Today's Belize News: December 19, 2019

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Today's Belize News: December 19, 2019 #539675 12/19/19 06:23 AM
Joined: Oct 1999 Posts: 84,398 oregon, spr Marty OP
OP Marty	FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report. 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 Marco Gonzalez Maya Site, the only established National Park on a Belizean island, closed due to no GOB funding 2011 Marco Gonzalez earned the distinction of being the first Maya Site National Park to be established on a Belizean island. Sadly, due to a lack of funding from the Government of Belize, the Marco Gonzalez Board of Directors were forced to close the site on July 1, 2019. According to Jan Brown, who serves as the site manager, a meeting with the Government of Belize's (GOB) Institute of Archaeology (IoA) in late June promised that they would finally include Marco Gonzalez in their national budget. A tour through the site with the IoA Director, Parks Manager and President of National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) followed on July 3rd. Brown was assured that IoA would find a solution. Six months later, with no reply to countless phone calls, texts and emails appealing for an update, the Board of Directors had no choice but to close the site due to lack of funding. Changes in the Pump Price of Fuel Products The Ministry of Finance announces that effective Wednesday, December 18, 2019, the pump price of three fuel products will change. The price for regular gasoline, kerosene and diesel will register increases as follows: San Pedro High girls are NSSSA basketball sub-champions The girls of Delille Academy won the national basketball championship, organized by the National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) and hosted by Muffles College at the Orange Walk Multipurpose Sports Complex over the weekend. Game Four was the championship final and was held on Saturday afternoon. The SPHS girls lost a heart-breaker 48-49 to Delille Academy. Normalee Gomez led with a monster 30pts to lead 13-12 in the 1st quarter. Denissa Mairena put up 8pts to lead 28-24 at the half. Shante Chacon added 5pts, and SPHS was up 37-36 at the end of the 3rd quarter. SP BTIA benefit concert raises over $7K for Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II The spacious restaurant area at Fido's was filled with the festive sound of piano and guitar music by Hill and Hulme. Shortly after 7PM, eager patrons came to not only contribute to a worthy cause but also spend a wonderful evening with great music, drinks, food and socializing. Throughout the night, lucky guests won fabulous prizes via entrance raffles, and 'lucky dip.' Many bid on their favorite items via a silent auction that featured sunset cruises, dinner certificates, overnight stays at exotic resorts on the island, snorkeling tours, round-trip flight tickets and even a pizza party for ten persons. Ambergris Today What If You Could No Longer Enjoy Belizean Conch Soup Or Ceviche? - A Research Article, written by Deseree Arzu - The Queen conch is a well-loved delicacy; an important part of Belizean culture that has been around for generations. So, for many Belizeans, Golding's quote above is not something they imagine or think about happening, particularly in a small country of 360,000 inhabitants; especially since the symbolism of the quote refers to the destruction of a people's way of life. But, we need not look very far to the Caribbean nations of the Bahamas and Jamaica; or our Latin American neighbors in Mexico, to realize that it's not a far-fetched reality, despite conch fishery in Belize being small-scale. This means that there are only approximately 2,600 registered fishers who use small fishing vessels and boats to catch conch and other seafood. Various Belizean Sources BELIZE FISHING REPORT: DECEMBER 8, 2019 THROUGH DECEMBER 15, 2019 This has been a great week for Permit, with almost all anglers hooking up. Several with multiple Permit during the stay. A Permit was even caught from the dock. Tarpon fishing has been a little tricky with lots of sightings, but not many landed for the week. Bonefish have been plentiful, and several really large fish caught. Consejo Shores "Just for Fun" Golf Tournament Feb. 15th, 8am at Consejo Shores Golf Course Niurka Marco goes shopping in the Corozal Free Zone Popular Mexico Television celebrity and superstar Niurka Marcos takes the opportunity to do her shopping yesterday, at our Corozal Free zone. Niurka Marcos is part of an entourage of many comedian celebrities who will be performing tonight at the Salon Bellavista on the