Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
OP Offline


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

Dredging in Caye Caulker Concerns Citizens
At the beginning of this month, the San Pedro Belize Water Taxi in Caye Caulker began dredging an area next to their docking pier. Many residents of the island are concerned that this activity will have a negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem, especially to the Barrier Reef which is less than a mile east of the island. San Pedro Belize Water Taxi started the dredging project after they claimed to be experiencing various challenges, such as too shallow water causing the boat propellers to continuously break. Apparently, they requested a permit to start the dredging, which was granted to them by the Geology Department after they studied the problem. A permit was granted with the condition that the community would benefit from the material (sand) produced from the dredging. "Material is extremely scarce and so this opportunity for this company to pay for the dredging and donating all the material, you cannot get a better deal than that," said Area Representative for Belize Rural South Manuel Heredia Jr. Therefore, all materials resulting from the dredging has been going to different areas in the community, such as schools and streets.

San Pedro Volleyball tournament continues
The San Pedro Volleyball tournament continued at the Angel Nu�ez Auditorium in San Pedro Town. The first games of the second week of the tournament were played on Saturday, October 14th. The first game began at 1pm, when Isla Bonita girls won over Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) girls in both sets. Set one: 21-17 and set two: 21-14. Next up was Isla Bonita Boys versus ACES boys, where the ACES boys won by default due to insufficient players from Isla Bonita. The current standings of the Volleyball Tournament, for the female primary school category has SPRCS, NHSDA and Isla Bonita with three points each, and Holy Cross and ACES yet to make it on the chart. For the male primary school category, SPCRS, NHSDA and ACES have three points each, while Holy Cross and Isla Bonita are yet to score. In the female senior category, Wild Sets have five points, Fireball have four points and SPJC with one point. SPHS yet to make it on the chart. For the male senior category Anonymous have five points, followed by Tuff E Nuff with three points. Barbos and Wod Zone with two points each, and yet to make the charts are SPHS and SPJC. Games continue this weekend on Saturday, October 21st and Sunday, October 22nd, starting at 1pm at the Angel Nu�ez Auditorium. All islanders are invited to come out and support their favorite team this weekend.

PUBLIC AND BANK HOLIDAYS, 2018

Ambergris Today

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: The Curious Case Of BIL
- by Valerie Woods - Prime Minister Barrow on October 18th 2017 held a press conference in an attempt to rid his government once again of another major scandal. This time it was the $8million contract to Gaspar Vega's nephew for the reconstruction of Faber's road on the southside of Belize City. At the Prime Minister's press conference on Faber's Road, questions were not only limited to Faber's road. Some questions were also raised about the completed Lake Independence Boulevard in Belize City. The Lake Independence Boulevard is that section of road in Belize between Chetumal Street Bridge and the George Price Highway. The Project's engineer and the Prime Minister of Belize admitted that the road is a failure and will continue to be one. They disclosed that Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) did not follow the design and recommendations of the engineer.

Misc Belizean Sources

mzz

The Maya Forest Atlas Portal
The Maya Forest Atlas is now up and running! The rediscovery of El Pilar triggered a new process of survey and exploration. We have created this atlas on Maya geography that feature 12 regional layers, 17 local layers, and 8 site layers. This covers everything from modern roads to ancient monuments. We invite you to explore the varied geographies that are the backdrop of El Pilar and the Maya forest.

Belize Diabetes Run 2017
Only 14 more days to go and Diabetes Run begins. This year the Run is divided into 3 categories: those walking, those running all 23 miles and those doing the 1 mile relay. Those walking will depart the Belmopan Market Square at 5:30 am. Those marathon runners will depart the Belmopan Market Square at 6:30 am Those doing the 1 mile relay will depart the Belmopan Market Square at 6:45 am

Unveiling of Sir Barry Bowen Statue at the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport

The Belize Garifuna Song Competition – Battle of the Drums
The Competition is open to amateur and professional musicians who submit entries in any one of 5 genres (categories): Hungu Hungu, Paranda, Punta, Punta Rock or a mix (combination) of two or more of the aforementioned genres. The lyrics of all songs have to be in the Garifuna Language. No other language will be entertained and each song submitted must be contestant's original work. The Belize Garifuna Song Competition receives entries during period September 15th to October 15th each year commencing 2017. Entries can be submitted by mail or through our website. The finalists perform, winners are announced and prizes awarded at Mega Garifuna Musical Concert that will be held on last Friday of October each year. Winners of the Belize Garifuna Song Competition will also perform at the annual Garifuna Musical Festival to be held in Punta Gorda on Saturday, November 11, 2017, immediately after the Battle of the Drums.

Cancer Walk 2017, Hosted by Belize Cancer Society - San Ignacio Branch
Saturday, October 28 at 5 AM. Starting at Running W Meats and Ending at Macal River Park Walk with us...

St. Francis Xavier Parish - World mission Sunday
This 22nd October. All are invited to 9:00 a.m mass. Following we will be having a procession after the mass, from the church on 4th Avenue, to 3rd Street North to 5th Avenue then to 3rd Street South, then back to 4th Avenue and entering the school grounds for a morning full of activities.

EXPOFER Southern Regional Fair
The annual EXPOFER Southern Regional Fair in Chetumal, Mexico opens its doors to all Belizeans today October 20th.

Chriss Roggema Memorial
The Roggema boys want everybody to know that they will be having a small memorial service for their father (Chriss Roggema) on Saturday at 3pm at the graveyard by the airstrip. All members of the community are welcome to join the service for this beloved islander.

Gardenia and Biscayne Village Community Consultation Meeting with BWS postponed
Belize Water Services informs villagers of Gardenia and Biscayne that the Community Consultation Meeting scheduled for Sunday October 22, 2017 has been postponed until a further notice.

Belmopan Cancer Society Variety Show
Support the Belmopan Cancer Society! Come out and have some fun on a Sunday night!

The offshore oil legislation as introduced in the National Assembly on October 20th 2017

Great day as the Prime Minister of Belize introduced the "PETROLEUM OPERATIONS (MARITIME ZONE MORATORIUM) ACT, 2017" into the House of Representatives

Government of Belize in collaboration with Caribbean Development Bank will Launch Ninth Cycle of the Basic Needs Trust Fund and Belize Social Investment Fund III Project
Opening Ceremony of the national Project Launch of the Ninth Cycle of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF 9) and Belize Social Investment Fund III Project will be held under the theme: "Partnering Against Poverty" at 9:00 am on 23 October, 2017 at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza, Belize City. The BNTF Programme, Caribbean Development Bank's (CDB) flagship poverty reduction programme, has contributed significantly to the national development of Belize since 1979. Guided by its mandate to help poor, vulnerable communities improve their access to basic public services. BNTF has provided assistance with social and economic infrastructure, as well as provided skills training to hundreds to enhance employability and self-sufficiency in communities across the country.

