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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
Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Entry into Belize of Guatemalan Kaibil on November 17th, 2017
he Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been notified by the Benque Viejo del Carmen Police Station that at about 10:45 a.m. on November 17th, 2017, four Guatemalan Military Kaibil personnel crossed into Belize along with three Guatemalan journalists. Belizean Police Officers, stationed in the vicinity of the border, approached the Kaibil who were at the "Welcome to Belize" sign, and informed them that they were in Belizean territory; the police requested that they leave immediately, which they did without incident.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2018 shoot on Ambergris Caye
The Sports Illustrated Magazine team along with six models arrived at Mahogany Bay Village in San Pedro Town on Wednesday, November 15th, to shoot the 2018 Swimsuit Edition of the publication.
For four days International photographer Yu Tsai photographed the models at Mahogany Bay as well as other destinations on the island. The six models included Olivia Jordan, Allie Ayers, Haley Kalil, Camille Kostek, Iyonna Fairbanks, and Tabria Majores. While some of the women had pageant and modeling experience, others are considered novices. Model Olivia Joran was Miss USA in 2015 and the second runner-up at the prestigious Miss Universe beauty pageant also in 2015, Ayers has a couple years of modeling experience under her belt, while Fairbanks, Kostek, Kalil, and Majores are somewhat new to the experience. However, all the participants hope that this opportunity will open more doors for their modeling careers.
San Pedro Pirates lose first semifinal match against Belmopan Bandits
The Belmopan Bandits defeated the San Pedro Pirates Football Club on Sunday, November 19th at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town during the first round of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) semi-finals. While the San Pedro Pirates did their best to properly represent the island, in the end, it was a clear 6-0 victory for the visiting team.
Ambergris Today
Government Of Belize Strengthening Development Of School Feeding Programs In Belize
The Government of Belize has embarked on an agreement to strengthen School Feeding Programs in Belize in order to provide healthy food to needy school children in our country. This project is more than just a feeding program, a key element in the program is to incorporating agriculture into other areas of study while at the same time, promoting the value of self-grown food.
On Thursday, November 16, 2017, a new cooperation agreement to foster the strengthening of the School Feeding Program in Belize was signed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Health and the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation.
The Ya'axch� Conservation Trust Celebrates Its Third Year Of Successful Agroforestry Farming
Thirty farmers in Toledo are celebrating their third year of successful farming in Belize's first agroforestry concession within a protected area. The cultivation of cacao among other crops within the Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve is being guided by an agroforestry management plan and a conservation agreement. Ya'axch� Conservation Trust (Ya'axch�) is working with farmers to ensure that both the environment and livelihoods are considered in protected area management.
In 2012, 30 landless farmers with interests of farming within Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve made contact with Ya'axch� to support their aspirations. Ya'axch�, along with the farmers, developed an agroforestry management plan to guide the cultivation of cacao under the forest canopy and created a conservation agreement that incorporated the commitment of the farmers to protect the area of natural wonder.
Belize Makes Fodor's Travel Go List 2018 At #10
Belize has ranked number 10 out of 52 countries on the Fodor's Travel Go List for 2018, underscoring once more the effective efforts of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) to market Belize as growing, viable and a must-visit destination in Central America and the Caribbean.
The announcement was made last week on Fodor's Travel's Website. In its introductory page, Fodor's Travel said "Belize is full of rich history, rewarding explorations, and natural beauty ....part Caribbean and part Central America, Belize feels untouched by the rest of the planet, making it seem like a true getaway."
San Pedro RC School Library In Need Of Urgent Repair
The San Pedro Roman Catholic School is reaching out the community of San Pedro to kindly assist in form of donations so as to be able to fix their library that is dire need of repairs. For some time now the current building has been deteriorating slowly and after the September Mexico earthquake the building shook and needs to be reinforced. The building has broken doors and windows and the exterior walls are all rotting and falling apart.
