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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
Caribe�a Enterprises hosts its Annual Christmas Raffle
Caribe�a Gas Station held its annual Christmas Raffle on Friday, December 22nd, as a way of giving back to its valued customers. The raffle was facilitated by Reef Radio, Eiden Salazar, Miss San Pedro, Virginia Vasquez, Miss San Pedro Lions Erica Bodden, Central Cable Vision and Caribe�a Enterprises staff members.
For every $50 dollars spent at the gas station, customers received a ticket to enter the raffle. "This raffle is a way of giving back to our loyal customers that support us all through the year. I want to thank everyone who came out today to witness the drawing," said Caribe�a Enterprises Pedro Salazar Sr. First and second prize went to Amigos Del Mar; they won a 50 inch LCD flat screen television and 50 gallons of fuel. The third prize went to Abner Figueroa, who won a set of stereo set.
Ambergris Today
Nayobie's Hope For Children Project Organizes Holiday Fashion Show
"Yesterday was the best time of my life seeing the innocent reactions of the kids, the smiles and 'thank you's' that I received was the best gift this Christmas," commented Nayobie Rivero as she distributed gifts to less fortunate children in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Fourteen year old Nayobie has put together Nayobie's Hope For Children Project that has started with small fundraising projects in order to assist the island youth.
This past holiday weekend she, along with friends and family, put together a fun-filled fashion show titled 'Candy Land', a fundraiser as part of her philanthropic efforts to share gifts during the holiday season. The fashion show entertained the audience with children and youth modeling latest fashion clothes from island boutiques and gift shops and dance presentations. A raffle was also held during the show to further raise funds for the cause.
Misc Belizean Sources
Nov 2017 Trade & CPI, Sept 2017 Labour Force Survey
The Statistical Institute of Belize's latest figures on consumer prices revealed that, for the month of November 2017, Belizean households experienced an average increase of 0.9 percent in the cost of regularly purchased goods and services. The All-Items Consumer Price Index for the month stood at 105.2, an increase from 104.2 in November of 2016 (see Figure 1). For the first eleven months of the year, a year-to-date inflation rate of 1.2 percent was recorded.
Belize's total imports for the month of November 2017 were valued at $154.5 million. This was a decrease of 7.7 percent or $12.8 million from imports for November 2016, which totaled $167.3 million.
The Statistical Institute of Belize's preliminary results from its September 2017 Labour Force Survey indicated that the national unemployment rate for that month was 9.7 percent, a decline of 1.4 percentage points from 11.1 percent in September 2016. This fall in the unemployment rate can be attributed for the most part to an increase in the number of employed persons for the period, particularly urban females.
Paint N Splash
Ooo Melody has a special series for you! The finished piece will be 3 piece painting that will be vertical! Make sure to join us at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar Thursday from 2-4pm. Make sure to sign up to reserve your spot!
Donald Cox Jr. passes away
The Caye Caulker Village Council regret to inform the community on the passing of a staff member, Donald Cox Jr. He had a health condition that kept deteriorating and eventually was too severe. The Caye Caulker Village Council expresses sincerest condolences to his children, his family, and his co workers.
OCEANA Reef Bash
Come out and celebrate with Oceana Belize this Friday December 29th at 7:00 pm. Free entrance at the Civic Center and free "tacos al pastor" from Mr. Carnitas and lots of give-aways, while supplies last.
Sarteneja as well come out and celebrate on December 30th at 7:00 pm. Free entrance at the Sarteneja Community Center. Thanks to the Corozal Sports Council and the Sarteneja Village Council for granting use of the venues.
Green Turtle Saved!
We're turtley excited for this happy ending. One of our field representatives were notified that someone was selling a Green Turtle (as meat). Thankfully it was still alive and was able to be secured overnight. This morning our field representative is escorting the turtle to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve team Hol Chan Environmental Education Program who will facilitate its release back to the wild. Special thanks to Miguel Alamilla, Kirah Foreman and Linda Searle from Ecomar for all their assistance! #Belize #toloveandprotectBelize This case raises several serious concerns but glad this little guy is going to make it!
'Call for Artists Vol. 2' Art Exhibit
The
Museum of Belize is proud to announce that our 'Call for Artists Vol. 2' Art Exhibit is now open to the viewing public, highlighting and promoting works from talented Belizean artists.
Feel free to stop by the Museum of Belize to view superb art pieces from our very own phenomenal Belizean Artists!
FUTURE SHOCK: CENTRAL AMERICA'S BASKETBALL BEST!
There is a book called ,"Future Shock", by an American writer named Alvin Toffler who stated that there can be too much change in too short a period of time.
And that these young Belizean basketball superstars, "Future Shock", coached by the legendary Belizean basketball superstar, Clinton PULU" Lightburn, that blew away all of Central America recently in a youth basketball tournament, tells volumes of change that is to come to Belizean sports very soon.
BELIZE'S "MR. MAGIC" AT LADYVILLE'S "MARUBA"!
