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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
San Pedro Chapter of Justices of the Peace hosts second 2018 meeting
The San Pedro Chapter of the Justices of the Peace held their second meeting of the year at the Lions Den on Wednesday, April 11th. The event saw the attendance of many Justices of the Peace (JP) from the island, who spoke about the importance of their role in society, while discussing how they can make the chapter better.
At 7PM, chapter president Pastor Clive Welsh, welcomed and thanked everyone for their attendance. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem and short invocation by senior JP Walter Zepeda. The meeting began with the first topic being a discussion on the new location for their monthly meetings, as they can no longer use the National Emergency Management Operations conference room. After suggestions and discussion of options, it was decided that one of the classrooms at the San Pedro High School (SPHS) would work.
Belize and Ambergris Caye represented at 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia
Since April 4th, a delegation of Belizean athletes joined in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, also known as Gold Coast 2018, which took place in Australia. A total of 15 Belizean athletes and three coaches arrived in Australia on Sunday, April 1st to compete in athletics, cycling, table tennis, and triathlon, with Ambergris Caye being represented by triathlon athlete Brandon Santos and triathlon coach Kent ‘Bob’ Gabourel. Santos competed on Thursday, April 5th in the men’s triathlon event ranking 36th out of 37 entries.
Santos who intensively prepared for the event, stated that the race was tough. “I got on the bike and rode for the 20 kilometres, which I did in about 36 minutes,” he said. “It was a solo run mostly so it was good. The next step of the competition was a run and Santos said after the long bike ride, it was very challenging. My legs did not come through until the second lap and finished the run in about 23 minutes.” Coach Gabourel added that the race was fast and intense but that he is proud of Santos’ performance.
Her Majesty The Queen recognises Belizean volunteer with Commonwealth Points of Light award
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on 12th April, recognised Elsia Pop, of Belize as the 51st Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional voluntary service preserving Mayan cultural heritage.
In the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London on 19-20 April, Her Majesty The Queen – as Head of the Commonwealth – is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond.
San Pedro Tiger Sharks are heading to 2018 NEBL semi-finals
At the end of the tenth week of basketball action in the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) Tournament, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks have secured their ticket to this year’s playoffs. The island team is hoping to capture the championship, preparing to bring a challenge the other NEBL top teams. In this season, the Tiger Sharks will be facing the Dangriga Dream Ballers in the semi-finals. The other teams making it to the playoffs are Smart Hurricanes Belize and Digicell Belize City Defenders. On Saturday, April 14th, the first semi-final game features the Dangriga Dream Ballers taking on the San Pedro Tiger Sharks in San Pedro Town
All games can be followed live on NEBL’s website at nebl.sportingpulse.net, with real-time box scores, while the game is being played. The website also has all game scores, box scores, players and teams’ statistics, along with standings for the season.
Ambergris Today
Pic of the Week: Insert Self Here!
Insert Self Here! - Picture yourself here relaxing on the beach while enjoying a delicious Pina Colada, cool Caribbean Breeze blowing through your hair...Now that's enjoying Life at its best! Life's always a beach on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
Belize Launches IWF Reporting Solution For Child Sexual Abuse Imagery Online
Today 13 April 2018, Belize will make history by becoming the most recent member to join the Internet Watch Foundation’s (IWF) growing global Portals network, by adopting a technical reporting solution for online child sexual abuse imagery. The new system for Belize means that the public will be able to report suspected illegal content anonymously to one of the world’s leading hotlines, the IWF.
The reporting website, known as a Reporting Portal, supports the country’s determination to tackle child sexual abuse imagery online. It is announced as other measures are being taken in Belize to protect children online and offline. Amongst them are the Jasmine Alert, an emergency warning system for children kidnappings, used by several stakeholders to rapidly inform the public domain of the disappearance of a minor.
Misc Belizean Sources
Power outage scheduled for entire San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and Bomba Village from 6:00am to 7:30am on Sunday, April 15
BEL to complete urgent repairs of jumpers for submarine riser structure on the transmission system.
