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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

San Pedro House of Culture exhibits “El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro” Photography
The San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC) opened their Carnaval Photography Exhibition on Thursday, February 8th. The exhibition is an annual display that showcases the traditional “El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro (The Great Carnival of San Pedro)” which took place from Saturday, February 10th to Wednesday, February 14th. The exhibition presents the history of Carnaval, from the Mascaradas to the comparsas, masquerade parties and Juan Carnaval. “I’m so happy that despite the years and modern days this tradition continues to be one San Pedro’s biggest events. This is a portrayal of this historic tradition that was brought to Belize by our ancestors over a hundred years ago. Everyone is invited to come and view the exhibit, which indeed will bring back old memories of carnaval, and have us appreciate the tradition even more,” said SPHC Director Guillermo “Mito” Paz.

Placencia 15th Annual Arts Festival Sidewalk delights hundreds of spectators
Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) Placencia Chapter’s 15th annual Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival attracted hundreds of spectators. Held on Saturday, February 10th through to the 11th, the event serves as a way for Belizean artists to showcase their finest work. Attendees enjoyed paintings, arts and crafts, handmade jewelry and even how to make chocolate. At 10 AM, the 4,000 foot-long sidewalk came alive with the display of amazing handmade arts, jewelry, books, paintings, and cultural clothing among other authentic Belizean products. Spectators had the option to purchase items they fell in love with, as most products on display were for sale. Attendees also got to see a demonstration of how to make chocolate by IXCACAO Maya Belizean Chocolate and live performances by Talla Walla Vibration Band, Panerifix Steel Band and DJ Boneyfide under the main tent.

San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament moves to semifinals
After six weeks, the regular season of the San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament came to an end with Quality Reef emerging first place with five wins and one loss. ECGO took second place with four wins and two losses, Extreme placed third with two wins and four losses, and taking fourth place was San Pedro High School (SPHS) with one win and five losses. All islanders are invited to come and support their favorite team this weekend in the semifinals on Sunday, February 18th. The first match starts at 9AM, with Quality Reef going against SPHS, followed by RCGO versus Extreme.

Belikin launches limited edition of artisan beer bottles
Belikin, the beer of Belize, officially launched its Limited Edition beer bottles on Friday, February 9th at Naia Resort and Spa in Placencia, Stann Creek District. The Limited Edition features 12 original designs by Belizean artists showcasing the culture, heritage and the most authentic places in Belize. Contributing artists included Anton Leslie, Debbie Cooper, Eduardo “Papo” Alamilla, Ernest Garcia, Gayla Fuller, Gilvano Swasey, Greta Leslie, Jorge Landero, Kelvin Baizar, Nelson Young, Terryl Godoy and Walter Castillo. The event saw the attendance of nine out of the 12 featured artists with attendees getting to meet them and even take pictures while enjoying live music.

Ambergris Today

Love Is In The Air - Ayuso/Montano Wedding
On Saturday, February 10, 2018, the Ayuso and Montano families along with friends celebrated the marriage of Luis and Sandra Ayuso at the San Pedro RC Church followed by a lovely reception at the Lions Den. Godparents of the bride and groom were Mr. and Mrs. Alex Eiley. It was a night full of love and happiness. Congratulations to the lovely couple on this Valentine's Day!

Carnaval 2018 Day Three - Barbies Shake To Scooby Doo Pa Pa
Carnaval 2018 ended with a bang as the two comparsas group gave it their all and danced their hearts out! Dona Flora's Group theme was "Carnival Soca Queen" and they wore brightly colored costumes and head pieces and were in full carnival spirit! The Barbies theme was "El Mango Relajado/Scooby Do Pa Pa" and boy oh boy did these men shake what their momma gave them. The were in high spirits singing and dancing and having so much fun entertaining their audience. It was a great way to end this year's Carnaval... Here are pics of the last day of Carnaval ...enjoy!

Misc Belizean Sources

Kindy take note of Archeological site update
THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2018: THE XUNANTUNICH ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVE IS OPEN WITH VEHICLE CROSSING. PLEASE NOTE 2 VEHICLES AT A TIME ONLY. THIS SITUATION IS SUBJECT CHANGE AS IT IS RAINING AT THAT LOCATION. ALL OTHER ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES ARE OPEN FOR VISITATION. PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION AT ALL TIMES. LIFE VEST IS MANDATORY AT CAVE SITES.

