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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

Illegal dumping of garbage at San Pedrito Highway continues; Authorities slow to respond
Improper and illegal garbage disposal in San Pedro Town continues to be a big problem, and authorities at on the island like The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) seem to be moving a little too slow to address the issue. One reported situation is the recent dumping next to the San Pedrito Highway, adjacent to the airstrip. The blatant move clearly identifies the possible origin of the garbage, which includes old restaurants menus, old cheques and even personal information of past customers recorded in receipt books for golf cart rentals. Mayor Daniel Guerrero was made aware of the situation and he promised to look into the matter and punish the culprits. On Thursday, February 14th, Councillor Gabriel Nu�ez in charge of Public Utilities, Community Protection and Safety including Waste Management and Sanitation visited the site accompanied by Health Inspector Christina Martinez and the San Pedro Police Department. They proceeded to order the suspected establishment to remove the garbage by the end of the day. The business allegedly committed to comply with the order, however, up to press time, the trash had not been removed.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve hosts a stakeholders workshop
Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) hosted a half day workshop with stakeholders of HCMR at the San Pedro Town Council conference room in San Pedro Town on Wednesday, February 13th. The workshop saw the attendance of tour operators, tour guides, commercial fisherman, fly fishing guides, non- governmental organizations and media corps. At 1PM, the workshop began with a discussion of the importance of protecting and preserving the HCMR. This was followed by participants being divided into groups to highlight the different issues they have encountered at the HCMR. Thereafter, Julian Walcott facilitated the attendees with a presentation on the concepts of Ecosystem Based Management (EBM). According to Dr. Walcott, EBM concepts will allow for issues/conflicts to be identified and potential solutions and better management options to be identified.

BWSL takes over Consolidated Water Belize Limited on Ambergris Caye
On Wednesday, February 13th, Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) announced that they had reached an agreement with Consolidated Water Belize Limited (CWBL) for the purchase of its shares for US$7 million dollars. The acquisition of the company, operating on Ambergris Caye, was funded by a US$8.5 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank, which will also be used to further improve and expand BWSL water system on the island. The process of the purchase was initiated shortly after the company announced its intentions to leave Belize in October 2018. CWBL claimed that it was having difficulties in repatriating profits out of the country.

GOB reaffirms its commitment to phase out single-use plastic and Styrofoam products by April 2019 amid allegations of a possible delay
The Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU) within the Ministry responsible for Investment, Trade and Commerce have ruled out any allegations contradicting the start of a nationwide ban on single-use plastic and Styrofoam products on April 22, 2019. Concerned citizens have alleged that the banning would be delayed because the Government of Belize (GOB) would not provide any incentives to investors interested in manufacturing and supplying biodegradable items in the country. However, personnel from the IPCU told The San Pedro Sun that such information was inaccurate, as they are working on a package of incentives that will be made available to investors, particularly the small businesses interested in this new line of environmentally friendly products.

Ambergris Today

SPHS 2019 Career Day
On Thursday, February 14, 2019 the students of San Pedro High School rocked the runway as they displayed outfits of different careers for Career Day 2019, which was celebrated under the theme "The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create It". Students dressed up as doctors, nurses, pilots, psychiatrists, zoologists, front desk personnel, bank managers, construction workers, transportation workers, secretaries, tour guides and military amongst others. Some classes were very creative and acted out skits which had everyone laughing and having a good time. Here are a few pics for your enjoyment.

Lobster Fishing Season Officially Closed
The Fisheries Department informs fishers and the public that the lobster season is officially Closed as of today, February 15, 2019 and it will remain closed until midnight of June 14th, 2019. Any person found in possession of lobster during the said closed season will be prosecuted in accordance with Section 3(1) (b) of the Fisheries Regulation, Chapter 210 of the Subsidiary Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2000-2003.

Misc Belizean Sources

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Lights being installed at the town cemetery in San Pedro

Belize Hosts Press Conference for the 2019 Taipei Lantern Festival "Twinkle Taipei"
The Embassy of Belize to the Republic of China (Taiwan) hosted a press conference on February 13, 2019, to unveil lanterns depicting the Great Blue Hole as well as an array of species of marine life found in the Belize Barrier Reef. For the first time, Belize will be participating in the Taipei Lantern Festival, which takes place from February 16th-24th. According to Chinese tradition, at the very beginning of a new year, when there is a bright full moon in the sky, there should be thousands of colourful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate. The holiday is celebrated on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month (February 16th).

Corozal Junior College Annual Expo and Trade Fair
Friday March 29, 9am - 4pm.