Boulevard in Chetumal, Mexico. We take this opportunity to welcome Niurka Marcos for stepping into our Belize Maya Land. The photo was taken at the Taj Majal store inside the Corozal Free Zone. One Love. National Early Childhood Education Commencement The first Commencement Exercise for the Associate of Arts Degree & Certificate in Early Childhood Education was held today in Belmopan. This accomplishment was made possible through the collaboration between the MOE, Ecumenical Junior College, Sacred Heart Junior College and Campbellsville University. CSHRP Conference 2020 The Caribbean Society of Human Resource Professionals(CSHRP) invites you to present at CSHRP Conference 2020. Submit your paper before February 1, 2020. Paint N Splash See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint a beautiful rendition of this photo! Mangrove Restoration Project on Caye Caulker Our purpose is not only to raise funds for tuition but also to give back to the environment while learning. This year we planted over 200 red mangroves in a reserve, The Fair Fruit Farm, just North of the Split, it will become part of the interpretation the students give while kayaking. BTEC, BELTRAIDE Certifies 17 persons in The Basics of Caregiving The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE , in partnership with the National Council on Ageing, has successfully completed its final Job Preparedness Training for 2019! Today, seventeen persons have been certified in Basics of Caregiving after completing a 5-week training programme. The training covered First-aid and CPR facilitated by the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT); the basics of elderly care; caring for persons with Dementia and Alzheimer's and a host of other topics facilitated by Dr. Ajay Hochandani, Nurse Kelsey Dawson and Chandra Ake as well as a 2-week internship at the Sister Cecelia's Home for the Elderly. BTIA 34th AGM Booklet We thank all our members and stakeholders for their support this year. Read more about our 2019 accomplishments here! Belize Clinic Care Opening in Corozal Belize Clinic Care is Proudly Opening its Doors to the general public on Thursday, December 19th. Dr. Samer Darwiche Yassin will be offering Quality Health Promotional services starting Friday, December, 20th until Sunday 22nd, from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For these 3 days medical consultation will be JUST $5 (FIVE) Dollars! Our location will be on the ground floor of Lydia's Plaza on Santa Rita Road before the Santa Rita roundabout Maya monument. We take this opportunity in wishing the entire Corozal community a Merry Christmas. The U.S. Embassy is proud to welcome Joint Task Force-Bravo to Belize! JTF Bravo plays a lead role U.S. Southern Command's partnership with Belize and other Central American governments to provide assistance in case of a disaster, promote security, and to counter transnational threats in the region. Working together with our BDF counterparts, the sky is NOT the limit in our efforts to create a safer and more secure Belize! Tlaltipak Match on Saturday All are invited to come to the Yo Creek Community Center this Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019 at 10 am as the Central American and the Caribbean Pok Ta Pok champions Ek' Balam from Belize faces Tlaltipak Team from USA. Nukux Tat The Nukux Tat is a Maya Guardian spirit of the forest ,animals and humans between the Yucatec Maya (M�asewal) people of Belize . The Yucatec Maya continue giving offerings of Sakab and prayers to this spirit . In this picture we can see a Yucatec Maya women from San Antonio(Cayo) giving offerings to the Nukux Tat . The traditional Maya altar is from the village of San Jose and San Pablo where they give offerings during the Ch'a Ch�ak ritual to the Nukux Tat . Corozal Graffiti Festival The public is invited to attend the Corozal Graffiti Festival on Sunday, January 26th! This fun and colorful event will feature live art by many of Belize's top artists, body painting, special effects makeup, open mic and we even have international graffiti artists who will be stopping by! This fun-filled family event will begin at 10:00am and will be taking place at the Miami Beach. Channel 7 Another Missing Teen Found Decomposing Last night on the news we told you that a body had been found outside Teakettle on the Young Gyal Road. Tonight the family of 17 year old Damion Bregal is saying that it is his remains. The minor had been missing since Friday the 13th when he left his Belmopan home in the company of friends. According to a police report, Bregal's remains were found yesterday evening just before 5:30 