Heading this fundraising initiative is Catherine Whitney also known by the students as "Teacher Kate" who has been volunteering at the library for several years now. The children have grown to love and appreciate everything Teacher Kate does and love spending time with her at the library reading stories and doing other fun activities.
Misc Belizean Sources
Institute of Archaeology Report: Thursday 23 November 2017
The Nohoch Cheen, ATM and Barton Creek Archaeological Reserves are open.
The river level at the ferry crossing remains the same as yesterday, therefore,the Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve remains closed.
Caye Caulker Liquor License Renewal Notice
Caye Caulker Liquor License Board takes this opportunity to remind all business owners that applications for the renewal of Liquor Licenses for the year 2018 are now being accepted. Please be advised that the deadline for submitting all renewal applications at the office is December 15th, 2017.
All applications must be completed before it's submitted to the office. Business owners who fail to comply will be charged a late fee. The Caye Caulker Liquor License Board also takes this opportunity to remind all License Holders to settle any arrears before the new year.
CCJ Overturns Ruling of Lower Courts in UHS Settlement Case
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) today, 22nd November, 2017, handed down its decision regarding the matter of the Belize Bank vs the Attorney General of Belize where the Belize Bank was appealing the decision of the Belize Court of Appeal on the Universal Health Services (UHS) matter delivered on the 24th day of March 2017. In that ruling, the Court of Appeal upheld the Supreme Court's decision that enforcement of the final arbitral award of the London Court of International Arbitration dated the 15th day of January 2013 by the High Court in Belize would be contrary to public policy of Belize, and offend the legal and constitutional order of Belize.
The CCJ overturned the decision of the Belize Court of Appeal and ordered that the Government of Belize (GOB) pay to Belize Bank the money that the Said Musa administration had saddled the government with back in 2007. The total award in favor of Belize Bank is approximately BZ$88M plus interest and cost.
Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Entry into Belize of Guatemalan Kaibil on November 17th, 2017
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been notified by the Benque Viejo del Carmen Police Station that at about 10:45 a.m. on November 17th, 2017, four Guatemalan Military Kaibil personnel crossed into Belize along with three Guatemalan journalists. Belizean Police Officers, stationed in the vicinity of the border, approached the Kaibil who were at the "Welcome to Belize" sign, and informed them that they were in Belizean territory; the police requested that they leave immediately, which they did without incident.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised the matter with the Guatemalan authorities to prevent reoccurrence.
Pharmaceutical Licensing
Effective 1st November 2017, all pharmaceutical facilities are required to have a Ministry of Health Certificate of Registration License in order to provide pharmacy services to the public. The Ministry of Health has publish the most updated list of Retail Pharmaceutical Establishments, Wholesalers and Importers with a valid MOH License. See the lists at the below links:
A Christmas Recital
O'Brien's Music Studio Presents! Dec 2, Saturday, at the Bliss Institute. Special invited guests The Belize Elementary School Choir.
6th Annual Yoga & Meditation Vacation in Belize
Sat Feb 03 2018 at 06:00 pm.
Ak'bol Yoga Retreat and Eco Resort, North San Pedro Town, San Pedro, Belize
Escape winter, relax, and nourish body, mind and spirit at the beautiful, peaceful Ak'bol Yoga Retreat Center and Eco resort on the tropical island of Ambergris Caye.
Belize (the former British Honduras) is located in Central America and is about five hours from Chicago via plane. English is commonly spoken, and the dollar is widely accepted. The peaceful cultural melting pot of Belize is home to unspoiled beaches and jungles as well as the second largest barrier reef in the world.
We will practice yoga twice a day on an exquisitely handcrafted platform at the end of a pier, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea.
Dance X BZ Cayo
The 2017 Belize Dance X will be performing at the Cayo Welcome Center this Friday, starting at 8:00pm. There will be local and international dance troupes performing. This free event is perfect for the entire family.
