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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

John Cus arraigned for sexual assault
John Cus, a 37-year-old electrician of Ambergris Caye, was arraigned on Monday, February 19th for sexually assaulting a tourist ten days ago. The victim is a 25-year-old American National, who reported the incident to police on Thursday, February 15th at the San Pedro Police Station. The official police report states that on Friday, February 9th, around 4:30AM, whilst asleep she was awakened by a push. She then discovered a known male person having sexual intercourse with her against her will. Police on the island initially detained one person linked to the incident on Friday, February 16th. As investigations continued through the weekend, Cus was positively identified by the victim in an identification parade. According to reports, the victim did not have difficulties in identifying him, as Cus had been her chaperone during her visit to Ambergris Caye.

San Pedro fitness family raises over $8k for a worthy cause
A joint effort by the fitness community in San Pedro Town saw over $8,000 raised for one of their friends, Isabella ‘Bella’ Romero, who was recently diagnosed with a tumor in her uterus. Island residents Marisa and Kristian Guerrero started the movement by asking supporters through social media to donate a dollar for every burpee they did. The response was unbelievable and encouraged the Guerreros to host a 5K Fun Run the following day asking every participant to donate $20. According to Marisa, after Bella revealed the news of her tumor, they began brainstorming what they could do to help. The main objective of the fundraiser was to help with medical expenses. “We are happy that everyone came out and showed support for Bella,” she said. “The response has been overwhelming and it was amazing to see other members from other fitness clubs support this worthy cause.”

Mayor comments on unfinished projects in 2017
It has been well over a year and dredging for sand continues to take place in southern Ambergris Caye under the approval and watch of The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). Mayor Guerrero has gone on record in the past saying that the sand is not for business purposes, but for the benefit of the community. According to Guerrero, one of the main projects in which the sand was to be used was the beach reclamation project that failed to be completed in 2017, but it is expected to take place shortly after the March 7th Municipal Elections. Mayor Guerrero also offered little details on other initiatives and unfinished projects on the island, such as the promised dredging on the lagoon side for a better access to the International Water Taxi Terminal.

San Pedro Mayoral Candidate Debate Announced
Elections are fast approaching and UDP Mayoral Candidate Daniel Guerrero and PUP Mayoral Candidate André Perez have been invited to participate in a debate on Monday, February 26th. The debate, hosted by The San Pedro Sun and Reef Radio/TV will be held at the San Pedro Lion’s Den and will be televised live on Reef TV on channel 20 and broadcast live on Reef Radio at 92.3FM. In order to assure an orderly crowd the debate will be open to only those with tickets. Each candidate will be allotted an equal amount of tickets to distribute at their discretion. In addition, select members of the Town Council, private sector and media will be invited.

Sunshine Scholarship Foundation to host Sean McDermott fundraiser concert
The Sunshine Scholarship Foundation directors invite everyone to their biggest fundraiser of the year, a concert to be held at The Palapa Bar and Grill on Friday, March 2nd. The concert will once again feature the internationally renowned Broadway performer, Sean McDermott, who will be singing favorite show-tunes and timeless hits to entertain the crowd. For $30 guests will be able to enjoy a Cabaret style night full of entertainment. The event will also feature Will Nuñez and his band, as well as plenty of activities for attendees such as raffles, silent auctions, and games.

Misc Belizean Sources

Kindy take note of Archeological site update
TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018: ALL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES ARE OPEN FOR VISITATION. PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION AT ALL TIMES. LIFE VEST IS MANDATORY AT CAVE SITES.

Presentation of Credentials
Three ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence today, February 19th, to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. H.E. Mrs. Janet Omoleegho Olisa, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E. Yasser Morad Osman Hosni, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt; and H.E. Mr. Tasawar Khan, High Commissioner of the Islamic State of Pakistan; all presented their credentials to the Governor General. They each conveyed on behalf of their respective countries well wishes to the Government and people of Belize and their commitment to ensuring continued peaceful and prosperous diplomatic relations with Belize.

Environmental Screening & Regularization of Existing Hotels
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has been working in conjunction with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in ensuring that existing and new hotel facilities are compliant with the environmental laws of Belize, particularly in obtaining environmental clearance. For the BTB, this is a pre-requisite for the renewal of the hotel license. In an effort to streamline this process, the DOE has developed a tailored Environmental Checklist to facilitate the Environmental Screening Process of hotels. This checklist includes a standardized processing fee and a list of requirements which are mandatory for the processing of an application for environmental clearance.

