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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

Belize Cancer Society of California assists San Pedro Cancer Society
The President of the Belize Cancer Society of California in the USA, Arlette Pilgrim visited the island to make a donation to the San Pedro Cancer Society (SPCS) on Tuesday, April 24th. The donation was received by President of SPCS, Delsie Graniel, Vice-President Miguel Perez and Treasure Claudia Miranda. Pilgrim donated several items on behalf of her organizations, including bras, prosthetic breasts, lymphedema sleeves for patients who have had mastectomies, and comfy shoes. In addition to the donations, Pilgrim surprised the local cancer society with a "Smokalyzer" which can detect the amount of carbon monoxide in people's breath.

Book Week celebrated in Caye Caulker
The Belize Book Industry Association (BBIA) celebrated their annual Book Week under the theme: "Read it! Dream it! Live it!" with a "Book Fair" at the basketball court in Caye Caulker on Wednesday, April 18th. Held in commemoration of International Book and Copyright Day each year, the Association organizes several activities. This year's event began at 9:30AM, as residents were invited to view the several booths providing information on the importance of reading. The activities were aimed at promoting the importance of reading, publishing, and copyright and also to pay tribute to authors in the book industry, professionals or volunteers. Other activities that attendees got to enjoy included cultural performances, face painting and even storytelling sessions.

9-A-Side Football Tournament begins in Ambergris Caye
San Pedro Sports Committee's (SPSC) 9-A-Side Football Tournament kicked-off this weekend at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. The tournament is seeing the participation of various teams in three different categories for a chance to win one of three championship trophies. The under-13 (U-13) category has the participation of San Pedro Pirates F.C and San Mateo F.C., the under-15 (U-15) will see the participation of San Mateo F.C, Terror Squad, Atletico Madrid, Los Catrachitos and Larubeya F.C. while in the female category the teams that will be competing for the championship include Island Warriors #1, Island Warriors #2, San Pedro High School (SPHS), Ambergris Combined Force, and Island Strikers.

Ambergris Today

Government Of Belize Releases Statement On Recent Spate Of Illegal Airplane Landings
The Ministry of National Security along with its regional partners, including the United States, Mexico, and Central American neighbors rely on information from each other, and the available radar capabilities, to keep informed of any airplane tracking towards Belize and the region. Despite these efforts, there has been a spate of illegal airplane landings in the country as the aircraft manage to avoid detection from the available regional radars.

Belize's Department Of The Environment Tackles Medical Waste
On Tuesday, April 24, 2018, The Department of the Environment held a national consultation to address medical waste in Belize. Martin Alegria, Chief Environmental Officer stated that the department has hired three consultants to look at Belize's current position in three areas concerning medical waste management. The aim is for Belize to manage medical waste more efficiently and minimize secondary or direct impacts on human health and the environment.

Misc Belizean Sources

mzz

Garbage Bins Must Now Be Kept Inside Your Yard in San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council hereby informs the general public that effective Friday, May 4th, 2018, all garbage receptacles/garbage drums used for the disposal of residential and commercial garbage must be placed inside your yard. Please note that all garbage bins must be easily accessible by sanitation workers for disposal. Failure to comply in removing bins off the street will result in the removal of these bins by the San Pedro Town Council.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of Apr. 16th thru Apr. 22nd, 2018
Every angler this week has caught bonefish. From the experienced angler to the inexperienced angler, the bonefish of Belize are an achievable goal. Our guides will put you on the bonefish so that you can enjoy the tug. Work on your double haul and come on down.

BTB Site visit at Copal Tree Lodge

Community Rehabilitation Department Honours 99 clients at Youth Resiliency Awards
Today, the Community Rehabilitation Department (CRD) within the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation held its first Youth Resiliency Awards ceremony to recognize current and former clients who have made tremendous strides to live a positive life despite the adversity they face. Ninety-nine youths from across the country were awarded within three categories: "On the Right Path" - 63 received certificates and a gift bag in this category "Milestone Achievement" - 30 plaques were distributed to clients who also received a gift bag, $20 phone credit courtesy of Belize Telemedia Ltd. and a $50 gift certificate.

Inauguration Ceremony for the Rehabilitation and Expansion of the Orange Walk Town Farmers' Market
The newly rehabilitated and expanded farmers' market in Orange Walk Town officially opened today, April 26th, 2018. Financing in the amount of BZ$$554,986.10 for the works, was provided by the European Union through funds from the Accompanying Measures for Sugar (AMS 2013) programme, which supports the Government's Sugar Adaptation Strategy with counterpart funds by the Government of Belize.

Discussing Development of Commerce Bight Port for Response to Maritime Disaster
Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, with responsibility for Ports, Hon. Edmond Castro met with representatives of Recological Systems Limited on Tuesday, April 24th. The company formally submitted a proposal to the Government of Belize for development of the Commerce Bight Port in the Stann Creek District for terminal related business with an emphasis on the establishment of a First Response to Maritime Disaster, offering protection to Belizean waters should an incident occur that could affect maritime livelihood.

Transport Minister meets with Representatives from Spanish Lookout to Discuss Establishment of Transport Office to Service that Community and Surrounding Areas
On Wednesday, April 25th, Minister of Transport Honorable Edmond Castro met with representatives from the Spanish Lookout Community in Belmopan to discuss the details of a plan to establish a new Transport Office to service that community and surrounding areas. The undertaking is being facilitated by the community itself which has identified a building to house the office, which should become operational by the middle of May 2018.

Belize and Cuba meet for a Fisheries Exchange to Share Challenges, Innovations and Success Stories for Good Governance of Fisheries and Sustainable Management of the Caribbean Ecosystem
Sustainability and good governance of marine resources are critical for the national interests of both Belize and Cuba. This week, from April 24-28th, 2018, delegations from Belize and Cuba comprised of government representatives, managers, scientists, leaders of the fishing industry and representatives of fishing communities are meeting in Belize to share lessons learned and success stories in sustainable fisheries management and good governance of the seas.

Movie Night at KoKo King
Family Friday!! Breadwinner and the Greatest Showman!! Kids dinners, popcorn and marshmallows!! See you Friday night!!!

GOB and OFID Sign Loan for Phase One of Caracol Road Upgrading Project

San Pedro Mother's Day 2018 Extravaganza!
The San Pedro Town Council and Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. present its Mother's Day 2018 Extravaganza! This year's line up includes M�rida's popular comedian, Nani Namu, Cayo's Ismael Chacon as El Buki and our very own Wil & Dale and Yaka's Elite Dancers! It promises to be a great show which will start at 8:00 p.m. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are only $20 and it includes a gift, gourmet dinner, a drink and dessert!

Open Mic Night on Caye Caulker
Gonna be an awesome night! Sign up now!!

Caye Caulker Health Week May 14th-18th
Caye Caulker Village Council presents Health Week May 14th-18th, 2018 Free Consultation & Eye Exam From BCVI, Free Consultation From Internist & Pediatrician from Belize Medical Associates with discount from lab & pharmacy, More Still to Come For Dental Care & Promotions by Dr. D's Clinic. Stay tune!

BBIA Book Week 2018
The BBIA's 2018 Book Week event was well attended, with many authors and publishers there with a selection of their works. The poetry readings and plays at the Wildfire Artzmosphere were fun and entertaining too. "We celebrate the 2016-2017 Literary Prize Winners: Dino Gutierrez Ivory Kelly Tisa Grant Jacklyn Burns Mary Gomez Parham. Like the Belize Book Industry Association to get started on your 2018-2019 Submission. Winners get Recognition, Cash Prizes and Published. Thanks to all who participated in making Book Week possible." BBIA picture album. Cayo Scoop day album. Cayo Scoop Wildfire album.

Vacancy for Park Ranger at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Application deadline May 2, 2018

Channel 7

Drug Jet Flown to Williamson Hanger, BDF Airwing
The drug plane that landed on the San Estevan/Progresso Road has been removed - and it is secured in a hangar at the BDF Airwing in Ladyville tonight.   For sure, it’s nothing to celebrate - since no drugs were intercepted and no arrests made - but it was an unusual sight to see a jet whipping down a village road.   That’s just what happened today when the aircraft - flown by a mystery pilot - used the long, straight road as a runway - and took off in a flash.   From there it went airborne, and then landed at the PGIA just a few minutes later.

Drug Plane "Super-unknowns"
But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves: the news  tonight  is that the government found a pilot who could fly the jet, thus getting rid of one major headache and embarrassment - an empty drug plane on the side of the road.   But, the issue remains, police still have no idea who landed the jet in Belize, and what they did with the drugs.  Today, at the bi-weekly police press conference, the head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch told us what they have so far on the illegal landing: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB
"On Tuesday the 24th April shortly before 5 AM police received information of an aircraft that had landed on the San Estevan Progresso dirt road. As a result police proceeded to the area where upon arrival they observed a white in color twin engine Hawker Siddeley HS125 Series 700 A aircraft on the ground. The area was secured and later processed. Upon inspection of the aircraft it was found.."

