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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

Prime Minister of Belize Meets with the President of Mexico
Mexican President Enrique Pe�a Nieto arrived today, October 25, to participate in the IV CARICOM Mexico Summit. On hand to receive him was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Wilfred Elrington. Though this is President Pe�a Nieto's first visit to Belize, he emphasized that the visit is not merely protocol but reflects longstanding relations that is evidence by the substantive cooperation and bilateral engagement. Pe�a Nieto met with Prime Minister Barrow in a private bilateral meeting in which both Heads reviewed the state of play of the longstanding and friendly bilateral relations between Belize and Mexico, as well as cooperation in areas of mutual interest at the global level.

The Belize Mission Dental Project returns to Ambergris Caye
This is Dorman's 10th year of coming to Belize with the on-going Mission Project. "When we leave next week, planning will begin for next year's visit," said Dorman. "We are happy to be here. During the past years, we have made a lot of friends, and we all really look forward to this time of the year." Most of the team members have been taking part in the initiative for several years, but every year, new members join the team after finding out about the Mission through word of mouth or through dental professional magazine advertisements. It is estimated that Belize Mission Project costs the US volunteers more than $1 million US dollars for the two weeks they are away from their place of work, as well as their cost of staying and traveling to Belize.

Copa San Pedro Continues
During the seventh week of the Copa San Pedro 2017 Football tournament, nine games took place at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. The first two were played on Thursday, October 19th. At 7PM, Sandy Point faced Victoria House, with a solid 10-1 win for Sandy Point. At 9PM, Terror Squad won 4-1 over the G. Strikers. The following day, Jokers F.C faced United F.C, with a match that ended in a 2-2 draw. The second match took place at 9PM with Martha's Ice dominating 7-1 over G. Striker's. Copa San Pedro continues this upcoming weekend with six more games. On Thursday, October 26th, Jokers F.C face Sandy Point at 7PM, followed by Terror Squad against Victoria House Jr. On Friday, October 27th, Boca Bombers face United F.C at 7PM, and at 9PM Legends F.C take on Martha's Ice. The last two games of the week are scheduled for Sunday, October 29th, starting at 5PM, with Boca Bombers versus Sandy Point, and at 7PM, San Mateo F.C faces Assassins F.C. All islanders are invited to come out and support their favorite team this weekend. Food and refreshments will be on sale during the games.

Ambergris Caye's Eye Clinic hosts US ophthalmologists
Island residents, including students from various schools, benefited from the eye services of a team of ophthalmologists from Stanford University in California, USA. The week-long eye clinic started on Monday, October 23rd, and offered complete eye examinations that not only informed patients about their need for glasses but also detected any major eye diseases. The service, which is free of cost, is intended to take place every two months and is being done through the efforts of Belizekids.org, Canary Cove, Stanford University in California USA, the San Pedro Lions Club, and the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI). The free clinic is located at the Lions Den on Barrier Reef Drive and was inaugurated in May of this year. The clinic is equipped with all necessary machines in order to provide an array of services. According to Consi Nu�ez from Belizekids.org, the response from the public has been very positive and people are taking advantage of the free service. She said the ophthalmologists are able to diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration among others.

Ambergris Today

BTB Holds Belize Tourism Industry Conference
On Friday, October 20, 2017,The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) held its Annual Tourism Industry 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, says that the event is important for stakeholders to meet with the BTB to share trending topics in the industry. International guest speakers stressed in their talks about sustainable tourism and culinary tourism, the two main topics of the conference.

Sir Barry Bowen Immortalized
The Barry Bowen statute was unveiled on Thursday, October 19, 2017, at the municipal airstrip in Belize City which also carries his name. Eleven months ago, renovation to the airport were completed in November 2016 when it was renamed the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport. Today Sir Barry Bowen stands immortalized with a statue of his image at the entrance of the municipal airport in. Sir Barry was a pioneering captain of industry who was known for his love of flying. Bowen would use that airstrip to fly his plane to San Pedro and back to the Belize City almost on a daily basis for business and pleasure. He was knighted for touching the lives of many in the country as his businesses in Belize extended to many sectors.

Misc Belizean Sources

mzz

September 2017 External Trade & Consumer Price Index
September 2017: During the month of September 2017, Belize's imported goods were valued at $144.5 million, down by 7.2 percent or $11.3 million from the $155.8 million imported in September of 2016. Imports declined across most categories during the month, with notable increases observed only in goods destined for the 'Commercial Free Zones' and in the importation of 'Mineral Fuels and Lubricants'. Heightened purchases of footwear, clothing and perfumes led to an increase of more than one fourth in Commercial Free Zone imports, from $28.7 million in September 2016 to $36.3 million in September 2017
The total value of Belize's domestic exports for the month of September 2017 was $48.5 million, this was more than twice that recorded for September 2016, which amounted to $21.4 million. A shipment of bulk sugar for the month was the source of the significant jump in export earnings. Since no bulk sugar was exported during the same month of last year, earnings from the country's top commodity saw a sharp jump, as export returns surged from $0.4 million in September 2016 to $28.5 million in September 2017. In addition, favourable banana sales resulted in a $2 million growth in earnings from that major export, as revenues increased for the month of September from $6 million in 2016 to $8 million in 2017.

Meeting of Foreign Ministers of CARICOM and Mexico
At the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City for the 4th CARICOM-Mexico Summit

President of Mexico Enrique Pe�a Nieto arrives at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City for a Bilateral Meeting with the Prime Minister of Belize Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow.

