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

Two teams currently leading San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament
Team Extreme and San Pedro High School (SPHS) are currently leading in the San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament, with a total of five wins each. Both teams emerged victorious during their games on Sunday, January 12th, at the Honourable Sylvestre Sporting Complex. The current standings has Extreme with five wins and two losses, follow by SPHS with five wins and three loses. Team Rusties have won four games and lost three, Team RCGO has also won four games and lost three, while Beer League remains winless with seven defeats.

The Belize Academy of the Performing Arts performs concert in San Pedro Town
On the evening of Saturday, January 11th, island residents enjoyed a rare treat; live Chamber music from Austrian and international musicians. Held at the Paradise Theatre, the Belize Academy of the Performing Arts (BAPA) ensemble performed an eclectic collection of compositions from Fiorillo, Mozart, Rossini, Kummer, Reneau and even a piece composed by Belize's Governor-General Sir Colville Young. A piece for violin and cello from their conductor and pianist Ako Banlaky was also performed.

Ambergris Today

Caye Caulker Business Association - Thanks To Bowen & Bowen
The Caye Caulker Business Association (CCBA) would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Bowen and Bowen Company for their generous assistance to the Caye Caulker residents during the recent water crisis. The special effort to donate and deliver water went a long way in softening the blow to the residents and businesses on the island. Through thoughtful and cooperative efforts such as this we can work towards a better and sustainable future for the island.

New Outdoor Play Area For Children At Hope Haven
The children being housed at Hope Haven now have a new outdoor play area to enjoy thanks to the kind donation of Garbielle's Wings with the help of Believers World Outreach. According to Hope Haven's Facebook page, in the summer of 2019, with a full house of children, they realized that they were in need of an outdoor play area for the kids to run around in and play games. Gabrielle's Wings founder Michelle Hord-White and Believers World Outreach, Kari Klopfer Bichsel and Becky Kettle-Gay organized their volunteers to transform an empty and unused space in Hope Haven's yard into a play area for the children living in the shelter.

Various Belizean Sources

mzz

Mrs. Maria Elda Aguilar de Alamilla passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its sincerest condolences to the Alamilla and Aguilar family on the passing of Mrs. Maria Elda Aguilar de Alamilla, affectionately known as Tia Julie. Our heart goes out to the family and friends of Mrs. Julie. May her soul rest in peace. There will be a wake at her January 14th, 2020 in the evening for anyone that would like to attend. Funeral services will be later announced.

Results of Taiwan Election presented to Prime Minister
This afternoon, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize H.E. Remus Chen visited the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow to officially deliver results of Taiwan's elections held on Saturday, January 11th. H.E. Tsai Ing-wen was re-elected for a second term. The Prime Minister extended congratulations to the people of Taiwan.

Crafters Paint & Pour
The next edition of Crafters will be a pour paint technique. It'll be at the Soul Project, on Thursday, January 23rd. Contact Victoria for more information, at 604-9237. "Thursday January 23rd at Belize Soul project, space for the arts & productions 2pm! Learn how to paint pour with drinks, including wine and snacks!"

BTB at the Paris Diving Show - in Paris, France
Belize was represented at this year's Paris Diving Show where we had good visitation from French divers expressing interest and planning trips to Belize. Additionally, we exhibited on a tour operator booth and had products and samples to show the visitors.

BHA Promoting Belize at the World of Taste & Travel Orlando
The World of Taste and Travel- "Discovering the World's Tourism, Gastronomy, and Culture" was held on December 19, 20, and 21 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Convention Center, Florida. The 3-day event was aimed at the US and international B2B networking; travel agencies, international tour operators, hoteliers, buyers, and global trade industries to negotiate and conduct businesses. Exhibitors from all parts of the world were there to offer and sell packages to consumers from North America and International Countries. The BHA representatives were Past-President Leisa Carr-Caceres and BHA Director Barry Snowden.

New! Mam� Belize Potato Chips
I am representing Mam� Belize - New Belizean Brand produced in Belize from local products and for Belizeans. Our debute product - Potato Chips - is now hitting the market countrywide with help and big initiative from Vega's distributors. Me and my Corozal team created special flavors with Belizean Habanero knowing how Belizeans likes hot snacks. We hope they we made a product what we all can be proud of here in Belize and abroad in the future. We are happy to make an impact in Corozal and give the job opportunities for young and talented people.

