Amandala
Rocke blocks motion to amend MAA
Opposition Senator, Eamon Courtenay, today tabled a motion to amend the Maritime Areas Act, to allow for Belize to claim its 12 miles of territorial sea under international law.
Courtenay explained that when the Maritime Areas Act (MAA) was passed into law, in the 1990s, Belize did not claim all of its territorial sea. This was done in an effort to reach a negotiated settlement with the Republic of Guatemala, which has maintained a claim over Belizean territory.
Courtenay said that in 2008, the Belizean and Guatemalan governments signed the Special Agreement to take the territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), if the citizens of both countries vote in referenda to have the ICJ adjudicate on the matter, the result of which would be binding to both countries.
Dynamite blast in Santa Cruz leaves one dead
An explosion at a quarry in Santa Cruz (a section of Santa Elena, Cayo) earlier this week has left one man dead, five persons injured, and several homes flattened. The deceased has been officially identified as Canadian national, Ronald Sutherland, 71, who operated Tiger Aggregates Ltd.
According to reports, shortly after 5 o'clock on Tuesday evening, Sutherland blasted the hillside of a white marl quarry while mining for material to be used by the Belize Roadway Construction Limited, which had recently been awarded a $7 million contract for a road rehabilitation project in Santa Elena Town.
Interestingly, the Belize Roadway Construction Limited had their original mining site in Benque Viejo, but abandoned it to get materials from Santa Cruz. This was done presumably because the material from the Benque quarry was inferior and, additionally, to cut cost.
SUV crashed and abandoned with 6,328 grams of cocaine at the Northern Border
The driver of a Lincoln Navigator SUV that crashed into the gate of the Customs cargo area at the Northern Border, at about 2:30 yesterday afternoon, absconded before authorities could catch up with him. Police who searched the vehicle found 6,328 grams of cocaine (almost 14 pounds), hidden in a compartment in the dashboard. Police took charge of the drugs, impounded the vehicle, and are conducting a search for the driver.
During a police press brief held this morning at the Racoon Street Police Station, ACP Joseph Myvette, Head of National Crimes Investigation, told us that the Navigator was traveling to Mexico, from Belize. Mexican police scanned the vehicle at the Mexico-Belize border and, detecting something suspicious, they told the driver that they would carry out a secondary inspection on the vehicle.
Cruel Social Security stopped a 100-year-old woman's benefits four years ago
Miss Leah Patnett from Wagner's Lane celebrated her 104th birthday today. While most people would view reaching 100 years of age as an exceptional milestone worthy of recognition and honor, the Belize Social Security Board (SSB) appears to not share that sentiment.
Four years ago, when Miss Leah became 100-years-old, the Belize Social Security Board sent her a letter, in which they explained that the $100 that they had been paying her monthly, would no longer be issued to her.
What did Miss Leah do to receive such shabby treatment from the Belize Social Security Board? Nothing! She was only blessed to reach the golden age most people on the planet will never live to attain. Did she deserve to be cut off like that? Isn't this discrimination against a person based on age?
Businessman shoots robber
Three robbers would have probably made a clean getaway if their victim, Dorian Usher, 36, did not open fire, injuring one of them.
Sometime around 2 p.m. today, Usher was about to exit his family business, Monica's Pawn Shop, situated at the corner of Cemetery Road and Elston Kerr Street, when a van pulled up and three men exited, one of them armed with a hand gun. The robbers relieved Usher of his gold chain, and were attempting to rob him of more jewelry, when he pulled out his licensed firearm and fired several shots, one of which hit one of the robbers in his hand.
NTUCB and PM Barrow agree to hold Commission of Inquiry into UHS loan guarantee
Following a meeting with Prime Minister Dean Barrow this morning, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) announced this evening, via a press release, that an agreement has been reached to hold a Commission of Inquiry into the arrangement which led to the provision of a loan guarantee for the Universal Health Services (UHS) facility.