Suspected Arson on San Pedro
On 24.10.17 about 3:27p.m., 39-year-old Carla Velasquez of 8 miles north of San Pedro reported that on 15.10.17 about 6:00 a.m., she along with her common-law husband Emir Recinos and her children left their house due to flooding. She stated that on 18.10.17 sometime around 12:00p.m., her common-law husband informed her that the house had been totally destroyed by fire. The house and its contents were valued at $15,000. Police are investigating a case of suspected arson.

Grandmother and grandchild shot
On 24.10.17 about 6:25 p.m., police visited # 96 New Road where they saw 60-year-old Judith Rocke suffering from a gunshot wound to the right forearm. She stated about 6:23 p.m. she was inside her house along with four adults and four minors when they heard several gunshots. Judith Rocke was injured and her 7-year-old granddaughter Malli Herrera was rushed to the KHMH suffering from gunshot wounds to her lower back and abdomen.

Two 10 minute power outages 5:00 a.m. to 5:10 a.m. & 3:50 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 29: entire Orange Walk & Corozal Districts.
BEL to facilitate maintenance works to be conducted by CFE.

Belize Fishing Report, Weeks of Oct. 16th - Oct. 22nd, 2017
Tough weather week with rain and clouds but anglers still managing to land a fair share of bonefish. We entertained a large Orvis group, and everyone had a Grand Time. Good friends are taking home lots of fish stories throughout the week. We are looking forward to the wind blowing these clouds out of here so that we can see again. Come on sun!

Belize at the 2 day CTO Roadshow in the Netherlands

Want to send a letter of support for the offshore moratorium legislation to the members of the National Assembly?
Click this link!

IT'S SHOWTIME WITH BELIZE CHAPLAIN SERVICES! Your Invitation To A Concert Of Show Tunes And Jazz
Have a great time and support a great cause! Belize Chaplain Services is a growing interdenominational, interfaith, country wide movement which provides spiritual and practical comfort to roots Belizeans in times of trouble, especially in hospitals. We also visit old peoples' homes and prisons, and work with the National Blood Donor Service to help build the blood bank. We are raising funds to help with providing comforts to patients and visitors in hospitals, as well as training materials for new and existing chaplains. Please support us by buying tickets for this great family concert. At St Ann's Belmopan, 4pm on Sunday 29th October.

Splashers
Join us this week at Crazy Canucks to paint "Witching Hour" from 2pm-4pm! Remember to sign up to reserve your seat for Thursday October 26th.

The Real Coconut helps create a sustainable economy in Belize with the launch of US snack line
The Coconut Industry can prove very economic for Belize. One company taps into Coconuts from Belize for their new product. After building a successful restaurant in Mexico based in part on the popularity and health benefits of coconut, entrepreneur Daniella Hunter is expanding her mission of promoting digestive well-being and sustainability to the US and Belize with a new line of baked goods and snacks.

CARICOM/Mexico Summit Leasers
Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community and President of the United Mexican States H.E. Enrique Pena Nieto at the IV CARICOM/Mexico Summit

Opening Ceremony for the IV CARICOM/Mexico Summit at the Belize Best Western Biltmore Plaza

Prime Minister of Belize Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow's Address at the Opening of the IV Mexico-CARICOM Summit
Your Excellency Enrique Pe�a Nieto, President of the United Mexican States, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Secretary General of CARICOM. I wish, first, to welcome all of you to Belize. Whether you are a first-time visitor to our shores or have been here before, you will know either by reputation or experience that our tremendous physical attractions and the warm hospitality of our people are very much yours to enjoy. It is a pity that the compressed squeeze of our allotted time, together with the extended nature of our agenda, will not allow any leisurely sampling of Belize's pleasures. What it will do, though, is to persuade you that opportunities to return in the future must be found, manufactured even, and acted upon with alacrity.

Prime Minister of Belize Meets with the President of Mexico
Mexican President Enrique Pe�a Nieto arrived today, October 25, to participate in the IV CARICOM Mexico Summit. On hand to receive him was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Wilfred Elrington. Though this is President Pe�a Nieto's first visit to Belize, he emphasized that the visit is not merely protocol but reflects longstanding relations that are evident by the substantive cooperation and bilateral engagement. President Pe�a Nieto met with Prime Minister Barrow in a private bilateral meeting in which both Heads reviewed the state of play of the longstanding and friendly bilateral relations between Belize and Mexico, as well as cooperation in areas of mutual interest at the global level.

Looking for coastal data device on Caye Caulker
The CCVC would like to ask the assistance of the community in locating the device below that was erected in the vicinity of the split channel. If anyone has any information on the instruments whereabouts please call 226 0043. This instrument was being used to collect data that is assisting us in carrying out a study of the coastline in Caye Caulker. Thank You.

SMCU Breaks Ground in Benque
Saint Martin's Credit Union broke ground on their new site in Benque. The new branch should be finished in February of next year. "Ground Breaking Ceremony for our Benque branch was held yesterday 18 October, 2017 in Benque Viejo Del Carmen. With this new branch we will bring to all Benque�os and surrounding communities, the same quality brand and service that we are known for. We look forward to welcoming you to our new branch in early February 2018. "

Welcoming Hector Verdugo
Thank you to the Orange Walk Mayor Kevin Bernard, Orange Walk Town Council, Banquitas House of Culture (NICH), Orange Walk's Community Policing Unit, and the students and teachers of Orange Walk for welcoming Hector Verdugo--a former gang member, now Associate Executive Director of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles! He had a wonderful experience with the students and cadets of the Orange Walk District and was impressed by the Orange Walk community's collaboration and dedication to its youths!

