Channel 5
Mea Culpa; Mayor Bernard Wagner Admits that Signing Checks to Himself was Wrong
It has been a rough month since Mayor Bernard Wagner assumed office at City Hall following the March seventh municipals after over a decade of U.D.P. rule. He is still [...]
Is Mayor Wagner Being Undermined By Administration?
According to Mayor Wagner, there seem to be forces within his administration that are working against the best interest of the Belize City Council. He questions their tardiness in presenting [...]
City Administrator Suspended: Is Mayor Wagner on a Witch Hunt?
City Administrator Candice Miller has been suspended from managerial duties until sometime in early May, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into questionable debts left behind by the former [...]
What’s the Fate of CitCo’s Social Assistance Programme?
So what’s the fate of the social assistance programme, the cause of the annoyance over the past few days? Well, Mayor Wagner says the programme will be done away with [...]
AG Michael Peyrefitte Suspicious about Belize’s Designation as a Narcotics Transshipment Point
Belize has been designated for the third year by the United States as a major transshipment point for the trafficking of drugs to North America. Other countries within Central America [...]
AG: U.S. Needs to Stem the Greedy Appetite for South American Drugs
The report released for March 2018 is viewed as merely finger-pointing by the United States government which stops short of equally addressing the insatiable demand for drugs in that country. [...]
Survivors of Gun Violence Bare their Souls on How Snap Decisions Can Change their Lives
Young persons left scarred and traumatized by gun violence gathered today in the city as police look for new opportunities to keep them away from crime. They are students from [...]
Investigation Continues into Alleged Case of Police Brutality in PG
An internal investigation is ongoing by the Professional Standards Branch against officers attached to the Punta Gorda precinct over allegations of police brutality. Leray Simon claims that he was viciously [...]
2 Guatemalan Fishermen Fined for Illegally Fishing in the Port Honduras Marine Reserve
Two illegal Guatemalan fishers were busted inside the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. A joint patrol of the site’s rangers and coast guard discovered the fishers within the protected area just [...]
The Role of the Attorney General’s Ministry in the Referendum
Guatemalans are headed to the polls on Sunday to vote on whether the age-old territorial dispute with Belize should go before the International Court of Justice for determination. It is [...]
AG on Recently Passed Anti-Gang Legislation.
Since the recent passage of stringent anti-gang legislation, there have been concerns about the scope of the law and how it will be used to crack down on persons believed [...]
Guat President Jimmy Morales Walks of Talk Show Set After He is Grilled About Issues
President Jimmy Morales from Guatemala has been making the media rounds in respect of the upcoming referendum which takes place this Sunday in Guatemala. Over the weekend, he was in [...]
Former Councilor Philip Willoughby Says Mayor Wagner & his Council Need to Step Up
There has been back and forth on social media on the cheques endorsed by Mayor Bernard Wagner for the social assistance programme. The comments have been drawn along political lines, [...]
Willoughby Throws Support Behind Suspended City Administrator
Willoughby also chimed in on the suspension of City Administrator Candice Miller and the report that she wrote a cheque to pay for unauthorized bills. While vouching that in his [...]
Howell Gillett Makes Moves to Lower Corruption in Police Department
Today, Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett was described as possibly the busiest man in a positive way in the south side of Belize City. The Regional Commander of Eastern Division South [...]
Brothers Habet Ltd. Supports South Side Police Officers
Even before that meeting with UNO Sales Consultant Lupita Zetina, Gillett met and signed off on an agreement with Carlo Habet, the manager of Brothers Habet Limited in Belize City. [...]
Belize U-15 National Basketball Team Heads to COCABA
Belize’s Under-fifteen Boys National Basketball Team left the country today en route to El Salvador to play in the COCABA championships. The contingent of twelve players and three officials will [...]
NEMO Prepares for Hurricanes…and Tsunamis
The National Emergency Management Organization is in full gear with less than two months away from the Tropical Atlantic Hurricane Season. Today, public officers received training at a shelter management [...]
CTV3
Gas Tomza Substation In Corozal Robbed In Broad Daylight
Corozal Police are looking for suspects involved in the daylight robbery of Gas Tomza’s butane gas substation located in the Altamira area of Corozal Town. Sometime after 1pm, several assailants arrived at the compound and held up the two employees who man the station. We could not find out if the assailants were armed.
