Today's Belize News: April 12, 2018

Print Thread

Today's Belize News: April 12, 2018 #529843 04/12/18 05:59 AM 04/12/18 05:59 AM
Joined: Oct 1999 Posts: 83,968 oregon, spr Marty OP .
Marty OP	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 International report marks Belize as major drug trafficking and money laundering country Belize has been named a ‘major drug trafficking and money laundering country’ in the 2018 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report produced by the United States State Department. The 294-page annual report outlines the efforts of key countries in their battle against the international drug trade during 2017 and gives Belize a bad score, stating that the country’s drug control efforts are hampered by corruption, insufficient investigative capacity, an ineffective judicial sector and a lack of political will. The report states that, according to Belizean authorities, marijuana is the most prevalent illicit drug used in the country. They reiterate that Belize is not a source country for illicit drugs or precursor chemicals, but that it is used as a transhipment point for both. Parvovirus outbreak on Ambergris Caye Due to an outbreak of the deadly virus, Parvovirus, the San Pedro Saga Humane Society has launched a campaign to provide free Parvovirus shots to island pets. Aimed at preventing the spread of the deadly and highly contagious virus on the island, Saga is encouraging all pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated at their earliest convenience. Parvovirus is a viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. Parvovirus also attacks the white blood cells, and when the young animals are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problems. The virus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog’s feces or body fluids. It is highly resistant as it can live in the environment for months, and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors. Tourism Arrivals Continue to Set Unprecedented Records The latest tourism statistics for the first quarter of 2018 indicate that Belize’s popularity as a must-visit destination in Central America continues to set unprecedented records. For the first time ever, there were over 55,000 overnight visitors during the month of March, representing an increase of 24.8% over the same period in 2017. Cruise ship arrivals also registered an upward trend during the first quarter. There were 143 cruise ship calls and almost 400,000 cruise passengers arriving in Belize, representing an increase of 4.6% more visitors than 2017. The following is a breakdown of the most recent statistics. Ambergris Today Belize Tourism Arrivals Continue To Set Unprecedented Records The latest tourism statistics for the first quarter of 2018 indicate that Belize’s popularity as a must-visit destination in Central America continues to set unprecedented records. For the first time ever, there were over 55,000 overnight visitors during the month of March, representing an increase of 24.8% over the same period in 2017. Cruise ship arrivals also registered an upward trend during the first quarter. There were 143 cruise ship calls and almost 400,000 cruise passengers arriving in Belize, representing an increase of 4.6% more visitors than 2017. Belizean Artists Pen Cayetano Wins Lifetime Achievement Award The 2018 Garifuna Music Awards was held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Maestros Caterers in the Bronx, New York. At the prestigious Awards show, Belize’s very own Delvin “Pen” Cayetano received the Garifuna Music Lifetime Achievement Award. Garifuna Living Legend Pen Cayetano, is a painter, singer, songwriter, percussionist and guitarist. He is the leading cultural revivalist and ambassador for the Garinagu. He is a self-taught painter and musician and mostly inspired by his Garifuna heritage. His task is to conserve the culture and give a consciousness to the people and the youth. Pen is recognized as the creator of the Punta Rock, the first contemporary Garifuna Rhythm. Pen studied the traditional songs and started to write his own songs, learned to play the Garifuna drums, and discovered how to use different sizes of turtle shells as a percussion instrument and added the electric guitar. He quickened the traditional Punta rhythm, and coined the term "Punta Rock." Misc Belizean Sources Caye Caulker 2018 Tour Guide Training Part 1 - General Course $1,000. Part 2 - Professional Course $1,000. Course Cost: BZ $2,000. Trainees MUST take both courses to apply for Tour Guide License. For more info. Email: [email protected], or Buddy Magaña [email protected] BBQ Fundraiser for baby Aroldito! Date: Sunday, April 15th 2018, Time:12:00 pm. Place: #13 Santa Rita Road, Corozal Town (By Tortilleria La Nortena). PRICE:$8.00. Thank you for supporting our fundraiser for baby Aroldito! For orders: 627-2363 SBDC Workshop: COSTING & PRICING Presented by: Ms. Monique Usher, Business Adviser, SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: Cayo Welcome Center, Savannah Street, San Ignacio. Workshop Date: April 19, 2018. Time: 9am to 12 noon. The overall objective of this training is to equip our clients with knowledge, skills and capabilities to determine all costs related to the production of