Victoria house reopens
Victoria House is pleased to announce that we are now OPEN! Our annual maintenance period was a success, and we are excited to invite our guests back to enjoy the upgraded facilities. Thank you for your patience during this period.

Channel 7

Mexican Prez Pena Nieto In Belize for CARICOM Summit
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto left the country a short while ago on his presidential jet after his first visit to Belize. He arrived at 10:45 this morning, and left half an hour ago, so his trip It lasted less than eight hours. But the agenda was packed. And the highlite was the fourth CARICOM-Mexico Summit, which was held this afternoon. 7News was there and Jules Vasquez has the story:... Jules Vasquez Reporting: Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto had by far the biggest entourage of officials and security when he swept into the Biltmore Best Western this afternoon. He stopped to give greetings to hotel staff who were hovering in the dining room and then greeted host Prime Minister Dean Barrow upstairs with an "abrazo." Make no mistake, Pena Nieto was the centerpiece of this summit because he's one of the few leaders of a G20 nation willing to sit with CARICOM leaders - building on a relationship established back in 1974.

CARICOM and Mexico Make Agreements
The meeting lasted just under two hours - and when it was done about two hours later, the leaders gave a statement to the press about what was resolved. Here's CARICOM Chairman Mitchell. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell - PM Grenada, Chairman of CARICOM: "We discussed also how best to increase the resilience of our countries to the force of climate change and committed to strengthen cooperation within the region and our development partners, international organizations and agencies towards enhancing support for greater adaptation and mitigation measures. Cooperation and de-risking are one of the main areas agreed on in this seventh Mexico-CARICOM meeting. The Technical Cooperation Program in the areas of health, statistics and ICT are also included in line with priorities of CARICOM's strategic plan 2015 to 2019. We want to thank you for this excellent meeting that we've had as brothers and sisters in this region."

Another Man Shot In Head In Broad Daylight In Martin's Area
The terrible wave of deadly gun violence continues in the St. Martinis Area Belize City. There has been another broad daylight shooting - and, again, the victim was shot in the head. Somehow though, he is still alive tonight at the KHMH - where he is in the operating theater and doctors are trying to save his life. 28-year-old Burrel Boom resident Cardinal Andrews was shot in the back of the head this evening around 4:00 on Partridge Street at the junction with Patridge Extension. Andrews was reportedly socializing outside a friend's house. It was a panicked and frenzied scene on the street - where bystanders rushed to his aid. They put him inside a police mobile which appeared on the scene almost immediately.

Woman and Grand-daughter Shot Inside Home
And now back to the shooting we told you about last night on New Road. It happened around 6:30 when 60 year old Judith Rocke and three of her grandchildren were watching the news in their living room. They heard gunshots - which were tearing into the house from a shooter who stood on New Road. Rocke and her 7 year old granddaughter was shot. Rocke only received a gunshot to her forearm, while 7 year old Mali Herrera was shot in her back. Rock was treated and released from the hospital and she told us more: Voice of: Judith Rocke - Shooting Victim: "About 6 of us was in the parlor area watching television and about a minute or two after that we just hear gunshot started to fire." Jules Vasquez - Reporter: "Where was your grand-daughter?"

Fire: Homeowner Claims Arson, Fire Dept. Says Not So
This morning around 11:30 a fire devoured a 24 by 30 bungalow house on Tigris Street in Belize City. When the fire started, five people including two minors were inside, but thankfully they all escaped unharmed. The residents of the house were renting it from Darrel Young who is the owner. Young strongly believes that the fire is the product of arson, but after investigating, the fire department has concluded otherwise. We spoke to both Young and the Assistant Fire Chief:... Voice of: Darrel Williams, Owner of House: "As far as I know I think its arson."

"Unlimited" Brutality?
Last night we told you about Bernard Cayetano, known as "Unlimited" the musician who is a part of the musical camp managed by Kenneth Big Tom Flowers. Flowers told us "Unlimited" was arrested when the 21 year old went to pick up items at Big Tom's apartment. He added that police had beaten him and injure his foot. Well, today Cayetano appeared in court on charges brought on by the Constable Bernal Valdez. Valdez alleged that when they went to search "Big Tom's" house on 4242 Croton Lane, Cayetano was there and he reportedly assaulted the officers, obstructed them, and resisted arrest.

Alex Underwood On Remand
A well known gang affiliated figure Alex Underwood, is in jail tonight, remanded for a single round of ammunition. 28 year old Underwood, who is linked to the Southside Gangsters was arrested along with his younger brother 24 year old Austin Underwood for a single round of 5.54 ammunition. Police claim they found it in his yard in the Yabra area - his people insist police planted it - and that Austin Underwood was not even there at the time. They were arraigned yesterday on a single charge of kept prohibited ammunition. Both pleaded not guilty but due to the nature of the offenses, they were remanded to prison. They can only apply for Supreme Court bail.