An undisclosed amount of money was taken in the robbery. We attempted an interview with one of the workers, but he ran inside and locked himself in the small office to avoid us, perhaps since he was still shaken up by the incident.
PUP Says Elrington Is Confused About Guatemala's Constitution
The People’s United Party has requested clarification from Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington for statements made during an interview with the media on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.
In that interview, Elrington indicated that Belize’s Ambassador in Guatemala Alexis has indicated that based on the interpretation of Guatemala’s constitution a referendum exercise in that country should be held following a decision by the International Court of Justice, and not before.
Foreign Affairs Clarifies Sedi's Statement, Says ICJ Decision Is Final
The PUP asked for clarification yesterday in a press release and today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided just that.
A release explained that the interview clips used as part of the report gave the wrong impression of what Elrington’s meant to say. Accordingly, what the Minister meant to say was not that the interpretation was Ambassador Rosado’s own, but that it was the interpretation of a legal challenge previously raised by various Guatemalan citizens against the holding of the April 15th referendum.
Referendum Jitters ...Jimmy Morales Upset By Guat. Journalist Questions
As reported, Guatemala is moving full speed with its referendum and as part of its campaign, President Jimmy Morales and other senior Government officials have been on a tour of communities, spreading the message that a yes to ICJ vote is the way to go. Morales has also been on a media tour, providing interviews and discussions on the issue. One interview done just last night, however, seems to have rubbed Morales the wrong way.
Belize/ Guatemala Culture Event Comes To An End
And sticking to the subject of Guatemala and Belize a two day event entitled “The Belizean and Guatemalan Garifuna Culture as an Expression of Social Cohesion, Intercultural Dialogue and Promotion of Peace” came to an end yesterday in Guatemala City. The event was organized by both countries and comprised of cultural and academic presentations from both parties showcasing the historical cohabitation of the communities living on the borders of Livingston and Puerto Barrios, Izabal, Guatemala as well as Toledo and Stann Creek Districts of Belize.
LOVE FM
City Administrator remains on suspension
Candice Miller, the City Administrator at the Belize City Council, remains on suspension tonight. Miller was suspended for a month after the new PUP city council came into possession of documents showing an outstanding debt accumulated by Joe Bradley for drinks and food at a Chinese restaurant. Miller reportedly signed off on the spending and …
Belizean Cyclists at 2018 Commonwealth Games
Since last week we have been reporting about Belize’s participation in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia. So far the athletes’ performance has been less than stellar but there is still faith in other Belizean athletes who have yet to compete. These athletes include cyclists Nissan Arana and Oscar Quiroz who yesterday participated in the …
Belize, Guatemala fostering a culture of peace
A cultural event aimed at promoting dialogue and peace took place in Guatemala City. The two-day event was held by Belize and Guatemala and it was entitled “The Belizean and Guatemalan Garifuna Culture as an Expression of Social Cohesion, Intercultural Dialogue and Promotion of Peace.” Presentations were done to exhibit the type of historical coexistence …
Belize and Louisiana Nurses collaborate on best practices
Nurses are the frontline administrators in the healthcare profession; as such they play a very critical role. In effort to improve the service that they offer to patients, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital engaged in a nurses exchange program with nurses from the United States. Love News spoke with nurses Madona Vicente, Registered Nurse and …
Minister Elrington responds to PUP’s concerns
Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington has responded to criticisms made by the People’s United Party with regards to an interview he did which aired last week. As we said yesterday, in a portion of an interview aired on News 5, Elrington said he was informed by Ambassador Alexis Rosado that the constitution in Guatemala provides …
NEMO installs sirens as it works on tsunami preparedness
As part of the National Emergency Management Organization’s work to ensure tsunami preparedness the organization has made an investment in sirens which have been installed in communities along Belize’s coastal areas including the Cayes. Central Regional Coordinator for NEMO Al Westby told us more about the systems. Al Westby, Regional Coordinator, NEMO: “What we have …
Belize City Mayor addresses first controversy
The newly elected Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner is dealing with his first controversy since he took office last month. Wagner who has admitted to endorsing two cheques to himself has come under fire for doing just that. In the financial world, signing a cheque to yourself is considered unethical and as Wagner said last …
Casting calls for Miss Universe Belize 2018 announced
After Rebecca Rath represented the country in the Philippines for the 2017 Miss Universe pageant, controversy erupted after her father published a five-part chronicle in which he described Rath’s rocky road to Miss Universe. At the time, Crown of the Jewel Organization which has the exclusive rights to use the “Miss Belize” title was responsible …
NEMO now includes tsunami preparedness in training sessions
The National Emergency Management Organization NEMO held a Shelter Management and Tsunami Preparedness Training Workshop for Public Officers in Belize City today. Al Westby, Central Regional Coordinator for NEMO says that the training is on schedule with the various work done to ensure preparedness for disasters. Al Westby, Regional Coordinator, NEMO: “At this time as …
How are the criminals accessing the weapons?