The NTUCB announcement that the Prime Minister has given the green light for the Commission of Inquiry comes just one week after a Senate Select Committee wrapped up 13 months of public hearing on the Auditor General's report on the Immigration Department, for which its report is still pending.
Verdes FC are the new PLB 2017-2018 Opening Season champions
Although they lost, 2-1, to Belmopan Bandits SC at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in game 2 of the finals on Saturday night, Verdes FC were still declared champions of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Opening Season, by virtue of the "away goal rule," since they had won game 1 the previous week on their home turf at the Norman Broaster Stadium by a 1-nil score.
It was a highly anticipated game 2 for the PLB championship, and the game lived up to expectations, as fans were treated to some real exciting football action, both teams demonstrating the qualities that made them finalists in the competition.
From the opening whistle on Saturday, Verdes was on the offensive, and it was only 5 minutes into the game when Bandits keeper Shane Moody Orio had to make a spectacular save, when Gilroy "Bredda"Thurton's center from the left goal line found the head of Verdes striker Alcides "Paco" Thomas, who re-directed the ball toward goal from the edge of the six-yard box; but somehow Shane "got there" to stop the first serious Verdes attempt.
Marin 8-Ball Tournament 2017 in Corozal - San Narciso Eagles and Haneen Shattaz in the finals!!!
The fantastic finals for the Hon. Pablo Marin 8-Ball Tournament in Corozal will be this weekend, and it promises to be extremely exciting. Billiards fans are asked to come out and enjoy the games.
On Friday, December 15, at 7:00 p.m., San Narciso Eagles plays at home vs Haneen Shattaz at Eagles Cool Spot in San Narciso Village. This is game one of a best-of-two series for the championship.
On Saturday, December 16, at 1:00 p.m., K.C. Shooters will play Rookies for 3rd place at Haneen Shattaz Cool Spot in San Narciso Village. Then, at the same venue, it's the grand finale at 4:30 p.m. to determine who will be the winner, as Haneen Shattaz plays at home vs San Narciso Eagles.
PLB Opening Season Awards
At the end of the PLB Opening Season, which culminated on Saturday, 9 December 2017 with Verdes FC triumphing over Bandits FC in the finals, awards were given out to players who excelled during the tournament. Awards were also given out to coaches, managers, and media.
MVP playoffs - Roberto Silva De Lima (Verdes FC)
MVP regular season - George Welcome (Bandits SC)
Most Goals golden boot - George Welcome (Bandits SC)
Best midfielder - Denmark Casey, Jr. (Verdes FC)
Best defense - Elroy Smith (Bandits SC)
Best goalkeeper - Zeron Sagastume (Verdes FC)
Bandits win game 2; Verdes win PLB championship on "away-goal rule"
It was a game "for all the marbles" indeed, as the two top-ranked regular season teams clashed in game 2 of the finals for the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Opening Season championship on Saturday night; and when referee Irfan Basdemir blew the long whistle to end regulation play, home standing Belmopan Bandits SC were the 2-1 winners, but Verdes players and fans erupted in celebration, as they were declared champions of the tournament.
"Win da win," and both Verdes and Bandits players and fans knew the "rules of engagement" going into the finals Game 2 on Saturday night at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. Verdes had taken game 1 by a 1-nil score on their home field at the Norman Broaster Stadium last week Sunday; and the PLB competition rules dictated that, in case of an aggregate tie in goals at the end of regulation play in game 2, the "away-goal rule" would be in effect.
Editorial: The wreckage of decolonization
A few days ago, the murder statistics for the nation-state of Belize stood at 133 murders for 2017 so far, with 81 of these taking place in the Belize District. 81 out of 133 is something like 60 percent, but the population of the Belize District is only about 30 percent of the national population.
In fact, the vast majority of the 81 Belize District murders occurred on the Southside of Belize City, which also happens to be the political stronghold of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP). The UDP has been in national power for almost ten years consecutively, but has been unwilling or unable to do anything about the unacceptable socio-economic conditions on the Southside, apart from a couple food handout programs and token attempts at special education upliftment.
