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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials


The San Pedro Sun

Tracy Betancourt arraigned for the murder of Lamont Lipka; police seek one more suspect
21-year-old island resident Tracy Betancourt was arraigned on Monday, November 5th at the San Pedro Magistrate Court for the murder of American businessman Lamont 'Monty' Edward Lipka. She is to return to court on January 30, 2019. While she has been remanded to Belize Central Prison, police investigation continues, and they are looking for one Leon Walford, who is believed to be connected with the murder. Police have not provided details about their investigation, however, one day after Lipka's murder, Betancourt and 18-year-old John Carlos Hernandez were arrested and charged with Kept Ammunition without a Gun License. The duo was charged with the offense after San Pedro Police searched Hernandez' apartment and discovered seven 9mm live rounds of ammunition. Betancourt was present in the apartment, thus she was also charged.

New President and Board of Directors installed during the San Pedro Lions Club's 43rd anniversary
Murlene (Mel) Spain became the president of the San Pedro Lions Club for the second time on Saturday, November 3rd during the Club's 43rd anniversary celebration. Hosted at the Lions Den on Barrier Reef Drive, the occasion also saw the installation of a new Board of Directors, including the welcoming of two new Lions, who were sworn in front of guests, local club members, and members from Lion Clubs from the mainland and Chetumal, Mexico. The local club is determined to continue working hard for the island community and becoming more involved in the development and well-being of San Pedro. The new Board of Directors consists of President Mel Spain, Vice President Everette Anderson, Treasurer Abel Guerrero, Shelley Huber as Tail Twister, Valdemar Graniel as Lion Tamer, Pamela Zetina as Secretary, and Fatima Graniel will be in charge of Membership.

PAHO urges countries of the Americas to rid the continent of malaria
Paraguay was certified as having eliminated malaria from its territory in June of this year. Argentina is on track to obtain its certification in 2019, and Belize, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico and Suriname are potentially on their way to achieving elimination by 2020. Other countries, however, have recorded an increase in the number of cases of malaria, which puts at risk achievement of the goals to reduce the number of cases, and eliminate the disease in the region by 2030. On the eve of Malaria Day in the Americas (6 November), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) urges countries of the region to take urgent action to halt the increase in cases, maintain achievements, and free the continent of malaria, a disease which, during the last century, was the leading cause of death in almost every nation in the world.

First Belize National Rugby Team
Saturday, November 3rd, 2018, on a slightly overcast day an excited crowd of curious spectators gathered to witness a historic event. While everybody in Ladyville is familiar with the British troops and their sporting prowess, nobody knew quite what to expect as cars, pick-ups and minibuses from the BATSUB Base and across Belize arrived with gangs of young lads jumping out wearing bright colored kit and carrying what looked like American Footballs. But it wasn't American Football. This was rugby 7s, a hugely popular variant of rugby players around the world. And the lads were from some of Belize's first rugby football clubs - Kings Park Scorpions RFC, Cayo Baymen RFC, Orange Walk Black Mambas RFC, and the first ever national rugby team of Belize - The Belize Macaws.

BTB and stakeholders install sign on Belize River reminding tour guides to protect manatees
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), in collaboration with the Port Authority, Sea 2 Shore Alliance and the Belize Manatee Conservation Project, has installed a sign on the estuary of the Belize River with the aim to remind tour guides of their responsibility to protect Belize's natural resources. The installation of the sign was deemed necessary due to increasing public concerns regarding some tour guides touching and feeding manatees as part of their tours.

Ambergris Today

First Belize National Rugby Team
On, Saturday November 3rd, 2018, on a slightly overcast day an excited crowd of curious spectators gathered to witness n historic event. While everybody in Leadville is familiar with the British troops and their sporting prowess, nobody knew quite what to expect as cars, pick-ups and minibuses from the BATSUB Base and across Belize arrived with gangs of young lads jumping out wearing bright colored kit and carrying what looked like American Footballs. But it wasn't American Football. This was rugby 7s, a hugely popular variant of rugby played around the world. And the lads were from some of Belize's first rugby football clubs - Kings Park Scorpions RFC, Cayo Baymen RFC, Orange Walk Black Mambas RFC, and the first ever national rugby team of Belize - The Belize Macaws.

Misc Belizean Sources

mzz

BWS Notice: Caye Caulker
Low water pressure to the entire Caye Caulker from 12pm to 12am, Thursday November 8.

Free BCVI eye clinic at the San Pedro Lions Den
Don't forget! Tomorrow (Wednesday, November 7th), free BCVI eye clinic at the San Pedro Lions Den 8:30am - 2PM

Opening of Ashley Furniture Homestore
Ashley Furniture HomeStore will be opening its first stores in Belize on Thursday, November 8th, 2018! Doors are open from 9am until 7pm. Mirab Invites you to the Grand Opening of Ashley Furniture Homestore located on the 3rd floor of their new Department Store in Belize City.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint "Join Me?"

Statement from the Minister of National Security on the Death of Police Officer Osbourne Martinez
Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar issued the following statement on the death of P.C. 1397 Osbourne Martinez: "We at the Ministry of National Security are deeply saddened at the news that Officer Osbourne Martinez has passed away after being shot while responding to calls for assistance at an armed robbery incident. We offer our deepest condolences to the Belize Police Department and to Officer Martinez's parents Mrs. Dellis Yvonne Martinez and Mr. Bert Martinez, his children and other family members.