Submission Period Open for Public to Submit Information in Relation to Gillnets
No matter what position you hold in society, the destruction caused by gillnets can be felt by all Belizeans. The Government of Belize has opened up a submission period for anyone to present information as it pertains to gillnets. Please add your voice. If we fish sustainably, we can always fish! For more information and access to the form, click the link below:

Hunting Season for Iguana is Closed
he Belize Forest Department hereby reminds the public that, the hunting season for iguanas is closed from February - June of each year as this is their breeding season. Any HUNTING OF IGUANAS is NOT ALLOWED at this time. Closed seasons for game species are necessary to give wildlife the opportunity to reproduce. If hunting of these species occurs during the closed seasons it will eventually result in a drastic decline of wildlife populations. By respecting closed seasons, we help to ensure that wildlife populations remain healthy for the future. The Forest Department also wishes to remind the public that as per the Wildlife Protection Act (CAP 220), a Hunter's License is needed to hunt and sell the following game species:

Increased Pump Prices for Regular and Premium Gasoline
The Ministry of Finance announces that at midnight on February 16, 2019, the pump price for regular gasoline will increase by 10 cents from $9.51 to $9.61 per gallon, while the pump price for premium gasoline will also increase by 12 cents from $10.19 to $10.31 per gallon. These price increases are due to a reduction in supply from the major oil-producing countries due to geopolitical uncertainties combined with an increase in demand in the current winter season. The seeming increase in the frequency of fuel price changes is due largely to high seasonal demand, particularly in the aviation and tourism sectors, combined with limited bulk storage capacities which together result in a need for more frequent shipments of fuel to the country in recent months.

Eugene "Cosco" Neal Funeral Service
To all Family N Friends of Eugene "Cosco" Neal, the funeral Service will be held tomorrow Saturday February 16th 2019 at 1pm. The body will be received at the Catholic Church at 10am.

Impromptu Peace March in Corozal Saturday Morning
Impromptu Peace March against crime and violence in our community, to be held tomorrow Saturday. Please share this message and come out to join us. Please!

Museum of Belize launched the Exhibit of The Lydia Waight Gallery of Birds
As part of their 50th anniversary celebration theBelize Audubon Society in partnership with the Museum of Belize launched the Exhibit of The Lydia Waight Gallery of Birds today Friday, February 15th at the Museum of Belize.

Free Concert by acclaimed keyboardist Jake Hill
Friday, February 22, 2019 at 5 PM - 8 PM, San Pedro Island Artisan Market. Hosted by San Pedro House of Culture. Composer, studio engineer, vocalist and world class keyboard player, Jake studied piano, organ, voice, recorder and music theory as a young boy. By the age of 12, he was performing in the company of Arthur Fiedler of the Boston Symphony, Seiji Ozawa, Michael Tilson Thomas of the Philadelphia Philharmonic and The Boston Opera Company to name a few. He received scholarships from The Boston Archdiocese Choir School and The New England Conservatory of Music, attending N.E.C. and Boston College High School at the same time, all by the age of 18.

The Lydia Waight Gallery of Birds Exhibit Opens
Today was a most joyful day at the Museum of Belize!! The museum, in partnership with Belize Audubon Society (BAS), officially opened an exhibit entitled "The Lydia Waight Gallery of Birds". Special tribute was made to the late Mrs. Lydia Waight, one of the founding members of BAS. It was a most special and touching ceremony commemorating the 17th anniversary of the Museum of Belize, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Belize Audubon Society.

Collaboration between San Pedro Tour Guides and Tour Operators
Placing moorings !!! Tuff Gardens and Tres Cocos !! Great job Mike Steve and their crew !!

2019 Spring Equinox Event at Marco Gonzalez
The 2019 SPRING EQUINOX EVENT will be held on Sunday, March 24th at 10am. We hope you can join the celebration of Spring at the Main Plaza on site. We're looking for different activities this year for you to enjoy after the Maya Priest has given a blessing for you, the site and the island! Food & beverages, free site tours, interactive activities, dancing.........all in the beauty of nature where the Maya held celebrations for 1600 years. Park entrance fee applies. Sponsors welcomed - money, product, volunteers for the day. Contact Jan Brown, [email protected]. SEE YOU THERE!!

Channel 7

Collision Claims the Life Of Mother of Two
Last night, we told you about the 3 vehicle collision at the Airport Junction in Ladyville. It's a location that has seen countless accidents, and tonight, this deadly stretch of road has claimed another life. As we reported, a 10 wheeler dump truck slammed into a Jeep Cherokee, and plowed into the North Gas Station.   In the process, they ran over a young woman waiting for the bus.  She died from her injuries around midnight.  Our news team has been following the story since yesterday evening, and Daniel Ortiz reports:

Family Remembers Hard Working Young Mother
But whatever the charges are - that will give little consolation to the family of a 22 year old who fell victim to an accident that she could never have foreseen.   And what's even more painful is that Marcia Lopez was the mother of two.  The San Pablo villager was waiting for the bus to head home - when she was injured. Her brother today told CTV-3 News in Orange Walk that she worked in Ladyville: Russell Rodriguez - Brother of Deceased: "They said that my sister was waiting for bus, so they knock her down just like that waiting for the bus, that is the information I know now."

Retiree Was Fatally Stabbed To Neck
74 year old Elizabeth Rousseau and her 81 year old husband Gary Hawkes had come to Belize to retire at the Oasis housing community on the Consejo Road - one mile outside of Corozal Town.  But, instead, she was killed on Wednesday night - the New Yorker died from a stab wound to the neck.  A post mortem found her cause of death to be Traumatic asphyxia due to trachea injuries due to stab wounds.' The elderly American couple was at home on Wednesday night when an intruder broke in through the bathroom window.  He stabbed them both, running off with a purse containing 1,200 dollars.

