Forensic Interview Training for Victims of Human Trafficking
The U.S. Embassy, in coordination with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, provided training on Forensic Interviewing Techniques for Victims of Human Trafficking. The training was provided to over 65 Government of Belize officials from five different departments namely Human Services, Police, Immigration, Customs and Excise, and Public Prosecutions. The three-day training course was held at the Biltmore Hotel from October 31 to November 2, 2017.
The U.S. Embassy continues to support the Government of Belize in its effort to reduce human trafficking. Victim Assistance Specialist Instructors from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Human Trafficking Institute shared best practices on how to identify and successfully interact with victims of human trafficking.
Belize’s First International Diana Award Holder is making her mark in the United Kingdom
In September 2017, twenty one year old Claudia Garcia travelled to England to study for a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Westminster. Shortly after her arrival, she was invited by charities and international development organizations in the United Kingdom to attend conferences on youth development. She was also asked by UK universities to speak about her work in youth and community development in Belize.
One of those events was the Annual Meeting of the UK Belize Association held at the University of Oxford on October 7, 2017. There Claudia Garcia and Manuela Lue, who accompanied Claudia to the United Kingdom, gave a speech to various professors, diplomats and managers about their work in youth and community development in Belize.
What is the BTL Employees Trust?
At 6p.m. on Wednesday June 23rd in a closed door meeting Dean Boyce along with attorney Godfrey Smith held a session with BTL employees to discuss their position on the so called ‘BTL Employees Trust.’ While what was being told to the 8 or so employees who attended the meeting is anybody’s guess, the Guardian Newspaper has been able to get a little bit closer look at exactly what the BTL Employees Trust is.
A document provided to the Guardian titled “the BTL Employees Trust (Consolidated Trust Deed:
Trust Deed dated September 16, 2005 as varied by a variation of Trust Deed dated June 15, 2007)” explains what the trust is. From the onset it is clear that BTL employees have no say in the doings and maneuverings of the trust.
Gunman is denied bail and remanded to prison
After more than four nights in police custody, 24-year-old Reese Fitzgibbon was arraigned on two firearm related offenses after he was caught red-handed by police with a firearm. Fitzgibbon appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on November 6, 2017 where he was read the charges of kept firearm and ammunition without being granted a firearm license.
The bust was made on Friday, November 3, 2017. According to police, they responded to a report of shots being fired on Kut Avenue in Belize City. Fitzgibbon, a resident of Supal Street, was apprehended as he was at the scene with a 9 mm pistol with 5 live rounds of 9 mm ammunition.
Armed robber receives time in jail
A 24-year-old Belize City mason, Kaleem Chun, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after being accused of committing an armed robbery at Arwing Grocery shop located on Santa Barbara Street in Belize City. Chun was arraigned on November 3, 2017 on a single charge of robbery.
The allegations against Chun are that on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, he stole $1,500 cash from Wei Yei Yang, a Chinese grocer, while armed with a firearm.
Chun appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where he pleaded not guilty to the charge but due to the nature of the offense, he was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until December 27, 2017.
Biscayne men plead guilty to stealing chicken, stouts, and energy drink
A duo of men was caught stealing from businessman Marlon Skeen. They have been identified as Kenroy Ferguson, a 29-year-old employee of Stock and Go Store, and 25-year-old Nathaniel Crawford, an ex-employee, both of Biscayne Village. The men appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where they were read separate charges of theft.
They were caught stealing petty items such as Belikin Stouts, a pack of seasoned Caribbean chicken, and a Monster energy drink. In a police report made by Skeen, he said that upon checking the surveillance camera on November 5, 2017, Ferguson was seen opening a side door and stealing the chicken after which Crawford entered and stole the Belikin Stouts and handed them to Ferguson. Ferguson then re-entered the shop and stole the Monster energy drink.
Chinese men caught with fake nationality documents
Yuanran Zheng, a Chinese National, is being accused by the Immigration Department of being in possession of a fraudulent Belizean nationality certificate. The new checks and balances at the Department allowed the authorities to easily spot that this was a forgery of the old types of Nationality documents.
According to employees at the Belmopan Social Security Office, Zheng showed up there on Monday, November 6, along with his Taiwanese-Belizean translator, Zheng Hui Lin. He was trying to get a Belizean Social Security card. To convince them that he was entitled to the document, he brought a nationality certificate, which he insisted he got 10 years ago.
