FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

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

RCGO are San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament 2018 champions
Team RCGO has claimed the 2018 San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament championship! RCGO battled Quality Reef on Sunday, March 11th at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex, easily taking a 12-2 final score. The championship match began shortly after 11AM, with RCGO controlling the game from the start. At the end of nine innings, RCGO were named champions after tallying 12 home points against Quality Reef’s two. Quality Reef settled for sub-champions, while third place went to San Pedro High School, who had battled for the third place spot against Team Extreme on Sunday, March 4th. In addition to team trophies, individual awards were given to various tournament players. “Best Male Outfielder” went to Damion Pollard, while Aliyah Pilgrim won “Best Female Outfielder”. “Best Male Infielder” was Jason Carlson, and the “Best Female Infielder” was Karen Gillet. “Most Stolen Bases” went to Rene Flowers in the male category, while Aliyah Pilgrim took the prize in the female category.

Ambergris Today

Vivian Marin Celebrates Her 15th Birthday
Happiest of birthday’s to Vivian Marin who celebrated her quinciañera n Sunday, March 11, 2018. “Today is a very special day because our dearest daughter is turning 15 years old. Happy Birthday to our lovely Quinciañera!!! No matter how old you are, you will always be our little girl. You are the most beautiful gift anyone has ever given us. We love you more than words can say and look forward for watching you continue to blossom. May God protect and bless you always and may all the dreams which are hidden in your sweet heart come true. We love you endlessly mi niña.” – Love your Parents

Celebrity Spotting: World Champion Boxer Mikey Garcia In Belize
Following a big win for world champion Mikey Garcia on Saturday, March 10, 2018, the boxer arrived in Belize the following day Sunday. The superstar boxer is in the country to do some charitable work and build some homes for the poor. Garcia announced this trip to Belize during an interview after winning his latest fight this past weekend. Details of his humanitarian trip to Belize are not known at this time, but Garcia was spotted at the Belize’s Phillip Goldson International Airport as he arrived. He took pictures with Belize Immigration Officers and other fans. According to sources, he headed to the southern part of the country.

Coastal Zone Management Participates In Plastic Pollution Workshop
CZMAI participated in the second phase of The Major Aspects of Coastal Environment Management Workshop in Chile, scheduled March 5 to 8, 2018. This was a follow up to the initial phase that took place in Kingston, Jamaica where Mr Victor Sho (Sport Fishing Coordinator) and Mr Gilbert Andrews (Water Quality Lab Technician) of CZMAI presented their findings from a pilot project on Marine Litter and Micro Plastics Pollution in Belize, a research which was conducted by Mr Sho, Mr Andrews, Mr Samir Rosado (Coastal Planner) and Mr Ellis Requena (Water Quality Lab Assistant and Boat Captain).

Misc Belizean Sources

South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch Meeting
The next General Meeting of the South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch will be held on March 14th, 2018. We hope to see you there. Remember, we are very successful because of people like you who contribute to our safety and well being on the South End. If you have made a contribution lately, thank yourselves for keeping our staff working for you. If you would like to make a contribution, you may bring it to the meeting, bring it to Treasurer Ana Lausen or drop by the Black Orchid after 4pm Tues-Sat. to use your credit card. We appreciate your help in this successful organization.

SPTC hard work is highlighted by UNICEF at the Emergency Preparedness and Response Workshop

Eduardo Rivera "El Jaibita" at at the Princess Casino, Freezone
Laugh Out Loud weekend with one of Mexico's most popluar and reckless stand up comedians, Eduardo Rivera "El Jaibita" as seen on many TV Shows. Come out this weekend Friday March 16th and Saturday, February March 17th beginning at 10:00 p.m. and laugh your heart out at the Princess Casino, Freezone, Corozal.

IMMEDIATE JOB VACANCIES AT LAS VEGAS CASINO FREEZONE
Motivated and Professional Individuals need apply. PURCHASING MANAGER, ACCOUNTS CLERK.

La Ruta Maya Cultural Night 2018
The 2018 La Ruta Maya Cultural Night was full of music, dancing, cultural displays, fun, and more dancing(the crowd took over). The Cayo Welcome Center once again made the perfect venue.

For the month of March, we are excited to feature Lorcia Moore as our Young Belizean Entrepreneur!
Coconuts are embedded in Belizean culture and can be found in everything from local dishes to pastries to drinks and now, beauty care products thanks to entrepreneurs like Lorcia Moore. Lorcia is the owner and creator of Naturally Belize Coconut Products, an eco-friendly company which uses the bi-products of coconut to produce hair and skin care products. Born in the southern town of Punta Gorda, Lorcia and her family have long used coconuts—it’s a family tradition. She can recall waking up to the sweet aroma of coconut oil being used to prepare breakfast. Her grandmother, Josephine Eiley, was also a producer of coconut oil in Placencia Village, where she had a business for many years. In 2012, Lorcia found a renewed love for coconut oil and started to make handmade coconut oil in small batches in her own kitchen. After much research on the coconut industry in Belize and abroad, Lorcia began to put plans together for her business.

Belize First National Research Conference
March 21 & 22, Jaguar Auditorium University of Belize, Belmopan Campus

Women Economic Expo Coming Up!
March 16th, Central Park, Orange Walk. 9am-2pm. Poetry and Dance, Informational Booths, Arts and Crafts and More!

Amendment to GST Regulations
It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Finance that inaccurate reports have been made in certain areas of the media that the 2018 Budget will impose crippling taxes on farmers which in turn will result in higher agricultural production costs and ultimately higher food prices and inflation. The Ministry of Finance hereby corrects this report as in fact the amendment to the General Sales Tax (GST) Regulations will apply GST at the standard rate of 12.5% only on land preparation for agriculture, harvesting, and crop dusting services, and then only to those farmers who are registered for the GST. The Ministry also makes it clear that the amendment will not apply to all farming activities, nor will it affect those small farmers who are not registered for the GST, such small farmers being outside of the GST system.