Working Man Killed Because Of Someone Else's Beef
A 26 year old working man was killed last night in the city. Kemmar Wade’s body was found in a crashed car in front of the Lion’s Den compound next to the KHMH. It was one more senseless murder: Wade was killed because of a dispute his friend had with someone else. Courtney Weatherburne has more on the murder motive and how Wade ended up in the Lion’s Den compound. To passersby, this late night accident may have looked like a fender bender in the BCVI compound, but really, this mishap is the tail end of a St. Jude Street shooting. The victim - 26 year old Kemmar Wade was inside the car bleeding to death. Wade had been renting a Mopan Street room for a couple years. His neighbor says he was at home last night hanging out by the front gate – which she says was strange since Wade usually kept to himself in his room.

Cops On Killing
So, from what we found out on the ground, the motive seems pretty clear cut. But, today, police would not confirm that information. Here is what they had to say:… Daniel Ortiz: "Persons have informed us that they believe that this particular murder is retaliation so to speak in some ongoing feud. Persons are telling us that Mr. Wade's brother - there was a theft of his gold chains valued around 2,000 dollars and that he may have retaliated against the person he believed to be the thief by burning that person's vehicle and that there was a subsequent retaliation with Mr. Wade being shot as a consequence of all of this back and forth. Has any such information come to police?"

Police Seeking Suspects In Rosado Murder
Police also discussed their investigation into  Monday’s  murder of business man, Oscar Rosado Sr. The 70 year-old was killed in a broad-daylight robbery turned murder at his business place, Rosado’s Construction Supplies, which is at the junction of Partridge Street and the George Price Highway. As we told you, 3 men went into the shop pretending to return some nails.  The gunman held up Rosado’s wife, Elena realized that main culprit was trying rob them, but before she could warn her husband, he held her up at gunpoint. Coming to her rescue, Oscar Rosado Sr., shoved the gunman, who shot him twice in the face, killing him inside his store. Here’s what the cops had to say about the case today:

No Arrests Yet For Killing Near A School
On Tuesday morning, Dangriga witnessed a shocking, broad-daylight, execution-style murder. As we told you, 55 year-old Patrick George Crossdale was riding his motorbike toward his home when a man jumped out of the bushes and fired 5 shots at him. We asked the police about the murder of the Jamaican not far from the Gulisi school, and here’s what they had to say about it: Wilfredo Ferrufino - Inspector, CIB: "The 24th sometime around 10:30 AM Dangriga responded to shots fired in the Monument site area. Upon arrival we received information that the victim was transported to the Southern Regional Hospital.;;"

Uno Robbery, Four Suspects, Tens of Thousands Gone
Earlier this week, we told you about Monday’s armed robbery at the UNO Gas Station in San Ignacio Town. It was caught on security camera, and cell phone by civilians standing outside the gas station. They saw the robber dashing off, but the police told us today that he was one of a team of 4 accomplices, and that they actually got away with a whopping $33,000 in cash and cheques. Here’s what the Head of the National Criminal Investigation’s Branch had to say on this topic: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On Monday 23rd April shortly before 11 AM police were called to the UNO gas station located on the Benque Veijo Road in San Ignacio Town where upon arrival it was reported to them that the gas station was approached by 4 male persons - 2 of whom entered whilst 2 remained outside..."

Elite Cyclist Brandon Cattouse Positive For EPO
One of Belize’s premier cyclists is under scrutiny tonight after he tested positive for a performance enhancing substance in the sample he gave at the end of this year’s Valentine’s tour.  7News has confirmed that Brandon Cattouse has come up with a positive test for EPO - which is the blood boosting agent used in cycling scandals all across Europe.  It increases the number of oxygen-carrying cells in the blood is purported to give cyclists more power and endurance.   An hour ago, the National Anti-Doping Organization sent out a release saying, quote, “Results received from UCLA reference lab for Anti-Doping have revealed an Adverse Analytical result for sample from Brandon Cattouse tested during the Valentine’s Day race, 11 February 2018….(he)tested positive for recombinant human erythropoietin.”

Mayor Asks, Why 59 Grand For Gilbert?
It’s been 50 days since a PUP council was elected into City Hall and today the mayor Bernard Wagner presented a transition team report.  And, included in there were a whole lot of goodies on what the previous administration did and didn’t do. But one of the most attention grabbing revelations was something that happened after the election on March 8th, when what the Mayor says is an oversized payment was authorised for contractor Gilbert Franklin:.. Bernard Wagner - Mayor, Belize City
"When we assumed office on March the 8th after winning the election on March the 7th we noted this particular accounts payable which was done on March the 8th - one day after we winning the election...”

New Mayor Says Fiscal Indiscipline Reigned Under Last Council
And while that happened on March 8th., the new Mayor says that before March 7th, his predecessor was running a council with no fiscal discipline:�:… Bernard Wagner - Mayor, Belize City: "Everybody was running a free for all, everyone - I'll give you some examples. Look at the categories. Overtime: budgeted 136,000 - spent 332,000, is there prudence there? Summer employment; this is when we employ youths - 20,000 budgeted - spent 44,000. Special portfolio allocation: budgeted 180,000 - spent 406,000. Donation: budgeted 72,000 - spent 163,000. This big one here, celebration and festivities, a lot of parties were going on here deputy. 96,000 - spent 455,000. Entertainment..."

New Mayor Says Tax/SSB Withholdings Were Not Paid By Predecessor
And while big money was being spent on entertainment, the new Mayor says his predecessors were not paying taxes or social security.: Bernard Wagner - Mayor, Belize City: "We want to point out there that this city council has not paid in the employee income tax deductions to GOB since August of 2017, totally almost 173,000 dollars. Social security 40,000 still owed and not paid in; deducted from the employee but not paid in, is this the way we run business? We also note that the council has been accumulating large GST liabilities by not paying the GST tax which is on the invoice for waste control; 2.4 million and Belize Maintenance Limited 2.7 million and you can check the auditor’s report, it's right there. See the note and read the note and comprehend the note; weak fiscal and financial management."

No More Property Tax Discounts?
And, as you can probably tell from his impatience with budget over-runs and fiscal indiscipline, the current mayor is a banker - and they do love that bottom line.  And that’s why the mayor frowns on the long-established practice of giving discounts on prepaid property tax:  Bernard Wagner - Mayor, Belize City: "We also found that there is an inefficient and ineffective method of tax assessment delivery and we also noted that the discount program is one of the chief drivers in eroding our capital base for the council, so we need to certainly look at that going forward. There is no need to give discounts; the council lose on an annual basis over 800,000 in discounts. The best incentive for paying taxes in my view is to give the tax payer value for money. We also need to look at revisiting the situation with the collection agents. We are currently 13 agents collecting taxes and it cost the council over 269,000 annually."

The Bouyant Bond
And, while the mayor hopes to get more recurrent revenue by trimming the discounts, where will he get money for capital projects?  The mayor says they want to re-float that 20 million dollar municipal bond. That would mean rolling over the payments to bondholders that come due in the middle of this year - and paying them back on better terms over a slightly longer period.  Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold - also a banker - introduced that one: Oscar Arnold - Deputy Mayor, Belize City: "Mayor Wagner along with the rest of the city council team has pledged to look at re-floating the municipal bond but only and I stress to look at capital projects as well as projects that will create opportunities for the residence of Belize City. Whatever contracts that will be given out were the funds of the re-float will be issued will be above board and will be public knowledge."

CITCO Will Undertake Roadworks in Lake I
And one of the council’s first chanced to show that transparency is in its first major project, which is re-paving Holy Emanuel Street. That runs from La Croix Boulevard to Lake I Boulevard - which links to the new Chetumal Street Bridge.  It’s a major road - which was poorly paved a few years ago - and now has to be re-done.  Arnold says he expects that they will do a stellar and cost effective job of re-paving it:.. Oscar Arnold - Deputy Mayor, Belize City: "Preliminary works have already started where the studies have been conducted for paving Holy Emmanuel Street. For those of you who don't know where Holy Emmanuel Street is located, it is the street that passes through the Gungulung area that connects La Croix Boulevard to the 3.8 million dollar calamity that is now known as the Lake I Boulevard. So we will show that we can pave this street at far less cost and better workmanship."

CARACOL - A Road Runs Through It
And while the city government hopes to pave that major street in Lake Independence, Central Government today signed off on a most ambitious road project in the Chiquibul.   It’s the Caracol Road upgrade project. The loan motion for the project was tabled at the senate last month, and, now, it will finally become a reality. Today the Government of Belize and the OPEC Fund for International Development signed off on the $40 million US project. With this road upgrade agreement, about 26.4 miles of gravel road will be upgraded to an all-weather, paved standard. Five double-lane reinforced concrete bridges will be constructed and the Georgeville and Santa Elena access roads to the Caracol archaeological site will be upgraded.  At the signing in Belmopan, The Director- General of OFID along with the Prime Minister spoke on the benefits of this collaboration. 