Bowen and Bowen Beverages Hiring

Phase-Out of Single-Use Plastics
Enactment of Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulation, 2020. oday, January 14th, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration, Hon. Godwin Hulse, signed into law the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulations, 2020, which comes into force on January 15th, 2020. The purpose of these regulations is to carry out Cabinet's decision to reduce plastic and styrofoam pollution through the phasing out of single-use plastics, including shopping bags and styrofoam and plastic food utensils. This decision was made as a necessary pollution control measure to protect the terrestrial and marine environment from harmful plastic contamination.

Sustainable micro-enterprises
Farmers and women's groups of forest communities in the Maya Golden Landscape have developed sustainable micro-enterprises focusing on farms, crafts, and cultural experiences. The farmers, who implement climate-smart farming practices, share with guests how their farming techniques support wildlife and forest protection while enjoying delicious, in-season fruits during the eco-farm tours. The women offer guests an immersive and authentic Maya cultural experiences. Guests get to prepare and enjoy a nutritious meal over a fire-hearth. In addition, guests learn how to make traditional crafts with sustainably-sourced forest materials.

Good Governance, Transparency, and Ethics" course at Galen
U.S. Embassy Belmopan congratulates the Love Foundation and Galen University on partnering to offer the "Good Governance, Transparency, and Ethics" course as part of the University's core curriculum. We applaud your initiative to tackle corruption and build capacity through education. In addition to developing a solid understanding of the underlaying concepts of good governance, transparency, and ethics, the course will foster principles of integrity, professionalism, and organizational culture.

Women during the Caste war (1847-1901)
During the Caste war women were also important part of the Maya M�asewal army . The Yucatec Maya women actively participated in the rebellion,some of them in the direction of their people in the religious and government sphere. In the movement women leaders like Hilaria Nauat ,Agapita Contreras,Andrea Nauat ,Maria Petrona Uicab(Wicab) and Soledad (surname unknown) are mention in history. For example Maria Petrona Uicab was a Priestess and military leader nickname "la santa patrona y Reina Uicab " . She had a great Influence into the Maya M�asewal army .

Channel 7

Toddler Goes Home to Granny After Harrowing Few Days
A two-year-old toddler is home at his grandmother's house in Belize City tonight after surviving a brutal beating allegedly at the hands of his stepfather on Friday night. To protect his identity, we won't say his name or show his picture, but the two-year-old, who was the youngest of the boys beaten, was released from the hospital sometime after 12:00 noon into the custody of his grandmother, Anne Carcamo. Of course, it's not exactly a happy homecoming because, one of his brothers, 3-year-old Mark Fransico Tuyul Jr is dead from his blunt force injuries, while another remains in the hospital. That four year old is recovering and in a stable condition.

Kenrick's Day In Court
And while Tuyul and his boys try to find some stability in the whirlwind of madness that has overtaken their lives, tonight the man accused of beating his boys and killing one of them is in jail on remand. Kenrick Longsworth was taken to court this morning - and 7News was there for what turned out to be quite a scene. Kenrick Longsworth arrived at the courthouse just after 9:00 in the prison van - briefly surveyed his surroundings - and then was grabbed around the arm by the police court orderly. Longsworth bristled at this - telling the police officer he could walk on his own, and indicated that he was in no rush because he wanted the media to take his picture.

UDP Ministers Tried To Make Fraudster Into Diplomat
Who dunnit? Which government minister collected 25 thousand US dollars from Armenian fraudster Lev Aslen Dermen every month? That's the question that probably bounced around the Cabinet room this morning after court documents emerged from the US state of Utah. That's where Armenian fraudster Lev Aslem Dermen is in prison on a half a billion dollar biofuels fraud - and his former associates have all turned on him - and they're spilling the beans. According to those court documents, one of the associates - Jacob Kingston, quote "will testify that Dermen and his associates made cash payments to foreign government officials.Kingston will also testify that a government official from Belize was routinely paid $25,000 cash a month by Dermen and that when Dermen could not make the payment himself he would ask Kingston to make the payment on his behalf." End quote.