ICJ Belize Guatemala Youth Forum
The Department of Youth Services (DYS) in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture, in collaboration with International Court of Justice (ICJ) Referendum Committee in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the University of Belize (UB), is hosting an "ICJ Be Informed" Youth Forum. The forum is being hosted under the theme "Amplifying Youth Voice". It will be held at the UB Jaguar Auditorium from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 9th, 2018 as part of DYS' National Youth Week of activities. The primary objective of the forum is to educate young people especially and create public awareness about settling the Belize- Guatemala Territorial Dispute, including taking the matter to the International Court of Justice.

Art in the Park in Corozal Saturday
Come out this Saturday 10 of November 2018 Art in the park in Corozal, Belize Central Park. It will commence at 5pm with different art design.

Mind & Me NYE Rave
Mind & Me is having their second label party in Cayo on New Year's Eve! Night Quest, along with Under the Moon and Jizz, will be mixing the night away. If you haven't seen the best DJ's in Belize yet, this is your prime opportunity. It's all happening at Casa Sofia in Unitedville. "It's Official! New Years Eve With The Tribe!"

Underwater pipeline between Placencia Point and Placencia Caye
Belize Water Services hereby advises all mariners that works will be conducted to install an underwater pipeline crossing in the channel between Placencia Point and Placencia Caye, starting Tuesday, November 6, 2018 until Friday, November 9, 2018. Mariners are being advised that vessels will be restricted to navigate within this area on November 6, 2018. Extreme caution and adherence to the NO WAKE zone will be enforced by the Belize Port Authority for the duration of the installation of the underwater pipeline crossing.

Ladyville Water Interruption Thursday
Belize Water Services informs customers in parts of Ladyville that there will be an interruption in the water supply, Thursday, November 8, 2018, starting at 1:00pm. The entire Vista Del Mar area will be affected. This interruption is necessary for the installation of a new water main. Due to the upgrade, customers may experience low pressure and/or discoloration in the water supply when water is fully restored. Motorists are being advised of the following street closures: (i) Baracuda Avenue and (ii) the Street parallel to Baracuda Avenue. Customers are being advised that water is expected to be fully restored by 6:00pm.

Pourquoi on a tr�s envie de passer l'hiver au Belize ?
On aime tous passer l'hiver au ski, avoir le bronzage du masque, et profiter de la bonne poudreuse. Mais passer ses vacances au Belize, au chaud, alors qu'il fait froid � la maison, c'est encore mieux. Belize a de nombreuses qualit�s et voit ses touristes fran�ais augmenter d'ann�e en ann�e. M�me si le Belize gagne en popularit�, cette destination reste loin des sites ultra touristiques.

Great meeting with the Panamanian Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Marta Boza!
Office of the Music Ambassador along with my colleagues at ICA, Bliss Center for Performing Arts & Nich Belize discussed support for the creative industry with me focusing on Music. In particular we explored securing Music degree scholarships, Music Festival participation and technical training.

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr. has returned to Belize
After attending the 8th High-Level Forum on the Korea-Caribbean Partnership held in Seoul, South Korea from the 29th October to 2nd November 2018. The purpose of the meeting was to investigate various ways in which the cooperation with South Korea and Caribbean Member States may strategically advance and strengthen. High-level officials from 14 Caribbean States as well as senior officials from North and South Korea were in attendance.

Time to enforce capital punishment in Belize
By Wellington C. Ramos. The people who are against capital punishment are saying that hanging is cruel and inhumane punishment, but what about the murderers who are taking innocent people's lives daily for no justifiable reasons? I am in support of resuming capital punishment in Belize for unjustifiable and intentional murders. I am tired for seeing families going through this pain and suffering for the innocent killing of their loved ones. The Human Rights Commission, the European Union and all the other international bodies that are against capital punishment should not be telling our country how to enforce our laws. Some of the people who are against capital punishment are even saying that, if we resume it, the murder rate will remain the same. We do not know whether this is true or false. Unless we resume and start looking at the impact of capital punishment and murder rates.

TreeTuesday: the Bri-bri tree (Inga edulis)
Bri-bri belongs to the Fabaceae, or bean, family. Like other legumes, it has a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria that fix nitrogen in the soil, making it a great choice for agroforestry systems such as alley-cropping. Though there are several native species of bri-bri in Belize, Inga edulis is the species most used in alley-cropping, since it has larger leaves than the other species and provides more shade and mulch to crops. All species of bri-bri have leaves that are easily identified by the "wings" along the leaf rachis (the stem that connects the leaflets). Leaves also have tiny round glands between the leaflets called extrafloral nectaries (extrafloral meaning that the nectar is located outside of the flower structure). Plants developed nectar in flowers for the purpose of attracting pollinators. However, the benefit plants get from extrafloral nectaries is not pollination, but pest control. The extrafloral nectaries attract ants and parasitic wasps that defend the bri-bri from herbivorous insects.

FCCA Cruise Conference - Puerto Rico

Channel 7

Alleged Teenaged Cop Killer Smiles During Arraignment
Today, the alleged teenaged cop killer Tyrique Myles was taken to court and charged for the murder of PC Osbourne Martinez. The 18 year old was just released from the hospital for a gunshot to his right upper thigh - which was sustained in the shootout with police. Myles is believed to be the mastermind behind the robbery - and today at court, he was smiling as police escorted him to the detention cell. Appearing in court before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford, he said that several police officers threatened to kill him but he doesn't know their names.

