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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.


The San Pedro Sun

Elda the Warrior
On August 20th, two members of American Crocodile Education Sanctuary's (ACES) team witnessed a man feed a wild American crocodile frozen chicken in a sealed plastic bag. The croc disappeared beneath the surface with the indigestible "treat" before anyone could stop it. As the team watched in sorrow, the man tried to calm them, claiming the bag was 'biodegradable' and 'not harmful to the animal.' What this man does not know is that biodegradable items must have an ideal environment to begin the degradation process, one that includes UV light and oxygen, both of which are not found in a crocodile's stomach. Alarmed by the information that this "treat" has been given to this croc on a regular basis, our team and volunteers set out over the course of the next week in the mornings and evenings in an attempt to capture the croc and flush her stomach to expel the accumulated trash before any blockages became life-threatening.

Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence Holds End-of-Summer Ceremony
The Samuel Haynes Institute for Excellence (SHIE) held an End-of-Summer Ceremony in Belize City on Saturday, August 24th. The ceremony saw the attendance of approximately 300 people, 200 of whom were children of the SHIE. Primarily an afterschool program for at-risk children in Belize City, SHIE also has programs throughout the summer to keep children engaged in academics, music, art, and sports. SHIE President Barbara Elrington believes that children are the future of our country, so we need to take priority in them. Thus, she dedicates time to the organization. "Our Children, Our Future, Our Priority. Children are our most precious assets, and we must provide a better education for them."

Literacy Day 2019 focuses on Multilingualism
Under the theme "Literacy and Multilingualism," International Literacy Day 2019 was celebrated in Belize by honoring literacy and multilingualism. Annually observed on September 8th, this year's event was held on Friday, September 6th to ensure that schoolchildren were a part of the celebration. The Ministry of Education, in conjunction with students San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS), New Horizons Seventh Day Adventist School and Holy Cross Anglican School (HCAS) met up at the San Pedro Town Library grounds for a short ceremony. Master of Ceremonies Philip Ramsey led the event by encouraging the gathered students to embrace the various languages spoken in tiny Belize.

Belize to lead regional plastic litter clean up
Belize will serve as the test-case incubator to develop solutions and a viable action plan to clean up marine plastic litter and plastic waste control on land. This was one of the major outcomes of a high-level regional dialogue held with the support of the Commonwealth Litter Programme (CliP) at the Belize Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City last Thursday and Friday, September 5th and 6th. Chief Environmental Officer Martin Alegria said a scientific approach was best, with scientific monitoring to quantify and measure the impact of plastic litter throughout the marine eco-system, to provide accurate evidence to guide decisions on policy. The other participants from CARICOM, Central America and other parts of the Commonwealth agreed.

Ambergris Today

Close Encounters At Sea (Survival Stories) Pt.2
In this article (Part 2) I want to document real close encounters of San Pedranos that we may remember for generations. They are real stories that have been told throughout the years. They were a big deal back then, when local fishermen and divers lacked the modern equipment, technology and medical services were scarce on the island. Enjoy this two-part article with incredible stories about our local fishermen.

Ministry Of Tourism & Civil Aviation Hosts Familiarization Trip At The OAS Adjacency Zone
The Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation (MTCA) and El Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo (INGUAT) hosted a 2019 Sellers Networking, Route Reconnaissance & Border Crossing Overview Meeting and Familiarization Trip on September 2nd and 3rd, 2019 at the OAS Adjacency Zone in Benque Viejo Del Carmen, Cayo, Belize.

PIC OF THE WEEK: Underwater Selfie At Lighthouse Reef Atoll
"When selfies were just called 'No one wants to take my picture'," posts Amigos Del Mar Divemaster John Romero on his Instagram account. He shares with us a selfie that he took while diving the beautiful waters at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize Barrier Reef. Check out more of John's Amazing pictures on Instagram @johnmromero

Various Belizean Sources

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San Pedro Clean & Green Cleanup
TODAY is our 1 hour cleanup. Please tell a friend and make plans to join us. I have a big announcement tomorrow that you don't want to miss! Plus, PUR Boutique Cabanas & Taco Bar is giving out free drink coupons to those who participate in tomorrow's cleanup.

Did You Know Program: Registering Accommodations for Renumeration
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) this week launched the second phase of its Did You Know (DYK) campaign, which is aimed at increasing awareness among hoteliers, persons who own a home and rent rooms or businesses providing accommodation for remuneration purposes of the need to register with the Registrar of Hotels at the BTB. All persons who own or operate a tourist accommodation (such as a room(s) in your home) for cash purposes to any guest, local or foreign, regardless of its location in the country or if you are registered or advertising such room or property with any booking engine or marketing platform such as Airbnb, you must FIRST register with the BTB as mandated by law. Registration with BTB must be done before advertising in any marketing platform.

