Today's Belize News: May 25, 2018

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Today's Belize News: May 25, 2018 #530623 05/25/18 04:21 AM 05/25/18 04:21 AM
Joined: Oct 1999 Posts: 84,241 oregon, spr Marty OP .
Marty OP	FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report. Specials and Events Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials The San Pedro Sun San Pedro Police officers awarded for thwarting gas station robbery Five police officers attached to the San Pedro Police Formation were awarded on Wednesday, May 23rd for outstanding performance, after responding to a robbery in process at the Caribeña Fuels gas station south of San Pedro Town. The incident took place on Saturday, May 19th, and the rapid response of the officers led to the arrest of Zimmer Joel Perez, Jair Vincent Brown, and Arrie Kareem Gentle. The five law enforcers are PC Shamilt Chan #2183, PC Winston Flowers #1746, PC Kerwyn Neal #1778, PC Phillip Hernandez #2050 and PC Floyd Lemus #2241. Fire Chief Visits Belizeans Studying in Virginia, USA & Meets Fire Chief of Hanover County Currently on a trip to the United States, Belize’s Fire Chief, Ted Smith, has visited two Belizean firefighters studying in Virginia, USA. The two firefighters, Patrick Parks and Johnny Cardenas, are a six-month training course at the Hanover Fire Academy. Fire Chief Smith says he is trying to secure similar scholarships for two more Belizean firefighters to study at the Hanover Fire Academy. CRFM and FAO launch Pacific-Caribbean Nearshore FAD Fisher Exchange The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (FAO SAP) in Samoa are collaborating to host the Pacific-Caribbean Nearshore FAD Fisher Exchange – a 12-day study tour in three Caribbean countries. Stakeholders from four Pacific territories – Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga and Samoa – arrived in Barbados this weekend for the first leg of the tour, organized to facilitate the sharing of experiences among stakeholders from the Pacific and Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The tour will also facilitate the development of best practices to support sustainable development of small-scale fisheries which rely on the use of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). San Pedro Lions Club to host 40th Lions Club National Convention The San Pedro Lions Club is proud to be hosting the 40th Zone 59 Lions Club National Convention starting on Friday May 25th. The entire weekend will see a variety of social activities, workshops and seminars, ending with a grand parade and final ceremony on Sunday, the 27th. Friday the convention kicks off at the SP Lions Den at 8PM with guest speakers, entertainment and hospitality booths presented by participating Lions Clubs from across the country. The evening ends with a dance, complete with live music from Rompe Raja. Saturday the convention includes a training workshop, national elections, an afternoon community service project ending with a snorkel trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Saturday evening the fun continues with entertaining club skits, queen presentations, crowning of Zone 59 queen, dinner and dancing of course! Sunday a parade at 10AM follows attending church at 8AM, with lunch, awards and a closing ceremony that afternoon. Orange Walk Black Mambas leads Belize 2018 Inter-District Rugby 7’s Tournament The second round of the Belize Inter-District Rugby 7’s Tournament was held this past weekend on Sunday, May 20th at the San Jose Palmar Field in San Jose Village, Orange Walk District. The tournament has the participation of San Pedro Hammerhead Sharks, Belize City Kings Park Scorpions and Orange Walk Black Mambas, all aiming to win the championship. The tournament began at 1PM, with the San Pedro Hammerhead Sharks taking on Belize City Kings Park Scorpions. It was a resounding 26-12 victory for the island team, who moved on to the final game. The next match saw the Orange Walk Black Mambas dominating 36-5 over the kings Park Scorpions, and then they moved on to face the Hammerhead Sharks. The tight match saw the Black Mambas as winning 9-4 over the San Pedro Hammerhead Sharks. Ambergris Today CARILEC Elects Belize Electricity Limited’s CEO As New Chairman The regional association of electric utilities, Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) held its 29th Annual General Meeting in Barbados on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. At the meeting, Belize Electricity Limited’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jeffrey Locke was elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the period 2018 – 2020 after serving as Vice Chairman for the past two years. He succeeds Mr. Colin Cover, Chief Executive Officer of Grenada Electricity Services Limited. Elected as Vice Chair was Mr. Eddington Powell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fortis TCI. San Pedro Team Places 3rd At Volleyball Tournament In Caye Caulker Bryton Codd/Francis Hauze and Shantell Arnold/Emma Hoare win the 2018 SMART Lazy Lizard Beach Volleyball Tournament in Caye Caulker Twelve male teams and six female teams competed in the Belize Volleyball Association’s 2018 SMART Lazy Lizard Beach Volleyball Tournament in Caye Caulker over the weekend at The Split. The tournament was spectacular, with a large fan base present on both Saturday, May 19th and Sunday, May 20th. This official BVA 2X2 beach volleyball tournament was the second annual event at Lazy Lizard, and was a huge success, with high level beach volleyball being played. It was very well attended by beach volleyball enthusiasts from across Belize, and Mexico, as well as quite a number of tourists who were in Caye Caulker over the weekend. Misc Belizean Sources Orange Walk Police DU DI RAIT TING ceremony On Wednesday May 23rd, 2018, Orange Walk Police Formation held its DU DI RAIT TING ceremony where, Mr.Zhamir Rosado was awarded for the month of January. Congratulations to Supt. David Chi and his Community Policing team for a job well done. KTV the Remix! KTV is looking for the next superstar - could it be you? Singing competition. Nature Boy of Melanation/Carbonation in Consejo Village For the most part, Corozal is a very quiet area. Nature Boy of Melanation/Carbonation sets up camp in Consejo Village northern Belize - In 2017, the group was ousted from Costa Rica on allegations of cult activity (click link from CBC below). Villagers are concerned that the group may be engaged in cult like activities and solicitation. They are always seen riding a white in colour van. Osirus Bishop (see link) is a little boy living with his father and 10 other adults in Consejo Village from Feb 26, 2018 to just before Easter when the entire group went to Cancun, Mexico. When they returned, Osirus Bishop was not with them. According to our sources, Osirus may have been reunited with his mother at the CUN airport but that is unconfirmed. JP II JC Mission Trip 2018 The John Paul II JC students headed to Punta Gorda for their 2018 Mission Trip. They have a wonderful story in their pictures. A Day in San Antonio: Culture, Nature & Sports The San Antonio Sustainability Committee is having their cultural event, A Day in San Antonio, on Sunday, June 10th. The idea is to promote culture and history, along with sustainability, through education and community involvement. They'll have many cultural presentations, a bike race, and lots of food and drinks. Chords & Voices Musical Showcase So much talent in this year's Chords & Voices Showcase! June 2, 6pm at Bliss Center. Chords & Voices Musical Showcase Calendar of Events Belize National Festival of Arts 2018 Opens this Friday at The Bliss Center! ...."Pathway to Peace: Unity & Creativity" Contract Signing for the Feasibility Study and Detailed Design for the Upgrade of the Philip Goldson Highway he Ministry of Works signed a contract today, May 24th, with British Consultancy firm, Mott MacDonald Ltd. The contract is for the provision of consultancy services for the preparation of a feasibility study and detailed designs for upgrading miles 24.5 – 92 of the Philip Goldson Highway and the Remate Bypass Road in Corozal. The detailed design of the Philip Goldson Highway will allow for upgrading of 67.5 miles/108 km of road and 11 miles of the Remate Bypass to paved standard, inclusive of climate adaption measures to build resilience against climate change impacts. The consultancy study is to be completed within the next 10 months. George Price Highway – Axle Load Survey The Ministry of Works, hereby informs the public, motorists in particular, that an axle load survey to weigh all heavy goods vehicles, including buses, will take place at Mile 29 on the George Price Highway (near the Belize Zoo). The survey will commence on Friday, May 25 through to Friday, June 1, 2018. The survey will commence daily at 6.00 a: m. through to 6.00 p: m. The main purpose of this survey is to gather preliminary