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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
National Geographic explores Belize's Great Blue Hole
On Sunday, December 2nd, Belizeans and the entire world were treated to a unique view of Belize's Great Blue Hole as National Geographic broadcasted live from its bottom for two hours. The live broadcast was entitled: "Discovery Live: Into the Blue Hole" and documented a team of scientists as they explored with advanced underwater vehicles to create the first-ever three-dimensional map of the depths of the Belize Blue Hole. The team used military-grade sonar and advanced underwater video equipment that created an interactive 3D image of the entire Belize Blue Hole, a vast space that measures approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters) across and 400 feet (125 meters) deep. The Discovery Channel's special broadcast from Belize was hosted by marine biologist Luke Tipple (who hosts Discovery's Shark Week) and presenter Chris Jacobs (host of Velocity's Overhauling' and TLC's Long Lost Family). The team further took soil and water samples to better understand the unique marine environment at the bottom of the Belize Blue Hole.
Suspected human bones found north of San Pedro Town
Police have confirmed the discovery of suspected human remains about 13 miles north of San Pedro Town. The discovery was made on Tuesday, December 4th after a search was conducted by police officers following reports of possible shallow graves on the northern side of the island. While police have confirmed the discovery, they are disregarding the rumors that they were found in shallow pits. The bones are now in police custody and will undergo forensic testing to determine if they are in fact human.
The officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Superintendent Reymundo Reyes, indicated that during the search, they saw what looked like large potholes, but no apparent grave sites or bones were located. He added that the matter was under investigation and did not wish to comment further.
Fingerprinting system at international airport slows clearance at immigration booths
A new immigration security system implemented at the Phillip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville caused chaos on Saturday, December 1st, when hundreds of international passengers had to wait in long lines, some even missing their local transfers. The issue was an unexpected and new fingerprinting system that slowed down the process at the immigration booths, forcing passengers to wait for hours before they could be cleared. According to witnesses, immigration officers seemed unfamiliar with the new equipment, which includes picture taking and scanning the index finger of both hands. The Immigration Department is not taking blame for the inconvenience caused to the thousands of visitors, and alleges that they had used the system in the past. Unofficial reports state that incoming international flights are scheduled too close to each other, causing the queuing.
San Pedro Lions Den reservation Change
Please note The San Pedro Sun is no longer taking reservations for The San Pedro Lions Den. All den rentals are now arranged through Belize Diving Adventures. 226-3082 Everette Anderson
San Pedro Youth participate in emergency preparedness workshop
As part of the Sustainable and Child Friendly Municipality initiatives, a two-day workshop on emergency preparedness was held in San Pedro Town for primary and secondary school students. The educational activity took place on Tuesday, December 4th and Wednesday, December 5th inside The San Pedro Town Council's (SPTC) conference room, training young children on how to deal with emergencies like fires, natural disasters, learning how to use a first aid kit, and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. The workshop goal is to develop a plan for the island to better tackle future emergencies. On the first day, participants learned how to identify medical emergencies and how to render assistance thanks to Ashty Dennison from the Red Cross. They also had the opportunity to practice CPR in order to save someone's life.
Maya Island Air helps CCCCC operate LiDAR mapping system
To better assess and mitigate the risk factors of hurricane storm surge and Climate Change effects, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (5C's) has acquired a USD$2.0 Million airborne Light (Laser) Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system. The LiDAR camera is mounted in a factory new USD$605,000 Cessna 206, which Maya Island Air will help to operate and maintain.
Maya Island Air's chief executive officer Chris Sosa joined 5C's executive director Kenrick Leslie Ph.D., science advisor Ulric Trotz Ph.D. and USAID mission director Christopher Cushing in launching the new system at the Barry Bowen Municipal Airport in Belize City on Monday afternoon, December 3rd.