"Performing:
Belizean Heat - Cayo,
Gen-Ex - Cayo,
Faith Nazarene - Cayo,
Dwayne Murillo - Belize City,
Western Masqueraders - Cayo,
DK Flix - Cayo,
Teatro de la Danza del Caribe - Cuba,
The Astor Johnson Repertory Dance Theatre - Trinidad."
Calling for Belizean Artists to submit their Original Art Pieces!
Once again, the Museum of Belize is proud to invite its 2nd Call for Artists- Art submission for our talented Belizean Artists. We are requesting for artists to submit three (3) pieces of their original artwork, to be displayed in our new art exhibition on December 12th, 2017. Pieces should be no bigger than 24 inches by 36 inches, and must be submitted by Friday, December 8th, 2017.
Artwork does not need to be theme-based, but must be family appropriate content. For more information, contact Ilona Smiling at [email protected] or Yusleidy Chan at [email protected]. You could reach them at 223-4524.
Belizean Rowan Garel as a Caribbean Ambassador for Adventure
Oceana Belize is proud to support the nomination of Belizean Rowan Garel as a Caribbean Ambassador for Adventure. This young man continues to prove that nothing should stop us from exploring our beautiful Belize.
Caye Caulker Environmental Awareness
A list of restaurants and tour boats that use biodegradable take-out containers and refill water bottles:
Corozal Sports Council District Sports Coordinators Serious and Committed to take NSC Primary School Sports Program to the next Level
We visited 15 Rural Schools today Wednesday 22nd November 2017 from Chen Chen Government to Buena Vista RC as school Principals opens their school doors to discuss our sporting tournaments together with their Sports Coordinators,this effort has been very successful. Tomorrow we continue visiting the Town Schools. Play-Exel- Participate-Special thanks to all schools Principals and Education Officer Corozal Mrs Velma Godoy.
Corozal Cleanup, Saturday November 25th
Public Announcement - The Corozal Daily, Corozal Junior College Eagles' Environmental Club, Oceana Wavemakers and our Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College are joining their efforts this Saturday November 25th, for another Water Cleanup to make our Corozal Bay cleaner, more attractive, healthier and safer. We are expecting over 50 responders. This is an open invitation to the entire community so please join us.
If you have a kayak and wish to join us kindly do so. If you can't participate but have a kayak that you would like to lend us, kindly call us at 602-2126 and we will personally pick it up one day prior. You can also inbox us your message through this media platform and we will respond. We would also appreciate if you can bring one trash bag.
We will be meeting at the foot of the Thunderbolt Dock at 8:00 a.m. and will carry on until 12:00 noon. Come out this Saturday November 25th and join this incredible effort to keep our town safe and clean! Snacks and juice will be given. You Better Belize It!
Celebration of Maya and Garifuna Cultures through the streets of Louisville Village, Corozal District
Always proud of our heritage. The beauty and true treasures of Belize is that all culture reside harmoniously and respectfully with each other. Courtesy Adela Pederson.
Attention to all Corozal Hoteliers
The Belize Hotel Association is hosting its Bi-Annual General Meeting on December 5, 2017 at the Banyan Bay Suites in San Pedro Ambergris Caye.
You are cordially invited to hear about the BHA's activities over the current membership year, and the exciting projects scheduled for the upcoming months!
Dynamic Guest Speakers !
Kindly RSVP via email to [email protected] or call us at 223-0669.
Staff of (ESTM) Escuela Mexico Secundaria Tecnica Mexico robbed of over $8,600.00
According to reports, yesterday around 3:25 p.m., twenty two year old William Mendoza working as the finance assistant at Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico reported to police that about 2:30 p.m., he left school with principal, seventy three year old Carlos Castillo, of Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico to make a bank deposit in a Navy Blue Ford F150.
Mendoza told police that upon reaching miles 77 on the Philip Goldson Highway while he was heading to Corozal Town, the vehicle started to experience mechanical problems so they pulled off the road to check the vehicle's engine.
Mendoza said that while he was checking the engine, an unknown man held a machete to his neck and demanded cash.