information regarding the range of heavy axle loads traversing Belize’s main highways. This is necessary for Road Engineers to design a more robust road network, improve the performance of routine and periodic maintenance, and to expand its database of vehicular axle weights. Movie Night at KoKo King Family Night at KoKo King, Friday 25th May. The timeless classic 'HUGO' and to follow Stephen Spielberg's latest blockbuster 'READY PLAYER ONE'. Kids meals, popcorn, marshmallows and adult beverages all available - so see you there!!!! District winners B&B 2018 National Spelling Bee Congratulations and we wish them well as they advance to the Nationals on Friday, June 1 at the Civic Center in Belize city Traffic Accident in Corozal Corozal - A Road Traffic Accident along the Philip Goldson Highway, just before noon, leaves one man hospitalized. Witnesses account that the driver of the motorcycle lost control and to avoid hitting a parked van, he swerved into the oncoming pickup truck and hit it on the front drivers side. We will share the official police report if we get it. Graphic Designer Needed! Great company in Belize City Looking for a creative talent to join our team. If you can visualize, create and work well with others, we want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] Got questions about #CARSI Grants? We have answers! Check www.grants.gov (part of the opportunity package: related documents tab) or visit this link. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: June 4, 2018, 11:59 PM Paradise Theater playing this weekend A Wrinkle in Time, Every Day, Gringo, The Strangers: Prey at Night Pelican Street closed Friday at 12:30pm The public is advised that Friday 25th May, There will be NO PARKING on Pelican Street also Pelican street will be closed to all vehicles from 12.30pm This is because of a function at the Lions Den. We are asking for your co-operation A Day in San Antonio For the first time, an event for all the family to enjoy, come to experience the culture of the Yucatec Maya(Masewal) people of San Antonio Village Cayo. There will be lots of food and beverages, all prepared by the hands of men and women of the Village. Channel 7 Father Says Son Lured To Death In the North Last night on the news we told you about four traumatic deaths - 3 of them conclusively murders, and one a possible murder. Tonight - we have more on the two murder reports which came into our newsroom late in the evening. First, 22 year old Jose Zelaya Jr.'s body was found in a state of advanced decomposition yesterday evening about 1/4 mile Northwest of the Calcutta/Xaibe road. The Lake Independence resident had gone up north to visit relatives, but death was waiting for him. He was cruelly killed and then dumped on a remote cane road. The body had to be guarded throughout the night and an on-site post mortem was conducted this morning. Police Have Two Suspects Police have been speaking with Jose Zelaya Sr., and his surviving son, plus they say they have two suspects detained. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "Police have two persons who they are questioning in regards to his disappearance at this time. " Reporter: "So far is it indicative of some grudge of some retaliation for activities in Corozal District or is it that something from Belize City followed him all the way up there? His father said that he always on the run from Belize City from bad men or gun men and from the police." Cayo Construction Worker Murdered In City We turn now to the last night's late breaking story of another murder Belize City. It happened around 6:00 at the corner of Dolphin and Gibnut Streets, just as a downpour was coming down on the city. The 2 victims were two construction workers, one only 19, the other 21. They were working men from out district, and they went to a shop nearby shop to buy food. Unfortunately, they were gunned down in what appears to be a random, senseless shooting. Daniel Ortiz has that story: 21 year-old Carl Christian Coc was gunned down right here on the corner of Dolphin and and Gibnut Streets. Police Seeking 18 Year Old Suspect For Murder And in an update on the first murder in the city yesterday - police are seeking one suspect and have other persons detained. 34 year old Carlton Moreira was killed through an alley in the Mayflower and Lakeview Street area - where he lived. Police believe that the suspect comes form that same area which is a gang stronghold - and they have also heard that he was killed in connection with some big Boledo winnings:... ASP Alejandro Cowo: "What we have learned so far from family members is that yes, he had won some money and he had some money on him, and we suspected that the reason for his being shot is because they wanted the money from him." Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Doctor in Tryst Gone Wrong He was accused of murder, but Dwayne Davis today pleaded guilty to manslaughter in a male on male sex tryst gone wrong. On June 18, of 2012, the police and KHMH medical staff rushed to the Belama Phase 1 home of Dr. Ivan Garcia, a Guatemalan General Practitioner. The Doctor was found inside dead, in a pair of boxer shorts on his bathroom floor, with a cut wound to the head and a black and blue eye. His neck also showed signs of manual strangulation - which is believed to have been the cause of death. His apartment showed no signs of forced entry - which suggested that the Doctor's killer was someone he knew. Police investigations led them to Dwayne Davis, a basketball player - who was 31 at the time. He turned himself into police and was charged with murder. UB Plans For The Medium Term Vision 2022: That's the name of the University of Belize's new transformational plan. President Clement Sankat and his team have been working on this plan for about a year and it was officially launched today at the Radisson. It is a very ambitious plan - one that will introduce a wide range of new Bachelors programs as well as a few Masters programs - and that is just one part it. Now while all that sounds good - where will the University get the money to fund these very expensive changes? Sankat told us more about vision 2022 and about the University's financial challenges. Clement Sankat, President, University of Belize: "The plan that we have developed touches on all the important faucets of the university. The important faucets are teaching and learning, the types of graduates we produce, the programs that we have in place, this view of research, knowledge creation, innovation and fields of service and of course the plan also talks about how the University will deliver these things because we have to have service side to the University itself." UB Cutting Back On Costly Contracts So while UB and the government work out that 3 million dollar deficit and the prospect of a subvention increase, Sankat said it is also up to the University to increase efficiency and cut costs where they can. Well, there were complaints that Sankat is trying to get rid of those retired lectures and cut their contracts. Today Sankat admitted that yes, some lecturers have to go but he says it is all part of the plan to revive the University. Clement Sankat, President, University of Belize: "University are places of knowledge, the cant be fossilized, you have to have regeneration. That is what we are going to do. We have never said we are not going to employ those who have retired but under new conditions. There is a strange thing happening in Belize, that I have never heard about people collect pensions.." Major Upgrade For Phillip Goldson 67 miles of the Phillip Goldson Highway will be paved and upgraded - that is from mile 24 and a half in Biscayne Village to the northern border at mile 92. The contract for the design of this road upgrade project was signed today in Belmopan. Here is more from the signing. The Ministry of Works signed the contract along with the British Consultancy firm Mott MacDonald Ltd. They will provide consultancy services for $2.1 million US dollars. In terms of the overall national highway infrastructure, 90 percent of the major roads have been upgraded. The Coastal road is the only one remaining and the Ministry is working on the design for that road. Hopkins Man Charged For Murder/Arson He allegedly set some barrels under a Hopkins Village guest house on fire in an attempt to kill two men inside. And for that, Hopkins Fisherman Daron Gonzalez was charged for murder and arson. Police explained today that they got advice on this from the DPP:.. ACP Joseph Myvett: "Police continues to investigate the matter of the arson in Hopkins, and have arrested and charged [twenty-one-year-old] Daron Gonzalez for the crime of arson and the crime of murder since yesterday." "No, he was an associate of the deceased." Rudolph Kelly Death Still Inconclusive Police also had an update on the death of 52 year old Rudolph Kelly. The mile 8 resident was found crashed in his car with two major stab wounds to his hand. Police don't yet know what killed him:... ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "What we know is that he had just left from Eight Miles and came back to Belize City, and we cannot ascertain how he got that injury. At the moment, the family members have been interviewed, but there is little that we can share in regard to that. All we know is that he was passing by a police checkpoint, the one by Central American Boulevard, where he informed the police that he had received an injury and he was in a hurry to reach the hospital. Just reaching at the roundabout, he lost control and crashed into the lamppost. There, the B.E.R.T. personnel rendered him assistance and he was taken to the hospital, where once he was receiving treatment he succumbed to his injuries." Cabbie Luis Moh Had Major Gang Figure In Car In other police news, investigators today discussed the case of slain taxi - man Luis Moh. He was lured to his death on Monday night - and a well-known gang figure, Nicoli Rhys has been charged for his death. But, our investigation shows that Moh had been hired in the past by another rival gang. So, he had to be in trouble when he ended up in a cab with members of the other gang. Police discussed this today:.. Reporter: "Was he targeted because of his relationship, maybe just straight business relationship, to gangs which are rival to the gang which Mr. Rhys is a part of?" Robbers Ran Leaving Gun Police got the gun but not the suspects after a robbery at Diamond Bar on the Northside of Belize City. ASP Cowo told us what happened:.. ASP Alejandro Cowo "There was a robbery at the corner of St. Thomas Street and Dunn Street, Diamond Bar and the suspects that were involved in the robbery, upon fleeing from the location, they had drop their firearm and that is when it was found by police." The gun has been labelled as found property. Cops Catch 4 Guns In a Day And so have two other guns which were found yesterday. The first one was found at midday on Fern Lane in Belize City. Police found a revolver loaded with four live .38 rounds. Later on in the evening they searched an abandoned boat in the Conch Shell Bay Area and found one Chrome and Black 9mm pistol - concealed in a styrofoam plate. In total police found four guns in the city yesterday - we had already reported on the other painted one last night. Talking Trade Today representatives from the Directorate General for Foreign Trade wrapped up a 3 day workshop at the Radisson. The focus was to educate public officers about the World Trade Organization agreements and how they can work to protect Belize's industries. Of course, it's a lot more technical and dense than that when it comes to trade and economics. The workshop coordinator told us more. The workshop ended today. Making Reading Relevant Literacy is a major focus for the Ministry of Education and Restore Belize this year. They have led several different initiatives to ensure that children are taught how to read well and are encouraged to do it more. And that's what was behind today's readathon. Primary School kids were asked to read as many books as they could and write reports about it. The kids all came together at the Readathon award ceremony at the Leo Bradley Library to receive prizes for their strides in literacy. We stopped by and found out more from the budding bibliophiles. Rosalyn Bradley, Education Consultant- Restore Belize/Ministry of Education: "The whole purpose of the readathon is to encourage reading especially in school. We encourage the kids to come to the library check out books and read as many books as possible. We know that reading is very important if the students cant read it affects their academic performance across the board and so there is no excuse..." Venezuela Defends Itself In Storm of Int’l Disapprobation Venezuelan electoral politics continues to be a subject of a polarizing controversy around the world, after the incumbent President, Nicholas Maduro Moros, was re-elected in this Sunday's Presidential Elections, for another 6-year term. Of course, Maduro's government, and the Venezuelans who support his leadership claiming a confident victory, but his opponents say the election was rigged, and the result patently bogus. They call his government a dictatorship, and cite as proof Venezuela's National Electoral Council - kind of like the elections and boundaries office - which his political opponents say is run by government stooges. Muslims Celebrate Ramadan Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar and is observed by Muslims all over the world as a month of fasting. The year it is being observed from May 14th to June 14th and in Belize, Muslims are proudly and devoutly honouring the revered tradition. We found out more from the president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Belize Naveed Mangla. Naveed Mangla, President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community "Once a year for one month are expected to fast. It is mandatory for every Muslim that is able to. For those that can't, they can feed another person. The Holy Quran says that it is mandatory upon you as it was for those that were before you meaning that it accepts that there has been fasting in other religions as well." Fire Chief Visits VA Belize's Fire Chief Ted Smith is currently in Virginia at the Hanover Fire Academy visiting two Belizean fire fighters, Patrick Parks and Johnny Cardenas. The two men are on a six month course at the academy. Smith was accompanied by The President of the Virginia Emergency service for Belize, Archibald Mcfarlane who is a Belizean American along with Paul Mauger a retired fire chief from Chesterfield County in Virginia. In February Mcfarlane and Mauger came to Belize for one week and toured the facilities countrywide and provided training sessions for firefighters in leadership, management, and strategic planning. A Comprehensive Mess Teachers staged a sit - out at Belmopan Comprehensive School today. They are displeased with an administrative change in graduation requirements. Here's more form the BNTU rep:.. Voice of: Daron Gonzalez - BNTU Rep.: "The staff of Belmopan Comprehensive School hereby wishes to offer clarity to our actions over the past few days and to convey our dissatisfaction via a sit-out. This chain of events counts as a direct outcome of decisions conveyed to staff by our school's administration, decisions that will certainly change the landscape for academia and impact the existing standards and specifically the graduation policies of our school." Channel 5 City’s Fifth Murder in 5 Days; Construction Worker Gunned Down on Dolphin Street The unrelenting spate of gun violence in the Old Capital since last Saturday continues, as we open our newscast tonight with coverage of yet another murder. On Wednesday evening, a [...] City Resident Jose Zelaya Jr. Murdered in Corozal – But Who Did It? Missing Belize City resident, Jose Zelaya Junior, was found dead on Wednesday afternoon in a cane field north of Calcutta Village. He had been missing for three days and his [...] Robbery Likely Motive for Death of Carlton Moreira Police are seeking two persons in connection with Wednesday afternoon’s murder of Carlton Moreira in an alley between Banak and Mayflower Streets. While the area is known for both external [...] Gangs’ Net Ensnared Luis Carlos Moh On Wednesday, alleged gang leader Nicoli Rhys appeared in court, charged with the murder of taxi operator Luis Carlos Moh, who was found near Homeland Memorial Park on Monday dead [...] A ‘Comprehensive’ Sit-Out by Teachers over Final Grades Teachers at the Belmopan Comprehensive High School are on a sit-out. Today when we travelled to Belmopan, we found most of them sitting out in the school compound and most [...] Daron Gonzalez Charged for Hopkins Murder-Arson Police have arrested and charged twenty-one-year-old Daron Gonzalez for the crimes of arson and murder. Twenty-four-year-old Jorge Magana was killed over the weekend inside Flomon’s Guesthouse, which was then set [...] What Killed Rudolph Kelly? Accident or murder? Police say it leans toward the former for now in the case of Rudolph Kelly, a landlord of Mile Eight on the George Price Highway who sustained [...] 4 Firearms Removed from Streets; Police Chasing Diamond Bar Robbers Police on Wednesday removed four firearms off the street in a span of about eight hours, the last as a result of a robbery at a north side establishment. At [...] Woman Corporal Charged with Stabbing Male Constable Partner Woman Corporal of Police, Audrey Moody, faces charges of dangerous harm stemming from a domestic dispute at her home over the holiday weekend. The victim is a fellow officer and [...] Maya Mopan Family Dispossessed A family in Maya Mopan is without a home tonight after their home was dismantled by local authorities in Belmopan. The family says they have been left out in the [...] Study for Northern Highway Rehabilitation The Ministry of Works signed a two point one million dollar feasibility study and design contract for the upgrade of the Philip Goldson Highway. The contract’s feasibility study and design [...] 