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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
BTB’s key performance indicators show continued growth in the Tourism Industry
As one of the leading industries, Belize’s Tourism Industry continues to grow, exhibiting record-breaking figures for 2017. According to the Belize Tourism Industry (BTB), overnight tourism arrivals registered 10.8% increase in 2017 when compared to 2018. Also on the rise was cruise ship arrivals, which registered a steady 3.7% this past year. Overall, BTB key performance indicators for tourism show a total of 427,109 visitors came to the country for the calendar year for 2017. According to BTB’s report, 322,200 tourists arrived at Belize in 2017 via the Philip Goldson International Airport; an 8.1% increase when compared to the 298,157 figures of 2016.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Donates Equipment to the Central Medical Laboratory of Belize to Improve Testing for Viruses
Yesterday, the Central Medical Laboratory of Belize received from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a thermocycler for real-time testing as well as initial supplies and support for training, valued at approximately USD $150,000. The equipment will allow for rapid and accurate detection of viruses and bacteria that cause diseases, including Zika and influenza.
Providing this equipment is part of the U.S. Government’s ongoing effort with the Government and people of Belize to improve capacity for public health systems. Belize has been a long-time partner with the CDC-Central America Regional Office and the United States is proud to collaborate with Belize in ensuring a safer and more secure region.
Meet your San Pedro Town Council Candidates: Part Two
Name: Undina Graniel, People’s United Party.
I have decided to run with the PUP team because I believe that if we want to bring genuine change to this island we must do so by standing together. As a long-time resident, I have seen the toll mismanagement has taken on this community.
Name: Marina Kay, People’s United Party (PUP).
I am running because San Pedro has always been my home and it deserves better. We are all tired of the deplorable living conditions, children out of school, no proper healthcare and the list goes on. I have dedicated many years to volunteerism, cultural activities
The Opposition calls out GOB for improper financial reports
The Government of Belize (GOB) is under scrutiny after it was revealed on Wednesday, January 24th, that the current administration has not complied with the Finance Reform and Audit Act in regards to appropriation bills. This Act stipulates different ways that Central Government can issue supplementary appropriations to itself from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. According to arguments from Senators Valerie Woods and Eamon Courtenay of the People’s United Party (PUP) during the sitting of the Senate, this Reform has been purposely overlooked in relation to additional expenditures for 2016 and 2017, which were used as relief funds after Hurricane Earl.
Ambergris Today
US Donates Equipment To Belize To Improve Testing For Viruses
the Central Medical Laboratory of Belize received from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a thermocycler for real-time testing as well as initial supplies and support for training, valued at approximately USD $150,000. The equipment will allow for rapid and accurate detection of viruses and bacteria that cause diseases, including Zika and influenza.
Providing this equipment is part of the U.S. Government's ongoing effort with the Government and people of Belize to improve capacity for public health systems.
NEMO Emergency Planning in Belize Now Includes Tsunami Threats
NEMO Coordinators for the Central Region, which includes Cayo and Belize Districts (from Benque Viejo in the West to Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye in the East), met on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at their first Disaster/Emergency Planning Meeting for 2018.
NEMO Central Region Coordinator, Al Westby, explained: “We are looking at our First Quarter Work Plan. We are looking at Tsunami threat, that’s one of our priorities; and setting out our Training Program for 2018. We have all District Coordinators and Assistant District Coordinators, along with our National Coordinator and our Training Officer, from Cayo, Belmopan, Belize City, San Pedro and Belize Rural. It’s a discussion, collectively, with ideas from everybody, not from only myself or the Training Officer or the National Coordinator. We get the views and points from each coordinator, and we put them together, and achieve one goal together.”
Misc Belizean Sources
Ministry of Agriculture Marks Historic Importation of Sheep from the U.S.A.
Monday, January 29th, 2018 marked a historic milestone for the Ministry of Agriculture as it welcomed a group of imported Dorper (29 Dorper) and Barbados Black Belly sheep (16 BBB), via the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, from the United States of America.
The importation was facilitated through the Genetic Improvement for Sheep and Goat Project at Central Farm, which seeks to improve the genetics of sheep in the country to contribute to production and productivity improvement of the sheep industry. The agreement between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of Belize on the cooperation in Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project was signed in December 2015 to assist the Ministry of Agriculture to expand the infrastructure at the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center at Central Farm and to introduce quality breeding stock through importation.
Minister Elrington Travels to Washington, D.C. for OAS Meetings
Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, led a delegation this week to Washington, D.C. for meetings at the Organization of American States (OAS) with the purpose of advancing the Belize-Guatemala process.