in an advanced state of decomposition. And this discovery is a devastating blow for a family that was still holding onto the hope of finding their son who had only been missing for 5 days. Huezo Tried to Harm Himself in Police Standoff Tonight more is known about the standoff police had yesterday with Mario Huezo. He is a person of interest for police in the investigation into the double murder of his parents, Nancy and Rafael Huezo. And yesterday morning he had a standoff with police in Independence Village. Tonight we know more about why the the cops had to act decisively. Around 10:00 in the morning police from the Independence Southern Formation saw the green Kia Soul that had been reported stolen. It was traveling on the Southern Highway near Santa Cruz village heading to Independence village. Break-in at BDF HQ, Criminals In Camouflage? There was a break in at the Price Barracks last night - and it happened right at the Force Headquarters building - where the commander of the BDF and his Deputy have their offices. But, the brazen burglars weren't after the General's papers; they were after liquor and cash - stored in the Finance Officer's office. The liquor is purchased annually by the BDF at duty free prices to be sold at cost price to the soldiers - as a sort of Christmas time military perk. But, it seems the duty free discount wasn't enough for the burglars whop pried open a window to get into the office. Tried to Kill Guild Tonight, 35 year old shooting victim Christopher Guild remains in a critical condition at the KHMH - but police have been quick to charge the man who allegedly shot him on Monday night. 32 year old Bart Lucas, 32, a resident of Pinks Alley, was charged with attempted murder when he appeared today before Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. Lucas was also charged with dangerous harm, use of deadly means of harm and aggravated assault. Minister's Son in He Says, She Says A domestic dispute that took place last night in Belmopan is receiving national attention because a Minister's son is involved. And today Kenzel Hulse was taken to court and charged with one count of harm against his ex-girlfriend Nicole Usher. Cherisse Halsall was in Belmopan for the arraignment and here's her report: This morning a furious mother took to Facebook to post pictures of injuries her daughter sustained during an altercation with the father of her child, Kenzel Hulse. O'Neil Dead 3 Weeks After Being Shot On the 26th November, Belize City resident Richard O'Neil was kidnapped, taken to an area off the Boom - Hattieville road, shot, dumped on the roadside and left for dead. But, he somehow survived in a critical condition. Tonight, though the news is that three weeks, later, he succumbed to his injuries at 11:40 this morning. BDF Investigates Friendly Fire Incident Last night we told you about a BDF soldier who accidentally shot himself in the leg while routinely clearing an M16 rifle. But, today the BDF general said he did not shoot himself: Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega, Commander, Belize Defence Force "The guys were conducting an unloading drill and an incident happened and one of them got shot in the leg. I think he should be receiving surgery today. He is stable." BDF Scours Parts for 'Nam Era Helicopters We also asked the BDF Commander about the status of the BDF's two helicopters. Recently reports emerged that they were out of commission - and a private helicopter service had to the hired to fly an injured soldiers from one of the southern observation posts. Today he told us the choppers are just plain old: Reporter: "What is the status right now with the function of the helicopters?" Forensics for Free, Not for Sale Members of the general public may know about the National Forensic Science Service. This is the group of civilian authorities who work with the police to help solve crimes, and prosecute perpetrators. You will always encounter these experts at crime scenes collecting evidence, taking photographs, or trying assist police in one way or the other to preserve important elements of a crime, to hopefully present before a Supreme Court judge in a full trial. They do so to the best of their abilities, and they are public servants, which means that you personally don't have to pay them a cent to do their job. 2 days ago, the Government of Belize sent out a press release warning members of the general public not to try and bribe or induce these experts. Someday? DNA Testing in Belize We also asked Director Cho about the wait times that the families of murder victims must endure whenever the National Forensic Science Service