2 Charged for Fishing Illegally in Marine Reserve Two Guatemalan nationals were today arraigned in the Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Court for fisheries and immigration offences. The duo, Dalian Cruz and David Medina, was caught illegally fishing using a [...] Venezuela Defends Election Results from Charges of Fraud Nicolas Maduro remains president of Venezuela after securing a second term on Sunday with more than sixty-seven percent of the nine-million plus votes cast, compared to just under twenty-one percent [...] How U.S.-Venezuela Battle is Affecting Belize’s Oil Supply Castillo Pena railed at the international powers that have refused to recognize Venezuela’s electoral process, citing their own internal problems in response. He also noted that some of Venezuela’s allies, [...] The Future of Petrocaribe in Belize Despite his assurances that the Petrocaribe program would continue, Castillo Pena was not able to be pinned down on how the Belizean and Venezuelan governments would handle the ongoing issues. [...] U.B. Launches Transformational Plan The University of Belize has unveiled a new concept which will see the country’s national tertiary institution taking a transformational leap over the next six years. Earlier today, UB introduced [...] Barbadians Count Votes in General Election Votes are being counted at this hour, two hours east of Belize on the island of Barbados, where voters went to the polls today to elect a new government. The [...] Arthur Saldivar Hopes for Political Comeback in Belmopan On July first the People’s United Party will select its standard bearer for Belmopan. Last week, we understand at least three persons submitted their application; those persons are Patrick Andrews, [...] Healthy Living: Why You Should Come Out to Cancer Walk 2018! The annual Belize Cancer Society awareness walk takes place this Saturday. It’s one of the largest activities executed by the N.G.O. Although thousands are expected to participated, if you’re still [...] LOVE FM Jordan Burns being sought by police in connection with Moreira’s murder Jordan Burns is being sought by police in connection with the murder of Carlton Moreira. As we reported, shortly after 1:00 p.m. yesterday Moreira was shot and killed. At today’s press brief, ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of Crime Investigation Branch, provided an update. ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: “Acting upon information police visited … BEL’s CEO Jeffrey Locke elected CARILEC’s Chairman BEL’s CEO Jeffrey Locke has been elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC). CARILEC, a regional association of electric utilities, comprises a total of one hundred and six members. With more than three decades of experience in the energy industry, Locke says that CARILEC will … What is the responsibility of RECONDEV? Yesterday Mario Ayala and his family were forced to relocate after their house was dismantled by authorities acting upon the request from RECONDEV, the Reconstruction and Development Corporation. Ayala built his home on a piece of land he had been developing in the Maya Mopan Area of Belmopan for more than twelve years. But unfortunately … Man arrested, charged, and remanded for the murder of taxi man Investigators believe that Nicholi Rhys is the man who murdered taxi man, Luis Carlos Moh. Rhys was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer on a single count of murder yesterday. He stands accused of luring Moh out of his home in the Kings Park Area on Monday night. And while investigators have a suspect, ASP … Seventh Belize Esri User Conference comes to an end The seventh Belize Esri User Conference came to an end today in Belize City. The two-day event saw the participation of geographic information systems or GIS users from all spectrum of the commercial sector. Geographic information systems technology is being pioneered by Esri which uses the technology to make maps that communicate, perform analysis, share information, and … Second Cuba-Belize Medical Symposium held The Second Cuba-Belize Medical Symposium was held today in commemoration of the 27th anniversary of the Cuba Medical Brigade in Belize. Ambassador of Cuba to Belize, Lissette Perez and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Angel Campos spoke of the longstanding collaboration between both countries. Lissette Perez , Cuban Ambassador to Belize:“At … Venezuela Embassy in Belize defends Presidential Elections On May 20, Venezuela’s Socialist President Nicolas Maduro won his second term in office. The election board, believed to be Maduro Loyalists, reported he received 5.8 million votes while his closest challenger Henri Falcon received 1.8 million votes. But the President’s victory is accompanied by continued local and international scrutiny. Many states have denounced the … Venezuela plans to invest Petrocaribe monies in Belize Petrocaribe monies being withheld in Belize due to an inability to transfer payments for shipments to Venezuela, will be used to finance social projects in Belize. At a press conference held today by the Embassy of Venezuela, Charge D’Affairs, Mykel Lenin Castillo Peña explained that sanctions placed by the United States have caused more than … Ahmadiyya Muslim Community observes Ramadan This month, Muslims across the world are observing Ramadan- the sacred month for Muslims. Muslims believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran. As part of the observance, Muslims will fast as explained by the President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Naveed Mangla. Naveed Mangla, President of the … Firearms taken off city streets A .38 snub nose revolver handgun was removed from the streets yesterday. The gun which was loaded with four .38 S and B brand rounds of ammunition was found on Fern Lane in Belize City during a search. A chrome and black 9mm pistol was also found. Officers found it in an abandoned boat in … Why was Christian Coc killed? Christian Coc was the second murder which occurred yesterday in Belize City. Coc was along with a fellow construction worker when they came under fire. At this morning’s press brief, ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of CIB provided details of the incident. ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: “Police responded to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. It was just after 6 and upon arrival there they saw two male person with gunshot injuries to their body … Ministry of Health says all clear in whooping cough scare No Belizean has been diagnosed with whooping cough. That’s the latest information from the Ministry of Health which has concluded its monitoring of the situation. The Ministry mobilized after receiving a report that a tourist who had been diagnosed with pertussis, a bacterial infection most commonly known as whooping cough, had entered the country in the third week of March. The tourist had been to different places in Belize and came in contact with a number of people during his/her stay prompting the Ministry into action. Head of the Epidemiology Unit in the Ministry, Dr. Ethan Goff says no infection was detected … Belize Leaders for Social Justice protest high cost of living Belize Leaders for Social Justice will be holding a demonstration on Saturday to protest the increase in the cost of living. Member Moses Sulph told us more. Moses Sulph, Member, Belize Leaders for Social Justice: “The purpose of Saturday’s demonstration is to highlight the injustice in the high cost of living that many Belizeans are facing with regards to house rent, light bill, cable bill, we have seen an increase of all these things over the past years significantly. Belize has the highest cost per gallon for premium in the entire region today and this is affecting other goods and services as well … UB taking a “transformation leap” The University of Belize has unveiled its transformation plan for 2017 to 2022. President of the University of Belize, Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, in speaking with Love News said that the University has found the need to implement change in an effort to better serve its present and future students … Belize’s Fire Chief visits studying fire-fighters in the US Belize’s Fire Chief, Ted Smith, is in the United States visiting Patrick Parks and Johnny Cardenas, two Belizeans fighters who are studying in Virginia. The duo is on a six-month training course at the Hanover Fire Academy. During his visit, Smith also met with the Chief of the Hanover County Fire Department, Jethro Piland …

Re: Today's Belize News: May 25, 2018 [Re: Marty] #530624 05/25/18 04:22 AM 05/25/18 04:22 AM
Joined: Oct 1999 Posts: 84,241 oregon, spr Marty OP .