It is important to note that during the latter part of the heyday of the People's United Party (PUP), specifically the 1965 and 1969 general elections, the Southside was where, compared to the rest of the country, dissatisfaction with the PUP was being expressed. Hon. Philip Goldson, Leader of the National Independence Party (NIP), won the Albert seat in both those general elections, while the PUP's C. L. B. Rogers won the Mesopotamia seat for the PUP in both 1965 and 1969.
From The Publisher
There is a phenomenon in electoral politics which is called the "swing," and it excites political analysts in much the same way major hurricanes appear to excite meteorologists. The first significant swing in Belize's modern electoral politics, which began after World War II, took place in the October 1974 general election, but the first massive swing occurred in the December 1984 general election.
The 1974 swing is almost never discussed in Belize, because it was of no real consequence, in the sense that the ruling People's United Party (PUP) remained in power. But, the 1974 swing was of some consequence, because basically the same Opposition group, which, organized as the NIPDM for the December 1969 general election had then won only one out of the eighteen House seats, came back as the United Democratic Party (UDP) in 1974 and won six of the eighteen seats, while coming within a mere seventeen votes of winning three more seats, which would have thrown the House into a stunning 9-9 deadlock. One of the reasons the 1974 swing is almost never discussed is because the swing had something to do with the UBAD Party, and the UDP leaders have historically always avoided the subject of UBAD.
Imprisoning Mexican for illegal entry is senseless, says Romel Cuello
Dear Editor,
It gives me great sadness to read in the news that a Mexican national has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for not being able to pay a $1,000.00 fine for entering the country from Botes, Mexico to Santa Cruz, Belize, illegally.
Belize and Mexico have a brotherly relationship, and freedom of movement should be one of our main attractions. All of the trade movement goes towards Mexico, so when a few Mexicans wish to come to visit Belize, we should welcome them, not incarcerate them. If this person had criminal intentions when coming to our country, then we should punish him. We do not like when our people are locked up abroad for innocent reasons, especially if we are just offending immigration laws.
Are we broke yet?
Dear Editor:
Humans are influenced by genetics and environment, and the same can be said about nations. The genetics of Belize is made up by the people who inhabit it and the characteristics of the families, communities and, to some extent, the race and customs that mold them. Countries, however, are also influenced by the geographic location in which they are. In Belize's case that would be the nations of Latin America, more so than the nations of the Caribbean. It must be noted that the group of nations that make up Latin America have been forged by violence and today still face huge national challenges to secure peace, law and order. An additional modern influence that cannot be underestimated in 2017 is that of social media, and I am pooling television along with that.
Social media, which was a key ingredient in the Arab Spring revolts, makes the dissemination of ideas and messages literally at the tip of your finger. Every nation in Latin America and as far as South America has been forged at some point by some type of revolution or mass unrest. These have been created mainly by three things; a quest for independence from some imperial power, a difference in ideology, and the depletion of the middle class. Belize, after only 36 years of independence, is heading in that direction. In other words, our nation is surrounded by those who were created with violence, unrest, revolution and strikes and, like a growing child, we will be influenced by our surroundings.
Mexico is Belize's best neighbour
In 1859, Belize (British Honduras) signed a treaty with Guatemala, establishing our borders to the south and to the west. Guatemala has renounced that treaty because, it says, Belize reneged on an article in the agreement. The British had agreed to construct, "jointly" with Guatemala, a road that would serve the "mutual" interests of the two countries. Guatemala would have had "more" access to the Caribbean/Atlantic for their goods, and British Honduras (Belize) would have access "for the first time" to the Pacific for her goods.
It has been argued that Guatemala agreed to the "borders" because it was worried about British expansion in Central America. There are many historical documents that support this argument. It must be noted that the territory in question, land that Guatemala said was legally hers, had never, not at any point in time, been occupied by that country. Notwithstanding these facts, Guatemala has been a thorn in the side of Belize ever since it decided that the British not helping them to build the road, was a breach.
