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 BTIA Chapter organizes response to recent crime activity at monthly meeting
At the San Pedro Belize Tourism Industry Association’s (SP BTIA) monthly meeting, the primary topic of interest was the increase in crime on the island. Held at the VIP Lounge of Fido’s Courtyard & Pier on Wednesday, May 30th, more than 40 people were in attendance to debate the issue of crime affecting businesses on Ambergris Caye. The interactive gathering saw members and concerned citizens sharing ideas and suggestions on how to deter the escalation of crime on the island. At the end of the meeting the group decided to not only send letters of appeal to the Ministry of National Security and government officials, but to organize a public “For the Love of San Pedro” rally at 6PM on Thursday, June 7th at the R.A. Nuñez Auditorium, where the officials and island residents are invited to attend and share their support towards a viable solution to the crime situation in San Pedro.

Ambergris Today

Opening Of 2018 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season
Today, June 1, marks the official beginning of the 2018 hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin. The season runs from 1st June to 30th November 2018. However the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as shown by the formation of Subtropical Storm Alberto on May 25. This is now the fourth consecutive year that a storm has developed before the official start of the hurricane season.

Shyne Barrow Launches Collaborative T-Shirt With 40s & Shorties
Belize’s Muysic Ambassdor is back on the scene but this time in the style and fashion area as Shyne Barrow launches collaborative t-shirt with 40s & Shortie for summer 2018. Rapper Shyne is out on the streets, but now he’s making a surprising-yet-welcomed return by way of streetwear imprint 40s & Shorties. Most of the apparel is being sported by local Belizeans show casing graphic tees, shorts, carry-all bags and collared shirts- an awesome wardrobe for summer 2018.

Misc Belizean Sources

OPENING OF 2018 ATLANTIC BASIN HURRICANE SEASON
Today, June 1, marks the official beginning of the 2018 hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin. The season runs from 1st June to 30th November 2018. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as shown by the formation of Subtropical Storm Alberto on May 25. This is now the fourth consecutive year that a storm has developed before the official start of the hurricane season. The Seasonal Hurricane forecasts for 2018 issued by several agencies are suggesting that tropical cyclone activity will be normal to slightly above normal in the Atlantic Basin (North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico) this year. The consensus among these agencies is for there to be about twelve to fourteen (12 to 14) named storms, of those six to seven (6 to 7) are likely to become hurricanes and two (2) are expected to become major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger). An average season in the Atlantic Basin consists of twelve (12) named storms, six (6) hurricanes, and two (2) major hurricanes.

San Pedro Town Council meets with Solid Waste Management Team
Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the San Pedro Town Council met with the Solid Waste Management Team in order to begin preparations for Phase 2 of the Solid Waste Management Plan for the entire country of Belize which will include garbage separation and recycling of materials in San Pedro Town.

CSAM murial painting are complete in Corozal Mirador Hotel

Vacancy at BEL
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Safety Specialist in the Safety Health and Environment Unit of the Transmission and Distribution Division (Belize City).

Vacancies at BEL
Two (2) vacancies exist at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Supervisor in the Finance Department (Belize City).

NBSAP Launch at Falcon Field
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) was launched yesterday at Falcon Field. Many local organizations and schools were in attendance. Part of the ceremony was the planting of trees around the park. PACT got some great pictures.

Ladyville Evangelical Primary school visited the Chiquibul National Park
It was a full pack adventure for the students, parents and teachers, despite the surprising rains!! Thanks for visiting.

Funding Opportunity to Help Protect Belize’s Incredible Marine Resources! Applications due June 29!
Four grants of up to $246,875 U.S. Dollars (USD) each will be awarded for work that will support efforts that help prevent marine debris from entering the ocean, subject to the availability of funding. Projects must fall in one of two categories: 1. Reducing marine debris through capacity building for the development of environmentally sustainable waste management systems. Three awards will be funded under this category. 2. Reducing the amount of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in the ocean. One award will be funded under this category.

BONIFACIO NOVELO
Bonifacio Novelo (19th century) was a Maya fighter in the so-called Maya Social War(Caste War) . He was a Maya caudillo and tatich (in maya: cacique, great chief, in the east of the state of Yucatan, along with Cecilio Chi and Jacinto Pat. Before the beginning of the aforementioned war, Novelo was commander of a thousand Maya who participated in the siege of Valladolid under the orders of Colonel Antonio Trujeque. When the city fell into the hands of the rebels, hundreds were attributed to the ferocious action of Bonifacio Novelo. Some historians say that although the orders came from Trujeque, it attributed to Novelo the beheading of the defense commander of the plaza, Colonel Venegas. After that, there was a whole battalion pursuing and harassing Novelo, forcing him to live "salto de mata" without ever being caught. Hence his reputation as a daring and astute man. In August of 1847 Bonifacio Novelo was commissioned by Cecilio Chi to go to Belize to Meet the British to buy arms under the command of 200 Maya men.

Black Orchid Restaurant Comedy Night
Tickets On Sale Now at the Black Orchid Restaurant. We are excited about our first ever Live Stand Up Comedy night. Sunday June 10th.

NEMO STATE OF READINESS MEETING ON OPENING OF HURRICANE SEASON
Coordinators for the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) from around the country and support staff at the NEMO Headquarters came together this morning in Belmopan for a State of Readiness Meeting to mark the start of the new Hurricane Season. In addressing them, Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Hon Edmond Castro, thanked them for the sacrifice they continue to make for the safety and wellbeing of the Nation and People of Belize. He encouraged them to continue doing their best; and gave his commitment, and that of his Ministry, to adequately equip them to get the job done. He noted that preparing the nation for a major natural disaster is always difficult, but that the most effective tool is dissemination of accurate and timely information to the public.

Twin-Towns Partner with Forest Department to Begin Urban Green-Space Initiative
In celebrating 25 years of biodiversity, the Forest Department continued its sustainable cities initiative by donating and pledging 1,000 trees to the San Ignacio Town Council. During the Biodiversity Celebrations ceremony on May 31st, 2018 in the twin-towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, the Mayor, His Lordship Earl Trapp, signed the partnership agreement with the Forest Department to build greener spaces within the municipality by 2020. In his address, Mayor Trapp stressed the importance of building more sustainable municipalities and pinpointed this and several on-going sustainable cities initiatives that have taken shape over the last three years. He indicated that these smart, eco-friendly initiatives, such as the restoration of riverine areas, the establishment of ecological parks, home-gardening food projects, and the better management of solid waste were led primarily through partnerships with local schools, businesses, civil society entities, and individuals.

