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Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
Bomb experts confirm grenade explosion in San Mateo Area
The residence of 39-year-old Amancia Martinez in the San Mateo Sub-division north of San Pedro Town was shaken by the detonation of a grenade on Saturday, September 16th. The explosion did not injure anyone, but left a large hole in the ground beneath the steps of the residence and splattered mud in the immediate vicinity. The initial investigation has led to the detention of three persons (two adults and one minor) for questioning, while bomb experts from the Belize Defence Force (BDF) have been assisting the police as the investigation continues.
The official report states that around 8:20PM, Martinez was inside her home when the explosion took place. The initial investigation also revealed that two persons allegedly threw the grenade into her yard and were seen fleeing from the area. The blast of the detonation was heard almost a mile away.
Belizean Medical Students on successful spiral with Washington University of Health and Sciences!
Caribbean Students from all over the world are mastering the art of healing, and one university producing these students is located right here in our beautiful Belize!! Washington University of Health and Sciences is located on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and is home to students from all over the world, including our very own Belizeans.
Falen Miles, a born and raised Belizean, is currently preparing for graduation! He is now on the last leg of clinical core clerkship and electives in Hazard, Kentucky (USA). Falen entered entered the medical school to complete his Basic Sciences MD1 - MD4, on the WUHS campus in San Pedro, followed by Introduction to Clinical Medicine and Clinical Sciences in affiliated hospitals within the United States. Falen is currently completing his last semester and is one of the schools top students, ranking high scores in United States Medical Licensing Examinations, Step 1 and Step 2. He has set the standards high for his fellow WUHS medical students and was nice enough to visit the San Pedro Campus a few weeks ago to give an inspirational talk to his fellow medical student colleagues, leaving them nothing short of eager and excited to follow in his footsteps. WUHS is proud to have Falen as one of their successful Belizean Medical Students!
Implementation of UNCAC: Attorney General's Ministry Reports on Status
Since acceding to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) on the 12th of December, 2016, significant preliminary steps have been taken towards implementation. The Government of Belize through the Attorney General's Ministry, the designated Focal Point for UNCAC, has made a concerted and devoted effort to assess the legal and institutional framework in Belize, with the aim of identifying and strengthening anti-corruption regimes in Belize. Contextually, Belize is considered as a country with an economy in transition, as such, any plans and programmes to combat corruption has to be measured in line with Belize's capacity financially, technically and otherwise. Nevertheless, the Government of Belize on a voluntary basis has subjected Belize to the implementation review mechanism established by the Conference of the State Parties to review and monitor implementation of the UNCAC (the Mechanism). The Mechanism includes a review process that is intergovernmental in nature.
Ambergris Today
Bomb Experts Investigating Explosion In San Pedro
Amancia Martinez, resident of the San Mateo Area, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, reported that about 8:20p.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2017, she was inside her home when she heard a loud bang and felt her house shake.
Police reports indicate that personnel visited the residence of Amancia Martinez, 39, where cops observed a hole in the ground beneath the steps of her home. Holes were also seen in the steps and there was mud from the ground splattered in the immediate vicinity.
Belize's Blind Hero Rowan Garel Honored In Taipei, Taiwan
Belize's visually impaired hero Rowan Garel arrived in Taiwan on Thursday, September 14, accompanied by his mother Milagro Garel. The pair is there for a week of activities to celebrate Rowan being a recipient of the Chou Ta-kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation's 2017 Global Fervent Love of Lives Medal.
Chou Ta-Kuan, a young Taiwanese poet who lost his battle to cancer in 1997 at the age of 10, had great enthusiasm for life. In one of his poems he wrote, "I still have one leg; I can stand on the earth!" For the past three years, the Foundation has held workshops, seminars, conferences and camps to communicate Ta-kuan's belief to the public.
Misc Belizean Sources
Splashers
Come paint with us this Friday at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar. We will be painting "Sailing away in a Palm Pod".
Let the Love of Taipei Move the World - Belize's Blind Hero Award Ceremony and Book Launching Press Conference in Taipei, Taiwan
Belize's visually impaired hero Rowan Garel arrived in Taiwan yesterday, Thursday, September 14, accompanied by his mother Milagro Garel. The pair will be here for a week of activities to celebrate Rowan being a recipient of the Chou Ta-kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation's 2017 Global Fervent Love of Lives Medal. Today, the Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation and Taipei Municipal Xing An Elementary School hosted the "Let the Love of Taipei Move the World - Belize Blind Hero Rowan Garel Award Ceremony and Book Launching Press Conference." H.E. Diane C. Haylock, Ambassador of Belize to the Republic of China (Taiwan) was invited to speak at this event. She remarked that, "Meeting Rowan left a lasting impression on me of one who was wise beyond his years; one who exemplifies positivity, humanism, consciousness; and one who bravely, boldly, courageously face adversities in life."