Channel 7

Marijuana Decriminalization Legislation Passed By House
Tonight, Belize is one step close to de -criminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The bill was first tabled in the House of Representatives and mid-August and today it was presented for debate and passage. There was support on both sides of the house. Home Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington gave the second reading of the historic piece of legislation:.. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Home Affairs: "To decriminalized the possession of Cannabis in amounts not exceeding 10 grams, to provide for the possession of monetary and non-recordable penalties for the possession of Cannabis in such amounts occurring on school premises in specified circumstances to decriminalized the smoking of cannabis on private premises and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto."

Legislation For Moratorium On Offshore Drilling Introduced To The House
Another piece of history was made today when the legislation for a moratorium on offshore drilling was introduced. It's called the Petroleum Operations Maritime Zone Moratorium Bill, and it was introduced for a first reading. That means it now has to go to committee, and then come back to the house for debate, and second and third readings. Still, the wheels are in motion, and there is virtually no chance of it getting voted down in the house. So, today, the conservation community filled up the galleries and applauded for the bill after the Minister of Petroleum introduced it:... Hon. Erwin Contreras, Minister of Petroleum: "A bill for an act to impose a moratorium on the exploration for petroleum and other petroleum operations in the maritime zone of Belize to prevent pollution from installation devices and vessels use in the exploration or exploitation of petroleum resources of the sea bed and subsoil of the maritime zone, to accordingly make further provisions for the protection of the Belize Barrier Reef system and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto."

Compol Whylie Failed Lie Detector Test in 2008
And that too is expected to have bi-partisan support. But it wasn't all hand-holding and kumbaya's across the house floor today, there was, of course, robust debate and fiery assaults - the most notable on mad eon commissioner of police Allen Whylie. PUP Deputy Leader Cordel Hyde produced a 2008 communication from former US Ambassador to Belize Robert Dieter where he reported on the results of lie detector tests administered on 33 Police OfficerS and BDF soldiers. 23 of them passed, and 10 failed - and one of those who failed was present Commissioner Allen Whylie. Hyde outlined the sensational findings:... Hon. Cordel Hyde - Area Rep, Lake I: "I have in my hand, Madam Speaker, a letter from US ambassador to Belize Robert J. Dieter to the Ministry of National Security in Belmopan dated November 6, 2008. In that letter, the gentleman speaks and says that attached please find the administered polygraph results for September 30th, 2008 through October 9th, 2008. A polygraph is what they call a lie detector test..."

PUP: Southside Crime, Political Directorate To Blame
Deputy Leader Hyde went into the Whylie lie detector test as part of a wider discussion about spiraling crime in southside Belize. There have been two dozen murders since the end of June - and Hyde wondered why the UDP's many southside representatives allowed police to take a path different from the one set out by former commander Chester Williams:.. Hon. Cordel Hyde- Area Rep, Lake I: "According to Channel 7 news of a couple nights ago, there have been 24 murders in Belize City over the last 3 plus months since the start of July. 7 in this month alone over the last couple of days. Compare that to the previous 3 and a half months it was probably 5 or 6, maybe a little bit more. Some people don't like Chester Williams, some people complained about how he talked, how he is on TV too much and that he has a lot to say and some people may not like the style of policing, have some difficulties with it but at the end of the day something was working there..."

Hon. Elrington Debunks "Southside Supercop" Theory
But that didn't go un-answered. Police minister Wilfred Elrington had a very broad and wide ranging response for him. He discarded the concept of Chester Williams as a Southside Supercop - and went into a very candid discussion of recent murders; he said it's killings due to the marijuana trade. Here are his remarks:... Hon. Wilfred Elrington - Area Rep, Pickstock: "The killings, Madam Speaker, are taking place primarily in his constituency, in my constituency and Minister Boots' constituency and it is being conducted largely because there is minimal assistance, particularly in the member's constituency, for the poor people who live back there. They have very little direction. They are the people, it's from that constituency in particular, Madam Speaker, that the people who were caught burning tires come from, you know..."

82 Year Old Dies From Injuries - Police Mum
On Wednesday we told you about 82-year-old Belize City resident Ricardo Vasquez who was viciously beaten down and robbed. It happened on Saturday at a game room named Kent Market. He stepped outside and that is when an unknown assailant robbed and beat him - leaving him in the drain. Police responded and took him out of the drain to the KHMH. He was fighting for his life and he was put on life support. But this morning he succumbed to his injuries. Vasquez leaves behind three children and a host of grandkids along with his other immediate family members. The family is distraught and also disturbed that they are not able to get any information on what exactly happened to their loved one. The police still have not reported the fatal incident.

PUP's Imer Inquiry
Going back now to today's house meeting, the issue of the Faber's Road contract continued to dominate the debate. Speaking on the adjournment, Leader of the opposition didn't directly attack the Faber's Road project - he attacked the contractor Imer Hernandez - who is Gaspar Vegas nephew and a favorite of the UDP. Briceno outlined what he says are Hernandez's failures - and then drew the framework of an insider trading deal - which the PM shot down - here's the exchange:... Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "How can anyone say that Imer Hernandez, as the Prime Minister said, as far we are concern "a good contractor." Madam Speaker, look at some of the picture of the work that Imer Hernandez has done at the Santa Elena Border. Look how it's breaking up. This is the work of Imer Hernandez's Development Company. Millions of dollars. Look at the roundabout that was constructed in Santa Elena Border, the cement is already breaking up. I am not making this up. Here is the picture. Yet Imer Hernandez is a good contractor."

Lake I Boulevard Disaster A Public Liability
And while the PM battled back on that point, he conceded to the disaster on Lake I Boulevard, and said that yes, government will have to use public funds to fix the problem:... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "But she conceded that there clearly were some design shortcomings and for that because ultimately BIL is a creature of the government, we will have to take blame, but that's a different thing completely from suggesting that BIL is a vehicle for facilitating any kind of hustle. I pointed out that the complete opposite is true, but that a mistake clearly of some sort was made with respect to the Lake Independence Boulevard must be conceded."

PM Alleges "Idiocy"
And while the Leader of the Opposition spoke extensively about recent, failed public works, he was careful not to touch directly on the Faber's Road project - since his Deputy Kareem Musa addressed that on the adjournment. But, Briceno did just skim the subject - which was the subject of a prime ministerial press conference two days ago - and it seems the PM was waiting for him:... Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "I find it incredible that no other than the Prime Minister himself, the famous crusader against corruption, would hold a press conference to defend his government in these contracts that most Belizeans believe are a rip off. Belizeans believe that these contracts are corrupt." Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "And they had the public going for a good few days with that sensationalist headline "8 Million Dollars for one mile." Now that having been completely demolished, you would think again that the Leader of the Opposition, not wanting to embarrass himself at the house in front of the public would have left that alone, at least that aspect of it. Did you hear him repeating the nonsense about 8 million dollars for one mile? How can you say that?"