Consultants Wanted!
Vacancies available... visit humandevelopment.gov.bz/jobs for more information

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Are you a professional working in the tourism sector and are interested in developing professionally? This is your opportunity!

A DAY IN SAN ANTONIO
If you happen to be in the area, please visit - A DAY IN SAN ANTONIO DAY - CULTURE - NATURE - SPORTS - Located approximately 9 miles away from San Ignacio is San Antonio Village. On your way, rolling hills and countryside dotted with farms, homes and friendly dogs and chickens will greet you. There is even a coconut water stand right outside of Cristo Rey Village. Nestled beautifully in a valley, the village greets you below as you enter the village with colourful homes, clothes strung to sun dry, farm produce and friendly smiles and waves. According to Local Historian Mr. Alfonso Tzul, the village is said to have been established more than 100 years ago and is populated primarily by Yucatec Mayas. The village is known throughout the country and globally for its artists and healers.

World Croc Day 2018
The Belize Zoo will be teaming up with the CRC to celebrate World Croc Day on Saturday the 16th. They'll have fun for the entire family. "Here is some Summer family fun to sink your teeth into! We are excited to once again team up with our friends at the Crocodile Research Coalition to put on a party for World Croc Day! This year we will be celebrating it on Saturday June 16th at the Zoo. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more updates!"

Channel 7

GOB Wins One Over Ashcroft Alliance
Recently, the Barrow Administration has been on a major losing streak in court battles against the Ashcroft Alliance, but today, they got a major win in the Caribbean Court of Justice. The CCJ is not going to immediately force the Government to pay that over 90-million-dollar judgment for the Universal Health Services debacle. The Court is going to wait and see what Belize's parliament does first. In March, the Belize Bank asked the CCJ, to compel the Government pay that debt immediately. That's after the CCJ ruled 5 months earlier that Belize has to pay it. The Barrow Administration says it accepted the court's judgement, but only Parliament has to power to authorize payment out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Criminals In Cops’ Uniforms Get 20K
There have been a number of armed robberies and home invasions lately. Just yesterday we told you about the hold-up at Hofius and at the Commercial Center. But, now it's starting to look more like organized crime, as another pair of clever criminals struck again last night - this time as fully outfitted, pretend police officers. It happened at a Taiwanese man's residence in Ladyville. At around 9:00, Liang Gee Fong and his wife were at their Topnachick Street home - which is not far from police station - when two creole men in police uniforms pulled up on a motorcycle in front of their house.

One For The Books: Librarian Robbed
And from that lawless home invasion - to the robbery of…a library? We know, you might be saying, who robs a library? But that's just what a young man did yesterday. It happened in broad daylight at the Lake Independence Library on Mahogany Street - which is right next to the police substation. 38 year old Librarian Bernard Louis Timmons told us that at around 10:30, he was doing his work when a young man came in seeming to make an innocent inquiry. He asked to appear off camera:..

No Suspects For Hofius Robbery
Police have not made any arrests in yesterday's audacious armed robbery at Hofius in the heart of Belize City's downtown. 7News has learned that - contrary to what we were told yesterday - Hofius does have multiple security cameras. Police say that so far they haven't been able to identify the armed robbers with certainty but are looking at a number of suspects. At a few minutes before 1:00 yesterday, two men strode into Hofius and one of them pulled out a chrome .38 pistol and pointed it at the cashier. His accomplice opened the cash register and snatched over a thousand dollars in cash along with some cheques.

Bail For Murderers, Now a Thing
If you watch the news any at all, you'll know that there's no bail for murder. It has happened a few times, but it's exceedingly rare, like once per decade. But, that may be changing because, tonight, 2 accused murderers are out on bail after spending several years on remand. We start first with the case of Alton Bailey, who's been on remand for over 4 years for the October 2013 murder of George Blanco. Bailey was initially arraigned along with Roger Hernandez and Roque Middleton for killing a 61 year old truck driver, George Blanco - so that they could rob him of $9,600.

Fatal Hit And Run While Walking Home
A man was knocked down and killed by a hit and run driver on the San Estevan Road in the Orange Walk District last night. 51 year old Melito Macario Medina was walking home when he was hit from behind by an unknown vehicle which raced off. Medina would walk daily from Orange Walk to Petville Area on the Honey Camp road where he lives. Police say it happened between 6:00 and 7:30.

Knocked Down On Morning Jog
A morning jog gone wrong in San Ignacio - 28 year old Ansella Rodriguez went running yesterday morning at 6:30 as she usually does. But as she was running on the Bullet tree road near the New Site Area, a Wingle pickup ran straight into her. Rodriguez received multiple injuries that were too serious to be treated at the San Ignacio Community hospital, so she was transferred to the KHMH. Information from the family is that her leg is broken and she will undergo surgery next Wednesday. The driver Julio Antonio Perez has been served with a notice of intended prosecution.

Tension Thick At Cayo Police Situation
Tension remains high at the San Ignacio police station after one officer pulled a gun on another 8 days ago. It happened last Thursday evening, right in front of the station - in plain view of other officers - and on the station's security camera. 7News has obtained the copy of a corroborating statement from one of those officers. He said he saw the two constables having hard talk and stepped in between them to defuse it. That's when he says PC 1994 pulled his 9 millimeter pistol and cranked it. He says he then, quote, "drifted away" to avoid being shot. He said the PC then pointed the gun at the other officer who turned and walked away.

Fishers, Your Friends
This month the fishing industry is celebrating Fisheries month to raise awareness about fishers, and honour the contributions they make to society. Today the month's activities kicked off with an opening day at the memorial park. The event included booths from organizations that play an important role in fisheries, and presenters stressing the importance of fishers. This year's theme is "Working Towards Zero Hunger with Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries". We found out more about that and the many events planned for this month. Ronda Lewis, WCS Assistant Country Director: "The purpose being that we want to recognize the contribution that fishers have to our society and our economy. We have a group of activities that we have organized for this month highlighting fishers. We have the fisher of year award whereby we recognize an outstanding fishery. We also have the women in fisheries one as well whereby we bring in the women involved in fisheries and we look at how we can mainstream gender into our fisheries sector."