Attention to all Corozal Tourism stakeholders
The Belize Tourism Industry Association is cordially inviting you to our 32nd Annual General Meeting to be held on December 7, 2017.
Key items on the agenda will include the following:
-ED Yearly Report
-Presentation on 2018 Birding Festival
- 2018/2019 Destination Belize Presentation Brunch
-Elections of 1st Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer
Artists in the Park 2017
Pictures from the Artists in the Park 2017. Great art, and some rock and roll in the evening from Ascenthium.
In related news, The 7th annual Cayo Art Fest will be on Saturday, December 9th, and the CWC.
"The CAYO Welcome Center was happening yesterday for the 2017 Art Fest. Ascenthium rocked the park, once again. During the day, there were many different artists from around Cayo and Belize displaying their art.
Thanks, San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Council for yet another spectacular event at the CWC!"
HONORING BELIZEAN FOOTBALLER STEPHEN "CUPCAKES" FLORES OF "QUEENS PARK RANGERS"!
Belizean football player of the 1960s "Queens Park Rangers" Stephen "Cupcakes" Flores was honored on Saturday November 18, 2017 at the "Belizean Legends" studios in Los Angeles by the "Belizean American Football Hall of Fame".
Flores who is seen here in the middle of the photo and third from the left, played forward as well as other parts of the field for the legendary football team of Belize in the 1960s, "Queens Park Rangers". He left Belize in 1964 where in lived in the states for the rest of his life. He was also a policeman in his hometown of Dangriga, Belize, and played on the police football team. The honor bestowed upon him by BAFHF as one of those legendary Belizean football players from one of the greatest football teams of Belize, came in a series of honors that the Belizean football hall of fame organization is spearheading.
Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize City
Lots of great photos....
Channel 7
Another 90 Mil: Crushing and Costly Defeat for GOB at CCJ
90 million more - that's how much the Government of Belize will have to pay the Ashcroft Alliance - after losing another huge case at the Caribbean Court of Justice today. But this time, it has nothing to do with compensation for BTL. This one goes all the way back to 2004, when then Prime Minister Said Musa gave Universal Health Services a secret government guarantee for 35 million dollars in private debt owed to the Belize Bank. When they couldn't pay, the Government guarantee kicked in, and the Musa Administration then came up with a loan note to use public funds to cover the private debt. That was in 2007 - but when the UDP won, they refused to honor it - saying the undertaking to use public funds was made without Parliament's approval and that made it unlawful. But, in 2013, the London Court of International Arbitration held that the Loan note was valid and gave the Belize Bank an award of 37 million dollars.
Hon. Elrington: Judgement Marks Sad Day For Country
Speaking about the CCJ decision today, former Attorney General Wilfred Elrington said that it is a sad day for the country:
Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs:
"Whenever we get judgments of that type it makes it that much more difficult for us to provide for the people of Belize the badly needed goods and services that we so depend on. We are already such an impoverished country most Belizeans don't understand the extent to which we as a nation rely on grants and loans just to survive from day to day when you get a decision of this type it will ultimately have a devastating impact on the ordinary poor Belizean citizen. It is a shame that these things are happening. It is a sad day for the country when you get decision of this type given against."
Making Deadly Bridge Safer In The Aftermath of Four Traffic Fatalities
The public outcry was not ignored: Belmopan Police along with private contractors and the Ministry of Works have teamed up to upgrade the safety features, and renovate the deadly St. Margret's bridge.
Works have already started to make both approaches to the mile 31 Hummingbird Highway bridge safer for drivers.
Belmopan police say that reflective stickers will be placed on the bridge and the Ministry of Works will install guard rails at the approach of the bridge.
CISCO construction says that they installed reflective stickers and other safety features in and around the bridge before, but vandals would remove the stickers and dump safety drums into the river.
Contraband Area in Coro Stays Hot: Man Caught with Weed
Tonight Corozal police are holding a man pending charges of drug trafficking after customs caught him with 20 pounds of marijuana.