One of the most refreshing pool resort in a natural habitat setting is at Belize's Ladyville's "Maruba" off the Philip Goldson's Highway formerly the Northern Highway of Belize. A most definitely recommendation to any Belizean who has become a tourist in their own country.
A yours truly discovery in the heart of a soulful little town in the Belize District called, "Ladyville", that have become home for many a Belizean homegrown nationals. Just a few hours away from Belize's Philip Goldson International Airport, "Muruba" stole my heart as a surprise trip shown to me by my son-in-law who grew up around the smooth terrain of some of the most tropical lushes of this Belizean landscape.
'Duna' at Koko King
The new dining experience for Caye Caulker!! Open Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm - 9pm. Come and experience our delicious menu in style.
GSH Christmas Toy Drive
Gallardo Services and Hardware first had Santa over for a toy drive, and then distributed the gifts to needy children. Thanks, GSH!
"A heartfelt thank you for all the time and effort to families who came out to support our "Meet Santa" Event and to those who dropped of toys, what a turn out! All in all it was a very successful event and we have raised an excess of toys that made it possible to provide for 2 villages and some kids in Belmopan, We broke our record! Your generosity helped create experiences for families facing serious illness or crisis, allowing them to reunite, escape the over whelming stress of their daily lives, and just be families and kids again.. Because of your kindness, you made a difference in the lives of families this season. Each smile was because of you and for that we thank you!"
FCD in Chiapas
Through a partnership with Natura Mexicana, FCD staff visited the field station Chajul to learn about macaw conservation efforts in Sierra Lacandona, Chiapas, Mexico.
Channel 7
US Seeking Extradition of An Attorney
Tonight, 7News has received credible information that a practicing Belizean attorney is being sought for extradition to the US to face money laundering charges. Reports to us say the extradition request was received as recently as last week.
Seems this attorney was involved in a scheme to launder millions of dollars disguised as the sale of a local advertising business. But the person who this attorney was setting up the sale with turned out to be an agent of the US government, pretending to be a businessman with millions to launder.
So, basically, it was a sting operation. And, because it was set up by the Americans - local law enforcement agencies funded by the US - also provided security when the movement of as much as half a million dollars in cash was involved.
It's a sensational story, but also a late breaking one and we'll have more on it tomorrow.
Man Found Floating In River
The Christmas weekend was supposed to be peaceful, but with so much merrymaking - the blessed holiday also has a sinister underside of violence and traumatic deaths.
There are eight of those to report tonight - two, possibly three murders, and five lives lost in traffic accidents.
We start out west - where the family of 26 year old Roaring Creek resident Errol Smith is in both shock and grief tonight after he was found dead this morning. He had what appeared to be a gunshot to the head. Daniel Ortiz has the story:
26 year-old Errol Gabourel Smith's body was found floating here, near the banks of the River in Roaring Creek. We found pools and stains of blood all along the cement stairs which leads to the river. It is unclear if Smith lost all that blood from the initial attack, or if these spills are the result of his killer or killers trying to dispose of his body in the River.
US Citizen Found Dead, Strangled With A Phone Charger Cable
Turning now to Placencia, an American woman who lived between Belize and Washington State was found dead on Saturday. She had been manually strangled with a wire - but, tonight, police can't say if it's a murder or a suicide.
55 year old Kimberley Stephens arrived in Belize on the 15th - and within a week she was dead. Today, Courtney Weatherburne went to Placencia to find out more about this well liked member of the Placencia expatriate community - whose friends are bewildered by the strange circumstances of her death:
When she wasn't in Washington, Kimberly Stephens was in Belize enjoying the sea and sand at her Maya Beach home in Placencia. The scenic peninsula certainly kept bringing her back, but also her friends. They adored her.
Assistant Chef's Throat Slit In Placencia
And while police are hesitant to call that one a murder - there was another clear case of Murder in Placencia village.
Assistant Chef at one of the villages most celebrated restaurants Carlos Jackson was killed on Christmas Eve.
As Courtney Weatherburne found out - his throat was slashed. Here's her story:
It might have looked like just another business day at Rumfish Y Vino restaurant in Placencia, but it wasn't.
One of their prized assistant chefs, Carlos Jackson wasn't with them. He was killed on Christmas Eve.
Cops Say No Suspect For Slit Throat
Today, police said they had one suspect. There is no known motive for the killing.
Husband and Wife Lose Life in Cotton Tree Hit And Run
It was a terrible Christmas Holiday on Belize's highways. Five people were killed and one man is on life support after a slew of serious accidents.
We start in Cotton Tree where four children are left without a parent, after a couple died when they were knocked off their motorbike by a hit and run driver. It happened on Christmas Eve night at around 11:15.
24 year old Oscar Rene Alvarado and his common law wife 33 year old Linda Carolina Hernandez were found on the highway between miles 42 and 43. She was near death, and he was already dead. Police rushed her to the hospital, but she died while receiving treatment.
They were traveling westbound on a small motorbike which was found 200 feet away, extensively damaged on the shoulder of the road.