their goods or services and to consequently apply an adequate price that encompasses all the costs and allows them to make a profit while still being feasible for customers. Cost: $30.00, Include refreshments. U.S. Embassy Belmopan Voting Assistance Workshop Are you a U.S. Citizen in Belize who would like to vote in the 2018 U.S. mid-term elections from Belize? U.S. Embassy Belmopan is hosting a Voting Assistance Workshop on Wednesday, April 25 and you are invited! Ministry of National Security Hosts the BNTU for First National Consultation The Minister of National Security, Honorable John Saldivar, today began a series of national consultations on citizen security and crime prevention with the Trade Unions of Belize. This morning, the Minister met with the Council of Management of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) in a session that was held at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. Present for the meeting were the Chief Executive Officers in the Ministry of National Security, Ret. Col. George Lovell and Felix Enriquez; Commissioner of Police, Allen Whylie; Deputy Commissioners Chester Williams and Robert Mariano; Officer Commanding Southside Belize City, Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett, and other senior police officials. The Council of Management team was headed by President of the BNTU, Senator Elena Smith; First Vice President, Luke Palacio, and several other senior officers of the BNTU Council of Management. Export and Grow with the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme Increase the Export of your products or service with a Direct Assistance Grant Scheme from the Caribbean Export Development Agency. Caribbean Export provides financial assistance to SMEs through the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme (DAGS) which is funded by the European Union under the 11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme. Designed to support established business with strong potential to export their products and services. DAGS is your opportunity to receive the necessary funding to support your business growth and development. The flyer provides more information on who and how to apply or visit the website at www.carib-export.com Corozal Art in the Park This Saturday is April's edition of Art in the Park!! Live music by Chendy and Anika Perez. There will also be a 15 minute historical presentation by the Toone Masehualoon group on the occupation of Corozal Town by Marcus Canul which took place on April 16, 1870. We also want to thank our financial sponsors for April's edition: The National Institute of Culture and History through the Corozal House of Culture and Miss Deb's Food Truck. Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition Attention all young entrepreneurs. UNESCO's Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition is a new opportunity to develop innovative ideas and projects that can create a positive change in our communities and all over the world. If you've got a great idea that can change the world, now's the time to refine, and enter it. The deadline for entries is the 31st of July. There are plenty of videos and a lot of information on the website. Channel 7 KHMH Firings Cause Labour Discord and Demands The country's biggest hospital is in the middle of a structural crisis, but reports tonight say the KHMH could also be facing a labour crisis after the firing of two well known doctors, Alain Gonzalez, and Salvador Pagagua. Both doctors were escorted out of the hospital by security after their terminations. For Gonzalez - who is a former UDP city councillor - he got taken out by security twice, while, Pagagua was terminated, re-hired, and then fired again one day later. These terminations and others have forced the KHMH staff into emergency labour meetings - three of them held in a two day span. The most recent was held this afternoon at the Lion's Lester H. Young Building - this, reportedly, after hospital administration refused to let them meet in the hospital cafeteria. Immigration Busts Human Smuggling Operation Last night, the Immigration Department and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council made a bust of a human smuggling operation out west - in the San Ignacio area. According to reports, last night just before 9:00, Immigration officers pulled over a van near Clarissa Falls and found the Belizean driver and 15 Hondurans inside. There were 7 adults and 8 children. They had all entered illegally just a short time before through the Benque Viejo border - without being processed or stamped at that crossing. They were allegedly being smuggled to the northern border, and, from there, unto the USA. Cops Hush Hush About Breakout At Corozal Jail Police haven't said a word about it, but three prisoners escaped from the Corozal Police Formation's jailhouse just before 6:00 this morning. The prisoners include Marvin Pec, Johny Matus and Austin Sutherland who were all being held in a cell as they were scheduled to appear before the Court in separate matters today. But last night, instead of preparing what to tell the judge, the men instead spent the night sawing through the cell bars with some kind of blade or sharp object, making enough space to squeeze out, and