Presentation of Credentials
His Excellency Antoine Evrard, Ambassador of Belgium, presented his Letter of Credence today to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in the City of Belmopan.
Ambassador Evrard expressed his pleasure in being in Belize during the 36th anniversary of independence, and conveyed his country's commitment to continue to strengthen bilateral relations with Belize. The Governor General accepted his credentials, welcomed him to Belize and expressed his gratitude to Belgium's commitment to Belize.
Hon. Sen. Michael Peyrefitte, joined by Senator Hon. Macario Coy visits Belize Defence Force troops
Yesterday, Sunday, September 17th, the Attorney General, Hon. Sen. Michael Peyrefitte, joined by Senator Hon. Macario Coy, made a courtesy visit to the Belize Defence Force troops stationed at the Tree Top military outpost at Belize's western border with Guatemala.
Hon. Peyrefitte thanked the BDF personnel on duty for their devotion to Belize's security and territorial integrity, and conveyed the Government's appreciation for the invaluable service of all the men and women in our security forces.
Caye Caulker Signage Launch!
The Caye Caulker Village Council is cordially inviting the public to our Signage Launch! Sept. 22nd, 1:30-3:30, Near Ocean Ferry Pier
Cultural Sundays in Dangriga Town
I Am Belize Scholarship Award Ceremony
Feelgood news of the day. The Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust has teamed up with Restore Belize to fund the 'I Am Belize' Scholarship Progamme, and they had an awards ceremony to recognize the thirty-six high school students who received the scholarships. Thanks, BNECT and Restore Belize!
"An Award Ceremony was held on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the Coastal Zone Management Training Room in Belize City to recognize thirty-six high school students who are scholarship recipients of the "I AM BELIZE" Scholarship Program implemented through RESTORE Belize. Fifteen new recipients were selected and twenty-one students will continue under this program. The objective of the program is to provide scholarships to students from disadvantaged communities who would otherwise be unable to attend high school. The scholarship covers tuition, books, uniforms, tutoring, scholarship club membership as well as internship for fourth form students."
BTB's Tourism Industry Conference
Friday, October 20 at 8:30 AM - 4 PM, The Ramada Belize City Princess.
Newtown Barracks, Kings Park � Belize City. Hosted by Belize Tourism Board
NOTICE IN CRUISE SHIP CALLS/SEPTEMBER 21ST CELEBRATIONS
Dear Stakeholders. Happy Independence Day in Advance! On September 21st, 2017, the Belize City Uniformed Parade coincides with a one-cruise ship day. In light of this, we need to inform our stakeholders on the necessary changes for operations on that day. The Route
Starts at the Memorial Park, North Park Street, North Front Street, North Front Street Contrary to traffic, over Bel-China Bridge, down Youth for the Future Drive, Vernon Street, Magazine Road, Dolphin Street, Fair-weather Street, Queen Charlotte Street and ending at the Yarborough Green.
Loading for Tour Operators: Our suggested pick up/drop off and route for all contracted tours are as follows:
1. Must pick up before 9:30 a.m. at Terminal 4 2. Tours should go through North Front Street instead of the Marine Parade route 3. Drop off will be as per normal as traffic will have dispersed.
All other operators will be allowed, as per usual, to load after 10:30 a.m. when the parade has departed and the streets are cleared, with entrance access through Marine Parade.
Blocked off areas include Albert Street and Regent Street.
Volunteers: Belize Health 5
We are proud to introduce our newest cohort of Volunteers: Belize Health 5 (BH5). Congratulations to these 21 dedicated and visionary individuals for a successful Pre-Service Training and lovely Swearing In Ceremony. We look forward, with great anticipation, to the work they will advance with their communities over the next 2 years. We'd also like to extend tremendous gratitude to all the PST host families and communities for their hospitality and support. We could never have done this without them! A special thank you to the Ical family, for having hosted trainees in their home for 5 years! Thank you!
Street closure. Tuesday 19th September in San Pedro
Sandpiper Street will be closed to all vehicles from 8:00am to 12:00md. WASA will be carrying out repairs. Please find an alternate route during this time, Thank you.