Friends denied bail on firearm related offense
Two friends are on remand at the Belize Central Prison after they were arraigned on Monday, November 6, 2017 in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on a single charge of kept prohibited firearm. They are James Jones and Henry Holder, both 21-year-old residents of Belize City, who police say were in possession of a prohibited firearm on Sunday, November 5, 2017.
In court, the duo appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where they both pleaded not guilty to kept prohibited firearm. Due to the nature of the offense, they were denied bail and remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison until February 8, 2018.
German attorney killed in La Isla Bonita
Raimund Kobler (Koessler), a German attorney who had been living on the island of San Pedro for about 5 years, was found dead inside an unfinished building under construction. Police say that he suffered blunt force trauma to the head, and that makes his death a murder that they have to solve.
His body was discovered on Monday, November 6, 2017, some time after 6 a.m., at the construction site, which is located on Cocoplum Street, San Pedro. The construction workers showed up to resume their job, only to find him lying down on the first floor. They called in the cops who processed the scene, and discovered that he had suffered an injury to the head. They have no idea what weapon was used to inflict that injury, or who did it, but they believe he was clubbed over the head.
Glenford Bermudez’s ruling is deferred in the case of murdering his wife
In the Supreme Court on November 7, 2017, 46-year-old Glenford Gilbert Bermudez, a.k.a. “Bucket”, was brought before Justice Adolph Lucas for his mitigation plea. Bermudez was accused of shooting and killing his wife on November 22, 2017, and at his mitigation he was very apologetic.
On November 22, 2007, Bermudez shot his wife and later attempted to hang himself. Later that day, after admitting the crime to the nephew of the deceased, he was arrested and charged with the murder of his wife, Racquel Violet Bermudez.
“Nitro” meets bail
After serving seven nights in lock down at the Belize Central Prison, 24-year-old Shikell Nunez, aka “Nitro”, is out on bail granted to him by Supreme Court judge Denis S. Hanomansingh.
Nunez was accused by the police to have made a 4 minute and 41 seconds long video which the commander of GSU took to be a threat to the GSU officers and their families. As a result, Nunez was charged with threat of death.
In court on Friday, November 3, 2107, his attorney, Nazira Miles Espat, was successful in her bail application. He was granted bail in the sum of $5,000 plus one surety of the same which he was able to meet. He was ordered to report to the Mahogany Street police station every Friday effective Friday, November 10, 2017. He was also ordered to surrender his travel documents, to appear in court at all his subsequent court dates, and to not interfere with any prosecution witness.
Orange Walk businessman killed as he defended his mother
The Indian Belizean family of 37 year-old Amit Moryani, a business man from Orange Walk, continues to mourn his death after he was killed by robbers at his family’s business place. By all accounts, a gunman shot him because he was trying to come to the aid of his mother, who they were trying to steal from.
The incident happened at around 8:50 p.m. on Friday, November 3, at his family’s store, P&P Supermarket, which is located on Cemetery Street, Orange Walk Town. It was near the end of business hours for the day when his mother, Babita Moryani, arrived.
Police officer is offered bail after having unlicensed firearm at Elements Night Club
After being on lock down at the Belize Central Prison, the officer accused of having an unlicensed firearm in his possession, PC Carlisle Bol, was granted Supreme Court bail on November 3, 2017. The application for bail was made by attorney Leeroy Banner on his behalf.
Prosecutor for the crown, Jacqueline Willoughby, had no objection to bail being granted. With that, Justice Denis S. Hanomansingh granted him bail in the sum of $5,000 plus one surety of the same. He was ordered to surrender his travel documents, not to interfere with any of the prosecution witnesses, and to attend all court adjournments set by the court.
Recent graduate of Mopan Technical High School killed in Benque
An 18 year old resident from Benque Viejo was found on Monday with a gunshot wound to the chest. Oscar Niles Obando Junior, a recent graduate from the Mopan Technical High School was found at the Puga Farm, between the Guatemala and the Belizean border. The Puga Farm is located between miles twenty-five and twenty-six on the Benque Road.
Police cannot say at this time whether the motive was robbery, but they were able to find a passport and other belongings on Obando. Neither do the authorities know what Obando was doing at the isolated farm.
Robbery in Corozal
Doris Montejo, a 28-year-old Belizean Front Line Associate for Western Union, reported to police that about 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2017 upon reaching her place of employment on 4th Street in Corozal Town, a male person approached her holding what appeared to be a firearm under his shirt and demanded that she hand over a purse containing money. Fearing for her life, Montejo handed over a purse valued at $30.00 that contained $10,000.00, a smaller purse valued at $25.00 that contained $100.00 and a Samsung Galaxy 7 Prime cellular phone valued at $1,000, all to a total value of $11,155.00. The assailant then made good his escape police are investigating.