IDB-REACH Regional Training Programme
Call for Applicants.

New motorcycle donated to San Pedro Police Department
On Friday, February 16, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Councilors Gabriel Nuñez and Hector Alamilla presented a brand new Honda Motorcycle to the San Pedro Police Department. The motorcycle will help the police officers in their daily patrols and to reach crime scenes quickly.

Belize Police Youth Cadet Corp Activities
Over the weekend members of the Belize Police Youth Cadet Corp were positively engaged in several different activities such as; physical excercise, sporting activities , community service ,church service and also a day of relaxation. These cadets activities were held in; Hopkins ,Burrell Boom, Ladyville Village, Belize City ,and, Orange Walk district. Congrats to all cadets instructors , cadets, and cadet parents for supporting the development of the program development.

The 2018 La Ruta Maya is two and a half weeks away. They have a complete set of rules online. They have a great rule about littering...how can this rule be applied to people watching the race? "LITTERING: No garbage or other items of any description will be disposed of or discarded in or along the river, at any nightly camp or at any other unauthorized location.Intentional littering can result in disqualification." A list of all previous winners, with pictures, is also online. "The Belikin La Ruta Maya is considered one of the longest canoe races in Central America that brings together professional and amateur paddlers from all over the world who take on the four-day grueling challenge of paddling 175 miles of the Belize Old River against rapids and winds. Day 1 goes from the Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio to Banana Bank Day 2: Banana Bank Lodge to Double Head Cabbage Day 3: Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom Day 4: Burrell Boom to Belize"

Reef Week March 9-16
Started in 2013, Reef Week is an initiative led by "Reef-minded" organizations coming together to celebrate Belize’s national resources, through a week-long celebration nationwide! Visit the official Reef Week Belize page and show some love to keep up with all the events planned!

Compliance Proceedings
In regards to the April 22, 2015 Caribbean Court of Justice Order affirming the rights of the Maya people to their lands and resources, held today be for the CCJ. GOB found in non compliance with the orders of its highest court. Court puts pressure on the state to comply with its order citing Rule of Law principles!

Join the movement! Become an ambassador and advocate for gender parity

BEL establishes relationship with CFE Affiliate

Tragic Jungle Movie Auditions
Yulene Olaizola is doing a casting call for the upcoming movie entitled Tragic Jungle. If you're interested contact her at [email protected] "Casting Manager for the movie “Tragic Jungle”, under the direction of the distinguished Mexican filmmaker, Yulene Olaizola, is currently looking for Belizean talent to play the main character, two secondary characters and extras. The casting event will be held in Belize City very soon and it is a very big opportunity to be able to participate in a prime, international film project. If you're interested or know someone who would, feel free to contact Grecia Méndez, the Casting Manager."

Water Outage in PG Today
Belize Water Services informs its customers in Punta Gorda Town that there will be an interruption in the water supply on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 starting at 1:00pm. The entire Punta Gorda will be affected. This interruption is necessary for the installation of new water mains. Due to upgrades, customers may experience low water pressure and/or discoloration when water is restored. Residents of these or nearby areas are advised that water supply should return to normal by 5:00pm. If they experience water supply problems after 5:00pm, they should immediately call BWS’ hotline at 0-800-CALL-BWS (0-800-225-5297) to report it.

Channel 7

Husband Kills Wife, Then Himself
In a city that has been numbed by so much violence, it is the rare crime that can still evoke a strong wave of public concern. And so it was on Saturday when police found the bodies of a husband and wife locked inside their Belize City home in the Saint Martins area. Both had been shot to the head. 43 year-old Jason Emmanuel, and his 46 year-old wife Hermelinda Emmanuel were the victims. Police found a weapon beside the husband's body, and that's when a narrative start to form. It is believed that Jason killed his wife, Linda, and then committed suicide, but at this time, there is no absolute confirmation of this.