Ministry of Health Cautions the Public on an Unauthorized Vitamin and Mineral Syrup
The Ministry of Health informs the public of an unauthorized and suspected falsified vitamin and mineral syrup, Dayamineral ® Syrup 240ml. The liquid supplements were found to be circulating on the local market and those found have since been confiscated. Investigations conducted by the Ministry of Health revealed that the product has not been registered by the Ministry and therefore cannot be imported into the country as it has not met the necessary quality standards and may be compromised.

Central Park gets a Paint Job!
Thanks to the SPHS Male Softball Team, Marion's friends, our SPTC Staff and Miss San Pedro 2017, Virginia Vasquez! Thank you guys for helping out, you all did a great job!

The Belize National Teachers' Union (BNTU) to Take Action Against Recent Spike In Crimes Inflicted On Women And Children!
The Belize National Teachers' Union (BNTU) wishes to place on record our sadness, concern and anger over the recent spike in violent acts against our women and especially against the most vulnerable of our population, our children. We strongly condemn these acts of violence and call on the Government of Belize to SPARE NO RESOURCE, both human and financial, to attack what seems to have become very regular occurrences. We DEMAND that our government IMMEDIATELY identifies and implements measures to ensure the safety and protection of our women and children. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes must also be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Earth Hour 2018. Corozal Central Park
March 24th, 2018. " Let Nature Shine "

BWRC Founder Wins Yves Rocher Award
Congratulations, Dr. Isabelle Paquet Druand! Dr. Isabelle received the Yves Rocher Foundattion's award for women for her work with wildlife through the Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic. There's a video(in French), and pictures from the awards ceremony, which took place in France. Anyone who knows Dr. Isabelle knows this is a well deserved award. "The Maison Yves Rocher is happy and proud to welcome the 3 new winners awarded yesterday at the 17th French awards for women of the yves rocher foundation. A very shared moment with these women who make a desire to act in turn."

Year of the Reef Declaration
Each year, local ‘reef-minded’ organizations come together to celebrate Belize’s national resource, the Belize Barrier Reef through a week-long celebration, known as Reef Week Belize. This year’s Reef Week officially launched on March 9th, 2018, under the theme: "Our reef rocks! Protect it. Don't neglect it!" This year also marks the International Year of the Reef. To celebrate this and our recent conservation successes, the Reef Week Belize committee kicked off the week with our Launch event: Year of the Reef Declaration.

National Lecture Series Focuses on Belize's National Animals
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Museum of Belize, in collaboration with The Belize Zoo and The University of Belize present the National Lecture Series concentrating on Belize's national animals. Presentations on the Baird's Tapir and Keel-Billed Toucan will begin at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 at the University of Belize's Jaguar Auditorium in Belmopan. The program will feature an introductory presentation on the Tapir and the Toucan by University of Belize, Faculty of Science and Technology, Natural Resource Management Program Students. Tapir Researcher from the Belize Tapir Project, Mr. Celso Poot, will be presenting on the conservation and human threat to the national animal, the Baird's Tapir. Education Director of The Belize Zoo, Mr. Jamal Andrewin-Bohn, will present on the rehabilitation and preservation of the national bird, the Keel Billed Toucan. Guest Presenter, Dr. Stephen Zitzer, Taxidermist and Ecologist, will be presenting on the conservation of endangered species through taxidermy.

Belize bike ride
Thanks to our sponsors and supporters - especially the bike riders who took on this challenge, our Belize bike ride was a true success! On the 4th of February the TENT team ran our first ever Belize bike Ride. This exciting six days adventure raised funds for (FCD) Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize, an organisation working to maintain, manage and protect the Chiquibul Forest in the southwestern region of Belize.

BELIZE'S FIRST & ONLY WOMAN'S MAYOR ZENAIDA MOYA! A BELIZEAN LEGENDS "WOMAN'S MONTH" COMMEMORATION!
Belize's Zenaida Moya became the first female Mayor of Belize City, Belize in the 1990s. Her historic work as one of Belize's progressive mayors and for the people of Belize City marks a significant time for women in Belize. The photo here shows the former Belize City Mayor, Zenaida Moya, meeting with former Los Angeles, California Mayor, Antonio Villalagrosa. Zenaida Moya met with the Los Angeles mayor during a 2008 visit to Los Angeles and was offered the key to the city of Los Angeles.

Channel 7

Innocent Woman Targeted, Because of Her Son
It was a long weekend all across Belize - a welcome break from the political pressure that had built up with last week's elections - but there was no break from the senseless violence and targeting of innocent persons in Belize City. A 52 year old woman was killed - and her 9 year old daughter and 20 year old son shot - all because the killer wanted to get to her son - who he couldn't find. It's the kind of truly senseless violence that has the Belize City community despairing. Sahar Vasquez visited the scene this morning looking for answers: Bernardine Louriano spent decades living in a dilapidated structure up until about four years ago. Some generous donors gave Louriano and her family a brand new home. We spoke to her on that very special day and we could see the relief in the eyes of the mother of 7.

Murder Was Related To Long-Standing Feud
While Louriano's family continues to mourn, the police are in the midst of their investigation. Today they shared more which shows that Louriano's brother Joe may have been right. The family of the deceased and the suspect have had an ongoing feud since 2013. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "What happened, police the information and a result proceeded to 6831 Aloe Vera Street where they made checks inside the house and observed several expended shells on the scene." "What we understand is that Miss Bernadine and her daughter, and another male person were sitting on the couch when a male person approached the front door, and fired several shot in their direction causing the above mentioned injuries.

Drowned Teen Was Four Hours Underwater
And from murder to a tragic teen drowning… Today, instead of their normal morning classes, Pallotti High School students had counseling sessions to try and cope with the loss of their classmate and friend. 16 year old Miracle Ojo was at a friend's pool party on Saturday at the Pickwick Club when she drowned. But no one knows for sure why or when she went under. Courtney Weatherburne tries to put the narrative together. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: Christina Perry's "A Thousand Years" is Miracle Ojo's favorite song. She would sing it any chance she got. Cassandra Sabal, Home Room Teacher, 3 Science: "She could pelt out a tune right and so that is one of my fondest memories of her. She would sing while she was doing her chores, she would sing just to get you to smile."