Rediscovering Antonio Soberanis
The Antonio Soberanis Memorial Site taking shape ahead of the Dedication Ceremony on Thursday February 15, 2017 in Santana Village, Belize District .

BELIZE NOW HAS A PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION
Her Excellency Ms. Perla Perdomo presented her credentials as Belize’s first Permanent Representative to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Monday, February 12th. This was done in a ceremony at the FAO headquarters in Rome where Permanent Representative Perdomo presented her letter of accreditation to Jose Graziano da Silva, the Director-General. Her Excellency Perdomo and the Director-General discussed the possible areas of future cooperation with the FAO which includes water management for agriculture, agricultural mechanization for medium and small farmers, agro-processing as well as the use of technology to aid farmers.

Missing Canadian Volunteer
Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating 23-year-old Chad Alexander Sojer, a volunteer from Alberta, Canada. Sojer arrived in the country on Friday, February 9 and was last seen on Monday, February 12 in San Ignacio. Sojer is described as Caucasian, slim built, blue eyes, and low brown hair. He is 5'9" and approximately 140lbs. Anyone with information regarding Sojer's whereabouts is asked to contact the police or the Canadian Embassy at 501-223-160.

Images from Day 4 of our 16th Anniversary Celebrations
With a special presentation from our very own Curator and Abstract Artist Ms. Ilona Smiling for the students of Mr.Kirkland's (SJC Art Teacher) After School Art Program.

Training in proper fire management
This week, Ya'axché Conservation Trust along with its partners The Belize Audubon Society and The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) are bringing together community members to receive training in proper fire management. Participants will take part in both theory and practical sessions. Escaped fires have been a major contributor to forest loss and are a threat to the protected areas which provide many benefits to Belizeans. This training is part of an ongoing project funded by the Protected Areas Conservation Trust.

CARNAVAL: COMPARSAS DAY 3 AND PAINTING

CARNAVAL COMPARSAS DAY 2

2nd Annual Love Fair
Oceana Belize and Department of Youth Services' second annual Love Fair underway at our Corozal Central Park until 4:00 P.M. Governmental, non-governmental organizations and NGOs, inlcuding our Corozal Police Department, Belize Diabetes Association, Corozal Animal Program, FOCUS, NDACC, Corozal House of Culture (NICH) and others promote Love for Self, Community and the Environment.

NICH Valentine's Day Concert
The National Institute of Culture and History is having a Valentine's Concert at the Cayo Welcome Center on Saturday, February 17th. Galicha the Lion and Silas Sabal will be performing.

A girl from Yucatec Maya descent acting as the Xtabai in the Patchakan RC school Cultural day (Corozal District
It is said that the Xtabai has long black hair , Maya looks and is the most beautiful women who will ever see in your life . One of our beautiful stories still hear among the Northern Maya of Belize .

Maya children from Patchakan dancing for Cultural Day at Patchakan RC School Corozal
Patchakan is a Maya village located in Corozal district which means "Behind the Savanna" in the Yucatec Maya language. It's believe that the village of Patchakan was already populated with Maya people since 1780 before the massive migration of Maya from across the rio Hondo in 1847 because of the Caste War "Maya Social War" . Many Maya Elders before dying spoke about a village with the name of Tanchekaax before the existence of Patchakan . By the end of the Maya Social War(Caste War) many Yucatec Maya rebels from the group known as Cruzoob Maya left Chan Santa Cruz and settle in Patchakan .

Channel 7

Alleged Canto Killer Gets Off
Another alleged killer has gotten off. Twenty-eight year old Norman Slusher, charged with the barbershop murder of Jason Canto, was acquitted today by Justice Adolph Lucas in a trial without jury. In his ruling Justice Lucas said the Crown has failed to prove the element of unlawful harm. Slusher had given an oral statement that was admitted as evidence in which he said that it was he and a person named "Angel" who went to the barber shop on West Canal Street and fired shots. But since there were two gunmen it could not be determined which one of them shot and killed Canto. The alleged target was businessman Jose Shoman - who the gunmen wanted to rob. He gave the police a statement - but the prosecutor had to withdraw its application to have the statement admitted as evidence because the statement was not signed by a Justice of the Peace or a Magistrate.