Georgetown Technical High School 10 year anniversary
Georgetown Technical High School - GTHS had their 10 year anniversary, and the Institute of Archaeology was present, with people learning about sites and artifacts and even tossing the atlatl and practicing their 'hunting' skills. We made new friends and were embraced by the warmth of the school and the community. Thank you GTHS!
Caye Caulker Independence Day Parade
Belize Signs Visa Waiver Agreement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service Passports with the Republic of India
Today, the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of India signed a Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of diplomatic and official/ service passports as a means of deepening bilateral relations.
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 India was the High Commission of the Republic of India to Belize, His Excellency Muktesh K. Pardeshi.
The Visa Waiver Agreement is limited to holders of diplomatic and service/official passports to enter, exit from and transit through the Republic of India and Belize without visas for a thirty-day period. The Agreement will facilitate official travel for Belizeans, especially those attending exchange programs offered by the Government of the Republic of India throughout the year.
Training and Swearing-in Ceremony Held in Punta Gorda Town for Toledo Alcaldes
On Saturday, September 16th, officials from the Attorney General's Ministry, including the Attorney General, Hon. Michael Peyrefitte, and the Solicitor General, Nigel Hawke, travelled to Punta Gorda Town where a sensitization training was held for the Toledo Alcaldes Association, followed by an official swearing-in ceremony for the First and Second (Deputy) Alcaldes.
Seventy-eight (78) Alcaldes and Second Alcaldes attended the training, where Solicitor General Hawke, joined by Crown Counsels Agassi Finnegan and Marcia Mohabir, presented the Inferior Court Act (the guiding law for Alcaldes), discussed the powers and limitations of the Alcaldes, and presented the way that Alcalde-initiated proceedings are to occur. After the presentations from the Ministry, questions and concerns from the participants were raised and addressed.
Following the highly interactive training, the Attorney General was satisfied that the Alcaldes were fully prepared to be sworn in, and proceeded to initiate the Alcalde Oath of Allegiance and Office. The Alcaldes were subsequently presented with their official certificate, perfecting their appointment. The ceremony was a historic one, as it marked the first time that an Attorney General performed the swearing-in.
Ministry of Natural Resources Issues Warning of Unauthorized Persons Posing to be Agents of the Ministry
The Ministry of Natural Resources hereby informs the public of persons posing to be agents of the Ministry of Natural Resources. These persons are claiming to be authorized to sell national land and collect monies on behalf of the Ministry and Government of Belize.
The public is advised that the Government of Belize does not make use of agents to sell national land or to collect monies on its behalf. Anyone wishing to lease, purchase or make any other application pertaining to national lands must visit the main office of the Lands and Surveys Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources in Belmopan or any of the district offices to fill out the necessary forms.
The public is further reminded that all payments of monies to the Government of Belize in respect of any application or services rendered at the Lands and Surveys Department are to be made only at the cashier at the main office in Belmopan or one of the district offices and an official Government of Belize receipt will be issued.
San Pedro Parade Route
As last year, we proceed with the same route for this year's Independence Jump Up Parade. Starting at 10:00 a.m.from the Boca del Rio Park and ending at the Central Park.
Caye Caulker Independence Eve Block Party
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/216102482104049182/
Beltraide has announced their 2017 Hackathon. Last year, Sacred Heart Junior College took 2nd place, and Galen University took 3rd place. Check out their website for more information.
"The time has come once again for all Belize's talented app developers and computer programmers to come together and show the world what solutions you can come up with when presented with a problem.
Business Hackathon 2017 is coming fast so make sure you check out the official sign up page to join the competition with over $7,000 in cash prizes for the top 3 winners.
King of Soca Machel Montano is the happiest man alive
As he explores Belize's beautiful marine environment. We look forward to the fete Wednesday night!
Channel 7
Murder/Suicide At Security Company
It was another violent weekend in the city with at least 6 persons shot, 3 of them dead, and a grenade exploded on San Pedro.
We start off with a shocking and bizarre death investigation that has left two families broken. On Friday night at 8:30, 50 year old Delsie Smith and 66 year old Robert Godfrey were found dead, each with a gunshot wound to the head at their workplace, Triple A security.
The information so far is that Godfrey allegedly shot Smith and then turned the gun on himself. But, it is a sensitive case because no one really knows for sure what exactly happened and why. Courtney Weatherburne has more:
Cops Say Answers Aren't Easy To Come By In Murder/Suicide
And police don't have any concrete answers at this point either. They say they have to wait on the post mortem and other key elements in this investigation before they move forward.