Police Say Pickwick Should Have Had a Lifeguard
Today, police said that there should have been a lifeguard on duty: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "The last time that she was time that she was seen was sometime after 12:30, and thereafter, until she was found submerged inside the pool after 4:20 p.m. Initially, the family had made a missing person's report to the domestic office because the information that they had received that the child had left from the party, and had gone with unknown persons to their house. Unfortunately, the person was found submerged inside of the pool, and thereafter, she succumbed at the KHMH.

Stabbing Victim Found Near Coro Slaughterhouse, Girlfriend A Suspect
And from that drowning, we turn now to a murder in Corozal. On Saturday afternoon, police were called out to an area on the outskirts of that northern town, about 200 yards off the San Jomal Road. Near the slaughterhouse, which is close to the intersection with the Phillip Goldson Highway, the cops found the body 41 year-old Mark Anthony Clarke, who lives near to where he was found. Someone stabbed him multiple times to the chest area, and the cops also found a cut wound on his neck. We're told that this location used to be a garbage dump. Now, police don't have much to go on - other than a lead that points to a possible intimate connection. Today, the Head of NCIB told us that the investigators are asking for anyone with information to come forward and help them solve Clark's murder:

“Dayamineral” Syrup Could Be Counterfeit
If your medicine chest has a vitamin and mineral syrup called Dayamineral - you should throw it out. That's what the Ministry of Health says. It sent out a health advisory saying that the Dayamineral 240 ML is an "unauthorized and suspected falsified" supplement. The Ministry has taken it off shelves because it, quote, "has not been registered by the Ministry and therefore cannot be imported into the country as it has not met the necessary quality standards and may be compromised." End quote.

16 Year Old Punched Out And Run Over
Tonight, the family of Josue Tut Cabrera, a 16 year-old resident of the Belize Corozal Road, in Orange Walk, continues to worry about his well-being after he was run over by a sugar cane truck. As this video shows, over the weekend, he was walking near his house, which is located on the outskirts of Orange Walk Town, on the way to Corozal. The surveillance footage captures the moment when he was attacked by a man, who punched him in the face, while running away. That man knocked him out, and he was pursued by another male. All this while Tut was left sprawled out in the middle of the highway.

15 Year Old Found Hanged From Tree, Police Can’t Confirm Suicide
And while that 16 year old Orange Walk resident is in stable condition - the family of a 15 year old from Palmar village is grieving. On Sunday morning at 8:45, Angel Gabriel Cisneros was found hanging from a tree branch in some bushes near the village. He was found in a kneeling position with a nylon Strap tied around his neck. He had been missing for 5 days - and he was in an advanced state of decomposition. Police say he had died 5 days ago. The cops told the press today that preliminary indications are that Cisneros may have committed suicide, but they are not ruling out foul play just yet:

Suspects For Four Year Old’s Murder
A week ago, we told you about the murder 4 year-old Treshawn Goff. He's the boy who was shot and killed on Nurse Finley Crescent. His family continues to mourn his senseless murder, and he was laid to rest over the long weekend. His loved-ones are hoping that police will be able to solve the case, but today, the cops told us that they aren't any closer than they were last week. ASP Alejandro Cowo spoke briefly on the case today: "I know that we are following up that investigation. We have detained 4 persons, however, because of the lack of evidence, we had to release them. Nonetheless, that investigation still being followed up, and we are looking for other suspects that might assist us in this investigation. Likewise, we appeal to the public, that if they know anything, to please assist us, to solve this matter."

Child Sex Abuse in Bella Vista Extends to Another Girl
On Friday's news, we told you about the disturbing case of the 4 year-old girl from Bella Vista Village in the Toledo District. She was in the hospital for a serious heart condition - but examinations showed she was also the victim of sexual abuse. She became the 5th victim in less than 3 weeks making national headlines as part of a spike in reports of violence and sexual abuse against children. And, tonight, it gets more disturbing. Police have learned she was not the only girl at the residence to have been molested. Today, the Head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch told the media that an 11 year-old child, who lives in one of the 3 houses in the same yard, was also sexually abused. Here's how he explained it today:

BNTU Has Had Enough, Will March For Kids
And so now, we have all these hideous cases of children being the victims of sexual and gun violence - and it just keeps happening. That's why the Belize National Teachers Union says it has to take a stand. A release issued today says, quote, "We strongly condemn these acts of violence and call on the Government...to spare no resource, both human and financial to attack what seems to have become very regular occurrences." It continues, quote, "we demand that our government immediately identifies and implements measures to ensure the safety and protection of of our women and children…The BNTU stands ready to take action to demonstrate our seriousness in ensuring that appropriate measures are taken."

“Cyaah Walk Ah Mi Plantation...”
Corozal Police destroyed an entire plantation of marijuana trees. At around 6:45 on the morning of Friday, March 9, a team of officers conducted an operation at the Beight Fresh Water Creek and Camp in the Little Belize area of the Corozal district. That's where they came upon 1,573 marijuana plants, ranging from 6 inches to 4 feet tall. No one was found in the area, and so the officers uprooted al the plants, and burnt them completely.

Toy Grenade Raises Alarm
But, while the cops found those very real weed plants, this weekend, they had to retrieve a fake grenade on Castle Street. It caused quite a scare when the grenade was sighted in a drain, but the cops told the press that it is a toy, and nothing more: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "Yesterday, just after 9 p.m., police were called to #27 Castle Street, where a suspected grenade was seen on the street side. The BDF expert, Staff Sergeant Ramirez, was called in. After 2 hours inspecting the location and the grenade, it was found to be toy grenade."

Empty Case For Military Grade Rocket Launcher
And while that was a toy grenade, the case for a rocket launcher that police found this morning was real - fortunately, it was empty. In what looks to be British style labelling, the GSU found the launcher case stashed in an abandoned wooden building on Sittee St. The case would hold a 68 millimeter rocket launcher - which is a highly destructive kill weapon used in military warfare.