Recognizing Resiliency
Yesterday we told you what Restore Belize is doing for boys aged 10 to 14 to keep them out of school and away from the gangs.   Well, the Community Rehabilitation Department under the Ministry of Human Development has been doing its part by making interventions for young people that have gotten into trouble with the law. Many of their clients face many challenges like being kicked out of school for committing crimes, so the Department assists them by enrolling them in programs to continue their education. The Department observed the incredible progress their clients had made under difficult circumstances and decided to reward them in the “Youth Resiliency Awards” ceremony today at the Bliss Center. We were there this morning and found out more:…

Hand In Hand Hits the Big 3-5-0
Hand in Hand Ministries has officially distributed its 350th home in Belize. It’s a big accomplishment for them and their supporters. We stopped by today and spoke to some excited members of the Ministry, and of course the happy recipient. The house has electricity and plumbing. It cost a total of $17,800 Belize Dollars to construct.

Inspector Ferrufino and The Collapsing Fraud Case
Last night, we told you about the strange twist in the case of the 3 Mexicans accused of fraudulently withdrawing tens of thousands of dollars from Atlantic Bank ATM’s across the country. As we reported 26 year old Belen Hernandez and 31 year old Lionel Rodriguez went before Corozal Magistrate Patricia Arana yesterday. Lead investigator, Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino, had to disclose that the cops had no evidence to provide the court so the 2 charges against them in that jurisdiction were thrown out.  But before they could go anywhere, the cops had new charges against both.

Johnny Matus Wasn't Hard To Find
And keeping it on news in Corozal, we asked police for details about the recapture of 19 year-old Johnny Matus, who was one of 3 prisoners who escaped from the police station’s holding cell  2 weeks ago. Matus was found in his home village of San Narciso, and he has since been arrested, charged, and arraigned on the offense of escaping from lawful custody and damage to property.

Stormy Relationship Leads to Stabbing
And in our last story from today’s press conference, police shared the details about 19 year-old Herman Solis, who was stabbed by his common-law wife in Sandhill Village. 19 year-old Renesha Alvarez is in police custody for stabbing Solis in the upper left side of his chest near his heart. Alvarez has not been charged with any offenses as yet.

Hands To The Plow In Port
The Port Loyola Organization for Women – PLOW has been helping struggling women in the community for years. Well they finally have a proper facility to continue their outreach work. The Government of Belize and Opec Fund For International Development joined up to sponsor their new office. It was officially opened yesterday on Kraal Road and the Director General of OFID discussed the impact PLOW has had and will continue to have on Port women. Suleiman Al-Herbish - Director- General, OFID
"Our motto, our slogan is Uniting Against Poverty, so poverty reduction is our mission.  It’s a noble mission and, as you know, poverty has many aspects."

Channel 5

CitCo Reveals Heavy Misspending by Previous Administration
For the past three weeks, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner has been hinting at the gross wastage of public funds at City Hall, during the time of the previous city [...]

Contractor Paid Within Hours of P.U.P. Election Victory
Perhaps equally as astounding was the processing of payment to one Belize City contractor in the immediate aftermath of the March seventh municipal elections.� An invoice in the sum of [...]

Administrator's Contract a "Reward" for Management
Of particular interest is that the expenses incurred by the Public Relations Department, as well as the office responsible for parks and playgrounds, kept mounting annually, with little or no [...]

Kemmar Wade is Latest City murder Victim
A twenty-seven-year-old customer service representative was ambushed and killed on Wednesday night in Belize City.� Kemmar Edgar Wade was shot to the back of his head, rib cage, and left [...]

Trio Still on the Run for Oscar Rosado Murder
Businessman Oscar Rosado Senior was laid to rest today following funeral services in Belize City. But according to police, the hunt for his killers goes on. Three persons are sought [...]

Cops Also Seeking Killer of Patrick Crossdale
Fifty-five-year-old Patrick Crossdale, a Jamaican national residing in the Monument Site area of Dangriga Town, was ambushed on his way home on Tuesday near the Gulisi Primary School. A single [...]

Police Say Sample Taken from Downed Jet
The suspected drug plane that was found on the San Estevan/Progresso Road early on Tuesday morning has been removed and flown to the B.D.F. Air Wing across from the Phillip [...]

No Word on Fate of City Administrator; Councilors Restricted to Policy
Embattled City Administrator Candice Miller remains on suspension until early May when she is to return to office at City Hall.� The revelations of extravagance under her watch makes for [...]

Belizeans First for City Concerts
Last Friday, the cost of the February tenth concert at B.T.L. Park, billed as a free entertainment event for the public, made headlines when it was disclosed that a whopping [...]

Brandon Cattouse Handed Provisional Suspension after Failed Drug Test
Cycling has been big in the news this week as the upcoming elections for the Cycling Federation were announced to be postponed. Tonight, there is more news to report from [...]

1 of 3 Corozal Prisoners Recaptured; Policeman also Charged
Nineteen-year-old Johnito Matus, one of three charged for burglary offenses, managed to hack his way out of the Corozal Police Station holding cell two weeks ago. Also going at large [...]

New Charges for ATM Theft Trio
In January a trio of Mexican nationals, including a husband and wife, were arraigned in the courts for theft of tens of thousands of dollars from two of several Atlantic [...]

Westar Cheque Cashers Sought
A Roaring Creek businessman has been robbed of over seventeen thousand dollars. According to the owner of Westar Gas Station in Roaring Creek, fifty-six-year-old Nelson Gallardo, sometime between March twenty-ninth [...]

2 Acquitted in Robbery
Two Belize City men, accused of robbery and wounding, were set free of the charges today after the complainant did not show up to the Magistrate's Court. Twenty-six-year-old Matthew Smith, [...]

Fishermen Deny Violations in Court
When we report on court cases involving fisheries violations, it usually ends with a guilty plea and heavy fines. But two fishermen today chose to challenge the department on their [...]

Youths Recognized at 'Resiliency Awards'
About a hundred at-risk youths were recognized today for staying the course despite their exposure to crime and other societal ills. Many had been caught up in the cycle of [...]

Another New House Handed Out by Hand in Hand Ministries
A Southside family of four received a brand new home from the Hand in Hand Ministries this afternoon. The mother of three children was approved for her new home on [...]

Money is Here for Caracol Road
Belize now has some eighty million dollars to work with from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) for the Caracol Road Upgrading Project. Following approval from both chambers of [...]

Stella Maris Marks 60 Years
It stands alone as Belize's all-purpose center for special education. But sixty years on from its humble beginnings, Stella Maris School still has many struggles and challenges. While it has [...]

Blue Balloons in the Air for Autism Awareness
Blue is a color in Belize mostly associated with the People's United Party. But it also represents children living with the development condition known as autism. It affects how a [...]

ITVET Hosts Open Day
Today, visitors at the ITVET, Belize City, got the opportunity to experience the products and services made by students enrolled in the vocational and technical programs. Over four hundred students [...]

Healthy Living: Be Good to Your Liver
It's an organ that we don't typically think about. In fact, we only know something is wrong with it when it is severely damaged and usually it's at its last [...]

LOVE FM

Belize CitCo updates on Social Infrastructure plans
As part of today's press conference, the Belize City council updated the media with regards to its manifesto promises. Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold focused the first half of his presentation on crime and what the council plans to do to help residents who are dealing with the loss of a loved one to gun violence. �

$80 million for the upgrading of the Caracol Road
The Government has secured a forty million US dollars loan from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID). The monies have been earmarked for the upgrading of the Caracol Road. Phase One of the project will include the upgrading of 26.4 miles of graveled road to an all-weather, paved standard. Five double-lane reinforced concrete bridges �

Belize City Council says previous council overspent tens of thousands of dollars
Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner says that the previous council did not adhere to its budget and overspent tens of thousands of dollars on several goods and services, including concerts and a huge fuel bill for the City Administrator, Candice Miller. The newly elected Belize City Council summoned the media this afternoon to disclose what �

One of three escaped prisoners captured in Corozal
One of three prisoners who escaped police custody on April 11 in Corozal Town has been captured. Inspector Wilfred Ferrufino from the Crimes Investigation Branch in Belize City told the media today that he has been charged for escape and at least one officer attached to that formation has also been charged in connection with �

Still no arrest in murder of 55-year-old Jamaican in Dangriga
Police also continue their investigation into the murder of 55-year-old Jamaican national Patrick George Crossdale in Dangriga Town. Crossdale was shot and killed shortly after ten o'clock on Tuesday morning. Inspector Ferrufino says they have still not established a motive for his death. Inspector Wilfred Ferrufino, Crimes Investigation Branch: "Information is that he was on �

Victim of fatal shooting drives himself to the hospital before succumbing to injuries
Shortly after eleven o'clock on Wednesday night, a vehicle crashed in the Lion's Club parking lot adjacent to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. First responders initially believed that it was a traffic incident but, when medical personnel examined the body of the driver in the vehicle, they realized he had been shot. �

PlusTV

Oscar Rosado Sr. killed in store robbery
Oscar Rosado Sr. was killed this afternoon during a store robbery in Belize City. Rosado was at his store, Rosado's Hardware, located near the Lord Ridge Cemetery in Belize City this afternoon around 1 p.m. We understand that three armed robbers entered and demanded money. During the robbery, Rosad...