Measles Not In Belize, Not Yet, At Least
"It's just a matter of when" - that's what public health officials said today about the likelihood of measles reaching Belize. Now, there hasn't been a case of measles in Belize since 1991 - but one case appeared in Guatemala this month, and there's also one in Antigua and Barbuda. But, both these cases were imported - meaning they came over from Europe. And that's why health experts are saying it's only a matter of time that measles reappears in Belize. And that's because Belize gets so many tourists. This morning, at a briefing session for the media, Dr. Natalia Largaespada and Dr. Cecilio Eck stressed it is not a panicking situation - but awareness is very necessary:...

Darrell’s Last Dance
If you've been getting the impression that Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley won't be retreating quietly from the spotlight - you're probably right. He's in his last few weeks in office, and he's been very busy recently, making the rounds on the news and talk show circuit. And today - at the end of his 6 years in office - he held a press conference, calling it an exit interview. Now we've already done what we thought was an exit interview where he gave himself a grade, but that was just a soundbyte. At today's event., Bradley reviewed the broad sweep of his six years in office, and candidly discussed accomplishments and shortcoming. The first thing he pointed to was a lack of maintenance of the city's infrastructure:...

Men Claim Police Pursued Them, Then Shot Up Their Ride
Tonight, a group of Belize City men are demanding answers from police after an incident which occurred early last week Friday morning. They were leaving a nightclub when a vehicle started to trail their 1993 Mitsubishi van. They claim they didn't know it was a police vehicle since they didn't see any sirens. The pursuit wound all around the city - although we're not sure how a beat up 1993 diesel van could outrun any police mobile. The pursuit turned dangerous when the men say police fired into their van hitting a passenger. The 21 year old spoke to us today - asking to appear off camera:...

BDF Driver Who Ran Over Child Is Fined, Not Confined
Last week we told you about the BDF civilian driver who pleaded guilty to knocking down and killing three year old, Jahston Terry in Belize City - while also injuring his 5 year old brother on December 4, 2013. Hubert Martinez asked the court for mercy last week, and, today, Justice Marilyn Williams showed that when she spared him from a jail sentence.

The Cane Drones Cometh
Recently, we've been showing you how the Sugar Industry in the north has been slowly incorporating technology, and modern farming practices to try to improve their productivity and competitiveness. Well, recently, the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute has been working on trying to reduce the headaches that the farmers experience when they have to face heavy rains which disrupt the crop season. They introduced a new system today, and they invited the media out to the Orange Walk District. Daniel Ortiz reports:

Father Remanded On Allegation of Incest with 12 Year Old Daughter
A 47 year old Ladyville father is in jail tonight after he was charged with 5 counts of incest. For obvious reasons we can't use his name of photo, but he appeared today before Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. No plea was taken because the offence is indictable, and no bail was offered. He was remanded into custody until May 15. According to the allegation, the man had sexual intercourse with his 12 year old daughter on 5 occasions between August 4, 2016 and October, 2016.

Finally, A Major Upgrade For Maskall
Villagers of Lucky Strike, Rock Stone Pond, Maskall, Santana, Corozalito, and Saint Ann's got a much needed upgrade to their water system today. The communities on the Old Northern Highway hadn't seen any kind of improvements for over 3 decades. So, the Social Investment Fund, the Government of Belize and the Caribbean Development Bank got together to ensure that all these villages got that most precious resource which most of us take for granted. The new system was inaugurated today, and the Area Representative shared the details with the press:

Carter, The Car Thief
He told the judge he broke into a car and stole because he was hungry - and, today, the Chief Magistrate told Steven Carter, that where she is sending him, he will be fed every day. The 28 year old Carter pleaded guilty to theft from Gilmar Carillo's car at 1:30 AM on February 13th in the Buttonwood Bay area. Police went to Life Avenue in Buttonwood Bay and intercepted him riding a bicycle with a black bag in one hand and a glove in the other. Chief Magistrate Fraser sentenced him to one year in prison.

A Perfect Playset For Pikni
Today the kids of Saint John Anglican School received a special Valentine's gift. They were given a brand new playground set by the Rotary Club of Albertha Canada. This is not the first playground the club has donated but it is the biggest. Here's more: Rod Karius, Chairman of the Playground Committee: "This playground was salvaged by another community in Alberta. A community of busy grove. It has been repurposed, put into a shipping container in Edmonton in September along with school supplies and medical supplies." "For the past four days we have been working very hard along with our local rotary partners and interact partner ad Rotaract clubs to build this playground."