Church Senator Refuses to Support Decriminalization of Marijuana
TODAY, the Senate met in Belmopan to consider some of the bills taken to the House last week Friday. A number of important pieces of legislation were debated, but we start first with the debate over the 2017 Amendment Bill for the Misuse of Drugs Act. That's the bill that was first tabled in August and which legally allows for recreational use of marijuana in quantities of 10 grams or less. Very much like the lower House, the Bill received bi-partisan support, but there were a wide range of views on marijuana decriminalization We have excerpts of the debate, starting with Church Senator Ashley Rocke's refusal to support the amendment. Here's how that went:

Some Senators Says Haulover Loan Is Shady
Another piece of legislation that inspired fiery debate was a loan motion for a new Haulover Bridge. The Government intends to borrow 24 million Belize dollars from the Opec Fund. Now in the house no one got too uptight about it, but, today the Opposition and the Social partners pounced on the motion. They say that Government passed a 60-million-dollar loan motion in 2014 which was supposed to have covered the cost of the bridge. So they questioned why the Government needed to borrow more money now to separately cover the cost of the new bridge.

Senate Battles Over Temporary Residency
And finally from the Senate tonight, we take you to the debate over the Immigration Amendment Bill of 2017. In this amendment, the Government intends to create a new class of persons with legal immigration status in Belize. It's called "temporary residency", which is different from permanent residency. It seeks to assist international investors who do business in Belize, but are heavily burdened by the immigration procedures. Here's the Senate debate on that amendment: Valerie Woods - Opposition Senator: "I am at a loss having reviewed the immigration act and the amendments made, I believe it was 2014, 2015 and 2016, as to what is the urgency of now creating temporary residence for investors. Why would we tinker with this now? One would have to assume unless told otherwise and presented with data, that it is some urgency. How much faster, because it is not clear in this at all, how much faster will the process be for temporary residencies to be granted than the current regular permanent residence process?"

When Will Belize Hold Its ICJ Referendum?
As we reported last week, Guatemala will hold its referendum on the ICJ on March 18, 2018. That date is now written in stone in that country after it was approved by the Guatemalan Congress last week. But, what about Belize, when will our referendum be held - or might a "no" vote in Guatemala put the whole thing in jeopardy? That's what we asked the Foreign Affairs CEO today:... Pat Andrews, CEO - Foreign Affairs: "We will move along the lines of first completing our municipal elections and then it is slated that maybe sometime around May/June the re-registration process can start. The review of the electoral process can start and then we will be looking at that taking us up to maybe the end of 2018. So late 2018, early 2019."

Floodwaters Recede in Cayo - Could Be Coming To Belize
The floodwaters in the Cayo District are receding very slowly - and it will be some days before the temporary bridge and the Iguana Creek Bridge are re-opened. That is, assuming no more heavy waters come down from Peten. The waters at the three dams in the Cayo District are also reported to be receding. Now, the attention has turned to the Belize District is bracing for water coming down from the west. NEMO today held meetings with village chairmen and is urging livestock owners in the River Valley to be prepared for possible floodwaters coming down.

World Youth Conference Coming To Belize
The World Youth Conference is held annually in different countries - and this year, it is coming to Belize. The aim of the conference is to bring together young people between the ages of 19 and 35 together to be inspired by not just speakers but also each other. This is a very big undertaking for Belize as panelists and participants from all over will be coming to Belize City. Hosting such an event comes with a hefty fee and thankfully Belize got some much-needed help from the Taiwanese government. 7News was there for the handing over and got some more insight on the upcoming conference from an organizer and Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber.

Channel 5

Mexico and CARICOM Meet in Belize
Belize today played host to the fourth gathering of the heads of government of the Caribbean and Mexico. Mexico is one of the most populous nations surpassing by far the [...]

CARICOM Chair Announces Increased Contribution for Disaster Management
The CARICOM/Mexico Summit concluded just after five o'clock this evening at the Best Western Hotel and it was immediately followed by a press conference led by Doctor Keith Mitchell, Prime [...]

Plans for Increase in Trade and Cooperation
Among the other areas of focus is an aim to bolster trade and investment between CARICOM and Mexico, through investment promotion agencies.� Likewise, the announcement of a high-level private/public sector [...]

Mexico Pledges More Support for Hurricane-Hit Islands
President Enrique Pe�a Nieto aside from reaffirming Mexico's commitment to assisting the hurricane-affected island nations of the Caribbean also spoke about the need for improving bilateral cooperation in other areas [...]

Antigua and Barbuda Fights On after Hurricane Hits
In mid-September of this year, the island country of Barbuda was deemed uninhabitable after category-five hurricane Irma flattened the island. Thousands were displaced and transferred to the twin island of [...]

Antigua Minister Says Rebuilding Will Cost Hundreds of Millions
But even as Barbuda is in the early stages of rebuilding, the next hurricane season starts in seven months.�� According to Minister Greene, the greatest challenge facing the island is [...]

Grandmother and Granddaughter Shot on New Road
Just before news time on Tuesday night shots rang out on New Road. As sixty-year-old Judith Rocke and her grandchildren sat inside their house to watch the television evening news, [...]

Evening Shooting Leaves Boom Resident Critical in Hospital
There is another shooting to report as violence continues to grip the south side of Belize City. Twenty-eight-year-old Cardinal Andrews is said to be in critical condition after he was [...]

"Unlimited" Charged for Resisting Police over 'Big Tom'
Up and coming local artist Unlimited was slapped with three charges today when he appeared in court. Unlimited, whose real name is Bernard Cayetano, was charged with obstruction, resisting arrest [...]

Clarification on Policeman Accused in Video
On Tuesday's newscast, we reported on a question asked of the commissioner of police by a reporter which suggested that the officer referred to in the video posted by Cross [...]