Ambergris Today
Commercial Fisher Folk License Renewal 2019
The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs the public that it will commence the renewal of fisher folk licenses on January 3rd 2019. A grace period for renewals will be in place until January 31st, 2019. Fishers are advised to bring along all pertinent documents upon renewal to facilitate the process. Licensing will be conducted for San Pedro and Caye Caulker from January 21st - January 25th, 2019 at the Belize Fisheries Department in Belize City.
SICA Ministers Hold Successful Crime And Security Meeting
LXVIII Ordinary Meeting Of The Security Commission Of Central America In the capacity as the President Pro Tempore of the Central American Integration System (SICA), Belize hosted the LXVIII Regular Meeting of the Central American Security Commission. The event had participation of the delegations from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and the Dominican Republic as well as, the General Secretariat of SICA, as the Technical and Administrative Secretariat of the Commission.
Misc Belizean Sources
Ministers of Energy of SICA meet in San Pedro Tow
This morning, the Ministers of Energy of SICA commenced their meeting in San Pedro Town. The meeting was preceded by a meeting of Energy Directors yesterday.
Inauguration of the Gian C. Gandhi Building
An official ceremony was held on Thursday, December 6th, to inaugurate the Gian C. Gandhi Building in Belmopan.
The building will serve as the headquarters for the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) in Belize. The IFSC was previously housed in the Sir Edney Cain Building in Belmopan. The newly renovated building was named in honour of the late attorney Mr. Gandhi, who was the first Director General of IFSC. Late Attorney Mr. Gian Chand Gandhi, S.C. was a career public officer who devotedly served Belize for over 30 years in various capacities, including Crown Counsel and Solicitor General.
Free Legal Advice in Corozal
FREE Legal Advice and Assistance coming to Corozal on Saturday, December 15th at the Corozal Magistrate Court from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ICJ presentation in Corozal
Here is a second attempt to hold the ICJ presentation in Corozal, since the first one was postponed due to poor attendance.
Lecture Series on the ICJ Referendum & ICJ will be held this Monday, December 10th at St. Francis Xavier R.C. School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
CMEC Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Cayo Resource and Resilience Centre groundbreaking ceremony was last week. It'll be located on the Galvez Stadium grounds, and once finished, can be used as a civic center for Cayo. It's a joint project between the GoB and the Government of Italy.
"The Community Multi-purpose Emergency Centre (CMEC) will provide the residents of five rural communities and the town of San Ignacio with a central self-contained Centre that can be used both as a shelter in the event of a weather-related and other emergencies, and for other community social and sporting purposes and events.The five rural communities to be served by the Centre are Trenchtown, Kontiki, Boiton Area, Mosquitoville and Shawville.
CAWS 4th Annual Chili Cook-off
The Cayo Animal Welfare Society is having their 4th annual Chili Cook-off on Saturday, January 5th, at Remo's Roadhouse. If you want to enter your chili, let CAWS know. They'll have a silent auction, and for $10, you'll get to eat chili to your heart's content, and vote for your favorite.
"Yaaaaaass! The 4th Annual Chili Cook-off is one month away! Please message us to reserve your entry in the meat or veggie categories! We will have limited entries!"
BWS and BWSWU signs MOU agreeing to new Collective Bargaining Agreement
Renewing Tour Operator Licensing Advisory
Travel Industry of Association of Florida
The BTB Travel Trade team representing Belize at this year's TIA 2018 in Miami.
U.S. Passport Services in San Pedro
Hosted by U.S. Embassy Belize.
Friday, December 14, 2018 at 11 AM - 12:30 PM, Blue Water Grill. All passports will be returned via DHL/SpeedIt. The cost is BZ$33.75 payable in cash on delivery.
Lunch will be available for purchase.
Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Small Foot,
Venom,
Mowgli,
Predator.
Downtown Urban Garden at ACC Producing Vegetables
The Downtown Urban Garden at ACC has started to producing fruits, or I should say vegetables. We harvest three cucumbers today and the Chinese Lettuce are ready I was told. The idea of the garden is for the public to come and see it so as of the 14th of December, if you are in the area you should stop by.