SBDC Workshop: Managing Employees
Inspiring someone to be their best is no easy task. How do you manage for optimum performance? How do you create a motivating environment that encourages people to go beyond their best? In this workshop, participants learn some of the most powerful leadership and coaching tools available to implement. Implementing this comprehensive system will take you, your key managers, and your people to greater performance and satisfaction! Presented by: Ms. Monique Usher, Business Adviser, SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: BTEC Building, ITVET Campus, Belize City. Workshop Date: September 19th, 2019. Time: 9am to 12 noon. Cost: $30.00, Includes snacks and refreshments.

Announcing the re-launch of the Caye Caulker Business Association
It is with great expectations of future achievements that we announce the re-formation of the Caye Caulker Business Association (CCBA). This non-profit, non-partisan organization will strive to unite the Caye Caulker business community to speak with one voice on critical economic and social issues facing the island. The rapidly evolving Caye Caulker landscape brings with it larger and more complex issues that will require constant and aggressive monitoring to ensure the continued viability of Caye Caulker for both the residents and visitors. The CCBA seeks to create a forum and facility to harness the energies of the business owners and stakeholders to address these issues. In summary, the CCBA will strive to improve the quality of the business community with an emphasis on its social and environmental responsibilities. The CCBA will strive to leave a better Caye Caulker in its wake. Please see the Mission Statement below.

Macaw in danger
The scarlet macaw is Belize's largest parrot and one of the iconic species found in the Chiquibul Forest. Illegal wildlife trafficking and poaching has been affecting the species for many years. But this year FCD has documented that more than 25 parrots were lost at the hands of Guatemalan poachers. Other Guatemalan communities may well be engaged on this activity; therefore, the losses can well be double or triple. If this trend continues, the species will become A national census conducted earlier this year showed that Belize has a minimum of 334 individual parrots in the wild. Its main breeding area is known to occur in the Chiquibul Forest, where it then flies across the Main Divide into the Stann Creek District for feeding purposes. Normally the species breeds during the months of March to August. This is the time when the birds are more vulnerable, thus the time when the FCD Research Unit spends its efforts conducting biological monitoring and patrolling the nesting areas. For the 2019 breeding season, a total of 26 eggs were layed in 10 nests, 13 parrots hatched and 10 fledglings left their nest by the end of the season.

Cattle ranching increase along Belize's western border
A spike in cattle ranching along Belize's western border has been documented over the last 5 years. In March, more than 80 pastures were documented in an area of 90 km of the western border. The increase appears to be occurring more aggressively. This year FCD has conducted five aerial reconnaissance trips along the western flank of the Vaca Forest Reserve, Chiquibul National Park, Caracol Archaeological Reserve and Columbia River Forest Reserve. The observations made have been documented and reported to the relevant agencies. Complemented with Landsat images and ground patrols, many of the observations have been validated. Some of the areas observed have not been addressed in the last five years or in some cases over the last ten years. A more aggressive encroachment with more investment appears to be made by Guatemalan groups moving further into the territory. For the Chiquibul Forest, two areas are of top priority.

10TH OF SEPTEMBER 2019 - BATTLE OF ST. GEORGE'S CAYE Parade in San Pedro
125+ photos...

New Postal Stamps Commemorate Belize-Taiwan Diplomatic Relations
The Belize Postal Service released a new set of postage stamps today, September 12, 2019. The stamps commemorate the 30 years of diplomatic relations and friendship shared between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan). This new set of postage stamps is comprised of a 25� stamp, a $1.00 stamp, and a $5.00 stamp. The set also includes a souvenir sheet valued at $6.00 and a first-day cover valued at $4.25. These stamps depict important symbols of the two countries. The 25� stamp depicts the flags of Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan), the $1.00 stamp depicts the Belize Blue Hole and the Jade Mountain of Taiwan, and the $5.00 stamp depicts the national bird of Belize, the Keel-Billed Toucan and the national bird of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Taiwan Blue Magpie. The souvenir sheet is a combination of the $1.00 and $5.00 stamps on a specially designed sheet.

Caribbean Mosquito Awareness 2019 Poster, Video and Photography Competition

United States Federal Authorities Detain and Charge Deputy Director of Belize Tax Services Department
Reports reaching the Government of Belize are that Mr. Reynaldo Verde, Deputy Director of the newly amalgamated Belize Tax Services Department, was detained by authorities in the United States of America on Saturday, September 7th, 2019. Mr. Verde was transiting through the United States on his return to Belize from Brussels, after attending a taxation workshop organized by an international tax organization. In a press release, dated September 9th, 2019, issued by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau stated that Mr. Verde was arrested by complaint for his alleged interference with commerce by means of extortion and attempted extortion.

