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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

Rotaract Club of Ambergris Caye fills homes with happiness for the Christmas Season
Thanks to the Merry Boxes Campaign, 50 unprivileged families across Ambergris Caye were able to spend a happy Christmas Day. The Rotaract Club of Amerbergis Caye along with the San Pedro Food Bank at Collen's Kitchen started the Merry Boxes Campaign at the beginning of the month of December with the aim to bring much needed food and personal items to the less fortunate families of Ambergris Caye during the Christmas holiday. The boxes were labeled with items such as rice, canned soup, flour, tinned fruit, corn, cereal, toothbrushes and other items. Businesses and persons that adopted a Merry Box were encouraged to place at least 24 items per box that were not expired, unpackaged and unsealed.

The construction project for the San Pedro R.C library begins
The construction of the new library at the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) begun shortly after the students were dismissed for their holidays. The new library is being constructed through funds that were raised via fundraisers and donations from sponsors abroad.

San Pedro Pirates F.C host a friendly match against Caye Caulker F.C
Hoping to prepare for the upcoming season of the Premier League of Belize (PLB), a friendly football match was held on Saturday, December 30th at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, between the San Pedro Pirates F.C and Caye Caulker F.C. The match, saw the best of both teams, but at the final whistle, it was a clear 6-0 victory for the home team. The San Pedro Pirates will be playing their first match of the new season of the PLB on Sunday, January 14th, against the Police United Football Club. The game is scheduled to start at 3PM at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. All Islanders are invited to come out and support the island team.

Misc Belizean Sources

mzz

Hiring Video Production Specialist
Only two days left to submit your application to join our team as a Video Production Specialist. Click the link for more details. Deadline for applications is Friday, January 5th, 2018.

Repairs on Philip Goldson Highway Thursday
Belize Water Services informs motorists on the Philip Goldson Highway that repairs will be conducted on a 24" Mainline tomorrow, Thursday, January 4, 2018, starting at 7:00am. Motorists are advised that traffic will be reduced to one lane near Mile 15 �. Please drive with extreme caution when travelling through this area of the Philip Goldson Highway. Traffic should be restored to normal by 6:00pm. BWS apologizes for any inconvenience this will cause to motorists but ensures that the job will be completed in a safe and efficient manner.

Consular Spotlight! Tarun Issrani
In December, we met Tarun Issrani, Risk Assurance Associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC. After completing his Associates Degree at St. John's College in Belize City, he completed his Bachelors in Business Analytics and Information Systems at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. During his time at USF, he was a part of several associations which helped him expand his network, including the international business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, and the Caribbean Cultural Exchange.

20th Anniversary of Ya'axch� Conservation Trust!
2018 is a very special year for Ya'axch�! We are celebrating our 20th Anniversary! We thank each past and present donor, partner, board, staff, friend and supporter! Join us as we continue to find harmony between nature and human development for the benefit of both!

Placencia Breeze January 2018
What's Inside: Pg 3 From the Fire Hearth: Fyah Bun! / S.E.A. Security Pg 5 Placencia Art Festival Registration Form Pg 7 Christmas Play Review Pg 9 Croc Corner Pg 10 & 11 Seine Bight News Pg 15 & 18 Placencia BTIA Members Pg 16 & 17 Placencia Peninsula Map Pg 19 Placencia Christmas Parades Pg 20 & 21 Placencia Peninsula Guide Pg 22 & 23 Liquor License Notices Pg 25 Marathon Water Station Winners Pg 26 Community Corner Pg 27 Placencia Rotary News Pg 28 PHS News Pg 29 Mistletoe Ball Photos Pg 30 Placencia Peninsula Happenings Pg 31 Calender of Events

SOME LEGENDS IN BELIZEAN BASKETBALL! "LOOKING AT A "1978" TOP 20!"
"Belizean Legends" want to thank Belizean basketball player of the 1978 era, Harry Bennett, for contributing to our documentary series these classic photos from the 1978 Belizean basketball magazine, "Basketball '78" of some of the top 20 Belizean basketball players of the 1978 Belizean basketball greatness and era. This historic photo essay on Belizean basketball featured 20 of Belize's best basketball players in that year. As we glance through this collage of photos we are reminded of the golden days of Belizean basketball and the outstanding athletes who made Belize a force to be reckon with in the game in Central America and the Caribbean.

"FRANZWAH" THE PHOTO ARCHITECT! BELIZEAN LEGENDS "MAN OF THE YEAR" FOR 2017!
Belizean Legends man of the year is our brother and Belizean artist, producer, photographer, photo journalist, and filmmaker, Franzwah Estrada. His dynamic and powerful work in capturing the resistance of the Los Angeles Belizean Community against the Anglo Guatemalan Claim of Belize has graced the pages of this documentary series page over three consecutive years. We thank him for his support and contribution to the Belizean casue. Franzwah is also the producer and director of the new and popular Belizean Garifuna show called, "GARIVISION", that is broadcasted through his own television production company also called, "Garivision"!