Minister Elrington met with H.E. Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the OAS, to discuss the strengthening of the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone and to update the Secretary General on Belize’s public awareness campaign, which is preceding the pending referendum on whether to refer Guatemala’s claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Corozal Police saves District from Medical Volunteers who drank 1/2 beer in public
Bystanders were shocked at 8:40 pm on Wednesday January, 31st when they saw a commotion at Seasons supermarket on 5th Avenue in Corozal Town. Police officers were collecting the damning evidence at the scene of the crime, bottles of half consumed Belikin Lighthouse beer being placed in the truck. Officer Gilharry spoke to the suspects with a stern tone.
Medical volunteers from North America had apparently bought beer inside the store and had started to drink them on the way back to the hotel which was a block away.
Courts Corozal Employment Opportunity
Courts Corozal is looking for vibrant, enthusiastic and self-motivated candidate to take on the role of: Warehouse Assistant/Sale Representative. The person will be responsible to assist the branch with stock, display of products, inventory count, deliveries of products and performing sales.
Belize's Wonder Women! The Women Who Help Make Belize Great!
For the month of February, we are proud to announce that Mrs. Dorla Bowman is our Belize Wonder Woman!
Dorla Bowman started her public service trail-blazing in historic Belize City where she was born. She is the first of nine children of her parents. She launched out as a Sunday School teacher while still in elementary school, and continued on organizing and working with youth in the Methodist Church. She felt teaching was her calling, so she spent 11 years in the teaching profession and as an active trade unionist serving on the National Council of Belize National Teacher’s Union.
El Festival de Carnaval
The Casa De Cultura invites you to celebrate with us the carnival with the family in fun. Family Sunday February 11 in Orange Walk central park.
Placencia Breeze February 2018
What’s Inside: Pg 3 Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival Map Pg 5 Placencia Art Festival Registration Form Pg 7 ChaChi's Membership Spotlight Pg 9 Croc Corner Pg 10 Seine Bight News Pg 11 From the Fire Hearth: Sweets Up! / Point of View Pg 15 & 18 Placencia BTIA Members Pg 16 & 17 Placencia Peninsula Map Pg 19 Placencia Art Festival Jewelers Pg 20 & 21 Placencia Peninsula Guide Pg 22 Placencia Rotary News / Liquor License Notices Pg 23 Placencia Volunteer Fire Department Fundraiser Pg 26 Community Corner Pg 27 PHS News Pg 28 Birding Out Of Placencia / Barebones Tours Membership Spotlight Pg 29 Bird Photos Pg 30 Placencia Peninsula Happenings Pg 31 Calender of Events
Blood Drive This Saturday in San Pedro
This SATURDAY, 9AM - 2PM at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic.
The Belize Red Cross - San Pedro Branch sincerely apologises for moving the date of the blood drive from Jan. 20th to THIS SATURDAY Feb. 3rd! Our blood drive nurses have been extremely busy (but we're SO happy that more communities around Belize are doing blood drives).
Please share the flyer with your friends and family. The Belize Red Cross is only able to approve blood requests if we get blood donated!
We are especially requesting persons that have received blood in the past or requested on someone's behalf to come out and support this event.
** See you on Saturday, February 3rd at the Polyclinic. **
School retreat at the Baptist Training Center at Camalote
Yesterday I was invited by Independence High School to participate in their School retreat at the Baptist Training Center at Camalote to share motivational messages with the students on the Social perspective on theTheme "Nurturing young men and women of Honor" with an emphasis on the effects of social media in cultivating a new culture of young people posting nude pictures and slanderous statements" The presentations done by the different presenters had me choked up especially Brother Fem Cruz testimony and musical contribution, respect over respect to him, then Pastor Federico Lord stepped up and from start to finish he had every single individual ATTENTION LOCK listening to his POWERFUL SPIRITUAL MESSAGE, which he incorporated the BELIZEAN YOUTH REALITY into his message and the end results from that was TEARS. We were ALL emotionally TOUCHED by his words and then I took the stage and did my thing.
Super Bowl Party at The Truck Stop!
clock
Sunday, February 4 at 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM. LET'S GET READY TO FOOOOOTBAAAAAALLLLL! We'll be showing the big game on our 18-foot screen, we'll have specials on WINGS and PIZZA, and we'll have be playing a few games of our own! (More details to be announced soon).
No matter which team you have your money on, it's going to be a fun night! (Unless the Patriots win, obviously)
Live Comedy Show at The Truck Stop!