Zachary Knox is denied bail after being accused of shooting a police officer
A Belizean/American national and construction worker of Faber’s Road Extension, 21-year-old Zachary Knox, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on November Thursday, November 2, 2017 on a single charge of aggravated assault for allegedly shooting at a police officer. The shooting incident is said to have occurred on September 18, 2017 in Belize City.
Knox was unrepresented before Magistrate Michelle Trapp where he was read a single charge of aggravated assault upon police officer, Jefferson Dawson, with a deadly weapon, a charge to which he pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor in the case, Cpl. Kennard Clark, submitted that while the Crimes and Criminal Justice Act allows persons accused of committing an offense with a firearm to be entitled bail, Knox was caught at the Phillip Goldson International Airport attempting to flee the country after the incident.
Verdes FC and Bandits Sports won by large margins in Premier League games
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season competition continued over the last weekend with 4 games on the schedule.
On Saturday 4th November at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, the visiting Verdes FC blasted the host team Placencia Assassins by the score of 5-1.
The Placencia Assassins was the first to score when Luis Torres scored his team’s only goal of the game in the 31st minute of play to his team a 1-0 lead. However, the lead was short lived when Gilroy Thurton scored the equalising goal for the visiting Verdes FC in the 39th minute of play to tie the score at 1-1.
St. Joseph Primary School girls are the National Primary Schools Basketball champions
The 2016-2017 National Primary Schools Basketball competition came to an end on Friday 3rd November, 2017, with the championship games played at the St. John’s College Gymnasium.
The schools that competed in the girls’ competition were St. Francis Xavier School (Corozal Town), La Inmaculada School (Orange Walk Town), St. Joseph Primary School (Belize City), Santa Elena Primary School (Santa Elena), Forest Home Methodist School (Toledo) and Holy Family School (Hopkins Village).
In the girls’ championship game, St. Joseph Primary School defeated Holy Family Roman Catholic School by the score of 23-8 to become the National Primary Schools Basketball Champions. The top scorer for St. Joseph Primary School was Briah Clarke with 19 points while the top scorer for Holy Family RC School was Shendra Casimiro with 8 points.
St. Martin De Porres Primary School boys are the National Primary Schools Basketball champions
The 2016-2017 National Primary Schools Basketball competition came to an end on Friday 3rd November, 2017, with the championship games played at the St. John’s College Gymnasium.
The schools that competed in the boys’ competition were Corozal Methodist School (Corozal Town), San Francisco School (Orange Walk Town), St. Martin De Porres School (Belize City), Faith Nazarene School (San Ignacio Town), Forest Home Methodist (Toledo) and Holy Family School (Hopkins Village).
In the boys’ championship game, St. Martin De Porres Primary School defeated San Francisco Roman Catholic School by the score of 43 - 12 to become the National Primary Schools Basketball Champions. The top scorer for St. Martin De Porres Primary School was Kentrell Marshall with 18 points while the top scorer for San Francisco RC School was Jamar Higinio with 4 points.
Junior footballers to Rush Soccer camp in Arizona
Three Belizean boys left the country on Wednesday 8th November, 2017, for Casa Grande, Arizona, to participate in the Rush Select 2004/2005 Boys ID Camp. The event, the Rush Select ID Camps, are for the U13 - U15 age groups of 60 boys and 60 girls and there, Rush Select staff will train and evaluate them.
Rush Soccer represents over 34,000 youth soccer players in the United States and in partnerships with clubs in Africa, South America, Europe, and Asia, along with North and Central America and the islands of the Caribbean. Rush Soccer is devoted to providing its members with the finest soccer experience possible, it says, and to teaching the fundamental skills of the game and developing athletes through organized leagues, teams, tournaments, training, coaches and athletic facilities.
Football Federation of Belize to hold11th Ordinary Congress
The Football Federation of Belize is pleased to inform the general public and the football world that it will be holding its 11th Ordinary Congress on Saturday 2nd December, 2017, at 10:00 am at the Ramada Belize City Princess on Newtown Barracks in Belize City.
The high point of the 11th Ordinary Congress will be the elections of the President and Vice President of the Football Federation of Belize.