Mason Murder Trial in March
In less than a month, Danny Mason will stand trial for the July 2016 murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas. That was the big news coming out of the Belmopan Supreme Court. Danny Mason and his 4 accomplices Terrence Fernandez, Ashton Vanegas, Keiron Fernandez and Ernest Castillo were taken before Justice Antoinette Moore. She addressed several elements in the murder trial case and the other pending case against the accused for the kidnapping of a mennonite couple. They all pled not guilty to three counts on that charge. Attorney Herbert Panton discussed what happened in this case management session:

Fiery FECTAB Fuming
FECTAB is fuming again. This time the subject of their ire is BELTRAIDE.  That's because the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service and Taiwan have set up two exchange investment missions between both countries. They hope to increase foreign direct Investment in priority industries - like tourism.   And that's where FECTAB says they are again being left out.  They say the big fish always get more, while the small fish like their members are left without: David Almendarez - FECTAB: "Taiwan the give us serious money because they want to link with people in Belize that sell tours and the government give the money to BELTRAIDE. They won't contact us, we're not going to Taiwan, we're not going to states, we don't know who going and why they going and why the deserve it more than we..."

Another Jump In Pump Prices
Fuel prices are going up again tonight at midnight.  The pump price for regular gasoline is going up by 10 cents from $9.51 to $9.61 per gallon, while the pump price for premium will increase by 12 cents from $10.19 to $10.31 per gallon. A Ministry of Finance release says "These price increases are due to a reduction in supply from the major oil-producing countries." We note that there have now been five increases in fuel prices in less than 2 months. 

Taxidermy & Ornithology
If you are a bird watcher, or you love learning about birds, the National Institute of Culture and History hopes that you will be interested in visiting their latest exhibit which was opened today. It's called the Bird Taxidermy Exhibit, and it's a project on which NICH and the Museum collaborated with the Belize Audubon Society, and Dr. Steven Zitzer. He's a taxidermist, which basically means that he preserves the bodies of animals, and in his case, birds. He's been collecting different species of birds in Belize, which were knocked down by motorists. Rather than allowing these animals to decompose, he's preserved their bodies for artistic and educational purposes.  He's created pieces from over 20 bird species found in Belize, and this morning, NICH and the Audubon Society opened an exhibit at the Museum.

Big Baby, The Big Ticket
No matter how many times you say it, it still sounds unbelievable: On June first, a Belizean, Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller will be fighting for the world heavyweight title.   But it's real and for those Belizeans who want to witness history, tickets are now on sale.  His local business manager, Jason Edwards tells us that tickets for the big bout are now for sale  at ticketmaster.com  and you can use the promocode "BigBaby."

A Teacher With A Vision
Earlier we told you about the birds exhibit at the Museum of Belize.  But, if you prefer more traditional forms of art, well, the Image Factory's new exhibit may be just what you're looking for. It comes from Kirkland Smith, a career educator, who has been teaching visual arts at the high school level for the last 20 years. The SJC teacher has put together art produced by himself and his students over those entire 2 decades, under the theme "A Journey of Art- Kirkland Smith: A Merger Of Perspectives".

Glen Washington Back in Belize
Still in the Valentine's spirit? Well you can keep all the love flowing at Glen Washington's concert tomorrow night at the Civic Center. That's right, the celebrated Reggae crooner is back in Belize to share some lover's rock.  We met him today at the Radisson and he told us more about this love fest. The concert is tomorrow night at the Civic. It begins at 10. Tickets are $110 for single and $200 for couples. You can get tickets at LA fashion, Cellular plus and Wave radio.

From Belize to Bakassi
All this week, a viral video generated by the Belize Peace Movement has been circulating on social media. It's part of that group's No to the ICJ campaign, and from the thousands of views we've seen it rack up, it seems to have generated a lot of traction. The message is, basically, you can't trust the ICJ if you want to keep your territory intact.  Nigeria learned that the hard way when it lost territory to Cameroon.  But, Jules Vasquez looked closely at the case, and it seems to put Belize in Nigeria's shoes, when we should be in Cameroon's.  Here's his take on it:

Making Manatee's Safe
Belize's manatees need all the help they can get - and a cocktail wouldn't hurt, as long as you're paying for the ticket!   The Sea to Shore Alliance is having its fourth "Cocktails for the Manatees" event  tomorrow night at the Old Belize Pavilion.  Jamal Galvez told us why you should buy in: Admission is $30, and the event will feature music, appetizers, socializing, a silent auction, a raffle and a cash bar. LAST YEAR it raised $21,000 which supported a number of projects.

FFB's Program of Inclusion
In yesterday's newscast, we told you about the roundtable session that the Football Federation of Belize held with the media to discuss how they can improve relations in an effort to better inform and engaged the wider public on all important goings-on within the sport of football. President Sergio Chuc and his administration want the general public to regain confidence in the work that the FFB is doing to improve sport in Belize. And more importantly than that, they want to see the state of football in Belize start inching closer the levels of dominant football nations of the world. They're doing this by focusing on developing football at the grassroots level, as well as engaging the female population in a brand new women's league.