Marty OP	The Guardian PUP Senators fight for Albert division Once again Johnny is trying to protect his position as leader of his party. He is now trying to put Valarie Woods-Smith in the Albert Division. The PUP already have a candidate in Albert, in the person of Paul Thompson, but the problem with Paul is that he is a Cordel/Zinc-fence man. Back in 2015 when the PUP needed a candidate for Albert, Paul stepped up for them and walked the plank. He was defeated by the UDP dynamo Tracy Teager Panton. Carlton Moreira shot in his neighborhood A shooting in the area of Lake View Street has claimed the life of 35-year-old Carton Jarrett Moreira. At around 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, police responded to reports of a shooting incident in said area and upon arrival, officers observed the lifeless body of a male person with two apparent gunshot wounds to the head. Esperanza sportsman killed in front of nightclub Kyne Gentle, a 28 year-old Esperanza resident went on a night with friends, which ended tragically in San Ignacio. Someone ruthlessly executed him on the compound of the night club he was partying at. Sometime after 1:00 p.m on Monday May 21, Gentle was on the steps of the Blue Angels night club, which is located on Hudson Street. He had reportedly just arrived with his friends who were celebrating the birthday of one of the companions in the group. Popular hot dog vendor shot and robbed Juan Angel Vargas, a 44 year-old Honduran business man who has been residing in Belize for over 20 years, was killed in an early morning robbery after spending the late night selling hotdogs. The armed gunman mercilessly shot him to death and then robbed him of all the money he earned from that night’s sales. Mother of 9 killed in wild shooting Michelle Anderson, a 40 year-old mother of 9 from Belize City, was gunned down and killed in a shoot-out which had nothing to do with her. Anderson’s return trip to the shop was supposed to be uneventful, and she was there only to pick up some items she forgot to purchase the first time around. Unfortunately, that’s the time that a gunman decided to carry out his assault on the shop, and she died in the gunfire. Launch of National Transportation Master Plan Belize’s first Comprehensive National Transportation Master Plan (CNTMP) was launched at the Belize Biltmore Plaza on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. This master plan is a part of the Government of Belize’s commitment to deliver a well-organized, sustainable, and climate-resilient transportation sector. This initiative was funded by a technical cooperation grant from the IDB’s Japan Special Fund valued at US$880,000 along with the counterpart contribution of US$220,000 by the Government of Belize. Ministry of Agriculture Hosts Educational Tours of the NATS Today, May 23rd, a total of 18 students from the Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, USA, visited the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds (NATS) Small Scale Garden. The purpose of the tour was to demonstrate how to lead a change in an agriculture environment. News from the Land of the Barbarians The PUP City Council slate has been in office for over two and a half months now and has done nothing to improve the city; however, they have done a lot to improve their own lives and that of their relatives, friends and lovers. Less than a week after being sworn into office, one councilor ordered the council to hire his brother and his sister with no adherence to the hiring procedures outlined in the Municipal Service Regulations. There was no vacancy published, applications accepted, shortlisting of candidates, interviews nor voting. This practice quickly became the standard operating procedure with the mayor and councilors hiring their close friends, siblings, girlfriends, boyfriends and common-law-spouses. BEL CEO is New Chairman of CARILEC The regional association of electric utilities, Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) held its 29th Annual General Meeting in Barbados on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. At the meeting, Belize Electricity Limited’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jeffrey Locke was elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the period 2018 – 2020 after serving as Vice Chairman for the past two years. He succeeds Mr. Colin Cover, Chief Executive Officer of Grenada Electricity Services Limited. Elected as Vice Chair was Mr. Eddington Powell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fortis TCI. BELTRAIDE’s Career Fair As a part of BELTRAIDE’s Competitiveness Month which focuses on developing and improving one’s competitive mind-set, activities continue throughout the month to showcase the strengthening of competitiveness in three key areas: firms, labour, and government. To encourage Belizeans to find ways to improve their efficiency and personal development, BELTRAIDE facilitated a series of business workshops for Small Business Entrepreneurs, trade clinics for exporters, and job preparedness trainings for job seekers. One major highlight of the month is BELTRAIDE’s Career Fair for individuals seeking employment. The Career Fair serves to connect job seekers with enterprises currently looking for talent. Free Educational trip to Chetumal by Mexican Embassy Students from both Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic High School in the City of Belmopan and St. Joseph Roman Catholic School in Cotton Tree Village, Cayo district were beneficiaries of a Free Educational Trip to the Planetario Yook’ol Kaab, Zoo (Zoologico Payo Obispo) and the Museum of Mayan Culture in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The trip was a reward from His Excellency Carlos Quesnel Melendez, Mexican Ambassador to Belize for being excellent students as well as for their hard work and commitment to education and improving themselves. This event was in collaboration with ADO who provided two of their own buses to transport the students in air conditioned comfort. Development continues While the other guys are going around making promises that they will never keep, the Area Representative of the Orange Walk East Constituency is in his trademark fashion been delivering for the people he represents. In the past few weeks as part of ongoing work Honorable Elodio Aragon secured a number of stadium lights which have been installed in sporting facilities in Orange Walk East. Recognizing that sports plays a vital role in the development of our children and which will eventually turn them into positive catalysts of change, much attention is being given to sports and sporting facilities. As a result new lights were installed at the football fields in palmar and Carmelita villages. In Palmar three new light bulbs were installed, one damaged/burned out light was replaced and another one which had been was totally destroyed due to high winds. FIRE CHIEF VISITS BELIZEANS STUDYING AND MEETS FIRE CHIEF IN VIRGINIA (USA) Currently on a trip to the United States, Belize’s Fire Chief, Ted Smith, has visited two Belizean firefighters studying in Virginia, USA. The two firefighters, Patrick Parks and Johnny Cardenas, are on a six-month training course at the Hanover Fire Academy. Fire Chief Smith says he is trying to secure similar scholarships for two more Belizean firefighters to study at the Hanover Fire Academy. Fire Chief Smith also got the opportunity to meet Jethro Piland, Chief of the Hanover County Fire and EMS (Emergency Medical Support) Department in the State of Virginia. Fuel: The Economic Driver The economic driver is fuel! In small economies like ours, ever so slight upward movements in the price of this commodity has damning effects on the economy. Over the past few months Belize has been rattled by a number of price hikes which sees drivers suffering at the pumps and while from a transportation point of view every trip to the pump is met with pain, the reality on the ground is that it will not be long before the pain is also transferred to the supermarkets and everyday products. Keeping Cayo clean Police in the Cayo District continue to engage our youths in productive activities. On Friday, Police cadets from the San Ignacio Police formation took part in cleaning the highway between Red Creek and Esperanza Village. Corporal Jason Jones from the Community