I will be unable to do the daily news tomorrow, Monday morning March 26. I will return on Tuesday morning.

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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

Human Trafficking continues to pose a challenge in Belize
Human trafficking continues to affect the country of Belize, and on Ambergris Caye it is no exception. Evidence of this was seen on November 2, 2017, when 25 Honduran women were arrested by the San Pedro Police Department and Immigration Officers after inspecting three bars on the island. In January 2018 Belizeans felt international pressure when the USA banned the issuing of temporary work visas following the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) latest evaluation where Belize received a low rate on the U.S. State Department’s 2017 Human Trafficking report, resulting in the removal of Belize from a list of 80 countries approved for the temporary work visas. Several agencies have attempted to provide assistance to Belize to combat this issue.

The PUP almost ready to file a petition for new municipal elections in San Pedro
The People’s United Party (PUP) are making final preparations before heading to the Supreme Court to challenge the results of the San Pedro Municipal Elections held on March 7th, where the United Democratic Party emerged victoriously. The final detail before taking the case to court is to have all of the candidates from the PUP’s slate sign the petition that points out inconsistencies in the electoral process and the unaccountability of 275 ballots. The leader of the PUP, Honourable John Briceño claims that certain boxes were not tallied, thus, over 200 ballots cannot be accounted for. According to PUP Senator and Attorney at Law, Eamon Courtenay they have 21 days to present the case to the court after the official results are published in the Government Gazette. Courtenay also indicated that there is a provision under the Town Councils Act allowing for petitions such as the one they are preparing to present to the country’s highest court.

Mangrove Study shows positive results for Belize
A study conducted by the Belize Audubon Society and carried out by Emil Cherrington, Research Scientist at the University of Alabama to determine how mangrove cover has changed in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site and across Belize between 1980 and 2017 has been released. After three months, on Tuesday, March 20th the findings showed a positive turnout, as minimal clearing of mangroves has occurred within the Barrier Reef Reserve and with only one of the protected areas showing changes in mangrove cover. With these new findings, there could be a chance that Belize’s Barrier Reef will be removed from the UNESCO in-danger list. “The idea of the study was because we wanted to know the status of the mangroves within the Belize Barrier Reef in a bigger and wider context. They are submitting it now to the UNESCO in our state of conservation report where we are now saying that since the inscription till now, for the past seven years, we have seen negligible or minimal mangrove change,” said Executive Director of Belize Audubon Society, Amanda Burgos Acosta.

Misc Belizean Sources

Bryton Codd and Karym Coleman earn scholarships
The Belize Volleyball Association congratulates Bryton Codd and Karym Coleman on their successes in earning volleyball scholarships to pursue further education in Canada. These athletes have both achieved high levels of performance both personally and professionally, and we wish them the very best as they continue on their journeys of greatness.

Enjoyed the band fest today
I would say Corozal is proud of CCCs performance today.

R.I.P. Mrs. Lydia Vega
May you Rest In Peace and rise in glory. A wake will be held in Caye Caulker on Monday at 6:00 pm with a Novena . Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 2:00 pm at the Roman Catholic Church in Caye caulker . she will later be laid to rest at the Alamina family Cemetery there after.

Get to know 2018 Outstanding Women Awardee: Mrs. Enelda Rosado
Mrs. Enelda Rosado was born on September 7,1956 to Mr. Faustino Canto and Mrs. Lillian Canto in the beautiful island of Caye Caulker located in the Belize District. She completed her primary education at the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School and pursued her secondary education at St. Catherine's Academy. Wanting to give back to her community, she entered into the teaching profession and taught from 1973 — 1984 and 1991 — 2011. She served her community as Principal of the primary school from 1995 until she retired in 2011. She received her teachers training at the Belize Teacher's Training College. Mrs. Rosado is dedicated to her community and is always willing to volunteer her service wherever and whenever she can.

UPDATE: KIRK JORGENSON HAS BEEN FOUND

MISSING PERSON
On 23.3.2018 about 5:29 p.m., Daisa Robinson, 41 year old , Belizean Cook of Biscayne Village, reported that her farther Alfredo Segura, 65 Year old, Belizean retiree of the same address, left home on 22.3.2018 and up to the time of making this report he has not returned home. Alfredo Segura is about 5' 5'' in height, slim built, brown complexion, bald headed with white facial hair. He was last seen dressed in a black jersey short pants, a dark blue -shirt and black slippers. If seen kindly call: 911, 922 or the nearest Police

Band Fest 2018
Congratulations to our Corozal Community College Marching Band Champions. Your hard work has paid off once again. You have certainly earned this win and the entire Corozal community is proud of your spectacular performances. A special congratulations to all those behind the scene, who played an important role in this victory.