Early this morning, a customs patrol team was back in that area of "Estero" - which is a contraband river crossing near the village of Patchakan in Corozal North. At around 6:30, they intercepted a vehicle coming from the riverside landing. When he saw Customs, the driver of the Geo Prizm tried to reverse - and the passenger jumped out and threw a large object in the bush.
UDP Area Rep Doesn't Defend Busted Brother
Now that "Estero" contraband passing point is the very same area where customs caught Edgar Patt on Monday with a contraband stash. The stash valued at a thousand dollars was unremarkable, but the near riot by the Pachakan villagers made news. They pelted the customs officers with pints and rocks - and so customs charged Patt - and is seeking to fine him twenty thousand dollars. They're doing this to set an example because of the way the villagers acted. But how does that make his brother feel? We're talking about the area representative, UDP Minister Hugo Patt. Today he told CTV-3 that Customs has to do its job:..
Hon. Hugo Pat, Corozal North Area Rep.:
"I am not in a position to respond to that. It is my brother who was caught, but if there is anything that needs to be responded to or any questions that need to be as a consequence it would be him. Personally I do my work and if you want to question my credibility politically, you can check the people from Corozal North and I prefer them to give you the answers on myself."
ACP Broaster Wasn't Talking About Pachakan Showdown
And, in a clarification of last night's news on that same Pachakan incident - we had comment from Police Commander of Operations Edward Broaster. We described the event in detail - explaining how customs had to call police for backup - but Broaster said there was really no confrontation.
Well, it turns out he was talking about another weekend contraband bust Police made in Corozal. That involved One white Isuzu trooper which the cops stopped at a hundred yards from the junction of San Antonio and Yo Creek road. Police saw that it was loaded with contraband beers and the occupants along with the vehicle were escorted to the customs office. Customs counted the beers and found more than two dozen cases of canned Corona beer and 5 cases of bottled beers.
Answers on What Those Clueless Kaibiles Were Doing in Belize
Finally, tonight there are some answers about that incident we told you about last week where 4 Guatemalan soldiers and two media persons came over to the Belize side of the western border and were walking around without permission.
Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is also the police minister said it should be interpreted as intimidating behaviour:
Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs:
"I was told that there was a visit by the Guatemalan military in the vicinity of the border but I didn't get the part that it was done in an intimidating way. The report I got was that they were spoken to by our police personnel and after that they withdrew."
Courtney Weatherburne, reporter:
"But is that usual, is that something normal to come over and do their own tour?"
Hon. Wilfred Elrington:
"I do not know the extent to which they came across if they did come across but we are neighboring countries and they must have some good reason why they want to be able to show what is the situation between us and them and I gather they were along with some journalists so it very well might have been an innocent expedition where they simply wanted to show the journalists what is the situation along the border with Belize."
PUP Women's Group Bashes The Cops
And keeping it on police matters, the PUP Women's group has spoken up to blast the cops for their loose language at yesterday's press briefing.
A release says, quote, "It has been over a week since 2 women alleged that while in police custody at the Independence Police Station, they were raped by 3 police officers. Gang rape is a serious allegation yet the officers accused remain on active duty. (There) is a strong suggestion (by police) that it was not rape, something that the police are not in a position to say.
The women's arm of the People's United Party condemns in the strongest possible terms the irresponsible and unprofessional manner in which this allegation of gang rape by police authorities is being handled." end quote.
Another (Much Smaller) Pinks Alley Fire
Pinks Alley in the Fort George area of Belize City witnessed an epic fire in March of this year that left more than 50 people homeless. And yesterday, all that trauma came back when there was a fire at an apartment in the Alley. Fortunately, this one was much smaller and easily contained. Bu there's nothing easy about it for the family that got burned out. We spoke to the family about what happened. Sahar Vasquez reports:
Yesterday afternoon before 2:00, Heston Young left his 2 children and wife at his apartment on Pinks Alley for a court appearance. But when he returned a fire was being put out at his apartment. A shocked and frightened Young scanned the yard and thankfully found his family standing outside. They were safe, but Young does not understand how this could have happened. The only conclusion he can come to is arson.