South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch
Please pencil in on your calendar that the General Meetings will be held the 2nd Wednesday of every month. There will be no meeting on December 12, 2018. Please pencil in the next meeting on January 9, 2019. (2nd Wednesday of every month).
Monthly Weather Summary, November 2018
Monthly weather summaries are prepared by the climate section of the National Meteorological Service (NMS) of Belize. The NMS of Belize maintains a network of over 25 weather stations that are situated primarily in the agricultural regions of the country. Temperature and rainfall are read at 9 am each morning and the rainfall total read at this time represents the accumulated rainfall for the previous day.
November is the last month of the Atlantic basin hurricane season. For Belize it is a month in which the climate of the country transitions gradually from the rainy season to the cooler transition period between December and January. Therefore, it is a month in which the country is affected from both tropical systems such as tropical waves and possible tropical cyclones as well as frontal systems.
NOTICE - Social Security Board Belize
We no longer require a Police Report for Card Replacement
My Autobiography: A Textbook for Children
To my Caye Caulker community. I was thinking...my book may be recommended to be read by our Caye Caulker students at the primary school (standard 3 and up) and high school students. It could serve as motivation for them to read knowing that they can totally relate, recognise the environment, and read about someone they actually know. They will learn that even as you run around as a child on the sandy streets of Caye Caulker, you can achieve the highest level of education even with all the obstacles. I can go in and personally talk with them as a class in the first week of January if you wish.
Of course, all other Belizean children can relate as I speak of my journey to the other districts.
Ministerial Meeting for the Central American
Agricultural Council of SICA
The Ministry of Agriculture hosted a Ministerial Meeting of the Central American Agricultural Council (CAC) in furtherance of Belize's Presidency of the SICA. Hon. Senator Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture, in his capacity as President Pro Tempore of the Council presided over the meeting.
During Belize's presidency, one of the major focuses was the implementation of a roadmap for the formulation and presentation of a Regional Agricultural Policy 2018-2030. The initiative, which was led by the Regional Technical Committee, has had the input of the Technical Working Groups, international organizations and representatives of the private sector.
Belizean Delegation hosted by Ministry of Culture of El Salvador for Seminar and Bilateral Talks
On Thursday, December 6th, representatives of Belize's National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) participated in a seminar titled, "Rediscovering our Afro-descendent Origins in Central America: The Case of Belize and El Salvador". The seminar was organized by the Embassy of Belize in El Salvador with support from the Central American Integration System, the World Bank and the Ministry of Culture of El Salvador.
Academics from both Belize and El Salvador presented papers on topics related to Garifuna Culture and Heritage, Sociological Perspectives on Crime and Violence in Belize City, and Afro-descendants in the Salvadoran context.
Corozal Christmas Lighting Tonight
Corozal Christmas Lightening is happening tonight at 7pm in front of the Central Park. The public are invited to attend this Annual event. Stage is already up.
Corozal Community College Annual Christmas Concert 2018
Thursday, Dec. 13, 6:30pm at the Rudolph Wade Auditorium
BWS Customer Appreciation Raffle
It's BWS' Customer Appreciation Raffle. It's easy to enter. Fill out the go green form attached to your bill and send them in to any BWS' office. sign up and win with BWS!!
Reforestation of degraded areas in the Vaca Forest Reserve continues through local farmer initiative
Mexico/Belize Art Exhibition
The San Pedro House of Culture has the pleasure to invite you to the opening of the Mexico/Belize Art Exhibition on Thursday, December 20th at 7:00 PM.
Live Music with Man @ Work
FREE ADMISSION!
Be socialble & share invitation with family, friends and colleagues.
Join us as we celebrate the 4 years of the San Pedro House of Culture
Channel 7
Drug Plane Landed on Guat Side Of Sarstoon
The drug planes continue to land - and the latest is right at Belize's southern border, on the Guatemalan side of the Sarstoon. 7News has learned the sometime this morning, this Beechcraft King Air 90 reportedly landed right on the banks of the Sarstoon river - but, on the Guatemalan side. These pictures show Guatemalan soldiers guarding it - and in the background you can see the Belize side of the Sarstoon.