Saturday, February 3 at 7 PM - 10 PM. Comedy lovers: We've put together another great comedy show for you, and this time we'll be hosting it on the backstage at The Truck Stop! Enjoy sets from Rob Burrows, Nile A. Duppstadt, Brad Reeder, Joanna Popik, and your hosts Ben Popik and Michael Taylor. Plus we'll be debuting new San Pedro-based videos! It's going to be a great night and we hope you can join us.
NOTE: This show is FREE, however, we will only have 100 or so chairs -- so arrive a bit early to claim your favorite seat! Or, bring your own chair, and saunter in whenever you please, you fancy chair-owner.
Saca Chispas Football field
When San Pedro was a village with just a couple hundred people, the Saca Chispas Football field, was a garbage dump for the then fishing community. It was later cleaned and made into the island’s only football field. I have sat down and listened to many conversations on how local football celebrities were carved and made into great players to the height that some were selected to be a part of the Belize National Team on countless occasions. Local migration in the middle of the 1980’s followed by the large influx of Belizeans seeking better job opportunity on the island in the 1990’s, certainly began putting serious constrain on several of the island’s resources. This was the case with sports and the small Saca Chispas Football Field.
Super Bowl in Corozal
SUPER BOWL 52nd - Sunday, February 4th, 2018 at NATURAL MYSTIC, Finca Solana starting at 5:30 p.m. Great open air ambience. Finca Solana is in the vicinity of Mangrove Park.
Branch Mouth Bridge V2.0
The new Branch Mouth bridge has been finished. Quite an improvement over the old one, and it's higher too, so floods shouldn't be a problem.
"The new bridge at Branch Mouth is done. Their doing the last finishing touches today. It's around 2 meters higher, so it should be able to weather the floods better."
Village council members of Arenal, Belize visited the Vaca Forest Reserve to learn about the ago-ecological methods underway
They saw with interest the techniques to be replicated in their village.
Belize Bird Conservancy Birdathon
A reminder for all the Birding Lodges in Belize. Belize Bird Conservancy Birdathon is April 1 - 30. Choose your date, gather your team, plan your route, have fun. May the birdiest Lodge win...
U.S. Embassy proud to support the development of the health sector in Belize!
Yesterday, representatives from the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Central America Regional office donated $150,000 worth of equipment, supplies, and training to the Central Medical Laboratory to support better public health responses to disease outbreaks in Belize.
Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Adrienne Galanek and CEO of the Ministry of Health Belize Dr. Ramon Figueroa both underlined the importance of enhancing Belize’s health sector in achieving our shared goals.
The main piece of equipment, a thermocycler, will allow for real time disease testing in Belize for the first time ever. This means the Government of Belize can now rapidly detect dangerous diseases, plan more effective public health responses, and reduce the cost of testing.
Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Only the Brave,
Roman J Israel,
Wonder,
Thor: Ragnarok.
Superbowl Viewing Sunday @ 5 Free.
*Only the Brave and Roman J Israel playing only friday and saturday night*
Channel 7
The Moment Missing Men Were Reunited With Families
It was our headline last night - and tonight we have the full story of those two NICH rangers who were found alive and well after spending two days lost between Caracol and the Guatemalan border - which is only 3 miles away.
7News had the only camera on the spot when their families reunited with them for the first time. Jules Vasquez has the story:…
This is the moment at 5:20 when Elroy Villanueva Alvarado’s family first saw him at the junction of the Caracol and San Antonio Road.
“Weh pah unu mi deh” - That’s what any family member would ask after their loved one went missing in the deep, dangerous bush for 48 hours. There were hugs and happy embraces for this 21 year old - who looked to be in very good health - with a beaming smile to spare.
Chilling In the back-seat - was his senior colleague, a slightly more reserved 43 year old Luis Ramirez.
PM May Push Back House Meeting
When will the House of Representatives vote on that 90 million dollar arbitration award that is owed to the Belize Bank? Rumours said it would be the third Friday in February - but today the Prime Minister said - the date is still undecided since the Bank is trying to find another way to force government to pay:…
Jules Vasquez:
"Will that pivotal house meeting be held on February 16th sir?"
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister:
"I'm not entirely sure because as you may have known the Ashcroft Alliance, the Belize Bank they've filed an application for an enforcement order. The hearing of that has now been fixed for March 14th. The government also filed two applications. In that same application the government is saying in any event how can the bank ask for an enforcement order and an order of mandamus against the Minister of Finance when it is quite clear that our constitutional arrangements...”