Derisking Still an Issue for Caribbean
The loss of correspondent banking, also known as derisking, was a sticking point for Antiguan Minister of Trade, E.P. Chet Greene. His government has taken the lead for the Caribbean [...]

Antigua Minister Looks for Trade and Infrastructure Help at Summit
Even before the arrival of Mexican President Enrique Pe�a Nieto, the official delegations including heads of states from CARICOM and the respective foreign ministers, met at the Best Western Belize [...]

Senate Debates Haulover Bridge Motion; The Devil is in the Details
The upper chamber of the National Assembly met in regular session today to consider multiple motions and bills, most brought from the House of Representatives after it met last Friday. [...]

Junior Finance Minister Says Design Issue Will Be Settled
In response, Minister of State for Finance, Doctor Carla Barnett, noted that the impact of climate change has forced new thinking in the design and development of infrastructure. She was [...]

Will Youths Be Harmed by Marijuana Ease?
Other bills including amendments to legislation on land, protection of married persons, immigration and temporary residency and BELTRAIDE were also debated, with the International Banking Bill still to come this [...]

A.G. Says Cigarettes, Alcohol More Dangerous than Weed
Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte, among others, tried to make a correlation between use of legal drugs such as alcohol and tobacco in public, and the use of marijuana which is [...]

Belize Plans Referendum on I.C.J. after Municipals
On Monday, we reported that the Guatemalan government has decided that the referendum on taking the territorial claim to Belize will be held on March eighteenth 2018. That country is [...]

Fire Claims House on Tigris Street
Around eleven-twenty five this morning a fire broke out inside a house on Tigris Street. Five family members, three adults and two children, were inside the house at the time [...]

Taiwan Donates for World Youth Conference
In less than two weeks over two hundred youths from around the world will gather in Belize for the World Youth Conference. The conference will convene national, regional and international [...]

Forum Tonight on Regional Border Disputes
This evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is hosting representatives of several Caribbean countries at a forum at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts here in Belize City. The [...]

CTV3

Impasse Is Over...BPD And Media Mend Fences
And with that internal hurdle considered "done" by Ministry officials, they also addressed the external hurdle that a media boycott on Police affairs had become. The boycott was imposed on October 12, signalling a severe breakdown in communication between the two entities. For the media, access to a free flow of information in particular with issues of high public interest is key. For the Police, it has seemed, the provision of information is subjective to their views. The boycott lasted until today when discussions at a meeting led to an agreement that the Police will not impede information to the public.

Will Former Police Press Officer Be Punished For Speaking Out?
Yesterday the Police high command caved in to the media's demands for a constant stream of information to be able to keep the public informed. This after an almost two-week media boycott of their events triggered by the Police's refusal to pass information. What may have led to the Police Department giving in could be statements by Police Inspector Fitzroy Yearwood who called in the Krem WUB programme to lash out at his own Department for castigating him back in August. Yearwood was the media relations officer for the Department until he passed information about a violent incident involving one of the Castro sons. He was transferred from the post right after. In his call to the radio station, Yearwood said he would defend his integrity even at the expense of losing his job. Yesterday Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie was asked what they will be doing about Yearwood's public statements, and the ComPol said the inspector's fate lies on an investigation.

Another Suspect Questioned For Robbery At Tans Store
Last week we reported that Orange Walk Police detained one individual for questioning in connection to an armed robbery which occurred on the night of Wednesday October 18th in the Black Water Creek area of Trial Farm Village. But while there was no evidence for charges to be levied upon the said individual, he was later released from police custody. However, tonight we can report that authorities have detained a second person who they believe is associated with the crime.

Price Of Goods Continue To Spike
The Statistical Institute of Belize issued its most recent figures on consumer prices and external trade for Belize throughout the month of September. We begin by taking a look at the statistics for Consumer Price Index (CPI) which illustrates that in comparison to September of last year there was an increase of 0.7 percent in the average cost of goods and services regularly purchased by households this year. The All-Items CPI for September 2017 stood at 104.4 compared to August of 2016 which stood at 103.7. (CPI fig 1) For the first nine months of 2017, an inflation rate of 1.2 percent was recorded. The transport category saw an increase of 6.6 percent, sighting the sector as the major contributing factor in the overall rise in consumer prices for the month of August.

Senators Raise Questions On $12M Loan For Haulover Bridge
Last Friday the Government majority in the House of Representatives rushed through a bill for a U.S. $12m loan from the OPEC Fund as partial financing for the replacement of the Haulover Bridge at the entrance to Belize City. When the Opposition Leader John Briceno requested more time to study the loan motion, the Prime Minister called him names and did not support the request. There was little further explanation about the project, but today there was much discussion before the Senate as to the need for the loan. The Business and Opposition Senators raised questions about the loan, since back in they had already deliberated on a loan for the bridge back in 2014.

Regular Fuel Drops By 16 Cents...Kerosene Increases
Over the past months Belizeans have been paying record high prices for fuel while other Central American countries are experiencing considerable drops providing relief to drivers. Here in Belize while the Prime Minister has promised to reduce the cost per gallon of fuel it seems that won't happen anytime soon or if it does it won't be a drastic drop which is exactly what Belizeans are clamouring for.

