Plan for the Belize River Watershed (BRW). The plan will be the first of its kind in Belize and serves as a model for much needed future watershed management.
The project will take a multidisciplinary approach in collecting and consolidating data pertaining to the Belize River Watershed. Through scientific research, stakeholder consultations and community engagement, a sustainable management plan will be produced by identifying long-term monitoring programs and bolstering policies for the protection of Belize's freshwater resources.
Shooting after j'ouvert leaves 6 injured
Despite the best efforts of the police to secure all the September Celebrations events, there was a mass shooting a few hours after the September 9 Carnival J'ouvert where 6 participants were injured. Police believe that the intended target was a man who was acquitted of murder only the day before.
Participants in the early morning event say that the officers were out in big numbers, trying to protect the hundreds of revelers who came out on that Saturday. The event concluded peacefully, and at around 6 a.m., 1 gunman, riding on a bicycle, approached a group of people leaving the area where the j'ouvert ended.
The shooter immediately opened fire into the crowd, which was passing the corner of Kelly and Wilson Streets, and several persons were injured. A 17 year-old male was injured to the left leg. A 15 year-old male was also injured to the left leg. Another 15 year-old male was injured to the right leg, and the one of his toes. A 15 year-old female suffered an injury to the abdomen, and the right wrist.
Accident leaves one dead and one in trouble with the law
Just after midday on September 12, 2017, police visited the junction of Cemetery and East Ring Roads where they observed Jose Cucul in a drain on the right side of the road with head and bodily injuries.
Preliminary investigation reveals that Lathraine Penner of Camalote Village was traveling in a van when a cyclist made a left turn into her path which caused a collision between the cyclist and the vehicle. Cucul was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital where he later died. Penner has since been served with a notice of intended prosecution as police investigation continues.
Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
We have authority over illness. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 10 verse 8, Jesus tells us, his followers, to "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."
One of the most misunderstood doctrines of Christianity is about where we draw the line between God's part and our part in establishing things on earth. The Bible teaches us in the book of Genesis, that as soon as God completed the earth, He handed the keys over to us. So from that moment His part was to fill us with His wisdom and our part was to use it to do things on earth exactly as He had already planned it. But when man sinned and cut the cord we no longer had Him to show us what to do. So we began to do things our way, or the devil's way, which made everything descend into the chaos we have on earth.
Akeem Augustine, acquitted of murder, becomes victim of attempted murder
After being on remand for 4 years 6 months, 22-year-old Akeem Augustine is a free man. Augustine was accused of the murder of Ardon Belgrave who was shot execution style on March 19, 2013.
The acquittal took place on Friday, September 8, 2017 before Justice Adolph Lucas in the Belize City Supreme Court where the evidence presented by the DPP was not convincing enough. Also according to Judge Lucas, there were serious inconsistencies in the testimony of the crown's main witness Christopher Gillett. Augustine, who was represented by attorney Stevannie Duncan, was found not guilty of murder.
Less than 24 hours after his acquittal, on the morning of J'ouvert, Augustine was targeted by a gunman in the Cinderella Plaza area. He received a gunshot injury to the toe. Five others were injured in the same incident.
Big burglary in Belmopan
Brodam Santos, a 24-year-old man of Lomas Las Flores area, Belmopan, reported that between 9:00 p.m. on Saturday September 9, 2017 and 4:00 a.m., Sunday September 10, 2017 while he was out, someone broke into his house and stole an assortment of items that includes electronic items, tools, goods and cash among others, all to a total value of $16,066. Police investigations continue.
Construction worker fined for weed
A Belize City construction worker en route to San Pedro on September 9, 2017 was found in possession of cannabis while at the San Pedro Express Water Taxi terminal. He is 19-year-old Dornell Talbert of Belize City.
Talbert, who was unrepresented before Magistrate Aretha Ford, was read two criminal charges, one count of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply 61.1 grams of cannabis, a charge of drug trafficking for this amount, and a charge of possession of a controlled drug where he was found with 41 grams of cannabis. In court on September 12, 2017, he pleaded guilty to possession. He was fined $600 to be paid by November 12, 2017 in default of 6 months' imprisonment.
Darwin Martinez receives gunshot wounds
On September 10, 2017 around 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 one to the left upper chest area.
Investigation reveals that a few minutes earlier, Martinez seated at the front passenger seat of a car along with his uncle, driver of the vehicle, and while passing on Ebony Street, he heard several shots. He later realized that he had been shot.