Baker and Broom Maker Canti Killed In Hit And Run
The other hit and run death happened this morning in Orange Walk. It happened at around 5:00 when Richard Canti was knocked off his bicycle and died. The 34 year old Chan Pine Ridge resident was riding to work at a bakery when he was hit from behind and flung violently to the shoulder of the road - where he died instantly. His crushed bicycle shows the extent of the impact.
Police don't have any clues leading to the driver at this time.
Canti was recently featured in a documentary as a broom maker - work which he used to do on the weekend.
Another Hit and Run Leaves Man Critical
In the weekends other hit and run - the victim survived but he is in a critical condition on life support tonight.
It happened at around 7:15 on Friday night when 32 year old Hector Nicholas Chuc was run over by an unknown driver. Chuc, who is a Guatemalan was found on the side of the road with bruises to his body and serious head injuries. He is in the hospital on a ventilator in a critical but stable condition.
Again, police have no identification of the vehicle which ran him over. Reports say that Chuc may have been on a bus, and got off to relieve himself, and the bus drove off.
Bus Collision Kills SUV Driver
And a bus was at the center of an accident on Christmas night. It happened between miles 24 and 25 on the George Price Highway, and today we found one of the vehicles completely wrecked. That vehicle used to an Isuzu Rodeo; we what was left of it at the Hattieville Police Compound.
Police say that at around 7:58 p.m. on Christmas day, they visited an area between miles 24 and 25 on the George Price Highway. On the scene, they found a Shaw bus with its front portion damaged. Nearby, they found the wreckage of the Rodeo in some bushes. They also found the body of Albert Garnett, who died on the scene.
Man Dies In Accident Near Border
The weekend's first traffic fatality happened near the Western border on Friday night at about 6:45pm. 59 year old ALBERTO ANTONIO MAAS was run over by a taxi driven by 67 year old Santos Chiquil. Chiquil told police that he was driving towards Benque when he was blinded by the high beams of an oncoming vehicle. He veered to the extreme right of the road and hit Maas, who is form Benque Viejo. He died on the spot.
Worries Mount For Missing Man
There a few more serious but non-fatal accidents to report tonight, but first to the reports of two missing persons.
On Monday, families all over the country came together to spend Christmas with each other but for the family and friends of Jamal Humes, it was a blue Christmas because he is missing. His mom along with her support team have been tirelessly searching for him but one week has gone by and they still have not found him or any of his belongings. His mom spoke to us this morning about her missing son. The police also shared some information about their ongoing investigation.
Eugenio Missing For 11 Days
The family of Jahmal Humes is not the only one pleading for the return of a missing relative. 24-year-old Eugenio Rodriguez's family has not seen him since December 16th and the long time spent not knowing the whereabouts of their loved one is taking a toll on the worried family. The police told us about the investigation, and his cousin came by our offices today to plea for Rodriguez's return.
ASP Alejandro Cowo OC, CIB Belize City:
"Britney Rodriguez 19 years old call agent of #49 Tigris Street Belize City. She reported that on Saturday the 16th of December was the last time that she saw and had contact with her brother Eugenio Marcos Rodriguez. He is of dark complexion, thickly built with a short haircut, and a black in colour moustache. The colour of his clothing that he was last seen in is uncertain at this moment. Also, police have been receiving certain information and have been checking into the whereabouts but up to now, they have been fruitless."
CJ On the Move?
It's been rumored for months that current Chief Justice of Belize, Kenneth Benjamin would be taking up a senior judicial post in Guyana. The Attorney General Mike Peyreffite said it was not so, but tonight the Guyana Times is reporting that the CJ is on the move.
The paper reports, quote, "Benjamin has been tipped to be Guyana's Chancellor of the Judiciary according to highly-placed sources and luminaries in the legal profession."
The paper says that Benjamin was interviewed earlier this year for the post and was handpicked by a committee put together by Guyana's President and its Attorney General. According to the paper, President Granger intends to appoint Benjamin in the New Year. This is pending the consent of the Guyanese Leader of the Opposition, we gather form the article.
The Wrong Joe To Jack
On Saturday night around 8:00, two men attempted to rob Joe's Supermarket on 16th Street in the King's Park area of Belize City. But, it turned to be a foiled robbery and an epic fail, because the owner Joe Wong saved his store by standing up to the gunman. Sahar Vasquez found out how his sharp eyes may have saved his life.
On Saturday night Joe Wong sat in his chair behind the checkout counter waiting for customers to arrive as he usually does, until he spotted something strange. As he did, he sent a child who was with him inside.
Two men were outside his store were acting suspiciously. Wong's alertness may have saved his life.
One man entered first and pretended to be asking about a product, then the second man barged in with his gun pointed at Wong. It looked like a textbook robbery, but this story has a different ending. Wong was neither shot nor robbed; in fact he came out the victor with his fearless heroics.
Oleander Robbery Failed
And there was another foiled robbery of a Chinese store that very same night. It happened in the Lake Independence area, but the victims do not want to make a police report:� Our reports say police know who the suspects are - but without a complaint, there can be no arrest.