Six Months Later, Monty's Alleged Murderer Charged
American Lamont Lipka was killed in May of 2018, slain inside the Tropicana Restaurant he owned and managed in San Pedro. Well, six months later, police have charged one person for his murder. Yesterday, Tracey Betancourt was arraigned for Lipka's murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Shortly after the murder, Betancourt had been charged jointly for possession of kept ammunition without a license. Seven 9 millimeter rounds were found in a room she had rented.

BNTU Building Steam With Widespread Support
Tomorrow, the BNTU will stage a national demonstration in Belmopan - the union's first since March of this year when members marched against crime. But, this time it's a labour issue, and the most powerful union in the land is demanding that government recognize that what is known as Proposal 22 is still a live issue that is on the table to be negotiated. And, of course, they are also protesting over the way the Ministry of Education has proposed changes to the payment of hardship allowance to teachers in remote parts of the country. Plus, the teachers say that the Ministry of Education is withholding payment of commuting allowance for teachers.

Principals Hear Both Sides of The ICJ Dispute
The ICJ Education campaign is ramping up - and today the top diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented to school principals at the Radisson. The event was dubbed a "Be Informed Forum" - and the principals got to hear the official position and an opposing view. Daniel Ortiz has the story:.. For about an over 5 hours, over a hundred teachers gathered at the Radisson to hear Ambassador Alexis Rosado, and Major Lloyd Jones, the retired soldier-turn-politician, have a frank discussion about the pros and con of going to the ICJ. It was organized by the Belize District Education Center, who hoped that the initiative that they took would be greatly appreciated by the educators who took the time out to attend.

Can You Go To The ICJ Without going To The ICJ?
So, if you've attended the different public forums held by the Government, such as the town hall meetings, you'll have definitely heard quite a bit about why Belizeans should vote yes to go to the ICJ. One of the most popular alternative suggestions is that Belize should bypass the court, and go straight to the United Nations Security Council for their intervention, to keep Guatemala from acting on its baseless claim to Belizean territory. Informed persons tell us that this is kind of equivalent to taking a dispute that should be resolved by the Supreme Court, and asking the police to settle it instead. Well today, Major Lloyd Jones presented another alternative to the teachers, which he believes greatly minimizes the litigation risk.

The Protocol Remains On Pause
And keeping it on the Sarstoon River, today we asked Ambassador Alexis Rosado for an update on the long-delayed Sarstoon protocol. Through the efforts of Wil Maheia and the Belize Territorial Volunteers you've seen how the Guatemalan armed forces stationed at the mouth of the Sarstoon continue to harass Belizeans trying to travel through the river. Today, the Ambassador told us that basically, the discussions with the Guatemalan Government on a protocol for the Sarstoon remains stalled because our neighbors don't want to engage on the topic. Here's how he explained it today:

The Caravan Conversation: Migration Directors Meet In Belize
The Central American caravan of migrants and refugees has been making headlines in America - while it is an issue for the US to resolve, it doesn't mean that we should exclude ourselves from the discourse and ignore our own border issues with Guatemala. So Belize hosted a SICA meeting specifically geared towards addressing these migration concerns. The 47th meeting of the Migration Directors of Central America was held in San Ignacio today as part of Belize pro-tem SICA Presidency. Belize's Director of Immigration Diana Locke is chairing and she told the Press Office what her regional colleagues are in Belize to discuss:... Diana Locke, Director - Immigration Department "Belize is hosting the 47th annual meeting of OCAM (Organization for Migration of Central America). Its the first time we are doing it as a part of the SICA presidency and so today we are having the first meeting as a part of that SICA presidency..."

Cops Will Work With GPS
Today, the Ministry of National Security received 37 Garmin GPS devices from the UNDP. They will be used at police checkpoints, in searches and on patrols. The idea is that police in the field will send precise GPS coordinates to other specialized teams - like the forensics unit - for what is known as geo-referencing of crimes. The donor agency and the ministry CEO explained how it is supposed to work:..

Another Robbery Caught On Camera
A bumbling but still dangerous armed robber was caught on camera today. This was the scene at Tai Fu Store at #33 Cemetery Road in the Salvapan area. The robber dropped his gun as he tried to pull it out. But, he still managed to hold up the proprietor and make off with an undisclosed amount of cash. He is caught with a fair degree of clarity on the footage - and police are seeking a suspect.

Former CITCO Employee Says The Council Is Shorting Him
The late months of the year are typically the slow season for City Council revenue. And, former employee Whitfield Rowland says he's the victim of that. Rowland resigned in July after 13 years at the council. The council agreed to pay him his gratuity on a monthly basis starting at the end of August. He was paid right on time at the end of the first month, but things started to go downhill after that. He wasn't paid at the end of September - that payment came in early October, and now, at the end of the first week in November, he still hasn't been paid. Today he came to our studio to express his frustration:...

Mayor Has Short Fuse About Short Term Paper
And the council is trying to cure its low season revenue shortage by floating a municipal bond. Last week Monday, the Prime Minister disclosed that the Mayor had visited him to ask for support which he pledged. But, on Thursday when the press caught up with the Mayor at the opening of Universal Hardware - he didn't want to go into details - and things went downhill after that:.. Bernard Wagner, Mayor - Belize City: "It's a short term municipal paper where we believe that floating this bond will straighten out or cash flows seasonal problems that many councils have been facing for years. We believe that the short term paper gives us that ability to meet both short and long term commitments."