Deaf man remanded to prison over alleged gunplay
A deaf man who was taken into police custody for an alleged gunplay is now on remanded at the Belize Central Prison. He is 41year-old Gaylon Foreman, a resident of Ladyville. He was charged with a single count of aggravated assault with a firearm upon Lion Bennett which is alleged to have occurred on May 5, 2017 in Ladyville.
Foreman, represented by attorney Simeon Sampson, appeared before Magistrate Aretha Ford on Friday, September 8, 2017. Given his disability, a translator was provided. She signed the charge being read against him to which he pleaded not guilty. Due to the nature of the offense, he was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until November 8, 2017.
Estranged common-law-husband is fined for wounding
Daniel Magdaleno, a 41-year-old resident of Ladyville, was taken to court on Thursday September 7, 2017 after he was accused of wounding his estranged common-law-wife during a misunderstanding. Magdaleno appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Aretha Ford where he pleaded guilty to the charge.
Since it was his first offense for such a charge, Magistrate Ford imposed a non-custodial sentence where he was fined $600 to be paid by November 30, 2017 in default of 6 months' imprisonment.
Police officers accused of extortion
Two police officers posted at the Queen Street Police Station are out on bail after they were arraigned before Magistrate Aretha Ford on September 8, 2017 for a single charge of extortion. The men have been identified as 37-year-old Sgt. Lenancio Bol and 30-year-old PC Daniel Requena. In court they were represented by attorney Simeon Sampson.
The allegation against the men is that on September 5, 2017 in Belize City as police officers, they demanded $800 for themselves from Estefania Gomez.
John Doe found floating in the Macal River
Shortly after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, the lifeless body of an unidentified male was retrieved from the waters of the Macal River near the New Bridge. According to police, it appears to be a case of homicide as the body was seen with what appears to be stab wounds to the upper body as well as hand.
The body is of a dark complexion and remains unknown as a missing person's report has not been filed in San Ignacio as yet. The body of John Doe, which was dressed in only black trousers, was found in a state of decomposition. A post mortem examination certified that the person bled to death. Police have revealed that the person had a tatoo of a rosary on the chest as well as the name Diane encircled with thirteen stars on one of the shoulders.
Kevin Bodden receives bail for charge of wounding
Kevin Bodden, a 24-year-old former murder suspect of Belize City, is out on bail after he was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate's Court on September 13, 2107 on a single charge of wounding of a woman. Bodden, who was unrepresented, appeared before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza where he pleaded not guilty.
The allegations against Bodden are that on September 9, 2017, he intentionally and unlawfully caused a wound to Sherilee Barrow of Belize City. Barrow told police that she was at a friend's house where Bodden, who is her neighbor, approached her and punched her in her mouth causing it to bleed. She visited a doctor and her injury was classified as wounding.
Police shoot chopping suspect
On September 10, 2017 around 4:35 p.m., police responded to a chopping incident at Mile 25 on the Hummingbird Highway where 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 toward the police in a threatening manner. Despite being cautioned and despite two warning shots being fired, he did not relent. It was not until he was shot in the right leg that he stopped.
Possession of firearm and ammunition lands man in jail
A warehouse clerk employed with James Brodie's Ltd. was busted over the holidays in possession of a firearm. The 32-year-old man, Darren Dawson, was arraigned before Magistrate Aretha Ford on a charge of kept firearm and kept ammunitions without a gun license on September 12, 2017.
In court, Dawson pleaded not guilty to both charges but due to the nature of the offenses, bail could not be granted and he was remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison until November 27, 2017.
Man spends birthday in detention for weed possession
On September 8, 2017, police of the Rural Quick Response Team stormed into the home of 28-year-old Jake Cadle, a resident of Crooked Tree Village, where they found 2 bags of cannabis under a Lasko Fan in his room.
Cadle spent the beginning of his birthday in lock down and after being processed, he was brought to be arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate's Court. Cadle who was unrepresented appeared before Magistrate Sharon Fraser in court where he was read a single charge of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another person or persons for the purpose of drug trafficking. He was found with 132 grams of cannabis.
Smuggling weed in a sub sandwich
Jamie Williams, who was out on bail after he was accused of burglarizing the home of a secretary employed with the Government of Belize, was busted trying to smuggle weed inside a cell block to his friend Elden Flowers, currently on remand for murder. Williams was arraigned before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 where he was represented by attorney Oscar Selgado.
In court, Williams pleaded not guilty to a single charge of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply. Since there was no objection to bail by the prosecutor in the case, he was offered bail in the sum of $700 plus one surety of the same, which he was able to meet. Williams is due back in court on November 30, 2017.