Sarteneja Tour Guide Association will soon be providing Water Taxi Service to Corozal
Sarteneja Tour Guide Association will soon be providing Water Taxi Service to Corozal. Prices will be (Belize Dollar). Adults One Way $20.00 Round Trip $35.00, Minors One Way $10.00 round trip $15.00. Students One Way $15.00 and round trip $25.00.

Illegal to fish for parrotfish
SEA would like to remind the general public that it is illegal to fish any species of parrot fish from Belize's waters. Parrot fish are important reef grazers, who have teeth specially designed to scrape algae from coral and rocks. Without such fish species, the health of reef could possibly deteriorate due to excess algal growth. Fishermen are also reminded that it is illegal to land fish fillet without a skin patch of 2 inches by 1 inch on each piece of fillet. SEA appreciates the support of the public and encourages everyone to continue being good environmental stewards of our natural resources!

Photos of yesterday's OPEN DAY at Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College (CEMJC)

Band Fest 2018 Parade

TransFormed Exhibit Launch
The Wildfire Atrzmosphere will be launching their next exhibit, entitled TransFormed, next Saturday at 6:30pm. The exhibit created by Masani Live, will feature tapestries created from woven metals and quilts.

The Reporter

Southside cops and new commander busy at work
Since taking command of the Police Eastern Division South on Monday, Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett has hit the ground running, trying to curb the crime situation which recently peaked with several murders over the last week. Yesterday, Gillett reported that Precinct One officers patrolling on Vernon street saw a suspicious man, later identified as Ignatius Williams, 24, and conducted a search resulting in the discovery of a .9mm pistol loaded with six live rounds. Williams was taken to the Precinct One police station and was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Gillett said the officers who made the discovery will be rewarded at a ceremony next week.

100 employees fired from southern shrimp farm
Approximately 100 employees who were employed at the Belize Aqua Culture Limited (BAL) shrimp farm, located at mile 4 on the Placencia road, Stann Creek district were laid off on Friday. The company says it is downsizing due to the incursion of significant cost in the fight against a disease outbreak affecting the entire industry. The company says substantial efforts are underway to rebuild and make its operation profitable in Belize with a view to re-employ the affected employees at a later date. The Ministry of Labor, via a release, said it is working closely along with the company’s management and affected parties to ensure that the legal requirements under the labor laws of Belize are complied with to ensure that wages and benefits due to employees are paid.

Agriculture, foreign exchange, and health debated on Budget day 2
Day two of the budget debate for the fiscal year 2018/2019 raged on in the House of Representatives in Belmopan on Wednesday and pushed way until 10:30 p.m. while several members from both political parties addressed various national issues. After news broke on Friday that Belize Aqua Culture Ltd. had laid off 100 employees, Orange Walk South area representative Jose Mai complained that in recent years Belize has seen several industries closed, including papaya while the shrimp industry is facing a crisis. He said if the situation is not addressed, the citrus industry will eventually stagger to a halt. Mai added that after looking at the new budget he saw no mechanisms or finance put into place to strengthen either industries. Minister of State in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce, Tracy Taegar Panton rebutted that the agriculture industry continues to be a booming industry for foreign earnings. According to Panton, in 2017 sugar was the top export performer, followed by bananas which showed a 17% increase from its 2016 figures, followed by the citrus industry, which despite a decline from 88 million in 2016 to 64.7 million in 2017, emerged as the third largest export earner.

Elderly Biscayne retiree reported missing
A retired, elderly Biscayne resident’s family are desperately searching for him after he left home on Thursday evening to an undisclosed location. Relatives told the Reporter that on Thursday, Alfredo Segura, 65, who suffers from memory loss and seizures, left his home without informing anyone where he was going. One of Segura’s daughter said earlier in the week, her father believed he had to go to work as a watchman at the BTL towers, however, they did not think much when he left home because he would return back home.

Breaking Belize News

Patrick Faber slams Cordel Hyde
After PUP’s Lake Independence Area representative, Codel Hyde’s budget presentation yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber responded to Hyde’s comment on crime, violence, poverty and education in Belize.

Canadian arrested on money laundering charges with ties to Belize
A Canadian man, Ferhan Patel, 37, was arrested and charged in Detroit, Michigan in the US this past week on charges of conspiring to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and money laundering through a series of companies, one of which has ties to Belize.

Belize Aqua Culture Ltd. lays off 100 workers
The Belize Aqua Culture Limited (BAL) issued a release today stating that it has informed the Ministry of Labour of its intention to lay off approximately one hundred (100) employees at the company’s operation at Mile 4, Placencia Road, Stann Creek District. The company states that the reason for downsizing is due to the incursion of significant costs in the fight against a disease outbreak that is affecting the entire shrimp industry.