Countrywide Outbreak of Gastroenteritis
Today the Ministry of Health sent out a release to inform the public about the increase in the number of cases of gastroenteritis countrywide. Many people have been exhibiting symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. The illness has been showing up mainly in individuals older than five, but, now, children in the age range from one to four are starting to show up with the same symptoms. The Ministry is advising the public to wash their hands as often as they possibly can to avoid getting sick and if you or anyone you know has symptoms the ministry urges that they visit the health centre immediately.
San Ignacio Mayor Escapes Collision Unharmed
The mayor of San Ignacio and his wife escaped unhurt from a serious Boxing Day accident. It happened in the afternoon between miles 36 and 37 on the Phillip Goldson Highway.
Mayor Trapp was driving a Red Ford Ranger Pickup from Orange Walk to Belize City and a Green Toyota Corolla taxi driven by 40 year old Ricardo Carcamowas travelling in the opposite direction from Belize City to Orange Walk Collided into the Ford Ranger. The impact caused the Corolla to flip. The driver's leg was broken and he had head injuries. He is in a stable condition at the KHMH.
American Women Survive Mameyal Accident
And the notorious Mammal curve in the Orange walk district was the scene of another accident this weekend. On Sunday at about 4:40pm, Police responded to an accident between miles 60 and 61 on the Phillip Goldson Highway.
They saw this silver Toyota Tacoma in the bushes off the right side of the highway extensively damaged. 69 year old US citizen Sherry Jones was driving a 61 year old Mary Turner from Orange Walk towards Corozal when she lost control of the vehicle and it flipped several times. Both females suffered injuries and are being treated at the Northern Regional.
Otro Benque Pileup
And in the other Orange Walk accident, at about 10:40pm on Saturday night on the Otro Benque Road a black Honda Motor Cycle driven by 22 year old Pedro Romero collided with a Hyundai Tucson SUV driven by 22 year old Marquito Mogul 22. Both vehicles received damages. Romero was treated and released from the NRH. Police have since charged Moguel with the offence of Failed to provide Specimen.
Guatemala Follows Trump To Jerusalem
On our last newscast before the Christmas break, we told you how Belize joined 128 countries at an United Nations General Assembly vote to pass a resolution rebuking US President Donald Trump.
Guatemala was among the 8 nations which sided with the US in the UN vote, and international news reports say that Guatemala will be the first to follow the US.
Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales is quoted on his official Facebook post as saying that he has spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; and he instructed Guatemala's foreign ministry to "initiate the process to make it possible" for them to move their Israeli Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He also said, quote, "We spoke about the great relationships we have had as nations since Guatemala supported the creation of the State of Israel. One of the most relevant topics was the return of the Embassy of Guatemala to Jerusalem."
One Mall, One Robber
On Friday we told you about the robbery at the new One Mall store outside of Corozal Town. Today police told us they are seeking one suspect:
ACP Joseph Myvette - Head National Crimes Investigation:
"I know that several leads are being followed and the police was looking for one person."
Reporter:
"Camera footage, it said that there are several cameras in that area and that the robbery occurred, is that the case?"
Another Corozal Robbery
And there was also another armed robbery at a business in Corozal town. This one happened on Boxing Day.
ACP Joseph Myvette - Head National Crimes Investigation:
"Sometime yesterday morning shortly after 9:00 AM Shanti store located at 4th Avenue Corozal Town was robbed by 2 male persons, one who was brandishing a firearm of an undisclosed amount of money. The persons then made good of their escape, some of the monies were recovered during the pursuit and police are seeking one known suspect in regards to this investigation."
A Deadly Christmas Weekend
As head of National Crime Investigations, We also asked Myvette for his view of 4 day Christmas weekend - where 8 lives met traumatic ends. He says that, major crime was relatively low, while road accidents were very very high:
Unemployment Figures Down
And finally tonight, there are new unemployment figures to report. This evening, the Statistical Institute of Belize issued its preliminary results from its September 2017 Labour Force Survey.
It shows that the national unemployment rate for that month was 9.7 percent, a decline of 1.4 percentage points from 11.1 percent in September 2016. A release says "this fall in the unemployment rate can be attributed for the most part to an increase in the number of employed�urban females". Meanwhile, the rate of joblessness among males inched up from 6.9 percent to 7.1 percent, while it fell by a full 4 percentage points among females from 17.6 percent to 13.6 percent.
Channel 5
The Deadly George Price Highway Claims More Lives: Two in Cotton Tree
It has been another deadly holiday weekend countrywide. As many as seven persons lost their lives by misadventure; whether, murder or in road traffic accidents. We start with the most [...]
An Elder Labourer from Benque Border Area Killed in RTA
The Christmas season in Belize is regularly marked by traffic mishaps and this year has been no exception.�Since Friday, no less than seven road traffic accidents have been reported countrywide, [...]