PG MAN MURDERED IN BELIZE CITY
One man was murdered in Belize City over the weekend. Police reports are that on Friday night around 11 pm they responded to a report on Rectory Lane where they saw the motionless body of 25 year old Punta Gorda Resident Albert Johnson laying face up with 2 apparent gunshot wounds to the head. Poli...

Danny Mason's lawyer makes no case submission on kidnapping charges
The Notorious William "Danny" Mason and the other men accused along with him appeared in court today. As the nation is fully aware, Mason and four other men from Roaring Creek, Ashton Vanegas, Keron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo, are accused of the brutal murder of Pastor Llewe...

Pickup truck slams into moving house; one dead
A fatal road traffic accident claimed the life of a Belizean student over the weekend. Reports are that at about 3 o'clock on Saturday morning, 25 year old Daniel Urbina was driving a Toyota Hilux in the direction of Orange Walk when, at around mile 41,he collided into a wooden building being carri...

Accident on George Price Highway
There was a traffic accident outside of Belmopan, near Kiki Wittz Restaurant on Saturday afternoon. Plus News understands that a silver SUV with four passengers inside was heading in the direction of Belmopan to Belize City and turning left off the highway when a White Isuzu delivery truck that was ...

Body of Missing Man at Sea Found
The body of a man who was missing at sea has been found. On Friday we reported that there was an ongoing search for Leonel Velasquez who was reportedly headed to work at Turneffe Island Resort from Belize City on Thursday when he accidentally fell out of a boat. Reports are that his body was found ...

Uno gas station robbed in San Ignacio
There was a robbery in San Ignacio this afternoon. Police have not issued a report on this matter as yet but a witness pulled out his phone camera and captured two robbers running from the UNO gas station where the incident occurred. We understand that the incident happened sometime during lunch t...

Traffic accident victim succumbs to injuries
Last week we reported that Christian Charles was in critical condition at the KHMH after a suspected hit and run in Burrell Boom. The day after the incident, we spoke to a family member who sought the public's assistance in donating blood for a surgery. Plus News understands that Christian Charles succumbed to his injuries at the KHMH around 5:30 a.m. this morning. Police told us more.

Gwen Liz Teachers Call in Sick
Last week Tuesday we reported that teachers at Gwen Lizarraga High school in Belize City staged a sit out protest. Teachers protested the Principal's appointment of Alifah Elrington to the school Board. The teachers indicated that the protest was not a matter of the individual appointed but the lack of due process taken. Hon.Patrick Faber, Minister of Education visited the high school on the day of the protest to hear the concerns of the teachers.

Transport officer knocked down in Maskall Village
A Transport officer was crushed between a concrete house post, a bicycle and a Toyota RAV that was driven by a Chinese Business Woman. Reports are that yesterday around 2 a.m., police responded to a report in Maskall Village. Upon arrival at C&R's shop, officers reportedly found Roderick Jones, a transport officer, motionless on the ground in front of the shop.

Rented car stolen in Belmopan
A Ford Explorer SUV was stolen in Belmopan on Friday Afternoon. Reports are that around 12:30 p.m on Friday, 26 year old Adriana Sedassey along with Jacklyn Pollard went to visit a friend on Antelope Street, Belmopan in a white Ford Explorer SUV Rental vehicle. Sedassey told police that they left the vehicle parked at the Corner of Antelope and Inez Streets, with the engine running.

Corozal man arrested for drug trafficking
Police found crack cocaine on a man in Corozal Town. Reports are that on Friday morning officers conducted a search on 39 year old Rios Normando in the South End Area of Corozal Town while they were on mobile patrol. The search resulted in the discovery of three grams of crack cocaine. Rios has since been detained by Police pending charges for DRUG TRAFFICKING.

Accident in Guinea Grass leaves one man hospitalized
Another accident was reported this weekend. On Friday April 20th at about 6:45 p.m., Police responded to a Traffic Accident at the junction of Guinea Grass Road junction. According to police reports, 50 year old Gerardo Mendoza, a Belizean of Orange Walk Town fell off the back of a green Nissan Pickup that was travelling from the direction of Orange Walk to Belize City.

Two separate robberies in Belize City
A Belize City Car dealer was robbed on Friday. 29 year old Winston James, Belizean car dealer of Belize City, reported that on April 20th at about 6:30 p.m., he was standing at the Corner of Nargusta and Sittie Street. That is when a known male person approached him and stole his gold chain valued $2,000. Police are investigating.

Belmopan Residents tour squatting for Earth Day
The residents of Belmopan who live in the East Picinni extension say they are committed to seeing the end of squatting that has been taking place in their vicinity over the last couple of months. Yesterday being Earthday, a group comprised of residents got together with 3 City Councillors; and walked through the Belmopan buffer that was being aggressed by squatters.

Police Department Launches 'Internet Watch Belize Reporting Portal'
The Belize Police Department has launched a new way to battle Child Pornography in Belize. This morning personnel from the Belize Police Department made a guest appearance on our Rise and Shine morning show to inform the public of its new online portal where the public can make reports of online chi...

CCCU President Receives Key to City
Yesterday, the New Belize City Council Mayor Bernard Wagner welcomed the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Union to Belize City. A ceremony was held at City Hall where Mayor Wagner gifted Hally Hynes, President of the CCCU, with the keys to the city. Wagner told the media that this move is in line w...

Police Finds Cannabis in Seine Bights
Police officers found two plastic bags of cannabis while on foot patrol. Reports are that on Wednesday about 8:20 p.m. police officers were conducting a foot patrol in Seine Bight Village when they discovered two black plastic bags on the street side containing cannabis. The first bag contained a to...

Brian Hyde Guilty of Second Degree Murder
22 Year old Belizean Brian Hyde was found guilty of second degree murder, in a US Court. You might recall the gruesome murder of 17-year-old Starlette Pitts, her boyfriend Kelly, and her mother, 37-year-old Dorla Pitts back in August of 2015. Hyde was arrested after a Fort Myers police officer found...

Fatal Traffic Accident Claims Life
A fatal traffic accident on the Stann Creek Valley Road claimed the life of one man. Reports are that about 1:50 p.m yesterday, Police responded to a Road Traffic Accident between Mile 6 & 7 on, Stann Creek Valley Road. When Police arrived they saw the motionless body of 82 years old, Belizean F...

Law Making Forum 2018
The Belize Law-Making Forum 2018 was held yesterday and today at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza. The Forum was hosted by The Attorney General's Ministry in conjunction with the Office of the Prime Minister under the theme "Sound Policy for Better Law". Attorney General Michael Perryfette tol...

New Coast Guard Facility in Southern Long Caye
Southern Long Caye in the Belize District has received a new and improved Coast Guard facility. The Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar accompanied by C.E.O Felix Enriquez, Rear Admiral John Borland Ministry of National Security personnel, and members of the Belize Coast Guard took a to...

Candice Pitts VS Gilroy Usher for Port
Doctor Candice Pitts, one of the 10 PUP Councilors holding office at City Hall in Belize City, has indicated that she will run in the 2020 General Elections as a PUP Standard Bearer for the Port Loyola Area. Pitts became well known during the campaign trail for her stories of selling Johnny Cakes as...

Belizean Students Trapped In Nicaragua
Several Belize students are trapped in Nicaragua as the country spirals downward into chaos. Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in Managua, the capital, and other cities carrying out protests against the government of President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua. The protests are now in th...

AG Says US Narcotic Reports Baseless, Unfair and Cowardly
On April 9th, in a released International Narcotics Control Strategy Report prepared by the Department of State for a Presidential report to Congress, Belize was identified as a major transit country for illicit drugs destined for the United States. In summary, the United States encouraged Belize to...

'Re-Register and Vote' says AG
The Belize/Guatemala land dispute has been the center of conversations for Belizeans home and abroad. Many of our nation's leaders have weighed in on the matter in the aftermath of Guatemala referendum. The Attorney General was asked to comment on the dispute and the results of Guatemala's referendu...

The Guardian

Orange Walk Town Council Broke
Things are slowly coming to a head in the PUP run municipalities. We are closely monitoring Belize City which by all indications will crash and burn sooner rather than later due to the poor fiscal management by that Municipality's Mayor and Councilors. In Orange Walk Town which is where the mismanagement is most evident due to the tenure of that council (6 yrs.), the workers are beginning to feel the pinch. Reports reaching the Guardian Newspaper is that the general workers of the Town Council, including street sweepers, garbage collectors, handy men, street repair crew men, etc. did not receive their weekly salary as is customary on Friday last.

