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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.


Ambergris Today

UK Aid Provides GBP 25 Million To Rehabilitate Major Highway In Belize
On Monday, December 2, 2019, the UK government was pleased to witness the signing of the construction contract for the Coastal Highway Upgrading Project in Belize which forms part of the �330 million UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF) portfolio. This project will upgrade approximately 59 km (approximately 37 miles) of the road network, associated bridge and drainage works linking the George Price Highway to the Hummingbird Highway.

t's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - Tree Lighting Ceremony
It's beginning to look a Lot like Christmas, the San Pedro Town Council held its official lighting ceremony of the Town's Christmas Tree on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Central Park. It was fun-filled event enjoyed by island residents and tourists alike. Central Park was filled with color, music and joy as the San Pedro Town Council distributed cupcakes and soft drinks to all the children present. Come on down to Central Park with friends and family and enjoy the beautiful lights and take a few pictures with the beautifully decorated Christmas Tree - Season's Greetings!

Various Belizean Sources

mzz

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Support from Taiwan for International Representation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize received support from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to facilitate international representation. The support was provided in the context of an ongoing project for the Institutional Strengthening of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Countries of the Central American Isthmus, which Taiwan has generously funded. The funds will be used to support Belize's external representation.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The New Zealand Government, through its aid programme, will be offering 20 scholarships for eligible Caribbean citizens who wish to pursue world-class postgraduate programmes in the priority areas of climate change, food security and agriculture, renewable energy and disaster risk management.

Completion Ceremony of the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of Belize jointly announce the successful completion of "The Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project" (The Sheep Project). A ceremony to mark the completion of the project was held on November 28, 2019, at the National Agricultural Show Grounds in Belmopan.

The Economic Development Council on "Capital Market Development in Belize"
The Economic Development Council's (EDC) Technical Secretariat, along with the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC), recently partnered with the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) to facilitate an exploratory mission to Belize on the subject of "Capital Market Development" from November 25 - 27, 2019. The visiting delegation included the Chairman and Managing Director of the JSE, along with Jamaican stockbrokers from Barita Investment Limited and NCB Capital Market Limited.

Google Digital Workshop: Google Ads and Google My Business
Contact us at [email protected] to register and secure your space.

BWS Notice for customers in Caye Caulker:
Planned interruption on Wednesday, December 4, 2019. Duration: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Area to be affected: the entire Caye Caulker Water Distribution System.

New Fire Truck for the Placencia Peninsula
Minister of National Emergency Management (with responsibility for the National Fire Service), Hon. Edmond Castro was in Placencia, Stann Creek District on November 28, 2019, to receive a fire truck for the peninsula area. The Pierce fire/rescue truck was purchased and donated by a group of residents from the Placencia Peninsula, with the National Fire Service paying the cost of shipping it to Belize.

Caracol Road Upgrading Project - Sections 1A and 1B
The Government of Belize secured a loan from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) for the Caracol Road Upgrading Project. This project, located in the Cayo District, was appraised by the OPEC Fund for International Development and presented to its board of directors who approved a loan to the Government of Belize. The Caracol Road Upgrading Project will be carried out in two sections, Sections 1A and 1B. With no objection from the funding agency, the Government of Belize signed a contract for the Caracol Road Upgrading Project with Belize Roadway Construction - Section IA, in the amount of BZ$37,998,176,55. Section 1B, in the amount of BZ$13,992,917.15, was signed with A&N Construction Ltd.

Sixth Road (Coastal Highway Upgrading) Project
The Government of Belize has secured financing through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and grant funding from the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) for the Coastal Highway Upgrading Project. This project was appraised by the CDB and presented to its board of directors who approved a loan to the Government of Belize. The United Kingdom Government also approved a grant for the country of Belize for which a portion will be applied towards this highway upgrading project. The Coastal Highway Project is approximately 58.04km (36.2miles). The proposed upgrade includes the construction and paving of the entire 58km of road and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 10 bridges across various creeks and rivers along the highway.