My New River perspective
Define: Eu�troph�i�ca�tion 'An excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water, frequently due to runoff from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen.' [Google] Our river is agonizing Orange Walk people True to form, our culture is such that we have transformed this ecological disaster into another finger-pointing marathon. If the so-called experts (DOE/ASR/GOB et al) are to be believed, this phenomenon is forty (40) yrs in the making and is the combined result of many unhealthy practices by the community in general. In other words, this nightmare was bound to happen.

Job Vacancy: Capacity Building & Sustainable Tourism Manager
Have a passion for sustainability? As the Capacity Building & Sustainable Tourism Manager, you'll be implementing trainings and sustainable tourism concepts for the tourism industry. Read on for more information.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Anna, Spiderman: Far From Home, Lady & the Tramp, Child's Play. *Since there's a remake coming in November.. we figured we would play Lady and the Tramp for the young ones who haven't seen the original yet.. it's only playing on Saturday and Sunday. Friday we will be showing Spider-Man Far from Home for a birthday party that is open to the public.. If you'd like to see it earlier than 9pm then Friday is your chance."

ALMAHT'AN AND JUAN DE LA CRUZ PUC
One of the first prophetic series given by the Most Holy was the Proclamation of Juan de la Cruz also known as Juan de La Cruz Puc, known among the macehuales (Maasewal) as Santo Almaht'an (The Holy Commandments), perhaps the only document that is preserved of such proclamations and that is had as a book sacred in the communities attached to the cacicazgo of Xcacal Guardia . It was written in 1850, when after the appearance of the Cross, the rebellious Maya were in the process of reorganizing the armed movement; that is why the text is written with a belligerent spirit, which seeks to create awareness of the need to continue the war in which God is already taking part with the macehuales.

Channel 7

Danny Mason's Astounding Dock Statement: He Maintains Innocence and Sobs for Slain Pastor
Since March 12th, William "Danny" Mason, Ashton Vanegas, Keiron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo have been on trial for the 2016 beheading murder of Pastor Lewellyn Lucas. We've been closely following it, and we've brought you regular updates, discussing how DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal has presented piece after piece of evidence in her attempts to prove that each of these defendants had a role to play in Pastor Lucas' gruesome death.  Well today, after being accused of being the mastermind behind Pastor Lucas' killing for over 3 years, the now infamous Mr. Mason was given his opportunity to defend himself. There was the suggestion that he might take the stand and give sworn testimony, but when hearing commenced this morning, and he was allowed to speak, he chose, instead, to give a dock statement.

No Charges in Christopher Chi's Callous Killing
Police haven't charged any of the 3 detained persons for Christopher Chi's murder as yet. One suspect is an adult and the other two are minors. Our information is that Chi knew all 3 of the suspects. As we told you last night, Chi's decomposed body was found on the 10th in a culvert on the San Lorenzo road near Orange Walk. He was bludgeoned to death. It is a gruesome end for this teen.

Drug Plane Bust Case Stalled, Two Suspects Still Hospitalized
There isn't any update in the major drug plane bust off the coastal road either. The remaining 2 of the 6 foreigners are still hospitalized but will be charged when they are released. As we told you, 4 of them were charged and arraigned on drug trafficking charges yesterday, they are 69-year-old Mexican Miguel Cruz Meseguer, 43-year-old Ecuadorian Juan Pablo Larrea Cruz; and Hondurans, 51-year-old Carlos Humberto Henriquez Gomez, and 30-year-old David Noe Orellana Discua. In terms of the bust, it was a well-planned, well-coordinated effort by the Belizean joint law enforcement teams consisting of members from the different security forces.

Adamir Choc's Family Holding on to Hope
And while that missing person's case had a tragic end for 14-year-old Christopher Chi, there are mounting worries for another missing teenager from Western Belize. She's 19-year-old Adamir Choc from the San Martin area of Belmopan. She was reported missing on Monday, and her family says that they last time she was seen was on September 7th, between 2:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. This footage shows her coming out of a night club, and she then boarded an unknown vehicle.  Since then, her family has been frantically searching for her in Belmopan and all the possible surrounding areas that they could think of. We found them on the trail today, and her uncle spoke with the press about their efforts to locate her:

Police Leaving No Stone Unturned in Choc's Case
And today at the press briefing police shared the information they have been able to gather about Choc's disappearance. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, N.C.I.B.: "On Monday police received a report from Elvira Choc who reported that on Saturday her 19 year old daughter Adamir Choc left her residence in San Martin area Belmopan to socialize, and since then she has not returned home. What the police gather so far is that the missing person visited several night clubs in Belmopan and was last seen at a nightclub in the Las Flores area sometime around 3.a.m. on Saturday morning where it was reported that she was picked up by someone in a grey in colour vehicle, Since then her whereabouts are unknown. Police are investigating this matter."