Scrap Stamping Of Passport At Northern Border, Says Opposition Leader
During Friday's House of Representatives several bills were dealt with. One was an amendment to the Immigration Act in respect to temporary residency. The bill seeks to add the C.E.O. in the Ministry of Labor to the Visa Vetting Committee and clarify the role of the C.E.O. in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Opposition however, raised some serious questions in regard to the bill especially considering the ongoing Senate inquiry. And while on the topic of the Immigration Amendment Bill - Opposition Leader John Briceno also introduced the notion of: no more checking in at the border when going to Mexico, an idea bought forward some time ago by Orange Walk residents who are concerned over the necessity of having Belizeans check in at the border during every exit.

LOVE FM

Regular Gas decreased while Kerosene increased
Today, Regular gasoline decreased from by sixteen cents putting the new price at ten dollars and thirteen cents per gallon. The price for Premium gasoline remains the same at eleven dollars and ninety two cents. There was also no change in the price for Diesel which remains at nine dollars and sixty three cents per [�]

Guatemala has gone ahead of Belize by setting a date for its Referendum
The Guatemalan Congress has set March 18 2018 as the day more than seven million Guatemalan are expected participate in the Belize/Guatemala referendum. Belize has yet to officially set a date but according to the CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Patrick Andrews, it will more likely be at the end of 2018. Patrick [�]

Senate approves OPEC Loan
Today, the loan for twelve million US dollars from the OPEC Fund for International Development was passed in the Senate. That loan is for the replacement of the Haulover Bridge and will subsidize part, or sixty-eight percent of the overall cost of the project. The terms allow government a five-year grace period and fifteen years [�]

Cayetano: I was Beat Up and Threatened by Police
Twenty-one year old Musician and businessman Bernard Cayetano aka "Unlimited", was holding his abdomen as if he was in great pain, when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser for three charges to be read to him. Cayetano was charged with obstructing a police officer, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. He [�]

Police Sensitizing the Public to Marijuana Bill
During a press briefing yesterday, the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie confirmed that the escalation of crime in Southside Belize City is a result of gangs feuding over territory and drugs, one of which is marijuana. With the passage of the amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act, which decriminalizes up to ten grams of [�]

Taiwan donates $25K towards World Youth Conference
The World Youth Conference will be held next month in Belize and will be hosted by the Department of Youth Services. Today, Taiwanese Ambassador, Charles Liu handed over $25,000 to help with the expenses that will be incurred as a result of hosting the event in Belize. Here is what Ambassador Liu had to say [�]

Torrential Rains disrupt Classes in the Southern District
Recent rains caused flooding across the country, including Dangriga, where residents have to deal with inundated streets. Harry Arzu tells us more. Harry Arzu "The torrential rains that also descended over the Stann Creek District including Dangriga over the past few days have disrupted regular classes in some rural communities and in this municipality. Today [�]

Belizean Author Launches Book
Yesterday Belizean Author Leodegario Obando launched his book entitled, ""El Puente/The Bridge". The ceremony was held at the Santa Elena House of Culture and was facilitated by the National Institute of Culture and History through the Museum of Belize. Fem Cruz caught up with Obando this morning. Fem Cruz "Yesterday morning at the House of [�]

Insurance: "Enriching Lives Through Financial Freedom"
This week is Insurance Week and the insurance companies will be hosting a week of activities under the theme "Enriching Lives Through Financial Freedom". Derick Perera, the Public Relations Officer of the Belize Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (BELAIFA), spoke to Love News about this week's activities. Derick Perera "We have a week of [�]

"Walk For a Green Belize"
On October 14, the Department of Environment, the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority and the Belize Audubon Society partnered to conduct the "Walk for a Green Belize" campaign. Volunteers cleaned both sides of the George Price Highway from Belize City to the town of Benque Viejo del Carmen. About 985 bags of garbage were collected, [�]

Criss Dih Nitro alleges state sanctioned hit on 'Big Tom'
The Belize Police Department is in possession of a disturbing video posted on Facebook last night. The video is from Belizean artist, Criss Dih Nitro and he says that a hit has been placed on Kenneth 'Big Tom' Flowers. In his four minutes video, Criss Dih Nitro, alleges that a state sanctioned hit has been [�]

Amandala

POVERTY ALLEVIATION OR GENTRIFICATION?
Every now and then, we have to remind our readers, in fact we have to enlighten the younger ones actually, how this Kremandala institution came to be, with the newspaper Amandala in the first instance in August of 1969. The reason we have to rehash the history is so that our readers, at home and abroad, can understand why we take the positions that we do. We take the positions that we do because we owe a debt of gratitude to roots Belizeans from 48 years ago who enabled the establishment of this institution and then defended us in the streets. Older Belizeans who are hard core supporters of the People's United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) never want to be reminded of the Kremandala history. In the case of PUP aficionados, they do not want to be reminded that the founders of this newspaper were leaders of an organization which defeated the previously undefeated PUP in the streets of Belize City in 1972. And, in the case of the UDP traditionalists, they don't want to hear anything about the aforesaid organization - the United Black Association for Development (UBAD), because UBAD was founded four and a half years before the UDP was born in September of 1973, and because the record shows that it was to UBAD that the Hon. Philip Goldson, the national hero, turned in late 1971 when he felt surrounded and threatened by those who would establish the UDP two years later and remove him from Opposition leadership.