must send DNA samples abroad for testing. DNA testing is not currently being done in Belize, and so, the general public has begun to begrudgingly accept that sometimes, cases requiring that type of specialized attention could be delayed up to 3 months while everyone waits for the results to return. Here's what the Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Services had to say about that process: "The current laboratory that we're outsourcing our cases at this time is the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, which is an ISO-17025 accredited laboratory. The last batch of cases that we sent - because we send cases in batches, rather than on a case-by-case basis..." Forensic Evidence Clinched Mason Trial So, while the political directorate and the local forensic experts devil the details of DNA testing in Belize, even without DNA, the work which the experts from the National Forensic Science Service carry out is crucial to the prosecution of crimes. The most vivid example of this was the guilty verdicts that were handed down 3 weeks ago to the accused murderers, William Danny Mason and his co-accused, Ashton Vanegas, Keiron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo. Another Inconclusive Result for Anisha's Family And one of the most high profile cases recently using DNA testing was that of Anisha Young. A few strands of apparent human remains were found on the Maskall road earlier this year - and the family believes they were hers. The first DNA test sent to Jamaica proved inconclusive and the Forensics department agreed to send another. Forensic Experts Anonymous for a Reason So, while the Director of the National Forensic Science Service was perfectly willing to talk to us today, he told us that his subordinates very much prefer being unsung heroes in successful prosecutions. He says that the more well-known these become, the greater the risks are to their personal safety. That's because they can be targets of the very criminals that they are trying to bring to justice. Here's how he explained why: "Our staff, our experts that process scenes, conduct post-mortems, analyze exhibits, who go and testify in court, and have to act as an expert witness on behalf of the state..." Another Acquittal for Mark Waight Another man walked free of a murder charge today. He is 21 year old Mark Waight aka "Pito". This is actually the second time he has been acquitted of a charge. The first time is when he was was acquitted of the murder of Amandala journalist, Kareem Clarke in June. This time he beat an attempted murder charge for the 2015 shooting of Jamilia Neal. A Big Truck for Wide Loads Countless times on this newscast we've covered Jamal Galvez, on his various manatee rescue missions. Well, he got a major assist today with the help of a few generous sponsors. Serving Soldiers, Lessons in Humility Christmas is only 7 days away, and, for the soldiers at Price Barracks, that ham and turkey dinner came early today. They threw their annual Christmas luncheon for approximately 1,000 soldiers at their price barracks headquarters in Ladyville. New Flesh for the Old Ceremonies Today's BDF luncheon gave us a look at the 103 new recruits that are training to become full members of the BDF. They form Intake #65, and stood out today because of their shaved heads, and the bewildered look of the un-initiated. The commander told us that they are nearing the end of their recruit trainin. Coast Guard Big-Up BDF Best Warriors And today those recruits were given a model of fitness they can aspire to. That's the BDF team which recently won the Best Warrior competition over the other law enforcement agencies. They got $1,500 dollars when they won - but today they got the additional honor of having the Coast Guard Commander, Captain Elton Bennett come over to their headquarters and lavish gifts on them. Channel 5 Kenzle Hulse Charged with Harm Upon Ex-Girlfriend In the Belmopan Magistrate Court, Kenzle Hulse, the son of Minister Godwin Hulse, made an appearance and was charged with harm. It follows a report of domestic violence made by [...] Agriculture Minister Godwin Hulse Speaks on Son's Court Case Present for the arraignment was Godwin Hulse, the Minister of Agriculture who is the father of Kenzle Hulse. The Minister signed bail for Kenzle, who has a previous charge for [...] PUP says zero tolerance to violence against women The mother of Nicole Usher was heard early this morning on the airwaves with the complaint. She placed a call to Vibes radio complaining of the physical assault on her [...] Body of Belmopan Teen Found A second missing person was found dead this week. On