Belize At The Forefront of Eliminating Malaria InThe America's
Today is World Malaria day and the Pan American Health Organization is urging countries of the Americas to eradicate malaria - and Belize is at the forefront of that drive. PAHO reports that Belize, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico and Suriname are potentially on their way to eliminating malaria by 2020. But, not every country is doing so well, and PAHO urges countries of the region to take urgent action to halt the increase in cases. Since 2015, cases of malaria in the Americas have increased by 71%. 95% of the total number of these cases are concentrated in five countries, where efforts against the disease have been weakened.

A Sign Of Sea Mammals
You can expect to see cattle crossing signs in farming communities such as Spanish Lookoout, and out on the George Price Highway in the central corridor, you'll even see Jaguar Crossing signs. And, now in the Belize river, you see a manatee swimming sign. It was put up by the BTB, in collaboration with the Port Authority, Sea 2 Shore Alliance and the Belize Manatee Conservation Project. It's to caution tour guides who've started touching and feeding manatees as part of their tours.

A Loaded Gun, Tucked Beside an Office
Yesterday morning, police found a loaded nine millimeter pistol. The cops conducted a search beside an Insurance office on Central American Boulevard and found this pistol with 10 live rounds. No one was in the area, so the items were labelled and deposited as found property.

The Unhappy Hamilton's
There was a report of a shooting On Sunday on Faber's Road near the UDP convention for Port Loyola. Now, Port Loyola itself has many feuding gangs, and political parties are known to use gangs to mobilize votes, so its not altogether surprising that some friction would result. But, one man we spoke to on Sunday evening said they picked up his brothers, Emmerson and Owen Hamilton for no reason. We got both sides of the story:

Pilloughby: Heal The Port
Yesterday, when we went to the Police station the Hamilton Brothers were still detained. But, like we said a lot of gang related beefing in Port Loyola. And the new standard bearer says he plans to put an end to that: Philip Willoughby, UDP - Std. Bearer - Port: "The second order of business as the standard bearer of the Port Loyola constituency that I will reach out to all the young men with these differences so that I will take the lead to unite all of you and reconcile our differences and stop the beefing, the fighting and the killing amongst ourselves. I will push that agenda. I don't care who you are or where you are from. I will bring it to your neighborhoods, to your home where you live. We will unite the Port Loyola constituency once again."

Did PM Have A Horse In Port Race?
And while he wants to bring peace to the streets of Port, can Willoughby create peace in his own party. As is the case after every convention, there are hard and hurt feelings, and divisions between the power players. But, as we have reported, there may have been even more at stake in the Port. That's because some powerful people in the party had hopes that Mike Peyreffite could be elected as Standard Bearer and find his way from there to the leadership of the party. We asked big people in the party if the Prime Minister was one of those pushing for Peyreffite:.. Jules Vasquez, reporter: "What it means for the state of play in the executive of the UDP? Because we know that big people were behind Mike Peyrefitte or we've heard, to try to create channel for him to become ascend as leader."

Can Boots and Patrick Mend Fences?
And, while they say the Prime Minister had no horse in the race, Faber and Martinez surely did. They were pulling hard: Faber for Willoughby and Martinez for Peyreftite. So hard in fact that they nearly got into a fistfight on Neal's Pen Road two weeks before the convention. We asked them how they will patch things over post-convention: Jules Vasquez, reporter: "How will you and Mr. Martinez move forward in mending your relationship?" Hon. Patrick Faber, UDP Deputy Leader: "As I've said to you, I have nothing personal against the Minister Martinez, he is my colleague and I'd like to think he's my friend as well. We will continue to work together, these conventions force us sometimes to take opposing sides..."

Mike "Peyre", Political Phantom
And while they have agreed - somewhat grudgingly - to continue to work together - it's not clear what work Mike Peyreffite will have in the future. At this time, he does not seem politically viable - and Faber says he was not known in the Port:... Hon. Patrick Faber, UDP Deputy Leader: "In all the homes that I went to, even today as I try to help him to get out the voters, people were very clear - they knew Phillip Willoughby. He had come to their homes. He had already established a relationship. They knew him from his work with NEMO already. They know him as a worker where as they didn't see that in Peyrefitte. They will tell you we don't know and all that is happening is that Minister Martinez is asking us to support him. But they didn't really know him."

Channel 5

B.N.T.U. Ready to Demonstrate
On the eve of a planned demonstration, the Belize National Teachers' Union is finalizing preparations to bus teachers from its ten branches countrywide to Belmopan on Wednesday. The announcement was [...]

B.N.T.U. President Gives Education Minister an 'F'
As B.N.T.U. National President, Senator Elena Smith explains the teachers have decided to demonstrate against DPM Patrick Faber and so following the rally, the teachers will converge in front of [...]

B.N.T.U. Writes Prime Minister Over Proposal 22
Proposal Twenty-Two remains on the negotiating table between the Ministry of Education and the Belize National Teachers' Union. Proposal Twenty-Two concerns grant-aided secondary schools where the teachers and support staff [...]

Joint Utility Unions and the P.U.P. Come Out in Support of Teachers
Primary and secondary school teachers across the country are heading to the Capital as the B.N.T.U. gets into gear for Wednesday's demonstration.� The union is also picking up support from [...]

Third Man Arraigned for Murder of PC Osbourne Martinez
As the family of Police Constable Osborne Martinez prepares to lay him to rest this Saturday, a third member of the PIV gang was arraigned for his murder. Tarique Myles [...]