The Troublesome Estero Road
The Estero area of Corozal near Pachakan continues to be a hotspot for the smuggling of illicit drugs and contraband. Yesterday evening, just before 6:00, Customs was patrolling the Estero Road when they stopped this Toyota Camry taxi. They saw one of the passengers throw a brown paper bag out of the passenger window, and when they looked inside they found one and a half pounds of marijuana. Four men were inside and they were all charged for drug trafficking. They are 43 year old Jermaine Flores Baltazar from Corozal, 21 year old Rafael Garrido Jr. from San Antonio, and 34 year old Victor Dominguez, and 26 year old Darren Carrias both from San Andres. Estero is an area on the banks of the Rio Hondo and is a hotspot for all kinds of smuggling.

Assessing The Apprenticeship Program
The Youth Apprenticeship Program, it's where young people who've struggled with traditional schooling can still get an opportunity to become employable by getting training in technical and vocational skills. It's been running since 2010, and in that time, 1,200 graduates have passed through the program. But, there's never been any real assessment of the program's performance. That's up until this week, when representatives of the International Labor Organization came to do just that. They've been closely examining the process, and they've talked to the coordinating team, the graduates, and the partner organizations within the private sector where the graduates train, and are eventually employed.

The Science Of Studying Belize
History, geography, and social studies are a few of the many subjects high school students are required to take in order to learn about Belize's past. But, at times, the clumsy textbooks and dense information can overwhelming and tiresome to students. That's why a new subject called Belizean Studies is being developed into a curriculum. The subject will have a strong focus on Belizean history and will use an integrated approach present different topics. Today the Ministry of Education had their first presentation on this new syllabus item. We found out more: John Newport, Ministry of Education Director of Quality Assurance Development Services: "What Belizean Studies is, is an attempt to make sure that all high school students leave high school with a deep understanding and appreciation for their country. We started off with an idea that it would only be History but we very quickly realized if you are going to appreciate your country you need to understand how lots of things fit together..."

NEMO Ready For What May Come
The hurricane season started today. For many Belizeans still suffering from post traumatic stress over Hurricane Dean in 2007, Hurricane Richard in 2010, or Hurricane Earl in 2016, June first to November 30th is a time of grim foreboding. The experts say that the Atlantic Basin - which includes the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico will have normal to slightly above normal activity this year. The consensus is for there to be about twelve to fourteen named storms, and six to seven of those are likely to become hurricanes, while two are expected to become major hurricanes.

A Scientific Plan For Nature
NBSAP: It stands for the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan. It was launched yesterday at the Falcon Field in San Ignacio. The plan is pretty much self-explanatory. The focus is ensuring that Belize's natural resources and all the diverse species and ecosystems are protected and safeguarded. Here is more from the event. Percival Cho, CEO - Ministry of Environment: "Biodiversity is the sum of all life on earth. That's from bacteria to blue whales. From the fungus to the redwood tree in California. Millions of species of plants and animals are what we referred to as biodiversity of the earth. One startling fact is that never before in the history of earth has one out of millions of species had such dominion over all others. Human-kind have over 8 billion presently on earth, has now spun the earth into what we called the Anthropocene, which is an era of unpresented biodiversity loss; pollution, land cover change, over exploitation of natural resources and climate change."

Sugar Associations Slam Santander
Two of the three cane growers associations in the north yesterday sent a long letter to Government's EPZ Committee urging them to reject Santander's formal request to sell sugar on the local market. The Belize Sugar cane Farmers Association and the Progressive Sugar Cane Farmers Association say that Santander should face the maximum fine for selling on the local market. They add most emphatically that their application for a waiver to sell five thousand tonnes of white and brown sugar on the local market should be rejected. They explain that this would reduce the price paid per tonne to cane farmers from $42.51 to $40.65, a net loss of one dollar and sixty-five cents per ton of cane.

Showing The Creative Spark
In yesterday's newscast we told you about the SJC Creativity Awards and showed you many of the impressive pieces the high school students created. Over twenty students were given awards for their outstanding pieces. We were not able to speak to all the artists but we did get a few who gave us an in-depth analysis of their mini masterpieces. Sahar Vasquez reporting: These SJC students were beaming with pride yesterday as they presented their many art pieces at the SJC creativity awards. The art ranged from best meme to best debator. It was a diverse and varied exploration of various media and messages in one room.

Nitro Knows What Time It Is
The Dancehall Reggae artist named Cross Di Nitro made the worst kind of headlines in October of last year. He posted an incendiary and menacing video on Facebook threatening the police. Since then, he's been charged for making a death threat, and is trying to put that behind him. He's back with a new album, and a conscious tune and music video - which he told us about yesterday:..

Can You Say “Kaiseki”? Bruce Can!
The Coca Cola National Spelling Bee was held today and at the end of it, Toledo Christian Academy's Bruce Steuer was first. The 13 year old standard five student won with the word KAISEKI - which is a style of Japanese cuisine. Second place went to Eric Wade from La Inmaculada RC in Orange Walk - who is also 13. And third place went to another Steuer from Toledo Christian Academy. Her name is Sierra, and she is 14.

GREAT: Cayo Cohort Commendable
The GREAT police program is doing great things for Cayo youth. A graduation ceremony was held for 815 students from 13 primary schools. That's the largest graduation group in the country. They were all recognized for their hard work and dedication . GREAT means Gang Resistance Education and Training.

Channel 5

Northern Cane Farmers Mobilize over Sugar Waiver
The release of white sugar in the local market by the Spanish company, Santander, has thrown the local sugar industry into a tailspin. On May eleventh, it was first detected [...]

G.O.B. Says They Will Adhere to Process
As far as it is known, no fines have been imposed on the Spanish company for violating the EPZ status despite warnings by the Ministry of Trade and Investment. So [...]

B.D.F. Soldier Shot in Toledo
Police this evening confirmed that one person was arrested and charged for shooting a soldier of the Belize Defence Force. It happened in the village of San Pedro Colombia in [...]

Belize-flag Vessel Held in Peru for Illegal Fishing
The largest fish factory vessel in the world, which is flying the Belize flag, has been seized in Peru. Reports in the media say that the Damanzaihao, which has the capacity [...]

P.S.U. Postpones No-Confidence Vote Against President, Executive
Earlier this year, long-time unionist and former president of the Public Service Union, Jacqueline Willoughby, severed ties with the union amid claims of defamation of her character. She has even [...]

The Arrival of Belizean Studies to Classrooms
What does it mean to be a Belizean? This and many other questions form the basis for a different kind of subject scheduled to be rolled out to secondary school [...]

Education Curriculum under Review
The Ministry of Education regularly revamps curricula at primary level, but is only just now introducing a full secondary-level programme after mostly leaving it to schools. It recognizes its role [...]