Monday, the remains of Densmore Bowman from Belmopan were found in a shallow grave between miles twenty-three and twenty-four on [...] Thieves Steal Liquor and Money from BDF Camp The workplace of the financial officer of the Belize Defense Force at Price Barracks, Ladyville was broken into recently and stolen from his office was an assortment of liquor, as [...] Missing Persons Turned Murder Victim on the Rise in 2019 The number of missing persons: youths, men and women, is on an upward trend. In some cases they are found safely but in a number of instances, missing persons are [...] Mark Waight found not guilty again This morning twenty-one-year-old Mark Waight was found not guilty for the second time and the judgment came six months apart from each other. Waight was on trial for the attempted [...] The mother of a toddler is accused of aggravated assault by her ex A two-year-old child was at the centre of a domestic dispute between the parents. This morning Mara Perez, a resident of Ladyville village, appeared before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts-Anderson where [...] Met Service talks drought outlook for Belize On Tuesday we showed you the impacts of the drought on the sugar cane fields in the north. A lot of crops have been affected by the below normal rain [...] Why is Marcos Osorio no longer with SIRDI? Маrсоѕ Оѕоrіо is no longer the Dіrесtоr оf thе Ѕugаr Іnduѕtrу Rеѕеаrсh Dеvеlорmеnt Іnѕtіtutе (ЅІRDІ). Thе Ѕugаr Іnduѕtrу Соntrоl Воаrd reportedly ordered Osorio's removal when he was informed that his [...] SIB Releases November Stats for Export and Imports A total of one hundred and eighty million dollars in goods was imported last month, an increase of nine point two percent from imports in November 2018.� Increases were recorded [...] COMPOL issues statement on Kenzle Hulse Back to the case involving Kenzle Hulse. Late this evening, it prompted a statement from the Commissioner of Police. It states that on Tuesday, December seventeenth� 2019, Nicole Usher, and [...] UK's Brexit – what does it mean for Belize trade? The U.K.'s exit from the European Union is nearing - and with recent elections in the country, the result has empowered Conservative Party Leader Boris Johnson to effect the "Brexit" [...] UB Nursing Graduates make their mark in regional exams The University of Belize has been enjoying the spotlight with some of its students excelling in various sectors. Recently, Abbie Godoy won the prestigious Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship. Today, U.B. [...] A new truck for the manatees! Today the Sea to Shore Alliance received a brand new truck for the manatees. The seventeen thousand U.S.D. truck and its trailer will be used to transport manatees. The manatee [...] Ninth Annual Lakers Community Christmas Party The children of the Saint Martin's area of Belize City attended their anticipated annual Christmas party today. The festive event is now in its ninth year and each year it [...] Christmas Party at Leo Bradley Library with Brad Pattico This morning, the Leo Bradley Library also held a Christmas party to culminate a series of literacy programmes held throughout the course of the year. Over one hundred kids attended [...] The Reporter Son Of Minister Godwin Hulse Charged After Assault & Serious Gun Play The Reporter has confirmed that Belmopan resident Kenzle Hulse, son of Minister Godwin Hulse, was charged today for Common Assault in the Belmopan Magistrate's Court. Hulse was accused of beating up a woman in Belmopan last night, choking her and hitting her in the face with his gun, and also of slapping her repeatedly. LOVE FM Nadir Mendoza charged This morning Police Constable 22-year-old Nadir Mendoza appeared before Magistrate Khadeen Palmer where he was arraigned on a charge of theft. At the arraignment, Mendoza pleaded not guilty to the charge of theft. Since there was no objection to bail, Magistrate Palmer offered Mendoza bail in the sum of five thousand dollars plus one surety. Man shot on Barrack Road An employee of Transparent BPO was shot last night in Belize City. Gunshots rang out just after eleven o'clock on Barrack Road. 35-year-old Christopher Guild was reportedly walking towards Freetown road when he was approached from behind by a dark complexion male riding a black bicycle who fired several shots at him. Cane Season delayed until next year Sugar Cane farmers of the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts are experiencing an additional drought as they will have less money in their pockets for this Christmas season. The sugar cane crop season has been delayed. Fuel prices rise once again As of