Budget rounds out with debate on number of issues
Day two of the Budget debate for fiscal year 2018/2019 rounded out yesterday with debate on a number of issues including education, health, finance and the agricultural industry. Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington kicked off day two of the debate endorsing the government’s new budget and, like much of the rest of the day’s proceedings, chastised the opposition on matters not related to the budget.

Finnegan – Misogywhat?
By Lisa Shoman: Not because it is Women’s Month – but it still IS Women’s Month – I am giving my mouth (and fingers) “full license” to talk about and write about issues affecting women. Yesterday, Michael Finnegan, Member of the House of Representatives for the Mesopotamia Division, (to give him almost his full title) during the budget debate, on the floor of the House, rose to his feet while another Member was speaking on a “point of order” and the following exchange ensued:

Blogs

Dogs (and Cats) of Havana
Dogs of Caye Caulker recently took a trip to Havana, Cuba and had a great time meeting Cubans of all types, including Canine. Here are some photos of our new friends. Mostly I found Havana to be a place where more questions got asked than answered. This was true with the dogs too. There were street dogs, but not a lot of street dogs. And most looked pretty healthy. Most males were intact but there were not tons of puppies running around. Unlike on Caye Caulker there were cats lounging everywhere, completely unmolested by the dogs. And the dogs didn’t bark – not at night, not as you walked past their yards. They were all quiet and friendly. People clearly cherished their pet dogs. None were tied on short leashes. I never saw anyone being mean or unpleasant to a dog, stray or owned. In many yards I saw chickens and little baby chicks rooting around, not fenced in in any way. Yet the cats and dogs did not bother them.

Bandfest 2018 Parade was held in Corozal
Corozalenos and people from around the country came out to witness the Bandfest 2018 right here in Corozal. It started on college road right into To 7th avenue and towards the roundabout entrance (by old social security), up to 4th avenue, Towards radio Bahia and turn by civic to the Ricalde Stadium. This about 13 bands came out to parade around Corozal town. SSD, Corozal Church of Christ Primary School, Uprising Drum Core, Mahagonny Heights, Corozal Community College, Orange Walk Central Drum Core, Belize Police Cadet Active Youth, Westly College Marching Band, Southern Sounds Marching Band, St. Luis Purple Spirit Marching Band, Guatemala Marching Band, Band Escolar Ciencia Y Tenico and Mexico Police. Judging was made in front of Jammrock during the Parade. This after at 1pm, all of the team will come out and compete by Categories. At the end of the Event, the judges will choose who will be the winner of 2018 Bandfest. Come out and at the Ricalde Stadium in Corozal to witness this year's Bandfest.

International Sources

Now concerns about drought in the Caribbean
The Caribbean Drought and Precipitation Monitoring Network (CDPMN) says concerns exist for both long - and short-term drought over the Guianas, in particular northern Suriname. It said that water resources in Belize, particularly the north and south-east of the country, should also be monitored over the possibility of developing drought. “Copious rainfall during the wet season of 2017 and no large deficits having been built up since the start of the Caribbean dry season in most places,” the CDPMN said, noting that south-eastern Haiti is under a long-term drought. According to the CPDMN, mixed conditions were experienced in the islands of the eastern Caribbean for the month of February.

Videos

SPHS male softball team champions of the 2018 National Secondary School Tournament!, 3min. SPHS female softball team sub-champions in the female division!

Final Results Part 2 of the Bandfest 2018, 10min. 3 place was won by Youth cadets. We are sorry that our broadcasting was ended earlier on the Bandfest 2018.

Bandfest 2018, 2.5min.

BELIZE HEALIN ARTZ BANDFEST LIVE TOUR 2018 - COROZAL, 12min. Just as every Bus, Truck, Car and Bike has to pass by the WACPtv Roundabout at the Bay, so does every Parade. Check out this one and enjoy.

Lamanai Mayan Ruins near Orange Walk, Belize, 3min. I took a day to explore the area a bit. I went on a wonderful boat tour out to the Lamanai Mayan Ruins. The boat dock is near Orange Walk. The boat ride took about 45 minutes out the ruins stopping when there were interesting birds, animals and plants. I saw crocodiles, turtles, bats, howler monkeys and lots of different birds.

Hopkins Bay Belize Fishing, 9min. Interesting but not great DIY fishing at this pleasant resort just south of Dangriga in Belize.

Belize 2018, 16min.

Belize Chicken Drop, 1min.

Skyview flying out Belize, 2.5min. Sky view of the beautiful green sea water as I fly out of Belize City

Zip line fun in Belize, 6min.

Rumble in the West, 3hr. 4 Professional Fights! Mecanico Esquivel vs Francisco Luna, Max Pain Williams vs Fabian Martinez, Edwin Ramirez vs Wilmer Canales, Frencho Medina vs Brujo Perez. At the Octavia Waight Center, San Ignacio, Cayo.