Students Paying Attention to I.C.J. Debate
The unfounded Guatemalan claim to Belize is the subject of much discussion, but how much of it will take place in our schools? It was noted during this morning’s presentation [...]

Jaguars to Barbados for Friendly Match
The Belize Jaguars left for Barbados today for a friendly match with that island’s national team. The Jaguars are hoping that the friendly matches with Caribbean teams will help them [...]

Cayo Rosario Project Approved Despite Objections
Two weeks ago we told you about the proposed development on Cayo Rosario in San Pedro. It is a small caye that falls within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve that [...]

O.W. Man Killed in Latest Hit-and-Run
A hit and run accident has claimed the life of Melito Macario Medina. The fifty-one-year-old resident of Petville, Orange Walk was apparently knocked down and killed sometime between six and [...]

City Man Charged with Fire Set at Ex’s House
He is accused of attempting to set the home of his former partner on fire. Now twenty-two-year-old Shaquille Martinez of Neal Pen Road has been jailed on a charge of [...]

Bulgarian Paid Cash Bail on Theft Charge
Supreme Court Justice Colin Williams today offered bail to a Bulgarian national accused of theft of funds through an automated teller machine. Vasil Kadalov made bail of seven thousand five [...]

Celebrating the Fishermen
The Wildlife Conservation Society, Fisheries Department and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism launched “Fisherfolk Month” today in Belize City.  All month long, WCS and its partners will host a number [...]

Theme Wanted for September Celebrations
It may be the first day of June, but in some parts people are already thinking of September – more specifically, the September Celebrations, which are now just three months [...]

Cayo to Host Opening
Planning Belize’s biggest party is no joke for the September Celebrations Commission and the municipal councils, not to mention the various service organizations involved. While a few of the dates [...]

I.L.O. Has Good Reviews for Youth Apprenticeship Program
About eight years ago, the Belize National Youth Apprenticeship programme was started in Belize City with the aim to reduce crime, through its focus on the development, education and employment [...]

S.S.B. Marks 37 Years, Meets Employers
The Social Security Board celebrated its thirty-seventh anniversary today, having opened its doors to the Belizean public on June first, 1981.  In honor, of this occasion an open day was [...]

A Plan for Biodiversity
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Belize was officially launched in San Ignacio on Thursday. Two decades ago, Belize was one of many countries that signed on to [...]

Hurricane Season is Here – Are You Ready?
The 2018 hurricane season officially opened today with twelve to fourteen named storms to be expected.  Six to seven of them will form into hurricanes, while two are expected to [...]

LOVE FM

It’s the month to celebrate fisherfolks
Fisherfolk Month was officially declared today with a small ceremony which was held at Memorial Park in Belize City. It’s a month set aside to celebrate the work of fisherfolk across the country and their contributions to the economy. Ralna Lewis Assistant Country Director for the Wildlife Conservation Society spoke to the media. Ralna Lewis: “If …

Family claims Lands Department sold 20 acres of land they own
We have reported on many stories involving land scandals and problems. Tonight, there is one more story to report in which a family claims that their land has been resold to another person without their knowledge or consent. Alberto Vernon visited our studios late Thursday and told us that only last week, his family learnt …

Paradigm shift in Education
The Ministry of Education is undergoing a paradigm shift in its curriculum, where Belizean studies will be integrated into the different subjects. This morning there was a short ceremony to launch the project. Minister of Education and Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber was the keynote speaker. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister: “Let me say for …

Urban green-pace initiative launched
One thousand trees were donated to the San Ignacio Town Council by the Forest Department as part of its Urban Green-Space Initiative. The donation signaled the start of a partnership between the Department and the town council as Mayor Earl Trapp signed a partnership agreement with the Forest Department to build greener spaces within the …

Apprenticeship Program assessed by ILO specialists
Since 2010 the Youth Apprenticeship Program has helped young people between ages 16 to 29. The program targets persons who have dropped out of school or have come into contact with the law and impose on them a new set of skills in order for them to return to school or gain employment. The program …

NEMO ready for hurricane season
The National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO stands ready for the hurricane season. That is what Minister of National Emergency Management, Edmund Castro told Love News earlier this week. He says that personnel from the organization and other sectors have been through several capacity building sessions over the past months. Edmund Castro, NEMO Minister: “As soon as …

Cane farmers associations tell EPZ Committee to reject Santander’s application
It is no secret that the sugar cane farmers associations are strongly against Santander Sugar being granted a waiver to sell sugar on the local market. And if no one has taken account of their concerns, today the three associations, namely the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, the Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association and the …

No drought recorded for 2018’s dry season
The national meteorological service of Belize has not recorded any drought so far this year, but they continue to maintain a close watch. In an interview with Meteorologist Shanea Young of the National Meteorological Service of Belize at Wednesday’s forum, she explained what contributed to the situation. Shanea Young, National Meteorological Service of Belize: “We currently did …

NEMO continues capacity building for tsunami preparedness
The National Emergency Management Organization has also been actively holding capacity building sessions on tsunami preparedness. Minister Castro told us what improvements have been done in this area. Edmund Castro, NEMO Minister: “Currently we should be getting some sirens that will be able to assist and enhance the information reaching to the different coastal communities. …

2018 Hurricane Season is officially open
The hurricane season is here and runs until November 30, normally peaking in August and September. We have been following the predictions for this year’s season and last week the Climate Prediction Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasted a 75 percent chance that the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season will be near- …

Students make it safely out of the Chiquibul
A group of students from Ladyville Evangelical Primary School made it home late last night after the buses they were in got stuck on the Chiquibul Road. As we reported yesterday, two buses filled with standard 5 and 6 students along with parents, teachers and the principal were unable to make it out after they got stuck along the way. Today, Principal Elia Chi, says that everyone made it out safe and sound …

SSB offers health services to its customers
As a part of celebrating it thirty-seven years of existence, today the Social Security Board offered some health services at their office in Belize City. Love news was there and spoke with Shavon Samuels, Team leader of Finance, at the Social Security Board about the initiative …

Woman injured in hit and run accident
28-year-old Hanzela Rodriguez was the victim of a hit and run incident which took place yesterday on the Bullet Tree Road in San Ignacio Town. According to police report, Rodriguez was running from the direction of San Ignacio Town towards Bullet Tree Village, when she was hit head on by a vehicle …

Man killed in hit and run incident
Orange Walk Police are looking for the driver of a vehicle who knocked down and killed 51-year-old Melito Macario Medina of Petville Area, Orange Walk District. Police investigations revealed that sometime between 6:00 and 7:18 yesterday evening …

BDF Soldier shot in the Toledo District, Police have charged one man for the crime
A Belize defense Force soldier was shot this morning in San Pedro Columbia in the Toledo District. Love News understands that one Peter Pau, a resident of the Village was involved in a disagreement with another man on Thursday …

PlusTV

Esperanza man gunned down; fighting for life
A man was shot multiple times in the village of Ezperanza last night. 25 year old Joseph August was standing in his front yard around 9 p.m. last night when a lone gun man approached him and fired several shots in his direction. August received 8 gun shot wounds to the left side of his body; an att...