Contract for Pharmaceuticals and related Medical Supplies
Notice is hereby given to interested persons to participate in the contract for Pharmaceuticals and related Medical Supplies of the Ministry of Health, Government of Belize for the period April 2018- March 2019. This Ad is also in all the major newspapers for the next four consecutive weeks. Contact us for more information.

San Pedro Liquor License meetings to start on Monday
Please take note on Liquor License meetings to start on Monday. Read the ad to find out on which date you should attend. New applicants will be entertained on Tuesday, January 9th, 2018. Payments can be at the venue. Cash or cheques only. No credit cards. *some restrictions apply.

Maaga Season Bash
Pepsi is having their Maaga Season Bash on Saturday, January 27th, at the Galvez Stadium. Supa G, Gilharry 7, the New Sensation Band, and many others.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of Dec. 25th - Dec. 31st, 2017
Families and friends joined us this week for fishing and fun and to celebrate the coming year. Out with the old and in with the new. As old friends left new friends came to enjoy a great week of togetherness and bonefishing. Lots of tugs this week as everyone caught the bonefish fever. Be careful it's contagious.

Yucatec Maya(Masewal) from the village of Patchakan in Corozal doing Pib
F for the holy Wahil Kol Primicias

THE YUCATEC MAYA OF BELIZE: MASEWAL
Many times we hear some Yucatec Maya in Belize call themselves "Masewal" or "Maya Masewal" . The name "Masewal" is of central Mexican Nahuatl origin and originally meant "peasant" or "The People " Brought to the Yucatan at the time of conquest by indigenous Nahautl warriors .By the beginnings of the Caste War of the Yucatan in the mid 19th century, this word had been adopted by the Yucatec Maya to mean "us" as opposed to the Spanish speaking colonials. The term Masewal became an identity for the Yucatec Maya rebels during the Caste War(1847-1930) . It was only among the Maya rebels in what is today the State of Quintana Roo(Mex) and parts of Belize that a ethnic consciousness develop,however excluded Maya speakers of the rest of the peninsula . Today, the term persists in Belize especially villages of western Cayo also between some Maya from Orange Walk and Corozal , where it is known as an ethnic term of Maya identity. Many in Belize are descendants of the Yucatec Maya rebel groups like the Icaiche Maya who fought against the British during the Caste War . While other are descendants of the Yucatec Maya group known as the Cruzoob Maya rebels from Quintana roo state settle in Belize during and after the War .

Channel 7

Mistaken Identity: Belizean - American Executed, Killers Wanted His Brother In Law
Was an innocent man killed in a case of mistaken identity ? The family of 37 year old Jermaine Vellos is convinced that's exactly what happened. Vellos was shot and killed last night at his home in the Belama Phase 2 area. It has shaken the entire community because residents say that nothing like that ever happened in that area before. But the family os the most shocked: they say that Vellos certainly didn't deserve to be executed like this â�" in front of his wife and with his baby girl inside the house. It is a heartless and senseless attack and Courtney Weatherburne has more. A Christmas visit gone wrong, Jermaine Vellos came from New York to spend the holidays with his wife and 6 month old baby girl. But last night around 8:00, his stay ended in bloodshed.

Fareed's Family Holds Vigil, Claims Sustained Threats
Last night, we showed you the arraignment of Woman Police Constable Michelle Brown for the murder of Fareed Ahmad, the well-known barber from Hattieville. While his family views that as a positive development in the resolution of the case, they have made several demands that they hope that the leaders of the country will listen to. First, they want an independent investigation because they believe that, in the interest of transparency, the department shouldn't be investigating their own. Next, they are seeking some sort of police security at this time because they say that they've been receiving threats. And on the public front, they are keeping up the pressure on the police and the Government, and this evening, they held their second candle-light vigil for Fareed's death. We spoke to his brother Abdul Ahmad about the purpose for the vigil.:

Ryan Hide, Form Wire Theft To Attempted Murder
Roaring Creek resident Ryan Hyde has been busy. He's charged for shooting a man in Belmopan and stealing hundreds of feet of copper wire in San Joaquin. Yesterday in Corozal Magistrate's Court, he was charged for stealing 220 feet of copper wire from a SMART office compound in San Joaquin, Corozal. He pled guilty and he was fined $1,000. The incident happened on November 29. Hyde cut the padlock of Smart compound in San Joaquin Village, and stole the copper wire, valued at $1,237. And while he took the plea, he didn't go free. Police were waiting to take him to Belmopan where this evening the 24 year old was charged for attempted murder. He and 23 year old Denzel Wagner were jointly charged for shooting 20 year old Jose Amilcar Najera.

"Pulu Musa" to Court, To Jail
Last night, we told you about the arrest of PUP firebrand Henry Gillett, known as "Pulu Musa". He along with his wife and a 16 year old girl were all arrested for the possession of a loaded 9 millimeter pistol on New Year's Day in Bride's Alley. Today, they appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where all three were charged for possession of a firearm and 14 rounds of ammunition. 36 year old Gillett and his wife, Sandra Gillett along with the 16 year old all pled not guilty. They were remanded into custody until April 4. All three were represented by attorney Kareem Musa.