Suspected Drug Jet lands in San Estevan
Another plane has been illegally landed in northern Belize, this time, it was on the San Estevan/Progresso Road. Again, there is suspicion that it was used to transport some sort of drug cargo, but there is no proof of that. Aviation experts say that this is a British Aerospace 125, which is a twin-jet midsize business class aircraft. It has the ability to travel longer distances than the 6 other planes which have been discovered to have been illegally landed in Belize in the past 6 months. It also has the ability to carry a bigger cargo than those others, and in this instance, there were no seats found in the aircraft. That suggests that they were removed to increase the cargo capacity.

Oscar Rosado Sr. killed in robbery
Oscar Rosado Sr., the 70 year-old businessman and owner of Rosado's Construction Supplies, was shot and killed inside his business establishment by robbers who pretended to be customers. They caught him and his family off-guard. This final robbery attempt at his business place was the third since 1999. It happened at around 1:30p.m. at the Rosado Construction Supplies compound, located at the corner of Partridge Street and the George Price Highway. Rosado's wife, Elena Rosado, told the press that minutes before his fatal shooting, 3 men entered their business place and ordered 2 pounds of nails. They were served, and the men exited, but according to Elena Rosado, they did not give off the vibe that they were legitimate customers. She began to suspect that they were robbers, using the business transaction to do some last-minute surveillance of the store.


Police say they have cracked the murder of Jason Belencio, a 30-year-old father of three, who was shot and killed on April 15, 2018. The murder of the loving father has left his friends, family, and even the wider population in grief. For this murder, the police have named a 16-year-old minor as the shooter. That minor has since been charged and arraigned at the Belize Family Court.

Cane testing for better sugar at BSI
It's no secret to anyone that right now, the sugar cane farmers of the north are going through a tough transition in the sugar cane industry. Belize's sugar is competing on an even playing field with sugar produced in the most technologically advanced countries in the rest of the world. Since the changes to the European Union's sugar market regime, Belize has lost preferential market access, and sugar produced here is competing directly with the sugar produced by the European beet farmers who can produce more sugar at a cheaper production price.

Maskall holds Agriculture Village Fair
There were over 5,000 persons in attendance at the Maskall Agriculture Village Fair on Sunday, April 22, 2018. The fair, which was held on the Maskall Community Grounds, was jointly hosted by Minister of Transport and NEMO, Hon. Edmond Castro, who is also the area representative for Belize Rural North, and the Maskall Village Council. Special guests and speakers at the opening ceremony included the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Godwin Hulse, and Minister of State and Dangriga Area Representative, Hon. Frank "Papa" Mena.


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National Agriculture Show this weekend
Belize's largest agricultural show is about to start this weekend. After some four months of planning by the Department of Agriculture, the National Agriculture and Trade Show launches at 3:00 p.m. this Friday, then continues on Saturday and Sunday. The show opens for the public at 7:00 am on both Saturday and Sunday and a number of activities have been planned. As has been traditional, the show grounds near Roaring Creek Village is being zoned to make it family friendly. Among the attractions this year is that visitors will be able to zip line from tree to tree thanks to a team from Cave Tubing. There will also be mechanical rides, paint ball duels and bouncy houses for the children. This year the agriculture departments from the various Districts will be showcasing techniques for growing crops in confined spaces.

DRUG PLANES LANDING RECIPE
� Your father had to have been convicted and did time in prison for being involved in landing of DRUG PLANES. � Your family must own huge tracks of undisturbed lands in areas, where DRUG PLANES are known to have landed and continue to land. � Your family must own FUEL STATIONS, where huge volumes of fuel including the type used in planes, are handled. � Your family has to be involved in the TELECOMMUNICATIONS business. � Your family must have a huge and loyal work force.

Johnny explains how he got land at Progresso Lagoon
Ever since the Prime Minister made the startling revelations of Johnny and his family's ownership of huge tracks of land, located all around the country, Johnny appears to have been staying away from the media. However last week Thursday the media was able to track him down and ask him about those land transactions. Low and behold Johnny tried to hoodwink the press by saying that the lands in places such as Progresso were properties, that his family owned for a long time and in any instance his family bought those lands from private land owners.

PUP disloyalty and disrespect in Port
Just over a month after Gilory Usher helped in securing a victory for the PUP in Belize City and in particular to have Candice Pitts elected as a city councilor, she is now showing no regard for Usher's efforts. She has boldly declared that she will contest Gilroy Usher for the position in Port and has thrown Usher's support for her aside and is now toe to toe against him. This of course shows the lack of loyalty that the PUP have for each other and it stems from the top all the way to the grassroots.

Did PUP vandalize Caribbean Shores basketball rims?
Readers may recall when back in February, we reported on a confrontation, that took place at the Buttonwood Bay Park while refurbishment works were being done to the basketball court. During that confrontation, a POLITICALLY CONNECTED individual made threats to remove the new rims and backboards that were being installed at the time. Now some two months later someone has actually done damage to the installations at the Basketball Court. Already the rims have been repaired or replaced three times since the refurbishment occurred in February. Once again someone has vandalized the rims and backboards. Many people use Buttonwood Bay Basketball Court as a place to come together with positivity and play basketball.

Fight in PUP for Toledo East
It is open hostilities within the People's United Party as defeated PUP Punta Gorda Mayoral candidate Carlos Galvez is going against party dictates and is openly criticizing his party for being undemocratic. The latest bout of grievances are as a result of a decision made by the PUP leader Johnny Briceno in not allowing a convention to take place to select a Standard Bearer for the Toledo East constituency.

How is Santander doing
With over a hundred million United States dollars having been invested in Belize, Santander in the Cayo District is now poised to reach a new equilibrium in the production of sugar. The Company is now 70% Belizean. As such Santander will soon be investing in a packing plant to produce sugar both locally and for the Caribbean Region. While Santander exports its sugar mainly to Europe, the current price of sugar there is 11 cents U.S per pound, the lowest it has been for the past 15 years. Adding to that challenge is that there has been too much rain in Belize. Not giving up on its creditors such as the National Bank of Belize and Regional Banks, Santander is aiming towards planting 22,000 hectares of sugar cane.

Belize Taiwan Chamber of Commerce hosts Business Forum
The diplomatic relations between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) has continued to grow over the years and has encompassed several beneficial initiatives between both countries. Some of these initiatives include the signing of bilateral agreements, scholarship opportunities, exchange programs, and several other projects impacting the health and educational sectors. One of the latest of these projects is the business forum hosted by the Belize Taiwan Chamber of Commerce.

Taiwan's National Health Insurance: A Model for Universal Health Coverage
The World Health Organization has for years urged Member States to take action to achieve universal health coverage by 2030. Although not a WHO member, Taiwan has offered universal health coverage to our island's 23 million citizens since 1995. Taiwan launched the National Health Insurance (NHI) initiative by integrating medical programs from existing insurance systems for laborers, farmers, and government employees, which covered only half the population. This has since been expanded to provide equal coverage to all citizens from birth, regardless of age, financial status or employment status. Furthermore, all foreigners who legally work or reside in Taiwan are also afforded the same coverage.

Sheffield Brown in custody for burglary
Sheffield Brown, a 42-year-old resident of Jimmy Dyer Avenue off Faber's Road and well-known criminal figure, is trying to post a $5,000 bail after being accused of burglarizing a home. According to Brown, it is his home. Despite his claim, the allegations are that on April 8, 2018, he entered the home of Rosa Jacobs, located on Jimmy Dyer Avenue, and damaged a white aluminum louver window valued at $200. He is also accused of entering the home of Jacobs and stealing three Bath and Body Works lotion valued at $60 along with $200 cash.

Arrest made in Rectory Lane murder of Albert Ervin Johnson
Belize City Police have arrested and charged 28 year-old Marlon Everett for the weekend murder of 25 year-old Albert Ervin Johnson, a native of Punta Gorda Town, who moved to Belize City recently. Police say that on Friday night, April 20, 2018, at around 11 o'clock, they responded to reports of a shooting on Rectory Lane in the Southern Foreshore area. When they arrived they found Johnson's body lying face up on the street; he was suffering from 2 gunshots to the head.

Bulgarian National on remand for theft of $2,000
A 41-year-old unemployed Bulgarian national, Vasil Stoyanov Kadalov, is being accused of stealing $2,000 from the Atlantic Bank account of Donald Stuart, a resident of Caye Caulker. Kadalov was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate's Court before Chief Magistrate Aretha Ford on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 where he was read two counts of theft. The allegations against Kadalov are that on April 14, 2018, he stole the sum of $2,000 Belize currency from an Atlantic Bank account. According to Stuart, he made checks on his account and noticed that $2,000 was missing. Upon this discovery, he went into the bank and was told that two transactions of $1,000 cash each were made; two transactions he never made. He reported the matter to police which led to the arrest of Kadalov.