ACP Joseph Myvette, Head, NCIB:
"Starting with the first incident which occurred on Friday night, which is a death investigation. Police responded to a call at the Triple A offices on the Phillip Goldson highway, where upon arrival police observed the bodies of two persons who were later identified as Delsie Olivia Smith 50 years and Robert Godfrey 66 years, both with gunshot injuries. Ms. Smith had an apparent gunshot injury to the right temple while Mr. Godfrey had an apparent gunshot injury to the left side of head."
Deadly Grenade Thrown on San Pedro, No One Hurt
And from the tragic story of that apparent murder/suicide, we take you now to San Pedro Town, where a grenade and exploded in a residential community on the island.
The dangerous explosive was thrown in the yard of a family, located in San Mateo, one of the poor communities on the outskirts of the busy downtown area.
On Saturday night, the loud blast of its explosion was heard about a mile away, alarming residents. At the yard where the grenade was thrown, it tore a hole in the ground under the house which was on stilts, sending shrapnel into the bathroom.
Another Murder on Antelope Street Extension
And turning back now to Belize City, there was a murder on Saturday night at around 9:55 pm. Honduran Santos Miguel Bernades was killed on Antelope Street Extension. He was socializing at a friend's house when a gunman fired two shots that killed him. This morning we spoke to his sister about the senseless killing:
Atanasia Oliva, Sister of Deceased:
"I hear is he was playing he was playing in yard in the Antelope street you know and that one guy just pass and shoot out well do a shooting and you know the other people just bend down and he looks back and the other guys just shoot him again. Right there he died on table."
Cops Don't Know Who Killed Bernardes
AT their press conference this afternoon, police didn't have much more to add on the the murder of 51-year-old Bernardes.
ACP Joseph Myvette, Head, NCIB:
"Our investigation revealed that Bernades along with others were gathered when a lone gun man rode up on a bicycle and fired 2 shots, one of which caught Bernardes to the left temple. Police investigation into this matter also continues."
The police have no suspects at the moment but they continue to work on the case. This is at least the third murder in the Antelope Street area in 2017 - there have also been other shootings.
Man Shot At Northside Party
Aaron King was at a party yesterday in the Buttonwood Bay area when he was shot a total of three times, twice in the chest and once in the right shoulder. King was rushed to the KHMH where he is in a critical condition tonight. We met his family there this morning and his sister spoke to us about the senseless shooting.
Shakera Young, Sister of Aaron King:
"While at the party two men came on bikes identified as the young man listed and first they rode past and then they said they called my brother by his name one of them and he came off the bike and he shot my brother at close range and when my brother ran he ran down behind him yes and then he shot him two more times."
Gunman Shot By Licensed Gunholder
The police today said they were able to detain the one suspect at the scene. Here's the head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, ACP Joseph Myvette with more details.
ACP Joseph Myvette, Head, NCIB:
"King reported that whilst outside a yard where a social event was being held, he was approached by a person riding a bicycle who fired several shots at him causing the injuries. A person who was at the function having a license firearm then fired several shots at the suspect who was later identified to be one, Moses Babb, who also received apparent 2 gunshot injuries to the abdomen area. Police investigation into this matter also continues."
Sheffield Shot On Pitta Street
A 30 year old city man is holding on to life at the KHMH after he was shot up on Saturday night after 8:00. Sheffield Ysaguirre was riding along Pitta Street when a gunman fired at him. He was struck to the stomach. Police told us what they know so far.
ACP Joseph Myvette, Head, NCIB:
"One Sheffield Ysaguirre reported that whilst riding his bicycle in the area of Pitta Street, he was followed by a male person who fired several shots at him which caused him to reviewed several gunshot injuries to the abdomen. Police responded to the area where 8 expended shells were retrieve from the scene. We are seeking one suspect in relation to this investigation."
Well Known Ducey Quick To Fire Back At Gunmen
And then on Sunday morning, 51 year old Joseph Ducey was shot at his Police Street home. 2 men approached him and one of them at the well-known Haitian Belizean Taxi Driver and court translator fired at him but he fired right back and scared them off. Police gave a bit more details.
ACP Joseph Myvette, Head, NCIB:
"On Sunday the 17th September sometime around 11am, one Joseph Ducey, 51 years old of a Police Street address reported that whilst inside his yard he was approached by 2 male persons, one of whom fired a shot at him. He then returned fire with his licensed firearm and the both persons then made good their escape. Police investigation into this matter also continues."