Sol. Gen. Before Senate Select
At the top of the news, you saw our interview with Solicitor General Nigel Hawke where he was speaking about the judgement from the Caribbean Court of Justice.
Well, right after that court appearance in Belize City, he had to rush to Belmopan to appear as a witness in the 40th session of the Senate Hearings on Immigration.
Now, Hawke wasn't in the hot seat. The senators only wanted his professional opinions on several different issues, as the lead administrator in the Attorney General's Ministry.
This afternoon, he testified for an hour about the legal implications of some of the findings of the Auditor General.
They asked him about those ill- gotten nationalities, and who in the Immigration Ministry is to be held accountable for the numerous cases of persons getting Belizean citizenship that they were not entitled to.
Can Dubious Nationalities Be Revoked?
So, since these persons holding nationality that they were not entitled to, the Senate also asked him about the process of revocation, and what would have to happen if and when this Committee makes that recommendation at the end of these hearings.
He said that it will be the responsibility of the Director of Immigration, the Minister of Immigration, and the CEO to follow through:
Eamon Courtenay - Senator for the Opposition:
"Persons who have nationality, there is a list of about 2,000 people who, we've had testimonies, that they were irregularly granted nationalities. First of all, what is the process for revoking those nationalities?"
Revocation Raises The Prospect Of Stateless Persons
So, as you just heard, Senator Courtenay based his question on the premise that there may be persons who got nationality in the run-up to the 2012 Elections, who did not qualify.
That's an important issue for the Opposition, which is convinced that in that rush, UDP politicians helped new voters who did not qualify for citizenship to get nationality in time for the elections.
Since that revelation in January, where Former Immigration Director Ruth Meighan confirmed it in her testimony, the PUP have been pushing for the mass cancelation of those nationalities. There is still the question about those over 2,000 new Belizeans who got their nationalities in that time, and the Auditor General has recommended that this list be investigated to ensure that they properly qualified.
Now, the current Director of Immigration was hesitant to go ahead and cancel those nationalities. She was concerned about the possibility that they may become stateless, since they had to denounce their citizenship to their birth country in order to swear in as new Belizeans.
Can PSC Get Some Teeth?
And finally from today's hearing, the Senate asked the Solicitor General for his opinion on whether heads of the different government departments can discipline public officers who are guilty of wrongdoing.
The Sol Gen agreed that improvements need be made. Here's how he explained it:
Nigel Hawke - Solicitor General:
"I think at a general level, and I can perhaps take some blame for it as the officer solicitor general, I think what needs to happen is a lot more institutional training and the building of capacity in two instances even in relation to training for the commissioners or the public services commission in terms of the protocols that should be adopted, how cases and hearings should be conducted, and also more importantly public officers presenting cases before the commission. I've seen some instances where unfortunately you had a person who is bringing the case before the commission also presenting the case and that is a strict no-no. So, I think we all have to play a part and I would take some of the blame in the sense where we need to get to a level where I think if we are able to lift our level of capacity building and training I think we can get there."
Motorbike Passenger Critical After Accident
A man is reported to be in critical condition after he was knocked off a motorcycle today in Dangriga town. It happened at around 2:45 at the corner of George Price Drive and Ecumenical Drive. According to reports, Antonio Flores was turning out of Ecumenical into George Price Drive when he hit an oncoming Skygo motorbike carrying two persons. 20 year old Kayen Kerr and 17 year old Henry Thomas were flung to the pavement. Thomas was seriously injured and had to be rushed to the KHMH. Kerr is in stable condition at the Southern Regional Hospital. Flores has been served with a notice of intended prosecution.