Program within the Police Department would like to thank Village Chairman Mr. John Trapp and Cayo Cargo for their assistance. He would also like to thank the parents and other persons who assisted with the clean-up. Lawyer or Liar? Last week one of Belize’s most prominent attorneys Mr. Eamon Courtenay alleged that the Chief Elections Officer Mrs. Josephine Tamai, opened seal envelopes and counted ballot papers. According to Courtney, Mrs. Tamai admitted to it in court during her testimony under oath. This is what Courtenay said to the journalists outside of the Supreme Court. “I think the regulations are very clear once those ballots have been counted the presiding officer should seal the envelopes hand them to returning officer in seal envelopes and the law is very clear that it should not be opened until and if they are brought to court by an order of the court, and we have the chief elections officer by her own mouth saying that she opened them, and she counted them.” Can the Elections and Boundaries Department take away nationality? After reading a release from the organization known as Belizean Citizens Abroad; the release ascribes some extraordinary powers to the Chief Elections Officer. According to the release, the Chief Elections Officer should turn away persons who have Belizean Nationality Documents, if they were born in Guatemala. According to the release, she must do so because it is illegal for Guatemalans to be granted Belizean Citizenship. With regard to registration of persons including persons born in Guatemala tendering Belizean Nationality Documents, when applying to be registered as a voter, I must say that the position taken by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), is indeed the proper position. Capacity Building for the Ministry of Agriculture Extension and Cooperative Staff The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture hosted a training workshop for its Extension and Cooperative Officers today, May 23rd, in Belmopan. The objective of the training was to build capacity in the use of different extension group methods. The one-day training involved participatory and adult learning training approach to ensure active participation of trainees. The facilitator for the training was specialist Dr. Juan Caliva Esquivel. Mundialito held in Belmopan Emerging from the West, the tradition of the Mundialito continued at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in the Nation’s Capital. Closing ceremonies for the “Mundialito KYF2018” was held on Sunday by the Belmopan City Council. Mayor Khalid Belisle has congratulated all the winners of this year’s event. In the U-13 category, Team Revolution came in first place, Spanish Lookout Ducks second place and YWAM third place. Also, in the U-15, Team Revolution came in first place, Rising Star second place and the bandits third place. Meanwhile; in the female grouping, Compre Flames came in first place, Medina FC second place and Valley Girls third place. New Road to Neuland Last week Hon Elodio Aragon Jr. met with a number of leaders from Santa Marta Village and from the new community of Neuland. As a result a work group was organized consisting of residents of both communities. It was decided and by consensus agreed to bring unprecedented development to the area by pooling resources and working together. This working group will ensure that the upgrading the road that leads to Neuland and the streets within Santa Marta village is carried out. Police Zone One’s Zip line and Scholarships On May 20, 2018, 30 children between the ages of 8 and 15 were taken to the Frank’s Eddy Village in the Cayo District to do zip lining. Responsible for this outing was the staff of the Eastern Division Region One and their commander, Sr. Spt. Howell Gillett. According to the Gillett, “one of our objectives is to keep young people positive by taking them out of their usual environment to experience other possibilities. This we hope will help these young people by opening their minds to a life other than the status quo.” Man pleads guilty of manslaughter in a retrial Abimael Pott, 17 at the time, was accused and charged for a murder which occurred on a school compound in May 2011. He was already convicted of murder before Supreme Court judge Justice Herbert Lord, who sentenced him to life imprisonment. His attorneys appealed and he was given a retrial and at his latest court date on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, Pott, now 24, chose to change his previous plea from not guilty of murder to guilty of manslaughter. Car crash claims life A car crash in Belize City has led to the death of a 52-year-old man. On Tuesday, May 22, 2018, minutes before 9:00 p.m., police responded to a report of a traffic accident. Upon arrival at the Central American Boulevard/Mahogany Street roundabout, the officers observed a Toyota Camry with its front portion extensively damaged. In the car, the officers observed a man who was later identified as Rudolph Kelly Jr., a 52-year-old resident of 8 Miles. Kelly Jr. was seen suffering from two cut wounds to his left arm. Everal Martinez appears in court again for rape of toddler Everal Martinez, the 21-year-old accused of raping and molesting a 17-month-old toddler earlier this year, continues to be brought to court by special police escort for protection reasons. Martinez appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court for the third time on Friday, May 18, 2018. In court, he appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford who gave him his fourth date to appear in court, July 19, 2018. Charges against Camalote Taxi driver following Hit and Run On Friday, May 18, 2018 at about 7:30 p.m., police responded to a road traffic accident between miles 45 and 46 on the George Price Highway. Upon arrival at the scene, they observed the motionless body of a female. That female was identified as Silvia Zavala, a 30-year-old Belizean domestic of a Belmopan address. Zavala was observed to have multiple injuries to the body. The responding officers also observed a red and black Honlei motorcycle on the highway with damages to the rear portion. Initial investigation revealed that Zavala was traveling from Cotton Tree Village to Belmopan. Hit and Run on Southern Highway leaves woman dead Police in the Southern Formation are investigating a traffic accident that claimed the life of a woman on the Southern Highway. At around 9:35 a.m., on Sunday May 20 they visited an area between miles 9 and 10 on the Southern Highway on the outskirts of Silk Grass Village, Stann Creek District. There they observed the body of a female on the left side of the Highway when travelling in the direction of Hopkins Road junction. Human remains found in Hopkins fire On Sunday, May 20, 2018 at about 4:15 a.m., police responded to a report of a house fire on the Southside of Hopkins Village. Upon arrival at the scene, they observed a 2-storey wooden structure engulfed in flames. The building housed four apartments, all of which were completely destroyed by the time the fire was put out by fire personnel. After the scene was inspected, police found what appeared to be the charred remains of a human body under debris from the fire. The charred remains were transported to Southern Regional Hospital morgue where it now awaits a post mortem examination. Missing man found dead in cane field in Corozal Police are reporting that the body of 22 year old Jose Zelaya has been found in a cane field in the Corozal District. The 22-year-old Jose Zelaya, a laborer of a Mahogany Extension address, was reported missing on Tuesday May 22, 2018. He was last seen in Corozal at a beach party on Monday May 21, 2018. On Wednesday May 23, 2018, preliminary reports received indicated that that a body was found in a cane field near the Calcutta School area. Missing young man feared dead The family of a 20-year-old young man who went missing fears the worst. Oswald Arnold of Roaring Creek Village was last seen alive around 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2018 when he told his family that he would be going on an overnight fishing trip with four friends, all from Roaring Creek. The friends have all made it back safely but Arnold is yet to be found. Arnold’s family says that they have reasons to believe that something disturbing happened on the trip, and they want answers. It was on the return of the four others that Arnold’s family became suspicious. Since then, they’ve been on several searches for Arnold, which have since become futile. According to Arnold’s aunt, Natalee Arnold, the family has received credible reports that her nephew was killed and that his body was either dumped in or buried along the river. Police continue to investigate arson and murder On May 15, 2018, fire investigators in Belmopan discovered the charred remains of a man in an area just outside of Belmopan. 