Bar Association Passes Stern Resolution Accusing CJ of "Misbehavior"
For weeks we've been reporting on the Bar Association's growing impatience with Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Well, things have come to a head. On Friday the Bar membership passed a unanimous resolution calling for the Chief Justice to resign if he cannot deliver judgments on schedule. Now, that is a very, very, strong ultimatum to publicly put upon the head of the Judiciary. And, today the President of the Bar told us it was not a resolution lightly taken - she outlined its three points:...
Priscilla Banner, President - Bar Association:
"The Bar Association unanimously resolved, actually 3 items after some recitals. The first was to call upon the honourable Chief Justice to deliver the judgements in accordance to a timeline that his lordship himself had set. The second part of that resolution was if there was a failure by the honourable Chief Justice to deliver those judgements in accordance with the timeline..."
Guatemalan Navy Again Comes Over to Belize Side
The Guatemalan Armed Forces did it again on Saturday - they came into Belize's territorial waters. The event was the Belize Territorial Volunteers Eco Challenge where the volunteers went in canoes and Kayaks around the Sarstoon Island. They also sang the anthem on the island - making it both emphatic and symbolic that the island is in Belizean territory. Will Maheia told us that seems to have charged up the Guatemalan Navy who then swooped in to come alongside the canoes. They also stopped a TIDE vessel and escorted it to the BDF Forward Operating Base on the Belize side - but that's because there were two coast guard officers with their weapons in that vessel.
The Prensa Libre newspaper - with little ragged for the truth - framed that one in a headline, as, quote, "Belizeans try to invade islet in Sarstún river." It says the Guatemalan Navy, quote, "carried out an operation in defense of national sovereignty."
Fisheries Sting Caught Major Out of Season Conch
Tonight the Fisheries Department has almost nine thousand out of season conch which they busted in an operation over the weekend. Based on information, the Fisheries enforcement team went to bust some fishing camps at various cafes on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll.
But when they got to the camps, they just found 20 idle fisherman who claim they hadn't caught much. Supervisor of Enforcement Hampton Gamboa told us more:...
Hampton Gamboa, Fisheries Supervisor of Enforcement:
"We went to Lighthouse Reef to conduct search of particular fishing camps. Upon doing that visiting these fishing camps we notice as enforcement officers there wasn't enough product for the amount of days the individuals said they were on site. Upon searching mangrove area approximately a mile away from the fishing camp, we found a freezer hidden within the mangroves.
DELCIO TUN CHARGED
And, in that weekend operation - the Fisheries Department also caught 13 fishermen form the Corozal District on a sailing boat with over a hundred undersized lobster near Lighthouse Reef.
Today in court, only one of them, 31 year old Delcio Tun, from Chunox Village pled guilty to the charge when he appeared today before Magistrate Aretha Ford. Tun was fined $250 plus $5 court cost and he was given until October 18 to pay. If defaults on payment he will serve 2 months. In addition to that he was fined $20 for each lobster, which amounted to $2,240. The charge was withdrawn from the others.
Family Loses Everything In Fire On Sunflower, Arson Suspected
At around midnight on Sunday the fire department and police responded to fire at the home of Robert Garden and his wife on Sunflower Street in the Saint Martinis area. The couple made a hasty escape but lost all their belongings. Garden told us more about the fire.
As you heard, they lost everything, and if you would like to donate clothes and other items to the family you can call Garden at 661-9053.
The Fire Department today told us it has the appearance of arson because the fire started on the verandah.
The fire investigation is still not finished.
Noel Reyes Knocked Down, Left Critical In Hit And Run
On Saturday construction worker Noel Reyes was riding his bicycle home from work when he was knocked down on Coney Drive in Belize City. The driver who knocked him down fled the scene. Reyes was badly injured and remains in critical condition at the KHMH. We were able to get some more information on the incident from his wife this morning at the hospital.
Denia Rodriguez, Wife:
"Noel had an accident. I didn't know anything until 12 when the neighbor called me and told me about the news. I came here and wanted to know what is happening. The neighbor told me that the person that hit him fled the scene."
Police Say they Are Keeping Vidal/Williams Dispute "In-House"
On Friday night's news, we told you how the former Eastern Division South Commander, Chester Williams, sent a "lawyer letter" to the current commander, Marco Vidal, threatening a lawsuit.