BELIZEAN STANISLAUS - DECEMBER 17, 2017
The judgement of the highest court of our nation that we must now discharge a debt with accumulated interest has moved our people to the conviction that something dramatic and meaningful must be done to improve our love of country. What we decide to do must be an expression of caring and loving the whole society of Belize and not just a section or special group within it. It must be an act or deed that shows that our affection cuts across all barriers of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, and politics. It should focus on an ideal, a goal, a public virtue that would practically, morally and spiritually enhance the behavior of our nation and all its people and convert Belize to a state of being more evidently civilized.
Our national goal, or ideal, must be one that visibly, obviously affects the daily living of everyone, telling him or her that we care for his wellbeing and that of his family.
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin will not conclude backlog of cases by end of legal year
Belize's Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin, came under the scrutiny of the Belize Bar Association in September, when the Bar passed a resolution calling on him to deliver delayed judgments for 32 cases that he has heard but on which he has not yet issued a ruling. The Bar had threatened to file for his removal from office for misconduct.
Shortly after the Bar voted on its resolution, Prime Minister Dean Barrow had announced that two retired judges from the Caribbean would be hired to assist the Chief Justice in writing the delayed judgments.
That was a mistake on the part of the Prime Minister, and something that is impractical because, as legal sources pointed out to Amandala, judges cannot write judgments for cases that they have not heard. Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte had confirmed that indeed no judges would be hired to assist the Chief Justice with his backlog.
Inmate of Belize Central Prison arraigned on 2 counts of unnatural crime
An inmate of the Belize Central Prison who is serving time for multiple offences, including burglary and damage to property, ran afoul of the law again.
Forty-three-year-old Kenroy Cooke appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford in the Magistrate's Court this morning, to answer to two counts of an unnatural crime and one count of harm, after a fellow prisoner made a report to police last month that he sodomized him twice in the cell they were made to share, which led to charges being brought against Cooke by the police. No plea was taken from Cooke because the offence of an unnatural crime is indictable, and will be heard in the Supreme Court. Since Cooke is a prisoner serving time, the question of bail never arose, and Magistrate Ford adjourned his matter to March 14, 2018.
BEL meter man case crashes; prosecution failed to provide disclosure after 8 months
he prosecution case against a man who was charged with the theft of 3,033 Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) meters crashed in the Magistrate's Court this week, after the prosecution failed to deliver disclosure, eight months after the accused man was first arraigned on the charge.
Santiago Padillo, a Burrell Boom resident, appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford yesterday, Wednesday, for the continuation of the theft case against him.
Padillo was first arraigned on the charge that he stole 3,033 of BEL's meters in April and was denied bail when he appeared before the then Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. He pleaded not guilty to the theft of the meters, valued at $170,000.
Twenty-three-year-old man accused of attempted murder committed to the Supreme Court for trial
Marcus Garcia, 23, who was charged with the attempted murder of taxi driver Emmeth Baptist, 30, was today committed to stand trial in the April session of the Supreme Court by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford after a preliminary inquiry. Garcia is also charged with robbery, wounding, and use of deadly means of harm.
Garcia had objected to the case being sent up to the Supreme Court because he said that after he read his disclosure he was of the opinion that it was a fabrication. The prosecutor responded by submitting that there is nothing to support Garcia's claim of fabrication because there was no previous matter of contention between Garcia and Baptist to suggest that Baptist had reason to make up the story.