then scaling the jailhouse fence to escape. More “Barbarians At The Gate” Than Ever At City Hall He called them Barbarians at the Gate - and today Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner may have gotten even more persons needing help lined up outside his office because of that. Wagner has taken to holding clinics on Wednesday which his predecessor Darrell Bradley avoided. More than that, he makes out checks to himself to distribute social assistance. When he announced that on our Friday newscast, seems that brought the crowds out today. Here's how he put it last week:... Bernard Wagner - Belize City Mayor: "At the same time we have all these challenges with our party Faithfull. The barbarians are at the gate and they are hungry. Our party has not won for 12-15 years right and so some of my people are impatient, but we have to be real and I want to reach out to them and tell them listen, give us an opportunity, give us the first 100 days.: Security Ministry and BNTU Meet To Discuss Crime 3 weeks ago, we showed you the comments of National Security Minister John Saldivar who said at the last House Meeting that he and his ministry would extend the hand of cooperation with any organization wishing to work together for a solution to crime. Well, he kept his word and held extended dialog with the Belize National Teachers Union today at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. You'll remember that the union's leadership ended up in his crosshairs when President Elena Smith announced publicly that there were members within BNTU who are not happy that he has been reappointed the minister responsible for police. He even posted a strongly worded Facebook post responding to her comments on national television. 13 Hostel Girls Charged For Wrecking Their Dorm Last week we told you about the situation at the Youth Hostel where a group of more than 10 girls went rogue and trashed the place. They locked up the relieving officer in one of the rooms and then ransacked and damaged all the items in one of the female dorms. In the end they destroyed over $12,000 in equipment. Well, 13 of them have been charged and are being arraigned in family court for it. Today at around 3:00, 7 of 13 young girls accused in causing damages to the Belize Youth Hostel were arraigned on a charge of damage to property. Prisoners Keeping Crime Down With Clean-Up Southside Commander Howell Gillett brought in prison labour today to clean up a crime ridden area that has seen three women murdered. The area between Tibruce and Aloe Vera Street saw the murders of Berandine Lauriano and Delcia Blanco, and Theresita Flowers just weeks apart. Now these streets are just a block apart - but there was enough space for killers to carry out a blood vendetta. Now, residents say all this killing was facilitated by the bushy overgrowth in the area - so the Commander brought in the prisoners to clean up the area:... Latest Lawbooks Donated The Commander had the attorney general with him - because he had just donated a new set of lawbooks. They're not cheap, but they are very valuable. And Peyrefitte says the squeaky wheel approach paid off for Gillett:... Mike Peyrefitte, Attorney General: "What happened is that Sr. Superintendent Gillett, he defines what he means by the squeaky wheels get the grease. When he was in Belmopan he was behind me aggressively for a set of law books and we provided him with the opportunity to get the most updated laws of Belize in printed form. So, you don't have to worry about internet connection and all of that. If you want to research what the current law is then you can simply go to those books and you can research the laws." Convicted Killer Japhet Went to CCJ For Justice And, from lawbooks to the court, 25 year-old Japhet Bennett is serving a life sentence after he was convicted in February 2013 of the murder of 37 year-old Ellis "Pepper Gacho" Meighan Sr. That happened on the night of September 9, 2009, Meighan was riding his bike , and just a stone's throw away from his house, when a gunman ambushed him and shot him to death. In February 2013, Bennett stood trial, and a jury convicted him based on the written statement that Meighan's brother-in-law gave to police back in 2009. He took the witness stand and recanted his statement in which he named Bennett as the shooter. He was treated as a hostile witness, but that written statement was enough to convince a jury that Bennett was guilty, even though he maintained his innocence. Putting All The Cadets On the Same Page Now that all law enforcement units, from the BDF to the Police to Coast Guard are back under one Ministry of National Security, an attempt is being made to harmonise their various youth cadet corps bodies. They have hundreds of cadets, and motivated officers from each security formation are leading the children in their own way. Today's event at the Coast Guard headquarters was to bring together all those coordinators to move forward as one. We found out more:... Tourism Figures Incredible - Not Necessarily In A Good Way The tourism numbers for the first quarter of the year are in - and let's just say, they are incredible - and not necessarily in a good way! The overnight figures are what jumped out at us. The BTB reports that in