Reynaldo Verde Fired or Not? Public Services Commission to Decide
Today, several days after the local media broke the story, the Government of Belize finally issued a statement on the arrest of Reynaldo Verde, the Deputy Director of the Belize Tax Service Department. As we told you, the FBI has charged him with attempted extortion and interference with commerce by means of extortion. The GOB press release this morning says, quote, "Reports reaching the Government of Belize are that Mr. Reynaldo Verde was detained by authorities in the United States of America on Saturday, September 7th, 2019. In a press release, dated September 9th, 2019, issued by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau stated that Mr. Verde was arrested by complaint for his alleged interference with commerce by means of extortion and attempted extortion. He was later charged for these alleged offenses and it is understood that he pled "not guilty."

New River Task Force in Full Force
On Monday's newscast, we showed you the pilot project that the Department of Environment is running to start the rehabilitation of the New River. They've placed surface aerators on strategic parts of the river most affected by the severe pollution afflicting it, and they're trying to inject oxygen back into the water. While that project runs its course the authorities are exploring other means of trying to restore the river. Today, the  Rehabilitation of the New river Task Force met today. The members of the task force were updated by the DOE personnel on all the works done so far to try to improve the new river's condition.

Two Robbers Snatch Deliverymen Cash and Phone
A robbery occurred yesterday at a Chinese store on Flamboyant street. Madisco employees Clinton Abraham and Edilberto Guerra were delivering cigarettes to the store when they were approached by two male persons with firearms. Earlier today Sr. SUPT Hilberto Romero commented on this incident. Supt. Hilberto Romero - Crimes Investigation Branch: "There was a robbery on Flamboyant Street two complainants namely Clinton Abraham and Edilberto Guerra reported that whilst doing business for MADISCO at a Chinese store at that location..."

Cops Charge Two Men in Corozal Chinese Store Robbery
On Monday we told you that Moses Moore and Juan Canek had pleaded guilty to firearm offenses concerning two robberies that had occurred in the Corozal district. Both men were sentenced to 2 years imprisonment. We also told you about Darren Carrias, the taxi the man whose services the pair used when returning to Belize City and in whose car the weapons used in the robberies were found.  At the time of that report Carrias, Pearl Locke and 2 others had been arrested at a Sandhill checkpoint but released after the guilty pleas of Moore and Canek were accepted.

On Duty Security Guard Shot in Placencia
A security guard was shot while on duty at A&L Hardware and Construction in The Maya Beach community on the Placencia peninsula. It happened on Monday night at 9:00. 52 year old Jose Gomez, a Salvadoran watchman of Santa Cruz Village, had been on duty when two male persons approached him. One of the individuals pulled out a firearm and fired two shots at him before escaping in a white van.

The Answers Are on the Screen: Immigration Dept. Gets New TV's
Today the International Organization for Migration donated $3,000 US dollars worth of flat screen televisions to the Immigration department. Now these TV's aren't for the immigration officers and staff to crack back and watch movies, they will be set up at borders countrywide showing information about a migration app that you can download on your phone and other relevant information for travelers. The handing over ceremony was held at the Philip Goldson International Airport where one of the television screens was installed. Here is more from the ceremony.

New Migration Policy to be Finalized in 18 Months
Aside from this new TV public awareness initiative, the immigration department is working on a new migration policy. CEO Zuniga told us more. Edmond Zuniga - CEO, Immigration and Refugees: "One of the big initiatives that we are dealing with and taking on is the development of a migration policy. It is really going to be the first for Belize. We are well underway. Two consultancies have been completed, one that does legal review of all the laws related to migration as well as a desk data gathering to find out where migrants are, what they are doing etc. so the next step from here is the actual development of the terms of reference for the policy itself then we write the policy and hopefully we can launch it soon."

The Long Road to Refugee Status
A couple weeks ago we told you how Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow met with two groups of asylum seekers to better understand their plight and rally for a more lenient refugee vetting process. Well, today the CEO with responsibility for immigration and refugees told us more about the role of the refugee eligibility committee and why they can't be too lax. Edmond Zuniga - CEO, Immigration and Refugees: "We set up, we activated our refugee eligibility committee in 2015 when we saw another spike in persons coming particularly from El Salvador since that time we have established..."

Human Smuggling: A Complex Issue
We report on many cases of human smuggling where authorities intercept caravans of migrants who illegally enter the country. Well the immigration department have to deal directly with these cases and CEO Zuniga says it is a challenge because the number of cases are increasing. Edmond Zuniga - CEO, Immigration and Refugees: "We are a member of the A-Tips committee headed by the Ministry of Human Development and they work jointly with the police getting information and dealing with issue of human trafficking, smuggling is a matter for immigration because it is people coming into the country illegally and so we do arrest and detain and take people to court or order them to leave depending on what might be the case."