Belize City Driver Did Not Survive Collision With Shaw's Bus
He was on his way home to Belize City from Gales Point where his family celebrated Christmas Day, but sometime around eight o'clock that night, Albert Garnett would perish in [...]
Health Ministry: RTA's 'a Public Health Concern'
Road traffic mishaps are also a concern for the Ministry of Health, which does keep a running tally as part of its mortality statistics for Belize. While the figure was [...]
Jose Najera Survives Drive-By in Belmopan
Twenty-year-old Jose Najera is lucky to be alive tonight, following a shooting incident in Belmopan on December twenty-first.� Najera was seated inside his vehicle in the vicinity of the Ring [...]
Gun-Toting Thugs Rob and Shoot O.W. Man
Gunshots rang out in Orange Walk Town on Tuesday night leaving one man injured with wounds to the right foot.� Juan Cabrera came under attack by a gun-toting duo as [...]
In Roaring Creek, Errol Gabourel Found Dead and Floating in Belize River
The Christmas weekend also had a pair of murders to report, though neither was in Belize City. The village of Roaring Creek was shocked by a discovery of a body [...]
Ranchito Store Owner Robbed of Cash and Car
The proprietor of a business establishment in Ranchito Village was relieved of a significant sum of money and other personal belongings, including a Toyota Tacoma truck, during an armed robbery [...]
Shanti’s Store in Corozal Targeted by Thieves
The second robbery in the Corozal District took place in the heart of town on Tuesday morning when two men entered Shanti's Store and held up its owner.� That stickup [...]
Police Step Up Patrols after Another Stick-Up in Town Center
Meanwhile, in Belize City over the weekend, there were two incidents reported where Chinese businessmen in the Lake Independence and King's Park areas were accosted by thieves.� In a brazen [...]
Prep Cook Killed in Placencia on Christmas Morning
A twenty-year-old man was slashed to the throat over the holiday weekend in Placencia as he partied with friends outside a night-club. The prep-cook was out enjoying the festivities after [...]
Who Wanted Visiting Tourist Kimberley Stephens Dead?
Fifty-five-year-old Kimberley Lin Stephens was strangled to death. The American national's decomposing body was discovered outside of her rental SUV on December twenty-third. We understand that Stephens arrived in country [...]
Six Years for Teen Burglar from San Pedro
Eighteen-year-old Brandon Portillo of San Pedro Town is headed to jail for six years after pleading guilty to two home burglaries on Ambergris Caye that took place last week. Portillo, [...]
Jamal Humes did not come home for Christmas, family says
A Belize City family remains hopeless tonight as the search continues to locate Jamal Humes. The twenty-eight-year-old mechanic was last seen alive on Wednesday morning when he went to his [...]
Eugenio Rodriguez Gone since December 16th
Jamal Humes remains missing�so is twenty-four-year-old Eugenio Rodriguez.� Both men are residents of Belize City and haven't been seen for the past several days.� Earlier today, the Belize Police Department [...]
Virus, Not Ham and Turkey, has Belizeans Sick to their Stomachs
Are you feeling a little funny in your stomach? It may not be the extra ham, turkey, soft drink or black cake you ate this weekend, according to the Ministry [...]
Kidney Association Says Be Kind to Your Kidneys
Starting today and for the remainder of the week, the Kidney Association of Belize has embarked on a sensitization and education campaign entitled "Empowering the Kidneys through Healthy Lifestyles." The [...]
CTV3
Cost Of Living Continues On The Rise
The Statistical Institute of Belize released its latest figures on the consumer price index today and the report reveals that the cost of living for the month of November 2017, increased by 0.9 percent. The All-Items Consumer Price Index for the month stood at 105.2, an increase from 104.2 in November of 2016 (see Figure 1).
For the first eleven months of the year, a year-to-date inflation rate of 1.2 percent was recorded.
The 'Transport' category saw prices rise by 6.3 percent on average during the month (see Figure 2). This was attributed primarily to increases in international airfares and prices within the 'Fuels and Lubricants' sub-category. The price per gallon of Premium gasoline rose 19 percent from $10.11 in November 2016 to $12.02 in November 2017, while Regular gasoline rose 7.2 percent from $9.55 per gallon to $10.23 per gallon, and the price per gallon of Diesel was up 8 percent from $8.90 to $9.61 (see Table 1).
Well Known Orange Walkeno Involved In RTA
A well-known Orange Walk resident is tonight under induced coma at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital after he was involved in a traffic accident on Tuesday.
Investigations have revealed that Earl Trapp Mayor of San Ignacio was driving a red Ford Ranger pickup from Orange Walk to Belize City when upon reaching miles 36 and 37 of the Philip Goldson Highway a green Toyota Camry traveling in the opposite direction collided into him. As a result of the impact the Toyota Camry which was driven at the time by 40 year old Ricardo Carcamo overturned.
MOH Reports Increase In Cases Of Gastroenteritis
The Ministry of Health is tonight reporting that there is an increase in the number of gastroenteritis cases nationally as individuals have been observed with symptoms ranging from diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and fever. The increase in cases is primarily observed in individuals who are older than 5 years, however, a few numbers have begun to affect younger children in the age range of one to four.