Principal Robbed on Roadside
The principal of Escuela Secundaria Tecnica in Corozal was robbed in a frightening afternoon hold up. Yesterday around 3:25 Principal Carlos Castillo along with Finance Assistant William Mendoza went to deposit money in the bank. But they had some vehicle trouble along the way and pulled over between miles 77 and 78 on the Phillip Goldson Highway. That's when a man approached them with a machete and held them up. He hit Mendoza in the back of his head with the machete threatened to chop him. He fled with the principal's cell phone and the deposit bag with $8,667 dollars. The money was for the school cafeteria.
Richards Family Says Cops Not Helping
Tomorrow will make one week since 83-year-old Hubert Richards has been missing. The family has been searching tirelessly for their loved one and today after another long search they were feeling more than frustrated due to what they say is the lack of assistance from police. Now, this contradicts what police told us yesterday when they said that they were working with the family. This evening they told us that's not so, and they are making a plea for help from the authorities as the number of days increase.
Sheri Richards, Granddaughter:
"We've been coordinating with the investigating officer. He's been putting out the information. However, it's like the other police departments have not been working on the information received."
UNICEF, Taking Stock
Today UNICEF held its annual end of year review at the Biltmore. It was an all-day event highlighting the work they have done for 2017. The main objective like any review is to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs and to see how they can improve next year. Here's more.
Susan Kasedde, UNICEF Country Rep.:
"Today we are holding our annual review meeting with our partners. Every year of our country program, UNICEF intends to hold a consultative session with our partners in government, civil society, and the UN system and beyond to reflect on the commitments we made in support of children's health and development in Belize and the progress we have made towards those commitments and so today we will spend the entire day hearing some of the results that have been achieved in 3 areas: in child rights monitoring and reducing multidimensional poverty , in access to justice and safety and violence prevention and in the area of lifelong learning."
Making Marketing Work At UB
Almost any product you could think of was featured at this year's University of Belize marketing Expo. Food, drinks desserts even furniture - you could pretty much decorate your living room, if you shopped around at the Expo. We stopped by the Princess Hotel to see the creative business ideas the students came up with.
For the Most creative product category Woodbrite Furniture came in first, second place went to Tropical Walk - they re- created sandals from recycled materials, and third place went to Kash U, Cum Up. There was another category with winners as well.
OW, Tacos Town
Orange Walk is where Belizeans go to get the best tacos in the land, and, tonight we'll declare that instead of Sugar City, that place should be called Tacos Town.
And, if you have any doubts, try going there on Sunday for the annual tacos takeover.
It's the 6th annual tacos fest, where vendors will serve up any kind of meat that can be wrapped in a tortilla. One of the organizers shared more about the highly anticipated event.
Robert Usher, Event Organizer:
"We will be having chicken tacos, beef tacos, seafood tacos. We will also be having tacos el pastor. The tacos that go around and the meat is turning around and you can cut it and drop it and make your tacos quick. They have the cochinita pibil that they put under the ground. They also have special from August Pine Ridge. They make their tacos right there and they make the tortilla with their hands. That is a ver y special part of the tacos festival as well. We have over 20 vendors that registered so we will have a lot of tacos."
Fodor's Bigs Up Belize
There is great news coming out of the tourism industry: Belize is featured on Fodor's Travel Go list 2018 as the 10th best place to visit. There are 52 countries on the list. Fodors is a prestigious travel guide that features some of the best destinations in the world.
Channel 5
C.C.J. Orders Belize Bank Payment for U.H.S.; Resistance is Futile
The Barrow administration has been dealt yet another crippling blow by the Caribbean Court of Justice, after losing an appeal in respect of a long-drawn-out matter involving the defunct Universal [...]
Costs from Arbitration Rose Due to Government 'Obstinacy'
According to Courtenay, a letter will be forwarded to government later this week requesting payment.� Should there be no response or a refusal to pay the outstanding debt, a certificate [...]
G.O.B. Disappointed, Still Insists Deal Was Corrupt
Solicitor General Nigel Hawke appeared on behalf of government and was first to express disappointment with the CCJ's verdict.� While he is awaiting further instructions, the Sol Gen maintains that [...]