It's because of comments Vidal made last week suggesting Williams had accommodated criminals in the way he policed the Belize City Southside.
The incident is bringing negative public attention to the police department since this is quarrel between two senior officers. And today, when the press asked the Acting Commissioner about it, he said that both he and the CEO of Home Affairs have spoken to both officers to keep the dispute in house, and out of the public domain. Here's his brief but candid remarks on the topic:
Is There The Threat of More Grenade Mayhem?
Earlier in the news, we told you about the grenade which detonated in San Pedro on Saturday night. While this the first grenade to have actually detonated in Belize in years, but it's the 4th explosive device that police have come across this month.
So, are the criminal elements escalating their means of warfare? That's what the media asked the Acting Commissioner today, and here's how he responded:
Deputy ComPol Noel Leal, Acting Commissioner of Police:
"From the Corozal and the Vernon Street one, I have not had any information to indicate that it is the criminal underworld. I am not sure yet about the one in San Pedro, but as the investigation proceeds it will tell us who or why there was an explosive at that house and what was the intention. But as far as I am concern up to this time I have gotten no information to indicate that there was anything from the criminal underworld ramping up or stepping up."
Cops Insist September Will Remain Safe
One specific point which the Acting Police Commissioner kept on stressing is that these 4 explosives were not meant as any intended attack against the events planned for the September Celebrations.
Today, he said that the public will see new security measures being put in place for the Independence Day Celebration activities all over the country. Here's how he described it:
Deputy ComPol Noel Leal, Acting Commissioner of Police:
"So far the intelligence is not showing that it was intended for any mass casualty or any people who are assemble let's say for parade or whatever kind of social activity. It is not intended for that and I am glad to report that so far none of these incidents seems to have been targeting people currently involved or participating in the September celebrations in mass."
Amy Forte Fraud and Forgery Case Went From Sizzle To Stall
Among the other questions that the Acting Police Commissioner took today was an inquiry into the latest developments in the Amy Forte fraud and forgery investigation. 3 weeks ago, she wrote the Prime Minister demanding that a land conveyance deed in her name, purportedly signed by her, be canceled because she never sold any land to Andre Vega, son of the Former Minister of Natural Resources, Gaspar Vega.
Since then, the police have been waiting for her to come in and make a formal report to them so that they can begin to investigate what she alleges as Fraud. But, that hasn't happened, and police say that the case has gone nowhere yet, because there is no complainant.
Welcome Machel!
He may be performing on the 20th night but Trinidadian Soca Superstar Machel Montano has been in Belize since last week. He's been the guest of Musical ambassador Shyne and has been touring the country, having fun and meeting musicians.
But he's in the city this week where his legions of fans are anticipating his 20th night Soca Jazz Festival.
Today we spoke to "Mr. Fete" himself along with the Music Ambassador who played an integral role in bringing Montano to Belize this time around. Here is what they had to say about the highly anticipated performance.
New Chief Magistrate Is Official
In July we told you about Chief Magistrates Anne-Marie Smith's promotion to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in St. Lucia. She joins Belize's Godfrey Smith who is also a judge on that court. Now we had told you that one of the likely candidates to get the Chief Magistrate position is Sharon Fraser and Frazer was appointed on September 1st. In a release sent out today it states that "she is now tasked with the administration of the 10 magistrate's courts countrywide. It goes on to discuss her qualification and experience.
Hurricane Maria Mashes Up Dominica
And while we are lucky enough to be looking forward to Independence Day celebrations on the 21st., our eastern Caribbean brethren are not anywhere near that tonight.
At this hour a "potentially catastrophic" Hurricane Maria is now a Category 5 storm, packing 160 miles per hour winds -- with even higher gusts -- as it nears Dominica. At 6:00 pm, the storm was about 15 miles east southeast of Dominica, and so that means right now it is pounding that small island state - and that will continue for the next few hours. Our thoughts are with them and the wider Caribbean tonight as the storm next takes aim at the US territory of Puerto Rico - which is still recovering from Irma.
EXPO Crowd Was Less
This weekend thousands flocked to the ITVET compound for the 21st Expo Belize Market Place. 104 companies occupied 190 booths and according to the Chamber of Commerce, they attracted over 14,000 visitors - which we note is down from last year's report of over 15 thousand visitors, and the previous year's 16,500 visitors. On the upside, the number of booths increased from the previous year.
Channel 5
Shocking Murder-Suicide at AAA Security
Two people were killed in a shooting that police had described as murder-suicide on Friday night. The shocking incident occurred inside the offices of AAA Security on the Philip Goldson [...]