Witness to shooting killed in Orange Walk
Gustavo Hernandez, a 21 year-old Orange Walk resident, was killed in a shooting on St. George's Caye Day. He was one of 2 men who witnessed the high-profile killing of Daniel Sosa, and so, it has been speculated that he was executed because his killer wanted to ensure that he wouldn't testify in the case.
A female companion, who witnessed his murder, came forward to the press to give a chilling account of the attempt made on his life. It happened at just after 5 a.m. on Sunday, September 10, on the San Antonio Road. He was walking a woman to her house, and according to police they were in the company of other persons.
This female companion, who asked for her identity to be withheld for fear of her life, explained that they had a disagreement while walking on the road. She was insisting that it was not necessary for him to accompany her, but chose to do so anyway. She says that as they were about to cross the highway, he grabbed her to alert her that a gunman was chasing him.
Bandits Sports blank Verdes FC in Premier League competition
The Premier League of Belize 2017-2018 Opening Season Football Competition continued over the last weekend with four games on the schedule.
On Friday 8th September, 2017, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, Police United FC edged out the Belize Defence Force FC by the score of 2-1.
The host team Police United FC, was the first to get onto the scoreboard when Daniel Jimenez scored the 1st goal of the game in the 21st minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The first half of the game ended 1-0 in favour of the Police United FC.
The Police United FC took the lead well into the second half of the game until Victor Moralez was able to penetrate the defence and scored the equalising goal for the Belize Defence Force FC in the 68th minute of play to tie the score at 1-1.
Dragons and Belize Bank Bulldogs in the finals of the Belize District Firms' Basketball competition
The Belize District Basketball Association Firms' competition will commence its championship round on Friday 22nd September, with the first game in the best of three series at 8:00 pm at Swift Hall in Belize City between the top seed the Dragons and the number two seed the Belize Bank Bulldogs.
The second game on the series is scheduled for Saturday 23rd September at 8:00 pm at Swift Hall in Belize City, and if a third game becomes necessary, that game will be played on Friday 29th September, 2017, also at Swift Hall.
Hon. Edmond 'Clear the Land' Castro T- 20 Cricket Tournament
The 'Clear the Land' T-20 Cricket Tournament will continue on September 16 and 17in Belize Rural.
On Saturday at 9:00 am out in Sand Hill, it will be Kenroy Roca from Double Head Cabbage Excellence vs Randy Rhaburn from Flowers Bank Rural Mix and at 11:30 am Dirk Sutherland from Rancho Dolores Western Eagles vs Garrett Joseph from Lord's Bank Sunrise.
Later in the afternoon at 2:00 pm, it will be Maurice Leslie from Sand Hill Bright Stars will go up against Lawrence Bonner from Crooked Tree Brilliant.
The tournament will then continue on Sunday in Lemonal Villagw with the following games at10:00 am Satish and Lionel Russell from Bermudian Landing Berlan vs Norman Revers from Isabella Bank Uprising then at 2:00 pm it will be Conway Young from Bermudian Landing Summer Fever going up against Ike Reynolds from Lemonal Easy Does It.
Sandhill Blue Hawks lead in Leal's Football competition
The 2017 Leal's Football Cup Tournament continued on Monday 11th September, with four games out in Sandhill.
In the first game of the day, Corozalito defeated Sandhill New Site Warriors by the score of 6-0. The goals for Corozalito were scored by Clinton Gill (2), Tyriq Ciego (2), Denmark Gill and Tyrell Estrada.
In game two, Ladyville FC won over HVYSC via the default route. All 3 goals were awarded to the team's captain Keron James.
In game three, Sandhill Blue Hawks and Lucky Strike played to a 1-1 draw.
Titans and Mahogany Masqueraders prevail in carnival 2017
The post-J'Ouvert carnival road march, despite its new route from Caesar Ridge Road to the Marion Jones Stadium, was just as packed as it has been in previous years. Spectators filled the streets along the route and many of them even joined in the bacchanal.
There were a total of 13 carnival groups, 6 senior and 7 junior groups, that marched in the competition and show. At the end of the day, all the groups performed to the best of their ability and presented their themes to spectators as well as judges that were dotted along the carnival route.
At the culmination of the road march, the 13 bands and an audience gathered at the Marion Jones Stadium where the winners were announced. Titans Mas Band placed first in the senior category and was followed by Mother Nature's Creation and Soca Moca placing second and third, respectively.
Youth Talks - When You Feel Left Behind...
What's wrong with me? This is nuts. I should be so much further ahead by now."
Do you ever feel like you are nowhere near as successful as you want to be; that you are just lagging in life? Based on your age, the ultimate vision you have for your life and the work you are putting in, sometimes you can't help but feel left behind. Like, desperately behind. Looking around at friends and colleagues and even those who may have graduated the same year as you, pretty much confirms it. Just about everyone is leaving you in the dust. The proof? They're establishing themselves in the same careers you'd hoped for, married, with their perfect child that they post non-stop. They are essentially living your dream life - just better, faster and first.