Bail For Alleged Backstabber
On October 9th in Punta Gorda town twenty four year old Natasha Gomez and her boyfriend Javier Martinez woke up to hear her ex Daniel Mejia outside. They allege that he armed himself with a knife from her kitchen and then stabbed Martinez in his back. Natasha Gomez's aunt - who lives nearby heard all the commotion and fired a shot in the air from her licensed .38 revolver. The shot scared Meija and he fled the scene. But police caught him, and he was remanded to prison on charges of aggravated burglary and wounding.

Family Asks For Help to Find Mentally Ill Missing Man
30 year old Dennis Velasquez has been missing for 6 days and his family is asking your help to find him. The Orange Walk resident has a mental disorder and lived at home with his mother. If you do see him or know his whereabouts, you can contact the nearest Police Station in Orange Walk or call the family 607-8577.

Shoplifting Granny Got Off With A Fine
She's a grandmother, but also a serial shoplifter, and 68-year-old Martha Parchue will have to pay eight hundred dollars for stealing a boneless chopped ham worth $7. 50 from Lucky Star Super Market on Central American Boulevard. Today she appeared in court unrepresented and pleaded guilty. She threw herself to the mercy of the court and begged the Chief Magistrate not to send her to jail. She said that she was under the influence of alcohol when she stole the chopped ham. But, this was her fourth charge for theft and third conviction, but it seems Parchue got lucky today when Chief Magistrate Fraser gave her a lucky break to avoid prison but she must pay the fine of $800 by December 31st.

Making Sustainable Tourism Into Science
The annual Tourism Industry Conference was held and the main focus of the event was sustainable tourism and how important it is for Belize. A few of our Belizean hotels have already integrated sustainable tourism into their operations and they were used as examples, as explained by international panelists who are experts in sustainable tourism. We found out more: Jocele Stephens, BTB Marketing and Public Relation Manager: "This year we looked at the theme sustainable tourism because simply because the UN has declared the year of 2017 the year of sustainable tourism." "This year we actually did a little bit of a change up where we wanted on the topics that we are speaking. We actually wanted local stakeholders to share their journey so those who have embarked on sustainable tourism plans, for example, Chaa Creek, Hamanasi. How has it been for you? So they will also be a part of today's agenda."

San Pedro Tourism Not Sagging Due To Crime
But a key part of sustainability is also keeping up appearances - especially in the tourism capital of San Pedro - which was recently rocked a by a spate of gang related murders. Area Rep and Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia Jr, admitted that things started off slow in the beginning of September but increased significantly later on. Tourism numbers in September of this year are higher than last September.

Many Happy Holidays in 2018
And while the tourists have their holiday - Belizean want to know about Public and Bank Holidays in 2018. Well, it was made official yesterday. Next year we will have a total of 13 public and bank holidays including quite a few long weekends ahead. New Year's day, National Heroes, and Benefactors day, along with St. Georges Caye day along with Garifuna Settlement day all fall on a Monday and as for Friday we have our independence day falling then so Fete lovers will be able to party without worrying about going to work the next day. Christmas falls on a Tuesday with boxing day following right after so lots of ham, turkey, and rice and beans will be left for the work week.

CARILEC's Response To Regional Disasters
Last night we told you about the Hands Across the Caribbean Telethon. It is a fundraiser for Caribbean emergency relief efforts after Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda. Well, the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Cooperation -CARILEC is also helping out through their Disaster Assistance Programme. IN a release it states THAT fifty-nine line-workers from eight member utilities are providing manpower for the restoration of electricity. They were deployed from Grenada, Barbados, ST. Vincent, Bermuda, Jamaica, and Belize.

PUP Rocks Rochus' World
And in one more bit from today's house meeting - Opposition Leader John Briceno challenged the Prime Minister to justify the work contract given to BTL's CEO Rochus Schriber. Briceno called his salary exorbitant:..

Security Forces Using GIS
When you think about BDF or Coast Guard training - you think about weeks of strenuous exercises and brutal drills. Well, that wasn't the kind of training that 15 officers completed. They participated in a GIS introduction training course. It was held at the Central Information Technology Office in Belmopan. GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems, it is a way to record, interpret and analyze data using satellite imagery or maps. So the BDF and Coast Guard should now be able to use GIS in their national security efforts. The training lasted 6 days.

The Heights of History
Yesterday we showed you day 1 of The history Competition zone eliminations. Today was day 2 of the zone eliminations and after a hard-fought battle, seven finalists have made it. A total of seventeen schools took part in the competition and the remaining seven will be heading to the finals on Friday, October 27th at the Bliss. The competition is a part of the public education campaign between the Belize City House of Culture and the Downtown Rejuvenation project.

Channel 5

B.T.L. to get borrowing power; Opposition sharply attacks 'rushing' bills
Today’s session of the House of Representatives had a loaded agenda. Several bills were returned for second reading, including the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill decriminalizing possession of small amounts [...]

Telemedia C.E.O. makes big money!
Later, when the bill was brought up for debate on the second reading, Opposition Leader Brice�o landed a telling blow when he brought up the extensive salary and benefit package [...]

Ex-ambassador's letter accuses senior cop of failing lie detector test
It was revealed at today's House of Representatives that in 2008, the U.S. Embassy passed on the results of polygraph or lie detector tests to Belizean authorities for thirty-four senior [...]

Police High Command is 'professional'
Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Elrington rose in reply to defend the senior command of the Police Department. Though his speech was in context of the greater crime problem, Elrington [...]

No compromise with gangs, says Police Minister
Cordel Hyde and Wilfred Elrington went toe-to-toe on the issue of crime and how to stop it in its tracks on the adjournment in the House of Representatives. According to [...]

Marijuana ease goes through but still much to settle
Marijuana users can breathe a little easier tonight, as the amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act sailed through the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. Both Leader of the [...]

The dos and don'ts of new marijuana stance
Both the substantive and de facto ministers of police rose in response to further outline what the amendment does and does not do. Possession of marijuana above ten grams remains [...]

Save the reef - moratorium moves closer to law
Back in August Prime Minister Barrow announced that that there will be an indefinite moratorium on offshore oil exploration in Belize’s territorial waters. In a letter to Oceana's Vice President, [...]

Will status of World Heritage site improve?
As you heard, the offshore petroleum moratorium is an unprecedented step towards protecting Belize's Barrier Reef Reserve System, as the ban covers Belize's entire maritime area including the exclusive economic [...]

Albert Cattouse's grieving family wonders why they weren't told of P.M.'s bombshell
On the crime blotter, activist Albert Cattouse was murdered last week in Belize City. Up to now there have been no arrests but his family is preparing to bid their [...]

Rogue cop caught on tape beating homeless man
Police brutality is a real existence that Belizeans are faced with seemingly on a daily basis.� We have reported on numerous occasions the physical abuse of civilians at the hands [...]

Why did "Rick" Vasquez die?
An eighty-two year old Belize City man is dead and the circumstances surrounding his death are not clear. There are several reports that eighty-two year old Ricardo 'Rick' Vasquez was [...]

No help for C.J. on overdue judgments
The Bar Association has been critical of the backlog of judgment by the Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin, so much so that the Prime Minister went on record several weeks ago [...]