The Wrath Of The Math AT ACC
Today instead of hugging up and walking hand in hand with their Valentine's, Anglican Cathedral College students were at an all afternoon mathematics competition - loving up on some math problems - sounds fun right ? It was held at the Holy Redeemer Cathedral. There were two categories: Junior and senior. 16 students participated overall. We found out more at the event. Ann Olivera Reyes, Head of the Math Department, Anglican Cathedral College: "This event started a three years ago. We used to do it in the classroom and it used to be an after school program where students decided whether they wanted to participate of not."

Channel 5

Norman Slusher Acquitted of Barbershop Murder Despite Oral Confession
In the Supreme Court today, there was a murder acquittal. Twenty-eight-year-old Norman Slusher was freed of the murder of Jason Canto. Canto, who was getting a trim at Dale’s Barber [...]

Belize City’s Mayor Bradley Heads for Exit, Handing over to City Admin
The Belize City Council dissolves at the end of the month, exactly one week after nominations from political parties take place in a bid to succeed the present administration.  February [...]

Why Administrators of Municipalities Should Be Secure
In respect of controversial renewal of Miller’s four-year contract, Mayor Bradley says that despite not agreeing on whether city administrators and directors fall under the category of C.E.O.s or permanent [...]

The Belize City Council’s Record from 2015 to 2018, Annotated
Most of the current councilors have been serving since Zenaida Moya’s administration at City Hall. So with the transition process underway, in what state will Mayor Bradley’s successor inherit 109 [...]

Both Ombudsman and Contractor General Out of Contract
Two important oversight posts in the Government of Belize are presently vacant. Ombudsman Lionel Arzu was not confirmed for a further term, ending a four-year run starting in 2014. Meanwhile, [...]

NEMO to Return South with Assistance for Flooded Out Farmers
The corn and beans crop planted late last year by villagers in the Toledo District, particularly San Benito Poite, was wiped out this past weekend by flooding. Villagers are staring [...]

Ministry of Health Gives Update on Measles Threat
The Ministry of Health has been monitoring measles in the region. While to date there are only two confirmed reported cases of the viral infection in Guatemala and Antigua, health [...]

B.D.F. Driver Fined in 2013 Traffic Accident
There was another case before the Supreme Court today. Hubert Martinez, Belize Defence Force civilian driver, avoided jail time after pleading guilty, but was assessed a total of ten thousand [...]

On Valentine’s, Olympiad Teaches A.C.C. Students to Love Math
The third annual Math Olympiad was held today in Belize City to test the ability of participating students in formulating answers to rigorous mathematical questions.  Taking off from the defunct [...]

Sugar Researchers Take to Skies for Survey
The use of drones and lidar technology for mapping were not previously available for farming practices, but it is now here and replacing old methods of surveying in the sugar [...]

Julio the Croc Deported from Ambergris to Ladyville
Julio, an American crocodile, was relocated today from San Pedro to ACES Sanctuary in Ladyville. He’s a huge croc that was creating a lot of disturbance in a community in [...]

A Playground at St. John’s Anglican
The Rotary Clubs of Edmonton, Canada and Belize gifted the Saint John’s Anglican School with a playground.  The outdoor recreational space is fitted with swings, slides and ladders for the [...]

Dangriga Youth Footballer Headed to U.S.
A young Belizean left for the U.S. today on a short program to play soccer in Phoenix, Arizona. Demille Flores is a fourteen-year-old second form student from Dangriga. He is [...]

“Remember You Are Dust:” the Meaning of Ash Wednesday
Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day, but also, though only coincidentally, today is Ash Wednesday. It marks the official start of the season of Lent, which runs to Easter time which this [...]

Old Northern Highway Villages Get Fresh Water
Just shy of two years ago, residents of Maskall in the Belize District welcomed the start of an upgrade to their water system that was more than thirty years in [...]

Crooked Tree Causeway Set for End of Year Re-Do
On the other side of the Philip Goldson Highway, the Crooked Tree Road and Causeway is expected to receive significant upgrades, improving the lives of residents who have faced challenges [...]