Meanwhile we (you and I), out here making a tragic mess of adulting.
Breaking Belize News
Petrocaribe program comes to an end
Yesterday evening, Alba Petrocaribe Belize Energy Limited (APBEL) announced that the long standing agreement with the Venezuelan state oiled company Trafigura/Puma and Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) under the Petrocaribe program has been suspended.
The official release says that, "after consultation with the Government of Belize, Trafigura/Puma and PDVSA, APBEL has decided to suspend purchases of petroleum products from PDVSA under the PetroCaribe Agreement with immediate effect."
Benquenos irate over Guatemalan riders entering Belize to celebrate Guate's Independence Day
Some pictures have been circling on social media of Guatemalan bands parading through Benque Viejo Town with the Guatemalan flag for the Tenth of September Celebrations which took place this weekend. Belizeans have been expressing their disappointment in allowing the Guatemalan flag to be displayed during national celebration activities in Belize.
Police find weed and ammo in Belize City
This morning around 6:30, officers of the Special Assignment Team along with the K9 Unit conducted searches in the Mayflower area of Belize City where they found a black plastic bag.
San Ignacio Police: Body found in Macal River is Dean Bennett
This evening, BBN reported that the family of a San Ignacio man was applying at the Ministry of Health to exhume the body that was found floating in the Macal River 2 days ago because they believe that it is their relative whom police found in the river.
Elderly man killed in house fire
By BBN Staff:An early morning fire on the south side of Belize City has destroyed a two storey wooden home and claimed the life of an elderly man.
At around 9 a.m., fire officials were called to 8467 Gordon Street, in the Lake Independence area where the house had been engulfed.
PUP says GOB using social security funds to advance political agenda
The Opposition, People's United Party (PUP) issued a press release today stating that the recent revelation that over 80% of $458M of the Social Security Board's (SSB) investment portfolio held in government interests is of serious concern to them and should also be of concern to all Belizeans.
Body of man found in San Ignacio could be Dean Bennett
The family of Dean Bennett, a San Ignacio man who went missing on Saturday, September 9, 2017 is applying at the Ministry of Health to exhume a body that was found by San Ignacio Police on Tuesday, September 12 to determine if the body is that of Dean Bennett.
Proposed new fees for firearm licenses, GoB also considering increased penalties for firearm crimes
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Belize Police Department have issued a statement advising holders of Firearm, Gun Dealers, Sport Hunters and the general public of the proposed increase and application of new fees and the requirement for firearm certification.
Aldo Salazar doesn't want to quarrel with PM Barrow
The Senate Select Committee met again this week but from all indications the hearings will be suspended before the year is finished.
Last week, Prime Minister Dean Barrow indicated that the Government of Belize would not be able to provide funding for the hearings past November due to budgetary deficits.
Hip hip Hooray?
By Lisa Shoman: Brig. Gen. David Jones: "The device is well constructed. It had a capacitor; it had a sensor and a cell phone which denotes that it would have been set off remotely. So this device definitely is above the level of what we've seen before in Belize. It is something that can be placed at a house or in a vehicle and you can actually set it off by just dialing a number on the cell phone."
Ya'axch� Conservation Trust offers financial management training to women's groups
The Ya'axch� Conservation Trust's work in southern Belize has focused on empowering communities since 1998.
As part of the organization's ongoing work of building capacity for local community-based organizations, Ya'axch� has offered trainings in topics such as leadership, teamwork, finances, and cooking to several local women's groups over the years.
NEMO announces new deputy national emergency coordinator
Yesterday, the Government's Press Office announced that Colin Gillett has been named as the new Deputy National Emergency Coordinator for the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).
GOB, BEL, and PUC make commitment to energy future
Yesterday, September 13th, Frank Mena, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Public Service, Energy, and Public Utilities; Jeffrey Locke, Chief Executive Officer of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL); and John Avery, Chair of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) expressed their commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy through participation in the Belize Consolidated Project Plan (CPP).
Venti Non-Fat Latte with 2% Foam? Flight Cafe Opens in San Pedro
So I had to go to San Pedro's new spot - The Flight Cafe - for the "soft opening" this past Tuesday. ESPECIALLY since it is owned and operated by the lovely folks who opened the new French bakery just this spring this year. The baguettes, sandwiches and croissants are changing the way people eat on Ambergris Caye.