DJ Dalla Will Sue Shyne
Troy "DJ DALLA" Flowers has consulted Attorney Kareem Musa on a lawsuit he intends to bring against Shyne Barrow. That's right, Dalla is suing Shyne, and Kareem Musa is the attorney. That's a PUDP mix-up if ever there was one, but Dalla told us today that it's no joke. 7News has learned that Dalla is himself being sued by Bowen and Bowen for twenty-six thousand dollars. And the suggestion is that Dalla owes this money to Bowen and Bowen because Shyne used his consignment to cover the bar at last year's Music Week. Dalla also claims Shyne failed to pay him after he served as MC at last year's Music week.

Styrofoam Ban Goes Into Effect
Thee styrofoam ban was announced in March of 2018, but putting into effect has proved difficult. And, now, almost two years later, it was announced that the new regulation come into effect tomorrow. A press release announced that the Minister of the Environment, Godwin Hulse, signed the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulations, 2020 into law today, and it comes into force tomorrow, January 15th.

Huge Crowd Of Immigrants Descends On Swift Hall
Last night at 6:00, about 700 immigrants crowded into Swift Hall in the Lake Independence area. They were there to hear from the the Minister of state with responsibility for Immigration Beverly Williams. But, she didn't make it. Instead she sent the Ministry and the Department's most senior technicians: CEO Harold Zuniga long with the directors of immigration and Nationality. Here's what the CEO told KREM news after the very lively meeting: Edmund Zuniga, CEO - Ministry of Immigration: "We came to talk to them and hear what their immigration issues are and to share with them some of the regulations and what the requirements..."

Chester's Six Figure Hotel Bill
Since June of last year when a tourist was murdered on San Pedro, police have dramatically increased their presence on the island. But the additional cops had no place to stay and they had to be put up at Pedro's Inn for more than 6 months. But, police have now gotten the bill for that and we are told it's one hundred thousand dollars. We asked the commissioner about it yesterday - and he seemed reluctant to discuss:

The Vexing Problem Of Judgements Not Delivered
Last night, we showed you the Ceremonial Opening of the Supreme Court. DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, the president of the Bar Association, did not attend. She and other senior members of the Bar chose to boycott to send a message that they are not pleased with the status quo. They point several issues of grievance, including Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin sidelining the DPP from attending meetings of the Judicial And Legal Services Commission. The Bar has a pending lawsuit against the Chief Justice which will determine if he was justified, as the Chair of the Commission, to do this.

Belize's ICJ Lawyers Set
The press also took the opportunity to get a comment from the Foreign Minister on the current status of Belize's pending case at the International Court of Justice against Guatemala. Last year in May, Belizeans took to the polls of a national referendum and voted that the country should go to the ICJ to settle Guatemala's territorial claim. Last year the Prime Minister warned that country would incur substantial financial expense to retain legal representation. Yesterday, the Foreign Minister said that the lawyers have already been identified.

Nurse Assoc. Exec Member Not Happy With Task Force
Last week, we told you about the dispute between the nursing profession and the bosses at the Ministries of Health and Public Service. The nurses are calling on these two ministries to speed up the process of identifying the professional who will be hired for the post of Deputy Director of Health Services. As we told you, the Deputy Director is also the Chief Nursing Officer. According to those who are familiar with the profession, the Chief Nursing Officer is important to the nurses because the holder of this office becomes the advocate for their concerns.

Machete Man Targets Cop
A Police Corporal was attacked with a machete while responding to an assault in progress on a farm in Cowpen Village. This morning, just before 8:00 Police Corporal Micheal Roches responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at the home of Narciso Manzano. The 67 year old said that his son Byron Ramos who he has a protection order against was assaulting his grand daughter and his daughter. Corporal Roches said that when he arrived on the farm, he saw 26-year-old Byron Ramos running toward him with a machete. Roches ran but was chased by Ramos.

Dara's Feeding Program Losing Steam
For a number of years now, we've been showing you the work of the grassroots philanthropist, Joel "Dara" Robinson. He runs his Dara Feeding Program right out of his backyard in Belize City, and for over a decade now, he has tried to look after needy children in his community. Well, he says that after 13 years, the feeding program has become financially unsustainable, and if he doesn't get urgent help, he'll have to shut it down.