Guatemalan Driver Remanded After Accident
The Guatemalan driver of an 18 wheeler that crushed a man at the Western border has been charged. 53-year-old Guatemalan Jose Alfredo Guevara has been charged for manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, and driving without due care and attention. He appeared in court today and was remanded until May because he is a flight risk.

Man Shot On Southcreek Just Because He’s From The Wrong Neighborhood
So, already on the news, we've told you about the weekend murders in the Corozal and Belize Districts. There were also a pair of shootings in Belize City, but fortunately, none of them resulted in fatalities. On Friday night at around 7:00, 32 year-old Jose Carlos Reyes, a Salvadoran living on Antelope Street Extension, came under fire on South Creek, where his vehicle had broken down. Police told us today, that they have reason to suspect that he was targeted simply because of where he lives: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "On Friday night, minutes after 7 p.m., Mr. Jose Carlos Reyes was on South Creek, waiting for some family members because his vehicle was experiencing mechanical problems. And whilst he was checking on his vehicle, a male person from the other side of the creek approached from some bushes, and fired 2 shots at him...

Another City Shooting
Then on Sunday night, just before 11:00, the cops were called to respond to another shooting on Jones Street. They told us that the victim escaped with only an injury to the right wrist: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "On Sunday, March 11, some time after 10:55, Mr. Tyrique Francis was walking on Jones Street, heading to his house, when he was approached by a male person riding a bicycle, who passed him, and thereafter, came back towards him, and fire shots at his direction. As a result, he received a gunshot wound to the right wrist. He was admitted to the hospital, where he is presently in a stable condition.

Election By The Numbers
Whenever there's a major election we try to dig a little deeper into the numbers looking for larger trends. After all, an election is the ultimate poll - it's where all the talk, hype, speculation and empty boasts end, and the voters deliver the real and final verdict. This time that verdict had some surprises for the UDP - especially in Belize City. Jules Vasquez looked at some numbers:... Jules Vasquez reporting: 57% of the 114 thousand voters eligible to vote in municipalities came out. That's a little below the 59% that came out in 2015. The only place where turnout increased was Belize City - which had the strongest turnout in Pickstock and Lake - I where the PUP got 52% of the vote, and the UDP got 47%.

Bar Assoc. Speaks Up Against Child Violence
The Bar Association of Belize - may not be known for its sterling social conscience - but today it issued a release crying out against the rash of extraordinary violence against children. The release says it condemns all acts of violence, physical, emotional and sexual abuse…inflicted on the very young and the vulnerable of our society. The release adds, quote: "the Bar calls on parents, guardians and all members of the public to be vigilant in the attention, protection and care given to children..."

Thrilling Finish At Ruta Maya
The second biggest sporting event in Belize, the Ruta Maya race finished yesterday at the Belcan Bridge in Belize City. It aired live on Channel 7 and Rhonda Crichton's team had the call and the first interviews with the paddlers: Courts was first for the females, and Benny's second.

How To Catch A Fat Fish
If you are a Discovery Channel or Nat Geo fan, you have surely seen some strange and grotesque animals on their shows and features - animals you never knew existed. Well, that is what Belize City fish vendor Claudia Gutierrez thought when she first saw this 167 pound Jewfish. She had no idea they could grow this big in Belize. We first found out about the big fish on facebook. In the post it says that the Punta Gorda fishermen Ricky Castro known as Noche and Michael Casimiro were out at sea off coast of Toledo this weeekend and they caught the beast. They then sold it to Fish vendor Guiterrez. She told us more about this mega catch. Reporter: "How long have you have you been buying and selling a fish?" Claudia Gutierrez - Fish Vendor: "Must be about 4 to 5 years now." Reporter: "Right here from this spot here?" Claudia Gutierrez - Fish Vendor: "Yes."

Acclaimed Prizefighter Mikey Garcia In Belize In Charity Mission
One of the world finest boxers is in Belize preparing to do missionary work in Toledo. Mikey Garcia - who just won a world title in his fourth weight class on Saturday - said he was leaving the ring and heading for the airport to come to Belize. Here's how he put it after he beat Sergey Lipinets in San Antonio: He is working with a church group in Toledo. Garcia simultaneously holds world titles at junior welterweight and lightweight, is only the third fighter to win belts at 126, 130, 135 and 140 pounds.

Channel 5

Bella Vista Pre-Teen Charges Sexual Assault; 3 Held
Public condemnation of violence against children has been fast and furious on the heels of the killing of Allyssa Nunez and murder of Treshawn Goff. Today, it escalated when it [...]

Mother Gunned Down at Home; Children also Injured
In further violence against children, a young girl and her brother, who lives with disabilities, were both victims of gunfire on Friday night; their mother, however, did not survive and [...]

In Corozal, IT Technician Sent to the Slaughterhouse
A pair of farmers made a gruesome discovery over the weekend off the Phillip Goldson Highway in the outskirts of the village of Paraiso, Corozal. Forty-one-year-old Mark Anthony Clarke was [...]

Teenager’s Sudden Drowning at Pickwick Leaves Lots of Questions
A high school student is dead following a pool party at the Pickwick Club. Oluwukemi Miracle Ojo, better known as Miracle, started her Saturday at a classmate’s birthday party at [...]

Bernard Wagner Brings in Old Hand at City Hall
Mayor-elect Bernard Wagner and his team of ten councilors will be sworn in on Wednesday afternoon, exactly a week after their landmark victory in municipal elections on March seventh. The [...]

Partisan Politics Not Welcome under New Regime
The Council has seen two fairly high-profile departures in the days immediately following the municipal elections. Joe Bradley, former Mayor Darrell Bradley’s father, resigned from his post as a compliance [...]

Street Contracts Put On Hold
Former Mayor Darrell Bradley left behind several incomplete projects and plans, most notably the Commercial Center and City Hall upgrade. In the area of streets, a considered hallmark of the [...]