Tracey Betancourt Charged for Murder of Lamont Lipka in San Pedro
A San Pedro woman is also spending her first night behind bars at the Central Prison in Hattieville. She was arraigned on Monday afternoon for the charges of murder and [...]

Clumsy Gunman Drops Weapon During Armed Robbery
Armed robberies remain unabated across the country, where thieves continue to prey on businesses, both big and small.� In Belmopan on Monday morning, forty-four-year-old Chinese businessman Hong Liang Li was [...]

DOE Lifts Stop Order Against Businessman Haisam Diab
Construction has resumed at Sand Lighter's promenade in Belize City. A stop order issued by the Department of Environment in October to businessman Haisam Diab has been lifted. �The letter [...]

Honduran National to be Deported
After spending one year and three months in Belize, Honduran national Jose Samuel Serrano Sanchez was ordered to be deported from Belize. But before he is deported, Sanchez must serve [...]

Robert Leslie: 'My Take on the Referendum in Belize - Food for Thought'
As the debate on whether Belize should take Guatemala's claim to the I.C.J. for final resolution rages on, several political and social figures have weighed in on the matter. Now, [...]

Despite Public Row, Boots Remains a Team Player
In the buildup to Sunday's convention, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber and Area Representative Anthony 'Boots' Martinez were engaged in a heated exchange while on the campaign trail in Port [...]

Faber to Boots - No Love Lost!
Despite the previous war of words between Faber and Martinez, they have pledged to continue working with each other, admitting that while they may not be bosom buddies, they are [...]

Boots is Looking Forward to Riding Off into the Sunset
The pending retirement of Anthony 'Boots' Martinez was previously announced by the four-time area representative on the night of November fifth, 2015, after narrowly defeating Gilroy Usher Senior in Port [...]

Pok Ta Pok, an Ancient but Re-emerging Sport in Belize
Whenever you hear about sports in Belize, you think about football, basketball, and volleyball. You even hear about cricket, but it's a rare occasion when you hear about Pok-Ta-Pok. It [...]

Changing Behaviors through Communication for Development
A three-day working session facilitated by United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, is taking place in Belize City. Representatives from several institutions are being trained to expand their skills [...]

Belize Hosts SICA Meeting of Migration Directors
As part of its pro-tem presidency of the Central American Integration System, SICA, Belize is hosting a gathering of government officials from across the region.� The meeting of Migration Directors [...]

GPS to Locate Crime Hotspots?
The Ministry of National Security, through the Belize Crime Observatory, received a donation of GPS equipment earlier today from the United Nations Development Programme.� The handing over of thirty-seven devices [...]

Info Segura to Focus on Enhanced Governance and Citizen Security
According to UNDP Programme Specialist, Carla Zacapa, Belize is part of a broader regional initiative known as Info Segura which is a form of evidence-based information management.� U.S. AID also [...]

LOVE FM

Dr. Carla Barnett Ready to Conquer UDP Freetown Convention
Prom season is in June, but it seems that it's convention season, at least for the UDP. Last week Sunday the UDP hosted conventions for Cayo North East which was won by John August and another in Port Loyola which was won by Phillip Willoughby. This weekend Doctor Carla Barnett will test her mettle against �

Educators get the facts on going to the ICJ
On April 10, 2019, Belizean's will go to the polls to vote in a national referendum on whether to take Guatemala's unfounded claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). While many voters are undecided on how they will vote, the International Referendum Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is conducting their education campaign �

ICJ Campaign will take their message to UB
Earlier we told you, that the International Court of Justice Referendum Committee in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is conducting their education campaign countrywide, held a forum that was attended by educators. Later this week, the Referendum Committee will take their "be informed campaign" to the student of the University of Belize in Belmopan. �

Will of the People calls on GOB to take action in executing proposed amendment
One of the requirements for the re-registration process is that the applicant must be living at their present address for at least two months. It is a requirement that automatically disqualifies Belizeans living abroad from voting in Belize. Caribbean Shores Area Representative, Kareem Musa recently put forward a proposed amendment to Section 5 (2)of the �

Woman Facing Court of Appeal Case to be Deported to Belize
In August, 2012 Calaney Flowers was charged with the murder of Lyndon Morrison and the attempted murder of Sochyl Sosa. Morrison was riding his motorcycle with his girlfriend Sosa when Flowers slammed her Saturn car into the couple. Morrison who was also the father of Flower's child died while Sochyl Sosa survived. In the Supreme �

Regional Countries advanced towards elimination of Malaria
Malaria control programs in Brazil, Paraguay and Suriname have received the Malaria Champions of the Americas award, which given out each year by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and its partners to initiatives that contribute to eliminating the disease in the region. Suriname's Malaria program focuses on migrant miners and indigenous communities. The initiative �

Amandala

Brave police officer shot and killed on Regent Street West
At about 10:00 Friday morning, police constable Osborne "Ozzy" Martinez, 27, of Dangriga, was shot in the chest by one of three thieves as they were trying to escape after robbing Belcove Hotel on Regent Street West. This is practically in the middle of downtown Belize City, three buildings down from the Swing Bridge. The policeman was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he died shortly after his arrival while undergoing surgery. The three accused robbers-turned-killers are Tyrique Myles, 18; Rayford Mejia, 19; and Glen Lopez, 21, all of Belize City. They were captured on the crime scene this morning and were all jointly charged with murder and three counts of aggravated robbery.