Former bank employee and accomplice granted bail on charges of theft
Damion Dawson, a 27-year-old resident of Belize City, and Jonathan Almendarez, a 21-year-old resident of Teakettle Village, Cayo, were read charges of theft when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer.

Drug trafficking and found property
On Wednesday April 18, 2018 at about 8:20 p.m., officers were conducting a foot patrol in Seine Bight Village. During this patrol, they discovered two black plastic bags containing cannabis on the street. The first parcel weighed 82.6 grams and the second parcel weighed 123.1 grams, both to a total weight of 205.7 grams. The parcels of cannabis were deposited as found property. While conducting a mobile patrol on George Price Boulevard, Benque Veijo Town on April 22, police conducted a search on Bayron Manuel Jimenez Amaya, a 21-year-old Guatemalan laborer of Melchor de Mencos, Peten, Guatemala.

Ignatius Williams offered bail for unlicensed firearm
Ignatius Williams, a 24-year-old native of Dangriga Town who now resides in Belize City, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate's Court on two firearm related offenses on Friday, March 23, 2018. Williams appeared unrepresented before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser where he was read two criminal offenses of kept prohibited firearm and kept prohibited ammunitions after he was found in possession of a .45 Taurus brand firearm along with 6 live rounds of .45 ammunitions.

Jamaican National executed in Dangriga
On Tuesday, April 24, 2018 just before 11:00 a.m., police visited the Southern Regional Hospital where they saw the lifeless body of a man. While children were at play in their school yard at Gulisi Primary School in Dangriga, they and their teachers were witnesses of an incident that would claim the life of a Jamaican national. That man, 55-year-old Patrick Crossdale, was reportedly riding his motorcycle when a gunman, positioned in some bushes near the school, surfaced and unleashed a barraged of bullets on the victim. Crossdale was en route to his house when he was hit to the back and thigh. Despite being placed in a taxi and transported to the Southern Regional Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

Another accused murderer walks free
Kareem Francis, a 28-year-old known criminal, walked away from a charge of murder when he appeared before Justice Colin Williams in the Supreme Court on Thursday, April 19, 2018. At the age of 21, Francis was charged for the April 2, 2011 shooting murder of Fei Lan Wu, a Chinese shopkeeper who was one of two Chinese nationals gunned down. The prosecutor in the case, Kileru Awich, was forced to enter a nolle prosequi in the case against Francis. After several attempts were made to locate the main witness in the case turned futile, the prosecution had no other choice. With that, he walked away after more than seven years on remand.

School Security Guard, has sex with school girl
On Friday, April 13, 2018, an 18-year-old female reported to Belmopan Police that she was raped on April 12. As a result, police arrested and charged 24-year-old William Daniel Carabantes for the crime of rape. Less than a week later on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at about 8:00 a.m., a 14-year-old female Belizean student, accompanied by her father, made a report. The student reported that while at her high school on south side Belize City on Monday, April 9, 2018 at 3:30 p.m., a 27-year-old Belizean security guard for said school called her to the third floor of the school building. There, he had sexual intercourse with her inside a classroom.

Kept unlicensed firearm
On Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 3:00 a.m., police conducted a house search at the residence of Ian Whittaker in the White Cocal Area, Corozal Town. Present at the time of the search were Ian Whittaker, a 23-year-old Belizean laborer, and Edwin Marin, an 18-year-old Belizean laborer of a Corozal Town address. The search resulted in the discovery of a black CZ 75P-07 DUTY brand 9mm along with its magazine containing fifteen live rounds of ammunition.

UNO Gas Station robbed in Cayo
The UNO Gas Station on the Benque Viejo Road was robbed at about 10:00 a.m. on Monday. Witnesses told police that two dark complexion male persons entered the gas station and held up the cashier with a .9 mm hand gun. After their crime, the men ran out of the gas station with their cash and made good their escape in a Geo Prism.

William "Danny" Mason and co-accused to court
William "Danny" Mason and five other co-accused persons were taken before Senior Magistrate Merlene Moody in the Belmopan Magistrate's Court on Monday, April 23, 2018. There, the preliminary inquiry into the kidnapping of Lloyd Thiessen and his wife, a Mennonite couple, was heard. Mason as well as Ashton Vanegas, of Camalote Village, brothers Keiron and Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Henry Castillo, all of Roaring Creek, were represented by attorney Herbert Panton who made a lengthy submission requesting that the kidnapping charges be thrown out.

Belize Defence Force FC whitewash Verdes FC in first playoff game
The Premier League of Belize Closing Season Playoffs round commenced last Saturday 21st April, out at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan between the Police United FC and the Belmopan Bandits SC. The visiting Belmopan Bandits SC was the first to make it onto the scoreboard when Jerome James scored the 1st goal of the game in the 26th minute of play to give his team an early 1-0 lead. The Belmopan Bandits took that lead into the half and into the opening minutes of the second half of the game before the Police United FC was able to make it onto the scoreboard. In the 49th minute of play, Marlon Meza scored the equalising goal for the Police United to tie the score at 1-1.

Belize District Basketball Association holds meeting for Firms competition
The Belize District Basketball Association kindly informs all interested teams that a meeting will be held on Thursday 26th April @7:00 p.m. sharp at Marion Jones Sports Complex conference room. Please make an extra effort to attend as important matters concerning the upcoming season will be discussed.

Belize Rural Central Basketball competition rolls on in Ladyville
The 2018 Belize Rural Central Basketball competition which is being sponsored by the Hon. Beverly Williams continued last week end in Ladyville with four games played. On Saturday 21st April, in the first game of the evening played, Diginet Assassins defeated B-Wood by the score of 75-65. The top scorers for the Diginet Assassins were Kadeem Olivera with 21 points and Orlando Ferguson with 16 points. For the B-Wood squad, the top scorers were Lyndon Swift with 17 points and Justin Wade with 14 points. In the second game of the night, Hard Rock won over Ladyville Heatz by the score of 76-54.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks is the top team into the Pepsi National Elite Basketball League playoffs
The Pepsi National Elite Basketball League regular season competition continued on April 21st, 2018, with three games across the country. At the San Pedro High School Auditorium in San Pedro Town, the host team and the top team into the playoffs the San Pedro Tiger Sharks edged out the visiting Digicell Belize City Defenders by the score of 71-68. The competition will continue this coming weekend with three more games on the schedule. On Friday 27th April at 9:00 pm out at the University of Belize Gymnasium in Belmopan, Verdes will go up against the Belmopan Bandits. On Saturday 28th April at 9:00 pm out at the Russell 'Chiste' Garcia Auditorium in Dangriga Town, Smart Belize Hurricanes will see action against the Griga Dream Ballers while on Monday 30th April at 9:00 pm at the Belize City Civic Centre, the Digicell Belize City Defenders will go up against the Smart Belize Hurricanes.

Belize Book Industry Association celebrates Book Week
As a singular force promoting books and writing in Belize, the Belize Book Industry Association BBIA has once again celebrated Book Week 2018 in San Ignacio Town. During an opening ceremony for the ninth annual book week last Friday, the BBIA recognized a new generation of writers for their stellar writing habits at the Cayo Welcome Center. A total of 27 entries had been submitted to the BBIA, with three coming from the Diaspora and proved so time consuming to review that the Literary Prize reviewers had to categorize them for the 2016 to 2017 time period. As for this year, the BBIA will be opening entries for more 'Novelette' this June with a closure in December.

Christian Charles dies 8 days after being knocked down
Accident Victim Christian Charles, a 26 year-old from Burrell Boom Village, died after suffering for 8 days at the KHMH. Police and all those closest to him think he was run over by a hit-and-run driver, but so far, there is no overt evidence to corroborate what is only a theory at this time. Police say that at around 5:20 a.m. on Sunday, April 15th, 2018, they travelled to the Burrell Boom road where they found Charles lying on the ground. He was suffering from several injuries to different parts of his body including scratches on the face, fractured ribs, a punctured lung, 2 broken legs, 2 broken arms, and other injuries to the chest area.

Driver crashes into house and dies
25 year-old Ever Hosmel Uk, a resident of Guinea Grass Village in the Orange Walk District, has been charged with manslaughter for the weekend traffic accident which claimed the life of 26 year-old Daniel Ian Urbina. Police say that at about 3 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, they were called to mile 41 on the George Price Highway, and when they arrived, they found a green Toyota Hilux pickup truck, which had extensive damage to the driver's side. Inside the vehicle, on the driver's side, the cops found the apparent lifeless body of Daniel Urbina. A short distance away, the cops found a wooden building on top of a GMC 10-wheeler Flatbed truck.

Man falls off boat and drowns
The body of 28 year-old Lionel Velasquez was recovered at sea after being missing for 3 days. In an unfortunate accident, he went overboard during a routine trip out to his worksite at the Turneffe Island Resort. Before they were besieged with requests for comment from the press, the management of the Turneffe Island Resort sent out a press release providing all the details of the accident which left one of their employees out in open waters between Belize City's mainland and the Turneffe Island.