4 houses were burnt in a yard on Jordan Ranch road, an area off the old Banana Bank road. According to police, this particular case is one of arson and whoever set the fire set it with the intention of burning the victim. As a result, the case is also being treated as one of murder. It was while sifting through the burnt rubble that personnel from the fire department came across the remains and called the police. Nyle Vasquez charged for Seine Bight shooting An attempted execution has left a Seine Bight Villager hospitalized with gunshot wounds he suffered during the incident. At around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, police responded to information of a shooting incident in Seine Bight Village on the Placencia Peninsula. Upon arrival at the scene, police met Austin Williams, the victim. Williams reported that while standing at a street corner with a friend, Ralph Forbes, they were approached by a male person who fired several shots in their direction, two of which caught Williams. He was hit twice, once to the left side of his lower back and one to the left cheek. Ex Court’s Employee charged with robbery An ex-employee of Courts was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 before Magistrate Michelle Trapp. Eric Jones, was accused of robbing his former workplace. Surprisingly, Jones was offered bail despite the use of a firearm in the robbery. He was arraigned on four counts of robbery for allegedly robbing the establishment at gunpoint as well as three employees of their cash, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables. Jones and another man allegedly stole a total of $1,420 from the establishment on May 17, 2018. Three men arrested after San Pedro Gas Station robbery On Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 7:15 p.m., police responded to a robbery in progress at the Caribena Fuels Gas Station at the corner of Blake Street and Sea Grape Drive in San Pedro Town. Upon arrival, police set chase behind two male persons and eventually caught up to them in nearby bushes. Initial investigation revealed that Adolfo Victor Gongora Jr., a 33-year-old Belizean pump attendant of a San Pedro address, and his co-worker, Jonathan Reyes, were working when two male persons approached them. Gongora was held with a knife to his throat by one of the men who stole a black waist bag that contained monies from the day’s sale. Belmopan Bandits best the BDF FC to regain national football title The Premier League of Belize 2017-2018 Closing Season came to an end on Monday 21st May at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan. In the second and final game of the championship series between the Belmopan Bandits SC and the Belize Defence Force FC, the Belmopan Bandits SC bested the Belize Defence Force FC by the score of 5-3 to regain the National Football Title. The Belmopan Bandits SC was the first to make it onto the scoreboard when Rony Flores scored the 1st goal of the game in the 22nd minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The visiting Belize Defence Force then followed when Trimayne Harris, the regular season MVP scored the equalising goal for his team in the 25th minute of play to tie the score at 1-1. The Belmopan Bandits SC once again took the lead when George Welcome scored the 1st of his 3 goals in the 29th minute of play to give his team a 2-1 lead. The lead was extended when George Welcome scored the 2nd of his 3 goals in the 37th minute of play to give his team a commanding 3-1 lead. The first half of the game ended 3-1 in favour of the Belmopan Bandits SC. Ephesus SDA Primary humble Bethel Primary in the Belize City Primary Schools Football competition The Belize City Primary Schools Football competition continued on Thursday 17th May, with three games all in the boys’ competition. In the first game played, St. Joseph Primary School blanked Salvation Army Primary School by the score of 2-0. The goals for St. Joseph Primary School were scored by Luis Sosa and Kaylene McFoy. In game two, Ephesus SDA Primary School humbled its neighbour school Bethel Primary by the score of 9-0. The goals for Ephesus SDA were scored by Jose Almendarez (5), De’Andre Williams, Ralston McDonald, Elroid Rodriguez and Kenneth Duron. Tricia Flores and Mark Anderson fastest man and woman in Belize The Belize Athletics Association held its National Senior Track and Field Championship at the Marion Jones Stadium in Belize on May 19 and 20, respectively. Flores and Anderson dominated the fastest event of the meet in their respective categories. The winners of the events both in the track and the field are listed below: 100m female senior Tricia Flores 12.65, 100m female senior Faith Morris 12.66, 100m female senior Ashantie Carr 12.67, 100m female senior Jada Parchue 13.1... Smart Belize Hurricanes survive Griga’s onslaught to advance to championship round Last night the Belize City Centre was home to game 3 of a hotly contested series between Smart Belize Hurricanes and Griga Dream Ballers. Both teams were able to defend home court in the first two games, leaving game 3 to be the final battle between the number 2 and number 3 seeds. The visiting squad, Griga Dream Ballers were able to establish themselves at tip-off, taking an early 21 – 10 lead at the end of the first quarter. It was crucial for the visitors to establish themselves early in the game, while combatting the loud fan base in the Civic Centre. At the half Griga was able to hold on to a 7-point lead, 32 – 25. Griga was led by Daniel “Buddy” Nolberto who finished the night with 15 points and 3 assists, while Edgar Mitchell tallied 10 points and 4 dimes and Trevaughn Usher chipped in 10 points off the bench. NEBL championship series will tip-off on Friday; City teams at the big dance Tuesday, May 22, 2018. The date and teams are finally set for the big showdown in the 2018 NEBL Finals and this will be the first year in the NEBL’s five-year history that San Pedro Tiger Sharks will not be participating in the final dance. However, Darwin “Puppy” Leslie will be in his fourth NEBL finals in five years, to now tie the San Pedro Tiger Sharks franchise. New comers, DigiCell Belize City Defenders have climbed their way in the finals, making them the first team to reach the finals who have entered the playoffs as the #4 seed. History was also recorded when both semi-finals series were stretched out to three games. After a battle last night, Smart Belize Hurricanes was the victor, joining their Belize City comrades to the championship series. It is the first time that two Belize City teams have reached the finals, where Smart Belize Hurricanes will try to win another ring, after being the 2016 champions. This is Kurt “Chengo” Burgess’ fourth trip to the finals in 5 years. Nigel Jones, DigiCell Belize City Defenders advance to NEBL Finals In the final game between San Pedro Tiger Sharks and DigiCell Belize City Defenders, there was a tense environment, where both teams had something to prove to the league, and the nation of Belize, in a decisive game 3, win or go home scenario. Both teams are equally matched against each other and it’s only a matter of wanting it more that will be the deciding factor in this series. Due to excellent shot creation and tough defense, DigiCell Belize City Defenders made a jump on the Tiger Sharks team early on in the game. However, before the opening quarter was over their lead vanished and it was Tiger Sharks with a 1-point lead, 25 – 24. Throughout the second quarter the San Pedro Tiger Sharks maintained their lead; even though, whenever their rivals kept slimming down the lead, they kept their poise and finished the first half with a small 4-point advantage, 48 – 44. Oceana on Hands across the Sand Hands Across the Sand/Land was founded in 2010 and has since grown into an international movement