Murder of a Man Called “Ese”
And before Saturday night ended, there would be another murder in the city. Close to midnight, 35 year old Luis Dominguez was murdered in the King's Park area. According to police a man with dark skin complexion entered the residence and fired several shots at a sleeping Dominguez. Today we found out more about the man they called "Ese": Sahar Vasquez reporting: Before the clock struck midnight on Saturday 35-year-old Luis Dominguez or Ese, as many knew him, was murdered at a family friend's house on 8th Street. Dominguez was at the home for a memorial, too tired to drive his bike home he sat on a table outside and started dozing off. Shortly after, those around him heard the shots and hoped to go outside and find dynamite being blown up but instead, they saw Ese on the ground with bullet holes all over his body.

And Literacy For All
How can we get children to read more? It is not an easy task but parents and teachers have to be crafty and creative in getting kids engaged in reading and writing. That is the whole idea of the Education Ministry's literacy campaign - it's an attempt to renew and refresh the existing initiatives but to also incorporate new strategies in the classrooms. Courtney Weatherburne was at the launch and here is her report. Today the Marion Jones Stadium was transformed into a colorful space much like the classroom. Of course the kids were very comfortable, working on their spelling And getting in some online reading. But these kids aren't just here for the fun activities. It's the launch of the Education Ministry's literacy campaign. Now there are several ongoing initiatives promoting literacy but this is the first full-fledged collective effort.

Succotz Man Killed Near ‘Ranza
A man was knocked down and killed out west on Saturday night. 46 year old Succotz villager Arcenio Itza was walking along the highway from Central Farm towards Esperanza Village when a vehicle, that was going in the same direction hit him. Itza suffered severe head and body injuries and the driver just sped off, leaving him to die. Police continue to investigate.

Cops Found Half-A-Key Of Coke
Police often find weed stashes in abandoned lots all over the country. But this weekend, they came up with half a kilo of cocaine. On Saturday afternoon, they searched an abandoned house on Freetown Road and found three transparent bags cocaine. The bags weighed a total of one pound - which has a street value of over ten thousand dollars. No one was present at the time of the discovery so the drugs were deposited and labelled as found property.

Mario Vernon’s Family Not Letting Up Pressure
The family of slain Punta Gorda resident Mario Vernon is keeping up the pressure on authorities. Today his aunt told PGTV that they have written many letters to various government leaders demanding that a proper investigation be done and that police behave honorably. Here's more:... Vincent Nunez, Mario Vernon's Aunt" "I've sent letters, registered letters, I've sent an email and there has been no response. We sent a letter to Minister Elrington, one to the Prime Minister, and one to Mr. Aragon. We also wrote a letter to Clement Cacho, the OC here in PG because this thing happened under his nose and he should have some answers."

Quick Trial Date For Kashief
We're used to murder trials taking five or six years to come up for trial - often resulting in acquittals because witnesses disappear, lose their courage, or their memory. But, the court rules have changed to ensure speedier trials - and that was proved today when Twenty-five year old Kashief Gallego was committed to stand trial in the April session of the Supreme Court, a mere 10 months after he allegedly killed 36 year old Jermaine Franklin. The East Canal resident allegedly stalked and fatally shot Franklin while he was looking at some DVD's at Teddy's Music Store on King Street.

Capital Cops Caught Phone Snatcher
The Belmopan neighborhood watch got militant last week Thursday when a robber tried to snatch a phone from a 22 year old male. Around 10:00 that night, he was walking alone on the walkway, but at Independence park two men ran up on him and tried to wrest away his phone. The 22 year old fought back and was assisted by one of the City's Neighborhood Watch members. The police were called and two patrol teams raced to the area to catch the culprits. The cops were able to capture one of the suspects shortly after - and they also tracked down the other one.

Ladyville Armed Robbers To Court
On Valentine's day at around 1:30 pm, four robbers - two of them with guns - and with shirts over their faces robbed Bowen and Bowen delivery men of $2,500 dollars, and a storekeeper of nine hundred dollars. It happened in Ladyville at Mike's store. Well, police say they have two of the men who participated. They are allegedly 25 year old Terrique Munnings and a 17 year old minor. Today in court they were charged with 2 counts of robbery and pled not guilty. They were remanded into custody until May 18. The minor told the court he was beaten by the police and was pepper sprayed. The left side of his face was swollen. Munnings and the minor were represented by attorney Ronell Gonzalez.