January and March, arrivals were up by 25% - which is a stunning figure, and, if accurate, it would mean that hotels had a very noticeable bump in occupancy. In February there was a 17% increase which is also very strong. This is compared to the first three months of last year, when there were only very modest increases. Surprise Wingle For Courts Customer Today a working man got the surprise of his life. Omar Chuc went to Courts in Belize City with his boss expecting to pick up some items for work, but when he got in - he found - to his great surprise - that he was the winner of a Band New Great Wall Wingle. Here's how the whole thing went down:... Grisel Carballo, Public Relations Officer - UNICOMER: "We have selected our winner. It is Mr. Omar Chuc from Belize City. We're going to surprise him as he doesn't know he won the Wingle. We got in contact with his employer, and they're bringing him here thinking that they're coming into the store just to purchase something. When they come in we're going to have this congratulations for him. We have all the Wingles here as well from Caribbean Motors. They have a wide selection of Wingles. What we did is that once he comes in and knows he's the winner, he has the choice of selecting which wingle he wants." Freak Storm Scares Crique Jute The residents of Crique Jute village in Toledo are still shaken after a freak storm hit yesterday afternoon around 3:30. The storm ripped off roofs and struck down trees. It lasted for about half and hour but for these residents who have never experienced anything like this before, it felt like forever. Here is more from the residents. Lawrence Bolon - Chairman, Crique Jute Village: "About 3:30 there was a freak storm here in Crique Jute Village including the hail falling down and the wind was about 30 to 40 miles per hour. As you will note, there are some tress that fell on the ground, big trees and it was a really strong wind and we didn't expect it." Where Is Rubio? A man is reported missing in Belize City. Last night Monique Estrada reported that she can't reach her brother, 38 year old Errol Rubio of an Antelope Street, Extension address. She believes her brother is missing. He is of Creole descent, about 5 feet 4 inches in height, with a low haircut. The last time Estrada had seen her brother was in the month of December 2017 and has not seen or heard from him since. The War Of Words Between Caleb And The Ministry The back and forth between activist Caleb Orozco and the Human Development Department continues tonight…this time, the latest salvo is in a letter from Orozco's lawyer. In it, Leslie Mendez clarifies that two letters were sent to the Department, one on the 4th of April 2018 and another on the 10th of April 2018 - regarding the complaint against the male human services officer. CEO Judith Alpuche says she has only received the April 10th letter. She says she has searched her email thoroughly and can't find it the April 4th letter. Channel 5 Views from the Ground on Upcoming Guatemala Referendum: Some Voters Confused, Others in Opposition Seven point five million Guatemalans are eligible to vote in this Sunday’s historic referendum to be held in Guatemala. On the last leg of the campaign, President Jimmy Morales has [...] P.G. Town Council Tells 10 Employees, “Your Services Will No Longer Be Needed” Firings have been reported at the Punta Gorda Town Council as well as at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. In the south, News Five has learned that ten persons have [...] K.H.M.H. Dismisses Some Employees – but They Want Bosses Gone Meanwhile, an employment crisis is unfolding at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, amid other serious issues that the national referral hospital is presently facing to do with the crumbling roof. [...] 7 “Bar Workers” Face Immigration Offenses The Immigration Department has recently been conducting raids on establishments believed to employ persons who are suspected victims of trafficking in persons. Over the weekend, seven women employed in four [...] Hail Storm Overruns Crique Jute, Toledo On Tuesday, a freak storm hit Crique Jute (hoo-te) Village in southern Belize around three-thirty in the afternoon. It was approximately thirty minutes of hail and what residents say were [...] Senior Citizen Thought to Have Killed Self in Maskall A senior citizen was found dead this morning inside his house in Saint Ann Village on the Maskall Road. Neighbours visited Augustine Smith’s house and found him with his face [...] Last Chance for Japheth Bennett, Convicted of Ellis Meighan’s Murder Twenty-four year old Japheth Bennett has been behind bars since 2009. In 2013, as a minor, he was convicted of the murder of Ellis “Pepper Gacho” Meighan, who was ambushed [...] Court Spares Ibrahim Smith Additional Time for Accidental Gunfire Death While he remains behind bars for other offenses, twenty-six-year-old Ibrahim Smith has been determined to have already served his time of thirty months or two and a half years’ imprisonment [...] Despite Charge, Victim Appears to Forgive Ladyville Attacker Stabbing victim Douglas Bowen of Ladyville has insisted he does not wish to press charges for an attack against him last Thursday. But police have nonetheless brought the