after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster of April 2010. People came together to join hands, forming symbolic barriers against spilled oil and to stand against the impacts of other forms of extreme energy. It seeks to reject offshore drilling, the KXL and other tar sands pipelines, hydraulic fracturing, seismic air gun blasting, and call on leaders to protect communities by rejecting projects that expand the extraction and use of fossil fuels and instead accelerate the shift to clean, renewable energy. Tree falls on 10-year-old in Toledo A family in Toledo has lost their 10-year-old granddaughter to a freak accident. Preliminary police reports indicated that on May 18, 2018 while Valentino Teul, 58, was cutting down a tree, it fell on his 10-year-old granddaughter, Emilda “Edna” Che. The two were in their yard in San Pedro Columbia, Toledo when Teul was cutting the tree. He did not notice his granddaughter and the trunk of the tree fell on her. Despite being rushed to the poly clinic in San Antonio, she succumbed to her injuries. Police are investigating. Words of Life With Pastor Barry Fraser In the Gospel of John, chapter 11, verse 35, we read, “Jesus wept.” His friend Lazarus had died. Jesus wept after speaking with Lazarus’ grieving sisters, Martha and Mary, and seeing all the mourners. That seems natural enough. Most of us would have wept too. However, Jesus had come to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew that in a few short minutes all this weeping would turn to astonished joy, and then tearful laughter, and then worship. He had come to Bethany to bring these mourners the best news they could have imagined. It Only Takes One Storm, Get Ready Belize!!! The start of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season is almost here, and it is time to review and revise your Family Hurricane Plan. Remember June to November is the official Hurricane Season. The Colorado State University (CSU), University College of London (TSR), North Carolina State University (NCSU), The Weather Channel (TWC), and AccuWeather have issued their pre-season predictions on the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season activity. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is expected to issue their pre-season predictions later this month. Summertime is Here Again… Well Almost! After a full academic year of intense study, and the final push through exams, most students can’t wait for summer break. Thoughts of being able to sleep in, rest, relax and just do nothing for a change sounds rather blissful but after the initial high following freedom from classes, essays, homework, projects and deadlines, the summer months can get pretty old, pretty fast. And nothing can feel worse than realizing that you have wasted your precious days of freedom in a haze of binge watching TV and Facebook stalking. It’s possible to make summer break a relaxing, fun and yet industrious time. Here are some fun and productive ways to enjoy your summer break Breaking Belize News Attention all drivers: Axle load survey to commence on George Price Highway tomorrow The Ministry of Works today informed the public that an axle load survey to weigh all […] Belmopan Bandits crowned PLB’s Champion The finals of Premier League Of Belize (PLB) closing season kicked off on Saturday May […] US $2 million Contract signed for design of Upgrade of Philip Goldson Highway The Ministry of Works signed a contract today with British Consultancy firm, Mott MacDonald Ltd. The […] SIF to host Sensitization Workshop The Social Investment Fund (SIF) in collaboration with the Basic Needs Trust Fund, the Caribbean Development […] Teachers from Belmopan Comprehensive stage sit out Reports to BBN indicate that teachers from Belmopan Comprehensive School are on sit out today […] Barbados advised not to withdraw from CCJ Former president of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Michael de la Bastide, in a […] Belize’s fire chief visits fire fighters in training Belize’s Fire Chief, Ted Smith, is on a trip to the United States this week visiting […] Missing man found dead The body of a man who went missing on Monday was found in Calcutta village, Corozal […] International Sources 40s & Shorties Visit Belize With Shyne for Summer Lookbook Coinciding with today’s launch, 40s & Shorties share the official lookbook for their Summer 2018 collection. Starring former Bad Boy rapper, Shyne, the brand took to his native Belize to get a tour of the Central American country. Shyne in turn guided the 40s & Shorties crew through the parts of the area that are dearest to him, including the street he grew up on, the resource center he opened in one of the more impoverished neighborhoods, the port, and the picturesque island of San Pedro. The brand ultimately got to experience his culture, country, and lifestyle, which is portrayed in the above imagery. Zika Virus Genomes Elucidate Disease Spread in Central America, Mexico Researchers have reconstructed the spread of the Zika virus in Central America and Mexico using the genomes of viruses collected from patients in the region. Zika virus, a Flavivirus, was first discovered in Uganda in 1947 and is transmitted primarily by mosquitos. It was first reported in the Americas in 2015, where it is expected to infect about 100 million people by the end of the epidemic. In a new study appearing in Cell Host & Microbe today, researchers sequenced 61 Zika virus samples. In combining phylogenetic, epidemiological, and environmental data, they found that there were multiple introductions of the virus into Central America and Mexico, and that there have been peaks in transmission that coincide with variations in mosquito abundance. The Most Stunning Deep Sea Sights in the World From coral reefs and sinkholes to shipwrecks and submerged hotels, the ocean is brimming with beautiful scenery that even landlubbers will appreciate. Belize is a mecca for snorkeling and scuba enthusiasts (not to mention one of the top vacation spots in Central America). Of all its abyssal attractions, none compare to the Great Blue Hole. Made famous by French explorer Jacques Cousteau, this massive 406-foot-deep marine cavern lures aquatic adventurers with its crystalline waters, stalactites, and fascinating creatures, including the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle. Videos Belize Diving Adventure, 10min. Alexis and I had the privilege of diving out at Glovers Atoll. Gorgeous fish and coral. The next day we snorkeled out at hideaway Caye. All in all beautiful place National Census Process - Statistical Institute of Belize, 39min. on Open Your Eyes The Posh Pescatarian - Spring Fitness/Pescatarian Cooking, 26min. on Open Your Eyes Belize Telemedia Limited - DigiCell May Promotions, 20min. on Open Your Eyes Trip to Belize, 4min. Birthday trip to Belize March 2018. Mother's Day Celebration, San Antonio, Belize, May, 2018, 1.5min. EXPLORING Caves of the Caribbean! Cruise Control, 3min. Cave Tubing & Jungle Trek at Jaguar Paw o About an hour drive from Belize City Diving Belize, REEF C, 6.5min. A Marine Conservation Awareness Program at Tom Owen Caye,Placencia Belize MAY 2018 Belize Casa Tortuga 2018 Fun, 5min. Casa Tortuga 25th Anniversary Fun Belize Celebrates National HOLIDAY for NATIONAL HEROES, 1min. A mobile insta-film of students visiting the George Price Center and Goldson House museum on National Heroes and Benefactors Day 2018. Secret Beach Road repaired, 1.5min. Have you been to Secret Beach lately? If you have not, make sure to go this weekend! Thanks to the Belize Tourism Board, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and the San Pedro Town Council, the road to Secret Beach has been repaired! The bumpy road is gone and now you can reach Secret Beach quicker and no back pain....perfect for a weekend of fun and relaxation with friends and family. Belize Territorial Volunteers Wil Mehia Rise & Shine Mr Carlos Santos, 2hr. The Chicken Drop: Where You Bet On Where the Chicken Will Poop, 1min. During our trip to San Pedro, Belize, we learned about this gambling game called the Chicken Drop. You gotta see it to believe that it's real. Belize Reflection, 5min. University of Indianapolis Health Promotion in Belize Livia Crispen, Jordan Walker, and Chelsea Agbyani. Belize Blue Hole, Stalactite_going around, 2.5min.