Located just across the street from the Tropic Air terminal in the San Cas building. JUST behind Delices De France - known to me as THE French Bakery. A huge coffee list with some items I've never heard of - they must not be in the Starbucks dictionary! I had to immediately look them up so I don't seem like a TOTAL rube.
Love Shopping and Travel? Popular Belize Business for Sale Includes Both
Most people would think owning a souvenir shop that also catered to large wedding parties would be a seasonal desk heavy job. For owner Lara Goldman it was an opportunity to travel the country as she continuously built her inventory. She sought out over two dozen great Belizean artists and vendors in each district and got to know their story.
As a result, shelves of both 12 Belize locations are filled with colorful creative and stylish items. The business is doing well and the accounting shows, steady continuous annual growth. Lara's main reason for selling is that she owns and operates two other successful businesses - Romantic Travel Belize and Lemon Crush. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be a little less busy, especially when you live on a tropical island.
International Sources
On tiny Barbuda, a 300-year-old civilization has been 'extinguished'
Barbuda is barely 60 square miles.
Hurricane Irma, the Category 5 tropical cyclone that swallowed it Sept. 6, was nearly 400 miles across.
All 1,800 residents now are homeless, having been evacuated to the sister island of Antigua.
"The damage is complete," Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda's ambassador to the United States, told PRI's the Takeaway.
"For the first time in 300 years," he said, "there's not a single living person on the island of Barbuda - a civilization that has existed on that island for over 300 years has now been extinguished."
Here's What Happens To All Of The Flooded Cars After Hurricane Harvey
There are estimates that as many as half a million cars were damaged from the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey along the Texas Gulf Coast, and many people are wondering what happens to those cars now. While some believe that they will be dragged off directly to junkyards or maybe even crushed, the process of recovering these vehicles is a lot more complex.
Cleanup efforts have already started and insurance adjusters, truck drivers, and auction representatives are already on the ground and working on processing these cars. Let's jump into the process and see how all of these cars will be moved from the street to their final destinations.
Eyes on the water in Belize
"A sudden splash breaks the warm silence of the lagoon. As soon as the net touches the surface, Emelly Miralda starts pulling it in at a fast but steady pace. A glittering mass of sardines emerges from the water, some of them tangled in the mesh, others flopping violently.
"She loosens the net and a downpour of silver fish falls inside the small boat. A barracuda the size of her leg already lies lifeless on the floor.
"Her husband thrusts a long stick into the lagoon to keep the boat still. Three of their four children, chins and cheeks cupped in their hands, watch closely as their mother frees the few remaining fish from the net. A 10-month-old baby sleeps in a cradle. "Only a female can do this," she brags with a grin.
"Miralda hopes to teach her kids how to fish one day-it's a skill and a way of life she fears will become more difficult as illegal fishing, climate change, and unchecked tourism continue to hurt fish and coral populations. As she talks, Miralda sets aside a few sardines to use later as bait."
Read the full story from " Eyes on the Water in Belize" in the World Wildlife Magazine, Summer 2016 issue.
Videos
Unbelizeable Caye Caulker, 4min. A group of friends celebrates a birthday milestone in Caye Caulker, Belize. Fusion of video footage captured via smartphones, GoPro cameras, drones, and a DSLR camera with underwater housing.
Dangriga - Belize, 1.5min. Dangriga � a capital do distrito de Stann Creek, Belize. No �ltimo censo realizado em 2000, sua popula��o era de 8.814 habitantes. Em meados de 2005, a popula��o estimada da cidade era de 10.800 habitantes.
Scotia Bank & Caribbean Motors, 18min.
George Town Technical High School, 19min.
Belize International Film Festival Media launched, 24min.
Cuban Embassy discuss recovering from Hurricane Irma, 18min.
Belize Day 2 reef Dive 6, 6min.
belize diver day 3 playground 2 dive 7, 6min.
Belize Chinaman wall 2 Day2, 1.5min.
Belize: An underwater world of mystery and danger, 2min. Belize has some of the most spectacular and thrilling scuba diving in the world. Its reef is home to sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, eels, octopus and an endless assortment of beautiful fish. those daring enough to venture beneath the waves will get to truly experience the wonder and mystery 60 to 80 feet down.
Belize Barrier Reef Snorkelling- The Wheelers on the Bus, 6.5min. Taking the kids snorkelling in the second biggest barrier reef in the world. We saw sharks, rays, manatees and millions of beautiful fish. Belize is amazing.
Belize Independence 2017, 2min.
Belize Water Park - San Pedro Ambergris Caye, 2min. El Diablo Bar & Water Park located at the end of the dock at Caribbean Villas Hotel is the coolest place to hang out with the kids.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