The Football Federation of Belize Electoral Committee has reviewed the nominations and secondments submitted by the Football Federation of Belize General Secretary and the following persons have met the criteria as defined by the Football Federation of Belize Statues Article 32.4
Corozalito and Sandhill Blue Hawks to play for Leal’s Football Cup Title
The 2017 Leal’s Football Cup Tournament is expected to come to an end on Sunday 12th November, 2017, in Sandhill Village, where the third place match and the championship match is anticipated to take place. The third place match will feature Lucky Strike against Ladyville FC and this game is scheduled to commence at 1:00 pm. The championship match will commence at 3:00 pm and this will feature Corozalito against the Sandhill Blue Hawks.
Meanwhile, the semi-final games were played on Sunday 5th November, 2017. In the first game played Corozalito defeated Lucky Strike by the score of 2-1. The goals for Corozalito were scored by Tyreek Ciego and Tyrell Estrada. The lone goal of the game for Lucky Strike was scored by Keened Gillett.
National Elite Basketball League season to open January 18, 2018
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will be tipping off its fifth consecutive season on Thursday, January 18, 2018, as the defending champions, Belmopan Bandits, will host the sub-champions San Pedro Tiger Sharks. The game will be played at the UB gymnasium in Belmopan, with tip-off time being 8:30 p.m.
The upcoming season will have 8 teams. Six (6) of the teams from last season will return to participate in the upcoming season. These teams are Orange Walk Running Rebels, Belize Hurricanes, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, Belmopan Bandits, Cayo Western Ballaz and Dangriga Dream Ballers. Belize City No Limit has changed management and their new team name is Belize City Defenders. The eighth team participating will be Agharta, which is a team from Chetumal, Mexico.
The Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitos)
Pumpkin Seeds or Pepitos as we know it are nutritional powerhouses wrapped up in a very small package, with a wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium and manganese to copper, protein and zinc.
They contain a wide array of beneficial plant compounds known as phytosterols and free-radical scavenging antioxidants, which can give your health an added boost.
Pumpkin seeds may benefit your heart, liver and immune system, help fight diabetes, and offer unique benefits for men’s prostate health and women’s relief of menopause symptoms as well says Dr. Mercola.
If you’re in the mood for a chewy snack that doubles as a phenomenal health food, look no further than pumpkin seeds.
With a wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium and manganese to copper, protein and zinc, pumpkin seeds are nutritional powerhouses wrapped up in a very small package. They also contain plant compounds known as phytosterols and free-radical scavenging antioxidants,1 which can give your health an added boost.
Deidron McKay’s family pleads for killings to stop
Deidron McKay, a 20-year-old resident of Belize City, was killed in a shooting which police believe to be a gang-related attempt at retaliation. McKay is a casualty of a street feud that his family insists he stayed far away from.
The incident happened at around 8:35 p.m. on Friday, November 3, McKay was socializing, after work, with a group of friends and family members at a residence on #19 Haynes Street, which is not too far from his own home. Their gathering was disturbed by an unknown gunman who entered the yard, and opened fire indiscriminately.
Two Americans drown in separate incidents
On November 4, 2017 at about 6:08 a.m., police visited the North Side of Hopkins Village where they observed the motionless body of a male person face down in water about 3 feet from the beach. The body was identified to be that of 67-year-old Paul Panarese, a U.S. national.
Initial investigation revealed that on the previous evening, Panarese left to socialize and around 6:45 p.m., he headed back to the direction of Kismet Inn where his body was discovered. No signs of violence have been observed on the body. The body awaits postmortem examination.
Later on November 4, 2017, police visited Naia Resort in Placencia where the motionless body of 69-year-old Robert Lotz was seen. Lotz, a retired US national, was on vacation and went kayaking earlier that morning and did not return. His body was later discovered floating in the sea. Like in the case of Panarese, no signs of violence were observed on the body. The body awaits postmortem examination.
¡JOHNNY IS TRAPPED BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA!
Poor little squeaky rat Johnny, how I wish that he was a regular reader of this column! Over the weeks I have continuously sounded the alarm that the extremely ambitious Zinc Fence is planning to steal the PUP! They tried to use the unions, COLA, BTV, Wil, Sharon, Sandra, Keisha, Indira, Sulph and a host of other stooges to overthrow a good government; but they are failing. Now they are using the more direct approach: Son-in-law for mayor; a dunce journalist, the driver’s son, a Steve Nembhard stooge, Francis’ most loyal soldier, a convicted thief, Lake Independence sycophants... I call that group the Zinc Fence Eleven. That group is owned by Cordel; not by the PUP and surely not by Johnny. It was extremely smart of the Zinc Fence to coin the fallacious acronym “PUDP” and then condemn those whom they assigned to that group; but not PUP Cordel.
Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
The collection of Psalms in the Bible is full of inspired advice. For example, the first part of Psalm 103 reads, “Bless the Lord God Yahweh, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies.
Eulogy for Ryan Swift
Friends, brothers and sisters,
On behalf of his wife Majorie, his seven-(7) children and twelve-(12) surviving siblings of Ryan Fitzgerald Swift; I want to express our deepest gratitude for those gathered here to mourn with us today. We loved him as a husband, as a father, and as a brother.
“Rybo”, as he was popularly known was born Ryan Fitzgerald Scott on May 24, 1963 here in the old capital. He was the seventh child of 11 progenies’ of the late Ms. Gloria Scott; his father the late John Swift was a well-known accountant. Ryan’s middle name came from the 35th president of the United States; whom his mother idolized; and foreshadowed Ryan’s passion for politics.
His mother would later marry an esteemed senior police officer, Mr. Philip Lynch. Ryan would talk about Mr. Philip with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. Certainly, his skills at ironing, polishing a pair of shoe, carrying himself with bearing was deeply engrained. I got the sense that he was blessed with a fine mentor, who cultivated pride in how to carry himself.
An Honorable Man
When I was in primary school at La Inmaculada here in OW, part of our Civics class was to memorize all the names of Cabinet Ministers and their portfolios, including the names of their permanent secretaries. As children we all thought of Ministers as being these tall, rich, Powerful men who could make anything happen. When I went on to first form at Muffles College, I was placed in a class with the daughter of Hon. Guadalupe Pech, then Minister of education. Vangie Pech was a pretty but humble young lady, full of manners who conducted herself with grace. I later met her father who was a gentle, soft-spoken man. Vangie and I went through Muffles all of the four forms.
Are you Good BFF MATERIAL?
A true friend is one of the biggest blessings we can have in life. I met my best friend even before I could count or talk in full sentences. Shiney Marie Moulton lived next door to my Grandma Jones and whenever my mother took us to visit her, I found my way over to Shiney’s house. We would play catch and climb trees in the yard or sometimes we played with her teapots in her bedroom.
On my very first day of pre-school I cried when my mother tried to leave me with a pack of boys and girls I had never met before, and a teacher who never smiled, and threatened to spank us with a ruler if we were loud; that is until I saw Shiney. I stopped crying immediately after she was dropped off to school that morning. I was happy at the prospect of coming to school and playing with my friend every single day!
Winner of Second Annual Human Rights Student Scholars Write to Fame
Child Maintenance
Children not going to school sitting at home
Not doing anything, they’re all alone.
Mother of seven children, struggling, working overtime
To show her kids how much she cares
But the cost of living is so high she can hardly afford
The taxes of the bus fare.
Father at a bar getting stoned,
Don’t even have a penny or a dollar to take back at home
Breaking Belize News
Senior transport officers and terminal supervisors attend transport meeting
The Department of Transport held a very important meeting today in Belmopan. The meeting, which […]
Belize International Film Festival 2017 Launches!
The long-anticipated list of films making the Official Selection for the 12th Edition of the […]
Premium goes down but regular hikes up by 27 cents
The Belize Bureau of Standards has announced that at midnight tonight, the prices of premium and regular […]
Mexico to be represented in 12th edition of Belize International Film Festival
Today, the Embassy of Mexico in Belize announced that the film Desierto, starring acclaimed Mexican actor, Gael García […]
Another Castro makes the news
Jafari and Wasaani Castro, the sons of NEMO and Transport Minister, Edmond Castro, have been […]
Man found dead in Belize City
Belize City police today found the body of a man in a drain on Raccoon […]
3 Belizean boys participate in Rush Select Camp in USA
Yesterday, three young Belizean boys departed to Casa Grande, Arizona, USA to participate in the Rush […]
Sedi sticks to his story despite court ruling
Despite the Caribbean Court of Justice ruling to the contrary, Wilfred Elrington maintains that he […]
Premium fuel next to go down says Financial Secretary
Drivers can expect a reduction in the high cost of premium fuel soon, according to […]
German attorney found dead in San Pedro
On Monday, November 6, 2017 about 6:56 am ,San Pedro police visited an unfinished building at the […]
November Begins with Gorgeous Weather and Lots More On Ambergris Caye
I am probably not the only one thinking this but…HOW DID NOVEMBER CREEP UP ON ME? The telling signs are certainly here…
…the wind is blowing from the north bringing slightly cooler temperatures. …and businesses, old and new, are readying for the upcoming HIGH SEASON. The first real wave of visitors comes for Thanksgiving week in the states and then things REALLY pick up for Christmas.