Channel 5

Young Mother Perishes Following RTA in Ladyville
A twenty-two-year-old mother of two lost her life this morning, following last evening's traffic accident in Ladyville. Marcia Lopez was waiting on a bus to head home to her family [...]

Bail for Benque Duo Allegedly Found with AK-47 and Galil
On Tuesday, two Belizeans and a Guatemalan national were arraigned and remanded to the Belize Central Prison after being charged jointly for possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.� The indictments [...]

Who Owns Range Rover that had Those Firearms?
Despite strong objections from the court prosecutor, bail was granted to the De La O brothers on the presumption of innocence.� According to Hamilton, ownership of the vehicle has not [...]

Evidential Material Being Gathered in Dwayne Cummings Murder Probe
The murder of star athlete Dwayne Cummings last Sunday in Orange Walk Town remains unsolved, despite investigators following several leads in an attempt to crack the case.� The twenty-one-year-old basketball [...]

Charles Itza Recovering from Gunshot Wound in Corozal Shooting
Earlier this week, a resident of Corozal Town came under gunfire during an attempt on his life.� Charles Itza reported to police in that jurisdiction that he was riding a [...]

Payments to be Made to Paulette Elrington Only Up to End of February
Financial Secretary Joseph Waight says that his office has received notice that Paulette Elrington has resigned from her post with the Foreign Service. Waight told reporters today that Elrington willingly [...]

$2 Million Spent on I.C.J. Campaign
The I.C.J. Referendum is less than two months away - and the Referendum Unit is ramping up the public awareness campaign. Today, when we spoke with Financial Secretary Joseph Waight [...]

FECTAB Decries Major Tour Operators for Suing Government
As many as five individual lawsuits are presently before the Supreme Court where various tour operators are taking legal action against the Government of Belize via the Department of General [...]

Fin Sec Weights in on Slew of GST Suits
It is believed that the cumulative sum that the claimants are seeking is in the seven-figure range, slightly below ten million dollars.�� While Financial Secretary Joseph Waight did not elaborate [...]

G.O.B. to Appeal U.H.S. Case
The Belize Bank has been trying to collect a ninety-plus million dollar UHS debt from the government - and the two trial dates set for December and January were both [...]

FinSec Says Upcoming Budget Holds "No Surprises"
Financial Secretary Joseph Waight says that he doesn't expect the upcoming national budget to hold any surprises. Simply put - it may very well look like 2018's budget. Waight says [...]

House Collapses with Family of 3
A family of three is staying with relatives and friends tonight after the place they've called home for decades collapsed with them inside. The incident occurred just after six o'clock [...]

Bird Taxidermy Exhibition opens at Museum of Belize
There's a new exhibition at the Museum of Belize in Belize City. This one is not your usual painting, carvings and antique pieces; it is a show on birds in [...]

The Refugee Programme in Belize and Migrant Minors
Many nationals from Central American countries over the years have migrated to Belize for better opportunities, some running from different issues. A snapshot of Belize's current population would show that [...]

Gillnets Negatively Impacting Fly Fishing Industry
The debate to ban or allow the continued use of gillnets in Belize's water continues tonight. The government is collecting information from the public as it relates to the effects [...]

The Fourth Annual Cocktail for the Manatee
The fourth annual Cocktail for the Manatee takes place this Saturday night at the Old Belize Pavilion on the George Price Highway. The fundraising event is used to not only [...]

LOVE FM

Spanish Bee Competici�n en San Ignacio
There are all sorts of bees in Belize. Every now and then you hear about Africanized bees, the regular honey bees and occasionally a spelling bee. Today seven schools converged on the Sacred Heart Auditorium in San Ignacio to participate in a Spanish Bee. Niurka Nunez, the Spanish Teacher for Our Lady of Guadelupe High �

FECTAB wants in on new exchange investment missions with Taiwan
The Federation of Cruise Tourism Association of Belize, FECTAB, is at odds again with the government and the Belize Tourism Board. Their discontent follows Monday's handing over of sixty thousand dollars by the Republic of China (Taiwan) to GOB for one of two planned exchange investment missions. The exchanges will be headed by the Ministry �

New Classrooms for Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart Junior College (SHJC) is growing. The institution has constructed a new building today at the cost of over six hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The building was needed as the student population was utilizing some of the high school's classrooms in the evening to compensate for the growing demand for an education at �

Education Minister Aware of Female Teacher's situation in Orange Walk
A high school teacher from the Orange Walk District had been placed on administrative leave after pictures of her nude body were found on the internet. The pictures were in the public domain in December, 2018 and as a result, the teacher was asked to resign from the Catholic institution. The teacher refused and was �

Compol implements changes in Caribbean Shores
Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, met with over fifty residents of the Caribbean Shores area yesterday evening to listen to their concerns as they relate to neighborhood and community security. Williams was flanked by other senior officers as participants verbalized their fears of crime spreading to the Northside and the loitering and noise particularly at �

Concerns rise following attack on elderly American couple in Corozal
On Wednesday night, 81 year old Gary Hawke and his 74-year-old, wife Elizabeth Rousseau were brutally attacked in their home. They lived in the small Oasis community along the Consejo Road in the Corozal District. It's an MO that appears to have become recurrent in that district where many American and Canadian families come to �

Belizeans still face difficulties accessing services at the Vital Statistics Unit
Area Representative Musa also spoke of what it has been like assisting Belizeans wishing to reregister obtain their birth certificates. Musa had received several complaints from Belizeans that they have been having difficulty at the Vital Statistics unit because the system is inefficient and the process drawn out for no good reason. Musa says the �

Cayo Resident Chopped
Also in the Cayo district, ACP Joseph Myvett told us that a man identified as Michael Smith was injured during an argument at a shop in San Ignacio. Smith was critically injured after his assailant chopped him. Joseph Mvett: "Last night shortly before 9pm San Ignacio Police responded to a chopping incident in Unitedville Village �

Home Invasion at Cornelius Residence in Spanish Lookout
While that home invasion in Corozal resulted in tragedy. It was not the only one that the police department has to investigate. There was a second home invasion in Spanish Lookout last night. The head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett says 5 armed men targeted Cornelius Peters and �

Amandala

3-vehicle collision leaves woman critical in KHMH
Three vehicles collided on the Philip Goldson Highway in Ladyville in front of NORTH GAS STATION, near Sky's supermarket and the Philip Goldson International Airport road junction with the highway at about 5:30 this evening. A woman who was standing by the road waiting to catch a bus was knocked down and severely injured, suffering head and body injuries.

American woman dies in home invasion turned murder
An American woman is dead, and her husband was injured as a result of a brutal home invasion in Consejo Village in the Corozal District that quickly turned into a tragic murder. The incident occurred just before 8 o'clock last night, Wednesday, on an otherwise peaceful night in Consejo, where the retired couple lived in a one-storey cement house in a large yard at #7 Oasis Park Drive. Elizabeth Rousseau, 74, was in the bedroom, and her husband, Gary Hakes, 84, was in the living room, when the lights suddenly went off in the house.

2 charged for gun dealership burglary
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, police launched paramilitary-style operations in some known gang neighborhoods in Belize City that resulted in the recovery of a cache of some 18 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition that were stolen from the premises of licensed gun seller Victor L. Bryant, located on Lake Independence Boulevard.

Belize Infrastructure fund manager pleads guilty to defrauding investors out of 21.9 million
In March 2018, Brent Borland, a New York-based investment manager who is the principal at Borland Capital Group, was arrested and charged with fraud after an investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission discovered that he had bilked more than a dozen investors out of 21.9 million dollars for building an airport in southern Belize.

Supt. David Chi and companions taken to court for partial disclosure
On September 11, 2018, Superintendent David Chi and four others - Constable Norman Anthony, Peter Freisen and two Mexicans: Eddie Figueroa Nunez and Asarias Monsano - were all arrested and charged with abetment to import a controlled drug and conspiracy to land a plane at an unlicensed aerodrome. Monsano and Nunez were additionally charged with drug trafficking for 1,225 lbs of cocaine valued at $14 million.

Belizean volleyball stars Bryton Codd and Karym Coleman leading Briercrest College to ACAC playoffs
In March 2018, news was broken that 23-year-old Bryton Codd and 27-year-old Karym Coleman were awarded scholarships to pursue college education at Briercrest College in Saskatchewan, Canada and play for the Briercrest Clippers. Briercrest, a Christian School in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), has been a competitive program over the past fifteen years, and has been knocking on the door of the championship picture as of late.

Cricket Corner - Bandits come out with a bang!
Hello, cricket players, fans and supporters! Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA), the Bowen and Bowen/ Harrison Parks 2019 National Cricket Competition got under way this past weekend with some very interesting games played. A few were heart breaking. First we go to Lemonal, the home of the champion, where Western Eagles went to play against home team Easy Does It, last year's championship team. The home team took to bat first, and at the fall of the last wicket, the score stood at 191 runs, a very impressive score.

Table Tennis - Belize secures Bronze in Central American Junior Championships
The Belize Team returned on Sunday after participating in the Central American U-15 & U-18 Table Tennis Championships, held in Cancun, Mexico. The team competed in Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Team Competition. Even though they did not get any medals in the other categories, Belize was able to secure Bronze in the U-15 Doubles Competition. Taye Parkinson and Devesh Hukmani won 3rd place and took home Bronze medals.

Corozal F.A. U-Tournaments Week 2 report and upcoming schedule
The Corozal Football Association (CFA) continued its 2918-2019 Closing Season tournaments over the weekend with Week 2 games on Saturday and Sunday at the Ricalde Stadium. Saturday, February 9, was a great day for us. The FFB U-17 national selection played against the Corozal U-17 selection; we lost, 6-0. To end the night just the right way, the CFA 1st Division Amateur Semifinals (Home) was played between Chunox FC and San Antonio NGO. This was the anticipated game by most fans. It was a challenging game, and at the end, San Antonio NGO wins, 3-1.

Ahmadiyya Basketball League Belize Week 3 results
Here are yesterday's scores and highlights from sixteen Week 3 games in the Ahmadiyya Basketball League (ABL) Belize 2019 tournament, being played at the SJC gym.