Strong Regional Collaboration to Combat Migration Problems
And the only way to address this cross-border issue is through collaboration with Central American countries as well as those in other regions. Marcelo Pisani - Regional Director, IOM: "Belize is a country of destination especially for Salvadorians but it is also a country of transit people that can't go through Guatemala sometimes go to Belize to reach Mexico so there are many challenges for examples we have in the border between Belize and Mexico, a capacity for those kids who are coming to school in Belize so migration has many faces."

A Book about Belizeans and Our Food
Belizean anthropologist Dr. Lyra Spang is touring the country's universities to present her New book Byte Yu Finga. The book was released by the UWI press back in April. Today Dr. Spang held a presentation for the students at St. John's Junior College in which she discussed the research which formed the basis of the book.

Scarlet Macaw Population Decreases, Cattle Ranching Increases
The Friends For Conservation and Development (FCD) issued two press releases today. We'll start off with their report that one of the Chiqibul's most iconic species may be in danger of disappearing. Illegal wildlife trafficking and poaching has affected the scarlet macaw for many years. But this year FCD has documented that more than 25 of Belize's largest parrots were lost at the hands of Guatemalan poachers. Maintaining a credible deterrence against poachers across the landscape has been a difficult task due to limited resources. Other Guatemalan communities may well be engaged in this activity; therefore, the losses could well be double or triple. If this trend continues, the species could become extinct in a relatively short period.

New River Task force Aerator Solution Working Well so Far
Earlier we told you about the New River Taskforce meeting. Well here is a snippet of what they discussed.

Cops Haven't Forgiven nor Forgotten San Victor Mob
Yesterday at the meet and greet in Corozal, Commissioner Chester Williams gave us an update on the San Victor showdown. Two police officers were injured while two civilians were shot during the contraband bust. Well, Williams says his officers acted in self-defense when they shot the two villagers and that the two residents will be charged when they are released from the hospital in Mexico. Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police: "That matter is still being looked at. We're still looking at the circumstances as well as looking for those persons who were involved and who may have also caused injured to officers..."

Cop Charged for Shooting Man in Head gets Promoted
Inspector Dennis Lopez: He was charged with attempted murder and dangerous harm in the June 2010 shooting of city resident Stephen Buckley. Buckley was wrongfully shot in the head. Fast forward 10 years later, Lopez still hasn't gotten his trial date in that case but he what he is getting is a promotion to Deputy Commander in Corozal. Williams discussed the overall police shuffle in the north specifically Lopez's appointment. Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police: "My good friend Mr. Luis Casteanos Senior Superintended will be retiring this month. So he goes off on leave on the 25th of September and so there must be that transition with the person who succeeds him..."

Channel 5

Crocodile Tears or Sincere Grief Over the Loss of a Dearly Beheaded Friend?
William "Danny" Mason had his day in court today. Mason chose to give testimony from the dock on the murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas who was beheaded in July 2016.� [...]

Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize: "I must say we do value this wonderful friendship"
Turning to Politics, in August,�Caribbean Shores Area Representative Kareem Musa made an unofficial visit to mainland China. He was accompanied by a P.U.P. contingent comprised of Belize City Deputy Mayor [...]

Is Edmond Castro Team Faber or Team Saldivar?
Deputy Prime Minister and aspiring U.D.P. Leader Patrick Faber officially launched his bid to lead the United Democratic Party weeks ago. Faber's convention was held at the Belize City Civic [...]

Edmond Castro Cagey About Joshua Perdomo's $40K Write-Off
The government received much backlash after the Barrow Administration, during a sitting of the House of Representatives, tabled a motion through which a forty thousand dollars loan owed by Joshua [...]

Castro Voted in Favor of Write-Off
While Castro attempted to end the interview, the media pressed on the issue and challenged him on some facts including that he was part of the House Committee which reviewed [...]

Two minors and an adult remain detained pending charge's for Christopher Chi's murder
Three persons, two of them minors, remain detained at the Orange Walk Police Station pending charges for the murder of thirteen-year-old Christopher Chi. The child's body was found tucked in [...]

A Frantic Search for Adamir Choc, Six Days Later
It has been six days since nineteen-year-old Adamir Choc was last seen by family and friends and a frantic search to locate the Belmopan resident is underway tonight in the [...]

No Word From Missing Teenager in Belmopan
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett, an official report was filed with Belmopan police on September eleventh.� Choc's cell phone was reportedly left with a friend and all [...]