Leveraging Intellectual Property Tools for Competitiveness workshop
ExportBelize, unit of BELTRAIDE, in collaboration with Belize Intellectual Property Office(BELIPO), University of Belize, Citrus Research and Education Institute and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - SAVE THE DATE - Leveraging Intellectual Property Tools for Competitiveness workshop to be held on May 7th - 9th in Belize City.Venue to be determined.
Municipal Airports Works
The Belize Airports Authority wishes to take this opportunity to update the general public that works on the Caye Caulker Municipal Airstrip project are well underway with the rehabilitation and widening of the runway. The works include the installation of a new runway lighting system that will allow for night-time landing capabilities.
The works are expected to be completed in mid-June when the facility will be reopened to air traffic.
A delegation led by Foreign Minister Hon. Wilfred Elrington is currently in Lima, Peru representing Belize at the 8th Summits of the Americas
The delegation also includes UNCAC Focal Point, Attorney General Hon. Michael Peyrefitte and Belize’s Ambassador to the United States and OAS H.E. Daniel Guiterrez. The Summits, held every three years, offers the opportunity for the leaders to jointly define a hemispheric agenda at the highest level that addresses urgent challenges and promotes positive change. The Heads of State and Government of the Americas will address the central theme of the Summit, “Democratic Governance against Corruption.” This afternoon, representatives from CARICOM met with Prime Minister of Canada Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau to discuss trade and the situation with Venezuela.
Ministry of National Security Continues the Dialogue on Citizens’ Security
The Ministry of National Security, in its continued efforts to meet with stakeholders to discuss citizens’ security and crime prevention, is today hosting its second round of consultations with the Belize Council of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB). The sessions started this morning with the Belize Council of Churches, followed by a meeting with the BCCI; the Minister is scheduled to meet with the NTUCB this afternoon.
All sessions are being hosted at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan.
Ocean Academy students at the National Track and Field Competitions
Ocean Academy students are doing great today at the National Track and Field Competitions in Corozal. Perla (left) is the Gold Medalist for long jump, and Silver Medalist for 100m. Wow! Adaly is the Bronze Medalist in long jump. We are so proud of your athletic excellence and effort.
La Idea Incubator Program
If you are an entrepreneur and you are developing innovative solutions in the food and farm industries, the U.S. Department of State and its partners encourage you to apply for the Small Business Network of the Americas (SBNA) La Idea Incubator Program. This includes small businesses that produce food and beverage products or provide agricultural/agriscience products or services. NOTE: Alcoholic beverages are not eligible.
Selected participants will receive a $2,500 USD stipend to cover travel to the United States to participate in a bootcamp as part of the La Idea Incubator Program.
Events Happening in Corozal this weekend
Special Olympics Fun Run - Saturday, April 14th - 6:00 a.m. at Central Park.
ArT IN ThE ParK - Saturday, April 14th - 6:00 p.m. Central Park.
Corozal Bay Sailing Club Regatta - Saturday, April 14th - 11:00 a.m. Miami Beach, Jam Rock.
Corozal Bay Sailing Club Regatta - Sunday, April 15th - 9:00 a.m. Miami Beach , Jam Rock.
Musical Comedy Show by Juan de Dios "EL CASANOVA" - Saturday, April 14th - 10:00 p.m. Princess Casino Free Zone Corozal.
Cultural event at the University of Belize
"To'one Masewaloon participated at a Cultural event yesterday, April 12th, 2018 at the University of Belize's Jaguar Auditorium at the Garden City, Belmopan. A very exciting evening of culture and art took place with the paricipation of students from various ethnic groups. Students from Panama and Taiwan, also participated."
Belize City Power Outage Sunday
Power outage 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 15 to affect North Front Street, Douglas Jones Street, Cleghorn Street, Slaughterhouse Road, New Road, Pickstock Street, Hydes Lane and Queen Street. BEL to relocate high voltage power lines corner North Front Street and Douglas Jones Street and install hardware on utility pole on Queen Street.
2018 Book Week
This coming week is Book Week, and the BBIA is having events at the Cayo Welcome Center on Friday and Saturday. There will be tons of books to peruse, and entertainment.