It’s Time to Clean Up the City’s Garbage
The honeymoon will be short for Wagner and company as the first hundred days of his administration begin. In addition to looking into Council finances and figuring out the fate [...]

P.M. Talks Tax Issues
Prime Minister Dean Barrow also addressed lingering issues regarding practices on taxes which have been identified as harmful by the European Union’s Code of Conduct group. By the end of [...]

A List of 2018’s Capital Projects
In the Budget tabled in the House of Representatives last Friday, the government proposes spending of one hundred and fifty-seven million dollars for its capital program – nearly sixty-two million [...]

Justice Lennox Campbell’s Ties to Dean Barrow
On March fifth, Justice Lennox Kirkwood Campbell took the oath as a judge on the Belize Court of Appeals. Campbell is from Jamaica and a retired justice of the Supreme [...]

Changes to Immigration Acts Bring Unease
Concerns have been raised about a trio of bills introduced by Prime Minister Dean Barrow in Friday’s House of Representatives meeting. The amendments to the Immigration, Belizean Nationality and Passports [...]

How Much Did Lawyers in U.S. Cases Get?
The Opposition Leader John Briceño asked the government side how much G.O.B. has paid to local and foreign attorneys in connection with the arbitration cases in the U.S. courts. There [...]

Teachers’ Union Responds to Crime Surge
Earlier we told you that a number of organizations and bodies have been publicly condemning the recent spate of violence on young children and women, particularly during child stimulation month [...]

A Tragic End for Angel Cisneros, 15
A fifteen-year-old boy went missing from his family in San Jose Nuevo Palmar, Orange Walk, on March third. As the days went by, the Cisneros family became concerned then grew [...]

Still No Answers in Death of Treshawn Goff
Four-year-old Treshawn Goff was laid to rest on Monday afternoon, following a funeral service at All Saints Church in Belize City. The preschooler is the youngest victim of gun violence [...]

Who is Responsible for P.U.C.?
Things got a bit testy at the start of Friday’s house meeting, during the section reserved for questions for ministers. Opposition Leader John Briceño wanted to know when audits of [...]

Ombudsman to Get Re-Appointed; Integrity Commission and Contractor General More Difficult
Concerns have been raised over a trio of important Government oversight posts that seemed to be neglected. Ombudsman Lionel Arzu is halfway to being re-appointed for another one-year term after [...]

P.M.: No Excuses to Perform
And finally from the House tonight: Friday may have been Budget day, but the atmosphere in the National Assembly was still dominated by Wednesday’s municipal elections. After mutual congratulations and [...]

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

CTV3

41 Year Old Make Stabbed to death In Corozal
Corozal Police are investigating the discovery of a murdered man in an area just outside Corozal Town. On Saturday March 10th afternoon, Corozal Police received information of a motionless body lying on the road side of the San Jomal Road, next to the Slaughterhouse in Corozal. Upon arriving in the location, they saw a fully clothed male individual lying on his back along the bushes. He wore a brown T-shirt, black long jeans pants and a pair of a black, red and white tennis.

Prime Minister Explains Why Budget Is Dull
On Friday March 9th, Prime Minister Dean Barrow presented the 10th Budget estimate of his administration entitled “Maintaining Steadiness; Consolidating Stability; Advancing Growth”. The proposed budget contains a forecasted revenue and grants total of an estimated $1.183 billion, but expenditure of $1.208 billion. The PM revealed in his budget presentation that while the budget deficit is $25.4 million there will also be $92.7 million outstanding for Loan Amortization requirements and that will widen the overall deficit to $118.1 million. The budget presentation includes some promises of infrastructure works, but it short falls of providing a zing like previous budgets that promised massive transformation and saw millions of dollars rolling. In this Budget, there is shrewd spending and according to the Prime Minister, this is intentional since his Government is focused on financial stability.

New Corozal Town Council Takes Office, Mandates Financial Audit
There’s been a flurry of activity at the Corozal Town Council since the PUP Mayoral Candidate Rigo Vellos and his slate were elected to office last Wednesday. As Mayor-elect, Rigo as well as the newly-elected Councillors paid a courtesy visit to the Council office to greet staff members. On Friday, at a ceremony inside a packed-to-capacity Town Hall they were officially sworn in. Under applauses and cheers, they each took their turns taking their oath, pledging to serve the Council and the people of Corozal to the best of their ability.

A Condemnation Against Crime
Since the start of 2018 there has undoubtedly been an increase in violent crimes in our country, most notably against women and children. In recent weeks there have been a number of cases of children losing their lives to gun violence and several others being sexually abused and in one case leading to death even. These recent occurrences have prompted nationwide condemnation and calls for action, today the Belize National Teachers Union issued a press release stating that the Union is to take action against recent violence against women and most importantly children.

LOVE FM

Police find that a second minor is sexually abused in one household
Police have uncovered more disturbing evidence as they proceed with the investigation of the sexual abuse of a four year old girl with special needs in the Stann Creek District. This morning ACP Joseph Myvett, Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch said that another child from the same household has also been sexually abused. …

No solid leads in latest Belize City murder
52-year-old Bernadine Lauriano was shot and killed on Friday night. Her nine-year-old daughter and her son 21-year-old son, Danzel Lauriano were also injured in the incident. Lauriano and her children were shot after nine o’clock on Friday night while inside their Belize City home. ASP Alejandro Cowo told the media what they have gathered so …

Clarke’s girlfriend a suspect in his murder
Police are also investigating the death of 41 year old Mark Anthony Clarke. This morning ACP Joseph Myvett told the media that they have detained several persons in connection with the murder. ACP Joseph Myvett – Head, National CIB “On the 10th March 2018 sometime shortly after 2PM Corozal police were called to the Slaughterhouse …

Teenage boy missing for nine days found dead
Police say they do not have sufficient evidence to suspect foul play in the death of fifteen-year-old Angel Gabriel Cisneros, but the investigation into his death is still ongoing. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, revealed that the teenager had left home following some family problems and never returned. On Monday …