Honduran Killed Without Warning in Belize City
There was more bloodshed in the city. Twenty-four hours after the murder-suicide at AAA Security, fifty-one-year-old Santos Miguel Bernardes was executed. The sanitary engineer was playing domino at his neighbor's [...]
Aaron King Shot at Buttonwood Bay Party
As the weekend progressed, party goers at an event in Buttonwood Bay scattered in fear of their lives. Among the guests was Belize City resident Aaron King. One of two [...]
American-Model Grenade Strikes San Pedro Home
On the prime tourism island of San Pedro, residents in the area of San Mateo escaped grave injuries when a high explosive fragmentation grenade was thrown beneath the house of [...]
Ambergris at War?
Commander Jones says the fragmentation grenade sent shrapnel flying across a fifteen meter radius, shaking a number of houses in the immediate area of the blast. Brig. Gen. David [...]
Chiding Chief Justice, Bar Association Awaits Overdue Judgments
Chief Justice of Belize Kenneth Benjamin has set a timeline to clear up the backlog of close to thirty overdue judgments on his desk. Reports to News Five are that [...]
Lawyers' Group Hopes C.J. Will Keep His Word
But what is behind the situation? Is it simply that the Chief Justice, contending with a court operating on a slender thread of resources and facing an increasingly litigious society, [...]
Guats Strike at Sarstoon Eco-Challenge Participants
Over the weekend, Belizeans were harassed and turned back from traversing the Sarstoon River and circling the island during an organized canoe race at Belize's southern boundary. The Belize Territorial [...]
B.T.V. Calls on Government to Intervene
This, of course, is not the first time that the B.T.V., or even the Belizean military and press including this station, have encountered Guatemalan military actively seeking to stop Belizeans [...]
More Shootings in Belize City; Suspect Sought for Scheffield Ysaguirre
Just after eight o'clock on Saturday night, some two hours before the execution of Santos Miguel Bernardes, several shots rang out near the corner of Pitter and Elston Kerr Streets, [...]
Police Look for Shooters of Joseph Ducey, Who Shot Back
There were a total of five shooting incidents over the weekend in which three persons were killed and three others remain in critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. [...]
Sharon Frazer Takes Bench as Chief Magistrate
The Judicial and Legal Services Commission has appointed Sharon Fraser as the new Chief Magistrate effective September first, 2017. Magistrate Fraser is now tasked with the administration of the ten [...]
Williams Versus Vidal: Senior Cops Told to Calm Down Confrontation
On Friday, Senior Superintendent Marco Vidal was served with a letter from attorney Andrew Marshalleck on behalf of Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams.� Williams and Vidal are at odds [...]
Wasani Castro Avoids Charge after Apologizing to Police for Outburst
Another near brush with the law for Wasani Castro; he was picked up by police on Sunday at the ITVET compound where he was attending the annual expo.� According to [...]
No Conch Till October; Fisheries Seize Haul in Turneffe
The Fisheries Department and Belize Audubon Society carried out a joint operation Friday and Saturday which netted almost two thousand pounds of illegally harvested conch - of a market value [...]
Help Needed for Construction Worker Struck Down by Hit and Run Vehicle
There was a near fatal hit and run on Saturday near our offices on Coney Drive. A forty-seven-year-old construction worker was knocked off his bicycle by a driver, who never [...]
A.S.R./B.S.I. Ready to Go on DC Sugar Project
The long-awaited upgrade to the Tower Hill sugar factory is to get underway despite misgivings from a major corner of the industry. After a record-breaking crop year, and ahead of [...]
Fire Wipes Out Family on Sunflower Street
A fire in the city has left a family of four on Sunflower Street homeless. On Saturday night, two members of the family were at home when a fire erupted [...]
Orange Walk Housewife Vanishes
Have you seen Miriam Vasquez Alcoser? The forty-five-year-old resident of San Lazaro Village in Orange Walk has been missing since last week. Last Friday, Juan Alcoser told police that his [...]
Where Did Dangriga's Shaun Bennett Go?
And a man is also missing in the south. Thirty-five-year-old Shaun Bennett left his home in the Wageirale Area in Dangriga on September sixth and hasn't returned since. His common-law-wife [...]