accused, twenty-year-old [...] Cops Have All the Laws on the Books Equipping the Belize Police Department with current law books is equally as important as providing officers with handcuffs and service weapons. In fact, the fight against crime requires that all [...] Donation Will Lead to Proper Charges The set of books, says Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett, should aid officers in apprising themselves with the relevant laws in order to lay proper charges on suspected criminals. Sr. [...] Inmates Return to Old Capital to Clear Abandoned Lots Community policing is at the heart of the fight against crime in the south side of the city where a number of initiatives have sprung up through collaboration between the [...] B.N.T.U. Meets Ministry of National Security The Ministry of National Security hosted the first of its national consultation series on citizenry security and crime prevention. The Belize National Teachers Union was the first of the Trade [...] Coast Guard Recruits Young Seagoers Another initiative was launched today in the fight against the violence and crime affecting the high crime zones in the City. A youth cadet corps has been established as an [...] Pride of the Garinagu Unites Belize and Guatemala Earlier this week, a delegation of Garifuna presenters attended a two-day cultural exchange event in Guatemala City. The purpose was to highlight the historical coexistence of Garifuna communities in Belize [...] Omar Chuc Takes Home Brand New Wingle A Belize City resident originally from San Ignacio is the proud owner tonight of a brand new Great Wall Wingle pick-up truck courtesy of Courts Belize Limited and Wingle distributors [...] Red Cross Rallies Blood Donation Drive Blood is a gift everyone can accept, and most can freely give – fear of sharp needles aside. It’s also a very important aspect of work at our nation’s hospitals, [...] Princess Cinema Promotes The Rock’s “Rampage” The Princess Ramada wants you to take out the family this weekend to the cinema. A brand new movie called Rampage premieres on Friday night. Starring in the action adventure [...] LOVE FM Belize and Guatemala share Garifuna history As part of the event in Guatemala City, there was an academic session which consisted of presentations by experts of both countries. Presenters from Belize included the President of the Belize National Garifuna Council, Sandra Miranda and Garifuna Historian Roy Cayetano. The presentations reflected on the history of the Garinagu people, their culture, and traditions. Roy … Omar Chuc is the winner of a brand new truck from Courts Omar Chuc, an employee at Toucan Manufacture, is the winner of a brand new truck which was raffled by Courts. Chuc was elated over his brand new truck since he will now be able to chauffeur his family around. Chuc told Love News that the win came as a complete surprise to him. Omar Chuc … Police Command in Southside Belize City helps with overgrown lots The command of the Southside Police formation has been engaged in a number of community oriented programs as it works to curb the gun violence that has plagued that side of Belize City. Today, stepping out of its mandate, the Southside Commander managed to get help and have three overgrown lots in the area cleared … Mayor Wagner to introduce the City Fund Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner came under the political microscope and pressure after it was learned that he endorsed two cheques to himself. While saying it was an irregular practice, he said he did so in order to assist city residents through the Social Assistance Fund. Wagner said that it will no longer be a … Focusing on the cadets The Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) Program has yielded positive results across the country. The GREAT Program is a joint partnership between the Belize Police Department and the US Embassy in Belize which has greatly benefitted children from a wide cross-section in the country. Since the amalgamation of the Ministry of Home Affairs and … Attorney General donates to the Eastern Division South Formation The Attorney General’s Ministry today donated a set of books on the Laws of Belize to the Eastern Division South Police Formation. The books were handed over by the Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte and received by Senior Superintendent of Police Howell Gillett, Commander of Southside Belize City who had made the request. The commander says … Dr. Alain Gonzalez fired from the KHMH Former Belize City Councilor, Dr. Alain Gonzalez is out of a job tonight. He was fired from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he worked for more than ten years. Love News has learned that the Human Resource Manager at the KHMH handed Dr. Gonzalez his walking papers this past Saturday. Dr. Gonzalez had reported … UNICEF to partner with the community to reduce violence against children Violence is on the rise in our nation and several children have been caught in the crossfire of the gun violence. Today, Love News spoke with Luwani Cayetano, the Child Protection Officer at UNICEF, who shared about an initiative that they are embarking on in order to keep our children safe. Luwani Cayetano, Child Protection … Municipalities working for the best