Send 133 Students to High School in Belize
Most Caye Caulker children were forced to quit school at the age of 12 until Ocean Academy opened as the island's first high school offering an education to all children who want to learn. Ocean Academy provides a highly subsidized education to 100% of students and additional scholarships, tuition bartering, and work study to ensure all youth have access to education. Free tutoring, small classes, and individualized attention build core skills and empower students to believe in their futures.

Government of Belize Launches the National Investment Policy and Strategy (NIPS)
The Government of Belize (GOB) through the Ministry responsible for Investment, Trade and Commerce, the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) launched the Belize National Investment Policy and Strategy (NIPS) project on Monday December 2nd, 2019 at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza - Toucan Hall.

"THE RIVER OF ART FLOWS EVERYWHERE"
Join us on December 6th, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Banquitas House of Culture for the grand opening of Yoaling Lee Exhibition entitled "THE RIVER OF ART FLOWS EVERYWHERE".

Food Handlers Class Tuesday and Thursday on Caye Caulker
All Individuals that are interested in obtaining a Food Handlers Certificate, please note that the next class will be on December 3rd & 5th, 2019 at 9:00 a.m., Caye Caulker Community Center. Please bring along your Social Security card and (1) one passport size picture if you're applying for the first time. Renewals will need to bring the expired Food Handler ID. A fee of $20.00 bz dollars will be charged on applying. � CCVC Office Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 am to 12:00 noon 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Online Payment, Invoicing & Real Time Account Information
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is proud to announce our Online Portal has gotten an upgrade! With new and exciting features, you'll be able to submit your Guest registration forms online, and experience many other improved functions

FOOD DRIVE for the elderly at CASA CHAN KA'AN
ENCHANTING GALLERY PARTY STORE is hosting a FOOD DRIVE for the elderly at CASA CHAN KA'AN in San Joaquin, Corozal District from now through December 20th, 2019. Location for drop off is Enchanting Gallery Store at #22 4th Avenue, Corozal Town. If anyone knows of a homeless elder who needs care, please contact CASA CHAN KA'AN in San Joaquin for more information. Donation can be food for the elderly in oatmeal, beans, milk, adult diapers, wipes, sugar, rice, etc. Tel # to contact 606-6071 - 6288.

FCD celebrated its 20th Annual General Meeting
Over 80 persons attended the event which was then followed with an Anniversary event. FCD is grateful for the support of our families, friends, staff and donors who have lessened the burden for the last 20 years.

Belizean Untold Stories : Lost of language between the Yucatec Maya of Belize
"Older Maya Mestizos told me about their school days ,recalling how frightened they were of the teachers . Exhibiting airs of superiority,teachers made fun of Maya folklore,rediculed stories about magical dwarves and frogs coming from the sky ,and magligned Maya Mestizo villagers for speaking what they called "inferior language "- Spanish and Maya . They believed that English was the only worthed language ,and enforced an English only policy in the schools. As punishment for students who lapsed into Maya or Spanish ,the teachers brought out the Lash." - Agents of Change in Bullet tree falls by Andrew Gordon

Channel 7

American Woman Killed, Bzean Boyfriend Detained
Another US national died in Belize over the weekend, taking the death toll to 5 Americans in 3 days: As we have reported, 4 were killed in last week's two separate fatal accidents and now, the 5th is 50 year old Hopkins nurse Wendi Dardano. Dardano was stabbed and then her body dumped in a garbage bin at her home. Dardano's colleague and friend says she was a victim of domestic violence, and, tonight, her 28 year old boyfriend is detained by police. Courtney Weatherburne has the story. American national Wendy Dardano was stabbed to death. Her body was stuffed inside the blue garbage drum that was removed from this spot, Right in front of her Hopkins home.

Police Prioritize Murder of American
And today at the police press briefing in Belmopan, Head of National Crimes Investigation Branch Joseph Myvett gave us more details in this case. Myvette told us that Dardano's friend who reported her missing said that after calling her phone many times, a man finally answered and gave her conflicting stories regarding Dardano's whereabouts. Although police can't confirm if that man is Dardano's boyfriend, they have him detained for questioning. Myvette also said that Dardano and her boyfriend were seen in Hopkins on Friday night. Here is more from police.