Water pressure in San Pedro
Belize Water Services informs customers in San Pedro that they are experiencing lower than normal pressure in the water supply for the remainder of today, Saturday, April 14, 2018. The entire San Pedro Water Distribution System is affected.
This low pressure is the result of ongoing works at the Pumping Station. Customers may experience discoloration when water is restored.
148th anniversary of Maya Icaiche General Marcos Canul's military occupation of Corozal Town
April 16th marks the 148th anniversary of Maya Icaiche General Marcos Canul's military occupation of Corozal Town. We invite you all this Saturday 14 to come and celebrate the deeds of our Maya hero Marcos Canul and his warriors by the Corozal Town's Central Park around 7:00 Pm and come learn more about this historical event with a little lecture . We invite you to come out with your traditional Maya(Hupil) and join the Yucatec Maya community of the northern Belize .
Channel 7
Double Murder On a Small Island
Belize City police have an island murder mystery to solve - a double murder at that. Last night, two men were executed on Caye Largo - commonly referred to as Long Caye - about 4 miles South of Caye Caulker. The victims are Mark Seawell and Gabriel Escalante. Now, we note it's not the notorious Mark Seawell who escaped extradition for drug charges a year ago - this Mark Sewell was an older relative of his. Codie Noralez and I took a boat to Caye Largo to find more answers.
Courtney Weatherburne reporting:
It's not an island getaway, but the fishing camp on Caye Largo is certainly a welcomed break from the city life.
Just chilling in the afternoon breeze with a couple of friendly companions.
And on Thursday night, watchman Mark Seawell, main diver Gabriel Escalante along with another man, were making the most of the cool seaside gusts - that's until the guest shot and killed Seawell and Escalante.
Family Expected Murder Victim Home Today
Both men are residents of Ladyville, and today, we went there to try to speak with their families..
All the members of the Seawell Family who we got in touch with declined to give any comments, but the Escalante family was a bit more forthcoming.
We spoke with Gabriel Escalante's mother-in-law, and she told us that the last conversation that he had with her daughter was that his trip to "Caye Largo" was coming to an end, and that he would be back home by today.
But, instead, her family woke up this morning to the terrible news that he had been murdered before he could leave the island:
Drug Plane Lands in Belize District, Police See it Take Off From Afar
And while their double murder has the appearances of being related to the drug trade - last night in the Belize District a suspected drug plane made a landing. It happened somewhere in the broad area between mile 10 on the George Price Highway and the Coastal Road - perhaps all the way up to LA Democracia.
Hattieville residents heard the plane flying low and circling. They alerted police. Commander of Operations Deputy Commissioner Chester Williams told us that multiple units responded and forged out into the bushes. He said they saw a large plane descending - and then about 20 minutes later around 9:00, it took off again.
George Street Ruction and Aftermath
On last night's news we told you about the ruction on George Street when a vehicle with GSU officers inside was pelted with stones by George Street residents. The GSU came back and let off with multiple cartridges from a gun that fires rubber pellets. Three senior George Street figures were injured when that happened and police had to be deployed immediately to quell any unrest in a neighborhood that has a history violent flare ups with police. Here's what our cameras saw:...
Jules Vasquez reporting:
Last night, police officers from the Mobile Interdiction Team stood - assault rifles on the ready - at the corner of George and Basra Street.
They were on very high alert because right at this corner about 20 minutes earlier - there had been a showdown between residents and GSU officers in a civilian vehicle - which ended in the GSU firing non-lethal rounds at residents.
17 Million Dollar Runway Gets Remedial Repairs 16 Months After Opening
The Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport was inaugurated in November of 2016. It's a 17 million dollar aerodrome, and the centerpiece is an expanded runway: 2,900 feet long and 60 feet wide. But, for almost a year now, we've been hearing rumours that it's sinking at the north end - and that is now confirmed. That runway will be closed for repairs this weekend - but air traffic will be un-interrupted. Flights will come and go as normal using the taxi-way, which they used while the new runway was under construction. So there's no inconvenience or threat to safety - but there are questions about how a runway that's hardly a year old already be having multiple structure issues. The General Manager had answers today:
Nick Ruiz. GM - BAA:
"No the airport is not falling apart. What's happening is that we are under the defects liability period that is a part of the contract. It is an element that is in all the contracts. Before we signed off on the contracts, we have our engineers Anthony Thurton and Associates Ltd, one of the most reputable firms in Belize. They go out and inspect the works that have been done under the contract of Mr. Imer Hernandez and his company..."