In order to reduce the cases the Ministry has increased its surveillance activity at all district levels and is assisting in promoting best practices to prevent and reduce further spread of the illness.
Chaos At The Northern Border
The Christmas holiday season is one of the periods which sees a high volume of Belizeans travelling through the northern border in the Corozal District to shop in neighboring Chetumal, Quintana Roo.
Official records show that in the days surrounding Christmas day such as this past weekend, several thousands of Belizeans cross daily. While the peak to the number of travellers exiting Belize is usually early in the morning, the peak of travellers returning to Belize are the evenings. Many days and nights, the long lines of cars and bottleneck crowds are quite a sight. But last night, with hundreds over travellers crossing the border and only a couple booths being manned by Immigration officials to process travellers, the pent up frustration led to a scuffle with officials. We understand that the travellers got so frustrated with the slow lines that many attempted to just cross through the immigration area without stopping to be checked.
LOVE FM
Body discovered in creek
The body of a man was found earlier today. Correspondent Fem Cruz was on the scene and filed this report. Fem Cruz, Love FM "Based on information received just before 11 am of a body found lying face down in the creek in the Fall area of Roaring Creek Village, Love News visited the scene �
Jackson was killed on Christmas Day
A man was killed on Christmas Day in Placencia Village. Twenty-year-old Carlos Luis Jackson was stabbed to the neck at around 3 o'clock that morning after he exited a popular nightclub. ACP Joseph Myvette shared more details. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, N.C.I.B "Sometime around 3:30 am on 25th December police visited the Polyclinic in Placencia �
Why was American woman killed?
An American woman was found dead on a feeder road in Placencia Village on Saturday, December 23. The body of 55-year-old Kimberly Lin Stephens of Washington, D.C. was found by a Placencia police mobile patrol unit after they saw a grey Mitsubishi SUV parked in what appeared to be an abandoned lot. The officers made �
Collision on George Price Highway leaves one man dead
One man is dead following a fatal traffic incident at around 8 o'clock on Christmas night on the George Price Highway. The incident involved a Shaw Bus and a green Rodeo which was extensively damaged. In the rodeo were the driver Albert Garnett and 55-year-old Earl Hamilton. Garnett died on the spot while Hamilton was �
Couple killed on Christmas Eve
A young couple was knocked down and killed on Christmas Eve. The unfortunate traffic incident happened on mile 44 of the George Price Highway in the Cayo District at around 11 o'clock that night. 24-year-old Oscar Alvarado and his girlfriend 33-year-old Linda Hernandez were on their way to Belmopan from Cotton Tree village on a �
Man killed by "hit and run" driver
Orange Walk Police are looking for the driver of a vehicle who knocked down and killed Richard Canti earlier today. Canti's body was found around six o'clock this morning on the Belize Corozal Road. His bicycle was found a few feet away from him and the back wheel was damaged. Love News understands that Canti �
Man knocked down and killed on Benque Viejo Road
59-year-old Alberto Antonio Maas was knocked down and killed by a taxi driver on the night of December 23. It happened on the Benque Viejo road just before seven o'clock. 67-year-old Santos Chiquil, told police that he was heading to Benque Viejo del Carmen Town when the driver of a vehicle coming in the opposite �
Traffic incident sends man to the hospital
A taxi driver remains hospitalized after his vehicle collided with a vehicle driven by Earl Trapp, the Mayor of San Ignacio/Santa Elena. The incident occurred around midday yesterday between miles 36 and 37 on the Philip Goldson Highway. Ricardo Carcano of Orange Walk Town was driving a green Toyota Corolla car when there was a �
Belize Coast Guard rescues 31 persons
Over the long holiday weekend, the Belize Coast Guard was called out to respond to a couple distress calls. Love News spoke with Captain Elton Bennett, Vice Commandant at the Belize Coast Guard about the incidents that occurred at sea. Captain Elton Bennett, Vice Commander, Belize Coast Guard "We had two search and rescue cases, �
Stomach Flu outbreak
The Ministry of Health issued an advisory informing the public of an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis cases commonly known as stomach flu. Gastroenteritis is caused by contaminated food whereby the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed which may result in both diarrhea and dehydration cases. Love News spoke with the Director of Health Services, Dr. �
PlusTV
Drug race at Belize Border
On Wednesday afternoon, a Navigator SUV was trying to cross the Mexican Border with what is believed to be cocaine.Reports are that sometime around 2:30 yesterday, the Navigator, being driven by someone hailing from Ranchito Village in Corozal, was approaching the Mexican border when they conducted an X-Ray scan on his vehicle. The scan revealed something rather peculiar in the cab of the vehicle and the authorities stated that they would have to perform another search. After hearing that, the driver sped out of the checkpoint area, and started to head back to Belize.