Was Smith Killed for Weed Business
A twenty six year old man was gunned down in Hattieville on Friday night. His family believes that he was targeted over what they say is an old beef. Cherisse Halsall went to Hattieville today tracing Richard Smith's last stepshis sister says that police haven't done enough to to give the family any hope of justice for Richard. Friday night would have seemed a typical night for 26 year old Richard Smith. He went to Dollar Kite Store to pick up some food, rode home on his bike to eat, and then came back out to take a few drinks with some friends. But that Friday night that you could almost call common place, became anything but, because Smith wouldn't survive it.

Man Killed Verandah
The terrible weekend of murders didn't end until midnight last night in Corozal Town when a 20 year old was shot on the verandah of his family home. Shaquile Philips was hit multiple times to his body as he sat on a couch on the verandah - which is in the Alta Mira area of Corozal town. Police told us what they have learned so far: ACP Joseph Myvett: "Mr. Phillips along with his father were at home on the veranda and his father had gotten up to go inside the house and shortly thereafter a number of shots were heard and upon him returning outside to make checks he observed that his son was apparently shot..."

Ganja Under Pickup Truck
Justice has been swift for a man caught with 30 pounds of weed yesterday evening in Orange Walk. Police intercepted 45 year old Belize City resident Ewart Seaford Sutherland in Carmelita village yesterday evening at 5:30. He was in a Chevy pickup with a hidden compartment underneath. Police say they looked inside a metal box under the pickup and found 15 parcels of weed. It amounted to 13.7 kilos, or 30.2 pounds.

Anticipation Builds, Mason Verdict Tomorrow
5 weeks ago, Justice Antoinette Moore reserved judgment in the murder trial of William Danny Mason, and his fellow accused, Ashton Vanegas, Keiron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo. Well, Justice Moore is ready with a verdict, and tomorrow, the defendants will find out whether or not she thinks that they all had some role to play in July 2016 beheading murder of Pastor Lewellyn Lucas. Viewers will remember that this trial ran its course over many months, and in that time, DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal presented volumes of evidence against the men. She has acknowledged that her case is based on circumstantial evidence and that there were no eyewitnesses.

He Ran from the Police and Got Shot in the Face
Tonight, a police officer from the Cayo District is being investigated after he allegedly shot a man in the face. The victim is 25-year-old Jordy Usher, a resident of Georgeville Village. Police say that he tried to run from them when they discovered that he was driving an unlicensed motorcycle. According to the cops, on Saturday night, they spotted a motorcycle in Santa Elena Town, heading to Esperanza Village. The motorcycle had no lights, or license plates, and the driver and passenger were not wearing any helmets.

Mega-Millions for Coastal & Caracol Road Upgrade
The Coastal Road has languished for decades as an unpaved, and often un-driveable shortcut from central Belize, straight to the heart of the south. For those who travel south , it's kind of like a "whit-if" road - as in what if this were paved? It would probably cut about 45 minutes to an hour off a trip to Dangriga and all points beyond. Well, now it is close to reality - but still three years away. Contracts were signed for the Coastal Highway Upgrading Project - co-sponsored by the funded through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank with grant funding from the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund.

Third Party Sues for Proportionality of Representation
It's been a while since the lowercase political parties made the news for their unending quest to rid the country's affairs of everything that's wrong with PUDP business as usual. But, tonight they're back in the news because of a lawsuit that they've brought against the Barrow government. They say that the voter re-registration process which was completed several months ago has clearly demonstrated that the 31 electoral divisions are not equal in size, as the Belize Constitution legally requires them to be. It's an issue that we've highlighted before where some constituencies are made up of three thousand or fewer voters, while larger ones are made up of more than five thousand.

RAYMOND SMITH SHOT
A man was shot on North Front Street last night, fortunately he survived. 29 year old New Road resident Raymond Smith was riding his bicycle in front of Musa and Balderamos towards Spoonaz River Deck when a gunman crept up from behind and shot him. Police gave us their report today. Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero - Deputy Head, NCIB: "On Sunday, the 1st day of December 2019, around 6:15 p.m., police visited the KHMH, where they saw Raymond Smith, with gunshot injuries..."