A Nine On The Northside
Caye Caulker police today retrieved a nine millimeter pistol. At around 5:00 this evening, the police visited an area at the North end of the Island where they found this chrome and black pistol, with no brand and no serial number, along with five Luger brand hollow point rounds of ammunition. The firearm was retrieved and deposited as found property.

PUP Takes Sides With Tour Operators
For months now, we've been reporting on the consultations with the tour operators vendors, and guides who congregate outside the gates of the Fort Street Tourism Village. The cruise lines, the BTB and the FSTV owners have been complaining about them for the longest time - but, the thing is, there's nowhere else to put them. The idea of the Memorial Park has been floated without any buy-in, and now there's a recommendation to relocate them to the Marion Jones Stadium. That one hasn't exactly gone down with a spoonful of sugar - and today, the PUP Mayoral candidate for Belize City seized upon it - holding a press briefing to say he stands with the tour guides:... Bernard Wagner - PUP Mayoral Candidate: "We don't want our tour guides to be relocated at the Marion Jones Stadium, that's a no. We at the PUP City Council want to provide support for the tour guides in this plight that they are currently facing."

PUP Mayoral Candidate Says Convention Bump Is Real
Candidate Wagner - who we haven't seen at a press conference before - is coming out - right before nomination day - and 8 days after his party held a buff national convention in the city. He says there's definitely a convention bump:.. Bernard Wagner - PUP Mayoral Candidate: "Particularly after the convention, there's an upbeat, a surge, people want this change, they are calling for this change and they are telling us on the campaign trail that change is coming. The convention reinforced that and people see us as a viable option."

Who Will Win On Nomination Day?
Wagner hopes to ride that momentum into nomination day on Wednesday. But the UDP - who have dominated this day in the city for at least, the past 10 years - say that it will be their day to flex, and out muscle the PUP:... Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister: "Well it is always for us a very important event, it is the motivation in the whole election season for me and for my constituency and I have taken on the task of working with the Lake Independence constituency as well and I can tell you Lake I is fired up and ready to go for the ride as well. So, we are going to be coming out in full numbers on the 21st that's next Wednesday. I think we get to go in the afternoon, if I'm not mistaken and so we get to finish it all up and we get to see the opposition's crowd in the morning and we to top it in the afternoon. I am very optimistic that we will be able to deliver this city once again for the United Democratic Party."

Can Faber Stem The Blue Tide In Lake-I?
And as you just heard Faber say, he's embedded in the Lake Independence area. That's a part of the UDP strategy to try and contain the PUP's lead in its most dominant city division. But, Wagner says Faber should be staying home instead of wasting his time in the Lake:... Bernard Wagner - PUP Mayoral Candidate: "Actually Jules I don't see him play in any role in the Lake I. As a matter of fact I think he is an none entity in the Lake I area. He showing up there is like next to nothing. While he is concentrated in Lake I, he might pretty well be losing ground in his own division. So he should be spending more time in his area." The UDP hope to somewhat contain Lake I and then counter with numbers from its strongest divisions in Collet, Mesop and Queen's Square.

CCJ Judge Scolds GOB On Maya Rights Case
About 4 months ago, we took you back to the Caribbean Court of Justice for the regular reports that the Maya and the Government of Belize were required to make. They were supposed to be reporting on the progress they've made in the implementation of the CCJ judgement to make Maya Customary Land Tenure a real thing, and not just a order of the court. You'll remember that the spokespersons for the Maya basically went before the Court and said that the Government was dragging its foot to implement Maya Land Tenure. As one attorney explained it to us, it is as if the Government proposed to the Maya, got married, and is now refusing to honor the commitments it made to them. The Government disagreed, and made the point that these things take time, and they they can't rush without considering all the possible unintended consequences of the change that would be required.

A Trio of New Ambassadors
Three new Ambassadors presented their credential today. They are Janet Olisa from Nigeria; Yasser Morad Osman Hosni, from Egypt; and Tasawar Khan, from Pakistan. The Governor General welcomed each of the diplomats and expressed that Belize shares their same interests in diplomatic relations and cooperation.