LOVE FM

Ministry of Health takes precautions against measles
Late last month the Ministry of Health issued an advisory informing the public that a case of measles was confirmed in Guatemala. This created concern as people feared that it would spread to Belize. Dr. Natalia Beer, from the Maternal and Child Health Unit and Dr. Cecilio Eck, Chief of Pediatrics at the Karl Heusner …

Love FM celebrates 25 years of service to Belize
Today Love FM celebrates its 25th anniversary. Over the past days we have been highlighting some of the work that the Love team embarks on annually, we’ve brought you testimonies of employees who have been with the company for many years, and we’ve also looked at Love FM’s journey over the last 25 years. The …

Love Foundation opens studio to mentor youth
The Love Foundation has opened a new studio where it intends to provide free access and lessons to young people who are interested in broadcasting and even a music career. That studio was opened today in Belmopan on the 25th anniversary of Love FM. The nonprofit organization was born out of the radio station’s proprietors’ …

Good luck Demille Flores
Fourteen-year-old Demille Flores left the country today to participate in this year’s the Rush Select Program Presidents’ Day Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona. He will attend as one of the top 16 players in his age group. According to Country Director for Rush Belize, Daniel Fabro, the Rush Select Technical Staff selected Flores based on nominations …

Darrell Bradley’s last press briefing as Belize City Mayor
After two terms in office, Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley will no longer seek political office at the municipal level. Bradley made this decision last year. This morning Mayor Bradley hosted his last press briefing as the Mayor of Belize City, 22 days ahead of the March 7 Municipal Elections. Bradley presented his final report …

Mayor Bradley responds to complaints of garbage collection
Since last week, some residents of Belize City have been complaining that their garbage was not being picked up. So, during his last press briefing as Belize City’s Mayor, Darrell Bradley said he has no issue with Belize Waste Control, the company contracted to collect residential garbage. However, he did say that residents should pay …

Contractor General’s appointment unsuccessful
Love News has confirmed that the reappointment of Godwin Arzu as Contractor General of Belize was unsuccessful. Our newsroom has received reports that Arzu stopped receiving his salary since the end of December 2017. With Arzu’s failed reappointment and no successor, one can deduce that the country has no Contractor General at the moment. So …

Civil suit against Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary continues
Yesterday marked two years since 14-year-old Tomari Jackson drowned at Tiger Sandy Bay near mile 31 on the George Price Highway. Jackson was one of t 32 North Cobb High School students of Kennesaw, Georgia who was on a field trip in Belize. His mother, Adell Forbes filed a lawsuit against the school’s chaperones and …

PlusTV

Belizean killed in Melchor
32 year old Samuel Sosa of Benque Viejo Town was shot and killed in Melchor de Mencos on Monday night. Sosa was socialising at a bar in the neighboring municipality sometime after 10 o’clock last night. Images released on social media show Sosa laying in a pool of blood. It appears he was shot in t...

Stove blows up; BDF soldier dies
A BDF soldier is dead after his stove blew up on him. On Saturday 10th February, 27 year old Rodolfo Martinez , BDF soldier of Bigfalls Village Toledo District, was fixing his stove when it blew up. Apparently there was a leak in the hose leading to the gas tank. Martinez was taken to the Punta Gord...

Belize City Man shot in the thigh
There was another shooting in Belize City last night. Sometime before 8:30, shots rang in the area of Queen Charlotte. 24 year old Tyrone Guy, a Belizean Fisherman, had been shot to the left calf. According to police reports, Guy was at a residence at the Corner of Waight and Fairweather Streets w...

Tyree Gentle busted wit gun and ammo
On February 12th at about 8:54 p.m., Police were in the process of responding to a report in the area of Queen Charlotte when they observed a male person throwing an object in the area of Racecourse Street. Police say they checked and found a 9 mm pistol with 10 live rounds of ammunition. Police set...

Two arraigned for beating and robbing motorcycle driver
Two persons were arraigned this morning on charges of robbery and wounding after an Office Assistant was hit off his bicycle and badly beaten by the duo. The 21 year old victim, Kadeem Vaughn, identified his attackers as 30-year-old Nigel Castillo and 20-year-old Joseph Babb. According to reports...