Police Don’t Have Much to Say about “Oh” Sisters Killer
As we told you last night, 20 year old Wilmer Alexander Escobar was charged for the Oh sisters murder in Toledo. Escobar reportedly chopped 17 year-old Josephina and 19 year old Crecencia Oh to death. While police have made this major break in this case, there are still many questions as to what led to this gruesome attack. Today at the weekly briefing, police told us that they can’t get into all the details or motive at this point. Here is more from the press conference.
ACP Joseph Myvett - National CIB
"In respect of the murder of Crescencia and Josephina Oh which had occurred in the Toledo district some 11 days ago. Yesterday police has since arrested and charged Wilmer Alexander Escobar, 20 year old laborer of Bella Vista for two counts of murder."
Reporter:
"With respect to the double murder can you say whether or not the suspect confessed to the crime?"
ACP Joseph Myvett:
"I would not say that he confessed but there was some cooperation and some items belonging to both deceased have also been recovered."
Maya Community Will Walk For Sisters
But even though the cops have been able to solve this heinous crime, the two Western Toledo communities of San Jose and San Antonio are still grieving the traumatic loss of the Oh sisters.
A group called “Walk for Justice”, formed in the memory of the sisters, has organized a walk to be held on this Saturday, February 3, 2018. A press release from the organizing committee says, quote, “The walk is intended to condemn crime, and appeal for justice, unity and peace in the Toledo District and the nation of Belize. This double murder has shocked the nation and has forced us to realize that we cannot be silent in the face of ever-increasing crime and insecurity.” End quote.
The Committee says that the peaceful march aims to unite the people of Southern Belize and to send a message of unity throughout the country.
Terminal Stabbing Is Non-Fatal
The Novelo’s bus terminal is usually bustling with commuters and heavy traffic but early this morning, before the rush, Kenrick Valencia was stabbed. Police told us more.
Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino - CIB, Belize City:
"This morning about 5:00 am police visited the KHMH and there they observed one Kenrick Valencia 34 years old security guard of Lords Bank. He had single stab wound to the abdominal area. He is in a critical but stable condition. Investigation has revealed that he was standing in front of the Novelos terminal on West Collet Canal and he was approached by a male individual who inflicted to injury to him. We have one person detained and police are continuing the investigation."
FCD Catches Guate Hunters
At the top of the news we showed you how park rangers Elroy Alvarado and Luis Ramirez’s search for Pacaya palms around Caracol took a turn for the worst when they lost their way. Luckily they didn’t encounter and Guatemalan bandits on their 48 hours in the bush.
But FCD rangers along with the BDF and the Special Patrol Unit did make such an encounter on Sunday afternoon.
The team caught 3 Guatemalans with guns, ammunition and a gibnut they hunted and killed.
Dolores, El Peten residents Roni Alexander Lopez, Abraham Estevan Depaz, and Encarnacion Depaz each carried a 20-gauge shotgun. Lopez also had 3 live rounds of 20-gauge ammunition; Estevan Depaz had 2 live rounds while Encarnacion Depaz had 4 live rounds of 20-gauge ammunition and 1 live round of 16-gauge ammunition. Encarnacion Depaz admitted to hunting the gibnut.
UDP: Can Dion Do It Without Darrell?
Municipal Elections are just a few weeks away - and the UDP’s Belize City slate stepped its campaign into high gear today with the launch of its manifesto.
For a party asking voters to give it a fifth term in the city - they tried to keep it fresh - but not to lose sight of what they feel are benchmark accomplishments. Jules Vasquez was there:…
Dion Leslie - UDP Mayoral Candidate:
"We are honoured to present this manifesto today. It is a true representation of the vision of our residence. This is your manifesto, this is your vision and it is our job to make sure we fulfill what you have requested."
Called “Improving Lives”, the UDP’s Belize City Council Manifesto is a study in cautious optimism - and lots of references to past successes.
It’s the rare political grouping that’s running on its record:
Can UDP Win A Majority of Municipalities?
So, you just heard party leader Dean Barrow give a glowing endorsement of his UDP slate in Belize City. But, what about the rest of the country? Currently the UDP controls eight of nine municipalities - a super majority it has held since 2006.
But, 12 years into its domination of municipal government - concurrent with 10 years in central government - political observers suggest that the UDP’s hold on power must be slipping. We asked the Prime Minister and Party Leader to predict how many seats the UDP will hold unto after March 7th.
Jules Vasquez:
"The UDP currently hold 62 of 67 municipal seats. It's not realistic to expect you can hold on to 62 of 67 or increase that 10 years into your terms of office and many of these councils have longer terms. If you had to make a prediction how many of the 67 will the UDP..."