The Future of Archaeology in Belize
On Friday, we brought you an interview with archaeologist Laura Kosakowsky, who told us how archaeologists use ceramics to date Ancient sites. Tonight we bring you another sit down with an archaeologist, this time a young Belizean, Sylvia Batty. Batty is the collection's manager at NICH. She told us how ancient monuments and artefacts came to be protected in Belize and shared a bit of what's contained within Belize's national collection.

Equal Opportunities Bill Outlined
Last week, we showed you the conversation taking place about the National Aids Commission's Equal Opportunities Bill. The ambitious piece of draft legislation is the culmination of over a year of work that the Commission has carried out. They say that it encompasses 19 different forms of discrimination that Belizeans face every day. This law seeks to give equal protection under the law to these citizens who are discriminated against. From their perspective, this draft bill represents an attempt to create a fairer and more inclusive society.

Channel 5

Kenrick Longsworth is Arraigned for Murder of Baby Mark Tuyul Jr.
For two days, police looked for the man who is accused in the brutal killing of a three-year-old child. On Sunday, Kenrick Longsworth was captured in Isabella Bank in an [...]

Hundreds of Immigrants Converge on Swift Hall; Minister Bev a No-Show
Swift Hall in Belize City was overflowing on Monday night in the mad rush by immigrants to acquire Belizean nationality.� The Minister of State for Immigration Beverly Williams was not [...]

Will the Immigration Department Accept Documents Collected by Dianne Finnegan?
Immigration C.E.O. Edmond Zuniga was also quizzed about the vast amount of documents that were collected at Finnegan's political office over the course of last week. He did not confirm [...]

Who is Lev Aslan Dermen? Which U.D.P. Minister Did He Bribe?
A storm is brewing in the ruling United Democratic Party ahead of its national convention in February. This on the heels of the release of U.S. court documents of a [...]

Resort Owner Rapes Housekeeper
A disturbing report of rape is emerging from southern Belize. The Belize Police Department confirmed today that police in Dangriga are investigating a case of rape. �Information to News Five [...]

Hattieville Shooting Victim Detained; his Family is Outraged
The victim in a shooting incident in Hattieville is in detention. On January tenth, gunmen turned up at the home of Tyrone Belisle when he was with his family, Belisle [...]

Public Consultations on Equal Opportunities Bill Underway
A series of countrywide public consultations commenced over the weekend; on Monday it was held in Belmopan where proponents of the Equal Opportunities Bill presented, to an audience of interested [...]

Religious Opponents Decry Equal Opportunities Bill
The Equal Opportunities Bill is of serious concern for the National Evangelical Association of Belize, NEAB, which has come out strongly against the proposed legislation because of the perceived same-sex [...]

"Domestic Violence is Normalized" - Jennifer Lovell
The murder of three-year-old Mark Tuyul Junior has pushed the issue of domestic violence to the front burner.� Domestic violence is pervasive and has become commonplace to a point where [...]

Pedophilia is Alive and Alarming in Belizean Society
Equally concerning is the issue of child sexual abuse resulting from pedophilia.� According to Lovell, this kind of predatory behaviour often manifests itself in situations where children are groomed by [...]

Alejandro Giammattei is the New President of Guatemala
At this time, the inauguration of the new Guatemalan president, Alejandro Giammattei, has been delayed for hours. �The event is to take place at the National Theatre in Guatemala City, [...]

Belize Tax Service Insists B.T.L. Owes Millions in Taxes
The Belize Tax Service is holding on to its position that Belize Telemedia Limited owes millions of dollars in taxes to the Government of Belize. The Department initiated an audit [...]

Accused of Extortion, Reynaldo Verde Applies for Early Retirement
Reynaldo Verde, Former Deputy Director of the Belize Tax Service, remains incarcerated in the U.S. after he was nabbed by F.B.I. officials on September seventh 2019, on a charge of [...]

Jumoke Castro to Face Public Service Commission
Jumoke Castro, son of U.D.P. Minister Edmond Castro, is yet to be charged for what is considered a threat of rape against Plus TV's Shasta Wade.� Castro was placed on [...]

Belize Overnight Tourism Arrivals Surpass 500K Mark
The Belize Tourism Board today announced that for the first time in the history of Belize's tourism industry, Belize surpassed the half-million mark in overnight arrivals last year. In 2019, [...]