Orbin Garido Murder Update
Last night we told you that thirty year old Orbin Garido was shot and killed sometime around 8:30 p.m. inside his Belize City home on Tuesday night. According to police, they found Garbido motionless inside the bathroom of his house with an apparent gunshot wound to his chest. Late yesterday evening...

Escaped suspected murderer recaptured
Yesterday, Jordan Burns was recaptured by police. Burns is the suspected murderer of 35 year old Carlton Moreira who was shot and killed on May 23rd as he walked in an alley in the Mayflower Street area of Belize City. According to Police, Burns is expected to face additional charges. Wilfredo Fe...

Robberies on Albert street
There were two robberies reported in Belize City this afternoon, both on Albert Street. According to reports, Hofius Store was robbed today by two male persons, one of whom was armed with a chrome 38 pistol. The armed person pointed the pistol towards the cashier while the other male person opened t...

Hugh Middleton arrested for murder of Kyne Gentle
Police has arrested and charged Hugh Middleton of Roaring Creek Village for the murder of 28 year old Ezperanza Village resident, Kyne Gentle. Gentle was murdered 2 weekends ago while socializing outside the Blue Angels Night Club in San Ignacio with friends. , Gentle was standing on the steps of t...

Attempted arson of Santa Elena Tortilla factory
Has the corn tortilla market become explosively competitive? That is one angle being looked at as there was an attempted arson of a Tortilla factory in Santa Elena Town on Wednesday morning. According to reports, sometime around 4 a.m. on Wednesdy May 30th, someone threw accelerant on the steps of ...

COP ON COP DISPUTE IN SAN IGNACIO
A San Ignacio Police constable is seeking court action against another San Ignacio police constable who pulled a gun on him. Plus news understands that the conflict ensued sometime last week Thursday around 4 p.m right in front of the San Ignacio Police Station. PC Leonard Benjamin reportedly pulle...

NEMO PREPARES FOR HURRICANE SEASON
Hurricane Season 2018 officially begins tomorrow. In preparation for this year’s season, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has been holding a number of planning meetings in preparation for the 2018 Hurricane Season. These meetings included a Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis, ...

Mental Illness Medication shortage?
Many Belizeans suffering from chronic mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder depend on medications like risperidone to function normally in society. Risperidone, though not entirely free of side effects, has been proven as a useful medication and is probably the cheapest of the aty...

Medication
Work continues in Belize City to create a more suitable working environment for Police Officers in Region One. With the Hurricane Season upon us, a new police booth was installed for officers working in the Orange Street, Taylor’s Alley Area. The installation of the new booth was...

Amandala

265 accused murderers on remand at Kolbe
At the Supreme Court jail delivery (to determine which prisoners can be granted bail before the court closes its legal year) at the end of the judicial year in 2014, the Kolbe-managed Belize Central Prison had a population of 1,545. That number, however, has been steadily decreasing, and at the end of June 2017, the prison population stood at 1,297 inmates. On April 30, 2018, the prison population stood at 1,200 inmates, the prison’s chief executive officer, Virgilo Murillo, confirmed today. The number of persons on remand for murder, for which bail cannot be granted except in exceptional circumstances, stands at 265, and these persons make up the single largest block of detainees at the prison.

GOB “pussyfooting” around lawbreaker Santander
Santander, the Spanish multinational company which began operating in Belize in 2014, and which has been exporting its raw sugar and molasses to the Euro Zone in Europe, issued a press release yesterday, Wednesday, after the company was caught selling its sugar on the local market in violation of its Export Processing Zone (EPZ) certificate from the Government of Belize. Santander’s incursion into the local market has infuriated the local sugar producers, who are up in arms against the company’s illegal move and who have fired off a letter to the Minister of Agriculture demanding a meeting.

PSU president faced with no-confidence vote
The Public Service Union (PSU) has surely seen its fair share of drama. In May of last year, Amandala reported on the circulation of recordings in which the former PSU president, Eldred Neal, could be heard making derogatory statements about the Garifuna people. A discussion between Neal and Marvin Mora, former president of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), about the Garifuna race had been secretly recorded, and while Mora admitted to making the statements on the recording, Neal denied having done so.

UDP’s Alfonso Noble committed to Supreme Court for manslaughter trial
Alfonso Noble, 41, the editor of the governing United Democratic Party’s (UDP) Guardian newspaper and a mouthpiece on the party’s Wave Radio and Television Fus Thing Da Mawnin talk show, appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford along with his attorney, Herbert Panton, for a preliminary inquiry into a road traffic accident that claimed the life of Hattieville resident Gilbert Meyers, 48. Panton had submitted that there was no evidence from the two eyewitnesses that Noble was speeding, but Magistrate Ford relied on a police sketch in the file that showed, that Meyers was riding on the shoulder of the road when the accident occurred between Miles 3 and 4 on the George Price Highway, on the night of December 24, 2016.

Two men walk from 2011 rape and abetment to commit rape charges
Two men who have been charged with rape and abetment to commit rape walked out of the Supreme Court of Justice Collin Williams after the judge instructed a jury of nine to enter a not guilty verdict, bringing to an end a case that has been in the court system since 2011. Jordy Rhaburn, 42, and Kevon Bardalez, 29, were freed of the indictment on Tuesday, May 29, when the Crown was unable to present the virtual complainant, because she was not in the country.

UB unveils new plans
For about a year, UB president Clement Sankat has been working on a new plan for the University of Belize (UB). Most of this plan includes the implementation of new programs as well as the enhancement of current ones. Today, President Sankat told us about what lies ahead for the upcoming academic year. Last year, UB implemented Bachelor programs for Pharmacy and Med Lab majors. Now, it will have Bachelor programs in Agriculture and Marine Biology. The school will also completely revise its Bachelor program for Biology to better prepare students for the job market.