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Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Belizean media pioneer and hotelier featured in Forbes
Stewart Krohn, founder of Great Belize Productions and Channel 5, tourism stakeholder and hotelier; was [�]

Gunshot victim on life support
Police have issued an official report on the man who was shot to his head [�]

Man shot in the head on Partridge Street
A man was just gunned down in front of #3 Partridge Street in Belize City. [�]

Mexican President Enrique Pe�a Nieto extends generous offer to PM Barrow and Belize
Mexican President Enrique Pe�a Nieto extends generous offer to PM Barrow and Belize. Ahead of the IV [�]

Senators clash on Marijuana Decriminalization
The Misuse of Drug Amendment Bill was presented to the Senate today. Senator Aldo Salazar supported [�]

Business and opposition senators question urgency for Immigration Amendment Bill
At today's Senate Meeting, the Immigration Amendment Bill 2017 was introduced. Business Senator, Mark Lizarraga [�]

Business and Opposition Senators demand more info on $12 Million Haulover loan
At today's Senate meeting several bills were tabled, including the Land Tax Amendment Bill 2017, [�]

Belizean boy gets life-saving heart surgery thanks to Rotary
A 13-month-old baby boy from Belize diagnosed as having a hole in his heart successfully [�]

Fire in San Pedro!
A home burnt to the ground sometime between October 15th and the 18th, however, the owners [�]

Burglary in San Pedro
A San Pedro resident is claiming that his home was burglarized sometime in the month [�]

Police Department will punish Inspector Fitzroy Yearwood
Police Inspector, Fitzroy Yearwood, will pay for his recent public outburst in the media regarding [�]

Cold front passing over Belize
The National Meteorological Service is reporting that a cold front is passing over the country [�]

Mexican President, Enrique Pena Nieto, commends Belize
Mexican President, Enrique Pena Nieto, has issued a statement regarding his visit to Belize for his [�]

Walk for a Green Belize, a success
In commemoration of World Environment Day 2017, the Department of the Environment (DOE), the Belize [�]

BTIA congratulates Government for Maritime Zone Moratorium
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) issued a release yesterday stating that it congratulates the [�]

Blogs

Suggestions for Ambergris Activities on a Rainy Day
As you can imagine, I've been getting this question quite a bit over the last week. "What is there to do in San Pedro on a rainy day?" Ambergris Caye is a spot that people visit to enjoy the outdoors - the reef, the beach, the sun. Many travel to the mainland to trek among Maya pyramids or to drift through a cave dripping with crystal covered stalagtites. But rain�and EPIC rains (and I never use that word) like we are experiencing now put a damper on most of those activities. Yes, you can still snorkel and dive in the rain�you are wet anyway, right? But some prefer to wait for sunnier weather. I am using these dark times to pump the water out of our yard, carry Elsie to dry land for her daily walks, monitoring the weather satellite services, reading and working.

International Sourcesizz

Caribbean States improve ability to prosecute fisheries cases
Twenty border control officers from six Member States of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) completed a three-week training course in Fisheries Prosecution and Interdiction, organized by the Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS) in collaboration with the CRFM Secretariat, the Government of Barbados and the British Royal Navy's Fisheries Protection Squadron. The training, held at the Coast Guard Base of the Barbados Defense Force: HMBS Pelican, brought together officers of the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force Coast Guard, Barbados Coast Guard, Royal Barbados Police Force Marine Unit, Royal Grenada Police Force Marine Unit, Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Marine Unit, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Coast Guard, and the St. Kitts-Nevis Defense Force Coast Guard. The aim of the course was to heighten the awareness and enhance the skills and competencies of authorized officers who have border security responsibilities for enforcing the laws under the Fisheries Acts, Fisheries Regulations and supporting administrative policies.

How to Open a Hotel in Belize
How does a law school dropout from Detroit end up a hotel partner in Belize? Stewart Krohn, 67, is a modern-day Renaissance man. Before opening Na�a Resort and Spa in Placencia, Belize, Krohn worked as a first mate, a tennis pro, wrote for a magazine, started a magazine, became a television producer, and founded Belize's first local TV station-sometimes doing two jobs simultaneously. Leaving Michigan for Belize. "I started law school at University of Michigan in 1972. When I got halfway through my studies, I decided to reward myself with a holiday. I had previously run into a fellow at the tennis club where I worked who owned a resort in Belize. He had a 50-foot sailboat. He said if I could find my way down there, the rest of the vacation would be on him. At this point in December 1973, the snow was three feet deep outside my window. I couldn't call him, so I sent a cable, bought a ticket to go to Belize, and went out sailing for a week with this guy. When we reached the harbor after a week at sea-fabulous diving, fishing, the whole bit-he said his first mate was leaving, and would I like the job? For some reason I said yes, thinking this would be a one-semester leave of absence. One semester turned into a 44-year leave of absence.

CALL FOR APPLICATION!!! Apply for British Army Ongoing Recruitment for Commonwealth Countries, 2018 Apply Now
The Benefits of Belonging to the British Army. A sense of belonging may sound like a small thing. Yet it fuels you as much as food and water because it doesn't just feed your body, it feeds your mind and soul. The stronger the sense of belonging - the stronger you become. A career with us offers you challenge and adventure that you simply can't find in any other job. Add in competitive pay and plenty of travel - in fact you'll be surprised at just how good the benefits are: Earn over �18,488 after training, 38 days paid leave, subsidized food and accommodation, free gym and sports facilities, free dental and medical care, free pension, qualifications, apprenticeships and world class training. You may also qualify for a bursary or extra allowances.