Top jurist to proceed on his own, December timeline set
The decision to refrain from bringing in outside legal experts to lend a hand, says the A.G. would have raised eyebrows locally. Peyrefitte says that assurances have been given that [...]

Grandmother fined for stolen chopped ham
A sixty five-year old granny picked up another theft conviction but was lucky to be fined instead of serving jail time. On Friday, Martha Parchue, �a� grandmother to three young [...]

Why challenge Franz Parke in Supreme Court?
The Bar Association and the Belize National Teachers Union are on record saying that Franz Parke does not qualify as a Justice on the Court of Appeal. The opposition has [...]

Reward of up to $1000 for missing persons
Have you seen Mark Pollard? What about Brindis Constantino? Pollard and Constantino are two persons who have gone missing in separate incidents for more than a month. Constantino is a [...]

Stories shifting in alleged Cayo abduction
The bizarre and shocking story of an alleged kidnapping of three school girls in broad daylight has left many with more questions than answers, and it appears that even the [...]

Chris Roggema died naturally in bushes
Last week we told you the story of sixty-nine year old Norwegian-Belizean businessman Chris Rogemma who went to scout a property in St Margaret's Village in the west and got [...]

P.U.P. says no to reappointing Contractor General Godwin Arzu
The Government of Belize has recommended the re-appointment of Contractor General Godwin Arzu for a further two-year term. But if the Opposition had its way, the answer would be no. [...]

P.M., Kareem spar over Fabers Road
Kareem Musa, Caribbean Shores area representative and attorney for Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action, is awaiting the formal response from the Ministry of Works to peruse the contract for [...]

The Vegas entrenched at Social Security?
This week Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Manuel Heredia Junior confirmed that Imer Hernandez won the bid for the Caye Caulker municipal airstrip reconstruction. He noted that there were [...]

Sustainable tourism at center stage of annual B.T.B. conference
The B.T.B. brought together over a hundred tourism stakeholders in Belize City for its annual tourism conference. The theme this year focused on Sustainable Tourism and to bring across the [...]

LOVE FM

Oil Moratorium Bill introduced in the House of Representative
At the sitting of the House of Representatives today, was the introduction of the Petroleum Operations (Maritime Zone Moratorium Bill) which seeks to impose a moratorium on oil exploration and other petroleum operations in the maritime zone of Belize. The bill was a commitment made by Prime Minister Dean Barrow in August of this year. [�]

GOB seeks to secure a loan from OPEC
At today's House Sitting, Prime Minister Dean Barrow also motioned that a loan from OPEC Fund for International Development of twelve million US dollars for the replacement of the Haulover Bridge be passed through all its stages today. Government intends to improve traffic congestion in Belize City and the connectivity and accessibility in the area [�]

Bill introduce to Amend the International Banking Act
As we mentioned earlier, government also introduced the bill to amend the International Banking Act chapter two-sixty-seven of the substantive laws of Belize. What this aims to do is to make new provisions to allow publicly owned or controlled entities in Belize, in this case Belize Telemedia Limited, to make business with international banks. The [�]

Second & Third Readings of Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2017 in House
Also in the House sitting today, government gave the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2017 its second and third readings. What that is, is the much discussed and debated decriminalization of the possession of marijuana in amounts not exceeding ten grams. Minister of State for Home Affairs Elodio Aragon provided more detail of the document. [�]

Guatemala will hold Referendum on March 18, 2018
News media in Guatemala are reporting that the Guatemalan Congress has approved Sunday, March eighteen two thousand eighteen as the official date when their referendum on the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute will be held. More than seven million Guatemalans are expected to answer the question; quote, ""Do you agree that any legal claim by Guatemala against [�]

CARICOM & Mexico meet in Belize
Guyana's President David Granger, accompanied by Second Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge will be attending the fourth CARICOM/Mexico Summit, in Belize City. The summit is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October twenty-five and is expected to provide a platform for dialogue at the highest political level on issues of mutual [�]

PUP objects to Arzu's Re-appointment
This morning Prime Minister Dean Barrow read a motion for the reappointment of Godwin Arzu as the Contractor General. According to Barrow, Arzu, who was reappointed for a further term of two years, is a fit and proper person to be reappointed as Contractor General. Leader of the Opposition John Briceno placed on record the [�]

PM met with Secretary General of OAS in Washington
During his time in Washington, DC, Prime Minister Dean Barrow met with the Secretary General of the Organization of American States. Barrow spoke of that meeting. Rt.Hon.Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "It wasn't a purpose driven meeting. The OAS hosted a forum that was talking about climate resilience, trying to move the Caribbean to a green [�]

A Telethon for the Caribbean Nations
A Telethon is planned for Saturday, October 21 to raise funds to help Caribbean nations that were affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria. The effort is a collaboration of many organizations under the banner "Hands across the Caribbean Hurricane Relief". Yesterday afternoon Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley and Bishop Roosevelt Papouloute held a brief press [�]

BTB's Annual Conference looks at Sustainable & Culinary Tourism
Today, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) held its annual conference under the theme "Sustainable Tourism and its Impact on the Belize Market" at the Ramada Princess Hotel &Casino. Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Jocelle Stephen tells us more. Jocelle Stephen - Marketing & Public Relations Manager So this event is actually an annual event [�]


Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
OP Offline

Amandala

Labor Commissioner of 9 years, Ivan Williams, appears before the Senate
The special audit of the Immigration Department has extensively documented cases of foreign nationals who were issued permits to work in Belize for the period 2011-2013. The issuance of those work permits has in certain areas reduced the prospects of employment for Belizean nationals. Labor Commissioner of nine years, Ivan Williams, was summoned to appear before the Senate Select Committee today to answer to the issuance of those permits. He immediately, however, washed his hands from that process, indicating that the issuance of those permits was solely the duty of the Immigration Department. Senator Elena Smith asked Williams, "You are aware that the Ministry of Labor, Labor Department, issues work permits?"

Entrepreneurial artist makes purses and bags from recycled Amandala
Re-cycled Amandala newspaper is now the raw material for a budding entrepreneurial business, which is manufacturing and selling purses and bags made from the recycled newspaper. The purses are being made in three sizes and with elegant designs. Seraphim Gabourel, a multi-talented professional artisan, is the designer and craftsman. Gabourel said that he puts the recycled papers through a specific process, after which he varnishes them to make them strong and waterproof, after which he molds them into specific purse designs. At the end, the purses have a sleek and leathery appearance. Gabourel also makes customized bags based on orders made by customers, so customers can specify the size and design of the bag they want. He said that a purse can be made in two days.

Tears for "Jane Usher Blvd."
It seems like every week, every few days that the news media screams of another shooting, another murder, another family's cries and tears in the Jane Usher Boulevard area of Southside Belize City. Sports is one of the avenues of hope in the growing-up years of our young men, but many still fall "between the cracks" of life, for lack of opportunities or guidance in the impoverished neighborhoods, where turf wars in the marijuana trade continues to reap bitter harvests of blood, gun violence being the only regulating force in the competitive but still illegal business. In the young pre-teen years, there is a life with hope for the future of growing children. One of the young men in the above picture, Justin Hyde, ten years after the picture was taken, was a 22 year-old victim of gun violence last week.