midnight tonight, fuel prices will be adjusted. Diesel will increase by 16 cents, from $9.90 to $10.06. Kerosene will also go up by 16 cents, from $7.35 to $7.51. Guinea Grass residents protect their community against thieves It made the news last week when a pair of robbers went to Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District and were met with more than they expected. The Guinea Grass residents did not take the idea of criminal intrusion into their village lightly and as a result they took matters into their own hands and apprehended the two men. Missing Densmore Bowman is found dead He had gone missing 16 days ago from Belmopan. Today, the family is getting closure but not the kind they hoped for. Phillip Roberts shot thirteen times 33-year-old, Phillip Roberts, was murdered in the Farmer's New Site area of Hattieville, Belize District, just after eight o'clock on Saturday night. He was visiting a house that he was renting when he was fatally shot. Two teenagers shot on Seagull Street Two teenagers were shot on Seagull Street on Saturday night in Belize City. 19-year-old Rassan Leslie and 16-year-old Kamron Adolphus were socializing on said street when they received several gunshot injuries. Man shot to the leg in Ladyville A Biscayne resident was shot in Ladyville Village, Belize District on Friday night. 37-year-old Mark Faber received a single gunshot to his leg. Suspected drug plane found in the north Police were misled this morning when they were expected suspected drug transporters to land just after two o'clock this morning. It turns out, however, that the plane made its landing on a Sarteneja airstrip this morning. Breaking Belize News Citrus Growers Association holds successful AGM, continues push to restore citrus industry This afternoon the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) made known its efforts to restore the industry [�] Senior citizen car washer busted with crack cocaine He claims it was not his, but 70-year-old Harrison Mejia of Market Square, Belmopan, is [�] Mark Waight beats another charge of attempted murder Twenty one year old Mark Waight was released today after being found not guilty of [�] Bart Lucas charged in attempted murder of Christopher Guild Bart Lucas, 32, a resident of Pinks Alley, was charged with attempted murder when he [�] Police: Kenzle Hulse charged with harm after altercation with ex girlfriend The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams issued a report this evening informing that Belmopan resident [�] https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2019/12/18/bart-lucas-charged-in-attempted-murder-of-christopher-guild1/ U.S. President Donald Trump faces impeachment over Ukraine contacts The debate continues tonight, but it is highly likely that President of the United States, Donald [�] B.S.I. roots future of sugar industry in demonstration plots Back in October, Belize Sugar Industries Limited/American Sugar Refining (BSI/ASR) director Mac Maclachlan discussed what the [�] UB Nursing Students excel in Regional Examination for Nurse Registration The University of Belize (UB) extended congratulations to their recent nursing graduates, who successfully passed [�] Sea to Shore Alliance gets new truck Today Sea to Shore Alliance, a conservation group dedicated to the protection of manatees in [�] ColdYWCA shares "Brown Bag Breakfast" with Belize Police Department Today, the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) paid homage to the brave men and women [�] Body of missing teenager, Damion Bregal found in Teakettle The body of missing Belmopan teenager, 17 year old Damion Bregal was found late yesterday [�] Blogs Visit the Modern Maya of Belize The ancient Maya civilizations may have disappeared into the mists of history, but modern Maya are alive and well. In Belize, they have continued to build thriving communities where they have held onto their culture, language, and traditions. If you're visiting Belize, you can spend a day immersed in their fascinating culture. The Maya of Belize live in several distinct communities. You can visit these villages to experience the way they live and how they contribute to Belize's incredible cultural diversity. The various Maya tribes all speak their own languages. The Maya who live in Belize are mostly Kek'chi and Mopan Maya. Belizean Artist Carolyn Carr Carolyn Rauch was born in Colorado in the summer of 1944, grew up on a farm in Western Kentucky and married John Carr in 1968. She holds a BFA in Design from Utah State University, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts. In 1973, the Carrs bought the Banana Bank property