The sun was shining and the town decorated for the upcoming holiday – November 19th is Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize.
Walk through all the new and improved touches at CBC! Stunning, tropical, exotic scenes....
Many of the resorts in Belize, big and small, have to shut down for a few weeks a year to do some touch ups. The salt air is really hard on paint, mechanicals, etc, and we don't want our guests' experiences to be disrupted by this maintenance. We also closely listen to what our guests tell us that they love, and ideas that they have, and we try to make small improvements any chance we get! Here are this year's improvements, and the first couple weeks we have reopened have been a great success!
The entrance is more soothing, more natural, and now has a huge shaded palapa and reception area! The new office and reception area were our biggest changes this year.
6 Reasons to choose a Belize Jungle & Beach Vacation
With hundreds of offshore islands and a lush interior teeming with wildlife, Belize is the only country in Central America where the best of the jungle and sea can be easily enjoyed.
Here are six great reasons why you should choose a combo beach and jungle vacation on your trip to Belize:
Celebrating Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize
Every November 19, the entire nation of Belize celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day. This holiday commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna - an Afro-Caribbean people - to the shores of Belize more than 200 years ago. A blend of African and indigenous Caribbean cultures, the Garifuna were honored by the United Nations in 2001 for their unique contributions to the intangible heritage of humanity.
As dawn breaks on Garifuna Settlement Day, towns and villages along the coast re-enact the dramatic arrival of the Garifuna in handmade dugout canoes. This is followed by enthusiastic and joyful drumming, dancing, and street parades. The signature black, white, and yellow Garifuna flags are hoisted, and everywhere, the people of Belize feast on traditional Garifuna foods such as cassava bread, serre (fish boiled in coconut milk), and conch soup.
Belize: Home to the Bluest Water in the World
Since the dawn of time, human beings have been fascinated by the color blue. In a recent article published on Travel and Leisure, author Melissa Locker went on a search to find the world's bluest waters. One of the spots she discovered was the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize.
The Travel and Leisure article highlighted the popularity of Ambergris Caye as a tourist destination. Located just a short boat ride from the second-largest barrier reef in the world, Ambergris Caye is widely known as a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling. One section of the reef known as Shark Ray Alley even allows divers and snorkelers to interact with vast schools of stingrays and nurse sharks.
But the ultramarine waters of Belize are not limited to just the reef. Deep in the heartland of Belize is the Inland Blue Hole, a gateway to underwater caves. Whether it's at the beach or in the middle of a rainforest, Travel and Leisure magazine definitely agree that Belize is home to sparkling bodies of water with intense hues of sapphire blue.
Mayan Food: 9 Awesome Dishes You Should Try!
Food is awesome. That is a fact that is not up for debate. Anyone, even the strictest of dieters will tell you that food is great. Mayan food, arguably more awesome and we’ll get into WHY shortly. In the era of globalization, it’s made even better because you don’t need to be restricted by the foods you grew up eating. Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat give our friends (and really anyone) the perfect conduit to give everyone who dares to look some foodspiration before our good friend google tells us where to get, or how to make some of it!
How often do you stop, and ponder on where this food came from, or better yet – who even invented it? The answer is probably not often, and who could blame you? If it tastes great you have no time to stop and get philosophical about it. We’re here to take that load off you; check out our list of Mayan Food you absolutely must try!
International Sources
La Niña Declared
For the second winter in a row, La Niña will be in the driver’s seat. The NOAA/NWS Climate Prediction Center issued a La Niña Advisory on Thursday morning, declaring that La Niña conditions were now in place in both the atmosphere and ocean. NOAA gives odds of around 65-75% that La Niña conditions will extend at least through the upcoming Northern Hemisphere winter of 2017-18.
The atmospheric rearrangements triggered by La Niña often lead to a consolidated jet stream over North America and an active, progressive storm track. Typically, this leads to periods of roller-coaster weather, with frequent ups and downs in temperature. For the season as a whole, La Niña winters tend to end up colder than average toward the north central and northwest U.S. and warmer than average toward the south and southeast. On top of this is the overall warming influence from human-produced greenhouse gases, which can help reinforce the southern warmth and blunt the northern cold.