Choice Bank About To Tank?
Choice Bank - it's an offshore bank on Marine Parade. Offshore means it's not like a regular commercial bank - where you go and cash a cheque; it offers financial services to international clients. But, this week it informed customers that it's in a liquidity crisis. An email to customers says, quote, "Due to recent developments involving the prepaid card component of our international banking business, Choice Bank Ltd. ("the Bank") has been forced into a temporary liquidity constrained position...the Bank has taken the decision in its view as a matter of necessity, with immediate effect, to temporarily suspend all withdrawals from deposit accounts with the Bank and other outbound payment activities…until the Bank and/or its relevant regulatory authorities are satisfied that such suspension is no longer required." End quote.
Bail For Alleged Drug Traffickers
Last week, we told you how police caught 4 people in 2 vehicles coming across the northern border with a large quantity of marijuana and live rounds of ammunition. Well, after just over a week in police detention, they're out on bail tonight.
Kenyon Lewis, Phylmore King, Blancaneux, Maudel, and her sister, Michelle Benguche, applied for Supreme Court bail before Justice Marilyn Williams. After hearing from their attorney, Arthur Saldivar, and from Crown Counsel Sheneiza Smith, Justice Williams released them on bail of $25,000.
National Security Continues Crime Consultations
Earlier this week we told you about the meeting between a couple church groups and Deputy Commissioner of Police Chester Williams. They have committed to work on a crime-fighting plan. Well, today senior personnel from the Ministry of National Security met with the Belize Council of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize to contribute their ideas to the overall crime prevention plan. The sessions started this morning at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. As we told you, The Ministry of National Security also met with the BNTU on Wednesday.
Flagging Fortunes Of Citrus and Shrimp, Is Hope On The Horizon?
As we showed you earlier this week - the numbers form the tourism sector for the first quarter are so strong that they seem almost unbelievable. But, Belize's economy continues to see only very limited growth because foreign exchange earners like citrus and aquaculture continue to perform well below historic levels.
Yesterday we asked the Minister of Agriculture about the prospects for shrimp farming to return to the strong earnings it was making about 5 year ago:...
Hon. Godwin Hulse - Minister of Agriculture:
"Our aquaculture is going through difficult times. If you take a visit down there and you will see that they are doing various serious moves with respect to the technology. Alvin has his own technology which is smaller ponds, bottom drain, you have things like some other farms of using rice brand in a certain process, some other forms like Mike Dunker has some tubes at the bottom where it is recirculating. All sorts of things are done to try to get on top of this. The bottom line is everybody sees some progress so far. It's not as magnificent as they would want..."
A .38 In A Plate
Police have taken another gun off the street. An hour ago, acting on information received, the GSU and Anti-Gang Task Force personnel searched an empty lot on New Road and found of a Colt brand .38 revolver stuffed neatly inside a styrofoam container.
It's unrelated, but that's the same kind of gun that was used last night in a robbery in Cayo. Yan Ru Shao was at her store A & 8 store in the Bradley's Bank area when three men stormed in with rags over their faces. One of them brandished a .38 revolver, held her up and stole about $1,200 in cash and (3) cell phones.
Mexican Casting Call In Belize
For most of today, aspiring Belizean actors were lining up at the Mexican Institute in Belize City for an audition to be part of a film called "Tragic Jungle".
It's going to be directed by the Mexican film maker Yulene Olaizola. The basic idea for the film is that there are 2 beautiful Belizean women who cross the Rio Hondo, which is the frontier between Belize an Mexico. They take refuge in the jungles in Mexico, but their pursuer eventually finds them. One of the sisters survives and escapes, only to be found be a group of Mexican "chicleros" or gum makers.
As the story progresses, that last remaining sister lures the Mexicans to their death one by one.