Belize hosts pivotal CARICOM-Mexico summit
The CARICOM-Mexico summit on Wednesday in Belize is seen as a pivotal opportunity for the Caribbean Community to strengthen cooperation with Mexico, one of the world's largest integrated economies. The summit brings together CARICOM heads of government and their foreign ministers, and the president of Mexico and his foreign minister. It is co-chaired by CARICOM chairman, Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell of Grenada and president of Mexico Enrique Pe�a Nieto. They will be joined in addressing the opening ceremony by CARICOM secretary-general Irwin LaRocque, and the prime minister of Belize, Dean Barrow.

Videos

  • Scuba Diving off Ambergris Caya, Belize 2017,4 min.

  • Exploring Xunantunich - Belize's Maya Archaeological Gem, 2.5min. The Cayo District in western Belize, known as the Mundo Maya, the center of the Maya World, is must see for anyone interested in Maya archaeology and culture. Nestled in the Cayo, Xunantunich is a prime example of this. Xunantunich meaning "Stone Woman" in Yucatec Maya language, extends over a square mile, including six plazas, with more than 26 temples. Given its exquisite beauty, and containing the second tallest structure in the country, it is no wonder it is one of the most popular Maya sites in Belize.

  • Trush feeding under Tambran Tree, 1/2min. Watch him clear the leaves

  • Hummingbirds grabbing a bite between downpours, 1min.

  • City and Most of Belize under Deluge from Rains, 5.5min. In typical October style, the rains descended over the city and the western part of the country. Today, several schools sent students home and motorists and pedestrians had to navigate their way through streets with several inches of water. The downpour during this time is not unusual for October, but News Five's Andrea Polanco spoke with the met service to find out what is causing these rains and how much more of it we can expect in the coming days. Here's that story.

  • SENATORS RAISE QUESTIONS ON 12 MILLION DOLLARS LOAN FOR HAULOVER BRIDGE., 8.5min. Last Friday the Government majority in the House of Representatives rushed through a bill for a U.S. $12m loan from the OPEC Fund as partial financing for the replacement of the Haulover Bridge at the entrance to Belize City. When the Opposition Leader John Briceno requested more time to study the loan motion, the Prime Minister called him names and did not support the request. There was little further explanation about the project, but today there was much discussion before the Senate as to the need for the loan. The Business and Opposition Senators raised questions about the loan, since back in they had already deliberated on a loan for the bridge back in 2014.There was concern raised about the design of the bridge which is intended to have three lanes. According to Senator Courtenay, they consulted with Ministry of Works Engineers and they also expressed concerns.

  • The Senate also discussed a new Immigration status proposed by the Government, 58min. The Senate also discussed a new Immigration status proposed by the Government and approved despite concerns raised by the Opposition. The program is called Temporary Residency and amidst the many Immigration system weaknesses and loopholes exposed through the Senate Select Committee hearing, one would wonder why such an initiative was being pursued at this time. That's what some Senators asked.

  • BELIZE MISSION PROJECT PROVIDES FREE HEALTH CARE TO COROZALENOS, 6min. The annual Belize Mission Project, an initiative that sees medical professionals from the United States coming to Belize with the support of local entities to provide medical care to Belizeans, was held over the past three days. Since Monday the visiting medical team set up shop at various centers in the Corozal District to provide much needed medical assistance

  • Belizean Instagram Sensation/Model Joyjah featured on a Seventeen Magazine styling tips video, 3min. These ways to style your curls are GENIUS

  • IV CARICOM/Mexico Summit, 30min.

  • Opening Ceremony: 4th CARICOM-Mexico Summit @ the Best Western Biltmore Plaza in Belize, Central America., 35min.

  • MEXICAN PRESIDENT's STATEMENT AT THE FOURTH CARICOM MEXICO SUMMIT, 6min.

  • Help a soul day Belize, 3min. Have an inside look at what we do at PHS. Want to help? Visit PHS website for more info. http://www.placenciahumanesociety.org

  • Project Mangrove: Een stukje Belize in Burgers' Zoo Aflevering 4, 25min. Published on Oct 26, 2017 In aflevering 3 van de documentaire, over onze Mangrove, beginnen we met een terugblik op de vorige afleveringen. We zagen hoe de Aziatische meerval een nieuw plekje kreeg in ons park en hoe de panoramaruit geplaatst werd bij het zeekoeienbassin. In deze aflevering komt het einde van de bouw in zicht. De puntjes worden op de 'i' gezet. De druk neemt toe bij de betrokkenen. Er wordt teruggeblikt op de ervaring van Stef in Belize.

  • The Reef Protectors - Belize, 3.5min. About Belize Audubon Society's junior ranger program for youth from fishing communities associated with Half Moon Caye and Blue Hole Natural Monuments

  • Belize fisher visit to PN Arrecifes de Xcalak, 5min. Fishers associated with Half Moon Caye and Blue Hole Natural Monuments and South Water Caye Marine Reserve in Belize travel to Mexico to share with their counterparts about sustainable fishing and the role of marine protected areas

  • Two days in Belize, 8min.

  • BELIZEAN ISLAMIC SOCIAL WORKER SAEED RASOOL & 1970S SOCIAL ACTIVISM IN BELIZE!, 31min. Belizean Muslim Saeed Rasool's journey to establish a solid foundation for himself and his family came through his embracing of Islam in Belize in the 1970s, and taking that serious level of discipline as a Belizean immigrant to the United States into the U.S. arm forces and later as a psychiatric social worker.

  • Ambergris Caye, Belize, 2017 Night Dive, 3.5min.

  • San Pedro, Belize 2017, 4min. Me and my fiance in Belize


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