Winners of BBSF National Open 9-Ball and U-19 Billiards Tournament
Above are a couple pictures from last week’s two tournaments hosted by the Belize Billiards Sports Federation (BBSF) at Mike’s Cue Club in Belmopan. C-Delta won the National Open 9-Ball Tournament championship; and in the Under-19 Single Player 8-Ball Tournament, Immer Lima was the champion and Iverson Monima took 2nd place.

Orange Walk Billiards news
The Orange Walk Billiards Association (OWBA) held Registration and Marathon for the 2018 Belikin Eight-Ball Billiards Tournament on Sunday, May 27, at “D Hideout” that saw 7 teams registered and participated in the Marathon. They are: Team D Hideout, Darvis, Chatta’s, Young Strikers, Dados, Nostalgia, and Eagles.

Cricket Update
Greetings from the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA)! The results of the matches played on Saturday, May 26, in the Sir Barry Bowen Harrison Parks Cricket 2018 Competition are as follows: Easy Does It won over Rural Mix with a score of 210 to 112. For Easy Does It, Glenford Banner top scored with 65 runs, and Norman Revers and Kenroy Reynolds took 4 wickets each.

Rural North Football Week 2 results from Lucky Strike
On Sunday, May 27, at the Lucky Strike Village football field, Week 2 games were held in the Belize Rural North Football Tournament for the Edmund “Clear the Land” Castro Cup 2018. In the U-16 opener, Maskall Youths edged Sandhill Youths, 2-1, with all goals being scored by Maskall players. Maskall’s Trent Humes (11’ OG) scored an own goal, while Elijah Gillett (25’) and Antoine Banks (38’) got a goal each for Maskall.

Editorial: The sharks of Santander
Porfirio Diaz served a total of seven terms as President of Mexico, first from 1876 to 1880, and then from 1884 to 1911. His policies, especially from 1884 onwards, would be described, if we were to use modern terminology, as “neoliberal.” In other words, Diaz threw the Mexican economy open to rich foreign investors, most notably in the petroleum sector, where American, British, German, and French companies controlled Mexican oil until Lázaro Cárdenas nationalized said in 1938, near the end of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1940) which Porfirio Diaz’s dictatorial neoliberal policies had provoked.

From The Publisher
I explained in the column earlier this week that a move from my old office across the street has had me run into material from decades and decades ago, material which has invaded my psyche. A couple weeks ago, I told you about a special little old man from the early UBAD days. On the night of July 7, 1970, when Ismail Shabazz and I were acquitted in the Supreme Court on seditious conspiracy charges, Richmond Fitzgibbon was sitting immediately behind me when I stood to hear the jury’s verdict. His was the first voice I heard after the jury foreman’s “not guilty.”

South Side Caye Caulker residents write Jr. Heredia
To: Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. Hon. Jose Manuel Heredia, Jr. Chief Executive Officer – Mr. Yashin Dujon. I am writing to you on behalf of the residents, citizens and land owners that live on the south side of Caye Caulker in the communities also known as South Point and Eden Isle. For the past 20 years we have never had a permanent road built by the GOB that would cross or go around the airstrip. Instead we have had 2 homemade roads, one for the west side (Eden Isle) and 1 for the east side (South Point) that went around the airstrip. Although these trails worked for the residents and guests living/staying on the south side they were and still are illegal as they cross through private property.

Gone fishin’
Dear Editor, I’m always surprised to see that in a country like Belize, where almost everyone knows something about catching fish, when it comes to making an informed choice on voting day, the politicians become the expert anglers and haul in all the fish, who look only at the bait and do not see the hook.

Big business comes with a gun
It is too recent to forget that Belize hit a wall when the telephone company, Intelco, was not given “interconnection.” For the moment, let us forget the unknowns about Intelco and see it as an attempt by a progressive government to make an honest play at capitalism. For our purpose, just for a moment, we keep these things aside. In his book, “with malice toward none”, former PM, Said Musa, wrote that his government challenged BTL’s monopoly (at the time controlled by foreign interests) because it wanted to “bring down rates…expand access throughout the country…provide a free internet in schools program.” You know that PM Musa really needs to expand on his book that holds no malice.

Book Review, “Empire in Retreat. The Past, Present and Future of the United States”
Book Review, “Empire in Retreat. The Past, Present and Future of the United States” by Victor Bulmer-Thomas (Yale University Press, 2018, 479 pp. ISBN 978-0-300-21000-2, hardcover) With its cheeky but astute sub-title, Victor Bulmer-Thomas has written an indispensable guide to understanding the rise and imminent fall of the greatest Empire the world has ever known. Grounded in his decades-long studies of the Americas, his term as Director of the Royal Institute of International Affairs where he interfaced with world leaders and his years of living and working in the belly of the beast, he is uniquely placed to provide a deep understanding of the nature of the Empire and explain how it came to be and why it is in decline.

19 persons caught illegally crossing western border
Twelve adults and seven children, who were coming from the direction of Calla Creek, which is near the western border, were stopped at a checkpoint on Bullet Tree Road. Police discovered that they had crossed the border illegally and were from various Central American countries. On Tuesday, May 29, the twelve adults appeared in the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court. One of those persons, Richard McDougal, who was in the company of the Central Americans and who was allegedly facilitating their entry into Belize, pleaded guilty to 19 counts of facilitating the commission of an offense.

Orbin Garrido, 30, murdered in his house; Anthony Bennett/Velasquez, 37, arraigned
The life of another man was taken away, leaving another family devastated and four children without their father. At about 8:30 Tuesday night, Orbin Enrique Garrido, 30, a construction worker of SET SITE, in the Gungulung area of Belize City, was at home in his one-flat lumber house, which is elevated about four feet off the ground. He had left his door open, and a gunman went inside the house and fired a single shot, which hit him in the chest.

Albert “Cat” Reid, 28, Santana villager, acquitted of murder
On each day of his trial in court, Albert Reid, 28, aka “Cat”, charged with the murder of Maurice “Tuco” Young, 57, had a Bible in his hand. If he was praying for his freedom, it appears that today his prayers were answered, because the trial judge, Justice Colin Williams, found him not guilty of murder. It was a trial without a jury and the evidence from the Crown was purely circumstantial. Young, a resident of Santana, Belize District, who lived alone, was killed on May 17, 2014. His body was found three days later at the back of his yard by his, Young’s, neighbor, Ancelma Reid. There were chop wounds on his head, face and neck.

Former UDP Minister Mark King sues activist Moses Sulph over Facebook post
Mark King, former United Democratic Party Cabinet minister and former area representative for Lake Independence, was in the court of Supreme Court Justice Sonya Young on Monday in connection with a lawsuit that he brought against grassroots activist Moses Sulph. King is suing Sulph for slander over a Facebook post on Sulph’s Facebook page concerning Brints Security, a company owned by King. This is the first time that someone has been sued in Belize over a personal Facebook post.