Interestingly, the BDF patrol from the Forward Operating Base found two suspicious Guatemalan men in the area of Graham Creek shortly after the landing. Interesting because - from their appearance - they aren't farmers - who are the only Guatemalans that regularly traffic the area.
Young Mother Murdered in Cayo
A young mother was shot and killed last night in Santa Elena. 25 year old Brenda Castellanos was hanging out with her friend 35 year old Jennis August. Our information is that they were sitting in their yard on Bishop Martin Street when two gunmen opened fire in the yard. August was shot to the chest and Castellanos was hit to the rib cage and ankle. Castellanos died on the way to the hospital. Courtney Weatherburne has more.
This morning, the scenes of crime team was at this Bishop Street residence collecting more evidence
While neighbors wandered in the yard trying to come to terms with last night's senseless murder.
Kentroy Charged For Tazzy
On Tuesday's news, we told you how police were on the trail of the man they believe to be the shooter who senselessly killed 44 year-old Arthur "Tazzy" Williams. Tonight, 22 year-old Kentroy McKoy, the suspected gunman, is at the Belize Central Prison after he was taken to the Magistrate's Court today. McKoy is linked to the George Street area.
McKoy was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on 1 count of murder. Due to the nature of the offenses, he couldn't be granted bail, and he was remanded into custody until February 20th of next year.
85 Year Old American Dies Days After Head On Collision
An elderly American man is dead - and it may be the fault of a drunk driver. The accident happened on Saturday when 85 year old John Thomas who lives in Trial Farm Village was driving at mile 73 on the Phillip Goldson highway near Luisville village. At around 6:00 in the evening, Thomas was driving this van when he had a head on collision with a Dodge Calibre. The car - driven by 44 year old Martin Carillo - had just darted out of the "Y" intersection at Luisville and charged straight across the highway, causing a major head on impact with the van. Both drivers were trapped in their vehicles.
Both drivers received major injuries plus broken legs and were taken to the KHMH. Police at the scene observed that Carillo appeared to have been drinking and asked for a blood-alcohol sample to be extracted.
A Spout InThe South
Residents of the Stann Creek District observed a curious weather phenomenon near Dangriga today. This is what they saw: a funnel from a heavy grey cloud going down to the sea. Many people sent videos to our newsroom saying it's a tornado, but, actually, it's not. The MET Office confirms that it's what's called a water spout - which is not anywhere nearly as intense as a tornado. Forecaster Francesca Wellington told us that it is caused by instability in the atmosphere - similar to thunderstorms. She said these water spouts are not that unusual, and pose no real threat to life or property. She says they usually break up as they come unto land. Eyewitnesses say this one hovered in the sky for more than a minute.
Pizza Plunderers
Last night, the owner of Don Carby's Pizza in Ladyville was robbed at gun point while he was closing up.
3 men in black, barged into the pizza parlour - which is on the Phillip Goldson Highway. One of them was armed with a firearm, and the others had a knife and an ice pick. They demanded money, and he handed over approximately $450 in cash. After that, the Pizza bandits ran off.
Manager�s Vehicle Stolen, Burnt Up
A woman's vehicle was stolen last night and found burnt up this morning. 41 year old Lisa Stanford, a Customer Service manager from Belama Phase 2 told police that last night at 8:00, she parked her 2015 Nissan Rogue on Marine Parade. She returned around midnight to find it gone.
Reports to 7News are that the SUV, which is valued at $45,000 - and which she had for less than a year, was discovered completely burnt this morning in the Hattieville area.
Police are investigating - but have no suspects at this time.
What About the ICJ and Equity For Guatemala?