2 remanded for PC Osborne Martinez's murder
Last Friday, police charged three men for an armed robbery that resulted in the murder of Constable Osborne Martinez, 27, who, with a team of other officers, had responded to the report of a robbery that was in progress at Belcove Hotel, located on Regent Street West. The three men, who attempted the daring daylight robbery, were apprehended on the scene and their weapons and the proceeds of the robbery were fished out of the Haulover Creek. Today, Monday, two of the accused men appeared in the Magistrate's Court of Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford, who read the charge of murder to them.

Willoughby Port victory considered major upset
The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) held a contested convention with four candidates who aspired to become the party's standard bearer for the Port Loyola constituency yesterday, Sunday, and after the ballots were tallied, Philip Willoughby, the former three-term City Councilor emerged victorious over Attorney General and Senator, Hon. Michael Peyrefitte, with Dean Samuels, a former City Councilor and A. C. Castillo trailing in the polls. Some political observers consider the Willoughby victory a major upset, because Peyrefitte was considered the personal choice of UDP Leader/Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow, and was endorsed and supported by Port Loyola's four-term area representative, Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez.

Cops seize 15 bales of cocaine, 5 guns in joint operation with BDF and Coast Guard
Several media houses had been reporting last week on rumors that a number of Mexicans and Belizeans had been detained near Hattieville by the Belize Special Assignment Group (BSAG) after guns and cocaine were found in a vehicle in which they were travelling. On Friday, November 1, however, Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie clarified the details of a joint operation between the Police Department, the Belize Defence Force (BDF) and the Coast Guard, which led to a bust of 479.15 kilos (1,056 pounds) of suspected cocaine, 5 guns, and the detention of 13 men.

Court dismisses appeal of woman convicted for death of her lesbian lover
In a written judgement it handed down on Friday, November 2, the Belize Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal of Rosalia Castillo, 49, aka "Lily", who was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Castillo's conviction and sentence were for the death of her lover, Carla "Pam" Perez, 36, a mother of two, who was killed around 9:30 p.m. on December 8, 2012, in Santa Elena Town in the Cayo District. The evidence was circumstantial and at the trial, which began on November 25, 2014, the Crown relied on the testimony of two witnesses, Rodolfo Melgara Renderos and Marvin Enriquez Tut Cucul.

Wealthy Guatemalans land on private airstrip in Belize
Last Thursday, November 1, two high-performance aircraft landed on a private airstrip in Placencia. According to information provided by KREM News, the planes were carrying wealthy Guatemalans who were to attend a wedding in Placencia. Reportedly, the passengers were also said to be highly ranked in the Guatemalan government. These flights were out of the ordinary for several reasons. While the flights were accommodated by Belizean authorities at Marco Caruso's airstrip, it appears that the planes bypassed the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Ladyville.

2 reg. season weeks plus 2 back matches to decide on 2 final spots in PLB semifinal playoffs
With the completion of Week 12 games over the weekend, two regular season weeks remain in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Opening Season along with two back matches, before the top-4 semifinal playoffs commence. Tied at the top of the standings, defending champions Belmopan Bandits SC and sub-champions Verdes have already secured their playoff berths, but it looks like a real scramble for the remaining two spots, with the 2 back matches making the race even more interesting. Aside from the 2 regular season weeks remaining, Police United FC also has 2 back matches, while Altitude Assassins FC and Wagiya FC each have 1 back match.

Corozal Basketball Season tips off with exciting action!
The Corozal Basketball Association (CBA), in collaboration with the Corozal Sports Council and Youth Development Service, opened the Corozal Male Basketball season over the weekend. Three matches were held on Saturday, November 3. The headline match was between two female teams, CJC Corozal Junior College vs ABC Chetumal Femenil. The second match saw the young talents of Corozal Kings vs Dolphins; and finally, the third game was a repeat of the finals for the last season. Results are as follows: ABC Chetumal Femenil, 69; CJC girls, 10; no contest. Our girls tried their best, but were out-played by Femenil.

Digi Puppy Leslie Youth League Week 5 results, standings & upcoming games
The 1st Annual Digi Puppy Leslie Youth Basketball League continued with Week 5 games over the weekend at the Swift Hall court. There is one more weekend of regular season games left before we enter the playoffs. Here are the game scores and highlights from the weekend:

Belize registers first ever CU20 win by topping Sint Maarten
Belize registered its first ever 2018 Concacaf Under-20 Championship victory with a 4-2 triumph over Sint Maarten to open Matchday Three of Group C on Monday. Carlos Gonzalez (3', 45') led the way with a first-half brace, with Andir Chi (38') also chipping in with a goal in the first 45 minutes.

Mr. Goldson and the Maritime Areas Act
The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) has essentially gotten away with ignoring the fact that our national hero, Hon. Philip Goldson, defected from the UDP and formed his own National Alliance for Belizean Rights (NABR) in 1991 because of the Maritime Areas Act. The UDP's leadership has gotten away with glossing over the fact that when Mr. Goldson agreed to a NABR coalition with the UDP just weeks before the June 30, 1993 general election, the concession made by the UDP was that, if the UDP/NABR coalition won, then the new government would immediately repeal the Maritime Areas Act. The UDP/NABR coalition did win, but the UDP Leader/Prime Minister, Dr. Manuel Esquivel, supported by his Deputy, Hon. Dean Barrow, refused to repeal. So that, when Mr. Goldson died in 2001, he had been betrayed and had never returned to the UDP. Mr. Goldson remained NABR until his death.