Crime continues to occur at an alarming rate partly due to the number of guns in the hands of criminals. The question has been asked as to how these criminals are getting their hands on guns. Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett shared one possibility. Sr.Supt.Howell Gillett, Officer Commanding Eastern Division: “The Problem that we’ve seen or …
Police secures fuel discount for police officers attached to Southside division
Police Officers attached to the Eastern Division South in Belize City should soon begin to see a number of new benefits coming their way. The improvements include better working environments and lowered expenses, especially for officers who commute to and from Belize City. The changes are being implemented by Commander Howell Gillett, who since taking over command of the area has been making his rounds in the City enlisting the support of the business community to curb the crime situation and to also improve the working conditions of officers attached to his division.
Southside Police Command seeks to reduce expenses for officers
But that’s not all that officers are going to be enjoying in the next few weeks. Commander Gillett says that he is also speaking with other business owners to further assist officers with reducing the expenses they incur, especially for those who work away from their home towns. The Commander has reached out to bus operators and restaurant owners to assist officers with a reduction on bus fares and food. Commander Gillett has already signed an agreement with Carlo Habet, the Manager of Brothers Habet Limited which will see Police officers on the South Side getting a fifteen percent discount on all items sold at that store.
Police and One Struggle steering children away from crime
Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett, the new commander of Eastern Division South has been involved in many initiatives since taking over Eastern Division in the hopes that it will reduce the crime rate. The latest one being partnering with One Struggle group in reaching the youths. Today, members of One Struggle were at Swift Hall in the Lake Independence area where they shared their testimonies with children of St. Martin de Porres Primary School in the hopes of encouraging them to stay on the right track and away from crime.
Is owning a gun the best protection?
With the increase in home invasions being reported, perhaps you have thought of buying a gun to keep your loved ones and home safe from intruders. Love News asked Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett whether owning a gun is a wise choice.
‘Blackface’ used by Guatemalan actors to depict Belizeans
On Friday the play, Goodbye Belize, premiered in Guatemala. The play is in relation to the Belize/ Guatemala dispute, specifically during the time when the secession of national lands was made according to the director, Gerardo Palala. But there is something very racist about the play. Hipolito Novelo Reports. The play was performed on …
Amandala
Belize major illicit drug transshipment point: US
The United States Department of State has just released its 2018 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) and Belize is named in the report as one of the major drug transshipment countries.
The INCSR is prepared annually by the Department of State for the US Congress. The report is done in accordance with the Foreign Assistance Act.
In the country report on Belize, the INCSR notes that “Belize is a transit country for illicit drugs destined for the United States from source countries in South America.”
Evan “Mose” Hyde, Jr. wins 3-way race for CWU president
“Although I have never been a card-carrying union member, I have always, unapologetically, been a unionist at heart. I heartily thank members of the CWU, who through their votes this afternoon, have expressed their confidence in my abilities to take this union to the next level — not just for members, but for Belize”, said Evan “Mose” Hyde, Jr. today, Saturday, at the Bishop Memorial Center after he was elected president of the Christian Workers Union at its annual general meeting.
Hyde added, “I pledge to be with my members and other unionists every step of the way as we strive in the days ahead to do what is necessary to make CWU the powerful force members, and indeed, Belize requires.”