The Reporter
Post mortem results prompts homicide investigation in San Ignacio
San Ignacio police have launched a murder investigatin after a post-mortem examination on Israel Chuc’s body revealed he had been strangled to death. Chuch, 34, was found lying on the side of a road by police in that San Ignacio early on Sunday morning. On Tuesday, the […]
Three-year-old dies in accident, father to be served with NIP
A three-year-old baby boy, Darren Jose Sanchez, died in a road traffic accident on the Southern Highway near Bladen village, Toledo district early on Tuesday morning. Police say a notice of intended prosecution will be issued against his father, 34-year-old Jose Oscar Sanchez Jr., while a file […]
No leads in Buca Shell gas station murder
Belize City police are trying to identify two suspects by examining surveillance footage from the Buca Shell gas station at mile 2 1/2 on the Philip Goldson highway where an unarmed security guard was killed early on Saturday morning. While the surveillance cameras captured the two men […]
Businesswoman robbed inside her King's Park home
A businesswoman living in the King's Park area was robbed inside her home by two males who gained entry on December 6th. Police escorted both suspects and a teen to court on December 11, 2017 to be charged. Luquan Flowers, 18 and 33-year-old Leon Ware/Blease were charged […]
Accused meter thief walks free
by Anita Nembhard/Flowers Santiago Padillo, the man trusted by Belize Electricity Limited to safe-guard meters, stole them, causing the company to accuse him of theft. Padilla, a Burrell Boom resident appeared in court 2 this morning before Senior Magistrate, Aretha Ford for an adjournment in the case. In court the […]
Million dollar airport coming to San Pedro
The residents of San Pedro can expect a new full-service international airport coming to the island, after the Government of Belize signed a signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with International Airport Alliance Belize Limited this week. The MOU, which establishes the general framework that guides the […]
Belize’s first Hilton opens for business
The long-awaited Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club – Hilton's first property in Belize - is now open for business in Ambergris Caye, some two miles from San Pedro. The high-end hotel, which includes 5-cottage and villa-style rooms, sits on a 60-acre waterfront site with […]
Police warn against toy guns for Christmas gifts
The Belize Police Department, citing a potential public safety risk, is calling on parents to reconsider buying toy guns for their children this Christmas. During the police/media briefing this week, Senior Superintendent of Police, Bart Jones, explained that there is an increasing concern about persons, particularly youths, […]
Tribute to Rangers, Our Local Heroes!
by Lee, Wildlife Conservation Society When was the last time you said "thank you" to a ranger? We know them as fisheries officers, forest officers, park guards or wardens. They work for governments, NGO's and community groups, often for little reward and/or recognition, risking their lives to protect our wildlife […]
Civil society in favor of paying UHS debt
The Government of Belize is facing mounting pressure to pay the $90 million owed to the Belize Bank over the Universal Health Services (UHS) guarantee, as the Belize Network of Non-Governmental Organizations has called on GOB to pay up. The BNN issued a release last Thursday pointing […]
Belize gets $10 million IDB loan to fight climate change
Over 103,000 people are expected to directly benefit from a new $20 million project between the Government of Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) aimed at battling the effects of climate change The IDB announced this week that it is giving Belize a loan of US […]
Belize’s Foreign Minister meets with new Guatemalan counterpart
Guatemalan President, Jimmy Morales has named Sandra Jovel as his country’s new Foreign Minister. She took part in her first bilateral meeting with Belize’s Foreign Minister, Wilfred Elrington and OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro in Panama this week. The two foreign ministers were attending the […]
Reforming the system to prevent $90 million repeat
In last week's Business Perspective we engaged in a discussion on the Rule of Law, and how it factors into the current discourse regarding the $90 million that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ordered the Government of Belize (GoB) to pay the Belize Bank Limited ("The Bank"). Naturally, […]
A $90 million lesson Part I
The November 22nd decision by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has, yet again, sent Belizeans into an emotional, political and economic tailspin. An order to a cash-strapped economy to pay $ 90 million certainly would have that sort of effect, especially when one considers that the People of Belize […]
Exploitation: Who’s to Blame? 2
By Neri Briceno Lost litigations as a result of the nationalization of Belize Telemedia and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the then United Health Services, places the nation is in crisis. The status quo will only destroy a nation that is relatively young in the international community. Belizeans are of the […]
Editorial
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry is seriously delusional when it suggests that the Government of Belize can raise $90 million to honour a judgement of the Caribbean Court of Justice to pay the Belize Bank by simply plugging leaks in the tax system. Government's chief vehicles of taxation […]
Inmate accused of sodomy
Kenroy Cooke, the inmate accused of savagely raping his cellmate not once but twice in November, was arraigned in court this week after the victim and his father spoke out publicly, clamoring for justice. Cooke, a criminal known to have served time for burglary, theft, […]
Company responsible for Santa Cruz explosion had no permits
The Reporter has been able to confirm, through sources in the Ministry of Natural Resources, that Tiger Aggregates, the company responsible for the massive explosion in Santa Cruz village, Santa Elena on Tuesday evening, did not have the requisite permit or license to mine. Sources […]
$33 million and 2 years later – Civic Centre complete!