BEL’s New Deal With CFE
Your power company, BEL was doing its own kind of energy diplomacy today. It welcomed a representative of CFE - the Mexican power company that it has been buying power from for decades. Now, through an affiliate of CFE called CFE Calificados, BEL will also be able to sell energy to Mexico. Both sides signed a Power Purchase Agreement today. It will permit BEL to purchase more power from Mexico when prices are low and allow BEL to trade energy in the Mexican market. The agreement was signed at BEL's Corporate Headquarters with witnesses from Belize and Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Channel 5

Lovers’ Tragic End: Husband Turned on Wife, then Himself
Early on Saturday morning, it is believed that a well-known Belize City resident took the life of his wife and then turned his licensed firearm on himself. The news of [...]

Murder Strikes Quiet North Side Neighborhood
There was another murder over the weekend that police have to crack. Just before midnight on Sunday, a City Council employee was shot and killed. Thirty-five-year-old Luis Dominguez, better known [...]

Out West, Humble Artisan Perishes on Roadside
There was further loss of life over the weekend. In the west, forty-six-year-old Arcenio Itza was knocked down and killed in a hit and run on Saturday night. But his [...]

Guyana Still Wants C.J. Benjamin, but Bar Says Be Careful What You Wish For
Pressure continues to mount on Guyanese President David Granger to indicate the way forward in the appointment of the top two judicial posts. He has offered the post of Chancellor [...]

C.C.J. Puts Pressure on Gov’t to Honor Consent Order
The Mayas of southern Belize continue their fight with the Government of Belize, represented by the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission to enforce the historic consent order made on April [...]

The Memorial Move in Effect
Is turmoil brewing yet again within the already fickle Fort George Tourism Zone?  Independent tour operators, as well as small business owners and vendors, are up in arms over a [...]

P.U.P. Says Treatment of Tour Guides Wrong
The People’s United Party seized on the opportunity to provide support for the disaffected tour guides and support staff in the Zone. The party selected its Belize City mayoral aspirant, [...]

Confident Bernard Wagner Says Change is Coming
The People’s United Party continues to ride a tidal wave of goodwill from last week’s impressive national convention in Belize City. The P.U.P.’s Bernard Wagner is quietly confident going into [...]

The P.U.P.’s Path to Success in Old Capital Runs through Southside
The gap between Darrell Bradley and Yolanda Schakron in the last election was significant, and one reason has been the U.D.P.’s stranglehold in the Southside constituencies. Amid reports that Collet [...]

Reading Still Fundamental: MoE Makes Literacy ‘National Priority’
A major literacy strategy was launched this morning at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City. The program aims to strengthen the reading and writing skills of primary school [...]

Counting the Dollars to Fund Literacy Program
The literacy campaign among primary school children is a joint initiative between public and private agencies as well as non-profit organization and the Ministry of Education. At today’s launch, Scotia [...]

‘No Money No Deh’ for Fees nor Vehicles, Laments Education Minister
While with the Deputy Prime Minister today, he was asked about a report that his ministry will be spending two point one-three million dollars on school fees for selected persons [...]

Goodbye to Scotiabank in Placencia, Spanish Lookout
Scotiabank is closing two of its branches. In a release issued today, the Bank says that it will be closing the Spanish Lookout Branch effective April twentieth and the Placencia [...]

Southwest Airlines Plane Leaving Belize Forced to Re-Route for Mechanical Issues
Passengers traveling from Belize to Denver, Colorado on Sunday via Southwest Airlines found themselves in Houston, Texas instead after a problem developed with the aircraft. Reports say the plane lost [...]

Woman Suspect No Help, Tyrone Gibson Investigators Still Hunting Clues
Police had hoped that a young woman detained last Thursday in the murder investigation of twenty-year-old Tyrone Gibson could provide critical information to crack the case. She is believed to [...]

No Motive for Attempt on Edwin Williams at U.B.
A security guard at the campus of the University of Belize in West Landivar was the target of a gunman on Friday morning.  Edwin Williams is lucky to have escaped [...]

San Pedro Man Charged for Tourist Rape
Police in San Pedro have now charged a resident in connection with an alleged case of rape.  Thirty-seven year old John Cus, an electrician of San Pedro Town, was detained almost [...]

Police and International Partners to Build Abuse Portal
In the coming weeks an initiative sponsored by a British organization in conjunction with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime will establish a portal through which instances of [...]

James Adderley’s Sports Monday
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of the weekend sporting activities...]