in the Cayo District and finally moved to Belize in 1977, to what is now their home. Mrs. Carr holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Design from Utah State University. Her paintings bear her unique touch, and you surely have seen them everywhere in Belize. Carolyn Carr has a purpose in creating her portraits of Belizean culture. Having grown up on a farm, as a child, she witnessed first-hand her parents' struggle to harness, as well as overcome, the forces of nature. Belize Natural Energy Belize Natural Energy is an established Oil and Gas company based in the Western District near Spanish Lookout. Decades ago, other companies had speculated if Belize was feasible to drill for oil. This is the first to succeed in following through. It was founded by Susan Morris, an Irishwoman, experienced geologist, explorer and deal maker. She believed that Belize had oil in sufficient quantities to improve and enhance the nation. Susan partnered with Belizean Mike Usher in 2002 and began exploratory drilling in 2005, and discovered oil on a farmer's property in Spanish Lookout. International Sources Why Dengue Fever Cases Are Hitting Record Highs In Latin America The reasons from the surge range from rain (or lack of it) to the Zika virus. Leah Katzelnick, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Berkeley who works on dengue in Nicaragua, says climate definitely plays a role. The Aedes aegypti species of mosquito, which can infect people with the virus, will lay eggs in any pool of clean water. After this year's heavy rains in Latin America, "you're just fighting against everything," Katzelnick says. The mosquitoes will breed in a puddle on the lid of a trash barrel - or even discarded tires. Priyanka Chopra Joins Footwear Brand to Donate 50,000 Pairs of Shoes to School Children in Belize Footwear brand Crocs recently announced that they are teaming up with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas to donate 50,000 pairs of classic clogs to school children in Belize - a nation on the eastern coast of Central America. Taking to Twitter, the actress posted a video, alongside the caption, "This initiative is very special to me. What started as a conversation with @Crocs of shared interests and concerns for the children of the world, has blossomed into this amazing association with @UNICEF, an organisation that is so close to my heart." Simone Biles: Once-in-a-lifetime star has leapt through adversity to redefine what's possible in gymnastics Even on a recent holiday in Belize, Simone Biles could not conceal her taste for the pyrotechnic. Off a rickety wooden diving platform beside the turquoise waters, she produced the same double twisting dismount that she has absorbed into her dazzling beam repertoire. "How is this even possible?" asked Aly Raisman, her US team-mate, via text. The question was largely rhetorical. To her peers as much as to her admirers around the world, Biles has ascended to a plane of such unfeasible brilliance that when Raisman took all-around silver behind her at the Rio Olympics, she spoke of feeling that she had won. The Five Best Cruises for a Post-Holiday Detox Has the holiday season been taking its toll? If you're craving a post holiday detox after all the festivities, consider booking a cruise early in the new year as a way to reset. Though the old cliche was that you gain weight on the luxury liners, it just doesn't hold today. Sometimes a scenery change delivers the best boost. On this Seven Seas Explorer sailing, you can pet spider and capuchin monkeys in a Roatan sanctuary, trek through a Guatemalan rainforest, river raft in a jungle in Belize, or zipline in Cozumel. Coral reef-ringed waters provide stellar underwater viewing for snorkelers and scuba divers. 10 of the Best Fly Fishing Spots in the World U.S. publication Sport Fishing Magazine lists Turneffe, Belize, as one of the Top 10 Spots for fly fishing! Check out some of the best saltwater fly-fishing destinations in the world. Not all the destinations are exotic and hard to reach; in fact, a couple spots are within a short drive of major population centers. There are other great ones, of course, and which are best could be the source of long debate - but few would debate the merits of these spots. The locations are listed in alphabetical order below. Videos National Forensic Science Service, 12min. Countrywide, the National Forensic Science Service has 60 personnel. The Medical Examiner's Office is the smallest of the three units of the Department. This unit was officially established in May 2014 and its mission is the same as the entire Forensic Department, to assist