The long-awaited multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art Belize City Civic Centre is complete, minus a few finishing touches. After 24 months of construction and a $32.9 million investment from PetroCaribe funds, the facility was open for tours this week, awaiting new contract bids from private entities for […]
Thief shot by robbed business owner
A robber turned into a gunshot victim when he and two others tried to rob a business man at Monica's Pawn on Thursday. Reports are that three men entered the establishment, located at #128 Cemetery Road on Thursday afternoon and demanded that the businessman hand [�]
Breaking Belize News
Air Canada flights to Belize commence today
Today, Air Canada had its first flight from Canada to Belize. The new route was [�]
San Pedro airport developer is convicted fraudster, court documents show
Jorge Abraham Jaen, the businessman who the government of Belize signed a memorandum of understanding [�]
Tropic Air unveils TropicMiles frequent flyer program
Tropic Air has unveiled its new frequent flyer program, TropicMiles, which will officially launch on [�]
Zabaneh family to sue Fyffes
Meridian Enterprises, the company owned by the mother of former banana farming giant, John Zabaneh, [�]
NEMO assists victims of Cayo quarry explosion
Personnel from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) have been on the ground assessing the [�]
Police investigating unlawful sex
On Wednesday, around 3:00 p.m. a 32 year old Belizean housekeeper of San Ignacio reported [�]
Orange Walk man killed
This morning around 4:30, police responded to a report of a shooting incident on Belize Corozal [�]
Did Tiger Aggregates have license for Santa Cruz explosion?
Tiger Aggregates, the company that set off the deadly Santa Cruz explosion which resulted in [�]
Belize and Guatemala hold bilateral meeting in Panama
Foreign Minister, Wilfred Elrington; the Guatemalan Foreign Minister, Sandra Jovel and the Secretary-General of the [�]
Renewal of Fisherfolk Licenses 2018
Commercial Fisherfolk License Renewal The Belize Fisheries Department yesterday informed that it will commence the [�]
Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities launches Bulb Exchange Program
The Energy Unit within the Ministry of the Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities in [�]
PSU slams Auditor General
The Public Service Union (PSU), in a statement released yesterday, took aim at the Auditor [�]
Social Security disapproved loan for Caye Caulker airstrip
According to a report from 7News, the Social Security Board (SSB) did not approve a [�]
Question Answered: Where is the Mahogany Bay Beach Club?
Early in the week, I wrote about the opening of what will be the largest resort on Ambergris Caye. The full name is Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton. A mouthful, I know.
But where is the Beach Club? The townlet is set on a lagoon and there are canals made for boat traffic but I wanted to step foot on this spot where Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue was just shooting.
Last Friday, a GORGEOUS day, I was invited to the Mahogany Bay Beach Club. I met a visiting couple and the head of sales at MBV.
Here is an image from Google Earth of San Pedro town and the surrounding area.
You can see the reef on the right running along the island and then I labeled The Bridge, San Pedrito, Cayo Espanto, MBVillage (you can see many of the canals in the area) and the Beach Club. Hopefully this provides some clarity. For those who know the area, Secret Beach is a few miles north (up) from the beach club.
The Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro, located in Belize's Placencia
It's a very sweet journey to Belize.
The Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro, located on Belize's Placencia Peninsula, is offering an immersive package that allows travelers to interact with local Mayan families and learn first hand how they've lived off the land in the "cradle of chocolate."
Guests experience a culinary learning education as they enjoy a tour of a local organic chocolate farm, taking in the cacao trees, meeting the family that works the land and tasting the chocolate itself.
In addition, guests can explore a spice farm, and get a first-hand look at where black pepper and vanilla is grown, while tasting their way through acres of locally-grown fruit trees.
Belize to held its Internet conference in 2018
Caribbean Peering and Interconnection Forum, known as CarPIF, on June 6 and 7, 2018. The 2018 meeting is expected to be the largest to date, according to organizer Bevil Wooding, an Internet strategist with Packet Clearing House and executive director of the Caribbean Network Operators Group. He described the annual event as "a truly unique opportunity for players in the Caribbean's Internet community to connect with peers and industry colleagues." CarPIF is an initiative of the Internet Society, Packet Clearing House and the Caribbean Network Operators Group. Since its inception in 2015, the forum has brought together regional and international technology experts and telecommunications industry execs to discuss a range of topics related to Internet peering and interconnection trends, and their relevance to the Caribbean region.
Stayover visitors to Belize totaled 319,119
Belize is continuing to show seriously strong growth in its tourism sector so far in 2017, according to the latest data from the country's tourist board.
Stayover visitors to Belize totaled 319,119 through the end of September, an 8.6 percent increase that's among the fastest growth rates in the Caribbean.
That follows a boom in 2016 that saw Belize post a 13 percent increase in stayover arrivals over 2015.
International Sources
Belize signs MoU to develop $100m airport in Ambergris Caye
The Government of Belize and International Airport Alliance Belize have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop an international airport in Ambergris Caye.
Set to be named the Efrain Guerrero International Airport, it will be Belize's second international airport.
During the one-year period of the MoU, International Airport Alliance Belize will finalise logistics in terms of land, finances and environmental assessments.
The scope of the proposed project includes a terminal building, a runway, a taxiway and an apron. Once operational, the airport is expected to create approximately 181 jobs.
As well as providing long-term socio-economic benefits to Belize, the airport is expected to boost direct tourism arrivals to San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye.
Murray State's education abroad program in Belize celebrates 10th anniversary
In 2017, the College of Education and Human Services at Murray State University celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Belize International Teaching Experience, a three-week education abroad program that allows students to broaden their worldviews by spending a portion of their student-teaching requirement in Belizean schools.
"It's an opportunity to see a part of Central America that is challenged economically yet recognizes the value of its youth," said Dr. David Whaley, dean of the College of Education and Human Services. "Our student teachers get to experience this firsthand by living it 24/7 for three weeks."
Your next wildlife vacation should be in Central America
Turtle Inn:
Japanese baths and hand-carved Balinese doors add a touch of luxury to the 25 thatch-roofed cottages and villas that sit on a white-sand beach. Jump into the warm, clear waters that house the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and spot multicoloured fish and spectacular coral gardens that look like entire cities.(Visit between late March and June to swim with graceful whale sharks.) If you'd rather stay dry, opt for a boat cruise in search of the shy West Indian manatee or hike in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve. And spend a night or two on Coral Caye, Turtle Inn's private island, where you can channel Robinson Crusoe. (Website; doubles from BZ$640 or Rs20,600)
Videos
Top O The World Belize, 1/2min. Panorama of the Maya Mountains and Caribbean Sea from Alta Vista, Belize
The Belize Road Safety Initiative, 34min.
Bezkresne, dzikie głębiny - Wybrzeże Belize, 46min.
Cyril Thomas Briceno AKA Tom (Papas) passes away, 2.5min.
Belikin Christmas Cooking Treat, 41min.