Orange Walk Town council rehabilitates Police substation
The police substation in Orange Walk had not been in operation for a while. The Orange Walk Town Council and Mayor Kevin Bernard, approached several businesses to join together to see the substation rehabilitated due to an increase of crime in the area. Today, a small ceremony was held to handover...

PUP Chairman bashes four year contracts left by Darrel Bradley
Belize City Mayor Darrel Bradley is on his last in his capacity of Mayor with Municipal elections a few weeks away. Bradley has recently come under fire for having signed a four year contract renewal for Candice Burke to remain city administrator. This will ensure that Miller has a job as city admi...

DPM Faber’s comments criticized by PUP Chairman
And speaking of Municipal elections, there are 67 seats being vied for across the nation. The campaigning is in full swing and nomination day is only a couple weeks away, to be held on February 21st. Last Thursday, the United Democratic Party launched its UDP Manifesto where Deputy Prime Minister of...

Blogs

“Our Mansion Would Cost Three Times More In The U.S.”
At the end of a busy, yet frustrating, day looking at real estate in the Belize beach town of Placencia, Kirsten and Per Kristensen took time out to relax on the beach. Strolling along the water’s edge, Per glimpsed a beautiful white mansion right on the beach and noticed it had a ‘for sale by owner’ sign. “The house was elegant and was clearly of high quality and well maintained,” says Kirsten. “Naturally, we called and had a tour the next day.” They later made an offer and the house was theirs. The styles of homes vary greatly—you can find anything from a wood shack on the beach, to homes as grand as any beach town in North America. In Kirsten’s case, she was looking for something they could move into immediately. “The house was 100% move-in ready when we bought it,” she says. “The interior is very comfortable and modern, perfectly fitting with our style.

After a rainy January - the colors are amazing in Belize!
For those guests who booked their vacations in January in Belize - yikes!! It was the worst weather in January that most people said they had ever seen. It rained pretty much everyday for around 4-5 weeks, and although there were some sunny days, and breaks from the rain, it was WET and annoying!! At CBC, we had the most amazing guests who were great sports and found ways to make the best of it. It seems that it is over now - fingers crossed! For guests coming now (sorry past guests!!!:( ) they are treated to super lush growth everywhere, this is supposed to be a dry time of year and the foliage is loving it!! So here was the scene for most of January :( Still pretty - and the weird thing was, the way the currents were, we had the MOST gorgeous water for January - so that was a positive!

Can’t Miss February Events in Belize
February is typically known as being the “Month of Love” for those who celebrate Valentine’s Day but in Belize, it is known for both the Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival and the Carnaval de San Pedro. The serene village of Placencia located in southeastern Belize, will convert its tiny main street into a celebration by hosting the 15th Annual Sidewalk Art Festival on February 10th and 11th. When you think about carnival, images of intricate costumes and festive floats typically come to mind. On the island of San Pedro – Ambergris Caye however, carnival - also known as ‘Carnaval’ and the traditional celebration ‘Comparsas’, is observed to usher in the 40-day Lenten Season.

The Adventure of Tenuk, a ‘Belizean-ized’ book for Belizean children
The story book The Adventure of Tenuk duplicates as a colouring book. It has an attractive bright-coloured cover with brilliant, accurate, and compelling illustrations, while the inside pages are black and white. This combination is sure to grab and keep the attention of any child between the ages of 6 and 9 years, whether they are avid readers, or whether they prefer the story being read to them by their teacher, parent, aunt or older sibling. Even adults will relish, as I did, in the narrative. And, especially for those children who live in rural areas, the characters in the book are relatable. Tenuk is a Malaysian word that means Tapir. The book’s author is Lee McLoughlin, who has been working in wildlife conservation in Belize for the last eight years. He explained that the idea to write about Belize’s national animal came to him about three years ago, while he worked at the Ya’axche Conservation Trust, YCT. During this time, he says tapirs were being hunted and killed, which was threatening their population. Surveys, conducted in southern rural villages revealed that tapirs were being shot because they were raiding farmers’ crops. “And I thought to myself, how can we deal with this; how can we stop this from happening?"