Notorious BT Remanded For Shooting At Wife
A man shot at his girlfriend and their child on New Year's Day. It happened in Burrell Boom. Camila Terry was driving on the Boom road with her baby and two other passengers when someone from another vehicle drove up and opened fire. She leaned over to protect her child. Well turns out, the father of her child â�" well known street figure 31 year old Brandon Tillett A.K.A "BET" was charged in connection with this shooting. He was charged with aggravated assault when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. Tillett pled not guilty to the charge. Here is what police had to say at yesterday's press briefing. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "We had the incident yesterday at Burrell Boom where one Camilla Terry reported that she was driving on the Boom Road along with two other male persons when she observed that she was being followed by golden color vehicle...."

Anke Doehm Loses Custody
The last time Anke Doehm made our newscast was back in October, when we told you that she was locked in a custody battle over her 3 remaining adopted daughters. You'll remember that her husband, and co-accused, David Doehm, committed suicide. That now leaves her as the only remaining parent who will have to stand trial for child cruelty for the death of her adopted daughter 13 year-old Faye Lin Cannon. Well, just before the Christmas holiday, she lost a custody battle to her ex, David Cannon, and at this time, the 3 remaining girls are in his care in the US. The Family Court, after hearing from both sides, decided to release them from the Human Service Department's protective custody, and the court awarded David Cannon full custody.

Alleged Driver of Cocaine Carrying Navigator Remanded
Last night we told you how Corozal police had finally tracked down the driver of the cocaine carrying Lincoln Navigator. IT crashed into the customs fence at the northern border three weeks ago. He is 41 year old Robert Gentle, a driver of Ranchito Village in the Corozal District. He was charged with drug trafficking when he appeared yesterday at Corozal Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Patricia Arana. Gentle pled not guilty to the charge. He was denied bail and he was remanded into custody until February 20. Based on information from an X-Ray taken on the Mexican side of the border, Belize Customs and Police detected a hidden compartment behind the dashboard where they found 6 parcels of cocaine weighing 6.3 kilos or just about 14 pounds. The approximate street value in Belize is 150 thousand dollars, but in the US it is far more.

Cops Say Demas Did It
And also tonight, we have the picture of the man accused of robbing the One Mall Gas Station and Supermarket outside of Corozal Town. He is 22 year old Demas Zelaya, a wood carver of Mile Two on the George Price Highway who police say was one of 4 men who robbed One Mall on December 22nd. He was charged with robbery yesterday in Corozal Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Patricia Arana. Zelaya pled not guilty to the charge. He was remanded into custody until February 13. At 11:00 AM on Friday, December 22nd, three robbers held up the female storeowner inside, while another brought her wash-man, Randy Montero inside at gunpoint. Eventually they got inside the office and ordered the storeowner's husband - at gunpoint - to open the safe.

Jarrell, From Belize to Brooklyn Was Tough
Last night we had part one of our interview with Jarrell Big Baby Miller - the #2 ranked contender for the world heavyweight title - who's also a proud Belizean. In part two of our interview, Miller talks about growing up in Belize City - and then migrating to Brooklyn, New York at the age of 6. He says the transition was a sharp and tough learning curve: Jarrell Miller - World Heavyweight Contender: "You could see the difference in poverty line depending on, you know, where you live and where you stay at and how your family, you know, the way they move. In Belize it's a lot more different. It's like you know, you might feel you're poor, but you don't feel it inside you know emotionally, because you know all your family's together, you eat dinner together, you go to school together, your cousin down the block, your aunty down the block, everybody have fun, you know, it's a different vibe, when you're on an island, or when you're in a Caribbean country, but like in New York, it's totally different, you have to take trains, you have to take buses, you have food stamps....and emotionally it changes kids. Kids act differently when they come to the states from when you live in Belize, and you know it taught me a lot, but it made me kind of like hard at the same. Kind of like an M & M, soft on the outside, but hard on the outside, yeah.

Mother of Six Cries Out For Help
Having a roof over our head is something we take for granted at times but for Donna Arnold, it is all she really wants. She has a house but it is quite literally falling apart. This morning we went to visit her and she showed us the condition she had her children are living in. A swamp that is what Donna Arnold describes her house as. What was once a structure with firm flooring and strong walls has deteriorated drastically over the years. All the rain has caused her floors to remain in a damp state while her walls have taken a beating due to strong winds and hurricanes. Arnold just gave birth to her sixth child so coping in this wilting structure is becoming ever more difficult for her and her family who wake up to a cold wet ground every morning.