interest of children The view once held was that “children should be seen and not heard”, but of late that view has been abandoned since it was not in the best interest of the child. The Child Friendly Municipalities initiative was introduced in 2014 to ensure that children have a voice. In this regard, each municipality has a … Belizean recognized by Indiana University Belizean professional, Dr. Carolyn S. Gentle-Genitty was recognized during Women’s Month by Indiana University where she currently holds the position of Assistant Vice President for University Academic Affairs. Dr. Gentle-Genitty was one of eighteen women honored by the university’s Office for Women and the Division of Student Affairs during its 21st Annual Women’s History Month … UNICEF advocating for legal reform UNICEF has been working with local authorities to ensure that justice is not denied for juvenile offenders. Luwani Cayetano, the Child Protection Officer at UNICEF told us that UNICEF is pushing for legal reform for children. Luwani Cayetano, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF: “When it comes to juvenile justice UNICEF believes that regardless if children come in contact with the law they are still children and they have a right to be protected … A cultural infusion in Guatemala City In four days more than seven million registered Guatemalans will decide whether to take their country’s claim on Belize to the International Court of Justice. And while we wait for those results on Sunday, this past weekend Garinagu from both countries were in the center of Guatemala City to demonstrate that a culture of peace does exist between the two independent nations. Hipolito Novelo reports. … Police and Immigration crack down on illegal immigrants in Western Belize Joint operations between Immigration and Police personnel in the west on Tuesday led to the detention of seventy-five persons. The operations were focused in the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena and surrounding areas. According to police, 75 persons were detained but after they were interviewed by immigration personnel, only sixteen of them remained in police custody. Love News understands that in one of the operations … Man shot twice in abdomen on Tuesday afternoon A 21 year old is hospitalized after sustaining gunshot wounds late Tuesday afternoon in Belize City. Police report that Dean Nembhard, a resident of Belize City was walking in the area of Cet Site shortly after four o’clock when a male person fired several shots in his direction. Nambhard was hit twice in the right side of his abdomen and also sustained an abrasion to his left arm. He was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he is listed in stable condition. … BNTU and the Ministry of National Security collaborate to combat crime The Ministry of National Security has begun its series of consultations on strategies to fight crime. Today, Ministry personnel met with representatives of the Belize National Teachers Union. Minister of National Security, John Saldivar thanked the BNTU for its willingness to join forces with the Ministry of National Security to combat crime … PlusTV Truck Driver Robbed in Belmopan; robber arrested Police have arrested and charged one person in connection with a Friday evening robbery in Belmopan. When we left you on Friday, we reported that Police shot a man in the foot and transported him to the Western Regional Hospital for treatment. Reports at the time were that the man and another indivi... Police Shoots Corozal Man A young man was shot in the knee by Police after they responded to reports of Domestic Violence. Reports are that police responded to a report of a domestic dispute in San Andres Village in the Corozal District on Sunday afternoon. Police reportedly visited the residence where they were informed th... Shooting in San Pedro A San Pedro man is in stable condition at the KHMH after being shot several times . Police visited the San Pedro Polyclinic about 8 o’clock Sunday night where they saw 25 year old Armando Trapp suffering from several apparent gunshot wounds to his body. Police told us more at this morning’s press br... 22 Year Old Murdered in SanPedro In our Friday evening news cast, we told you of the murder of 22 year old Lee Roy HayLock that took place early Friday Morning in San Pedro. Haylock’s body was reportedly found face down with cut wounds to the throat in the Tres Cocos Area of the Island. Police have since detained one person Wilfre... Canadian National Raped A 30 year old Canadian National was raped in her apartment on Wednesday night. Reports are that the Canadian national fell asleep while socializing at her apartment with her boyfriend and others. She later awoke and found a male person having sexual intercourse with her against her will. Wilfredo Fe... 24 year old claims Police Brutality One young man is severely wounded and he alleges that it is as a result of spending last night in Punta Gorda Police Custody. 24 year old Leray Simons reported to Plus News that he was physically abused by Punta Gorda Police while in their custody. The badly bruised and battered Simons told us what ... Belize Drug Problem? Belize continues to get the lowest rating in its efforts to combat drugs even though it is getting support, training and financing from the US Government. In the newly released International Narcotics Control Strategy Report prepared by the Department of State for a Presidential report to Congress,... 