Sports Monday's Best from the Football Field
Good evening, I'm James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. [Highlights of the weekend sporting activities�]
CTV3
Corozal Police Seeks Advice From DPP On charges For Fatal Traffic Accident
Corozal Police authorities have indicated to CTV-3 News that they are awaiting on legal guidance from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution to know whether they will proceed with charges against 41 year old Francis Sharp in relation to the traffic accident that occurred on September 9th, which claimed the life of a Corozal Town mother of two while injuring two others. 40 year old Claudia Arana Martinez, one of the victims, passed away on Friday September 15th morning at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City due to serious injuries she sustained.
BPP & PUP Chastise GOB For Inaction At Sarstoon
The main Opposition, People's United Party, also released a statement on the issue, stating its [quote] "strongest condemnation of the actions of the Guatemalan Armed Forces and the inaction of the Government following the blatant harassment of Belizeans within out territorial waters" [end quote].
The PUP notes in its statement that Guatemalans stationed at the Sarstoon have maintained operational control of the entire Sarstoon River, and the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has committed a gross error in allowing this to happen. The PUP adds that on various occasions SATIIM rangers have been turned back from routine patrols of the Sarstoon Temash National Park.
Chunox Fishermen Charged for Undrsized Lobster
On Saturday September 16th thirteen fishermen from the village of Chunox in the Corozal District were caught by a team of officers from the fisheries department in possession of over one hundred undersized lobsters. The officers were conducting patrol around the lighthouse atoll when they spotted the vessel and proceeded to execute a search which resulted in the discovery of 121 lobsters not exceeding the prescribed 4 ounces. All thirteen men were charged for the undersized lobsters, today in court however Thirty one year old Delcio Tun, one of the fishermen caught assumed possession of the lobsters and pled guilty to the charge of possession of undersized lobsters.
Ambassador Of Belgium Presents Credentials To GG
His Excellency Antoine Evrard, Ambassador of Belgium, presented his Letter of Credence today to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in the City of Belmopan.
Ambassador Evrard expressed his pleasure in being in Belize during the 36th anniversary of independence, and conveyed his country's commitment to continue to strengthen bilateral relations with Belize. The Governor General accepted his credentials, welcomed him to Belize and expressed his gratitude to Belgium's commitment to Belize.
GAF Harasses Participants Of Sarstoon Eco-Challenge
The second annual Sarstoon Island Eco Challenge took place on Saturday September 16th. This is a canoe race which sees paddlers leave from Barranco towards the Sarstoon Island. The winner is the one who circles the Sarstoon Island first, along the Belize side of the Southern Channel, and does it in the shortest time period. The event also seeks to raise awareness not only of the geographic location of the island, but also of the vulnerability of the environment.
This year's event didn't occur with less controversy than last year as there are reports that up to five Guatemalan Armed Forces boats showed up, entered Belizean waters and intimidated the participants in the race.
LOVE FM
House goes up in flames
A house was destroyed by fire yesterday morning. At around midday Belize City Police were called out to Sunflower
Street where they observed a 16 by 24 wooden structure engulfed in flames. The home owner, 53 year old Robert Gordon reported to police that he and his wife were at home when they were alerted [�]
Acting COMPOL of Police Noel Leal to Vidal and William cease and desist
Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams is demanding that Senior Superintendent of Police Marco Vidal apologize for statements made last week. In an interview with the press on Tuesday, Vidal alluded that ACP Williams is allegedly involved in some sort of criminal collusion with gang members. Listeners might recall that it was under ACP Williams [�]
Bar gives Chief Justice an ultimatum
The Belize Bar Association has given the Chief Justice an ultimatum. CJ Kenneth Benjamin must deliver 28 judgments by December 17, 2017 or resign. If he fails to do both, the Bar is prepared to file a complaint with the Judicial and Legal Services Commission seeking his removal. Members of the Bar Association met on [�]
They came from far and near over 14,000 to attend Expo
The ITVET compound in Belize City came alive this week with the annual Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry annual Belize Expo Market Place. According to the BCCI, 104 companies participated and more than fourteen thousand people visited the expo. President of the BCCI, Nikita Usher gave the welcoming remarks at the opening ceremony on [�]
Lord Laro in Belize to celebrate Belize's 36 anniversary of Independence
Calypsonian Lord Laro is no stranger to Belize and is back again just ahead of Belize's 36th anniversary. Laro is in Belize at the invitation of the San Ignacio & Santa Elena Town Council. Mayor Earl Trapp spoke with Love News. Mayor Earl Trapp "Basically the idea of bringing Mr. Laro to Belize was basically [�]
AmbergrisCaye.com 