PM Barrow bypasses senior Cabinet ministers to name Hugo Patt Acting Prime Minister
Today is the last day for a most unlikely acting prime minister, the Corozal North area representative Hugo Patt, who is Minister of Local Government, Rural Development, Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities, but who was named Acting Prime Minister when Prime Minister Dean Barrow departed Belize last Friday.
The announcement that Patt was named Acting Prime Minister came via a government press release from the Office of the Prime Minister. The release said that PM Barrow left the country to get medical attention for his back ailment.
Mayor Bradley gave Candice Burke an $11,000 salary boost
No one can get into the head of the former two-term United Democratic Party (UDP) Belize City Mayor, Darrell Bradley, to understand why he signed a new contract with the City Administrator, Candice Miller Burke, for four years, even though her present employment contract won’t expire until November 30, 2018.
The four-year period covered by the new contract extends one year beyond the life of the incoming City Council, which has been elected to serve a three-year term.
PUP demand clarification on Foreign Minister Elrington’s erroneous statement on Guatemala
On Sunday, the Republic of Guatemala will hold a national referendum in which its voters will decide if they want their country’s territorial claim to parts of Belize to be settled at the International Court of Justice, (ICJ) in accordance with the compromis that Belize and Guatemala signed in December 2008.
In Belize, however, the ICJ education program that was promised never really materialized in any large-scale fashion and the money that has been allocated in this year’s budget for the education program has been characterized by PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay as a joke.
Highway engineers “hambug” Belama/Buttonwood Bay residents
There have been many complaints on the morning talk shows that the construction taking place on that stretch of road between the last two roundabouts on the Philip Goldson Highway — starting from an area where the Shell depot and a popular vegetable stand are located and all the way up to the roundabout by Chetumal Street/Westrac, which is near Brodies Supermarket — has been posing major inconveniences to residents of Belama and Buttonwood Bay. Those complaints have largely gone unnoticed by the officials responsible, however.
The stretch of road is about one kilometer in length, and with gas prices heading for the skies, motorists and residents of the area say there is a need for another roundabout, between the two already mentioned.
WW Cross Country results – Sunday, April 8, 2018
Here are the results from the Weekend Warriors (WW) Cross Country held yesterday. The “A/B” riders left from in front of Loma Luz Hospital in Santa Elena, Cayo, at 9:05 a.m., to finish at Leslie’s Imports. The C-Class left from Garbutt’s Service Station in Roaring Creek at 9:15 a.m.
A/B Category
Some 64 riders started the “A/B” race, and 50 of them finished in the following order: 1st Place – Barney Brown (Scotiabank, 3:10:56); 2nd Daniel Cano (Santino’s, 3:11:02); 3rd Dwight Lopez (Bel-Cal, 3:11:36); 4th Marvin Hyde (Smart, 3:11:40); 5th Ryan Willoughby (Valvoline, 3:11:52); 6th Mark Gentle (FT Williams, st); 7th Hector Tzuleta (Valvoline, st); 8th Derrick Smith (BFSC-El Pescador, st); 9th Palas Joseph (Furnished Apartments Ltd., st); 10th Santi Castillo (Santino’s, st); 11th Warren Coye (Santino’s, st); 12th Eddie Usher (Digicell-4G, st); 13th Elden Hyde (Smart, st); 14th Halton Ritchie (Kulture Megabytes, st)...
Leechi clinches for Police; Top-4 teams set for PLB playoffs
The hottest race to the playoffs in recent memory was finally decided yesterday in Week 13 games of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Closing Season, where Freedom Fighters stopped the San Pedro Pirates in P.G., to effectively knock both of them out of playoff contention, since Police United got a goal in injury time from veteran star Orlando “Leechi” Jimenez, to clinch the 1-nil victory over BDF FC and secure their spot in the playoffs. With the San Pedro loss, a draw would have still given Police a playoff spot due to their edge in goal difference over both Freedom Fighters and San Pedro Pirates, should either win their remaining Week 14 game.
City Boys 10 & Under Grassroots Week 7 results; semifinals this Saturday at Yabra Field
Good morning, Football Family.