PM Says Belize and US Are Friends
And, moving now from local to international politics - we asked the Prime Minister for reaction to US President Donald Trump’s remarks in his State of the Union Address. On Tuesday night, Trump asked the US Congress to, quote, “pass legislation to help ensure American foreign-assistance dollars always serve American interests, and only go to America's friends.”
Taken in context, he was referring to those nations which voted in the United Nations General Assembly, condemning the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Trump said the US must, quote, “restore clarity about our adversaries.” Today, Prime Minister Barrow said that Belize is definitely not an adversary:
The CLICO Conundrum
And finally from the Prime Minister tonight, we asked him about the CLICO case that is currently before the Caribbean Court of Justice. 54 CLICO policy holders in Belize - who were left in the lurch after the Caribbean insurance company went belly up - are suing the government for 4 million dollars in losses. They say the government should have protected them in the event of a bankruptcy - as happened to CLICO.
The Prime Minister said he expects that the decision of the lower courts will be upheld - and government won’t have to find that four million:…
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister:
"Well I wasn't aware that it's before the CCJ. I know that it's been litigated in Belize and that in fact the court of appeal gave a judgement which I read and which I thought was absolutely solid. So I would hope and I in fact believe that - that decision of the court of appeal will be upheld by the CCJ."
PUC Chair Says He’s Underpaid
Last night, during the press conference to announce the initial decision to lower water rates, John Avery, the chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, opened the floor to questions about their most recent audit, and allegations of reckless public spending.
You heard him complain about the press coverage on it, describing that coverage as irresponsible and sensational. Well, tonight, we have his answers to the specific allegations about him and the other commissioners on the PUC.
We start first his response to the allegation he and the commissioners are being grossly over-compensated, to the point of fleecing the public purse. Yesterday, he asserted that actually, he and the commissioners are underpaid for all the work they do. Here’s how he explained why:
Thieves Picked On PUMA Petrol Station Again
The Puma Gas Station in Ladyville was robbed AGAIN! – this is about the 4th time the gas station has been targeted by armed thieves. It happened last night at around 10:00. Cashier Adonis Serano was at the gas station when 3 men bolted inside. One of men pointed a gun at Serano and took the money from the register. The men also snatched money from a customer. They ran off with $500.
The last robbery we reported on at the gas station was in May 2017. In that case the armed robber shot a man in his arm and made off with two phones and a $2 bill from a gas attendant.
Mayor Acting Like Minister With Land Title Giveaway
Earlier in the news, we showed you the UDP manifesto launch for their Belize City Council slate. In only 34 days, residents of Belize City and the 8 other municipalities countrywide will vote for their municipal leaders.
That’s also how much time the outgoing Belize City Mayor, Darrell Bradley, has left in office. And, in one final act of appreciation to the staff of City Hall, he handed out land titles to 195 council employees.
The effort started in June of 2015 with 57 acres of land that the Natural Resources Minister set aside for the City at mile 14 on the George Price Highway.
After two and a half years of paperwork, this evening, the council was able to put the land title documents into the hands of staffers. The Mayor explained why he wanted to make sure this happens before he leaves office:
Legal Learning For All
You don’t have to be a lawyer to know the law – that was the main message from the City Council’s first Caribbean legal systems entry level course. It’s a training for city council staff, police officers and persons from various organizations to learn their rights and the basics of law. Yesterday 25 participants graduated from the 5 week course and lead coordinator Margaret Mckenzie told us more about the importance.
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Mckenzie plans to start up the course again in two weeks. It is for free.
H.E. Quesnel Takes All Questions
Mexican Ambassador to Belize Carlos Quesnel has been in Belize for three years - and today, on the eve of his third anniversary in the country, he held his annual media breakfast.
We asked him about the outlaw behavior we saw at the Subteniente Lopez bridge one year ago. That’s where Mexican gangs confronted Belize and Mexican customs - demanding that they be allowed to smuggle contraband from the free one.
Ambassador Quesnel said they have worked diligently to crack down on those gangs:..
H.E Carlos Quesnel - Mexican Ambassador to Belize:
"We have meetings often between the authorities in Mexico and the authorities of Belize to try to find the best mechanism to fight this kind of criminal activity. Its not easy, they are still there working but we have taken measures and certainly we have to take harsh measures and that case the case of Subteniente Lopez sometimes you have to take difficult decisions that you will affect some people."
NEMO Ready For Anything
That Tsunami scare earlier this month certainly shook up residents of coastal communities, and it also gave NEMO a serious wake-up call when it comes to disaster preparedness. Yesterday at the NEMO office in Sand hill, coordinators from out West and the Cayes met for their first Disaster planning meeting for 2018. Minister Edmond Castro says early and efficient planning is crucial.