GOB distances itself from Deputy Director, Reynaldo Verde detained by the FBI for alleged extortion
The government today issued a statement in respect of Reynaldo Verde, the Deputy Director of the Belize Tax Services Department seeking to distance itself from the forty-seven-year old tax officer. [...]

Taiwanese Ambassador Discusses Guatemalan Registered Company's Role in Upgrading of Sarteneja Road
An agreement between the Government of Belize and the Export-Import Bank of Taiwan for a fifty million dollar loan was signed on Monday after it was ratified by Senate in [...]

National Fire Service to Obtain Fire Truck from Government of India
Newly appointed fire chief, Colin Gillett, after having completed a tour of most of the National Fire Service's facilities countrywide, says he is determined to have the service adequately equipped. [...]

Community petition seeks full commitment from DOE in restoring the New River
The recently formed New River Task Force, Chaired by the Department of the Environment, met for a second time at Orange Walk Town today. The Department of the Environment updated [...]

Teenager on remand for Arson
Tonight, teenager, Vince Timmons is on remand at the Belize Central Prison on three criminal offenses, including an indictable offense of arson. Late on Wednesday, Timmons� appeared before two different [...]

Robbers target Madisco employees in Belize City
Police are currently looking for two persons who robbed two men while conducting business in Belize City. Superintendent Hilberto Romero told the media today that on Wednesday, armed men held [...]

Celebrating 30 Years of Belize-Taiwan Friendship
After thirty years of diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Belize continues to benefit significantly from various programmes for its support to the Republic of China.� Days ago, the government signed a [...]

A Spike in Aggressive Cattle Ranching Activities Along the Western Border
Friends for Conservation and Development is reporting a spike in aggressive cattle ranching activities along the western border. F.C.D. notes that in March, more than eighty pastures were documented in [...]

A decrease in the number of Scarlet Macaws at the Hands of Guatemalan Poachers
The F.C.D. is also reporting that illegal wildlife trafficking and poaching have been affecting the scarlet macaw population. This year, some twenty five parrots were lost at the hands of [...]

Information platform launched to promote safe migration
Border points across the country will be airing infomercials on migration which is a global problem that is growing in Belize. The International Organization for Migration has donated television sets [...]

NEMO Keeping an Eye on Forming Storms
As the Bahamas recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, a brewing storm system is posing a new threat to the northern islands of the Bahamas. Meteorologists say it could [...]

A Ride Across the World for Peace
Dnyaneshwar Yewotkar has traveled across seventeen countries and has been joined by American national Christopher Vitale as they bike across the world to spread the message of peace. The ride [...]

Healthy Living takes a look at Glaucoma
By now you know that a yearly eye test is advised to maintain and protect your vision. But an eye exam can also detect diseases like Glaucoma that can rob [...]

LOVE FM

Illegal cattle ranching another problem for FCD
The Friends for Conservation (FCD) has also sounded the alarm against illegal cattle ranches. An obscene amount of illegal areas was discovered along the western border, likely the doings of Guatemalan poachers. According to a release from FCD, more than 80 pastures were found, which shows a spike in the last five years. Rafael Manzanero, �

No one charged for the murder of Chritopher Chi
Tonight there is still no one charged for the murder of 14-year-old Christopher Chi. While investigators have detained three persons, an adult and two minors, charges are yet to be laid. Chi, who had dropped out of the traditional school system, was found dead off the San Lorenzo Road in the Orange Walk District on �

Family of Adamir Choc continue their search
19-year-old Adamir Choc remains missing at this time. The young woman was last seen getting into an SUV outside E & L Bar in Belmopan. Cayo Correspondent Fem Cruz is following this story. Fem Cruz, Cayo Correspondent, Love FM News: The search for 19 year old Adamir Choc, a past student of Belmopan Comprehensive High �

Guatemalan poachers in the Chiquibul target Scarlet Macaws
Guatemalan poachers inside the Chiquibul Forest are responsible for the loss of more than twenty-five Scarlet Macaws. This is according to Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) as they express concerns over the illegal wildlife trafficking. A release from the FCD noted that in a national consensus conducted this year, it was found that Belize �

Ministry of Health pulls falsified pills out the market
The Office of the Director of Health Services issued a statement yesterday alerting citizens that a stash of counterfeit medication was pulled off the market. The medication, namely, Cialis, is known to treat erectile dysfunction and, in one instance, the falsified pills were being sold at forty-five dollars per tablet. According to the Director of �

Jason Anderson charged with attempted murder
21-year-old Jason Horace Anderson, aka "Jason Williams Jr", was arraigned yesterday before Senior Magistrate, Aretha Ford. He was read six charges, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of use of deadly means of harm and two counts of grievous harm. The charges stem from a shooting incident on September 8 in which Mark Phillips �

Adam Joseph pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods
25-year-old Adam Joseph, a technician of Belize City was accused of pawning a woman's stolen jewellery. Joseph appeared before Magistrate Emmerson Banner where he pleaded guilty to the single charge of handling stolen goods. For his guilty plea, Magistrate Banner imposed a non-custodial sentence and fined him five hundred dollars plus five dollars cost of �

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Man, 21, charged (again) with attempted murder
Jason Horace Anderson,21, the son of criminal figure Jason "Soup" Williams has been charged with [�]

"Taking "bootleg" erectile dysfunction medication could leave you injured or worse," says Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health (MOH) cautioned today that taking the medication that it confiscated at [�]

4 of 6 foreigners are arraigned for drug plane landing
Six non-Belizeans were brought in on September 9 after an alleged drug plane landed on [�]

Police investigating a shooting that injured a man in Maya Beach
Authorities are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Monday night in the Maya Beach [�]

KHMH needs help in identifying Jane Doe
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a Jane Doe. [�]

Tropical Storm warning issued in Northwest Bahamas
The Government of the Bahamas have issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the following islands [�]

Micah meets with PNP's Deputy Leader in Jamaica
Belize City Councilor, Micah Goodin, is currently in Kingston, Jamaica. Today photos surfaced on his [�]

Legacy Global Development Shares Insider Knowledge on Why Belize Tourism is Growing at Such a Rapid Rate
The Belize Tourism Board recently released its January - June 2019 Tourism Statistics which show remarkable growth. Legacy [�]

Transparent BPO announces new Belmopan expansion
Transparent BPO, a nearshore contact center and business process outsourcer, today announced plans to open [�]

FCD: Cattle ranching on the rise along border
Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) issued a statement informing that there has been a [�]

Weather system "Invest 95L" could become a tropical storm, meteorologists say
Meteorologists are keeping a close watch on weather system "Invest 95L" saying that it has [�]

BTIA to host second Innovation and Tourism Talk
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) is again teaming up with the Central America Tourism [�]

Blogs

Diving in Belize
Whenever people think of diving in Belize, the first place that comes to mind is the Great Blue Hole. However, there are so many other beautiful dive sites that can be explored in Belize. Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, which is approximately 180 miles long. Huge right? Not only that, The Barrier reef is also home to over 100 types of corals and 500 types of fish species including some of the most rare types. Let's just say it is a very colorful underwater garden which will leave you in awe! If you're traveling to dive then Belize is definitely the place for you. Book a diving trip with any of the dive companies around the country. Be sure to dive responsibly and protect the natural beauty that Belize has to offer.

Guest Blog - Life as an Expat - Part II
We had four months to get everything in order and make the move. In addition to the logistics of making all the travel arrangements, there was arranging transportation for our fur babies, a Siberian Husky and 3 cats. We also needed to figure out what essential items from home needed to accompany us and how to get them there. I had to have music and home entertainment equipment as well as a computer and printer. Annette needed certain linens and kitchen things and more of her personal belongings than I did. Then there was the task of deciding what to do with all of our STUFF. Fortunately we had downsized a year earlier into a rented townhouse in anticipation of the change. You'll also need to determine your banking needs, medical support if that's a factor and how to communicate with friends and loved ones while living abroad.

International Sourcesizz

Beyond Potential Tropical Cyclone 9: Tropical disturbance in central Atlantic bears watching
While there is growing concern over Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine near the Bahamas, there is a second tropical wave in the open Atlantic that forecasters are scrutinizing. This is the same feature that emerged from the west coast of Africa earlier this week. As of early Friday morning, there were no signs of organization with this Cabo Verde system, but there is plenty of time for that to occur and AccuWeather meteorologists believe that conditions are generally conducive for development in the coming days.

Caricom Silent While Refined Sugar Quarrel Rages
It might be working feverishly behind the scenes to cool tempers and iron out differences as it normally does in these matters, but the secretariat for regional trade bloc Caricom is not saying anything publicly about the running battle between regional sugar producers on the one hand, and manufacturers and national governments. The long-standing quarrel involves Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago constantly seeking suspension of the community rules requiring the imposition of a 40 per cent per cent common external tariff, the CET, on the importation of refined or white sugar from outside the region mainly for use in food- and drink, manufacturing processes.

Videos

  • George Price Highway S-Curve work in Cayo, 1min. The things that go unnoticed are usually the things that make the biggest difference - the things that show we're making progress as a country!

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - MARTHA QUEENIE GIDEON, 2min.

  • Book - Bite Yuh Finga, 46min. Dr. Lyra Spang is a food researcher who has recently launched her book - Bite Yuh Finga. She talked with us about her findings and what it reveals about her perspectives on our local cuisine and wider cultural pluralism. She was joined by Rolando Cocom, Senior Research & Education Officer with ISCR -NICH to reflect on how this type of research and conversation is important to and contributes to understanding of our local culture.