The City Boys 10 & Under Grassroots Tournament 2018 Week 7 on Saturday, April 7, were the final regular season games.
In game 1, City Boys Jr. won, 2-0, over Sampson Academy; game 2 saw Poor & Famous with the 2-1 win over Warriors FC; in game 3, Ladyville Rising Stars bombed St. John Vianney, 8-nil; and in the scheduled game 4, Reality Youths won by default (3-0) over FC Elite Jr.
Player of the Day was Jarreth Tablada (Ladyville Rising Stars), who scored 7 goals.
Weekend scores in Pepsi NEBL basketball
On Friday night at the UB Gym, DigiCell Belize City Defenders grabbed the 94-90 victory over Belmopan Bandits. Leading Defenders were Nigel Jones 33 pts 15 rebs 3 assts 2 stls, Francis Arana 12 pts 3 assts, Jacob Leslie 10 pts 3 rebs 2 assts, Darwin “Puppy” Leslie 9 pts 3 assts, Ty Bradley 8 pts 4 rebs 3 assts, and Winston Pratt 7 pts 5 rebs; while the Bandits had Luther Da Shane Page with 23 pts 15 rebs 2 assts 3 stls, Leon Jacobs 21 pts 2 rebs 3 assts, Stephen “Muerte” Willliams 10 pts 3 rebs, and Farron Louriano 9 pts 8 rebs.
Also on Friday night, at the Belize Elementary Auditorium, it was Smart Belize Hurricanes blowing away the visiting Orange Walk Running Rebels by a 105-56 score.
Editorial: KHMH – structural disaster, structural emergency
Amazingly, the structural disaster and structural emergency that is the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) is, if you think seriously about it, flying under Belize’s consciousness radar. There are at least three reasons why this is so. The first two reasons have to do with the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), and we will explain in the body of this essay. The third reason why the KHMH crisis is not getting the attention it deserves, yea demands, is that the story requires massive, expensive, investigative research, and Belize’s independent media is struggling to survive right now, while public funds continue to be used to subsidize private media organs owned and operated by the leadership of the ruling party.
Marion E. Lambey contributes some BTL history
Dear Editor,
I am a regular reader of your newspaper, and recently, I have read articles that delve into the history of the Belize Telecommunications Limited (BTL) as background information to try to analyze the present financial state of that organization. The most recent is the article that appears in your Friday April 6, 2018 issue entitled “Before all hell broke loose at BTL,” by Colin Hyde.
Back in December of 2012, as BTL was advertising its 4G Network, I wrote an article entitled “Belize’s 3G Telecommunications Technicians” to highlight some of the people who were integral to the organization’s success even before privatization. My article provides details of developments between 1979 and 1982, that would supplement what was touched briefly by C. Hyde in paragraph 16 of the above-stated article. I am submitting the article as a contribution to the discourse, and hope that you will find it useful to share with your readers.
Knowing your history is a way of knowing yourself
Dear Editor,
On April 16, 1870, Marcos Canul briefly took Corozal Town. I’m sending this image I did of Marcos Canul, since I have not seen any image of him.
As a Yucatec Maya, I got inspired to draw our hero, our Comandante Marcos Canul.
Sincerely,
Andy Chuc
Branch beats twig (or, Your words were unfair, Godwin Hulse)
When I was a young fellow, I was a member of a gang that went out one evening to beat a boy. I don’t recall what the beef was. For some reason our gang wanted to beat the boy, it caught on, I was a member of the gang, so we went out one evening to chaans him.
When we neared the battle ground, it was decided that I would step forward, yes, and issue a challenge. After we engaged, the others would jump in and quadruple benk him.
Now, as a youngster my great battles were fought on the ball field. I did get into my share of fistfights. But I only fought when I was angry. Nothing is any good when you don’t have passion in it. In this instance, it was mostly for the satisfaction of the gang. So I stepped forward.
4 charged for importing 76 lbs. of weed from Mexico
Police, on Thursday night on the Philip Goldson Highway, near the northern border, stopped two vehicles and made a random search to see if they were carrying any illegal items.
The occupants, four persons, were busted with 76 pounds of compressed cannabis imported from Mexico, and 28 .380 live rounds of ammunition. Police say that Blancaneaux Maudel was driving the Ford Escape, accompanied by Michelle Benguche, while Kenyon Lewis was the driver of the Kia car, accompanied by Phylmore King.