Editorial: Socialist Nicaragua has lowest murder rate in C.A.
The website, Knoema, which describes itself as the "most comprehensive source of global decision-making data in the world", says that the murder rate (persons murdered per 100,000 people) in Nicaragua in 2016 was 7.4. The country with the next lowest murder rate in 2016 was Panama, with 9.7 persons killed per 100,000 of their population, and Costa Rica was just a little worse than Panama, with 11.9 persons killed per 100,000.

Tension in Bakassi after handover
Dear Editor, I encourage all to read in its entirety the enclosed opinion on the Nigeria/Cameroon ICJ ruling which also cites some information on the Thailand/Cambodia dispute and ruling. Legal scholars all agree that court rulings invariably look at precedents and laypersons share the feeling that the courts almost always seek to arrive at a decision where both sides feel they won!

Correct me if I'm wrong, says Brian Plummer
Dear Editor, Based on the doctrine of inheritance, Mexico and Guatemala claimed Belize. In 1893, Mexico signed a treaty with Britain and dropped the claim, but later stated that if Guatemala was successful in obtaining all or part of Belize, Mexico would revive its claim. Mexico was the first country to recognize Belize's independence, and I consider Mexico Belize's best friend.

Ankle bracelets for criminals is a good idea
Dear Editor, I pen tonight with much enthusiasm my endorsement of the concept of "ankle bracelets" being introduced into Belize's crime situation. This stance and support is based on both technological and security principles coupled with professional and academic experience. It is time for us to stop thinking that "general" policing could address the murderous environment we currently face in the motherland. We need new and aggressive policies; this suggested remedy is one which I think will be effective.

ICJ A to Z, almost
1802 -Britain returned to Spain, via 1802 treaty, all territories it conquered since wars began in 1793 (French Revolutionary Wars 1793-1802; War between Great Britain and Spain 1796-1802), except for Trinidad, which British conquered in 1797. Belize is not really one of these territories (Belize "defended" her existence in 1798), but in this 1802 treaty the British recognize the old status quo in this region. Guatemala claims to be the successor of Spain, and that as successor it inherited our territory. Really, in 1802 Spain's sometimes terrible reign, from since 1492, is over. The British, at this time, have a hold all over Central America and the Caribbean.

Enough is enough!
We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of Dwayne Cummings, an aspiring athlete and a promising student of the University of Belize, and to 19-year-old Masaki Yanai who lost his life when his family was attacked at gun point at their home and who was also a promising student of the University of Belize. These tragedies are the latest in a series of senseless murders that have occurred since the start of 2019.

"Tommy Goff" kills Sherwin Kerr, 43
On Tuesday afternoon, February 5, Sherwin Kerr, 43, a laborer of Rockville, was clearing an area between Mile 13 and 14 on the George Price Highway when he was bitten by a very poisonous snake, known as a "Tommy Goff." Kerr was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, and he was being treated, but his condition took a turn for the worse on Saturday, February 9, and he died while undergoing treatment, after surviving for four days.

In Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, 2 Belizeans shot in drug deal gone bad
Two Belizean men living in Chicago allegedly went to Erie, Pennsylvania, to sell one kilo of heroin, but the drug deal did not go as planned and instead of money being collected by the two men for the drug sale, bullets began flying between sellers and buyers, and the sellers ended up in police custody and were arraigned on drug and ammunition charges, Tim Hahn reported in the online publication, GoErie.com. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 7, in the parking garage near the courtyard of the Marriott Erie Bayfront Hotel, around 5:45 p.m.

Belize celebrates Chinese New Year
While most Belizeans celebrate the New Year on January 1, Chinese New Year is celebrated in February. All across Belize, firecrackers could be heard throughout the weekend, starting from Saturday. The Belize Chinese Association (BCA) began the celebrations with the traditional Lion Dance Parade. Plenty of Belizeans have seen this dance occur in front of Chinese businesses. This year, about 48 stores requested the dance.

Constable, injured by senior officer, wants to press charges
An unnamed police constable who allegedly suffered an injury at the hands of a senior police officer reportedly wants to pursue a criminal charge against the officer, who has so far not been named. The incident is said to have occurred at a police checkpoint somewhere in Belize City. This matter surfaced about two days ago as a result of a Facebook post by Corporal Darrell "Tutsi" Usher, who has been on interdiction pending the outcome of a drug trafficking case.

The Reporter

EDITORIAL - February 15th.
It is not true that the Belize-Guatemala Boundary Dispute is one and the same as the Anglo -Guatemala Dispute ! This claim was made as recently as this week by Major Lloyd Jones, former Commandant of the Belize Defence Force, during an interview on Channel Seven. He is gravely mistaken!

Police Get New Fleet of Vehicles
The Belize Police Department has received a new fleet of Great Wall Wingle pick-up trucks to better tackle crime on the nation's streets. The 31 vehicles, which were acquired by the government at a cost of $1.3 Million from public and private funding, were handed over on Thursday afternoon.

Robbers Tie Up Couple and Flee with Cash
Police are following several leads into a home invasion in Spanish Lookout, Cayo on Wednesday night. Cornelius Peters told Police that at around 8:30 that night, he and his wife were at home when five masked men entered the house and bound them up, then ransacked the house for cash and valuables. The thieves left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Woman Dies in Ladyville Traffic Accident
Police say that a young woman who was involved in a traffic accident in Ladyville on Thursday evening has died of her injuries. The mishap occurred around 5:00 pm, at the Sky Gas Station between miles 8 and 9 on the Philip Goldson Highway.and claimed the life of Marcia Lopez, 22, of San Pablo Village, Orange Walk.