Week 12 results for Guadalupe Maga�a Dyck Gold Cup Tournament 2017
The Guadalupe Maga�a Dyck Gold Cup Tournament 2017 continued on Sunday, October 15, with Week 12 games played at the August Pine Ridge Village field. In game 1, Guinea Grass Desert Storm defeated Guinea Grass Suga Boys, 2-1. Jorge Garcia and Harold Enriquez shook the net for Desert Storm, while Nelson Perez scored for Suga Boys. Game 2 saw San Lazaro Revolution with the 5-2 win over San Carlos FC. San Lazaro got 2 goals from Roviney Carrillo and 1 each from Andres Cruz, Eber Herrador and Enrique Sessenia; while Amir Garcia and Rudy Hernandez scored 1 apiece for San Carlos.

Stann Creek F.A. 1st Division Tournament Week 3 results
The Stann Creek Football Association (SCFA) 1stt Division Tournament 2017 continued on Friday and Saturday, October 13-14, with Week 3 games at the Carl Ramos Stadium. In the opener on Friday, Ecumenical High School defeated Pomona Warriors, 1-nil, on a goal by Zion Ramos (37'). And in the nightcap, Conquerors and South Side Warriors played to a 3-3 draw. Shaking the net for Conquerors were Shanty Castillo (31'), Jeffton Apolonio (52') and Kareem Haylock (59'); while South Side's goals were by Steven Ledland (28'), Fredrick Flores (39') and Brandon Cacho (78').

Editorial: State of terror
Another sensational murder, another press conference; and on the surface, life goes on in Belize City, and in the nation of Belize. But with each passing day, it seems to some of us, that we as a people are getting nearer and nearer to a "point of no return;" where there is the potential for violent mayhem to explode with any incident that serves to ignite the smoldering tension and anger in the oppressed class of poorly educated, extremely frustrated people, who are increasingly within easy grasp of guns and other lethal firepower. The assassination-style murder of well-known activist/taxi driver Albert Cattouse last Thursday night has shocked the nation, already traumatized by the continued occurrence of unsolved murders in gang-infested neighborhoods predominantly on southside Belize City. And, for the sake of maintaining the uneasy equilibrium in our social and political life, we all hope and pray that the true explanation of Bert's demise will be revealed, and that it will point to a private misunderstanding or personal gripe or grievance; and that it is not, as some have speculated, in some way connected to the political activism that Bert had displayed throughout his life, and most vociferously only a few days before his cold-blooded murder.

The political hand
Dear Editor: 'I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the Unites States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of military justice, so help me God' is the oath of enlisted personnel for the United States military. The oath is pretty much standard for all armies in the world, and basically while some wording will differ a little, the core of it remains the same. The military of any nation has a Herculean responsibility to the nation they serve, and the Belize Defence Force is no different. The combined armed forces of a nation, unlike other government ministries or departments, is almost like the Fourth Estate, except that it has a constitutional mandate to defend the nation from enemies both from the exterior and within.

UB student questions Lands Department's slothfulness in processing land documents
Dear Editor: Land is a very important natural resource. The Mayas, like Africans, believed that the land belonged to the entire community, not to individuals. But the Europeans believed land was private property that would be bought and sold at any time. With colonization the European system of land ownership was brought to Belize. A small class of rich, absentee landlords developed. This system resulted in the growth of private wealth alongside widespread poverty while rich resources lay unused. (A History of Belize: Nation in the Making) During the years of slavery, about 12 families owned almost all of the private land in the settlement. After the abolition of slavery, the population still could not own land. The most important effect of the monopolization of land was that the power to make decisions depended on ownership of land, since only those who owned land could vote.

CORRUPTION:
Dear Editor, Excellent recent editorial; should be required reading in every classroom and from every pulpit! All you can do is to continue hammering away until "the people" get the big picture. Good luck in this (for the moment) thankless task. All the best, Russell Czarnecki

Charles Hogan reflects on his glory days of primary school football in 'Griga
Amandala (A): So, game 3 now! Charles Hogan (H): Game 3! Mein, this was the biggest game of my life! Part 3 A: What kind of crowd are you talking about for this game? All the primary schools? H: Now! Now, what we are talking about now� all the other schools had already been eliminated� This was for the finals now, between we and Sacred Heart. At this time now, there was no "hundreds of people," there were thousands of people� A: At which stadium was this taking place? The same Carl Ramos Stadium? H: At Carl Ramos Stadium, yes!� in those big goals� big goals for the twelve-, thirteen-year old kids. But we didn't see it as that then. All we knew it was a goal. A: About what age were the kids at that time in primary school? I understand primary school in the old days used to be up to fifteen years or more sometimes�

The curious case of BIL
Prime Minister Barrow on October 18th 2017 held a press conference in an attempt to rid his government once again of another major scandal. This time it was the $8 million contract to Gaspar Vega's nephew for the reconstruction of Faber's Road on the southside of Belize City. At the Prime Minister's press conference on Fabers Road, questions were not only limited to the topic of Faber's Road. Some questions were also raised about the completed Lake Independence Boulevard in Belize City. The Lake Independence Boulevard is that section of road in Belize between Chetumal Street Bridge and the George Price Highway. The project's engineer and the Prime Minister of Belize admitted that the road is a failure and will continue to be one. They disclosed that Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) did not follow the design and recommendations of the engineer.

Right to the Point: Another man down� more shots fired � body laid out!
Our streets are soaked with the blood of our youths and now, with the cold-blooded execution of activist Albert Cattouse, we now know that not even the old are safe. Violence is a mainstay of our diet and we are so accustomed to it that we simply say "oh mein� that sad" or "praying for the family" or "RIP" or "it breaks my heart" or "OMG!" and more, each time we see or read of yet another murder. The point is that we now mechanically express an emotion, but there is no action or heart behind it. There is not sufficient disgust in us or basic patriotism, to cause our people to answer to a call for action. We are down-trodden and defeated because we elect not to act against the level of complacency we as a society have fallen into. It is a rather sad reality, but in our own sadistic way we look forward to hearing about the next shooting, the next murder, the next victim, and the next morbid details of the violence in our cities, towns and even some rural areas. It is morbid and there must be sufficient of us with sufficient disgust and spunk still left in us to get out of the mode of complacency and rise to action to curb the crime situation, fight corruption and injustices as our brother Albert Cattouse did!