LOVE FM

Will Khalid Belisle serve a second term as Mayor?
Although Belmopan has been established as the capital since 1970, it has only been since 2000 that a city council was established. As a result, Belmopan has seen three mayors: Anthony Chanona, Simeon Lopez and Khalid Belisle who is hopeful to be re-elected on March 7, to serve a second term. Khalid Belisle – Mayor …

Police say they cannot confirm couple’s death was a murder/suicide
Four persons died over the weekend, three of them by gunshots and a fourth in a hit and run incident. No arrests have been made in any of the cases and tonight we start our coverage of the tragic weekend with the death of 46-year-old Hermelinda Pinks Emmanuel and her husband 43-year-old Jason Emmanuel. The …

Mayor Belisle speaks about the municipal bond project
In 2016, the Belmopan City Council introduced a municipal bond project to raise six point five million dollars which was to be used to execute infrastructure work in the capital. In March 2017, they had opened the bond up to the public; at the time the bond was only forty percent subscribed. Love News spoke …

BEL signs new Power Purchase Agreement with Mexico
Electricity Limited (BEL) signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with CFE Calificados, an affiliate company of Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE). This agreement allows BEL to purchase more power from Mexico when prices are low. According to BEL’s CEO, Jeffrey Locke, one major improvement resulting from this new PPA is that BEL, in partnership …

No solid leads in Norman Gibson’s murder
Police have not been able to make any arrest in relation to the murder of twenty-year-old Norman Tyron Gibson. Police had detained the woman Gibson was reportedly meeting the night he was fatally shot. That, however, did not result in an arrest. ASP Alejandro Cowo explained this morning. ASP Alejandro Cowo – Head, CIB Belize …

CCJ pressures Government to comply with April 2015 ruling
Today the Maya Land Rights case was before the Caribbean Court of Justice. The last hearing was in October last year when the court had asked the government submit a work plan for the implementation of the Consent Order of April 2015. At that time, the Maya claimants reported that very little had been done …

Three Ambassadors present credentials
This morning three ambassadors presented their credentials to Belize’s Governor General Sir Colville Young. They are Janet Omoleegho Olisa, High Commissioner of Nigeria, Yasser Morad Osman Hosni, Ambassador of Egypt and Tasawar Khan, High Commissioner of Pakistan. The newly appointed ambassadors each conveyed well wishes to the Government and people of Belize on behalf of …

San Pedro Island resident charge with raping tourist
San Pedro Police have formally arrested and charged San Pedro resident 37-year-old John Cus for rape. The charge follows a report made by a 25-year-old American tourist. The woman told police on Thursday, February 15, Cus raped her sometime around 4:30 in the morning on February 9. She says that she was asleep and awakened …

Police on drug hunt
Police confiscated a little over one pound of cocaine over the weekend. Police report that around 2:30 on Saturday afternoon, Police conducted a search in an abandoned lot on Freetown Road, which led to the discovery of three transparent plastic bags containing a total of 584.5 grams or one point two pounds of cocaine. No …

Luis Dominguez gunned down
A man was shot and killed on Saturday night in Belize City. Thirty five year old Luis Dominguez was at a friend’s house when he was gunned down. Hipolito Novelo reports. Hipolito Novelo reporting Thirty-five-year-old Luis Dominguez was shot and killed while he was at a residence on 8th Street Belize City. It happened on …

PlusTV

Ambassador Leslie leaves Referendum campaign
Ambassador Stewart Leslie is the coordinator of the International Boundaries Unit which is in charge of the public education campaign on the Belize /Guatemala to ICJ effort being pushed by GOB. Referendum on the issue is upcoming in Guatemala on April 15th of this year and for Belize perhaps later...

OAS messenger removed following report findings clearing Belize
Another person who is no longer a player as it relates to the Belize Guatemala issue is Magdalena Talamàs. Talamas was removed as the coordinator of the OAS Adjacency Zone office after she presented that report that proved that Belizean soldiers were not responsible for the 2016 shooting death of t...

Foreign Affairs Minister not overly concerned over Guatemalan soldiers at Western Border
Yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington was asked about that incident that occurred at the Western border where three uniformed Guatemalan soldiers walked right into the Belizean border area to question customs officials about an incident that happened earlier the day. Minister Elri...