Home invasion: Couple stabbed and wife loses life
The life of retired American National Elizabeth Rousseau 74 was tragically cut short on Wednesday night following an aggravated burglary at her home on the Consejo Road in Corozal where she and her elderly husband were attacked and stabbed by a knife-wielding intruder.

Two arrested for gun heist
Burglars raided the Victor L. Bryant armory warehouse on Chetumal Street in Belize City early Tuesday morning and got away with a hefty cache of weapons and ammunition. The heist has been described as a "Breach of National Security," by the authorities, who have prioritized the case, resulting in two arrests.

Hungarian Fugitive Located in Belize
Gabor Zsolnai, 52, was handed over to Hungarian law enforcement authorities, who had traveled to Belize and were waiting for him at the Phillip Goldson International Airport to take him back to Hungary to face the charges.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Fishermen robbed at gunpoint off the coast of Belize City
Pirates robbed six Corozal fishermen at gunpoint this week while they were out on a fishing [�]

Woman dies in tragic traffic accident
Marcia Lopez,22, of San Pablo, Orange Walk lost her life yesterday evening in a tragic road traffic [�]

Meet Belizean Joseph Smith, an international wine entrepreneur
BBN would like to introduce its readers to Joseph Smith of Wine Smith Limited. Smith was [�]

Embassy of Mexico in Belize invites you to a movie night
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize invites the Belizean public to the first Mexican movie night at [�]

US issues sanctions on corrupt Venezuelan officials
The United States Department of State issued a statement today saying that the US remains steadfast [�]

Fuel prices hiked (again)
The Ministry of Finance announced today that at midnight tonight the pump price for Regular gasoline [�]

Fox News praises Belize in "Extreme Travel" segment
As Belize's popularity as a "go to" tourism destination grows, more international media outlets are featuring [�]

Police investigating murder of American national in Northern Belize
The Belize Police Department has concluded that the murderer responsible for the stabbing death of Elizabeth Rousseau, [�]

"No surprises in upcoming budget," says Financial Secretary
Financial Secretary Joseph Waight said today that he doesn't expect the upcoming National Budget to be [�]

Shooting victim listed in a stable condition
Belize City police say that Mark Anthony Clarke, 41, is alive and in a stable condition [�]

Police: One step closer to solving murder of Dwayne Cummings
Orange Walk police are one step closer to making an arrest in the murder of [�]

11 people have lost their lives to traffic accidents in 2019
Every year, there are numerous campaigns about driving safely on the highways in Belize. Sadly, [�]

Taiwan Embassy unveils Blue Hole lantern for 2019 Taipei Lantern Festival "Twinkle Taipei"
The Embassy of Belize to the Republic of China (Taiwan) yesterday unveiled lanterns depicting the [�]

Special Envoy for Women and Children congratulates US Embassy and Marie Sharp for partnership to combat Gender-based violence
The United States Embassy in Belize in partnership with Marie Sharp yesterday launched a new, [�]

Masked men terrorize family in bizarre home invasion in Spanish Lookout
Police are investigating a bizarre home invasion that occurred in Spanish Lookout, Cayo District on [�]

Blogs

SParaside Spa & Salon: Easy Affordable Accessible FANTASTIC Pampering Right In San Pedro Town
Last week, I finally made an appointment at the new downtown SParadise Spa & Salon - located in a smartly, chicly renovated spot on Front Street that had been sitting vacant for a while. It was a super smart move by the owner Kristi Gonzalez - who has been working in the spa and wellness business for a quite a few years with businesses at resorts up north. Here are her spa window on the water at Captain Morgan's Resort. I LOVE IT. Here's their niche for the new downtown spot: a clean, comfortable, beautiful space that takes appointments as well as walk-ins - is easily visible from the street making it even more accessible for visitors - and has reasonable prices a bit of pampering and great results.

Biking around....
There are so many ways to find adventure on Ambergris Caye and taking a bike is a lovely way to see the Caye and all it has to offer. If you head north over the bridge, you can jump onto the beach and ride up the coast for miles. There's even some paths you can take to see the sites of the jungle. Or, if you are looking for a less adventurous route grab the road. You can pedal out to Secret Beach! This 8-mile bike ride from downtown San Pedro will take you past the mangroves where you just may see a crocodile basking in the sun, so keep an eye out. Make sure to leave the beach before dark as the moon will be the only light to pave your way home!

Placencia Belize Travel Guide: What to See, Do, Costs, & Ways to Save
If you're looking to spend your vacation in a tropical retreat, there's no better place than Belize, and there's no more tantalizing region than the Placencia Peninsula in Southern Belize. This enchanting peninsula is bordered on one side by a tropical lagoon and on the other side by the Caribbean Sea. It's known both for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and for the gregarious and gracious nature of the residents - many of whom live in the self-name placid fishing village of Placencia. Despite being 19 miles from tip to tip, the width of this peninsula is only a half mile wide, and that means gorgeous beaches are never out of reach.