Senate Probe, A Few Highlites from 2017
Having a roof over our head is something we take for granted at times but for Donna Arnold, it is all she really wants. She has a house but it is quite literally falling apart. This morning we went to visit her and she showed us the condition she had her children are living in. A swamp that is what Donna Arnold describes her house as. What was once a structure with firm flooring and strong walls has deteriorated drastically over the years. All the rain has caused her floors to remain in a damp state while her walls have taken a beating due to strong winds and hurricanes. Arnold just gave birth to her sixth child so coping in this wilting structure is becoming ever more difficult for her and her family who wake up to a cold wet ground every morning.

Channel 5

P.U.C. Faces Questions on Audit; Chair Says They Were Answered
Tonight, there is information that tells a tale of obscene spending at the Public Utilities Commission.� News Five has obtained a copy of an audited report done by certified public [...]

Killer Struck Unsuspecting Couple in Belama Phase 2; Bel-Am Husband Shielded Wife
A visiting father of one was to return to the United States this Thursday after spending the holidays here, but his life was cut short before he could make the [...]

Fareed Ahmad's Brother Says Police Still Trailing Him
At this time, a vigil is taking place to celebrate the life of the fallen barber, Fareed Ahmad and we'll come to that. But tonight the Ahmad family believes they [...]

Text Messages Reveal Special Assignment Team Hunting Ahmad Family
Aside from the alleged surveillance, text messages purportedly indicating that Fareed Ahmad had been threatened and coerced by members of the Special Assignments Team prior to his murder are said [...]

Remembering Fareed Ahmad and Others at Late Evening Vigil
Now to the vigil which is underway on Euphrates Avenue in honor of Fareed.� The late-evening peace march is organized by family and friends of the Muslim brother who was [...]

ACP Chester Stands Up for Sr. Supt. Marco Vidal
The homes of the Ahmads were raided by officers attached to the Special Branch during a predawn operation in Hattieville in June 2016.� That close watch by law enforcement reportedly [...]

SAT Leader Tried to Get Firearm from Accused WPC
With the passing of Fareed Ahmad last Wednesday, what becomes of the initial complaint filed against the Special Assignments Team?� It's a question that was posed to ACP Williams.� He [...]

Final Look at Very Violent 2017
Is 2017 the deadliest year ever? The official count for homicides stood at one hundred and forty-four when 2017 came to an end. But there are three cases involving four [...]

P.M., Opposition Leader Trade Barbs over New Year's Addresses
The tradition of the New Year's Address is fairly recent. It gives the government an opportunity to boast about accomplishments, to replenish national resolve, or to announce new strategies and [...]

Is C.J. Benjamin Headed Back to Guyana?
Could Belize lose Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin later this year? It depends on happenings in his native Guyana, where today President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo met to [...]

L.A. Police Talk Community Policing Tactics
Over the years, we've reported the Belize Department's community policing initiatives. Locally, a number of programs are used to combat crime - but it is no secret that this softer [...]

Dale Trujeque Out at C.W.U. after one Year
Dale Trujeque is no longer the President of the Christian Workers Union, having served less than a year. According to the CWU, Trujeque resigned in the latter part of last [...]

Teachers to Lend Support to Crime Fight
2017 was a record year for murders in recent history - one shy of the 2012 murder count. And three days into the New Year, there have been two murders [...]

P.M. Wants Answers on U.H.S. - B.N.T.U. Says Pay Up!
Earlier we told you about the PM's New Year's Day message. And while more than half of the message highlighted the infrastructural projects, the PM didn't miss the opportunity to [...]

Play Ball! Little League Baseball Coming Back to Old Capital
While there are some baseball fans in Belize, especially of major league teams like the Chicago Cubs, the sport hasn't been actively played here in a quarter-century. Softball is still [...]

CTV3

Trigger Happy Corozaleno Remanded To Prison
Twenty two year old Carlos Phillips, a resident and plumber of Corozal Town, was summoned at the Corozal Magistrate's Court yesterday to answer to the charges of 'Aggravated Assault' and 'discharging a firearm in public' after another resident, Vernice Crawford, launched a report against him indicating that on December 28th, 2017, Phillips allegedly pointed a firearm at her whilst in her yard and then proceeded to fire several shots in the air. Phillips pled not guilty to the charges, therefore, Magistrate Patricia Arana ordered that he be remanded into police custody until the 13th of February 2018, where he is scheduled to re-appear in court.

Alamilla Returns To Court For Preliminary Inquiry
Alleged murderer forty-two-year-old Hilmar David Alamilla, was today escorted back into the Orange Walk magistrates court where a preliminary inquiry was to take place for the murder case brought against him following the shooting death of twenty-four-year-old Orange Walkeno Daniel "Danny Boy" Sosa back in July of last year. Alamilla was arrested and charged on Saturday July 29th for the brutal murder of Sosa, whose body was discovered inside the parking lot of D-Victoria Hotel with a single gun-shot wound to the head. Investigations at the time lead to Alamilla as being one of the last persons to have been seen with Sosa the night before his murder as both men accompanied by two other individuals were seen leaving D Gym Club in Alamilla's pickup truck, after a night of socializing.