Breaking Belize News
Orange Walk police charge man for road traffic accident
On Saturday, December 23, 2017 around 10:40 pm, Orange Walk police responded to reports of a [�]
Ministry of Health notes increase in cases of diarrhea
The Ministry of Health informed today that it has noted an increase in the number [�]
Robbery in Corozal town
Yesterday, shortly after 9:00 there was a robbery reported at Shanti store located at 4th [�]
Attempted robbery gone bad: robbers run away leaving behind their gun
On Saturday two men entered Joe's Supermarket on 16th street in Belize city. One of [�]
Belize City man missing
A Belize City man of a Fabers Road extension address is missing and police is [�]
Another Belize City man missing
It has been 11 days since Ohenio Marcus Rodriguez, 24, has been seen since he [�]
Orange Walk man robbed and shot
Around 7:30 last night, Orange Walk police responded to a robbery in progress. When cops [�]
American woman strangled to death with charger wire
BBN had previously reported that on the morning of December 23rd, an American woman was [�]
Body found in Roaring Creek
According to reports, a man's body was found this morning floating in a river in [�]
Two dead in traffic accident
Police have just released details of another fatal road traffic accident over the Christmas holiday. [�]
Man charged for firearm related offences
A man charged with firearm related offences over the weekend will spend the remainder of [�]
Skeletal remains of missing Belize City man found in grave
Reports to BBN is that some remains believed to be that of Mark Pollard was [�]
My Holidays: A Leaning Building, A Raffle Won, Foreign Foods & New Years Eve
The Christmas holidays, for many, is a time to relax. After the shopping, baking, decorating and organizing frenzy, it's time to enjoy it all.
But for many here on Ambergris Caye, this is the real beginning of THE BUSY SEASON. And Christmas - New Years is one of the busiest weeks of the year. Hotel, restaurant and bar staff are working overtime�
The day before Christmas, there was buzz in town about a building�leaning.
El Esturo, a four building development about 3 miles north of town. It's been built over the last year�and it seems as though one of the buildings was not securely anchored in bedrock.
A crew to scrambling to sort out the situation. Will they have to take the entire building down? Can they right what has tilted? I will certainly stay tuned.
New Year's in San Pedro Ambergris Caye
Come join where the first ever Belize yacht flotilla started in this amazing, untouched, Caribbean paradise! Belize ticks all the boxes; incredible sailing, sheltered waters, tropical beaches and island paradises. Not to mention the nightlife will take your idea of a New Years Eve celebration to a new level.
Travelers searching for a fun tropical locale to ring in the new year should look no further than one of Belize's popular islands, like Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye. On December 31, 2017 La Isla Bonita will definitely have a reputation for hosting fabulous events, in particular, its New Year's Eve Countdown. On Saturday, December 31st, hundreds of revelers will flock to the Central Park to bid farewell to 2017, and welcome in 2018.
Cahal Pech Maya Ruins - What You Need to Know Before You Visit
Located just across from the modern-day town of San Ignacio in western Belize, Cahal Pech is one of Belize's most unusual ancient Maya sites.
The name "Cahal Pech" means "Place of the Ticks" in the local Maya dialect, but the original name for the site is unknown. Local Maya herders nicknamed the site Cahal Pech in the 1950s because much of the surrounding area was used for pasture.
Cahal Pech sits high above a bluff that overlooks San Ignacio Town and the Macal River, and the panoramic view from the site is one of the finest in the country. It is believed that Cahal Pech is one of the oldest Maya sites in the region, first built more than 3,200 years ago.
Chaa Creek and A Community Choir Contribute to Christmas Cheer in Cayo
When Belize's most community-centric Eco-resort teams up with local charitable groups to spread Christmas cheer to disadvantaged members of the community, you can bet that good things will happen.
As they did with bells on this week when Chaa Creek staff joined some twenty kids and seven adults from St Andrew's Anglican School to spread songs, food, gifts and joy around the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena in the Cayo District.
For the last three years, staff and students of St Andrew's have been making Christmas brighter for elderly and disadvantaged residents with the school's choir and musicians bringing song and comfort into their homes, care facilities and hearts.
Adopt-A-Bear San Pedro! Shopping in the city, passing out toys, and lots of smiles!
What's more fun than Christmas shopping for yourself? Christmas shopping for kids who are in the Adopt-A-Bear program!
The Adopt-A-Bear program was started on Ambergris Caye, Belize in 2014. It is sponsored by Raise Me Up and it gives residents and visitors alike an opportunity to buy gifts for children whose parents are not able to do so. This program was founded by Brittney O'Daniel, the owner of the Sandbar Hostel and Restaurant in San Pedro. The purpose of the Adopt-A-Bear program is to bring Christmas joy to the less fortunate children on the island and in the King's Home orphanage in Belmopan.
San Pedro House of Culture hosts Ambergris Caye's first Jankunu Festival
The San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC) along with the Charikanari Garifuna Dance Group held the first ever Garifuna Jankunu Festival in San Pedro Town. The newest festival on the island took place at the Central Park shortly after 7PM on Saturday, December 23rd, with dozens of spectators gathered to witness the cultural event. Members of the local Garifuna community delighted with their well-crafted Jankunu performances, as well as other cultural dances.