Standard 1 class Jingle Bell dance on Caye Caulker, 1.5min. if ya'll know Kieran he is not a camera & performer person!! This kid totally surprised me! La Isla Carinosa Academy
Vijji Discovery Scuba Lesson - Belize, 3.5min. Vijji's Discovery Scuba Lesson in the shallow waters of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize - December 3rd, 2017.
Scuba Diving in Belize, 4min. I enjoyed a great time scuba diving in Belize and was glad to see the coral.
ORANGE WALK RECORDS ITS NINTH MURDER AS A 35 YEAR OLD IS SHOT TO DEATH, 7.5min. We are only a few weeks away from the end of 2017, and today the Orange Walk District recorded its ninth murder for the year after thirty-five-year-old Jamie Pelayo better known as "Doggy" was shot and killed as he socialized at a popular Pub in the early hours of this morning.
Police have one person detained in connection with this latest murder. The individual who we understand is a known affiliate of Pelayo, is expected to be charged sometime tomorrow.
Dian Songs was today's musical guest, 19min.
Grace & You Rum Popo (features El Dorado White Rum), 22min.
A Krismus Tale. The Precision 'n' Style Dance Group, 24min.
Remembering The Legends, 4.5min.
Belize Now | December 15, 2017, 27min. In tonight's headlines: We take a look inside the brand new Belize City Civic Center, The twin towns get a new town hall, and an MOU is signed for a new international airport. These stories and more on this week's edition of Belize Now.
Mervin Budram's The Little Drummer Boy, 6min. Mervin Budram's version of the Little Drummer Boy will quickly become your favorite. It's his Christmas Garifuna version, and it's beautiful. You can order it on itunes.
"I teared up performing 'Little Drummer Boy' at the Belizean Christmas Concert. This song is real to me!"
James & Kristin Belize Beach Wedding Film, 12min. by Jose Luis Zapata
BELIZE 2017, 3.5min.
Belize 2017, 7.5min. The Marks' visit the Kestner's 2017!
Danny Michel ~ Ocean Academy, Belize 2017 Gala update, 11.5min. Danny Michel visits the Ocean Academy in Caye Caulker, Belize to film an update, help out with the Christmas gala & meet some new students.
Blacktip's at Half Moon Caye Belize Pt 1, 26min. Young Blacktip's. Beginning is slow, skip to 9:40 then they come, and keep coming.
Blacktip's at Half Moon Caye Belize Pt 2, 19min.
BELIZE: First Lady Kim Simplis Barrow speaks on genesis of SCLAN and UNFPA partnership, 3.5min. First Lady Kim Simplis Barrow speaks of the UNFPA partnership and shares the genesis of the Spouses of the CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) and the focus on four main areas: GBV, HIV/Aids, Adolescent pregnancy and Cevical cancer. She was addressing a UNFPA Caribbean media team on the 12th of December 2017 at her office in Belize City. The team was led by Advocacy & Communications Consultant, Vilma Gregory.
From Rockford to Orange Walk, Belize - HSM (2017), 3.5min. A quick overview of Harvest Rockford's student mission trip to Orange Walk, Belize.
Belize Fun Day, 2min. At the end of our mission trip to Belize, some of us chose to go scuba diving and snorkeling with the sharks! Was an unforgettable experience!!
Babymoon to Belize in 2012 - Coco Plum, Black Orchid Resort, exploring !, 4.5min. Kristin and I decided to get away to spend time picking a name for our daughter. We ended up in Belize because it wasn't that far of a flight, but in due fashion we decided to put her pregnant self on a really bumpy boat just to get to our accommodations. We had fun kayaking and checking out some uninhabited islands in the area. Later we stayed at a jungle lodge and spent some time exploring little rivers and looking for monkeys in the jungle.
We stayed at the Coco Plum Resort and the Black Orchid Resort and I'd recommend both for a good value.
Belize Eco Friendly Beach Resort - Xanadu Island Resort, 2min. Take a virtual tour of our Belize eco-friendly beach resort located in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Xanadu is the first and only monolithic dome resort in the world!
Christmas in Town Live from San Ignacio, 3hr.