Guatemala Prepares For Its Upcoming Referendum
If you have been keeping up to date with international news, you may be aware that a couple of months ago, Guatemala established an official date for the hosting of its referendum, where millions of Guatemalans are expected to visit the polls and cast their votes in relation to the long-standing territorial and maritime dispute between Belize and Guatemala. At the referendum, they will decide whether the matter is to be taken to the International Court of Justice as a form of last resort. With the date scheduled for April 15th, 2018, reports coming from Guatemalan media, Prensa Libre, indicates that Guatemalan citizens are left with only a few more days to update their current data or to register for the upcoming referendum.

Belize Among The Most Crime Ridden Country
A report issued today by "La Prensa Gr�fica" from El Salvador indicates that the seven countries that form the Central American isthmus have registered at least 275,714 homicides in the last 19 years, based on official records from each of the countries. (Show fig 4) While here in Belize the homicide rate at the end of 2017 showed an increase compared to other years, the report indicates that as a region 2017 (Put fig 1) closed with at least 14,784 homicides, the lowest figure since 2007, when the region had 14,010; that same year an upward trend began, which reached its highest point in 2011 with 19,094. As of that year, the trend began to fall until 2015 when it rose again, and then began to fall again. (Put fig 6)

Gentle To Seek Bail At The Supreme Court
In yesterday's newscast, we reported on the arraignment of 41 year old Robert Gentle at the Corozal Magistrate's Court, as the person accused of drug trafficking in this luxury Lincoln Navigator with drug packages hidden under the dashboard through the Northern Border. Due to some difficulties we couldn't show you Gentle's picture, but we have sorted those difficulties out. Gentle, as we reported, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Magistrate Patricia Arana told the Ranchito Village resident that due to the quantity of drugs she cannot offer bail but that he can apply to the Supreme Court for it. She then proceeded to remand him to prison until to February 20th.

LOVE FM

Couple ambushed: husband killed and wife injured
The second murder for the year was recorded last night when Jermain Ryan Vellos and his wife Stephanie Nicole Foreman Vellos were ambushed as they made their way into their house in the Belama Phase Two area in Belize City. Jermain Vellos did not survive the deadly attack and his wife sustained injuries. Witness "A �

SC Eamon Courtenay to help decide fate of CJ of T&T
Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay has been selected by the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) as one of the two senior counsels appointed to investigate Chief Justice Ivor Archie of Trinidad and Tobago. Courtenay, along with the president of the Grenada Bar Association Francis Alexis, will be heading up an investigation into whether or �

Leak documents reveal questionable financial transactions by PUC
One hundred and sixty-seven files have been leaked to the media showing questionable financial transactions made by the Public Utilities Commission, PUC. The documents date back to 2012 and it includes financial statements, budgets, minutes of meetings and a report sent to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, Dean Barrow. Our team is �

CWU and SSB to meet over workers salaries
The Christian Workers Union, CWU, has requested for an urgent meeting with the CEO of the Social Security Board, SSB, Dr. Colin Young. That's because the patience of CWU members who are employees of the SSB is running thin and we are told that those members are ready to act. In a letter sent to �

Dale Trujeque resigns as the President of the CWU
Dale Trujeque is no longer the President of the Christian Workers Union, CWU. The union's Vice President, Basil Brannon has taken up the post of Acting President for the last month. According to emails shared between CWU's executive and Trujeque, his resignation became effective on October 31, 2017. Trujeque's short stint as CWU president ended �

Leader of the Opposition New Year's Message
The leader of the Opposition, John Briceno says that 2017 was not a good year for Belize. At the end of every year, the leader of the country and the Leader of the Opposition release their New Year's Day Addresses. In this case, Prime Minister Dean Barrow highlighted the accomplishments of his government while the �

UNICEF to launch "Every Child Alive Campaign"
Yesterday, we told you that the first baby of 2018 was born to 28-year-old Arlene Burgess at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Burgess brought her new baby girl, weighing eight pounds twelve ounces, into the world at 12:52 a.m. UNICEF has pointed out that worldwide 46 percent of all deaths among children under five are �

Kerri Nabet alleges police brutality
Another report against officers of the Belize Police Department has surfaced. This time around, those accused of using excessive force on Belizean civilians are from the Quick Response Team. According to twenty-year-old Kerri Nabet from Benque Viejo Del Carmen, she and her common-law husband, eighteen-year-old Jared Gonzalez, were assaulted by three members of the QRT �

Crooked Tree causeway to be upgraded
The Crooked Tree causeway will be upgraded this year. This is according to Area Representative for Belize Rural North, Edmond Castro. Over the past years, Crooked Tree Villagers have complained that the causeway needed to be upgraded and elevated because heavy rains have damaged portions of the causeway. During the rainy season, the lagoon rises, �

Robert Gentle charged with drug trafficking
Forty-one-year-old Robert Gentle, a driver of Ranchito Village in the Corozal District, who allegedly fled when the car he was driving was detected to have cocaine by Mexican border officials, was charged with drug trafficking when he appeared yesterday in Corozal Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Patricia Arana. Gentle pled not guilty to the charge. He �

PlusTV

Couple shot in Belize City; one dead
A man was shot and killed in Belize City on Tuesday night. The shooting happened sometime around 7:30 last on Maurice Bishop Street, Belama Phase Two. 37 year old Jermain Ryan Vellos was shot dead on the stairs of a two story dwelling house. He was shot multiple times. According to the police report...