And, tonight, we have continuing coverage of our trip to the seat of the ICJ at the Hague. Many in the public have been speculating that if the case goes to the ICJ - Belize may win based on teh strength of the 1859 Treaty and the 1931 exchange of notes - but the judges would still give the Guatemalans something for their trouble. After, that would only seem fair - if they're claiming half or more of the country - to give them just a little something. We asked two professors of international law who are experts on the court about the concept of an equitable judgement - which would give the Guats something, but not everything they asked for. Jules Vasquez has the story:..
It's called the Peace Palace - the seat of the ICJ - but does this striving for peace mean that all parties have to leave this courtroom contented?
American Woman Claims Rape
A 49 year-old American woman who lives in Ladyville claims she was raped, and then robbed of $8,2000 in cash.
The cops found her at the KHMH last night, and she reported that at around 9:00 yesterday morning, she was leaving home when a machete wielding man attacked her. She claims he got into her vehicle, where he raped her. After that, he grabbed an envelope from her containing $8,200 in different denominations, and he ran off.
According to reports, this is the second sexual assault report filed by this victim in 5 weeks. Police have reason to believe she had some familiarity with the attacker.
Comarades in COMISCA
For the last 6 months, Belize has been the pro-tem president of SICA, better known as the Central American Integration System.
For the past 2 days, Health Minister Pablo Marin has been hosting the 49th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (COMISCA). They have been at the Placencia Hotel and Resort discussing how best to address health issues like the lifestyle illnesses: diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. They're also focusing on reducing the high rate of adolescent pregnancy within the SICA Member States.
Remembering Gianchan
Gian Ghandi was a man of legend in the public service, the consummate mandarin and confidence man, schooled in statecraft, political intrigue and legal drafting, he was the senior legal advisor to PUP, and UDP for three decades. Officially, he served in various capacities, from Crown Counsel to Solicitor General - and then, legal advisor.
And now, the Barrow Administration is honoring the very private Ghandi, who always stayed in the shadows. Yesterday, an official ceremony was held to inaugurate an a building named after him. The facility is now known as the Gian C. Ghandi Building, and it will serve as the headquarters for the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC). He was the first Director General of the IFSC.
Car Rental Owner Gets Wingle
Who wouldn't want a new ride for Christmas? Many customers of Caribbean Motors and Caribbean Tyres had their hopes up for the draw today when a new Wingle was on offer. Anyone who spent more than a hundred dollars at any of the companies got a ticket - and today the winner was drawn. But, we'd venture to say that the man who won might be the least needy. That's because it's Jay Crawford, the owner of Crystal Auto Rental - who has one of the biggest fleets of vehicles for rent and sale in Belize. Well, today he got one more, a $35,000 dollar Great Wall Wingle. A company rep told us why they did it:
Belize Ballers Back To Mexico
Over the past few years, we've been keeping you up-to-date with the community service initiatives spearheaded by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at. They have been very active in providing at risk youths with opportunities to engage in positive activities such as sports, and they've been regularly taking teams of young Belizeans to basketball competitions in Mexico.
The Amadiyya teams have been performing at a very high level, and they've returned from several of these tournaments with trophies and medals. This weekend, they're returning back to Chetumal, Mexico to participate in the Gatorade Copa Bacalar Basketball Tournament. They competed last year, and came in second, and so this time around, they're pushing for gold.
B-Allah�s
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is also preparing to carry on with its own local Ahmadiyya Basketball League.
It was started back in 2015, and since then, it has grown to the point where youth teams from all over the country, and Mexico are signing up to compete.
Mangla told us that the 5th Season of the Ahmadiyya League will be its biggest yet:
Naveed Mangla - President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:
"Right now, it's in the fifth year, and we have 3 age groups: U-15, U-19, and U-23. And in this tournament, I'm honored to say that this the biggest youth tournament or league in the country right now You would have these leagues and tournaments that are running in the cities, but you don't have a national tournament where kids are coming from all over the country..."
Remembering Buju in Belize
Jamaican reggae artist and icon Buju Banton has been released from prison in the USA after serving 8 years. The Jamaica Gleaner reports, quote, "Buju Banton has been released from prison…at the McRae Correctional institution. An officer at the institution said the entertainer whose given name is Mark Myrie, was let out earlier today.