8 days till Guatemalan referendum There are only eight more days until Guatemala’s national referendum on whether or not to take the Belize Guatemala territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice. The Guatemalan Government has intensified its campaign, encouraging Guatemalan residents to vote yes to going to the ICJ. As ... PUP calls out Elrington; Again And while Belize has not yet set a date for its referendum on the Belize Guatemala dispute, Belizean Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington finds himself being criticized once again. The People’s United Party (PUP) issued a press release today demanding that Foreign Minister Wilfred Elringto... Illegal Guatemalan Fishermen in Belizean water And speaking of Guatemalans, two Guatemalan fisher men were caught fishing in Belizean waters early Sunday morning. Reports are that a joint night patrol between the PHMR rangers and Coast Guards resulted in the arrest of the 2 Guatemalans north of PG. This is the second incident in the span of one... Chinese Store in Belmopan Robbed A Belmopan Chinese Business owner is the latest victim of robbery in the capital city. Details are still forthcoming, but Plus News was made to understand that a Chinese grocery store located on Cemetery road in Belmopan was robbed sometime around 4:30 pm yesterday. We also understand that the owner... Bus passenger charged with DRUG TRAFFICKING One man was caught trafficking drugs on a public bus on the Phillip Goldson Highway. According to police, they intercepted a public bus between miles 56 and 57 in the Orange Walk District. Police reports are that they conducted a search on 37 year old Tyrone Broaster which led to the discovery of a ... House Fire In Dangriga A Dangriga resident lost his house to fire over the weekend. Crescencio Ramos reported to police that he was at work around 10. a.m on Saturday morning when he was informed that his house situated on Nurse Thompson Street in Dangriga Town was on fire. He reported that upon making checks he observed ... Fire in Santa Cruz An early Monday morning fire in Santa Cruz Village destroyed a small wooden home. According to Police, Belizean Security Guard Edward Mendez reported that around 5pm on Sunday evening he left the house and headed to work ... New CWU president is Mose Hyde The Christian Workers Union has selected a new leader after almost 6 months without a President. Evan “Mose” Hyde walked away with 328 votes at Saturday’s AGM, the highest amount of votes garnered ... IOM and Galen sign agreement The United Nations Migration Agency (IOM) and Galen University signed a cooperation agreement to launch a new program that will play a key role in the development of the National Migration and Development Policy for Belize. The Agreement was signed on the 6th of April, and the program will be fully funded by the IOM. According to a release by the University ... Digicell Belize City Defenders beats Belmopan Bandits In week 11 of the 2018 Pepsi NEBL season, the Belmopan Bandits and the DigiCell Belize City Defenders played at the UB Gymnasium on Friday night. The Belmopan Bandits were fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, ... CEO Caucus Cancer Ride Successful “In it to End it”, was the theme for the third annual CEO Caucus Cancer Ride. The ride started at 6:30 am on Saturday Morning at Mile 25 on the George Price Highway, after the opening ceremony, and ended at the National Agriculture and Trade Show grounds before midday. The Annual Cancer ride is on its third year ... Breaking Belize News Woman shot near Majestic Alley in Belize City Tonight a woman was shot on her head while inside her yard in Belize City. BBN […] 13-year-old Benque teen missing Last night around 10:00, Ninfa Enriquez, 39, of Hills of Promise area, Benque Viejo Del […] Errol Rubio reported missing Last night, Monique Estrada reported that on February 2, she tried to get in contact […] Dean Nembhard shot in Belize City Yesterday evening around 4:15, police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) where cops saw […] Guatemala eyeing precious Belizean resources Guatemala is four days away from its national referendum, in which Guatemalans will vote on […] Attorneys take on Channel 5 on the court tonight! Basketball fans, get ready for some serious competition! It’s going down tonight! At 9:00 p.m. […] Undocumented Hondurans immigrants busted last night According to reports, last night police detained 21 undocumented Hondurans in Lords Bank village. The […] Residents of San Benito Poite building their own bridge The villagers of San Benito Poite in Toledo have began casting foundation for a new […] GOB makes clarification on comments from Foreign Affairs minister Elrington The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a release yesterday clarifying Foreign Minister, Wilfred Elrington’s comments […] BBN Person of the Week: Ashanti Garcia In May 2011 at the age of 21, Ashanti Garcia graduated at the very top […] Farmers of the Year 2018 The Ministry of Agriculture and the