Things That Are Normal on Ambergris Caye only During Carnava
Carnaval in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize is one of the MOST UNIQUE celebrations in the country. There are two main things that make it FUN – Walking around town covered in paint and watching members of our community dance through the streets and entertaining residents on their porches. It’s a cultural celebration that is almost 90 years old. According to folklore, don Juan Carnaval commenced the celebration prior to lent. There was a big festival in San Pedro featuring music, dancing, food and bacchanalia. The festive spirit continued for three days of Carnival from Sunday to Tuesday and on Wednesday the period of lent with fasting and sacrifice commenced. The celebrations are based from these folkloric and cultural beginnings.

Carnival, Filling my Burrito Bunker & The Family Visit! My Life On Ambergris Caye
Comparing my life today to 11 years ago, it’s a drastic difference. Single, living in Manhattan, working on the emerging market bond trading desk at Lehman Brothers vs. living with my boyfriend on Ambergris Caye working as a blogger and part-time gardener, baker, dog wrangler at Cayo Frances Farm & Fly. But that is not to say that my life is stress-free. To think that you could get up and mov/e to a totally different country and leave stress behind is a bit…well…PollyAnna. So give me one of the busiest times of the year in San Pedro (golf cart traffic! closed streets for Carnaval!), a few months of full bookings at the camp, a planned power outage for 7 hours yesterday, an influx of sargasso along our shore and my family visiting? Well…I’m in a bit of a lather.

Second Annual Oceana Love Fair was Held in Corozal Central Park
On February 14, 2018, Oceana held its second annual Love Fair at Corozal Central Park. It commenced at 9am and concluded at 4pm. Booths that came out this year are: Governmental, non-governmental organizations, and NGOs, including our Corozal Police Department, Belize Diabetes Association, Corozal Animal Program, FOCUS, NDACC, Corozal House of Culture (NICH) and others promote Love for Self, Community, and the Environment. This year the name was given as Love for Self Community and the Environmental. At the Central Park, there were giving free raffles with the grand prize of a romantic dinner for two at RD's Diner. What better way to spend Valentines Day than with the Corozal Animal Program! CAP has been invited to participate in the second annual Love Fair by Oceana and the Department of Youth Services.Corozal Animal Program had puppies to adopt and you could have made your donations at the booth.

International Sources

Scientists discover an ancient Maya water temple in Belize
To the average viewer, it is a quiet, calm pool under the shade of a beautiful forest in Belize. But to a team of scientists and explorers that have been combing its depths for the past four years, it is a temple. A Mayan water temple. Archaeologist Lisa Lucero, who leads the team, believes that Mayans came from all over their vast territory to make offerings to their gods. Lucero, an archeologist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, tells As It Happens host Carol Off that her team found the ruins of a water temple so close to the edge, Cara Blanca, that parts of the ruins are practically in the pool.

Swimsuit 2018: Haley Kalil Uncovered
Haley Kalil, photographed in Belize.

Ubuntu Event on Caye Caulker
Thursday Feb. 15th at Caye Caulker's Palapa Gardens/Beachfront. What is the Ubuntu Event? Ubuntu is a South African word that means “I am because we are.” Ocean Academy students embraced this concept as part of an Innovation Challenge in 2016 to represent the important role that mentors play in educating Ocean Academy students. Ocean Academy students earned first place in that Innovation Challenge and we created an event to honor those mentors. In addition to honoring mentors, the event has grown to represent an important showcase for many of the “real-world immersion” activities that O.A. students enjoy. Primary School students and parents in Standards IV, V, and VI attend the event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to experience interactive booths led by O.A. students. Some of this year’s showcase booths include: Art with Purpose, Bike with Purpose, Music, ITVET Culinary Arts, ITVET Electrical, ITVET Cosmetology, Robotics, Coding, Karate, Crocodile Research Coalition, Yoga, Piñatas with Purpose, and Oceana. This year’s theme will also highlight the “OA Way” path to success.

Belize: Refreshing Relaxation
Come to Belize, and your biggest stress just might be deciding when and where to chill out.

How to Rent Your Own Private Island in Belize
Ever dream of having a Caribbean island all to yourself? Of escaping to your own tropical paradise with nothing but white sand and aqua-blue water all around you? In Belize, you can live that dream without taking out a second mortgage. The Belizean coast is lined with hundreds of islands and cayes that form the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. Renting some of these islands is surprisingly within reach, especially if you can gather a group of friends or family members to share costs, and if you consider that prices include food and drinks (you won't find restaurants or grocery stores within walking distance).