This meeting will also be held with NEMO coordinators from the Northern and Southern Zones.
Sheep From USA For Gene-Stock Improvement
And another of Belize’s friends, Taiwan has come through with sheep - stocks for the Ministry of Agriculture. On Monday, January 29th 2018, the Ministry received twenty-nine imported Dorper and sixteen Barbados Black Belly sheep from the USA. It’s part of a project to improve the gene stocks of Sheep and Goats in Belize.
It’s a three year, 3.5 million Belize dollar project.
Channel 5
New Litigation at C.C.J. over U.H.S., House Vote May Be Delayed
Our top story tonight is a major update on the Universal Health Services matter. Both the government and the Belize Bank Limited are headed back to court in dueling applications [...]
Why P.M. Says Let the Sunshine In
On Monday, February fifth, the Supreme Court is expected to hear the case of Sunshine Holdings against the B.T.L. Employees’ Trust in a partial continuation of the original Telemedia saga [...]
Finance Minister Claims Immunity in CLICO Case
On Tuesday, we reported that a group of former holders of premium annuities with the defunct Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) took an appeal of previous judicial decisions to the [...]
“We’re Still Friends with the U.S.”
During U.S. President Donald Trump’s live televised State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday night, he intimated that American foreign assistance should always serve American interests and go [...]
Lost and Found Park Rangers Blame It on the Rain
The combined effort of the Belize Defense Force, the Belize Police Department and the Forestry Department led to the successful location of two park rangers who had gone missing on [...]
Guats Nabbed Illegally Hunting Wildlife
Earlier this week, we reported on the case of two Guatemalan fishermen charged with illegal fishing in southern Belize. Tonight, Friends for Conservation and Development, FCD, is reporting that on [...]
U.D.P. CitCo Slate Unveil “People’s” Manifesto
The homestretch of the municipal elections race has arrived. As the calendar turns to February, the ruling United Democratic Party is first off the mark with its production of promises [...]
P.M. Bullish on Prospects in Municipal Elections
The United Democratic Party currently controls sixty-two of the sixty-seven seats on municipal councils countrywide. Since 2006, it has never gone below a two-thirds majority of such seats. But, might [...]
Barrow: It’s Not Time to Say Goodbye Yet
And finally from Prime Minister Dean Barrow tonight, the march is on toward his sunset as a political force. With elections due by the end of 2020 or early 2021 [...]
Police Get Their Man in Vicious Double Sister Murder
Siblings Cricencia and Josephine Oh were savagely mutilated near the village of San Jose in the Toledo District on January twenty-first as they were returning from attending mass and visiting [...]
San Jose/San Antonio villagers Take a Walk for Justice
The shocking deaths of the Oh sisters have galvanized residents from San Jose and San Antonio villages. Together they have organized a Walk for Justice in memory of Cricencia and [...]
Lord’s Bank Security Guard Surprised by Pre-Dawn Stabbing
Thirty-four-year-old Kenrick Valencia was attacked by an unknown assailant as he stood in front of the Novelo’s Bus Terminal this morning. The predawn assault resulted in the security guard being [...]
Mexico Promotes Legitimate Trade against Contraband
Back from his end-of-year working visit to his homeland to meet with counterparts in the Mexican Foreign Relations Secretariat, Ambassador of Mexico to Belize, Carlos Quesnel Melendez, hosted the press [...]
On Immigration, Mexico Says Trump’s Wall is Not the Answer
President Enrique Pena Nieto’s whirlwind visit to Belize for the Mexico-CARICOM summit was a highlight of the local embassy’s year, and planning has begun for a reciprocal visit, as well [...]
How Belizean Mexicans Can Vote in July Elections
There is an important notice tonight for our viewers of Mexican heritage. In five months voters will go to the polls there to elect a President and members of the [...]
Land Titles are Final CitCo Gift to Workers
One hundred and ninety-five City Council employees each received a free piece of land today. Mayor Darrell Bradley says he has been working on this “thank you” gift which will [...]
30 Years of Tertiary Titans COBEC
The Ministry of Education, members of the Consortium for Belize Educational Cooperation, met today in Belize City for the annual COBEC Winter Symposium. This year, COBEC celebrates thirty-years of existence [...]
What You Need to Know about Measles Threat
At the end of January, the Ministry of Health in Belize issued an advisory on the presence of measles in Central America. It’s one imported case – which means an [...]