Vindication for Ex-P.M. Musa in U.H.S. Affair
The source of the lengthy proceedings is former Prime Minister Said Musa, whose administration back in 2004 entered into an agreement by signing a loan note between the Belize Bank [...]
Musa Says Taiwan & Venezuela Grants Would Have Settled Debt
According to Musa, the matter had been settled during his term in office and that government had indeed received funding from Taiwan and Venezuela that would have cleared the debt. [...]
Belize Bank Says It's All Over; U.S. Refused Hearing on Enforcement
Late this evening, the Belize Bank also issued a press release on the decision, stating, "In its judgment today, the CCJ granted permission to the Bank to enforce the L.C.I.A. [...]
Associate of Late Michelle Anison Disputes Portrayal of Her Character
Are police any closer to cracking the murder case of Michelle Anison? The decomposing body of the British expat was discovered in her apartment on Perez Road, Ladyville last Friday; [...]
Children's Home Devastated by Loss of 'Humanitarian'
The murder of Anison has left the staff and children at Liberty Children's Home traumatized. Director Valentine says that persons have been brought in to counsel them; she also describes [...]
Plans in Train to Revoke Nationalities in 2012 Rush, SolGen Reveals
Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay and Solicitor General Nigel Hawke were on opposite sides of the bar in a different forum this afternoon, specifically at the National Assembly in Belmopan where [...]
Fixing the Guatemala Conundrum
The other legal opinion has to do with clarifying the status of Guatemalan nationals renouncing their citizenship in order to become Belizeans. The process of granting nationality to Guatemalans has [...]
Review on Whether Marriage Makes One a Belizean
Also questioned was the matter of nationality through marriage to a Belizean. As seen in the case of Peter Dahlstrom, section eleven of the Nationality Act requires persons registering to [...]
Ministerial Influence Not Necessary; Will Immigration Minister Do Something?
And finally from the Senate Special Select Committee tonight, Solicitor General Nigel Hawke addressed the issue of ministerial responsibility and alleged interference in the Department through direct instructions and recommendations [...]
Cisco, Works Move In to Address Site of Fatal Accidents on Hummingbird
If you traveled along the Hummingbird Highway today, you may have noticed some ongoing works at a bridge between miles thirty-one and thirty-two - the very same spot where four [...]
Chamber, Unions Say Lower Fuel Taxes
Can more be done to stabilize and reduce fuel prices? Despite the best promises of Prime Minister Dean Barrow after a series of cruel spikes between August and early October, [...]
Education the Key as First Anniversary of UNCAC Approaches
Belize is coming up on the one-year anniversary of the signing and accession to the United Nations Convention against Corruption on December ninth, World Anti-Corruption Day. The government devoted a [...]
Dialogue Continues on Re-Introduction of OSH Bill
What's happened to the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, which would address working conditions for all employees countrywide? In October, Prime Minister Dean Barrow stated that he had no update [...]
C.W.U. on the Move - S.S.B., Stevedores Could Get CBA's for Christmas
Earlier this year, two bargaining units affiliated with the Christian Workers Union - employees of Social Security Board and stevedores working at the Port of Belize - engaged in high-profile [...]
U.B. Doing Business in Belize City
The annual marketing expo organized by the University of Belize was held today at the Ramada Belize City Princess where thirty-five innovative business ideas came to fruition. News Five's Duane [...]
Red Cross Building Up River Valley Communities
The Belize Red Cross is enhancing capacity and building resiliency in sixteen communities in the Belize District. The Belize Red Cross has ongoing assessments in communities to identify gaps and [...]
Ladyville Mom Has New House for Christmas
A deserving mother of three children was the lucky recipient of a house in the Lord's Bank community, just in time for the upcoming Christmas season. Taralee Burgess and her [...]
Orange Walk is Tacos Central this Weekend
The seventh annual tacos festival is this weekend. On Sunday, Orange Walk will come together to celebrate the tacos. A staple of the Orange Walk food and culture scene, organizers [...]
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