RESTORE Belize on the Metamorphosis Programme
Crime in Belize remains a prevalent issue and as such it was rightfully pointed out by representatives of RESTORE Belize. It cannot be treated as any singular problem. According to the 2013 Global Study on Homicide reports, Belize's homicide rate was at a whopping 44.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. Most of the persons affected by these homicides are young males residing on the Southside of Belize City. In an effort to foster resiliency and to provide adults (over 24 years) with the knowledge and skills to be effective parents, the Metamorphosis Project made its way to Belize.

Fatal Traffic Accident
On Thursday, April 19, 2018 at about 1:50 p.m., police responded to a road traffic accident between miles 6 and 7 on the Stann Creek Valley Road. Upon arrival at the scene, the officers saw a Hispanic male person lying motionless on the road suffering from head and body injuries. They also saw a gray Mitsubishi Outlander on the left side of the road. Initial investigation revealed that Shamir Leslie, a 24-year-old clerk of Placencia Village, was traveling from Belmopan to Placencia along with Bernard Leslie, a 23-year-old tour guide of Placencia, and Teron Terry, a 27-year-old cook of Seine Bight Village.

Conflicting hit and run reports - security guard hospitalized
A hit and run traffic accident at the Guinea Grass Road Junction has left a 50-year-old man hospitalized. On Friday, April 20, 2018 at about 6:45 p.m., police responded to a traffic accident at the junction and upon arrival, they observed ambulance personnel treating a male person for multiple injuries. That man was later identified as Gerardo Mendoza, a 50-year-old Belizean of Rose Wood St, Orange Walk Town.

Toledo fire leaves family homeless
A fire in San Jose, Toledo has drastically changed the lives of Wilfredo Coc, his wife, and six children. The results of that fire were seen after 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 23. The family has lost just about everything, spanning three properties. Coc's son, 23-year-old Venisiano Coc, was occupying one of the homes while his other siblings shared the two other houses with their parents. The Coc family is seeking public assistance.

WORDS of Life With Pastor Barry Fraser
Psalm 23, written by King David, is probably the best known Psalm. David rose from being an unnoticed shepherd boy to the most powerful position in the nation of Israel. The English Standard Version reads: "The Lord (Yahweh) is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Hon. John Brice�o Said:" THERE IS NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE."
On Thursday April 19, 2018 I could not believe my eyes and ears! There was the PUP Leader, explaining in "basic simple terms" to all Belizeans, the exact situation concerning Belize, Guatemala and the International Court of Justice. No discussion that I have heard previously or since on Krem, Vibes, Channel 5 or Plus TV is as important as the words of Johnny! His explanations were outstanding and warrant careful read and study by each and every Belizean, regardless of party affiliation. It is fitting that I present to you, his exact words�

Baffle Them with Crap
I was once in a meeting along with the late Michael Young during a period when I was a workers' representative on a board. During a pre-meeting discussion, a certain well-known gentleman was going on and on about the dire economic challenges facing our nation, trying his best to convince all members present that these challenges were rooted in our trade imbalance between imports and exports. I was impressed with the gentleman's knowledge regarding the possible range of local products Belize could export and which foreign markets were easily accessible for these products. His argument was that if we cancelled out our trade deficit Belize would be on easy street.

5 Milestones That Have Changed my Life Forever
Every so often in life, I find myself facing a new milestone. Often, I find them to be bitter-sweet life moments that mold me to higher heights of self-actualization. Both our positive and negative milestones help us grow, or change who we are as persons in some significant way. It is important to recognize milestones because once you do recognize them, you can be more accepting of the ways that they will change and grow you.

Secrets from Area 21 Secret to Escaping Poverty
Secrets from Area 21 is a column about my life growing up at the corner of Kraal Road and Kut Avenue in Southside Belize City. My family's house lot served as the border line for four of the city's most dangerous gangs for many years: George Street, Supal Street, Kraal Road and South Side Gang. As a result, I have intimate knowledge of the "thug life" in Belize City and will share some stories about the worst of times and best of times in my neighbourhood with two goals.

The Reporter

San Pedro businessman shot dead inside his store
A businessman from San Pedro was shot dead inside his business on Thursday night on the island. Police say that sometime around 8:30 p.m., they were summoned to the San Pedro polyclinic, where they saw the body of Honduran, Reniery Adalid Figueroa Garcia, 25, a resident of the San Mateo area. Figueroa's body had a gunshot wound to the head. Police investigations have revealed that Figueroa was sitting behind the counter of his business establishment, Dicky's Store on the lower flat of his property around 8:00 p.m., when two men entered the shop and one of them shot him.

Happening now: Belize City mayor gives financial report card for recent years
Belize City Mayor, Bernard Wagner, is currently holding a press conference at City Hall. The Mayor is sharing the findings of revenues, expenditures and liabilities from 2014 to 2018. Mayor Wagner pointed to irregular and over-spending and outstanding payments due to the Income Tax Department and Social Security Board (SSB), which he said were deducted from the employees' salaries but not paid in.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Minister Elrington and Ambassador Rosado discuss ICJ with Students in Cayo
This morning Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington and Ambassador Alexis Rosado made an in-depth presentation [�]

BTL's services disrupted
Today numerous customers reported having issues using Belize Telemedia Ltd's network. Customers reported that DSL, LTE and [�]

Prime Minister and Opposition Leader meet to discuss national issues
Yesterday morning, Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Opposition Leader, John Briceno met in Belize City [�]

$80 million loan signed for upgrading Caracol Road
Today, a US$40 million loan was signed between the Government of Belize and the OPEC [�]

Belizean artisans attend Giftionery Taipei 2018
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), Belizean artisans and Unique Belize attended the [�]

NGC backs Barranco villagers
The National Garifuna Council (NGC) said this week that it fully supports the Barranco villagers [�]

Cost of living down in March, says SIB
Despite rising taxes, fuel prices, and soaring gas prices since the start of 2018, the Statistical [�]

Airport employee shot dead in Belize City
Last night violence descended upon Belize City's south side. Confirmed reports are that Kemmar Wade, [�]

Gilroy Usher says Port is ripe for PUP victory
As we had previously reported, the race is heating up for the position of PUP Standard [�]

Another accused murderer walks free
Yesterday Orlando Ciedos, 33, walked from charges relating to the murder of Edilsar Ju�rez, 21. [�]

Man arraigned for half pound of weed
Four Belize City men were busted with a half pound of weed. However, only one [�]

Belize exports contracts for first quarter
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) has released its quarterly report on the state of [�]

Blogs

Ready, Set, SWIM! Some of the Best Beaches on Ambergris Caye, Belize
Belize is fast becoming well known for the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere (second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef), for our gorgeous snorkeling, diving, sailing�all types of water sports. The closer you get to the reef, the whiter the sand, the bluer and clearer the water and there is an explosion of fish, turtles, dolphins and sea life. And Ambergris Caye runs right along the reef and no matter where you are along the beach, the view is spectacular. So what could there possibly be not to like? Nothing I say, the water is absolutely gorgeous and swimming and sunning off a dock is one of life's greatest pleasures.

6 reasons to retire in Belize
As an expat relocation consultant and property manager in Belize, one of the first questions I ask my clients or prospective tenants is, "Why do you want to retire in Belize?" It's important for me to know, because I want to make sure they have practical and valid reasons. It helps me answer their questions better. And if for any reason they have a mistaken notion about Belize, I can easily correct them before they move here and it's too late! Many people have worked their entire lives with the idea that one day, they will escape the rat race and move to paradise. They can't wait to wave goodbye to the materialistic and news-centric culture they are from and embrace a laid back and simple lifestyle. Belize is one of the most casual and slow-paced countries in Central America. So much so, that you may not know what to do with yourself for the first few weeks. But that feeling won't last long.

To Go or Not To Go - The ICJ
One thing that gets me is the idea that because someone is against going to the ICJ they are somehow making uneducated decisions in the eyes of those that say they know better and/or are educated and want to go, as if we are not "Patriotic" or Belizean enough. All while those that know or are educated are doing little to nothing to properly educate the rest of Belize as to what the reality is about the history of the Belize Guatemala issue. It took legally educated peoples decades to get the knowledge they have on the topic and it's expected that a Normal Belizean should make an educated vote on something that they know nothing about or with a little drop in the ocean.. It's like asking a fish to breath out of water or climb a tree.