  • Expo Belize Market Place 2019 takes place 14th-15th September, 29min. The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry Expo Belize Market Place 2019 takes place 14th-15th September at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. The venue had changed and so there are more businesses who will be participating in the event. We talked with Yorshabell Cattouse, Expo Coordinator, about what to expect from participants. She was joined by two of the vendors who gave a preview of their products. On our couch: Yorshabell Cattouse - Expo Coordinator, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Nicolas Medina - Medina's Furniture (Household furniture/wood work). Luis Garcia - Painter.

  • Juice Dive Ltd. - first and only cold press juice shop in Belize, 32min. Juice Dive Ltd. is the first and only cold press juice shop in Belize. The juices have no sugar and no water added to it and everything on their menu can be made gluten free. The main location is based in San Pedro Belize and the other in Belize City at the brown sugar mall. Their chefs were our guests to share a few of the menu items. They shared the recipe for a vegetarian tacos and a spinach smoothie. On set: Marjeli Alvarado - Co-Owner, Juice Dive. Sergio Garcia - Chef. Jonelle Humes - Chef (Belize Branch).

  • The Belize National Diabetes Self-Care Project, 30min. The Belize National Diabetes Self-Care Project is a community focused initiative to support diabetics with the necessary information and skills to improve self-care practices to improve their health. We spoke with representatives of the project about its objectives and how you can access the support. On our couch: Cornelio Marfield - Project Director, Belize National Diabetes Self-Care Project. Lynette Valerio - Financial Officer, Belize National Diabetes Self-Care Project.

  • Export Belize of Belgrade 2019, 16min. Export Belize of Beltraide is conducting a Electronic Press Kit (EPK) competition for Musicians. An electronic press kit is an important tool for artist to market themselves and to present their credentials for potential bookings. The competition allows you to enter to be one of five musicians who will get their EPK produced by Beltraide. The competition runs from September 9th to October 4th. We got all the details for those interested in entering the competition. On our couch: Nicole Zetina - Export Business Advisor, C Wills - Musician.

  • Belize Bus Association & Government of Belize, 34min. An agreement was reached between the Belize Bus Association and the Government of Belize in regards to local and foreign bus operations. Our guests spoke with us about the details of the agreement and how it will improve the transport service. On our couch: Thomas Shaw - President, Belize Bus Association. Mark Humes - President, Bus Terminal Water Association.

  • Miss Universe Belize 2019, 19min. Destinee Arnold won the coveted title as the new Miss Universe Belize 2019.We spoke with the beauty ambassador about the pageant experience and how she hopes to leave her mark during her reign.

  • The Belize September Festival Weekend promoters - Reggae artist, Sizzla Kalonji, 24min. There's a big concert slated for 9th night at the Marin Jones Sports Complex featuring preeminent Reggae artist, Sizzla Kalonji. The Belize September Festival Weekend promoters brought two of the headliners to talk with us about what you can expect from the show. On our couch: Sizzla Kalonji - Artist, Vanessa Bling -Artist,. Jacob Leslie - Representative, Belize September Festival Weekend.

  • Talk Ah Di Town September 12, 2019, 34min.

  • Tribute to Belizean Patriots Awards 2019, 68min.

  • Celebrating 10 Years of Marriage in BELIZE, 15min. Belize is my absolute new favorite place ever. Under the ocean swimming with Sharks and then high up in the mountains swimming in a natural water hole.

  • Belize Annual 10th of September Parade 2019, 20min.

  • Exploring Caye Caulker Belize: The food, kiteboarding and Lazy Lizard, 5.5min. Part 3 of the travel videos to Belize. In this video I leave San Pedro and head on over to Caye Caulker. I stayed at the Tropical Paradise Hotel and Restaurant. I check out the Lazy Lizard and get some seafood at one of the street barbeques. I check out kite explorer and get a good kiteboarding season at the Split in Caye Caulker .

  • Travel Belize Hopkins, The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, 15min.

  • Belize City Carnival Vlog 2019 !!!, 27min. Belize city 2019 carnival ..... noting but pour vibe .. I always look forward to seeing carnival in Belize city ! I really enjoyed myself and had a blast.

  • WACPtv: Belize City St George's Caye Day 9/10/2019, 22min. Carnival Parade

  • The new Human Development Building constructed by the Downtown Rejuvenation Project has been completed, .5min. The purpose of the building will be to continue the work with women as in the previous Womens' Department Building. One of the special features of this building is that it has a meditation pond at the rear where women visiting the building will be able to relax near the pond and find an area where they may remove themselves from the hustle and bustle of regular life.