Referendum money coming in
As we said earlier, Guatemala’s referendum is scheduled for April 15th of this year and Guatemala has stated that it plans to spend some 40 million dollars on their referendum. Both Minister Elrington and the Guatemalan Foreign Minister spoke to the OAS General Council a few weeks ago stating the i...

Minster of Home Affairs well pleased with Compol
There were 142 murders in 2017 according to the police statistics. Last month, the first month of 2018, there were already 15 murders. Reporters asked the Minister of Home Affairs if there is any plan to remove the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie, considering the violent crime spate. Commissio...

GOB seeking new Contractor General
Godwin Arzu’s contract as Contractor General of Belize will not be renewed. In a letter from the Office of the Prime Minister to PUP Senators, GOB confirmed that Godwin Arzu did not submit annual reports during his tenure as contractor general. Last December, a motion to reappoint Arzu as Contracto...

Security Guard shot at UB Campus
A Security Guard at a University of Belize campus was shot while on duty. The shooting happened early this morning, when 26 year old Edwin Williams was on duty at the University of Belize Campus (Old Teachers College) West Landivar sometime around 1 a.m. Williams was approached by a male person who ...

Cayo corporal charged over “stolen” gun
We have reported on a gun that police found on a man who was acting suspiciously in Orange Walk. The officers searched the man and took the gun but the man escaped and has not been recaptured since. According to police, the gun is a police issued firearm...

Hilmar Alamilla to stand trial for murder
Forty-two-year-old Hilmar Alamilla will stand trail for the murder of Danny Sosa. That was the determination at the preliminary Inquiry held in the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Alamilla, said to be the right-hand man of former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, allegedly shot and killed Sosa in July 2017 while they were inside Alamilla’s pickup truck...

Blogs

Meet the man behind the binoculars; Roni Martinez
For as long as he can remember, birding extraordinaire and champion for the protection of Scarlet Macaws in the Chiquibul Forest of Belize, Roni Martinez has always had a connection with nature. But his passion went further than just appreciating the beauty of his wild environment, he wanted to know what made it tick. “I wanted to understand why certain plants only grew in one type of soil or why this bird only lives in this one type of habitat…it sparked a deeper interest in understanding nature, rather than just admiring it,” Roni recalls. Born in Orange Walk Town, Roni grew up between Belmopan and Benque Viejo. In 2004 this passion led him to work as a natural history guide at Francis Ford Coppola’s Blancaneaux Lodge in the Mountain Pine Ridge area of the Cayo District. Originally honing a special interest in botany, especially orchids, Roni’s world was rocked one day when he had the rare privilege of spotting a Harpy Eagle. It was an aha moment for Roni, and he jokes, “That darn Harpy…life hasn’t been the same ever since! Seeing a Harpy in the wild just made me re-think what I admired more. Plants or Birds. At that time, I had not met many botanists, but I did get to know many birders, and that shifted my interest.”

Getaway weekend at San Pedro Ambergris Caye
San Pedro Town is in the south part of Ambergris Caye, in northern Belize. Its sandy streets are lined with wooden houses, seafood restaurants, and beach bars. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a channel in an offshore reef. It features dive sites with parrotfish and moray eels, plus nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley. To the north, Bacalar Chico National Park protects wildlife and the Chac Balam Mayan ruins. This narrow barrier island just off the Caribbean coast of Belize is a beloved beach getaway. Do a long weekend on Ambergris Caye in style, thanks to a new, luxurious outpost and classic local favorites. A quick plane-hop from Belize's International Airport in Belize City, Ambergris Caye is a playground for swimming, snorkeling and diving, and enjoying the laid-back culture of Belize. Make your long weekend a perfect one by checking in at the newly opened Mahogany Bay Village's collection of luxury bungalows, and follow this 10 must-dos.

International Sources

14 Ways to See Wildlife in Belize
Belize is home to some of the most amazing wildlife on Earth, from jaguars to tapir to crocodiles. Here’s how to see them in person. One of the defining characteristics of Belize is an almost universal cultural appreciation of local wildlife. And there’s a lot to appreciate: jaguars and other big wild cats, colorful parrots like toucans and macaws, and strange creatures from tapir to snake-mimicking caterpillars. Fortunately for visitors, access to witnessing wildlife without disturbing it is easily available, with knowledgeable guides ready to share their knowledge. From a pleasant stroll through the Belize Zoo to hardcore wildlife camping in the Chiquibul Jungle, there is a wildlife experience for everyone in Belize. Just remember—do not feed the wildlife and only go on tours with recommended guides.