It's an interesting idea for a film, and today, we got a chance to meet the director, who spent the entire day trying to find Belizeans suitable to be actors in the film.
AG Mike P In Peru For Summit
The 8th Summit of the America's: it's being held in Peru and Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington, Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte along with Belize's Ambassador to the US and OAS Daniel Guiterrez, are there to represent Belize. Here we see AG Peyrefitte taking a photo-op with Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.
The Summit is held every 3 years and this year raws together the leaders of North, Central and South America.
The summit's theme is "Democratic Governance against Corruption". It ends tomorrow.
Community Policing, Yankee Style
From meet and greet sessions every Wednesday to youth camps and outreach programs - it's fair to say the police are pushing hard with community policing, but it doesn't hurt to get a few more tips on how to make this approach more effective. Yesterday Southside Commander Howell Gillett and his team got some fresh perspectives on how community policing is done in the US. Here's more from yesterday's US Embassy's presentation at the Queen Street police recreational hall.
Channel 5
Double Murder on Small Island; Robbery Suspected
A double murder took place early this morning at Caye Lagos which is located about four miles south of Caye Caulker. The small caye is occupied primarily by fisher folks [...]
Ladyville Shocked by Deaths of Well-Known Citizens
The shocking double murder of Mark Sewell and Gabriel Escalante has devastated two families but the close knit Ladyville Community is also in mourning. The two men were described as [...]
1 Held for Sudden Death of Marcia Downs
There are more details tonight on the murder of former Great Belize Productions Channel Five employee, Marcia Downs. She will be laid to rest this Saturday following funeral services at [...]
Slight Reduction for Diesel and Uptick for Regular Gas this Weekend
Tonight we can report some relief in the price of diesel fuel for the coming weekend. As of Saturday morning, prices for diesel in Belize City go down to ten [...]
G.S.U. Versus G.S.G. Showdown Leaves Many Injured
It spread like wildfire on Thursday night during news time that officers attached to the Gang Suppression Unit had opened fire on George Street residents. While it has since been [...]
Next Stage of Fight Will Be in the Courts
While it is reported that the GSU team was in the area to pick up a fellow officer, Tillett alleges that it was a clear act of police brutality as [...]
Airport Authority Updates on Municipal and Caye Caulker repairs
The Belize Airports Authority confirms that works will be carried out on the runway of the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport this weekend. The scheduled remedial works, however, for the [...]
Businesswoman Hit by Robbers in Santa Elena
There was an armed robbery in Santa Elena, Cayo, during news time on Thursday. A forty-year-old Chinese businesswoman, Yan Ru Shao of a Bradley’s Bank address, Santa Elena Town, says [...]
S.S.B. Claims Backing for Increase in Contributions and Benefits
Last year, the Social Security Board put forth a proposal for a contributions reform. The idea is to increase the contributions of employees and employers and at the same time [...]
Weather Extremes: Hot Saturday Turns to Wet, Storm Sunday
The dry season is upon us and along with it come erratic weather patterns. On Tuesday, there was a freak storm down south in the Crique Jute Village. Officials say [...]
Can Belize Count on Yes Vote in Guatemala?
On Sunday, Guatemalans head to the polls to cast their vote in a referendum. It is part one of a process that could lead both Guatemala and Belize to settle [...]
Belize Diplomats Know What They’re Doing
On the Belize side, questions have been raised about how the message about the validity of Guatemala’s claim is getting out. There appears to be a disconnect between the politicians [...]
Behind Gaudy B.T.B. Tourism Arrival Stats
If the Belize Tourism Board’s statistics are to be believed, then Belize is a more popular place to visit than ever. Just this past March alone, more than fifty-five thousand [...]
All of Belize Getting Share of Tourism Pie
While we know where they are coming from, where are the tourists going? Popular destinations like Placencia, San Pedro and Caye Caulker, and the San Ignacio-Benque Viejo area remain cream [...]
B.T.B. Looks for More Promotion Opportunities
So what are the Board’s plans to keep the bumper figures up as tourism enters the so-called “slow season?” Stephen says the B.T.B. has been leaning on its international partners [...]