Brandon Tillett back behind bars
Tonight, notorious George Street figure, 31-year-old Brandon Tillett aka "BET" , is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after police with heavy armed high power weapon had to escort the prison bus from the Belize City Magistrate's Court to the Belize Central Prison. The reason for the special pol...

Trio arraigned for unlicensed firearm and ammo
Henry Gillett , also known as "Pulu", is on remand tonight following a house raid that police conducted on Tuesday. Officers attached to Strike Team North conducted a house search on Brides Alley where 36 year old Henry Gillette was present along with his wife, 38 year old Sandra Gillette and a 16 ...

Armenia resident beaten and robbed in Belmopan
43 year old Emerson Sheppard, a resident of Armenia Village, was beaten and robbed around 7 o'clock on New Year's night. Sheppard was at the bus stop near the roundabout on the Hummingbird Highway in Belmopan waiting for the bus, Emerson Sheppard: I went to look for my family in Camalote but when I...

Prime Minister's New Year's Message
The Prime Minister of Belize's New Year's message to the nation speaks of continued progress for Belize going into 2018. The PM began by speaking about gains made in 2017. PM Hon. Dean Barrow: 2017 was certainly an improvement over 2016, not least in the fact that the year just past saw a return to...

Opposition Leader's New Year's Message
The Leader of the Opposition also issued a New Year's address in which he spoke about the challenges the Belizean economy has faced based on decisions made by Government. Hon. Johnny Briceno, Leader of the Opposition I think it would be fair to say that 2017 was not a good year for Belize. We saw so...

Free eye clinic in Cayo
Throughout this week, free eye tests are being given out to the San Ignacio/Santa Elena public. A team from the US, the Ministries Opportunity Short Team, are conducting the free eye examinations. It is taking place at the Manzanero complex in San Ignacio town. The clinic is in collaboration with th...

Blogs

2018's Pantone Color of the Year in Belize
Manhattan was my home for almost 10 years. It's a place MADE to be photographed in black and white. And during the winter, no photo-filters are needed, New York City is only shades of grey. Belize is the complete opposite - a wave�an explosion of color. Shocking, almost neon ocean blues, lush tropical greens, hot pink and eye popping yellow flowers�no color seems too outrageous. Especially when you see a scarlet macaw fly through the jungle tree tops. These babies are JUST about to fly. So, when Pantone, THE authority in color, the company that has named and codified colors for decades, announced their much anticipated color of 2018�

Belize by Land: Discovering the Ruins, Wildlife, and Culture
"Oh! You're going to Belize! You must be so excited to go diving." Anyone who has ever booked a trip to Belize has probably heard something like this. And it makes sense: Belize is one of the top diving destinations in the world. With clear waters, abundant coral reefs, and of course, the "Big Blue Hole," it's easy to see why. Unfortunately, because the water gets so much attention, people who don't dive, or just aren't all that interested in being in the water, often don't consider Belize travel because they are afraid there won't be much for them to do. The truth is, though, that even if you never set foot in the water, you can easily fill your time in Belize with unique and exciting experiences. So, before you cross Belize off your list of potential vacation destinations, consider these alternatives to diving and snorkeling.

3 Ways Placencia, Belize Taught Me to Enjoy Life
When people find out I left my life in the U.S. to move to Placencia, Belize, one of the first questions they ask is how it has changed me-and what life looks like compared to the U.S. The truth is, life is very different in Belize. Here is a look at three aspects of everyday life that I experience differently because I live in Placencia. My grocery shopping this week consisted of several stops at local farmer's markets that are scattered throughout the village. The fresh fruits and vegetables come in twice a week, so you really want to get there that day. The grocery stores in town have all the basics, but produce isn't sold in the stores, so you have to make several stops to get everything. This week, I spent about $35 for eight small grocery bags of fruits and vegetables. My grocery bill here overall is about 60% of what I spent in the U.S. However, brand name foods that are imported are expensive, and you are much better off learning to cook with the locally available foods.

Rough Guides Names Belize as a Top Place to Visit in 2018
Rough Guides, first published in 1982 and now one of the most popular travel publishers in the world, recently released their Rough Guide to 2018 list that included Belize in a top position. Rough Guides lavished praise on Belize for its rich history as the epicenter of ancient Maya culture, its gregarious and friendly English-speaking population, and the complete lack of "tourist traps" and overpriced, overhyped destinations. The recommendation to visit Belize from Rough Guides comes on the heels of similar recommendations from other top travel sites such as Fodors and National Geographic, highlighting Belize's continuing rise as a popular adventure vacation destination. All of the biggest airlines in North America now fly non-stop to Belize, meaning that everyone can now enjoy an adventure vacation in Belize.