More wisdom from Romel
Dear Editor, If GOB wishes to attract the Mexican people to come across to Belize through the Northern Border, not only to the Free Zone but into the country, the fee of $30 parking at the border for non-Belizeans must first be removed. I always invite friends in Chetumal to come visit us, but they are reluctant because, first, it is too costly, and second, they get feedback that they are treated unkindly by the authorities here. Just to enter Belize, there is a $30 parking fee, a $10 OIRSA fumigation fee, and a $12 insurance payment. That is $52.00 BZD at exchange rate of $10 pesos per BZD, which equals $520 pesos.

The crowd called UBAD
The course marked my first encounter with the PUP government, and they won that preliminary. It was about two weeks before they closed down the course that Said Musa had called me at Technical and asked me to be the opening speaker on Radio Belize in a series to be called THE LECTERN. Musa and I had met some time before and he seemed progressive in his thinking. My speech on Radio Belize, entitled "Student Power," broadcast on October 13, 1968, eventually ended up in a discussion of Black Power when students from St. Hilda's College asked a few questions.

The questions on the April ballot
The, "Do you agree that any legal business"�shouldn't be the only question on the ballot on April 10. It isn't proper to waste time or opportunity, so there should be at least one other question on the ballot. That definite other question should be: Do you want to be a citizen of Guatemala? Ambassador Alfredo Martinez had an untimely death, and as far as we know he wasn't working on any memoirs. If he had, those are not for public viewing. All we have from his work on the Guatemala claim are in hard-to-obtain government files. However, except for two others, one of whom cut out for a most disappointing reason, all other hands are on deck at this critical time.

Press Predictions, 14-04-45
In boledo news, 09 took 1 year 5 months 2 weeks and 4 day to play. These are lucky numbers for this week, 14-51-04-35-45-27. These are my lucky PICK-3 numbers, 289-603-515-482-708. In local football action, the 8 times champion, the Belmopan Bandits, beat the Freedom Fighters 4 goals to 1. Georgie Welcome had a hat trick, he now leads with 14 goals. Freedom Fighters are out of the play offs. In the other 3 games, the Altitude Assassins edged the BDF 2 goals to 1.

After stealing a car, Samuel August, Sr., crashed the stolen car into a backhoe
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 31, Samuel August, Sr., a backhoe operator employed at the Belize City Council, turned his machine into a weapon and drove it into the house where his three children were sleeping, killing his 5-year-old son and his son's grandmother. When a 13-year-old girl, a cousin of August's children, ran out of the house to seek refuge from August's murderous assault at the home of a neighbor, August rammed his backhoe onto the neighbour's house. August passed out behind the wheel of the backhoe that he had run into a drain, destroying a fence in the process.

Phil Staine, 46, charged with murder, found guilty of manslaughter
Orlando Staine, 41, and Kareem Staine, 37, two of three brothers charged with the murder of BDF volunteer soldier Denver Villafranco, 23, walked out of the Supreme Court as free men today when they were told by Justice Adolph Lucas that they were found not guilty of the murder charge or any other charges. It was a trial without a jury. The third brother who was charged, Phil Staine, 46, was not so fortunate. He was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Justice Lucas said that he was not sure beyond a reasonable doubt that Phil intended to kill Villafranco.

Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett's home burglarized
Thieves have burglarized the home of Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett, Commanding Officer of Eastern Division Police. The house, located on Albert Hoy Street, was broken into sometime between Friday evening and Sunday morning, and the thieves stole a flat-screen television, among other items. When police went to Gillett's home at about 10:30, they saw signs of forced entry into the house, and saw that several items were missing. Gillett said that the estimated value of the stolen possessions is about $3,000.

Ryan Cole, 33, charged for robbery of Freetown Drug Store
Among the robberies that occurred last week was an armed holdup at Freetown Drug Store, a pharmacy that gained popularity for being open late at night and on weekends. Video footage from the pharmacy's surveillance camera, which was plastered all over social media, showed three robbers entering the store, with at least one of them brandishing a gun. The incident occurred while the store was still open for business on Thursday, November 1, at around 9 p.m. Three employees were inside the store, and two men, including the security guard, were outside.

The Reporter

POLICE SEEKS THE PUBLIC'S ASSISTANCE TO LOCATE ARMED ROBBER
Police are asking the public's assistance in locating this man who robbed the Tai Fu Store on Cemetery Road in Belmopan at around 11:30 this morning. The proprietor told Police the robber managed to get away with $300.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

PUP announces support for BNTU's National Demonstration
The People's United Party (PUP) today issued a release informing the nation that it stands in [�]

Minister of National Security comments on murder of PC Osbourne Martinez
Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, today issued a statement following the murder of police [�]

PUP to host Cayo Central Convention this Sunday
On Sunday, November 11, 2018, the People's United Party (PUP) will host a convention in [�]

Robbers take over $17,000 worth of items from DR&G Varieties in Toledo
Police are investigating a burglary that occurred yesterday morning in the Toledo District. Rodolfo Humberto [�]

Youth Forum on ICJ to be held on Friday
The Department of Youth Services (DYS) in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture, [�]

Police in San Ignacio investigating armed robbery at Lily's Supermarket
Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred yesterday morning in San Ignacio Town. According [�]

Sunny and fair weather ahead
The National Meteorological Service of Belize calls today for mainly fair conditions to prevail over [�]

Economic development council's statement on World Bank's doing business report 2019
On Wednesday October 31, 2018, the World Bank released its annual Doing Business report, which [�]