International Sourcesizz

Paradise Found: Cayo Espanto
Cayo Espanto is located on its own private 4-acre island, 7-minutes by boat from San Pedro. After arrival in San Pedro, prepare to live your private island fantasy, whether it looks a little like Tom Hanks in Castaway or Giselle and Tom Bradys honeymoon. Step off the plane to be greeted by an employee of Cayo Espanto bearing a sign with your name on it, to escort you to your dream getaway. Once you have arrived be prepared to be greeted by the whole staff lined up at the dock to welcome and introduce you. The Island: Cayo Espanto is a paradise unlike any other: It's transporting. Everywhere you look, you can't help but be in awe - this is the resort of your dreams you didn't even know to dream of. It's a place that you didn't know could exist in real life. Everything is almost too perfect. It isn't over crowded and is serenely quiet all the time, creating a romantic, relaxed vibe throughout the whole island. The island has only 7 villas.

JT adds Belize to global roaming network
Channel Island-based telecommunications group JT has announced a contract to provide a fully managed GSMA-compliant service for both inbound and outbound roaming to Speednet Communications in Belize. The service uses JT's existing 2G, 3G and 4G roaming connectivity and is supported by the operator's network extension platform.

Feeding my fishing addiction
Given the need to feed my fishing addiction and relatively inexpensive plane fare, I flew from Tampa, Florida to Belize City in Central America. I became part of the annual Cheesehead invasion of Placencia, a village at the end of a peninsula in southern Belize. Bill and Sue Smith and Jeff Cudd of River Falls have been there since January. Jesse and Angie Smith were visiting and I just missed them when I arrived on Jan. 26. Jesse caught a whopper 64-pound wahoo when he was there. Over the years we have done a lot of fishing in Belize. We have caught big barracudas, king mackerel, wahoo, tuna and groupers trolling outside the barrier reef. We enjoy catching snappers, jacks, Spanish mackerel on spinning tackle around the many islands and patch reefs between the main reef and the mainland. Bill Smith likes to cast top-water baits for reef snappers and sight-fish for barracudas. Sue Smith is the "Fishing Goddess," catching huge fish when trolling outside the reef. We have had many delicious dinners of our catch cooked by our friend Magda Morales at her Shak restaurant on the beach.

Videos

  • Promoting Carnaval "Mejorando La Tradici�n," Open Your Eyes,

  • Channel Five Obituaries: Funeral - Althea Chavarria, 3min.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries Thank You - Anthony Sylvestre, 2min.

  • The Belize Visionary Foundation of Baseball and Softball, 18min. If you are looking for family entertainment this weekend this event is for you. The Belize Visionary Foundation of Baseball and Softball continues to work to revive the sport of baseball and softball in Belize. They will be hosting an International Friendly Senior Baseball Competition. The competition will be held at Roger's Stadium on Saturday at 2:00pm. The Belie Visionaries will face off against the Quetzales of Guatemala. Entrance is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Carlyon Flores, President of the BVFBS talked with us about their plans for the organization.

  • Belize Now: February 15, 2019, 24min. In tonight's headlines: Ministry of Health Celebrates Successful Mission of Partners for Medical Relief, Belize and Taiwan Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation through Investment Exchange Missions, and Marie Sharp's new Pepper Sauce Calls to "End Gender-based Violence". These stories and more on this week's edition of Belize Now. Thanks for joining us on this Friday, February 15th, 2019!

  • Turneffe Flat, Belize 2018, 12min.

  • Snorkeling in Belize 2019, 3min. All day Catamaran trip snorkeling videos.

  • Dolphins in Belize, 1/2min. Our first dive in Belize! March 2018

  • Open Your Eyes 2019 Valentine Day Special Show, 105min. What a show! Thank you to our couples for sharing their experiences with us this morning! We thought they bared their souls and candidly spoke about what it takes to ensure love endures. Thank you as well to our performers for bringing the musical vibes on set this morning. On set: Deon and Deanne Robinson, Victor Miranda and Dionne Chamberlain Miranda , Performers: Marlyn Vansen and Jael August.

  • Sharks and stringrays, Belize, 3min.

  • Scuba Diving in Belize - The Great Blue Hole, 14min. An edit of the footage captured from my trip to Belize July 2016. The video was shot with a GoPro HERO2, extended battery, custom underwater housing with flat lens, and a light red filter. The best part of this dive was swimming through the stalactites, and the eerie descent into the unknown. We dove with the Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop, located in San Pedro, Belize.

  • Bruk It Down Jenny - learning about the concept of Love Languages, 31min. "Bruk It Down Jenny" focused on learning about the concept of Love Languages. Mental Health Therapist, Jenny Lovell, explained that each person has their individual love language that describes what makes them feel loved in a relationship. Knowing your partner's love language improves the quality of your intimacy. Today she concentrated on the "words of affirmation' language explaining how these persons interpret love in action.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries: Funeral - Marva Reyes, 3min.

  • Oceana Love Fair video 2019, 2min. It was held at Corozal Central Park on February 14, 2019.

  • National Elite Basketball League - NEBL 2019 |Defenders vs Hurricanes | Civic Center, Belize City, 2hr47min.