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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
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
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 [�]