The United States embassy in Kingston is tight-lipped about when the reggae superstar Buju Banton will be returned to (Jamaica)."
Channel 5
1 Woman Fatally Shot, Another Seriously Injured
A mother of a two-year-old is dead tonight and another woman is hospitalized following a shooting in Santa Elena, Cayo on Thursday night. Brenda Castellanos, who was carrying the toddler [...]
Kentroy McKoy is Charged for Taz's Murder
Twenty-year-old Kentroy McKoy was paraded this evening before the lower court where he was arraigned on a single count of murder, following the mid-afternoon execution of Arthur 'Taz' Flowers on [...]
U.S. National, Victim of Rape in Ladyville
A forty-nine-year old U.S. national was raped and robbed on Thursday morning at around nine in the morning. The woman lives in Ladyville and has had to be hospitalized. She [...]
Accused Murderer Pleads Guilty to Firearm Offences
Ladyville resident, twenty-three-year-old Jesse Mejia, on Thursday pleaded guilty to unlicensed firearm and ammunition charges in the courtroom of Magistrate Emerson Banner. Mejia was fined three thousand dollars and ordered [...]
Taxi Man's Request for Bail Denied
Bail was denied for fifty-nine-year-old San Pedro taxi driver Noel Wiltshire. Having been charged for attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and grievous harm, Wiltshire appeared today before [...]
Suspected Arson in Big Falls
Police are investigating a house fire in the southern village of Big Falls. The fire destroyed the house of Angelina Ack, a twenty-eight-year-old bus owner. Fortunately, Ack and her two [...]
Immigration Suspends Fingerprinting at P.G.I.A. During Tourism High Season
There is a boom in tourism numbers, but the growth is causing unexpected challenges at the main point of entry. The number of visitors arriving by commercial flights has outgrown [...]
Preparing for Massive Growth in the Hotel Industry
Becoming a Belizean specialist is now part of the requirement for tourism stakeholders as they prepare for the expansion of the industry in the years ahead.� That includes hoteliers and [...]
SICA's Council of Central America Discusses Agriculture in the Region
Today, agriculture officials and ministers from SICA's Council of Central America converged at the Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. Since Belize holds the pro-tem presidency, Minister of Agriculture, Senator Godwin [...]
Belize Wants to Expand Export Market through SICA
Coffee and citrus were also discussed at the meeting, specifically as it relates to the med-fly. But agricultural ministers are also looking at the plan of action in reference to [...]
The Police Drama Club Speaks Gender Based Violence
On November twenty-third, Belize joined the rest of the world in the official launch of the annual sixteen days of activism to stop gender based violence against women and children.� [...]
U.S. Charg� Throws Support behind 16 Days of Activism
Earlier this week, a Belize City resident was shot to the groin by his common-law wife, who had made numerous reports to the domestic violence unit. In fact, police officers [...]
$2.5 Million for I.C.J. Referendum Campaign
We are five months away from what will be one of the most important days in Belize's history. April tenth, 2018 will be the day when tens of thousands of [...]
FinSec Says G.O.B. Not Repaying David Gegg
In late November the House of Representatives passed an amendment to the General Sales Tax Act which would basically close a loophole. The amendment came after the Caribbean Court of [...]
Int'l Financial Services Commission Finds a New Home
The International Financial Services Commission has a new home; it is the Gian Gandhi Building in Belmopan. The IFSC was previously in the Sir Edney Cain Building which underwent renovation [...]
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Heads Basketball Tournament in Chetumal
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Belize is leading a team of young athletes to Chetumal this weekend where they will be participating in a basketball tournament with teenagers from across [...]
The Grand Finale of Gimme 5!
The grand finale of a week-long of activities to celebrate twenty-seven years of Channel Five ends tonight with a bang. All week, we have treated out loyal audience to prizes [...]