New species of shark discovered through genetic testing
A team of scientists led by Florida Institute of Technology's Toby Daly-Engel has confirmed after decades of uncertainty that sixgill sharks residing in the Atlantic Ocean are a different species than their counterparts in the Indian and Pacific oceans. The new species has a new name: the Atlantic sixgill shark. With ancestors dating back over 250 million years, well before dinosaurs, sixgill sharks are among the oldest creatures on Earth. Yet the fact that they reside at extreme ocean depths, sometimes thousands of feet below the surface, has made them especially challenging to study.

Videos

Swearing-in of Justices of the Peace, 3.5min. Last month saw the swearing-in of 12 men and women as Justices of the Peace but this time in Washington, D.C. Our Belize Now Team spoke to the Attorney General about the event …

New Maskall Water System, 6min. The village of Maskall in the Belize District officially inaugurated its rudimentary water system on February 14th. It marked an important day for the residents of the small community, and our Belize Now team was there to find out why the water project means so much to them. The Water Project was funded through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank with counterpart funding from the Government of Belize, costing just over nine hundred ninety-nine thousand dollars. The project was implemented by the Social Investment Fund.

Permit: Caught in Belize using live blue crab, 9min. Live blue crabs are irresistible to permit. Proper cast placement is difficult in the wind. When your guide says 12:00 and twenty feet, he means it. Mind your casts.

2017 and 2018 new years placencia belize, 3min. New years at tipsy tuna.

SAN PEDRO, Ambergris Caye, Belize (aerial) - December, 2017, 5.5min. This aerial video features views of San Pedro's coastline, from the airport north to the Boca Rio, as well as a "flight" down Front Street.

SABOLITOS ( BABY TARPON) IN THE JUNGLES OF BELIZE, 3min. My wife and I hired one of the great guides that Placencia Belize is known for and had a great day catching baby tarpon in the mangrove jungles that surround the lagoon of Placencia. The weather kept us from the outer reefs so we wound up playin with the kids inshore.

Launch of Literacy: A National Priority!, 1min.

ROTARY FAIR, 7min.

Chinese Preparation of Steam Fish, 20min. on Open Your Eyes

Special decorations that are used during the Chinese New Year celebrations, 16min. on Open Your Eyes

Chinese New Year - Year Of The Dogs, 24min. on Open Your Eyes

Introduction to the Chinese Zodiac and the Ancient Art of Calligraphy, 39min. on Open Your Eyes

Hand in Hand Ministries continue to assist families, 22min. on Open Your Eyes

The Law on Abuse in Relationships, 38min. on Open Your Eyes

Belize Problem Jaguar Preservation, 2min. The increased diminishing of natural habitats forces many jaguars to hunt for food elsewhere. Often, that elsewhere becomes farms, where desperate jaguars drag off livestock from farmers as a source of food. These “problem jaguars,” or jaguars that have repeatedly hunted on livestock and domestic animals, often get killed by farmers just trying to protect their livelihoods. This project tells the story of Belize’s problem jaguars, and how methods of dealing with the jaguars evolved overtime. According to Even Montejo, Tropical Science Educator at the Tropical Education Center of the Belize Zoo, the Belize Zoo takes in about 13 to 15 of these problem jaguars each year and attempts to rehabilitate the jaguars. Those problem jaguars who “graduate” after being trained to peacefully interact with humans go on to larger sites off site at the Belize Zoo.

Snorkling in Belize, 14min.

Day 4 Belize. Great Barrier Reef, Starfish Island, and Dolphins !!, 8min.

Belize Underwater (Central America), 7min. Underwater world in the Belize coral reefs.

My beautiful River Mopan in SanJoseSuccotz Belize, 1.5min.

Belize City -- See Belize City in 6 minutes, 6min. Belize City, Belize was first settled by English settlers who called them selves Baymen. They imported slaves from Jamaica and Bermuda, but after Mohogony was discovered in Belize the English pirates traded in Piracy for the logwood business...

Belize water taxi, 4min. Everything you need to know about catching the Belize Water Taxi to Caye Caulker from Chetumal and Caye Caulker to Belize City