Friday Night Chopping
The cops are also trying to find out who chopped 30-year-old Julio Del Cid Jr. to the head in Belize City and why. At around 8:45 on Friday night, the cops responded to reports of an incident in front of Publics Supermarket on Central American Boulevard. When they arrived they found Del Cid unconscious, bleeding from a chop wound to the left side of the head. He was rushed to the KHMH, where he is stable.

Acquitted Murderer Charged with Attempted Murder
Last week Thursday, we reported on the shooting of 27-year-old Richard O'Neil, a resident of Ordonez Street in Belize City. As we told you, he was in the St. Martin's area of Belize City last Wednesday night. Someone kidnapped him and took him to the Hattieville Boom Road, where his assailant or assailants shot him and left him there for dead. Fortunately, the cops were alerted in time, and rushed him to the KHMH, where he was treated for his injuries. Police are reporting tonight that they've already arrested and charged one man for this crime. He's 22-year-old Elden Flowers, who was acquitted of murder only a few months ago.

Belmopan Man Missing Since Friday
Tonight the family of 34 year old Densmore Boman, a resident of Belmopan, is very worried about him. That's after he went out at around 3:00 on Friday afternoon to pick up money from Western Union. Bowman was reportedly seen thereafter socializing at a bar in the market square area until about 8:00 that night. Here's what police said about their leads so far. ACP Joseph Myvett: "On Saturday Belmopan police received a report from one Sylvia Gillett who reported to police that her common-law-husband, one Densmore Bowman, 34 years old of a Belmopan address left their home on Friday and has since not been seen or heard from. I know that the family and police have made several searches for him and so far he has not been able to be located."

Accident Victim Identified
Police from Stann Creek had a difficult time identifying a man who was knocked down and killed in Santa Cruz Village. Aas we reported on Friday, at around 5:15 that morning, 37-year-old Woelke Jacobs, a Belizean Mennonite from Unitedville told police that he was blinded by high-beams from a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, and that caused him to hit a cyclist who suddenly appeared in front of him.

Homeowner Stood His Ground and Chopped Indruder
The cops are also investigating a chopping incident in the Orange Walk District. However, unlike the chopping of Julio Del Cid Jr. in Belize City we told you about earlier, the victim reportedly trespassed into a man's house and attempted to steal his tools.

BAPDA Says Documenting Disabilities Could Save Lives
This Morning, the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities launched the first national disability I.D. cards. It is estimated that in the population there are 15% persons with disabilities. While physical disabilities are often identifiable and therefore immediately acknowledge certain mental disabilities can be far less so.

Is "Yello" on Faber's Firing Line?
Brian Yellowman Audinett made headlines last week by putting the Deputy Leader of his own party, Patrick Faber on acid-blast. He called the man who seeks to be leader of the UDP "a sick puppy." Well, tomorrow Audinett will have to go before that same man he calls a "sick puppy" - when he is called before the House Staff Disciplinary Committee. As you probably know, Audinett is the Mace Bearer of the House of Representatives, the Sargeant-At-Arms, and with the mace, he asserts the supremacy of parliament.

The Delay Debacle at Mexico Sport Complex Explained
On Friday we had a chance to speak to Sports Director, Ian Jones about his decision to terminate Yellowman, We also used that opportunity ask him about the very long delay with the opening of the Mexico Sports Center - which is right beside the Marion Jones Stadium. The Center - funded by the Mexican Government was supposed to have opened from February of 2018, and we're now coming up on February of 2020 - and it's still not opened! So on Friday, we asked Jones, when will it actually be opened? - and in the procerss, we unearthed a whole lot about what's causing the delays:

Faber Says Children's Parliament Criticisms are Important
Last week we showed you our interview with Minister of Education Patrick Faber. Well, in that interview, he also commended all the students who participated in the November 20th children's parliament at the national assembly. While he takes all their points and criticisms about the education and health system in Belize, he says true leadership goes beyond just criticizing and he hopes to get that point across to the kids in a follow up meet and greet session.

Hard Fall at Hardware Store
And finally tonight, a man is in the hospital after falling from one of the roof's at Benny's Homecenter on the northern highway. Information is sketchy but it happens just before 5:00, when a maintenance worker fell off the roof. He was taken to the KHMH ion an ambulance. More on this tomorrow.