Two little smile stories from CB Hyde
The other day I'm with my dad, CB Hyde, and he told me these two little stories. The first one I practically know by heart; the second was new to me. "You know the story about Bob Turton and Ellen Oshan?" he says. Before I can answer, he clears his throat. This is one of his favourites. "Willy Stuart comes up to Grampa Jim (my grandfather, James B Hyde) one day�" "Hold," I say. "There's something I'd like to clear up before you go on. I know the relationship between Bob Turton and Grampa Jim. Bob was Belize's leading mahogany and chicle contractor, and Grampa was his chief mechanic and boat captain. What's Willy Stuart's relationship with Bob?" "Willy Stuart, Bob Turton, and Grampa Jim were good friends, from childhood thru adulthood. Bob Turton's family was very poor. Willy Stuart's family had a little money. Willy treated Bob very well. He used to buy treats for him at Belize Town's popular ice cream parlours, Shaba and Roddie's. You know the relationship between Bob and Ellen?" he asks.

Convicted murderer diagnosed with schizophrenia, awaiting decision on his appeal
The Belize Court of Appeal heard submissions in the appeal of Jason Bruce Lawrence, 40, who was convicted for the murder of his common-law wife, Mercedes Carillo, 40, and is serving a life-in-prison sentence. The murder occurred on December 4, 2009, in Burrell Boom. The court has reserved issuing its ruling until a later date. Lawrence's appeal was handled by his attorney, Yohanseh Cave. Cave listed a number of grounds on which he based the appeal, but they all fell by the wayside, leaving the Appeal justices to consider only the ground of diminished responsibility. Since he was sentenced to serve life in prison, Lawrence was examined by British psychologist Dr. Latham, who diagnosed him to be suffering from schizophrenia. This may have resulted in diminished responsibility when he committed the murder.

GOB and Ashcroft Alliance argue over final payment for BTL at Caribbean Court of Justice
The Government of Belize and the Michael Ashcroft companies which formerly controlled Belize Telemedia Limited before the 2009 nationalization appeared before justices at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in Port of Spain, Trinidad, this morning, as they argued in a session spanning almost three and a half hours, over how the remaining 50% of the nearly half-a-billion arbitral award is to be split up. According to information published by the CCJ, "The parties are seeking the Court's interpretation of the terms of a Settlement Agreement (attached as a Schedule to the Telecommunications Acquisition Settlement Act No. 14 of 2015) made between them on September 11, 2015 for compensation to be paid by the Government of Belize for the compulsory acquisition of shares in Belize Telemedia Ltd. and associated securities and companies."

No judges will be hired to assist the Chief Justice, a judicial source said
Two Thursdays ago, in answer to a reporter's question about the backlog of cases for which the Bar Association of Belize had taken Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin to task, Prime Minister Dean Barrow had said that government was in the process of hiring two retired judges from the Caribbean to assist the Chief Justice in writing his outstanding judgments. An impeccable source from the judiciary told Amandala last Thursday, however, that Prime Minister Barrow, an attorney himself, may have misspoken, because there are no plans to hire two retired judges to assist the Chief Justice with the writing of his outstanding judgments.

GOB and BBL case on $33 million UHS debt being heard at the CCJ
The Belize Bank is seeking permission from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the highest appellate court for Belize, to proceed with its case against the Government of Belize, which is now being required to pay an estimated $70 million and counting to settle a debt guarantee with penalties and interest for Universal Health Services, which has been transformed into Belize Healthcare Partners Limited. Appearing before the Caribbean Court of Justice today, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, appearing for the Belize Bank with Angeline Welsh, told the justices of the court that the Government is obliged to pay. He refuted the Government's position that the debt arrangements and the agreement with the bank to pay the private hospital's liability are in fact unconstitutional, especially since the approval required by Parliament had not been sought or granted.

The Reporter

GOB to launch cycle of the Basic Needs Trust Fund and Belize Social Investment Fund III Project
The Government of Belize, (GOB) in Collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank, is preparing to launch the Ninth funding cycle of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF9) and the Belize Social Investment Fund III Project. GOB and the CDB will hold the official launching of [�]

Guatemala headed for referendum
In March 2018, the people of Guatemala will go to referendum to decide whether or not to take its territorial dispute with Belize to the International Court of Justice. Guatemalan media reported that the government announced the official date on Monday. On March 18, Guatemalans [�]

GOB bans Offshore Oil, decriminalizes Marijuana & speeds up BTL fiberoptic Internet roll-out
The Government of Belize has banned all offshore petroleum exploration and exploitation, decriminalized marijuana, approved a $12 Million loan from the OPEC Fund to build a new Haulover bridge, finalized the Stake Bank cruise ship port agreement and facilitated the financing of Belize Telemedia's rapid [�]

Human trafficking - a growing problem in Belize
The attempted abduction of three schoolgirls in Progresso Village, Cayo district are but the most recent incidence of a form of modern-day slavery which has plagued much of Central America to different degrees, human trafficking or trafficking in persons (TIPS). There has been no official […]

The Curious Case of BIL
Prime Minister Dean Barrow on October 18, 2017 held a press conference in an attempt to rid his government once again of another major scandal. This time it was the $8million contract to Gaspar Vega's nephew for the reconstruction of Faber's Road on the southside of Belize City. At the […]

Pink eye secretion lives on
Environmental conditions, such as temperature and moisture, and other factors like contaminated surfaces that we use and touch can have a bearing on how long the pink eye epidemic lasts in Belize. Some bacteria can survive and remain contagious on things like money, keyboards and […]

Mexican President scheduled to visit Belize
Mexican President, Enrique Pena Nieto, will be making an official visit to Belize next Wednesday at the invitation of Prime Minister Dean Barrow. According to Mexican Embassy in Belize, Barrow invited the Mexican President to co-chair the IV CARICOM-Mexico Summit to be held in Belize next Wednesday […]

No work for teacher accused of sexual misconduct
A high school teacher who was accused of sexual misconduct with one of his female students at a Seventh Day Adventist high school in western Belize can no longer be employed with the Mission, an official of the mission told the Reporter on Monday.The high school teacher, who resigned from his employment when the report of his actions surfaced in June, was being investigated by police when the matter was brought to police attention. […]

Competing with Chetumal - Innovatively
Last week a few media houses reported on the fact that over the long weekend several thousand Belizeans chose to spend their free time and their hard-earned money in Mexico. The number, 12,607 departures, is almost six times more than the previous weekend, when 2,117 Belizeans went across the border. […]

odest growth for Latin America and Caribbean, says World Bank
Latin America and the Caribbean are on course to achieve modest economic growth for the first time in six years, despite the Caribbean’s plight this hurricane season with two major storms that pummeled several of the leeward islands. The World Bank's Chief Economist for Latin […]

Blood bank can't test blood, surgeries being suspended
Persons seeking elective (non-emergency) surgeries at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) are being deffered until further notice because of a shortage of blood at the Belize National Blood Transfusion Service (Blood bank). The KHMH said on Monday that it had been able to keep elective surgeries […]

Jane Usher area red hot; three murders in 2 weeks!
For the third time in only two weeks, the Jane Usher area has blown up like a wild west scene, with the murders of three youths, all of which are suspected to be linked. This speculation, we hasten to say, however, is based on street […]