National Agriculture and Trade Show Committee informs the public […] International Sources House Hunting in … Belize This elevated two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath wood house wraps around a 100-year-old bullet tree. Built in 2012, it is on a 1.9-acre lot about six miles from the town of San Ignacio, which is best known among tourists for its jungle eco-lodges and Mayan ruins. The 2,000-square-foot house is designed with three multi-sided rooms with wood-beam cathedral ceilings, connected by two rectangular rooms. The exterior is palmetto wood; doors and windows in the house are mahogany and the floors are a mix of hardwoods. Commonwealth Games: No positive doping tests at Gold Coast An "intelligence-led" doping probe prevented three Australians and an undisclosed number of other athletes from competing at the Commonwealth Games but no positive tests have been recorded on the Gold Coast to date, organisers said on Thursday. Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) chief David Sharpe said a preventative task force funded to the tune of millions of dollars by the Australian government had conducted tests on 2,600 local athletes and 500 from overseas. Sharpe said he was not able to name the three Australian athletes caught cheating by the task force and said the number of athletes from other countries was "less than 20". Videos Good Morning San Pedro, April 11, ReefTV, 57min. The Deputy Prime Minister of Belize Hon. Patrick Faber participating in a panel of Vice Presidents of SICA to discuss social innovation and intersectoral coordination, min. Guat President Jimmy Morales Walks of Talk Show Set After He is Grilled About Issues, 1.5min. 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 the Peten area and on Monday night, he appeared on TV Azteca in a programme called Hechos with Ana Lucia Masariegos. The president was grilled about a number of issues. He spoke about the invitation he extended to PM Barrow to attend his inauguration and said there was a good relationship between them and while he doesn’t speak to his counterparts every day, the relationship is there. But the interview, about twenty minutes in length, did not go as smoothly for the president who appeared irritated at the line of questioning. When pressed on how his government was prepared to do if Belize did not hold a referendum, he became annoyed; he interrupted the interview, delivered a parting shot and then walked off the set. Masani Live Art Show Belize, 19min. The Masani.Live Art Exhibit opened this past weekend at the Wildfire Artzmosphere, and they made a fun video through the night. The exhibit has some interesting works of art. Belize 2018, 3min. Good labels on what you see scuba diving. , 2.5min. Swimming with sharks in Shark Ray Alley , Ambergris Caye Belize. This video combines video taking above the surface by my wife showing the sharks and then me swimming into them, combined with underwater video of what I am seeing and filming. It was an awesome experience!! Belize Aggressor, 2015, 19min. Belize Zip Line Adventure Excursion, 5.5min. One of our stops on the Norwegian Getaway was Belize. We decided to do a zip line adventure in the jungle. These were some of the best zip lines I have ever done. They were very high off the ground and many of the runs or zips were very long. Some zip lines even lasted about 30 seconds or so. Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Belize, 3min. The start of a day riding through the San Jose Succotz/ San Ignacio area of Cayo District Belize and a visit to the Mayan ruins Xunantunich with William my local guide. Cave Tubing in Belize, 3min. We went cave tubing in Belize! Was a ton of fun! Our tour guide was named Fryjack! He was very knowledgeable of the whole place! Belize Maya Ruin Adventure, 5min. Join us along our adventure to the Belize Maya Ruins. This particular Maya Ruin, Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock), is located on the far Western part of Belize almost at the Border of Belize and Guatemala. Nurses from the USA are in Belize working with the nurses at KHMH, 1min. Great to see continued partnership between the United States and Belize in the health sector! Demystifying U.S. visas, min. Consular Officer Rob Keane is live on Open Your Eyes demystifying U.S. visas Morning Matters with Anne Cuvas, 65min. US Embassy to Belize facilitated - application for a travel visa, 43min. on Open Your Eyes The team from DigiCell Belize came through to tell us about their April 2018 promotions, 22min. on Open Your Eyes Saint J's Mahogany Sunglasses, 20min. on Open Your Eyes Bélize Scuba diving, 4min. You Better Belize It, 11min. House Hunters International (April/11/2018) Going Big in Belize, 22min. CAVE TUBING IN BELIZE 2018, 6min. jaguar paw excursion in Belize. We hiked through the rain forest and crossed a fresh water river into an ancient cave where we began tubing until we came out the other side. It was an amazing experience. Diving Belize, 4min. Diving in Belize, depth 60ft-80ft. Sports Talk Show , 2hr. , min. Did you know? Cohune oil is a staple in Belizean dishes. This flavorful oil is produced at Flowers Bank at its cohune oil factory. Check out this short video on the cohune oil - making process at the factory!