At the opening of the event on Saturday, Guillermo 'Mito' Paz from the House of Culture explained some of the historical patterns of the dances. The traditional dance originates from the days of slavery, when slaves would get Sundays off. On that day, they would practice some aspects of their African cultural roots. Julia Martinez of the Charikanari Group elaborated on the dancers' costumes.
Last Chance for Savings Before Changes to Flight Discount Code
With 2017 coming to a close and 2018 nearly upon us, I wanted to take this time to let you know that effective January 1, 2018, I am no longer able to offer a 10% discount on your Tropic Air Flights. I will however still have the easy to use flight booking code so many of you love, and your ongoing code use will still give you something special - a chance to help many.
It is my pleasure to announce Code For a Cause (CFC). From now on for every flight booked with CFC flight code, a portion of your ticket price goes to a very worthy organization on Ambergris Caye; the Blue Water Grill Belize Community effort. A portion of all previous month flights will go towards current month cause in support the monthly chosen organization receiving help.
International Sources
An integrated assessment of vascular plants species of the Americas
Botanists have compiled a comprehensive, searchable checklist of 124,993 species, 6,227 genera and 355 families of vascular plants of the Americas. This represents one third of all known vascular plants worldwide.
Missouri Botanical Garden researcher Dr. Carmen Ulloa is the lead author of "An Integrated Assessment of Vascular Plant Species of the Americas," published today in Science. Ulloa along with 23 co-authors compiled a comprehensive, searchable checklist of 124,993 species, 6,227 genera and 355 families of vascular plants of the Americas. This represents one third of all known vascular plants worldwide.
How to Cook With Hoja Santa, the Mexican Herb We Love as Much as Cilantro
A little like root beer, a little like eucalyptus, good savory and sweet-there's a lot of reasons to appreciate this underappreciated leaf. If you've ever wandered through the Mexican markets of New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, you might have come across big floppy leaves of hoja santa. And if you didn't recognize them, you wouldn't be alone. Hoja santa is native to Central America and the North American southwest, and while it has long been a staple of cooking from those regions, the fragrant herb gets little attention outside traditional Latin cuisines.
Piper auritum is sometimes referred to as pepperleaf, sacred pepper, or root beer plant. Its holy name alludes to a Mexican legend that the Virgin Mary dried the young Messiah's clean diapers on its branches, which seems unlikely considering the plant's Mesoamerican origins.
NAT GEO TRAVEL: BEST WINTER TRIPS FOR 2018
For some travelers, a winter wonderland of snow is what this season is all about. For others, the escape from sub-zero temperatures is a must. Whatever your preference may be, these trips inspired by our Expeditions and Lodges, will have just what you are looking for.
English-speaking Belize is a diver's paradise. It's home to the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, the thousand-foot-wide Great Blue Hole, and a large concentration of scarlet macaws-easiest to spot in winter when migrating east to Red Bank. Native Belizean Amanda Acosta recommends Half Moon Caye, where there are "no phones, no computers, and no Internet, giving you a chance to reconnect, relax, and enjoy the sunsets." Although the island's campsites are open year-round, navigation can be challenging. Acosta suggests visiting December through April when travel groups provide transportation and setup. On the mainland, stay at Belcampo, a jungle lodge and organic farm close to Cotton Tree Chocolate Factory and the ancient Maya ruins at Lubaantun. Go with Nat Geo: Indulge in the stunning nature of Belize on an expedition or visit Belcampo Lodge.
An Arkie's Faith: Good Gifts
Our return trip to Belize was wonderful. We got reacquainted with friends that we had made the year before, and made many new friends during the ten days that we were there. Many times friends would stop by our room with gifts such as fresh coconut water, papaya, or some small trinket. On the last day that we were in San Pedro, there was a steady stream of visitors to our room. They wanted to tell us goodbye. Many of them brought a small gift.
I learned an important spiritual lesson on my trip to Belize. I learned it from the people that I met. They had such a desire to do something for us. Even though they had only meager possessions, they had such a desire to please. They wanted to see us before we left. They wanted to bring us a gift. It was very important to them. I saw a great object lesson in the way they treated me. It showed me how I should relate to God. I should come to God and say, "I don't have much, but I want to give you something." "God let me know what I can do to please you." "God, I want to be with you."
Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2018 in UK
Great Opportunity! Open to Commonwealth youth aged 18 and under the opportunity to express their hopes for the future, opinions of the present, and thoughts on the past, through the written word. Plus, you can win a trip to London.
The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world's oldest schools' international writing competition, managed by The Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883. Every year, it offers all Commonwealth youth aged 18 and under the opportunity to express their hopes for the future, opinions of the present, and thoughts on the past, through the written word. The competition is used by individuals and teachers to build confidence, develop writing skills, support creativity and encourage critical thinking, using literacy to empower young people to become global citizens.
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