Douglas Bowen stabbed in Ladyville due to basketball
Douglas Bowen, of Ladyville, was stabbed multiple times in his body and leg after he became involved in an altercation with another man after a basketball game. Bowen is admitted at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and is in an induced coma at the Intensive Care Ward.
Information to us is that he does not want police to take action against the man who stabbed him and Ladyville police have since released the man.
The incident occurred at the Ladyville Basketball Court at about 8:30 last night.
Leroy Haylock, 22, murdered in Isla Bonita
Leroy Haylock, 22, a maintenance worker of San Mateo, San Pedro, was found dead, lying on the ground in an abandoned lot in pools of his blood in northern San Pedro, at about 1:30 Friday afternoon.
Information to us is that his throat was slashed, and there were multiple stab wounds in his chest, abdomen upper body and in his back.
During the police press brief held this morning at the Raccoon Street Police Station, Inspector Wilfred Ferufino, Deputy Commander of Crimes Investigation, said that an investigation into the murder led to a man who has been detained, pending investigation. The motive for the murder has not yet been ascertained.
2 Guatemala fishermen busted fishing illegally in the Stann Creek seas
Two fishermen from Guatemala were busted at about 2:00 this morning by rangers of the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) for fishing illegally in the Port Honduras Marine Reserve.
Information to us is that the rangers, along with Coast Guard officers, were conducting routine night patrols in the southern seas of Belize when they came upon the fishermen.
The fishermen were taken to Punta Gorda, where they were booked by the Fisheries Department for illegal fishing, commercial fishing without a fishing license, and commercial fishing without a boat license. It is expected that they will also be charged with illegal entry into the country by the Immigration Department.
Breaking Belize News
Mayor Wagner clarifies concerns about cheques
Belize City Mayor, Bernard Wagner, today called a press conference to clarify concerns about social […]
Apply for a CARSI grant from US Embassy today
The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, Belize today announced a notice of funding opportunity […]
Controversial ‘Goodbye Belize’ play features Guatemalans in blackface
“Goodbye Belize” is an original Guatemalan play written in 1971. Several series of the plays […]
Southside cops may soon get discounts at UNO gas stations
Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2018. 1:00 p.m. CST. Southside Commander, Howell Gillett continues to meet with the business community and community stakeholders and […]
Old Sarstoon- Embedded in the hearts and souls of Belizeans
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]
Governor General attends conference in St. Kitts
The Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young is attending the 16th Conference of Governors-General […]
Jimmy Morales says PM Barrow agrees with him
In a televised interview last night, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales told Guatemalan media and residents […]
Black Orchid, the Secluded Belize Resort That Travelers Love
Belize, at first glance, often seems like a paradox. How can, for instance, a beautiful […]
Belize and Guatemala host Garifuna cultural event
Belize and Guatemala held a two-day event on April 8 and 9, in Guatemala City. […]
Four Seasons coming soon to Belize
Today, Yahoo news reported that the renowned Four Seasons line of hotels has officially unveiled […]
Gang member charged for delivery truck heist
On Friday afternoon, an armed man held up a delivery van in the Cohune Walk […]
Discover Mexico Rocks Marine Reserve with White Sands Dive Shop
When it comes to exploring this underwater jewel, be it with an air tank on your back or a snorkel in your mouth, the super friendly professionals at White Sands Dive Shop know this area like the back of their flipper! Located just minutes from several dive and snorkel sites, White Sands Dive Shop offers a variety of subaquatic experiences, with Mexico Rocks being one of their favorite places to take snorkelers and divers who are just learning to dive, are refreshing their skills or just prefer shallower water. For folks who have SCUBA divers and snorkelers in their group, this site beautifully accommodates both, with the White Sands Dive Shop guides skillfully leading each “school” throughout their underwater discovery.
Forever, it turns out, is a slippery concept: Goodbye, Belize
Yesterday I found a scrap of paper with an unattributed quote on it which expresses brilliantly the need for patience and persistence when trying to understand Belize. “(Do) not throw away a savory fruit because of the coarseness of its envelope.” Yes, Belize can be a “coarse envelope” but for those willing to dig in, the pleasures of discovery are immeasurable.