Channel 5

American Nurse is Stabbed to Death in Hopkins
The month of December started in a painful way for three families who lost loved ones in violent and separate incidents.� We go first to southern Belize where an American [...]

Richard Smith is Murdered in Hattieville
In Hattieville, Belize District, a man was murdered on Friday evening. As investigations take place, police say that they don't know much about the shooting death of twenty-six-year-old Richard Smith [...]

Father of 1 is Executed in Corozal
The third murder victim for the weekend was Shaquille Michael Philips of Corozal Town.� After midnight on Sunday, Phillips was gunned down as he sat on the verandah of his [...]

LPG Price War! G.O.B. to Hit Back with Legislation Amendments
There is an ongoing LPG war between the three main importers of butane, small retailers and the government of Belize. On Wednesday, during a Special Sitting of the House the [...]

Minister Panton: "They are cutting the prices so that they can then control the market completely"
According to the Minister, the low prices are a reaction to Government's decision to allow for the establishment of the National Gas Company. Taeger-Panton says that G.O.B. will do all [...]

A Decision in Sensational Mason Murder Trial is Nigh Upon Us
The local trial of the century comes to close on Tuesday when Justice Antoinette Moore will be handing down a decision. The highly connected William "Danny" Mason and four accused [...]

Belize Peace Movement Files for Judicial Review to Challenge GOB on Re-districting
An application for judicial review has been filed by attorney Arthur Saldivar on behalf of the Belize Peace Movement and Vision Inspired by the People.� Both organizations are challenging the [...]

Will There be Re-districting Prior to 2020 General Elections?
With general elections a little less than a year away, the challenge, should the claimants be successful, can prompt a countrywide realignment of all constituencies ahead of that exercise.   [...]

3 Men are Arraigned for Water Taxi Explosion
Water taxis usually run to and from the mainland to the cayes without any incident.� However, on May fifth, 2019, there was an explosion on board a water taxi, which [...]

Belizean Citizen Detained in China for Funding Key Members of Hostile Forces
A businessman who possesses Belizean citizenship is currently detained in China for allegedly colluding with people in the United States to meddle in the affairs of Hong Kong. This is [...]

Orange Walk Family of 4 Homeless after Fire
A fire consumed the house of Maria Esther Garcia in Orange Walk Town. The single mother and her three children were not at home when the blaze swept through the [...]

Man Charged with Attempted Murder
Police have arrested and charged one man in connection with the kidnapping and shooting of Richard O'Neil which happened last week. Police says that the following the investigation and interviews [...]

Raymond Smith Shot in the City
A man was shot on Sunday in Belize City. Police say that Raymond Smith was out for the day and upon his return, he was walking on North Front Street [...]

Police and Civilians High-Speed Chase End in Shooting
The Police Department has launched criminal and internal investigations into a high speed chase between police and civilians that resulted in a shooting. One of the two men, Jordy Usher, [...]

Man Chopped in Belize City
On the crime blotter, a man was chopped in the head in Belize City on Friday night. Police say that the incident happened sometime around nine-forty-five. Fortunately, the victim survived [...]

Burglar Caught in the Act; Now Recovering in the Hospital
An intruder was caught red-handed and chopped up inside the house he was stealing from. Police say that a man is in the hospital recovering from chop wounds when the [...]

Have You Seen Densmore Bowman?
Have you seen Densmore Bowman? Police say that the thirty-four-year-old man from Belmopan is missing. He was last seen alive sometime on Friday night. His family reported that it is [...]

Belize's Sugar Exportation to CARICOM Members States a Reality
Belize has finally been successful in getting its sugar into CARICOM for export. Trade Ministers of the Council for Trade and Economic Development in November agreed that Belize, and other [...]

Belize's National Investment Policy and Strategy Launched
After three years on the drawing board, Government is rolling out a national investment policy and strategy. The NIPS starts at the doorsteps of BELTRAIDE where investment proposals will be [...]