CTV3
PM Barrow Weighs In The Upcoming Municipal Election
Prime Minister Barrow also discussed what he believes are his party’s very good chances of holding on to the majority of the municipal Governments in the March 7th elections. At present, the UDP controls 62 seats of the 67 that make of the municipal elections. But after 10 years or more of UDP City and Town Councils, will voters express fatigue, disenchantment and displeasure at the polls?
Rt. Honourable Dean Barrow – Prime Minister of Belize: “If I were to say we can hold on to all we can and in fact we can increase the number you would accuse me of perhaps being arrogant, accuse the party and the government of being arrogant and so I will not say that...”
PM Says Municipal election Results Won't Dictate His Exit From Politics
Political analysts believe that the results of the municipal elections will be a sort of barometer for the Barrow Administration and in particular the leadership of Prime Minister Barrow. Having won three terms since 2008, despite the many scandals that have plagued his administration, it is anticipated that the PM will be measuring the outcome and decide whether he still maintains the confidence of Belizeans. But today the PM shared his perspective with the media, indicating that the municipal election results won’t matter much to him, because he isn’t going to be around very soon.
Domestic Exports Decline In 2017
Last night we told you about the December 2017 Consumer Price Index figures released by the Statistical Institute of Belize which show that the cost of living remained high. Tonight we bring to you the import and export figures for the last month of 2017.
We first take a look at the exportation figures. Data gathered by the SIB demonstrate that there was a recorded decline in the total value of domestic exports for December 2017. Figures show that it fell by $2.2 million, decreasing from $17.9 million in 2016 to $15.7 million this year. (Insert Figure 3)
Imports Decline Last Month Of 2017
Turning over now to Imports. Statistics show that for the month of December 2017, imports decreased by 0.9 percent or $1.6 million landing at a total of $167.2 million in comparison to December 2016 which stood at $168.8 million.
PM Says It Is not Likely That US Would Cut Aid
In Wednesday’s newscast, we showed you the chilling remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump at his annual State of the Union in which he declared that those countries who did not support their decision to move their Embassy to Jerusalem are considered enemies and suggested that Congress should pass a law to cut funding aid to them. For Belize, if this would happen it would mean no more funding for initiatives such as CARSIE which pumps millions of U.S. dollars into improving national security. Today the Prime Minister was asked what he thought of the U.S. President’s comments.
LOVE FM
Mexico supports Belize/Guatemala bilateral talks
This morning, reporters from several media houses were hosted by the Ambassador of Mexico to Belize, Carlos Quesnel, for a breakfast press conference. Ambassador Quesnel spoke on an array of issues related to his government, including the Belize/Guatemala dispute. Yesterday the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States, OAS, hosted Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred …
Mexican Ambassador addresses contraband problem
Mexican Ambassador Carlos Quesnel was also asked about a perennial issue facing both countries. For years, authorities on both sides of the borders have been trying to stop contraband. While busts have been made, the practice is a much more complicated issue. Here is the solution that Ambassador Quesnel offered. CARLOS QUESNEL, AMBASSADOR OF MEXICO …
Accused murderer cooperating with police
20-year-old Wilmer Alexander Escobar remains behind bars after he was arrested for the murders of sisters seventeen year old Josephine Oh and nineteen year old Crisencia Oh. The sisters were brutally attacked and murdered on January 21. They were found naked and with chops wounds to the body. Police believe that Escobar committed the heinous …
More on PUC Chairman’s response to leaked documents
During a press conference yesterday Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, John Avery decided to address media reports of leaked financial documents relating to the Commission. At the start of the year we began reporting on leaked documents which show questionable financial transactions carried out by the Public Utilities Commission, PUC. These include credit card …
It is a political gimmick?