Calling All Actors to be Cast in Mexican Film
Would you like to be in the movies? If you’re a Belizean between the ages of eighteen and thirty, you can come out to the Mexican Institute this weekend to [...]
Ladies in Action on the Football Field
The Football Federation of Belize kicks off the second National Amateur Women’s Football League tournament this weekend. Eight teams from north to south are participating, in the hunt for Belize’s [...]
LOVE FM
San Benito Poite residents build their own bridge
Residents of San Benito Poite have taken on a project that will see a second bridge built to provide access to and from the village. Love News understands that for many years the community residents have had to face several challenges commuting to and from their homes because a section of the road leading to …
The Four busted at the Northern Border met bail of $25,000 each
Two men and two women who were remanded into custody after they were charged with drug and ammunition offences, were released on bails of twenty-five thousand dollars each that was offered to them today by Justice Marilyn Williams. They are Kenyon Lewis, Phylmore King, Blancaneux Maudel and her sister, Michelle Benguche. They were charged with …
Caye Caulker Airstrip to be completed by June
The Caye Caulker airstrip has been in disrepair for some time now. As a result, the airstrip has been closed until the repairs can be completed. The Belize Airports Authority has announced that works on the Caye Caulker Municipal Airstrip are in progress which includes the rehabilitation and widening of the runway. There will also …
Robbers use toy gun in heist
Robbers successfully pull off a heist using a toy gun in Orange Walk Town. According to police, 28-year-old Mohamed Zium Hoque Chowdhury reported that shortly after nine o’clock on Thursday morning, he was at his shop “Otro Beque Store” located on Otro Benque Road when two men entered. One of the men took out a …
Vehicle fire appears to be arson
Police are investigating what appears to be the intentional burning of two vehicles. Police report that on Thursday morning, shortly after one o’clock officers responded to a vehicle fire on Samuel Haynes Street in the Belama Phase 1 area. There they found a Chevrolet van totaled by fire and a Dodge Caravan partially burned to …
Gas prices to increase again
As we go into the weekend, motorists will once again see an increase in gas prices which will come into effect at midnight. Premium will not be affected by the increase and so motorists will still pay eleven dollars and thirty-nine cents a gallon, kerosene remains at seven dollars and thirty-seven cents. However, regular gasoline …
Amandala
UDP bloodletting at PG Town Council
The newly elected United Democratic Party (UDP) Town Council in Punta Gorda Town says that they have embarked on a cost-saving measure, and that in fact, they are terminating the services of some of their employees.
Since assuming office from the previous UDP council, Punta Gorda mayor, Ashton McKenzie, has terminated 10 employees, citing “turbulent financial times.”
Employees who were terminated were served with a letter which began by saying, “Greetings from the Punta Gorda Town Council. We hope that this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.”
KHMH administration fires 2 doctors, but refuses to say why
Apart from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH)’s structural problem with its roof, which has placed limitations on the functions of the hospital, Belize’s primary health care facility is now embroiled in a controversy over the termination of two doctors, which no one in authority at the hospital wants to talk about.
In a press release issued late yesterday by the KHMH Ad Hoc Committee, the terminations have been described as “distasteful and very troubling.”
The two doctors who were terminated, Dr. Alain Gonzalez and Dr. Salvador Pagagua, are well known to the community. Gonzalez, a former United Democratic Party Belize City Councilor received his walking papers early on the morning of Saturday, April 7, and Pagagua was terminated and then rehired, only to be terminated again one day later, yesterday.
UDP “character assassination” agents begin targeting Mayor Wagner
After being on the job for a little over one month since he and his team triumphed at the polls, Belize City mayor, Bernard Wagner, is settling in, notwithstanding pockets of indifference from some employees at City Hall, the majority of whom have been there during the 9 years the Belize City Council was under the rule of the United Democratic Party.
At a media briefing today, Mayor Wagner, who is weathering the first storm of his leadership at the largest municipal body in the country, explained how it was that he came to sign two checks that were designated to be used to assist needy city residents, under the Council’s social assistance program. The checks totaled $500, and were made out in the Mayor’s name.