Police monitoring criminal activities; State of Emergency may be called again
There has been an increase in criminal activities including robberies in Belize city over the [�]

BNTU to hold national demonstration tomorrow
Teachers are preparing for a national demonstration to be held tomorrow at the foot of [�]

Police seek suspects for armed robbery in Cayo
San Ignacio police are seeking the two gun-wielding suspects that strolled into a Supermarket in [�]

Spanish Lookout man struck to death by lightning
On Friday evening a man was electrocuted in Spanish Lookout, Cayo. He has been identified [�]

Blogs

Cave Tubing and Zip Lining - it's a VITAL tour!
Our eager group of writers, photographers and videographers were thrilled to discover that Mr. Vitalino Reyes, of Vital Nature Maya Tours, had planned a double whammy of adventures for us: Zip Lining AND Cave Tubing. I was beyond excited for the zip lining, but looked askance at the cave tubing portion, having had less than a stellar experience before. Vowing to enjoy every moment, I joined our group in strapping up for the first part of the day's fun. Heavy duty harnesses wound around us, metal buckles clinking as we tromped uphill for about 10 minutes to the first platform. After our guides gave a thorough explanation and safety drill, we formed a line to begin the fun. The sight of the cables strung through thick jungle had my blood pumping, and when it was my turn, there was nothing but the rush of air and a whoop of excitement as I landed on the second platform, ready to jump on and ride down to the next and the next and the next!

International Sourcesizz

Belize registers first ever CU20 win by topping Sint Maarten
Belize registered its first ever 2018 Concacaf Under-20 Championship victory with a 4-2 triumph over Sint Maarten to open Matchday Three of Group C on Monday. Carlos Gonzalez (3', 45') led the way with a first-half brace, with Andir Chi (38') also chipping in with a goal in the first 45 minutes. Dion Cacho (49') stretched the Belize lead to four before Sint Maarten mounted a furious late charge that came up just short with goals from Leonidas Zion (78') and Jaeremi Drijvers (84').

Return to the wild for stygian owl
Last night was the much-anticipated return to the wild for this beautiful stygian owl. He came to us mid September with a fractured leg and was clearly suffering from lack of nutrition. He was rescued by the students, staff and parents of Trial Farm Government School in Orange Walk.


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Videos

  • Men in Depression, 32min. The events of last week pinpointed the need for serious conversations about men and mental health. Clinical Psychologist, Deshane Gutierrez, spoke with us about how men handle depression and other traumas differently than women. She calls it a "silent crisis" and explained that a contributing factor is that men are culturally influenced to be uncomfortable with vulnerabilities. She shared that society in general has to embrace counseling as an opportunity to learn much needed life skills to cope and build resiliency.

  • ICJ Referendum - Kareem Musa Perspective, 28min. Kareem Musa is presenting a bill to allow for members of the Diaspora to be eligible for voting in the upcoming ICJ Referendum. He was our guest to talk about the bill and why he believes it's important to not disenfranchise Belizeans living abroad.

  • Professional and Technical scholarships for Bachelor Degree study, 7.5min. Each year, the Government of Belize provides Professional and Technical scholarships for Bachelor Degree study at any University of West Indies (UWI) campus in the Caribbean or any Commonwealth country. Over the years several professionals have benefited from this opportunity.

  • Mexico-Belize. "opening borders", 1hr. We are #live in your program, Mexico-Belize. "opening borders"

  • Toledo District, Belize, 2min. Between the Caribbean Sea and the Mayan Mountains lies the district of Toledo, known as The Forgotten Province of Belize, Central America. During the last twenty years, the Mayans have put forward their ecotourism program to protect their rainforest and their traditions. Despite constant opposition from the government and the tourism industry, Margarita, Reyes, Chet and their friends remain resolute and optimistic. This film is a tribute to their courage never denied.

  • Bubble Belize Commercial, 2min. Introduction to Business Project

  • ICJ - be informed Forum for Belize District School Administrators Radisson Fort George 2nd Session, 2hr. Radisson Fort George, 2nd Session

  • Caves Branch Jungle Resort, 4min. We are staying at a beautiful resort on the mainland of Belize called Caves Branch. This expansive jungle resort does not disappoint as you will see from this short video.

  • Learn the days of the week in Garifuna!, .5min.

  • Pok Ta Pok, An Ancient but Re-emerging Sport in Belize, 7min. Whenever you hear about sports in Belize, you think about football, basketball, and volleyball. You even hear about cricket, but it's a rare occasion when you hear about Pok-Ta-Pok. It might be an ancient Mayan ball game, but Pok-Ta-Pok is being played today by the 'Black Jaguars' of Yo Creek Village. The Pok Ta Pok ball game is played with the hips between warring groups to settle disputes. Today, the men of Ek' Balam play it as a sport. 'Ek Balam' first made headlines three years ago when the members competed in the regional Mundo Maya Pok-Ta-Pok tournament in Mexico.

  • Our Carnival Miracle Anniversary cruise day 4 Belize October 24th 2018, 48min. Explored the Lamanai Myan ruins, enjoyed some karaoke and tried the bourbons on the ship

  • MAHA EXPERIENCES... Lebanese Food in Belize!!! OMGizzle, 10min. Maha eats at Paradise Grill, a delicious Lebanese restaurant, located in the heart of San Ignacio. San Ignacio is a beautifully growing town in the Cayo District of Belize, Central America. Enjoy!!

  • Accion Deportiva, 60min.

  • Police Check Point, 60min.


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