Swimsuit 2018: Camille Kostek Intimates
Watch all the videos of Camille Kostek from the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. See Camille Kostek in Belize.

Get an Exclusive Look at 'The Making of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018
Have you ever wondered what goes into creating an issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit? Well, then get ready to have all of your questions answered in The Making Of SI Swimsuit 2018. Go behind-the-scenes with the creators of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit as they return to the Caribbean and introduce a new wave of strong and beautiful women to this iconic franchise. From picking out bikinis, to producing photo shoots, to laying out the final product, you see it all in this exclusive show on SI TV.

Olivia Jordan Doesn't Let Age Stop Her From Chasing Her Goals
You know what it's time for! We need your help picking a member of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2019 rookie class, so get ready to vote your hearts out (starting tomorrow)! But first, take a minute to get to know the one of our six lovely finalists, Olivia Jordan. Olivia first stole hearts when she was crowned Miss USA in 2015 and she's been killing it ever since. From modeling to acting she's ready to achieve all of her goals. Check out the full interview with this blue-eyed beauty below!

Videos

Foam party in Central Park, 1min. Kids are loving it. Last day of Carnaval in San Pedro

CHANNELL & JUSTIN, 3min. It is the first reminder of 2017's Timeless Motown Memories! The Frankie Reneau Concert Series - NOT TO BE MISSED!! More videos to come and this year's concert will be DYNAMIC!

"Tell Me Stories Of Belize", 3min. National Song Competition 2017

Máaskab Ook’ot by Maya children of Patchakan, 1.5min. Máaskab Ook’ot perform by Children of Yucatec Maya descent from Patchakan RC primary School . The Máaskab Ook’ot is translated in English as Dance of the Machete and in Spanish as Baile de los Machetes

The burning of Juan Carnaval! Closing of 2018 San Pedro's Carnival!, 12min.

Burning of Juan Carnaval, 15min.

Green Laws Training at TEC, 1.5min. Forty-two law enforcement officers, representing the Police Department, Forest Department and its partners, participated in a “Green Laws” training at the Tropical Education Centre on 8th and 9th February 2018. The two-day training, organized by the Belize Forest Department, through the Key Biodiversity Areas project, is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the capacity of law enforcement officers to combat illegal forest and wildlife crimes. The training is the first in a series of “Green Laws” trainings targeting key law enforcement officials to become verse in the Forests Act CAP 213, the National Protected Areas System Act, No.17 of 2015, and the Wildlife Protection Act, CAP 220 of the Laws of Belize.

BBT in Belize 2018, 5min. Just a short slideshow of random photos from our trip to Belize...

Chabil Mar Doyle, 3min. Chabil Mar (Maya for "Beautiful Sea") is a Boutique Caribbean-Front Luxury Resort of Belize Inspired Architecture and Landscaping, dripping with flowers, immersed in the Natural Beauty of Belize in Placencia Village.

San Pedro, Belize on back of golf cart, 1min.

Belize BELIKIN BEER limited edition design!!!!, 7min.

Belize Vacation!, 8min.

Giant ray in Belize Hol Chan, 15sec.

Driving Passed The Belize Central Prison, Slow Motion, 4min. February 2018, Driving from San Ignacio to Belize City. Quite a prison facility. The stench is powerful! You don't want to end up here.

Belize, 5min. This video is about a service learning trip I took to Belize my junior year of college.

Butterfly Farm, Sittee Belize, 1.5min. We stopped into a small Butterfly farm in Sittee, Belize. The little girls LOVED their butterflies and knew all the species, life spans and general care for their butterflies.

Barrier Reef Snorkeling, Belize 2018, 5min. We took an hour boat ride to two different locations on the Barrier Reef in Belize. It was nothing short of an amazing experience!

St Herman's Cave, Belize: Spelunking 2018, 6min. We went Spelunking and also water tubing at St. Herman's cave in Belize.

Belize, Bocawina Falls Zip Lining, 13min.

Family Fun in Belize Pt. 1, 5min. First part of my family trip to Belize. Hadn't gone on a family trip in a while and we had a lot of fun just relaxing, enjoying the warm weather, eating and spending time together.

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) horseback riding. Crooked Tree, Belize, February 2018., 1min.

Love Foundation Studio Launch in Belmopan!, 5min.