Contracts are Signed for Caracol and Coastal Road Paving
Government has awarded another major multi-million dollar contract to Imer Hernandez; it is for the paving of the Coastal Road and for the rehabilitating of bridges. The value is over [...]

Benque Free Zone Board Arbitrarily Increase Fees without Consultation
In early November, a protest broke out at the Benque Free Zone after the Board decided to institute an increase of fees. This was met with disagreement and a riot [...]

The Reporter

30 Pounds In Secret Compartment, Orange Walk Police
Orange Walk police have detained one man pending a charge of Drug Trafficking in connection to a drug bust which yielded over thirty pounds of suspected cannabis.

Corozal Midnight Shooting Leaves 1 Man Dead
A man was killed at his home in Corozal just around 12:30am today. (Dec. 2nd) Police went to a home in Alta Mira...

LOVE FM

Minister Panton explains fixed LPG prices
Back in November, the Government of Belize established fixed prices for the sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in order to prevent controversy with the major importers who are reportedly setting the prices lower than what is sustainable for the country.

Belize/Taiwan finalizing trade agreement
Among all the projects between Belize and The Republic of China (Taiwan), the two countries are now trying to finalize a new agreement. This agreement will help Belize in exporting more products, including sugar.

Imer Hernandez gets road contract of over one hundred and thirty million dollars
Limited for the rehabilitation of the Caracol Road from Georgeville; that contract is for just under fourteen million dollars. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Works office in Belmopan.

Man claims he was shot to the face by police officers
25-year-old Jorde Usher, a resident of Georgeville, Cayo District was reportedly shot in the face by police on Saturday night. He was on a motorcycle making his way home at around ten o'clock when police pursued him.

American nurse killed and dumped in garbage bin
The weekend saw three murders. One in the south, one in the north and in rural Belize. We begin our newscast with the American woman who was found murdered in a garbage drum.

COTED meeting held to enter CARICOM's sugar market
Minister of Investment, Trade, and Commerce, Tracy Taeger-Panton, updated the media on the latest meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED). It is Belize's hope that the country will be able to enter its white plantation sugar into CARICOM's market.

San Pedro resident reported missing
18-year-old Michael Cobo, a resident of San Pedro Town, was last seen on Friday night in the Yarbrough area of Belize City. According to the police, they have no information on this case.

Richard Smith shot on Sunday night in Belize City
29-year-old Raymond Smith was shot on North Front Street, Belize City. Smith received gunshot wounds to the right hip and hand. According to Senior Superintendent Hilberto Romero, they are seeking one person of interest.

Richard Smith shot to death
A Belizean laborer is dead after he was fatally shot in Hattieville Village, Belize District. 26-year-old Richard Smith, also known as Cinco, was shot several times to the body on Saturday night just after seven o'clock.

Danny Mason's faith to be decided
Almost three and a half years after being charged for the murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, the five accused will know their fate in tomorrow's session of the Belmopan Supreme Court. Love News understands that Justice Antoinette Moore has set Tuesday, December 3 as the day to deliver the court's judgement.

Abbie Godoy Is First Female Belizean Recipient Of Rhodes Scholarship
20-year-old Abbie Godoy is not only the 2020 recipient of the Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship, she is the first female Belizean to ever achieve this feat. Godoy, who is currently majoring in English at the University of Belize, said that when she first applied, she never believed that she would even be shortlisted, much less that she would win.

Where Are You? Belmopan Resident Reported Missing
The family of Belmopan resident, Densmore Bowman, is concerned about his safety after he was reported missing by his wife on Saturday. Bowman left his home on Friday afternoon around three o'clock to pick up money from a Western Union office. Relatives became concerned and made several attempts to reach him on his cellular phone, but those calls proved fruitless.

Man Killed While On His Veranda In Corozal
A man was shot to death at his home in Alta Mira, Corozal just after midnight last night. The man has been identified as Shaquile Phillips. According to the victim's father, they were together until around midnight, and then he went inside, leaving Shaquile on a sofa on the verandah. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvette, a motive is yet to be established.