My own opportunities to understand Belize are running out because I will be leaving the country shortly, probably forever.
On April 15 I will enter the Immigration Office in San Pedro Town one last time and Marlon will flip through my passport filled with monthly stamps and curtly ask me how soon I am leaving Belize.
I used to say “Maybe never. I really like it here.” (Wrong answer.)
10 unforgettable things to do in the “forgotten” district of Toledo, Belize
1: Visit a Maya site.
There are 5 major Maya sites in the Toledo district and many others that remain unexcavated. The most famous and easily accessible are Nim Ni Punit and Lubaantun. Pusilha, Uxbenka and Xnaheb are harder to get to and require a guide.
2: Visit a Cacao Farm
Toledo is often called “the cradle of chocolate”. There are many small subsistence family farms in the area growing cacao. Eladio Pop’s Agouti farm is one of the most famous. There are also several chocolate makers, Ixcacao, Cotton tree Chocolate and T’chil, who offer tours of their farms and demonstrate how to make chocolate.
12 Reasons Belize Honeymoons are Trending Big Time!
1. No hassle travel.
Who wants to spend those first precious hours holed up in a tourist class airline cabin when you could be making sure the hammock on your resort balcony is big enough for two? It only takes a couple of hours to get to Belize from North America; what’s more romantic than being rested and ready for love?
2. Belizeans can’t wait to welcome you.
Fall in love with everyone you meet—not as much as you love your new spouse, of course--but when you emerge from your love nest, people you meet everywhere you go are so warm and friendly, you’ll be posing for selfies with them.
Fascinating Facts About the Lost City of Xunantunich
Thousands of years ago, the Maya empire stretched from Mexico in the north down to El Salvador in the south. They built enormous stone cities in the middle of the jungle, only to abandon them around the year 900 AD for reasons still unknown to modern archeologists. One of the largest Maya cities ever built, now called Xunantunich, was lost for centuries until it was discovered by accident when a villager in Belize came across a ghost of an ancient Maya maiden in the 1890s.
At the time, Belize was still a British colony, and so an expedition set out from the capital to explore the villager's stories. They then discovered the site of Xunantunich, a Maya term meaning "stone woman". Xunantunich is unique in that it is the oldest continuously excavated Maya site in the country. One of the biggest and most impressive Maya buildings ever found was discovered in Xunantunich.
Top Reasons to Visit Ambergris Caye This Summer
Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, and its colorful capital of San Pedro is a top tourist draw thanks to its lovely beaches, an abundance of seafood restaurants, and close proximity to the top scuba diving and snorkeling sites on the reef.
Here are some of the best reasons to visit Ambergris Caye this summer:
Belize's Biggest Cultural Event - The Costa Maya Festival
Originally a regional celebration of Maya culture in 1992, the International Costa Maya Festival has become the biggest cultural event of the year in Belize. Held every August in San Pedro, the capital of Ambergris Caye, the Costa Maya Festival is a multi-day event featuring a beauty pageant, live music from some of the region's top acts, and plenty of dancing, food, art, and games.
The first day of the festival begins with a beauty pageant to select the Miss Costa Maya International. Women from Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and other countries with Maya populations compete to win this prestigious event. In the evening, there is a grand opening where government officials, foreign diplomats, and dignitaries formally announce the beginning of the event.
International Sources
Antigua to plant marijuana for medicine
Just weeks after its parliament had overwhelmingly approved laws allowing for Antiguans to personally possess up to 15 grams of marijuana legally, authorities are preparing to take it to the next level.
In the coming months, island legislators will again be asked to debate a bill allowing for large scale medical marijuana production-meaning that approved locals will be allowed to grow, harvest, process and sell varying amounts of weed for medicinal use.
The leading Observer Newspaper reported this week that work on the bill is progressing apace and authorities are consulting with experts from countries which already have such industries to ensure government gets it right.
How One Country Is Restoring Its Damaged Ocean
The Astrum helicopter company launches from a base less than five miles from where Belize City meets the Caribbean. In the backseat, to my left, is Belizean Senator Valerie Woods. Across from us are two representatives from international ocean protection organization Oceana, which organized the flight. The country’s minister of state, Carla Barnett, climbs into the front seat.