Marcia Downs, 37, mother of two, gunned down
Marcia Downs, 37, a mother of two children, 5 and 8, who was an employee at Channel 5 Belize on Coney Drive, was shot in the middle of the forehead by a gunman who fired twice at her at about 8:30 last night.
Downs, who lived in an alley off Handyside Street, behind Fenders Bar in Belize City, had just come down from her house.
At the weekly police press brief held this morning at the Raccoon Street Police Station, Inspector Wilfred Ferufino, Deputy Commander of Crimes Investigation, said that sometime after 8:00 p.m...
3 prisoners escape from Corozal Police Station
A breakout occurred at the Corozal Police Station’s detention center, and two men who were detained and a prisoner serving a sentence are now on the run. The three men are Marvin Pec, 20; Johnny Matus, 28; and Austin Sutherland, Jr., 29, all of Corozal.
The men escaped sometime between 4:00 and 6:00 this morning by sawing three iron bars of the holding cell, through which they exited the cell and scaled the fence securing the compound, and made their bid for freedom.
75 illegal immigrants reeled in during operation in the west
Police, along with the Immigration Department, conducted an anti-trafficking-in-persons operation in San Ignacio yesterday, during which bars and places of entertainment were raided and workers detained.
In the end, 75 persons were “reeled in”, but after they were interviewed, 16 were released and the remaining 59 were detained and will be dealt with by the Immigration Department, police said. They will be charged with illegal entry into Belize and deported back to their country after arraignment in court, where orders will be issued for their deportation.
FFB presents National Women’s Football League and Strategic Plan for Women’s Football in Belize
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB), in collaboration with the National Sports Council, hosted a press conference at the Marion Jones Sports Complex this afternoon where they announced the launching of the second edition of the National Women’s Football League, along with the FFB’s Strategic Plan for the development of Women’s Football in Belize. The National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL), which commences on Saturday, April 14, comprises of eight teams from across the country, and at the end of the press conference, FFB President Sergio Chuc presented each team representative with complete jersey kits, match balls, and first aid kits.
Stann Creek F.A. Week 7 results, standings
The Stann Creek Football Association (SCFA) Cup 2018 tournament had Week 7 games on Friday, April 6, and Sunday, April 8, at the Carl Ramos Stadium.
In the opener on Friday night, B&B Beverages dropped Silk Grass SG Ballers, 2-0, with goals from Donell Arzu (4’) and Carl Sarvia (55’). And in the nightcap, it was Pomona Warriors, 2-1, over Hopkins Ibayani. Kenyon Roches (42’) and Jevon Aranda (84’) shook the net for Pomona, while Elton Gordon (33’) tallied for Hopkins.
Cricket update from the BNCA
Greetings once again from the BNCA!
For this week’s cricket update edition, the BNCA (Belize National Cricket Association) would like to feature three amazing players who outdid themselves in matches played on Saturday, April 7, in the Sir Barry Bowen Harrison Parks Cricket Competition 2018.
The first is Mr. Jermaine Pook from Police Cricket Team. This player batted outstandingly in the match between Police Team and Summer Fever in Bermudian Landing on Saturday. He was able to put up a total of 103 runs in the first half of the match!!
Belmopan City Council Kids, Youth and Female Mundialito Cup 2018 results
The Belmopan Football Association’s (BFA) Belmopan City Council Kids, Youth and Female Mundialito Cup 2018 continued with games over the weekend at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium.
Saturday, April 7
(U-13) Mexico (Police Cadet) bombed Colombia (Salvapan_), 6-nil, with goals from Omari Anthony (5’), Herson Fuentes (9’), Kevaughn Gabriel (14’), Kadir Gabriel (18’), Deron Guzman (22’) and Alrick Vasquez (45’).
(U-13) Italy (Cotton Tree) edged Brazil (Rising Star), 1-0, with a goal from Allan Jones (31’).