Missing Watchman Of Benque Viejo
A watchman from Benque Viejo del Carmen Town, has not been seen since November 28. 42-year-old Elito Puc had requested time off from his job to go to Melchor De Mencos, Guatemala. Puc was to return home that same day but when he failed to do so, his employer became concerned and filed a missing person's report.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Murdered nurse Wendy Dardon was not responding to calls before body found, say police
Around 3:00 p.m. Saturday in Hopkins, Stann Creek District, police were alerted that 50-year-old American nurse [�]

Belize 9th in the region for HIV infections
While Belize has an estimated HIV infected population of less than 5,000; the country ranks [�]

Belize opens UNCAF-FIFA Forward U-15 tournament
After a disappointing year for the national A team, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) is [�]

Murders without warning in Corozal and Hattieville
Two young men in the Belize and Corozal Districts lost their lives over the weekend [�]

Police give their side of pursuit turned shooting of Jordy Usher
A police internal investigation will determine whether the police officer involved in the late night [�]

Commissioner orders internal investigation into Georgeville shooting incident
Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams issued a statement today saying that he regrets the unfortunate [�]

Man charged with attempted murder after being acquitted of murder charge earlier this year
Elden Flowers, 22, a construction worker of a Flamboyant Street address who was acquitted of murder [�]

Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities honors National Hero and disabilities advocate Philip S.W. Goldson
Today, the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) on the occasion of the launch [�]

Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities launches new identification cards
Today the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) continued its advocacy work for its [�]

William "Danny" Mason and accused co-conspirators to learn fates Tuesday
The murder trial for William "Danny" Mason; Ernest Castillo; the Fernandez brothers Terrence and Keiron; [�]

The Economic Development Council explores "Capital Market Development in Belize"
The Economic Development Council's (EDC) Technical Secretariat, along with the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC), [�]

Orange Walk welcomes December with a bang!
Picture courtesy: Ian Cal Besides unanimous consensus on having the best tacos in the country, [�]

Genetic improvement in Sheep and Goat Project completed
The Embassy of Taiwan and the Government of Belize announced the successful completion of "The [�]

Help Uffy get back to his family
Uffy, a Blue Heeler pup belonging to a 12-year-old child from Tower Hill, Orange Walk [�]

DIGI/ BECOL basketball tournament bounces into playoffs
The DIGI/BECOL Basketball Tournament which is hosted [�]

Murder in Corozal Town
The country's latest homicide victim is Shaquille Michael Phillips. Just after midnight last night he [�]

Blogs

Belize Maya Resistance to Spanish Conqueros - 1525 to 1700
In order to understand the plight of the Maya in resisting the Spanish, we must first be mindful that the Spaniards had already decimated the Aztecs in Mexico. Hernan Cortes had a strategy to first befriend the indigenous chiefs, ply them with gifts and promises, and then turn on them. Records show that, in 1521, Cortes sent Pedro de Alvarado to Peten and western Belize. The fearful Maya knew that the Spaniards had terrorized the Indians by killing, looting, and burning, not to mention, introducing diseases, which the Maya could not resist.

Cuello Archaeological Site in Orange Walk, Belize
If you're learning about the Maya history of Belize, the ruins at Cuello should definitely be one of your stops. These ruins have unearthed fascinating evidence of a truly ancient settlement in the area. The Cuello ruins are about five miles outside of Orange Walk Town in the Orange Walk District. This is a quiet, rural district that is home to Mennonite dairy farms, the Mestizo people, and the New River Lagoon. The Maya ruins of Lamanai are also in this district.

Mangroves in Belize
Mangroves are a group of trees especially adapted for survival in very salty soil and water conditions, as well as conditions of low oxygen, and even flooding. Belize is home to three types of mangrove (Red, Black, and White) and subspecies known as Buttonwood. Mangroves cover 3.4% of Belize's land surface, occurring in a belt along the coastal zone, also along the Western Highway, 12 miles from the coast. Sometimes they are found near rivers in freshwater, thriving on the nutrients from upstream which collect among their dense roots.