The Reporter

City Council reports stolen receipt books
The Belize City Council reported today that several receipt books were stolen on Thursday. The receipt books bear serial numbers from 82601 to 82800. The last legitimate receipt that was issued bore the serial number 82685, so the Council advises everyone to refuse any receipt […]

Man killed in hit and run incident
A man is dead after a vehicle knocked him down on Thursday night on the San Estevan road, Orange Walk. The Reporter understands that sometime before 7:00 p.m., Melito Medina, 51, was walking to his house in the Petville area when a vehicle struck him […]

Esperanza shooting leaves man bullet-riddled, but alive
A man who walked free of a murder charge recently became the target for a murder on Wednesday night; and while he was shot five times, he survived the attack. Joseph August, 28, was alone in a yard in Esperanza village, Cayo sometime around 9:00 […]

Punta Gorda store robbed of over $30,000
A Punta Gorda store was robbed of over $30,000 in cash and items over the weekend during an armed burglary. The owner of James Store in Punta Gorda town, Huigiang Chen, and his wife were both tied up during the robbery. Chen told police that […]

Construction worker shot dead inside his house
Trouble went looking for Orbin Garrido all the way at his house sometime after 8:00 on Wednesday night, when he was shot dead as he sat in a chair inside his small plywood structure in the Holy Emanuel Extension area of the Lake Independence area […]

San Pedro bartender shot to the head, two suspects detained
A San Pedro bartender, Osner Campos, 26, who was shot to the head during a robbery at the bar he is employed, is lucky to be alive because his injury was not life threatening. Campos was working at Wayo’s bar in the Boca Del Rio […]

Courts may have a role to play in re-registration challenges
With the long overdue reregistration exercise slated for July and the referendum on the proposed adjudication of the Belize-Guatemala issue at the International Court of Justice planned for next April, the courts, which already have jurisdiction in Belize could have a critical role to play, […]

Belize featured among National Geographic’s top 50 dive destinations
A National Geographic team is currently in Belize highlighting the country as one of the top 50 diving destinations in the world for a first of its kind ‘Dive Travel Guide Book’. Renowned travel writer, Carrie Miller, and professional dive master, Chris Taylor, are in Belize for […]

City Hall faces challenges with garbage collection payment and salaries
It is going to be a tricky balancing act for the Belize City Council over the next few weeks to keep its contracted garbage collector, Belize Waste Control satisfactorily paid while trying to keep itself afloat financially. On Tuesday of this week, some parts of […]

Graduates gravitate to 714 jobs at BELTRAIDE fair
New graduates and job seekers flocked to the job fair organized by BELTRAIDE at the Swift Hall in St. Martin De Porres Parish of Belize City last Friday, May 25, where some 714 jobs were offered by 11 participating companies. Protel Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) […]

First quarter exports down, says SIB
Belize’s exports have been declining for the first four months of 2018, according to the latest data released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). The SIB’s External Trade Bulletin, released on Wednesday, showed that exports for April 2018 amounted to $27.2 million, which was 21.9 percent […]

Quintana Roo companies explore trade opportunities with Belize
According to today’s external trade statistics released by the Statistical Institute of Belize, between January and April this year, Belize’s imports from Mexico were valued at roughly BZ$65 million; however, domestic exports from Belize to Mexico totaled BZ$1.4 million. Mexican press reports indicate that over […]

Landed Cost Pass through to Fuel Pump Prices
The last two Business Perspective column entries have been focused on fuel prices. In last week’s Business Perspective, the role that government taxes play in the final pump prices was underscored. Also discussed were the impacts of external factors. This week, we measure the magnitude of the price changes on […]

Doing Business in Belize: A Procurement Perspective
By John Primo (Independent Procurement Consultant) May 25, 2018 An interesting event went unnoticed this past week. It was Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF)Sensitization Workshop held at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza last Thursday. It was organized with the objective of sensitizing suppliers, contractors and service providers of available […]

Editorial
Belize has had to send BDF soldiers to parts of the border in Punta Gorda to discourage Guatemalan farmers from squatting on portions of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve and using the land for farming. This is not the first time that Belize has had to assert her authority over the […]

PUP’s internal issues bubble over
The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) seems to be going through bitter internal wars as it holds conventions to select Standard Bearers in preparation for the next General Elections. This week alone, one former standard bearer threw in the towel and another was denied his […]

Machel Montano plans to open music program in Belize
World renowned Trinidadian soca superstar, Machel Montano, is currently in Belize to fulfill a promise he made to students at Stann Creek Ecumenical to perform at their prom but also, to begin work on establishing a musical program at the institution. Montano arrived in the […]

BNTU to dicuss GOB Smart Stream decision
The Belize National Teacher’s Union (BNTU) will meet over the weekend to discuss concerns raised over the government of Belize’s decision to start paying teachers through the government’s SmartStream System, as it does other public servants. BNTU President, Elena Smith, said that the meeting will […]

Santander illegal sugar sales go sour as GOB steps in
The Santander Sugar Group, operating out of Cayo with its parent company in Guatemala, has apologized to the government of Belize for breaking the law and selling sugar on the local market without the necessary permission. Santander issued a statement on Wednesday, saying that it […]

When constitutions clash: The trouble with Re-registration
As Belize prepares to clean up its voter’s list through the re-registration exercise, a clash between the Constitutions of Belize and the Republic of Guatemala could affect the outcome for thousands of Guatemalans that became naturalized Belizeans and their children. This week Chief Elections Officer, […]

Breaking Belize News

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture presents accomplishments in Belize
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) delegation in Belize held an accountability seminar […]

Police finds 15 rounds of ammo in Belize City
Yesterday morning at around 8:40, police discovered a transparent ziploc bag containing (15) 9mm live rounds of […]

Police finds gun and ammunition at 8 mile Community, Belize district
Around 4 a.m. yesterday, an abandoned lot in the 8 miles community on the George price Highway was […]

Dangriga businessman pistol and 16 rounds of ammo go missing
Police in Dangriga are investigating an incident where the weapon of a businessman went missing. According […]

NEMO prepares for Hurricane Season
Coordinators for the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) from around the country and support staff at […]

Twin-Towns and Forest Department partner for Green-Space Initiative
In celebrating 25 years of biodiversity, the Belize Forest Department is continuing its sustainable cities […]