Uno gas station robbed again!
For the second time this year, the UNO gas station off Vernon Street on Youth for the Future Drive has been the target of an armed robbery, and on both occasions, the incidents occurred in broad daylight. The latest incident occurred around 2:00 on Wednesday […]

Fist fight at nightclub leads to accidental shooting, traffic accident
A group of men who were embroiled in a fistfight inside a nightclub never imagined their fracas could have led to an accidental shooting when a security guard tried to restore order among them, and then end up in a traffic accident while heading to […]

Missing Norwegian man found dead
A five-day search for a Norwegian-Belizean businessman who was reported missing came to a close on Friday afternoon after his badly decomposed body was recovered from the dense forest off the Humming Bird Highway in St. Margarets village. Christoffer Roggema, 69, was found laying in a grassy […]

Editorial
The Government of Belize may have good and sufficient reason for regarding its Faber's Road Project as an emergency undertaking, exempting it from the usual public tender procedure, but the decision is nonetheless regrettable. . There are good reasons for requiring that all big tenders for public works go through […]

Lake-I Blvd ‘failure’ to cost tax-payers $5.5 Million MORE
Little more than a year after being built, Lake Independence Boulevard is in deplorable condition and by the Prime Minister’s own admission, a “failure” but taxpayers will have to shell out more than $5 Million to have it reconstructed properly, according to Belize Infrastructure Limited […]

$8M contract is the cheapest option
According to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, the sum of almost $8 Million for the Faber's Road contract was actually the cheapest option, given the standard at which the road will be built. Barrow held a press conference at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel […]

PM promises fuel price reduction
Prime Minister Dean Barrow assured drivers this week that it would only be a matter of days before the high cost of fuel goes down. Barrow, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, explained that the fuel importer PUMA is expecting a shipment coming in […]

Kareem Musa changes his mind
Kareem Musa, the People’s United Party’s (PUP) Caribbean Shores Area Representatives who, two weeks ago announced that he was considering challenging John Briceno’s leadership of the party at its November 26 convention, has decided that he will not run for leadership at this time. In […]

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

The Belize Civic Center: Stinking to the high heavens?
Contributed: There is a medical condition known as catatonia, which is a state of unresponsiveness to external stimuli [�]

Belize gets $12 million loan from OPEC for new Haulover bridge
Last week, Prime Minister Dean Barrow was out on official meetings in Washington. Barrow was [�]

GOB introduces bill to ban all offshore petroleum exploration and exploitation
At today's sitting of the House of Representatives, the Government of Belize introduced a bill [�]

Social media is helping to expose police brutality in Belize
Over the last few months, many videos have been surfacing on social media exposing police [�]

GIS Training for BDF and BCG
The Ministry of Defence conducted an Introduction to Geographic Information System (GIS) Training for members of the [�]

Bi-partisan support for misuse of drug amendment bill
This afternoon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Sedi Elrington introduced the amendment to the misuse [�]

PM Barrow concedes Lake I Boulevard a failure
The Lake I boulevard which connects the Chetumal Street bridge was a design failure, said [�]

Man who murdered wife suffered from schizophrenia
A man convicted of the murder of his common law wife and serving a life [�]

Senior citizen dies after being beaten in Southside, Belize City
On Saturday, October 14, 2017, Ricardo Vasquez, 82, was badly beaten in the Southside of Belize City. [�]

Tour guide jailed for attempted rape and burglary
A tour guide has now become a prisoner for a very despicable offense. He is [�]

Belize City Primary Schools participate in History and Social Studies Competition
Yesterday, the Belize City House of Culture and the Downtown Rejuvenation Project commenced its zone [�]

Guatemalan man sexually assaults 8 year old child
Undocumented Guatemalan National, Jorge Garcia, 31, has been remanded to prison for sexually assaulting an [�]

Imer Hernandez also granted multi-million dollar contract for Caye Caulker airstrip
Imer Hernandez, the nephew of disgraced erstwhile Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega has been granted [�]

Chinese shopkeeper robbed and chopped with a machete in PG
Yesterday morning, a female Chinese shopkeeper from Punta Gorda Town was robbed at her business [�]

Hispanic men tried kidnapping child in Succotz Village
Yesterday, a concerned resident informed BBN that in Succotz Village, Cayo District two men in [�]

Belmopan Police begins school feeding program
Yesterday, the Belmopan Police Formation commenced a feeding program for students at San Martin Primary [�]

Blogs

Beautiful Statue Unveiled at Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport in Belize City
This past weekend I received an invitation from my friend Dixie. A statue of her late husband Barry would be unveiled at the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport in Belize City. Dixie is also Lady Dixie Bowen, founder and headmistress of Ambergris Caye's Island Academy school. She was the wife of Sir Barry Bowen, a great Belizean who died way too early in 2010. Barry was a huge figure here in Belize - he was an entrepreneur, a demanding politician, fierce businessman, a generous philanthropist. He was the man behind Belikin Beer, Crystal Water, Coca-Cola and Fanta in Belize and much much more. Barry was the proud father of smart, beautiful,hardworking kids (who are not kids anymore), he was one of the richest men in the country . Barry was a 7th generation Belizean - Belizean through and through.

International Sourcesizz

Catastrophic hurricanes underscore need to press ahead with risk insurance for fishers, says CRFM
Several Caribbean countries have been recently devastated by two catastrophic hurricanes, Irma and Maria, underscoring the need for member states of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) to press forward with risk insurance for the fisheries sector, which is being developed by the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility Segregated Portfolio Company (CCRIF SPC, formerly known as the CCRIF) in collaboration with the World Bank. This initiative to develop risk insurance for the fisheries sector in Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states is supported by the United States government under the Caribbean Ocean and Aquaculture Sustainability Facility (COAST). At the seventh meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, hosted in Georgetown, Guyana, on October 5, 2017, policymakers underscored the need for CARICOM member states to move ahead with adopting risk insurance that would enable the fisheries sector and fishers to bounce back more quickly after a hurricane strikes.

President Enrique Pe�a Nieto will visit Belize to participate in the IV Mexico-CARICOM Summit
President Enrique Pe�a Nieto will attend the invitation of the Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow, to co-chair the IV Mexico-CARICOM Summit, to be held in Belize City, on October 25. His participation aims to consolidate the progress made at the Third Mexico-CARICOM Summit (Merida, Yucatan, April 2014) and to emphasize the importance of Mexico's cooperation with the Caribbean in the areas of security, migration, climate change mitigation and prevention of natural disasters.

Videos

  • Faber's Road Rehabilitation Project Press Conference, 30min. Evondale Moody, Chartered Engineer and Consultant in the Project Execution Unit of the Ministry of Works, details the scope of works for the Faber's Road Rehabilitation Project

  • Misuse of Drugs Act, 6min. The Bill to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act is expected to be passed at today's Meeting of the House of Representatives; the next step is for debate and ratification in the Senate, officially making it law. Our team sat down with the Attorney General to get a better understanding of the act �

  • Belize's First Line of Defence | Episode 4: Mission BDF Patrol, 16min.