U.S. District Judge authorizes Belize Bank to seize property owned by GOB
The Belize Bank Limited has won another round of legal battle in a foreign court. Love News has confirmed that the Belize Bank Limited has won an enforcement order from U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta. The decision was handed down on Monday and is in relation to the multi-million dollar UHS judgment against Belize. …

BNTU stands ready
The Belize National Teachers Union, BNTU, will demonstrate in Belmopan against the recent spike of crimes committed against women and children. We are told that the demonstration will occur next week. In a release, the BNTU calls on the Government to spare no resource to quote, “attack what seems to have become a very regular …

MOH advises against unauthorized Dayamineral Syrup
The Ministry of Health is cautioning the public about an unauthorized and suspected falsified vitamin and mineral syrup. The Ministry says that Dayamineral Syrup was not registered with the authorities and therefore cannot be imported into the country as it has not met the necessary quality standards and may be compromised. Some of the 240 …

Successful fiscal consolidation is underway, says PM
On Friday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow presented his eleventh fiscal budget entitled, “Maintaining Steadiness; Consolidating Stability; Advancing Growth”. The Prime Minister boasted that his administration managed to achieve a 10-year average of 2.2 percent GDP growth, and a 1.5 percent of GDP overall fiscal deficit. For the new fiscal year, Barrow announced seven revenue measures …

Lionel Arzu reappointed as Ombudsman
Lionel Arzu was reappointed as the Ombudsman of Belize. His reappointment to the post had been delayed after his one year contract was not renewed at the start of 2018. However, on Friday Prime Minister Dean Barrow reappointed Arzu for a further term of one year. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister “Mr. Speaker this is the …

Still no Contractor General
The Government of Belize has yet to identify a suitable person to succeed Godwin Arzu as Contractor General. Arzu’s reappointment as Contractor General was blocked by Senators on December 13, 2017. Senators raised concerns that Arzu was not carrying out one of his fundamental duties. He had not submitted a report to Cabinet for various … The post Still no Contractor General appeared first on LoveFM.

Barrow still searching for someone to Chair the Integrity Commission
On Friday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow was asked for an update with regards to the Integrity Commission which is without a Chair. That’s because the former Chair, Marilyn Williams is now a Justice of the Supreme Court of Belize. Prime Minister Barrow says it should not be long for Williams’ successor to be identified. Barrow says that while the Integrity Commission has no Chair, it is still carrying out its responsibilities.

Blogs

Semi-Pro Sports on Ambergris Caye: The San Pedro Pirates and Our Tiger Sharks
Sunday I attended my first match of the year. AND my first match at our relatively new football stadium. The stadium was completed less than a year ago and cost about $4 million dollars. Driving to this area south of town, headed down bumpy sand/dirt roads, it is SHOCKING to come upon this new project. I felt a bit like I was entering the Emerald City. Especially on this sandbar island. Let’s shift to basketball – the National Elite Basketball League of Belize. Our team is the first place San Pedro Tiger Sharks. These games are Saturday nights and played at the San Pedro High School Court. They are SOOO high energy and emotional. Really really fun to watch. We are already about half way thru the season. The All-Star game is in Orange Walk town on March 24th.

Guanacaste National Park – jungle exploring done easy!
Belize is blessed with an abundance of national parks, natural reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Most of them are off the beaten path, but there are a few that are easy to access from the road, which is great when you don’t have a lot of time to explore or just need a quick nature fix. Guanacaste National Park has to be the easiest one to reach, and it’s amazing how immersed you feel within this jungle paradise when you are so close to civilization! The dense habitat is known as a secondary broadleaf forest, which benefits many birds and wildlife, including the shy and secretive “tiger cat” or jaguarundi and black howler monkeys. This popular getaway is located just two miles from the capital city of Belmopan in the Cayo District at the intersection of the Hummingbird and Western Highways. You don’t even need wheels to get there as buses stop right outside the park!

Chunky's Meat Pies in Corozal
The weather in Corozal was quite cool to eat some hot spicy Meet Pies in Corozal. I've been asking around which meet pies is the best in Corozal. I was glad that I found Chunky's meet Pies in Corozal. It is 50cents for one. Ain't that bad at Chunky's meat pies in Corozal. I bought a couple of them and it was excellent. Chunky's sells Meat Pies, natural juices, coffee, and Pastries. No need to come out of your vehicle because we have a drive through Restaurant and Fast Foodservice. We also have a garden for those who are looking for plants. We sell various types of plants. Belizeans Artwork is made locally right here. Coconut husk, slippers, jewelry @ more.

The Rundown: La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge 2018
The most exhilarating and grueling race of the year took place on Friday, March 9th, 2018. La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge 2018 had hundreds of people waiting so eagerly to see which of the 53 teams would make it to the finish line first! Belizeans and visitors from all over started to gather very early while the sun wasn’t even out. As usual live music and plenty of food and beverage had to be present to start off the 4-day celebration. The race started from under the historic Hawkesworth Bridge where everyone observed as they wore their favourite team’s shirts and cheered them on. Other spectators lined up on the wooden bridge and alongside the Macal River bank to get a closer look at the paddlers lineup.

A Tropical Wedding in Belize
One of the most romantic places to hold your wedding is deep in the heart of the pristine jungle in Belize. Surrounded by colorful birds, flowering plants, and the wild beauty of Mother Nature, your special moment will truly be an event to remember. Belize is definitely a romantic country, and the rules make it very easy, even for foreigners, to get married. The only requirements are that both the spouse and groom be present in Belize for three days prior to the marriage and that a local minister or Justice of the Peace officiate the ceremony.

Caye Caulker Belize
Caye Caulker is a small island located five miles (eight kilometers) off the coast of the Belizean mainland. Often described as Ambergris Caye's hipper, younger sibling, Caye Caulker's unofficial motto is "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem." Far less built up and crowded than Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker has managed to successfully hang onto its roots as a laid-back destination popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Caye Caulker is home to one of the liveliest Lobsterfests in the country where locals and visitors alike spend three days every summer celebrating the opening of the lobster fishing season with music, dance, drinks, and lots of savory lobster dishes. On Caye Caulker, there are no cars. To get around, locals use golf carts or bicycles to negotiate the dirt roads. Caye Caulker is far from glamorous or glitzy, which is one of the reasons why it's such a popular destination for nature lovers.