“I haven’t been in a helicopter for a long time,” she mutters, pulling on her headset. The doors shut, and we’re off.
As we rise above the trees, Belize City starts to spread out in front of us. But that’s not our destination. Side-skirting downtown, we head out over the water—where the true treasures lay.
Belize steps up to prioritize the health challenges faced by its youth
Jared Cain, 18, from the south side of Belize City, Belize, knows all too well the sound of gunshots.
"In the past two to three weeks alone, there’s been multiple shootings in my neighborhood," says Cain, a member of the Belize Children’s Advisory Body and the Belize Family Life Association Youth Advocacy Movement. "It’s common to hear gunshots outside my window while I’m studying or playing video games with friends."
Violence, particularly homicide, sexual violence and bullying, is a significant adolescent health issue in Belize. Teenage boys are more likely to drop out of school and become involved with violent gangs or other illegal activities.
CCJ dismisses appeal by Belizean CLICO policyholders
The Caribbean Court Justice (CCJ) last Thursday dismissed an appeal by six former CLICO Belizean policyholders whose contention it was that their financial loss from the company’s 2009 liquidation was the result of the Supervisor of Insurance, Alma Gomez’s reckless handling of the Company.
In its ruling, the Court, noted among other things, “that neither the Supervisor nor anyone else could have foreseen CLICO’s sudden collapse,” holding further, that Gomez “had acted in good faith.”
The appellants; Kent Herrera, Nikita Usher, Valdemar Castillo, Vildo Marin, Eugenio Ek and Leonardo Varela of Executive Flexible Premium Annuity (EFPA) were policyholders of Belize’s branch office of CLICO (Bahamas) Limited…..
Conference of Caribbean governors-general and presidents kicks off in St Kitts
Sir Tapley Seaton, governor-general of St Kitts and Nevis, welcomed heads of state to the federation on Monday, as they assembled for the opening ceremony of the 16th conference of governors-general and presidents of the Caribbean region.
The gathering, which comprises governors- general, presidents and governors, runs from April 8 to 12 under the theme: “Challenges of a Changing Caribbean”.
In his address to welcome his colleagues, Seaton expressed his delight and honour of having the heads of state in St Kitts and Nevis for such an auspicious occasion, while at the same time paying tribute to their predecessors for their “vision in convening a conference” where such a robust body “could meet and enhance collegial relationships and dialogue on national, regional and international significance”.
Videos
Tropic Air landing at Maya Flats, Belize, 15sec.
Belize 2018, 1min. This ad will run on all Belizean TV and radio stations to promote our Family Festival on April 21!
Riding the Chicken Bus From Dangriga to Belize City, 1min. Enjoy a bit of our 3 h chicken bus ride from Dangriga to Belize City. Thankfully going from Belize City to Dangriga we were on a comfortable air-conditioned express bus. I will say however that the chicken bus won for best music of the two rides.
2018 Belize Bible Quiz National Championship, 7min. 1st Belize Bible Quiz Fellowship Tournament ever. It was a 4 day Camp and quiz tournament in Cayo, Belize.
BELIZE,17 min. Bryan, Craig, Dalbey, and Mathew embark on a Belizean adventure
2018 crime-fighting strategy Break down, 52min. on Open Your Eyes
Gloria Art Exhibit by Minita Concha - Women and their bodies, 23min. on Open Your Eyes
Special Olympics Belize! The Annual Fun Run 2018 takes place on Saturday 14th April, 19min. on Open Your Eyes
Guatemala's referendum video showcases the Blue Hole and Placencia, 2min.
MVCC Marine Biology Trip to Belize 2018!!, 3.5min. AKA The best week of my life.
Jaguar Creek Belize, 2min. From our friends at Chroma Films
Volunteering with Manatees in Belize, 5min. This project is focused on the conservation and research of the West Indian manatee. Manatees in Belize are listed as highly endangered with their numbers rapidly declining.
Police CheckPoint, 51min.
Good Morning San Pedro, April 10, ReefTV, 56min.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