in the administration of justice by providing scientific-based evidence. In the case of this unit, through autopsy findings. From The Heart of Belize - Swing Bridge, 2.5min. The Swing Bridge is a unique wonder in all of the world! It is the oldest Swing Bridge in Central America and the ONLY remaining manually swung bridge in the entire world! The bridge was constructed in England and delivered to Belize by the Jefferson Construction Company. After the bridge was installed, vehicular and pedestrian traffic would come to a standstill in downtown Belize City EVERY day, once in the morning and again in the evening, to allow boats to pass. From The Heart of Belize - Community Baboon Sanctuary, 2.5min. The Community Baboon Sanctuary is an ecological wonder From the Heart of Belize! It is home to over 3,000 Black Howler Monkies who amaze thousands of visitors yearly. The Community Baboon Sanctuary protects the resident mammals from hunting and logging, and has, over the course of decades, formed an intimate bond with the Black Howler Monkeys! See Belize Channel Promo Video, 45sec. In A Day - Belize Zoo, 4min. The Belize Zoo is the Best little zoo in the world, housing over 100 exotic animals and birds! It is one of the best things you can do in Belize In A Day! Experience Belize - Belize City, 10min. Belize City is the 'Old Capital' of Belize and is still the main financial center. Belize City boasts a rich, Colonial history with scores of Colonial architecture serving as reminders. Museums, parks, and monuments preserve the political and social history of the Old Capital, while fun bars, restaurants, and nightclubs keep the City buzzing! From The Heart of Belize - St John's Cathedral, 2.5min. The St. John's Anglican Cathedral isn't any ordinary building. Construction began in 1812 when the first cornerstone was laid. The Church has since served the Anglican congregation in Belize for over 200 years and is also the only church outside of Europe that has hosted the crowning of Kings! From The Heart of Belize - Baron Bliss Lighthouse, 2min. Baron Henry Edward Bliss was a wealthy Englishman. Once, he was sailing through the Caribbean and got caught in a storm which forced him to seek a safe harbor in Belize's calm waters. Although Baron Bliss was confined to a wheelchair, he fell in love with Belize's beauty, and the Belizeans he had the chance to interact with. He left a significant portion of his estate for the benefit of Belize - making him the country's single largest benefactor. The iconic Baron Bliss Lighthouse and a granite grave were erected in his honor following his death. Experience Belize - Caye Caulker, 6min. "Go Slow" is the trademark phrase associated with Caye Caulker, a small island off the coast of Belize. Caye Caulker boasts an organic island experience, with beaches that are the envy of many. Caye Caulker is the perfect place to visit when planning snorkeling or diving near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest coral reef in the world! When planning a trip to Belize, visitors are always encouraged to go Experience Caye Caulker! Trunkfish Night Belize, 1/2min. Anyone else love Trunkfish like I do? These guys are so cute! And this marks my 350th dive! Smooth Trunkfish (Lactophrys triqueter) during a night dive. Dive site; Permits Paradise, Turneffe Atoll, Belize. 4th Annual Belize International Yoga Festival - 2019 Recap, 4min. Major thanks to everyone who participated in The 4th Annual Belize International Yoga Festival (BIYF) 2019. This year's event was a wonderful mix of yoga classes, healing arts and therapies, live music, movement workshops, and healthy food and drinks. Driving into Placencia, Belize, 9.5min. Wake up Belize Dec 18 2019, 1hr45min. LOVEFM 12 Days of Christmas, 2hr45min. Caye Caulker Village Council General Meeting, 2hr. The Caye Caulker Village Council hosted it's first general meeting to update the public on what has been done for the island within a hundred days of being in office The Rt. Honorable Dean Barrow's Christmas Message, 2min. Seasons greetings! The Rt. Honorable Dean Barrow wishes all Belizeans at home and abroad a merry Christmas! BEL Christmas Hampers, 1/2min. BEL's Christmas Hampers are packed and ready for distribution on Thursday, December 19, 2019 to deserving families and senior citizens countrywide. We thank our employees, their children and students from the Restore Belize "I am Belize" Scholarship Program for packing hampers. Belize Carnival Day, 4min. The Ronald Frederick Greenwood House Razed and Rebuilt by the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project, 1min. Soon to be a Restaurant and Museum.