Happy New Year 2018!
All of us here at The Lodge at Chaa Creek would like to wish our extended family, colleagues and many friends around the world all the best in the New Year. And, as we farewell 2017 and look forward to 2018, we thought a brief recap of this busy and rewarding year would be in order. January 2017 started off with the accent on luxury as we opened the new Ix Chel Rainforest Villas. With Chaa Creek's range of accommodations running from the Macal River Camp's more rustic casitas to the signature cottage collection and on to the beautifully appointed villas and suites, our indefatigable founding owners Mick and Lucy Fleming wanted to raise the bar by creating an oasis of unparalleled luxury in a pristine rainforest setting.

Top 5 Hostels in Belize (Recently Updated)
With the popularity of backpacking in Central America, it may�surprise a lot of people to know that Belize has been late in the game when it comes to catering to backpackers and low-budget travellers. However, I’m happy to announce that in the past few years, many new and impressive hostels�and affordable guesthouses have been popping up all over Belize. The original location in Belize for low-budget travellers has always been Caye Caulker, however, now it’s extending to the South and West of Belize. Matter of fact, on my recent visit to San Ignacio, I got the exciting news that friends were opening a new hostel! How awesome is that? I am honestly tired of Belizeans thinking that the only way to get into tourism is by opening a luxury resort.

Don't Let Rain Get in the Way of Parties
I mentioned to you in this month's events Calendar that December in Belize is a busy time of year, so much so that it's looking like I will add a second calendar of events next week once I find a few more. Here are two of the recent parties that happened on Ambergris. Both for great businesses, one was a fundraiser and one was an anniversary. I have also included weather at the bottom, as indicated by the title we have been getting rainfall and a bit of winter is on the way this weekend. The Glamor Shots party at CG Esthetic Fundraiser was a big hit for the second year in a row. The event was from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm $4091 was collected to benefit Raise Me Up; an organization that is helping the children in San Pedro have a safe environment to live in.

A view from Rainbow Beach Corozal
Cold weather is hear and it that's time to hsve some hot coffee. Corozal is experiencing some low tide on the Bay because of the Cold Front. People are out walking on the solid part as far as they can walk. I saw pelican, Ducks, fish, a black bird with a blue feather on its neck and the sugar bardge passing by. What I love about this weather it is because it is not to hot. I walked towards the park and as I approached by the Y Not bakery I smelled the bread was being baked and It smelled so good I wanted to eat it. When I arrived the park it was empty. But, the weather did'nt stopped. The sky was blue the water was low. This park has a spot for volleyball sand spot for you to play. It has slide for kids to use, sits and table for picnics.

Tropic island survival kit essentials, part 2: a dog, of course
Island dogs are great social facilitators. Rarely does a day go by when some visitor doesn't stop to pet Moppit and mention how badly they miss their own dog(s). Moppit, being Moppit, will often walk up to a stranger expectantly with the "You may begin petting me now" look on her face. Never fails. She will curl up on a stranger's feet, like a cat, if the petting is especially good. Sometimes I joke, "Couple more minute of this and you will own her." Sometimes I'll say she can be rented out to people who clearly are missing their canine fix. Funny, funny me. In the future, I will let people know that Saga can always use dog walkers. I wouldn't be surprised if some island visitors take me up on the suggestion.

International Sourcesizz

Guatemala Updates Data for Referendum on Dispute with Belize
The Guatemalan population update their data today or register themselves for the referendum scheduled for April 15th to settle the conflict with Belize. That day, the population will decide if the territorial, maritime and insular dispute between Guatemala and Belize is definitively settled in the International Court of Justice. According to Ana Elly Lopez, acting magistrate of the Supreme Electoral Court (TSE), most voters are already registered, but it would be necessary to update data if any address was changed, which would allow people to vote at the closest polling place to the current address.

How the rise of gourmet chocolate can lift the fortunes of small farmers
As consumers discover the subtle flavors of single-source cocoa, this cacao-producing company is working to make sure that demand lifts the fortunes of small producers around the world. Chocolate once reigned supreme in Central America: the Mayans considered it the food of the gods, and they used cocoa beans as a form of currency. But the birthplace of chocolate has benefitted little from the chocolate boom - despite the fact that this is where most of the world's purest and most flavorful beans, called "criollo" beans come from. Indeed, whil Ghana produces more than 40 per cent of the world's cocoa, Belize and Guatemala combine for only about 1 per cent of global production, leaving its indigenous producers on the sideline.