Belize not surprised by latest move by Guatemala to claim country
The Belize government says it is not surprised at the latest move by Guatemala seeking to claim all of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country ahead of a referendum early next year in the Spanish speaking country regarding the border dispute between the two Central American countries. Guatemala is due to hold its referendum on March 18, 2018 and has launched a public awareness campaign that re-introduces a map of the country showing Belize as the disputed “twenty-third province,” with a dotted line indicating “Territory under Dispute.” Guatemala has been claiming Belize since 1821.
The future of Caribbean sugar will depend on the region’s capacity for cooperation
Among the topics considered by Ministers and officials at the latest meeting of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), 9-10 November in Guyana, are several recommendations that will determine whether the Caribbean sugar industry has a future.
This long-overdue discussion concerns the ways in which the region’s cane sugar producers, through tariffs and other measures, can redirect its output towards meeting the CARICOM market’s requirements.
On 1 October, 2017, the industry lost the last vestige of its preferential market in Europe, as the EU abolished national sugar production quotas in Europe as part of a long-planned measure. The effect, according to industry analysts, is that the price paid for African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) cane sugar will very rapidly reduce and, as Europe becomes self-sufficient in beet sugar and begins to export, cane sugar imports into Europe will fall to zero. They also suggest that this will depress world market prices.
Actress Penelope Cruz says she will never dive the Belize Blue Hole again...
Cruz tells another story about diving in Belize, in its famed Great Blue Hole, a massive sinkhole in the water that is about 400 feet deep. "I love diving but I will never go that deep, even if I had two instructors. I was surrounded by sharks," she says. MANY, MANY NOPES. She also has diving narcosis, which she described as similar to panic, and given the shark situation, we can understand why she'd be freaking out. "When I looked up and saw all of that water, I started to pray that I could make it." And she did, because she's here now, and can regale us with tales sure to give us nightmares.
Controversial Belize and Turks and Caicos investor exposed in Paradise Papers as reneging on UK tax pledge
Billionaire British peer, Lord Michael Ashcroft, a controversial and divisive figure in both Belize and the Turks and Caicos Islands, has been exposed by the so-called Paradise Papers as reneging on a promise to become a permanent resident in the UK – a change that would have meant giving up his more favourable tax status as a UK resident whose domicile is in Belize.
The Paradise Papers are a huge batch of 13.4 million leaked documents mostly from offshore law firm Appleby, along with corporate registries in 19 tax jurisdictions, which reveal the financial dealings of politicians, celebrities, corporate giants and business leaders.
Ashcroft remained a so-called “non-dom”, domiciled for tax purposes in Belize, and continued to avoid UK tax despite attempts by Parliament to make peers pay their full share and when it was widely believed he had given up the status, the leaked documents reveal.
Belize: Beaches, Adventure and History
Travel Weekly highlighted Belize in its latest article, and Cayo, of course, gets most of the story's focus. The San Ignacio Resort Hotel, Ka'ana, and Gaia Riverlodge are all mentioned as great lodging options.
While ATM is somehow not mentioned, the Black Hole Drop, Actun Loch Tunich, is, as is the Green Iguana Conservation Project. Caracol, Xunantunich(Hanna Stables gets a shout out in regards to getting there), and Cahal Pech, some of Belize's nicest Maya archaeological sites, are recommended.
"Neatly wedged between Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea, don’t let its size fool you – there’s plenty here for a standalone holiday. Its Mayan experience is at the heart of it all, predominantly in the western Cayo District, home to the unassuming capital Belmopan, aka the ‘Garden City’ thanks to surrounding waterfalls, caves and rivers that are ideal for hiking, birdwatching and soft adventure.
The tourist hub, though, is San Ignacio, a small town of lively local bars and restaurants, and a good base for Caracol, Belize’s most impressive Mayan city; Cahal Pech, the oldest known site in the Belize River Valley; and the temples of Xunantunich, where a new tomb was discovered in 2016. Hanna Stables offer horse-riding tours here, including a quirky ferry crossing with horses in tow.
Cayo District is home to the Actun Loch Tunich cave, where a hike and abseil take you 300 feet down into Central America’s largest cave system."
CFA 1st Division Championship
The Cayo Football Association held their championship for the 1st division on Saturday at Broaster Stadium. Congratulations, Universal Hardware, for taking 1st place!