  • United States Embassy changes over the years, 4min. The United States Embassy has experienced several changes over the years, this includes several developments in the Visa application process for Belizeans. For any questions regarding U.S visa applications, you can contact the embassy at telephone number 822-4011.

  • Night dives with school of Squids, Belize,September 2017, 1.5min. With Aggressor IV Liveaboard

  • Caribbean Reef Shark Swimming peacefully nearby, Belize, .5min.

  • Big Crab on a night dive, Belize, .5min.

  • Stingray@night dive, Belize, 1/4min.

  • Caribbean Reef Shark with divers, Belize, 1min.

  • Belize Part 1- Lionfish Hunt 2017, 4min. Our yearly Scuba Diving Adventure happened to be in Belize this year. We arrived in Belize City and 2.5 hour boat ride brought us to small island called LONG KEY. Minutes from any dive sites and only 30 min from THE Great Blue Hole. Abandoned Invasive Species of LIONFISH are everywhere on the Reef. We pulled 30 lbs each day and had all kind of meals out of them, Ceviche, Sushimi,In the soup and on the grill.

  • Mayan Woman Grinding Corn for Tortillas in Belize, 3min. Woman in Belize grinds corn for her family and as a small business in her community.

  • Aboard a Polaris, into the jungle..., 1min. at Mystic River Resort

  • BTB Annual Tourism Industry Conference, 22min. at the Ramada Hotel

  • Belize's Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow introducing legislation enshrining indefinite moratorium on offshore oil, 2min. From the House of Reprentatives as the Prime Minister introduces the "PETROLEUM OPERATIONS (MARITIME ZONE MORATORIUM) ACT, 2017" into the House of Representatives for the first of three readings before passage into law. This act will legislate an indefinite moratorium on ALL OFFSHORE OIL ACTIVITIES in ALL of Belize's maritime areas. This is a huge step towards safeguarding Belize's invaluable marine resources and World Heritage site.

  • THE GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION AGREE TO DECRIMINALIZE 10 GRAMS OF MARIJUANA, 5min. A total of 12 bills and a $20 million loan motion were discussed at today's House meeting. Among the bills that went for the third and final reading is the Misuse of Drugs Act, which is legislation to decriminalise the use and possession of 10 grams of Marijuana. The Opposition Leader gave his comments on the bill today, citing that while he would have preferred Legalisation, decriminalisation is an important first step. But for those who have been anticipating the piece of legislation, you still have to wait as the bill will be going before the Governor General for assent before it becomes law.

  • THE OPPOSITION LEADER TAKES HIS COMPLAINTS AGAINST IMER HERNANDEZ COMPANY TO THE HOUSE, 4min. All week long we have been reporting on the controversial awarding of a nearly $8 million dollar contract to Imer Hernandez Company Limited for rehabilitation of Faber's Road in Belize City. The issue turned into political headache for the Barrow Administration with threats of lawsuits and protests. While the PM attempted to quell the opposition to the project with a press conference on Wednesday, today Opposition Leader revisited the issue, looking at some of the work that the UDP-connected company has been responsible .

  • BOMBSHELL ON COMPOL WHYLIE, 7min. while the leaked classified document on ComPol Whylie could raise concerns over his appointment four years ago, another document revealing the salary of newly appointed CEO of Belize Telemedia Rochus Schreiber will raise eyebrows. Leader of the Opposition John Briceno made the revelation following Prime Minister Dean Barrow's introduction of a bill which will allow public entities controlled by the Government like BTL powers to seek loans. Here's how that went.

  • In commemoration of World Food Day, 10min. In commemoration of World Food Day which was observed across the world on Monday October 16th, today the Belize High School of Agriculture in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture held its first World Food Day Fair at the high school campus located in the village of San Lazaro here in Orange Walk Town. The event welcomed hundreds of guests and our news team was present and filed the following report.

  • Talk Ah Di Town October 19, 2017, 23min.

  • San Pedro Tourism Not Sagging Due To Crime, 2min.

  • Belize NOW | Episode 38, 35min. In tonight's headlines: Prime Minister Barrow clears the air on the Fabers Road Rehabilitation Project, The bill to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana passes in the House today, three Land bills are passed in the House as well, and we take a look at the roles of JPs. These stories and more on this week's edition of Belize Now. Thanks for joining us on this Friday, October 20th, 2017!

  • One day at Caye Caulker, Belize, 4.5min.

  • ALBERT PYREFIETTE SINGS BELIZE'S FATHER & SON! (PART ONE), 31min. When Belizean musical artist and Theologian, Albert Pyrefiette, the son of the legendary Belizean musical artist Louis Pyrefiette walked away from a major record deal with the Hollywood mogul and giant Warner Brothers to become a Christian theologian and minister, many of his friends wanted to know if he was crazy or just plain foolish.

  • Southwater - Belize, 5min. Scuba diving

  • Belize Tech Expo Wrap-up, 3min. BTL hosted its first Technology and Communication Tradeshow on September 27th & 28th where local and international vendors exhibited their latest products, services and solutions. Check out what our vendors and visitors enjoyed the most.

  • Belize Part 2-Nassau Grouper 2017 by Viktor Popov, 4min. One of many dives in Belize we went to National Park called Half Moon Key,there we dove 3 times and met with very friendly Nassau Grouper. They are protected everywhere in the world and they know it. Few of them were following us along our dive,and one let me pet him.

  • Belize History and Social Studies Competition Zone 2 Elimination Winners, 1min. Zone Winners of the Belize City Primary School History and Social Studies Competition 2017. � Aritza Sosa, St. Joseph � Avery Young, Unity Presbyterian � Aniq Perdomo, Ebenezer Methodist Primary School � Darwin Robinson, Salvation Army Primary School

  • Belize Dive - Nurse Shark, Carrie Bow Cay - Belize 2017min. 4.5

  • Belize - Sea Turtle, 1min.


  • Link Copied to Clipboard
    March
    S M T W T F S
    1 2
    3 4 5 6 7 8 9
    10 11 12 13 14 15 16
    17 18 19 20 21 22 23
    24 25 26 27 28 29 30
    31
    Cayo Espanto
    Click for Cayo Espanto, and have your own private island
    More Links
    Click for exciting and adventurous tours of Belize with Katie Valk!
    Who's Online Now
    0 members (), 327 guests, and 0 robots.
    Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
    Forum Statistics
    Forums44
    Topics79,199
    Posts500,011
    Members20,460
    Most Online7,413
    Nov 7th, 2021



    AmbergrisCaye.com CayeCaulker.org HELP! Visitor Center Goods & Services San Pedro Town
    BelizeSearch.com Message Board Lodging Diving Fishing Things to Do History
    BelizeNews.com Maps Phonebook Belize Business Directory
    BelizeCards.com Picture of the Day

    The opinions and views expressed on this board are the subjective opinions of Ambergris Caye Message Board members
    and not of the Ambergris Caye Message Board its affiliates, or its employees.

    Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5