Thirty years of Garifuna advocacy and the 20th anniversary in NYC
In 1988 during a business trip to Los Angeles, that I felt a strong inner impulse toward serving my own community. I returned to my home in Dallas, Texas, and decided to answer my calling! I shared the experience with my twin brother Tomas Alberto who decided to join me in the cause. A few weeks later I met Leslie-Avila Reyes, who was in Dallas attending a conference. We hit it off and started sharing ideas about the Garifuna community and agreed to work together. That conversation led to an organizing meeting on Sunday, February 5, 1989, at Club Cubano Interamericano Social Club at 671 Prospect Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455. In 1991 along with Tomas and other local Garifunas, we organized the First Garifuna Summit Meeting in New York City with the theme, "Don't Be Ashamed, We Are Garifunas", and the Second in Los Angeles in 1992 with the theme or "Separation, Dispersion, Reunification".

Study to review CARICOM intra-regional migration of healthcare workers in the Caribbean
The World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization(PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas, Washington DC, has contracted the consultancy and research firm of Dunn, Pierre, Barnett and Company, Canada Ltd, to conduct a study on the status of current migration trends of health workers in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region and to provide a report that will be used to inform and make recommendations on migration within the health sector of the countries involved. According to recent published reports, migration of health workers in the public health care system in much of the region is in crisis, lacking the resources to fund hospitals, implement and maintain complex medical procedures, or even to maintain the services of qualified and trained staff.

Videos

  • Cayes of Belize by drone, 1min. This video was filming with my new dji spark

  • Drone over Caye Caulker, Belize, 3.5min. Some underwater footage also...

  • HERPING BELIZE 2017-2018, 9min. n this video I went on a family vacation in Belize. I documented all the reptiles I caught in Belize to share with everyone

  • Christmas vacation in Belize '17, 5min. Compilation of GoPro footage from the trip to Belize. What an adventure!

  • Bezkresne, dzikie glębiny 4 Wybrzeze Belize Film Dokumentalny Lektor PL, 46min. Scuba diving....

  • Mexiko - Belize - Manatee - Whaleshark, 3.5min. Belize - Manatee Mexiko - Holbox - Whaleshark Cozumel - Reefshark.

  • Welcome to San Pedro - CeeCee, 1min. Original lyrics by CeeCee. Music by Jr Khrys

  • THE 1980S PUNTA ROCK ARTIST "BOOTSY RANKIN"! (FINAL PART), 40min.

  • News 5 Top Stories for 2017, 90min.

  • THE NEW YEAR'S SPEECH ,THE PM AND OPPOSITION LEADER TRADE SHOTS, 7min. If you're among our avid evening news audience you would have heard the New Year's speeches by both major political leaders in Belize - Opposition /PUP Leader John Briceno and Prime Minister/UDP Leader Dean Barrow. Their speeches were strategically scripted not only to welcome a new year, but also to warm up the electorate as the municipal elections and possibly even an early election in 2018 nears. Both sides have issues they want on the front burner, and both side have their own take on key topics such as the economy, unemployment rate, and the cost of living. To help you see the contrast and comparisons, if any exist, we have prepared a special new year's speech trade shots.

  • PGTV Year-In-Review 2017 (JAN TO APRIL), 95min.

  • Talk Ah Di Town December 28, 2017, min.

  • Financial Budget How to Plan For Your Yearly objectives on Open Your Eyes..., 32min.

  • Playing the Guitar as a new Instrument for the New Year on Open Your Eyes..., 21min.

  • Setting Your Health Goals & Check Ups for 2018 on Open Your Eyes..., 21min.

  • Blog: VISITANDO CHETUMAL, BACALAR QUINTANA ROO Y BELIZE PARTE 1, 10min. Amigos, esperen la segunda parte que es lo que mejor se viene, esto s�lo es la introducci�n. Si te gust� este video no olvides dejar tu like y si te gusta mi contenido me encantar�a que formaras parte de esta familia, de igual manera puedes compartir mis v�deos con todos tus Amigos, si quieresssss. Gracias por estar aqu� estar viendo mis v�deos, te amo mucho.

  • Belize Aggressor 4 Highlights November 2017, 3min. A collection of video highlights from the trip I did on the Belize Aggressor 4 from November 19th - 25th of 2017. We encountered plenty of sharks, rays and moray eels. It's a great trip with to make on a beautiful vessel with a fantastic crew.

  • Scuba Diving - Belize Dive #1 - Dec 26, 2017, 49min. We had a great time diving in Belize with Sea Sports Belize while in port with the Carnival Magic. Jose was a great DM and very informative. It was a small group, a small boat and my first back roll!

  • Howler Monkeys in Belize, 2min. In person, the howl of the Howler is horrific! You feel it in your chest and are sure something terrible is about to happen. The loudest land animals, they can be heard clearly 3 miles away. From Wiki: The function of howling is thought to relate to intergroup spacing and territory protection, as well as possibly to mate-guarding. Taken in Belize at the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

  • Sally Swims With the Sharks In Belize, 1min. Shark and Ray Alley Belize.

  • Belize 2017, 4.5min. Family vacation to Belize