All the Lobster You Care to Eat This Summer in Belize
Is it wrong to plan a vacation to Belize just to binge on all the fresh-caught lobster you can eat? Let's hope not! Many people head to Belize starting in June to celebrate the opening of the lobster fishing season. Coastal towns and islands kick off the season with multi-day festivals featuring live music, games, and culinary competitions featuring local chefs battling to create the tastiest lobster-themed dishes. If a cold beer on the beach and delicious lobster has whetted your appetite, here's everything you need to know. Originally, the first Lobsterfest was held on the freewheeling island of Caye Caulker. For several days, the island is transformed into one big outdoor party where lobster is the theme.

For a Good Time in Belize, Get to the Barrier Reef
Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belize Barrier Reef is a world-famous mecca for activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, sea kayaking, fishing, stand-up paddling, and sailing. From outer space, the Belize Barrier Reef is immediately identifiable as an unbroken chain of white surf running north-south in the western Caribbean Sea. Perhaps the most iconic area of the reef visible from space is the Great Blue Hole located in the middle of Lighthouse Reef. Although well-known to local fishermen, the Great Blue Hole came to the world's attention after legendary filmmaker and marine biologist Jacques Cousteau visited the area in 1971 and declared it to be one of his top 10 favorite dive spots on the planet. The Great Blue Hole is a natural phenomenon of deep blue water that covers a vast sunken limestone cave network more than 480 feet deep.

Here Are 12 Awesome Reasons Spend Your Winter In Belize!
Some people love winter, some of us think winter downright stinks. It gets cold, in some places, there’s snow – blizzards, slick roads, and all that iciness. You gotta layer up to the point that you look like some sort of nylon turkey, and even so your fingers and toes can hardly stay warm. Spending winter in Belize is no cake walk either, it’s quite the challenge!

Visiting Belize? 10 Best Romantic Activities To Experience Together In 2018
While love should be celebrated and nurtured year-round, we have dedicated February to be the month of love. That 28 day period where people the world over receive extra doses of affection and the prospect of it – when romantic gestures are sent back and forth by two people who love and care for each other. A Strange but fascinating phenomenon it is that an entire populace can all agree on one time period to engage in a general activity. The Caribbean is home to romantic golden sunsets, gorgeous resorts, dreamy beaches, and astounding temples all year long. The month of love is quickly approaching – don’t be caught without a plan.

Fry Jacks: A Belizean Breakfast Treat
A family member recently had a birthday and they asked me to make fry jacks for breakfast. At first, the request surprised me, but then I realized that even though I love fry jacks, I also had not eaten it in a very long time. Living in Canada and being busy has meant that regular Belizean breakfast dishes such as fry jacks have been replaced with more convenient (sometimes boring) options such as yogurt or plain eggs. To be fair, making fry jacks in itself doesn’t take too long – it’s about 30 minutes tops, however, if you want to enjoy it properly, you have to eat it with a serving of delicious refried beans, which takes a bit long to cook if you want to make it from scratch. I typically cook a pot of beans the night before, and in the morning, it takes me an additional 30 minutes to make refried beans and eggs to accompany my fry jacks. Overall, the meal is totally worth the effort, especially if it’s on the weekend.

Dooley Bear Gets an X-ray at Dr. Danny’s Clinic
What do you do when you live on an island and you need to get an x-ray done on your dog? You take him to the only x-ray machine on the island. Which is located at the Ambergris Hope Clinic in San Pedro. That’s right – Dooley Bear went to the people clinic to get his x-ray! We loaded up Dooley Bear in the back of our cart and drove him to town for his 2:00 appointment. (Dogs are welcome after 2:00) He was so excited when we arrived at the clinic that he shouted out, “Woo Hoo!” (Ok, actually this is a yawn. The 2-mile drive was tough!)

International Sources

Waving goodbye to slash-and-burn
The first time I flew into Punta Gorda, a town on the edge of the Maya Golden Landscape in southern Belize, I was struck with how intact the forest remained compared to adjacent Guatemala and Honduras. Where Belizean forests were a rolling green landscape of tall tropical forest canopy Guatemala was nearly the opposite: blocks of intact forest surrounded by extensive clearing, smoke and fire. In tropical regions worldwide, slash and burn practices are failing to provide sustainable food production and income for millions of smallholder farmers in rapidly growing communities. Faced with the growing pressure on the Maya Golden Landscape’s tropical rainforests, Ya’axché Conservation Trust (in partnership with Fauna & Flora International) has been working with local communities to encourage a sustainable farming system known as Inga alley cropping so that Belize does not witness the same rampant land clearing as that experienced by its Mesoamerican neighbours.

Mexico proposed trinational jaguar reserve with Belize, Guatemala
An announcement for the proposal of a jaguar reserve has been made by head of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas of Mexico. Alejandro del Mazo Maza of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp), announced that Mexico plans to create a trinational reserve with Belize and Guatemala to protect the jaguar. “It is a project that we are already working on with Guatemala and Belize, countries that have shown interest in collaborating and establishing this protection in a trinational way in the first protected natural area for the feline. “There is already a political disposition, so we are working on the definition of the polygon and the challenge is to continue with the plan to make it a reality this year.”

Amazing cities to live in that are easy on the pocket
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize | This Carribean town, ranked no.4, is located on the island of Ambergris Caye. "You wouldn’t describe property prices today as a steal, but they can be a bargain compared with elsewhere in the Caribbean", says Live and Invest Overseas.

Garifuna celebrates Heritage Month
The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc., says it is “proud” to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Garifuna-American Heritage Month in New York, inviting all New Yorkers to join in the March 11 - April 12 celebration. The coalition said that, each year, Garifuna Americans in New York observe Garifuna-American Heritage Month, from March 11 to April 12. “The day of March 11 is significant because it is the anniversary of the forcible deportation of the Garifuna people by the British from St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1797,” the coalition said.