In its annual Review Proceeding for the BWS the Public Utilities Commission announced yesterday that has made its first proposal with regards to water rates. The PUC is proposing for a 6.39% decrease on water rates. It’s not the final decision but the announcement alone will give hope to Belizeans that it might be a …
Prime Minister Dean Barrow says next step with UHS to be determined after consultations with lawyers
Prime Minister Dean Barrow says he is not entirely sure whether he will be calling a House of Representatives meeting later this month where it was expected that the motion for the disbursement of the 90 million dollars that the Caribbean Court of Justice ordered the Belize Government to pay to the Belize Bank would …
Sheep imported; a historic day says Ministry of Agriculture
On Monday twenty-nine, Dorper and sixteen Barbados Black Belly sheep were brought into Belize via the Philip Goldson International Airport. The Ministry of Agriculture says that the day was a historic one which was facilitated by the Genetic Improvement for Sheep and Goat Project at Central Farm. The Dorper sheep is a South African mutton …
Prime Minister not worried about President Trump’s threat
Prime Minister Dean Barrow says he is not particularly worried about the statements made by US President Donald Trump. In his first State of the Union Address earlier this week, the US President said he would implement penalties to “enemies” of the US. This stemmed from the minimal support the US received when the Trump …
MOH keeping an eye on measles case in Guatemala
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory system and ever since a positive case of measles was identified in Guatemala, health officials here are on the alert. It causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough, and runny nose. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that 2.6 million …
Man critical after being stabbed
A man was stabbed this morning in Belize City. Kenrick Valencia remains at the KHMH in a critical but stable condition. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino shared more details. INSP. WILFREDO FERRUFINO, C.I.B., BELIZE CITY “This morning about five am Police visited the KHMH and there and there they observed one Kendrick Valencia thirty-four-year-old security guard of …
Sunshine Holdings should pursue case against BTL Employees’ Trust says PM
The Prime Minister also spoke on the matter of Sunshine Holdings versus the BTL Employees’ Trust. On January 15, the Caribbean Court of Justice ruled that Sunshine Holdings can sue the Trust for monies owing to the company. Here is what the PM says he understands of the case and Sunshine Holdings position.
UDP Party Leader Dean Barrow’s retirement imminent
As the UDP prepares for the municipal elections next month, this may be the last municipals that Party leader Dean Barrow will lead. As has been reported before he has announced his intention of retiring. Today he told the media that notwithstanding the results of the municipal elections, his retirement is imminent.
UDP Launches manifesto for Belize City
The United Democratic Party’s Belize City slate presented its manifesto this morning. The team is being led by Mayoral Candidate and current councilor Dion Leslie. Flanked by the Party leader and Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber and many supporters, the team presented their plan for the City should they retain administration …
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Two park Rangers missing at Caracol Archaeological Reserve
Two park rangers are reportedly missing from the Caracol Archaeological Reserve in the Cayo District. The family of one of those rangers is concerned after they received a call from NICH this afternoon at about four o’clock . informing them that Elroy Villanueva went missing at the Caracol Archaeo...
George Young perishes in traffic accident
The victim of a fatal traffic accident that we reported on in yesterday’s newscast has been identified as 77 year old George Young, a Belizean Retiree of Burrell Boom Village. As we told you, sometime before 3 p.m.. on Monday afternoon, a Toyota Rav 4 was travelling on the Boom Road when it somehow ...
Motorcyclist hospitalized due to RTA
There was another accident that occurred over the weekend that police has issued a report on. This one happened on Saturday in Dangriga. According to the police report, the accident occurred at mile 1 on George Price Drive, Dangriga Town, where a small white Isuzu goods truck and a motorcycle collid...
More charges expected for Mexican ATM thieves
The three Mexicans who have been charged for theft from Atlantic bank ATMs across the country may be facing additional charges shortly. On January 22nd, Belen Hernandez, Lionel Rodriguez, and Joscan Jafet were all charged with theft after they were accused of fraudulently withdrawing at least one ...
Police seek other suspects in Alfredo Cowo murder
And speaking of crime on San Pedro William Godoy was charged for the murder of Alfredo Cowo who was shot and killed on San Pedro on January 16th of this year. Godoy’s family has told the media that he has an alibi that places him nowhere near the murder scene at the time it occurred. Police are now ...
Cotton Tree residents arrested for Drug Trafficking
Four persons were arrested and charged for drug trafficking in Cotton Tree Village. Belmopan police say they conducted searches in Cotton Tree village, Cayo District on Monday Janury 29th which led to the discovery of 73 grams of cannabis. The persons arrested and charged are 49 year old Vexaida L...
AG donates law books to Belmopan police
And in more Belmopan police news, Attorney General of Belize Honorable Michael Peyrefitte donated some law books to the Belmopan police today. The 15 Volumes of the Laws of Belize as updated in 2011 was handed over to OC Spt Howell Gillett today. The donation is valued at over $5,000...
PM Barrow and IDB General Manager meet
New IDB Manager for Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, Verónica Zavala, met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow. The meeting with the General Manager of the Inter-American Development Bank for this region was o discuss Belize’s relationship with the bank and programming ...
Two Guatemalan fishermen caught fishing illegally in southern Belize
Park rangers of the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment along with personnel of the Belize Coast Guard arrested two Guatemalans who were fishing illegally near the Rio Grande in southern Belize. The fishermen tried to escape, but the patrol team was equipped and mobilized quickly to app...
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