"Chairman Earl Trapp Jr. Would like to thank all paticipating teams in this years CFA 1st Division football tournament and fans of the football family, especially to Universal Hardware who won the First place with cash prize of $3,000.00 Second place Peniarol F.C $800.00 and Third place to Benque Power with $400.00. Thanks to everyone see you next year! Special thanks to the entite work staff especially to Mr Bernz Mendez, Lisa Gordon, Mr. Lucio Toledano Chief of Security the Police Department Mr Medina and the Match Officials."
Videos
Rare Albino Spotted Eagle Ray Identified At Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, 15sec. Henry boast his unique experience as he was on patrol at the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve on North Ambergris Caye. He gives thanks to Captain Grimaldio Acosta for spotting the unique sea creature. “Good eyes Gimmy, this was definitely one for the books! Only at Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve.
Reasonable request from San Mateo Belize Kids, 1/2min. Filming location where a playground should be at the end of the
Belize Community Conservation Kids 4 Clean Water Camp 2017.
Hosted annually in San Mateo, Ambergris Caye Belize.
Lil Alphonse Snorkeling Tour, San Pedro Belize, 4min. Lil Alphonse Snorkeling Tours San Pedro Belize Review. Lil Alphonse (Lil Afonse) is one of the most recommended tour guides and dive masters in San Pedro, Belize (Ambergris Caye). He is offering snorkeling tours to Hol Chan Marine Reserve (including Shark Ray Alley) and Mexico Rocks, and fishing trips for deep sea fishing in the Caribbean Sea.
Snorkeling with Sharks in Shark Ray Alley, Belize, 3min. Underwater video, swimming with sharks and stingrays in Belize. Shark Ray Alley is a popular snorkeling destination from both San Pedro Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Belize. Swimming with nurse sharks and stingrays is the main attraction for snorkels and divers. Shark Ray Alley is a dive & snorkel spot in Hol Chan Marine Reserve which itself is situated in the Belize Barrier Reef.
Belize Diving!, 5min.
ELIZEAN RESISTANCE AGAINST LORD MICHAEL ASHCROFT POLITICAL CORRUPTION IN BELIZE!, min. TEN YEARS LATER!
"LORD AHSCROFT REVIVES BREDAA!"
By Imam Ishmael Omar Shabazz. Tonight the issue was focused on the Michael Ashcroft control of Belize politics and economics, and the kidnapping of our brother, Derek Aikman, former minister of government under the United Democratic Party government. To deal with this unfolding nightmare in Belize, KPFK’s Freedom Now, radio host Brother Dedan Kamate, had as his guest via telephone, Bro. Nuri Akbar Estrada, former chairman of BREDAA and Bro. Bilal Morris, Public Relations and Media Representative of BREDAA.
THE 1980S PUNTA ROCK ARTIST "BOOTSY RANKIN"! (PART ONE), 14min. IN COMMEMORATION OF "GARIFUNA SETTLEMENT DAY" 2017!
by Bilal Morris. The legendary Garifuna Belizean Punta Rock artist, Bootsy Rankin' (Thomas Lauriano), comes to "Belizean Legends" as a cultural special in commemoration by this documentary series for "Garifuna Settlement Day" (November 19, 2017). Through "Part One" of this exclusive interview with the 1980s, 1990s Belizean musical artist, we celebrate Bootsy Rankin's long existence as one of those Los Angeles based Belizean artist that once graced venues like the popular "Belize Caye Fest" in the 80s.
With Love From Belize, 8min.
Belize 2017 SCUBA Diving - Day 1, 3min.
Permit Fishing in South water Caye Belize, 23min. Permit Fishing at South Water Caye (Atoll) with Nauti by Nature Captain Jermaine AKA "Big Fish".
Captain Jermaine is a 3rd generation fisherman living on the on the Sandy beaches of the Placencia Peninsula.
Belize 2017 - Blue Hole 1, 4min.
Belize 2017 - Blue Hole 2, 4min.
Snorkeling in Belize, 2min. Thanks goes out to Daniel at Caveman Snorkeling located in Caye Caulker, Belize!! Quality guide with great knowledge. We did an all day snorkeling tour and literally spent the entire day on or in the water.
Swimming with a Bull shark in Belize, 3min. About 20 minutes into our dive, this monster showed up...about a 6 ft, 250 lb bullshark...2nd apex predator in the ocean next to the great white. It..was....amazing...
At 0:34, you can start to see his shadow middle of the screeen, just to the left. At 1:11, you can start to see him in the lower portion of the screen swimming away...
Drone video of Ambergris Caye, 2min.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