Sargassum is gone....but there is still plenty of beauty to enjoy no matter what mother nature brings!
Sargassum has been an issue for a few weeks in parts of Belize - and it is a nuisance to everyone. It can come and go, or stick around pretty nastily for days at a time; it is very unpredictable. Many visitors in their first time to Belize had a lot of questions. Because having it wash in, in the amount it has been, is still a relatively new phenomenon, there are many different theories you will find. It is everywhere in the Caribbean - not just Belize by any stretch, and many places get it much worse. Guests ask why Belize doesn't use nets or bulldozers, the way they would imagine it would be done in the US? Belize is unique in that it has a fragile barrier reef, the 2nd largest in the world, to protect. It typically gets more sea grass than an average beach because the sea grass helps support the marine life. Without it, there wouldn't be the amazing sea creatures that people come from all the over the world to snorkel with. It is part of the ecosystem and is not seen as a negative thing in reasonable quantities. We cannot use nets and heavy beach equipment because it destroys the fragile beaches (you can see much beachfront all over the world is seawalled - the seaweed helps build up the shore, and it doesn't take much to erode a beach.) Belize takes the protection of sea creatures very seriously, and the use of nets or other water devices will cause those same creatures to get caught up in them.

AMBERGRIS CAYE ISLAND ACTIVITIES
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is the largest island and one of the most visited and favored vacation destination in Belize. The island is well known for its white sandy beach and clear blue waters, along with its many island activities and attractions. When vacationing in Ambergris Caye there is always something for the entire family to do. Adventure into the less traveled mangroves on the "Swampy Thing" a comfortable twenty-foot Carolina skiff, for an exciting evening search for crocodiles, birds and other nocturnal wildlife with CSI Belize, "Crocodile Scientific Investigators" and the ACES team (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary). Watch while expert biologists try to capture saltwater crocs for tag and release.

Culture in Belize
Many people come to Belize for the great weather, amazingly beautiful natural areas, and exciting adventure options without realizing that the country is home to a unique blend of different cultures and peoples. Belize is a true melting pot society, one where people of different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, and languages all live harmoniously side-by-side. The first Europeans to visit Belize were the Spanish, who were only partially successful at subduing the Maya, the descendants of the advanced culture that built the pyramids, temples, and palaces that still dot the landscape of Belize. By the 18th century, however, the British had come to dominate Belize, bringing in enslaved Africans as loggers and workers on their plantations. Today, their descendants are known as the Creole (or Kriol), who speak a unique dialect of English.

It's 2018, And Belize Continues To Grow In Popularity
Maybe it's not exactly going from zero to hero, but having watched Belize evolve from barely known British Honduras to one of the world's more trendy travel destinations has been a somewhat surprising and very satisfying experience. It really wasn't all that long ago when the mention of Belize would result in blank stares. Then again, with only a couple of weekly flights, no real tourism industry to speak of, and sunburnt British soldiers making up the bulk of visitors, the unfamiliarity was understandable. But now the mere mention of Belize brings smiles, with many people either having been, or planning to visit. And with more airlines competing to carry an increasing number of visitors from a growing list of North American cities, thus making a Belizean vacation easier and more affordable, the Little Country That Could is becoming more popular all the time.

International Sourcesizz

Searching For The Next Harpy Eagle Nest In Belize Using Drones
It was an expedition into the Mayan Mountains in 2005 which led Jamie Rotenberg to the Bladen Nature Reserve in Belize where he spotted a juvenile harpy eagle. More than five years later, he discovered a harpy eagle nest - creatures once thought to be extinct. The harpy eagle is the largest raptor in the Americas and it's still considered an extremely endangered species. The search continues to find the next set of nests. And Jamie Rotenberg, an environmental ecologist and ornithologist who specializes in tropical ecology, says he doesn't want to wait another five years to make that discovery. We find out how he plans to expedite the process. On this edition of CoastLine, we also explore why finding the nests is so challenging, what other factors are affecting the harpy eagle population, and what that tells us about the state of the ecosystem.

How To Resolve The Territorial Conflict Between Belize And Guatemala
On Sunday, April 15, Guatemala held a referendum to determine whether it's willing to take the border conflict with Belize to the International Court of Justice. With an admittedly low turnout of just 26%, a very high percentage of 95% voted affirmatively on the proposal. According to local newspapers, the consultation aroused little interest, and there was considerable misinformation about what was being voted on. It is now necessary to hold a similar consultation in Belize, and if it is affirmative, the litigation could be headed to the International Court. The day after the event, the government of Belmopan expressed its satisfaction with the result and announced that a consultation would be held in Belize shortly. Thus, the 2007 recommendation of the Secretary General of the OAS, would be fulfilled.

Beautiful Belize
Belize kent parelwitte zandstranden, turquoise wateren, eindeloze naaldbossen en onafzienbare jungle. Harmke vloog op Belize-City en startte haar rondreis op het eiland Ambergris Caye − Madonna's La Isla Bonita. Vervolgens zakte ze af naar het midden en zuiden van het land. Ze ging snorkelen bij het Belize Barrier Reef, zwom onder watervallen en trad in de voetsporen van de Maya's. Barefoot luxury bij Portofino: Het piepkleine vliegtuig van Tropic Air vliegt ons over een turquoise zee van Belize-City naar het eiland Ambergris Caye, Madonna's La Isla Bonita. Een bootje brengt ons vervolgens van hoofdstadje San Pedro naar boetiekresort Portofino verderop aan de kust. Het is het resort van het Nederlands-Vlaamse echtpaar Jan en Sandra van Noord.

Caribbean Fisheries Forum calls region to action
At its recent annual meeting in Montserrat, the Caribbean Fisheries Forum framed a set of recommendations that will be submitted to regional policy-makers at the 12th Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), slated for 18 May 2018 in Montserrat. The Forum's recommendations include measures for boosting production in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, risk insurance for fisheries, ongoing challenges to fisheries subsidies, gender mainstreaming, and the development of critical fishery management plans. The Forum noted that the overall trend in total marine fish production of the CRFM Member States since 2005 is one of increasing production, with continued improvements over the 2015-2016 period. However, the region is a net importer of fisheries products. Latest data indicate that imports for the year 2016 totaled US$281.5 million, while exports were valued at US$256.2 million.

Videos

  • Belize: Un Mosaico cultural with Don Francisco from Sabado Gigante. UNIVISION, 6min.

  • Belize Spring Break, 7min. Quest to Learn 2018 Belize Trip.

  • Belize Guatemala Relations, 60min. on Open Your Eyes

  • Belize Association of the Medical Laboratory Professionals, 17min. on Open Your Eyes

  • World Intellectual Property Day - Women in Technology, min. on Open Your Eyes

  • The Belize Zoo - World Tapir Day, 27min. on Open Your Eyes

  • Stella Maris School opened its doors 60 years ago in 1958, 35min. on Open Your Eyes

  • The Cycling Federation of Belize's (CFB), 27min. on Open Your Eyes

  • Agriculture & Trade Show - Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment, 52min. on Open Your Eyes

  • Smart Belize - booth at the National Agriculture and Trade Show, 22min. on Open Your Eyes

  • Wil on Guatemala Referendum - Belize Territorial Volunteers, 34min. on Open Your Eyes

  • Belize's Creolization -East Indians-, 9min. Descendants of Asian Indians comprise approximately 4% of the population of Belize,Belize is the most culturally diverse nation in Central America. We consider ourselves to be both a part of the Caribbean and Central American, even though we have the smallest population (400,000) of all non-island sovereign states in the Americas. This, in part, is a reflection of our history as a British colony that developed in a Spanish-dominated region. The most recent census showed that the majority of the population remained of mixed ethnic origin being either English/ Creoles or Mestizos. Other groups, however, include not only the indigenous Maya, Garifuna, Europeans (English, Dutch, Germans and Spanish), and Chinese, but also East Indians, the latter still being referred to in my neck of the woods by that century old pejorative label of 'Coolie'.

  • NAU zooarchaeologist studies animal-human interaction from American West to Central America , 3min. Northern Arizona University anthropology lecturer Chrissina Burke studies zooarchaeology-the study of animal bones at archaeology sites to understand human behaviors and how animals and humans interacted in the past. In the American West, that research has focused on bison hunting, but her recent discovery of a tomb in Belize depicted ways in which ancient peoples used animals as status symbols, even in death.

  • Happy Birthday, BTIA Belize!, 2.5min. Celebrating 33 years of service to the tourism industry. Thank you to all our leaders and stakeholders who have been part of the growth of this industry.

  • A brief Maya history with Mr Roy Rodiguez, 24min.

  • Calvary Commission Belize Mission 2018, 11min.

  • Chef Sean Kuylen checking some of our Belizean Yucatec Maya secrets of Recado, 1min. Recado is made and still used among us Maya of Corozal and Orange Walk . Jach ma'alob Suku'un. When the elders say so, I analyze as truth cause no culinary school mi teach me bout our Belizean/Yucatec/Maya/Mestizo Cuisine. You have to mek sense out of it all! Just adjust seasonings & spices to your recipe

  • Ferry crossing at Succotz Village, 7sec. This is the ferry you cross to visit the archaeological site of Xunantunich.

  • BELIZE BOOK INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION IN COLLABORATION WITH NICH, 5min. ...BOOK FAIR AT THE SAN IGNACIO WELCOME CENTER. 1st prize of Literary Competition sponsored by NICH


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