KREM Radio and ICJ public education
Within a month, on March 7 and April 7, 2018, two public events occurred recently which indicated that the media landscape in Belize City is not what it appears to be at first glance. On Wednesday, March 7, the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) won a stunning, upset municipal election victory in the said Belize City, which has been the political stronghold of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) for many, many years. Then on Saturday, April 7, members of the powerful Christian Workers Union (CWU), which is more than five and a half decades old, chose Evan “Mose” Hyde as their new President in a three-way race. Hyde, a regular personality on KREM Radio since the station’s first week of existence in November of 1989, won by a very large margin.
Democratic maturity
Dear Editor:
While most Belizeans may be under the impression that we really understand the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), most fail to fully grasp that the ICJ in itself does not operate in a total vacuum. While the court is bound by law like any other court in any jurisdiction, what the court critically lacks is any type of meaningful enforcement. Below is an article written by Robert Valencia for World Policy dated January 24, 2013 entitled “The Curious Case of the World’s Court Territorial Rulings”:
“There was a moment of glee in Colombia when the International Court of Justice began to announce their verdict over control of the San Andres Archipelago two months ago. After decades of disagreement with Nicaragua, the ICJ ratified Colombia’s sovereignty over the islands and islets.
Noise pollution in Placentia and Hopkins and the expatriate effect
Dear Editor,
It came as no surprise to me that some expatriate forces have gotten their way to ensure quietness on their island. Yes, I said island. You see, my people, you have to understand the mindset that is at play.
You must remember that you, as an individual or collective, are not regarded as valuable human beings. Your culture and way of life are viewed as primitive, poor, and backward. You are lazy and laid back. Your intellectual capacity is not even considered. Am very happy however, that a few of these human beings have become braver in showing their hand. Just when you thought that they were your good friends and caring neighbors.
We now realize that we are only good when we are dead or when we choose to be subservient.
Her moment to shine
I’m not the raging success but I feel amply competent to give advice here. Who in this world is so squeaky clean they can rant without end about venal sins? If you are a Catholic you know what those are, and you know there is a clear distinction between those and mortal ones. Some incredible people say, “sin da sin.” I ask them if someone standing on your toes and someone wapping you with a 2 by 4 amounts to the same thing.
The Collet Minister seems to be squeaky clean. How else can we explain his unrelenting pain over a “scholarship scam” that happened nigh twenty years ago? At least once each year, always at budget time, he goes after a former Minister of Education, from Lake I, about funneling a little of the funds earmarked for scholarships at UB into the hands of people who weren’t studying at the institution.
Convicted murderer, Japhet Bennett, 25, appeals conviction and life sentence to CCJ
Japhet Bennett, 25, who was convicted in February 2013 of the September 9, 2009 murder of Ellis “Pepper Gacho” Meighan, 37, and who is serving a life sentence, appeared in the Supreme Court for a teleconference hearing at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) yesterday, in the appeal of his conviction and life sentence.
After hearing submissions from Bennett’s attorney, Anthony Sylvestre, and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, S.C., the CCJ has reserved its judgment for a date to be announced shortly.
David Arnold charged with murder
David Arnold, 25, charged with the murder of Andrew “Hard Rock” Bennett, has been committed to stand trial in the June session of the Supreme Court, set to commence on June 19.
Arnold’s committal took place after a preliminary inquiry was held today by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. Bennett, a popular deejay, was gunned down around 7:43 p.m. on May 24, 2017. He was standing in front of his house on Central American Boulevard when his assailant came down the street and fired several shots at him.
Government “explains” Minister Elrington’s assertion about Guatemalan referendum after ICJ ruling
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington, Pickstock area representative, has gained notoriety for using the”artificial border” term in describing Belize’s border with Guatemala.
Since then, Foreign Minister Elrington has been under constant criticism for his very passive approach to the issue of the Guatemala claim, and for “cozying” up to Guatemala despite that country not fully respecting Belize’s rights in the Sarstoon River in southern Belize.
Well, Elrington has done it again; he has misspoken on an issue involving Guatemala and the ICJ referendum process. A constitutional challenge that has been mounted against the Special Agreement in Guatemala has led Elrington to assert that Guatemala is going to have a second referendum after the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is made public, should Guatemala’s unfounded claim to Belize ever reach that body after referenda are held in both countries.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