Bank Gets $35M Judgment Against Belize Enforced
The Belize Bank Ltd. won enforcement from a D.C. federal court on Monday of a $35.2 million judgment against Belize following a dispute over a complex debt guarantee, closing another chapter in the long-running saga that previously made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The order by U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta authorizes Belize Bank to seize property owned by the government of Belize "in the jurisdictions where such attachment or execution is appropriate," according to the order. It's a win for Belize Bank,...

Wakeup call for the United Democratic Party (Udp)
Since the 2006 Municipal elections the United Democratic Party have won and controlled all the municipalities in the country of Belize except for Orange Walk Town which has been under the control of the People’s United Party (PUP) since. The municipalities include; Belize City a Mayor and ten Councilors, Belmopan City the capital a mayor and six city councilors, Punta Gorda Town a Mayor and seven councilors, Dangriga Town a mayor and seven councilors, San Ignacio / Santa Elena Town a mayor and seven councilors, Benque Viejo Del Carmen a Mayor and seven councilors, San Pedro Ambergris Caye Town a mayor and seven councilors, Orange Walk Town a mayor and seven councilors and Corozal Town also with a mayor and seven councilors. When this is all added it comes up to nine mayors and 67 councilors.

Senior student’s film on water pollution premieres during The One Earth Film Festival
“I make my films educational because it’s one thing to show visuals, but it’s a whole other to show facts; numbers help correlate the two,” Teresi said. “People need to learn to care about the subject.” The first completed and edited film that Teresi finished was for NEIU’s Belize study abroad program last year. The documentary juxtaposes Belize’s tourism and beauty with the poor waste and land management, and illegal hunting and fishing. During her time in Belize, Teresi and other NEIU students participated in a river clean up. They filled three kayaks with littered plastic from the river that connects directly to the ocean. “When I finished the Belize documentary, I felt powerful,” Teresi said. “Something I created could be used to shine a light on a dark subject.”

Llega a Xcalak mortandad de peces por exceso de sargazo
Las playas de Xcalak, además de estar cubiertas por una gruesa capa de sargazo, fueron escenario del avistamiento de peces muertos a consecuencia del poco oxígeno que les deja el acumulamiento de algas. Juan Jacobo Schmitter Soto, investigador en El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (Ecosur), Chetumal, indicó que el fenómeno se presentará de manera recurrente y estacional, además irá se incrementando en ciertas épocas del año, con una variación constante ante el cambio climático. “Tarde o temprano volverá a ocurrir, y lo más seguro es que con las consecuencias que tuvo la primera vez, cuando atrapó a los peces, los dejó sin oxígeno, hay que tratar de controlar el problema localmente para que no afecte el frente de las localidades”, afirmó. Indicó que tratar de detener el problema desde su origen es como intentar contener una barda que se cae con las manos, porque el hecho continuará presentándose, así que el control tiene que ser local.

Videos

Introduction to Bachata and Salsa, 20min. on Open Your Eyes

"Done Seh It" - Poetry Extravaganza, 26min. on Open Your Eyes

La Ruta Maya Day 1 Video, 2.5min. Our video of Day 1 of the World Famous Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge.

Win a Recording Session with Shyne, 1/2min. Win the chance to record and co-produce a song with Shyne, world-famous recording artist and current Ambassador of Music in Belize. You’ll learn about Belize’s eclectic musical culture, meet Belizean musicians and actually make a track with a living legend.

First Day of La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, 4.5min. Fifty-three teams paddled away at the start of the annual Belikin La Ruta Maya Canoe River Challenge in the Macal River in San Ignacio this morning. Over the next four days, the fittest teams will cover about one hundred and forty miles ending in Belize City on Monday. The first leg concluded at Banana Bank around midday. News Five’s Duane Moody and Darrel Moguel have the highlights along the route.

Traditional Maya Medicine, 2.5min. The traditional Maya Medicine is still a important part of the Yucatec Maya people in Belize . Dispite the Yucatec Maya not living as traditionally as their grandparents , the Maya spirituality and Maya medicine is still pratice . Between the Yucatec Maya of Corozal,Orange Walk and Cayo their are well known Curanderos,herbeteros ,H-men and Parteras . like the legendary H-men(Yucatec Maya shaman) Agustine Cawich(R.I.P.) from San Pablo village in Orange walk. Also Ricardo Acosta the H-men(Yucatec Maya Shaman) of Xaibe ,Corozal. Harry Rivas who is a Yucatec Maya herbatero of Xaibe Corozal . Anselma Yam a Yucatec Maya elder of over 102 years who serve for over 80 years as Partera(midwife),The Garcia sisters are Yucatec Maya healers of San Antonio ,Miss Beatrice Waight a Yucatec Maya healer from Santa familia Cayo . Don Beto Cocom(R.I.P.) was a Yucatec Maya herbatero from Bullet tree falls in Cayo .

Women's Month 2018 - Objectives & Activities, 44min. on Open Your Eyes

The National Budget Process - An Overview, 55min. on Open Your Eyes

Mikey Garcia Lands In Belize For Charity Work, 1.5min.

WOL Camp - Belize_Aug 3, 2017, 3.5min.

Hol Chan Snorkel Trip Belize, 6min. Snorkeling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve with Anda De Wata out of Caye Caulker Belize.

San Pedro, Belize Diving trip Feb 2018, 2min. We went diving in San Pedro, Belize with Scuba School and Family Dive Center on Feb 12-16, 2018.

Garifuna drumming in Belize, 1.5min. Indigenous local Garifuna drummers keep the beach scene lively in Belize with rhythmic drumming and singing in their native Garifuna language.

Diver Travels Into Darkness Of Great Blue Hole Of Belize, 4min.

Belize cliff jumping, 2min.

Discover The Puddle Jumper of Belize, 2.5min.

Belize J+H 2018, 9min.

Belize Selection Vs. Belize International Players (PLB), 2hr.

Our highlights from today's National Heroes & Benefactors Day 2018, 1min.