Toledo Christian Academy wins Spelling bee competition
The 24th Bowen and Bowen National Spelling Bee finals took place this morning at the Civic […]

Orange Walk victim of hit and run dies
Orange Walk police are investigating a hit and run accident that claimed the life of […]

4 men arrested in Corozal for drug trafficking
Yesterday Corozal police detained four men for drug trafficking marijuana. According to reports, Corozal Custom […]

Librarian robbed in broad daylight
A librarian of a Belize City address reported to authorities that around 10:30 yesterday morning, he was […]

San Ignacio woman rushed to hospital after being hit by car
San Ignacio police are investigating a road traffic accident that injured a woman. According to […]

The 2018 Hurricane Season Has Began. Here’s What You Should Know
Today, the National Meteorological service of Belize issued a release informing of the opening of […]

First-ever Banana Fest coming to San Juan village
The teachers at San Juan Bosco Roman Catholic School in the Stan Creek district, are […]

Kriol festival to be held in Flower’s Bank
The Flower’s Bank Village Council will be holding its 10th Annual Kriol Festival tomorrow, June […]

National Met Service informs about 2018 Hurricane season
Today, the National Meteorological service of Belize issued a release informing of the opening of […]

First-ever Banana Fest coming to San Juan village
The teachers at San Juan Bosco Roman Catholic School in the Stan Creek district, are […]

Kriol festival to be held in Flower’s Bank
The Flower’s Bank Village Council will be holding its 10th Annual Kriol Festival tomorrow, June […]

Major Lloyd Jones out, Marconi Leal in?
Retired Major Lloyd Jones, is the latest PUP standard bearer to be pushed out of […]

Roaring Creek man charged for murder of Kyne Gentle
Twenty-three-year-old Roaring Creek resident, Hugh Middleton is being accused of killing Santa Elena sports enthusiast […]

2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially opens
Today, the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially opened. The hurricane season runs from now to […]

Ministry of Health closes down 4 pharmacies for breaking the law
The Ministry of Health had been conducting inspections of pharmacies across Belize to enforce laws […]

Moist and unstable conditions to continue
Cloudy skies with a few showers and thunderstorms are expected mostly inland this afternoon. The […]

Blogs

25 Reasons to Visit Belize in June
Aside from hot and sunny (with a side of skeeters right now) there are so many great reasons to visit Belize in June. The primary one being that soon it will be lobster season again and that means 3 great lobster festivals including fantastic foods (there is a restaurant competition in San Pedro) and great parties.

Toes in the Sand – happiness abounds at Sandy Toes Beach Bar
Beach bars dot our coastline on Ambergris Caye, each vying for your attention with cocktails, nibbles and atmosphere. Each one is unique, and Sandy Toes Beach Bar is one that has captured the hearts of many with their irresistible touches across their stretch of sand. Owner Ishmael ‘Ish’ Lisbey is no stranger to the beach bar vibe, as he was the lone ranger standing when the much-beloved BC’s Bar served its final cocktail. Sandy Toes really caters to the classic ‘on the beach’ vibe. I’ve spent many hours soaking in the sunshine while sitting on chairs as waves lap across my legs, shooting the breeze with my gaggle of girlfriends. Indulgent waiters bring us cocktails and snacks in the water…just another fabulous weekend in San Pedro.

From British Honduras to Belize
Formerly known as British Honduras since 1862, the Central American nation received its current name on June 1st, 1973. Although much research has been done on the subject, the origin of the name “Belize” is still a mystery; however, there are some theories popular among many historians and scholars which involve both Maya and European influence. Here’s a recap on these interesting speculations:

International Sources

Belize Bank not yet able to compel government to pay judgment debt
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) today delivered its final judgment settling a trilogy of post-judgment applications between The Belize Bank Ltd. and the Attorney General of Belize. The CCJ previously authorized the Bank to enforce an international arbitration award of over BZ$36.89 million, plus substantial interest and costs, on November 22, 2017. In the hearing on March 14, 2018, the Court considered Belize Bank’s application to have the CCJ declare that the Minister of Finance had failed to comply with the Court’s 2017 Order and to compel him to pay. The Attorney General had also filed an opposing application on January 26, 2018, disputing whether the CCJ had, or should exercise, jurisdiction to enforce the 2017 Order. In its ruling delivered today, the CCJ determined that the Bank’s application was premature and agreed with the Attorney General that the CCJ was not the appropriate court for enforcement of its judgments in its appellate jurisdiction. Enforcement must be through the Supreme Court, subject to possible appeal to the Court of Appeal and the CCJ.

Videos

Belize, 7min.

National HIV Testing Day 2018 - Message from National AIDS Commission (Belize), 1.5min.

Team Grassfed in Cayo, Belize, 3min. Introducing you to Belize and The Grassfed Lifestyle.

Channel 5 Daily Obituaries, 4min.

The Posh Pescatarian - Spring Fitness / Pescatarian Cooking, 26min.

National Census Process, 39min.

Media & Evangelism - Eternal World Television Network (EWTN), 33min.

Mango Feast, 17min.

Travelers Mix Drinks, 14min.

Wildlife Conservation Society - Fisherfolk Month / Nomination for Fisher of the Year, 28min.

Gayla Art Gallery Opening - Shared Exhibition, 27min.

Belize Now | June 1, 2018, 31min. In tonight’s headlines: UNESCO to remove Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System from “in danger” list, Belize launches its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and World Health Organization says “Tobacco Breaks Hearts”. These stories and more on this week’s edition of Belize Now. Thanks for joining us on this Friday, June 1st, 2018!

The Caveman at ATM, 7min. Daniel Velazquez made a video of a trip to Actun Tunichil Muknal with Carlos the Caveman a few years back. It's a really well done video, and suits Carlos perfectly. Rest in Peace, Carlos Panti. "Carlos Panti, AKA Caveman. Here is a video promo I did with my friend a few years, we did some great expeditions together, see you on the other side Chucho. rest in peace Carlos Panti."

Trucking in Belize, 7min.

Tour of San Ignacio, Belize: On-Foot and By Taxi.,14 min.

Clown in Belize!, 2min. Jared Thompson performs for kids as Roadie the Clown.

A rainy day in Spanish lookout Belize, 2.5min. Some B-roll I shot in a tropical thunder storm in Spanish lookout Belize. And a bit of afterwards fun on my TRX420

National Elite Basketball League - NEBL 2018. Finals Game 2!, 3hr. Hurricanes defeat Defenders 78-66 and win their second NEBL championship.