Hib Op - Belize 9th Dance X festival
"Hib Op", according to the Belize Kriol dictionary, is to shake one's body in dance. So allow me to say, come hib op wid wi! Translation- Come dance with us! This past week, Belize came again in motion with the 9th Dance X festival. Featuring dancers from different countries, Dance X is rooted deep in Belize's dance history. This year, Dance X is in celebration of Belize Icon, the late, great Rosita Baltazar. Rosita Baltazar was one of Belize's finest dancers who paved the way for dance in Belize. Rosita, along with other dancers formed Belize's first-ever dance company, the Belize National Dance Company.

Shipping to Belize - Life as an Expat
I mentioned at the close of my last article I would address shipping items and mail forwarding. Shipping personal items takes on many different forms depending on how much you plan to bring, how large and heavy the items are. We only brought things we felt essential other than furniture since we were renting a furnished unit. If you decide to buy or build, you may decide to bring furniture and more. Under the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) it allows you to bring personal possessions duty free. If that is the case, you will need to look into a shipping container or something similar which is beyond my personal experience. That said, I have used a container shipping company to ship larger purchases that were not practical to bring on a plane since we moved here.

International Sourcesizz

Simone Biles shares incredible video of her diving on vacation
Simone Biles looks like she's ready to conquer another sport. The gymnastics superstar posted an Instagram video on Sunday showing her flying through the air into the ocean on vacation and looking like she could make a run at a spot on the U.S. women's diving team at the 2020 Olympics.

Simone Biles and Her Boyfriend Brought Their Double Backflips Along With Them on Holiday
We know Simone Biles can do incredible gymnastics no matter the time or place - remember when she executed a full-twisting backflip on solid ground before throwing the first pitch at a World Series game? It was effortless. While on holiday in Belize with boyfriend Stacey Ervin Jr., the five-time world all-around gold medalist and 2019 female Olympic athlete of the year continued to show off her skills in the best way she can: flipping and twisting into the ocean with ease.

Videos

  • San Pedro Town welcomes the Christmas Season with the annual Christmas tree lighting!, 2min.

  • Belize San Pedro Kiteboarding Lessons, 1.5min. Kiteboarding lessons in San Pedro, Belize. Get certified with our team of IKO instructors. We have more shallow water locations than any other :-)

  • San Pedro Belize Kiteboarding Wakeboarding, 1.5min. Having a problem getting up and riding. Practice this skill with our Wakeboard instructors.

  • Regenerative Belize 2019 Opening Ceremony, 2.5hr. Opening Ceremoney for Regeneration Belize 2019 Conference with presentations from Mr. Santiago Juan, Dr. Don Huber, Mr Roland Bunch & Hon. Senator Godwin Hulse.

  • The Business Hour, 90min.

  • Disability Awareness Week 2019 Message from Hon. Angel Campos, 4min. Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation

  • Corozal-Sarteneja Road Project, 2min. The imminent Corozal-Sarteneja Road project will provide 27 miles of paved road to residents of the area, including Chunox, Copper Bank and Progresso. Travel time will be reduced significantly, speeding up transportation of goods and services and opening a door for tourism expansion.

  • Skydiving Into the Blue Hole in Belize, 3min. One of the most incredible experiences of my life!

  • GIMME 5 Live, 90min.

  • Fauna of Underwater Caves, .5min. A research team from Texas A&M University at Galveston is studying underwater caves in Belize, analyzing the relationship between environmental parameters and fauna distribution.

  • El Pescador Lodge and Villas, 1min. Promotional video for El Pescador Lodge and Villas on Ambergris Caye, Belize.

  • Belize Permit Club Tour, 5min. Welcome to the Belize Permit Club! This is a no-frills, comfortable setting for the hardcore permit fanatic. Nestled in one of the greatest fisheries on the planet, Wil and his team have created the perfect oasis for those anglers with one thing on their mind - PERMIT! Great food, fantastic guides, and small groups make the BPC your best chance at landing the fish of your dreams. We live and breathe fly fishing for permit.

  • University of Belize Toledo marketing expo 2019, 4min.

  • Diving Belize 2019, 10min.

  • Un-BELIZE-able Girls Trip 2019!!, 25min. Come join our travels in Placencia, Belize!!!

  • Off the Wall Belize Dive Resort Island Walking Tour, 6min.

  • Accion Deportiva, 60min.

  • Simone Biles' trip recap!, 2.5min.