Nurses Question Association’s Task Force
Last week the Nurses Task Force called out the Ministries of Health and Public Services for acting in bad faith.�According to the Task Force, the ministries were failing to address [...]

More Issues to Discuss Beyond Succession Plans for Nurses in Belize
Now, while Baird wants answers from the association in regards to the task force and elections, he says that he believes some of the points that they have called for [...]

Dara Robinson Feeding Programme on Life Support
Is the 'Dara Feeding Programme' closing its doors after thirteen years? �Not just yet - that is, if Joel Dara Robinson gets his way. �The local philanthropist says that his [...]

Amandala

3-year-old toddler beaten to death
Kenrick Longsworth, 27, a laborer of Lovely Lane Hutments off Pickstock Street, who is accused of bludgeoning his three young stepsons, ages 2, 3, and 4, which resulted in the death of his 3-year-old stepson, went on the run at about 6:30 Friday evening after the children's mother returned home that Friday evening, January 10, and saw the injured children. Police were alerted and the hunt for Longsworth, the stepfather of the three children who were left in his care, came to a successful conclusion yesterday evening, Sunday, in Isabella Bank. He had been hiding in a farm in the village when he was found and detained.

Tension between the Bench and the Bar
The traditional opening of the legal year is usually accompanied by pomp and circumstance. At today's opening of the Supreme Court, there was the usual ecumenical service. This year's service was at St. John's Cathedral and the members of the Judiciary paraded from the church to the Supreme Court, where in front of the court building on Regent Street, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin inspected a Police Guard of Honor, comprised of officers from the police's Special Patrol Unit. Following the inspection of the guard of honor, those in attendance, which included members of the diplomatic corps, made their way into Chief Justice Benjamin's courtroom to hear his report of the legal year that just ended.

GOB evades outstanding UHS $95.6 mil bill
The Supreme Court has delivered a summary ruling in regards to the controversial matter of the UHS debt that the GOB has been facing for over a decade. On Friday, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin ruled that the Minister of Finance and Prime Minister Dean Barrow are not obliged to use public funds to pay the 95.6 million-dollar debt owed to the Ashcroft Alliance, given that Parliament voted against it in August of 2018. The issue dates back as early as 2004 when the Belize Bank entered into a legal dispute over an outstanding bill that GOB acquired for the Universal Health Services (UHS).

Deandre Guefferro, 19, remanded for cruel murder in Seine Bight
Deandre Guefferro, 19, a laborer of Independence, has been charged for the horrendous murder of Mexican National, Alejandro Guzman Cruz, 46, the caretaker of a retreat in Seine Bight, that occurred on Tuesday afternoon, in his room at the retreat. Cruz's murderer also stole some of his belongings. Guefferro was arraigned at the Independence Magistrate's Court on Friday and was remanded until April, when he is to return to court.

Emil Escalante's tomb vandalized in Orange Walk Cemetery, and open coffin left on the ground
The tomb in which Emil Escalante, 27, was buried was vandalized and his coffin was removed and broken into by unknown persons sometime last night in the Orange Walk Town Cemetery. The open coffin with the corpse inside was left on the ground near his tomb. Escalante was buried at about 3:00 yesterday afternoon. This morning his family was alerted that his tomb has been broken into and that the body had been exposed.

Belize Tax Services wants to recover 25 million in GST arrears from BTL
Last July, leaked documents suggested that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) owed millions of dollars in unpaid General Sales Tax. When the information made it into the mainstream news, BTL insisted that it did not owe the GST Department the taxes. The company said its taxes were all paid up. The GST was doing an audit of BTL at the time. The matter of BTL and the millions of dollars it owes for General Sales Tax is once more making the rounds in the news again. This time, Financial Secretary Joseph Waight has confirmed to The Reporter that the Belize Tax Services audit of BTL is complete and the indications are that BTL does owe 25 million in GST.

Franz Reimer, 7, dragged to death by horse
Franz Reimer, 7, who was having fun with a horse in their yard in Shipyard, stood behind the horse and tied the rope around his waist, and as the horse sprinted away, he was dragged on the ground, causing him to suffer massive head and body injuries. A neighbor who saw what was happening managed to stop the horse, but the boy was already dead.

Christian Neal, 25, pleads guilty to escaping from prison
Three inmates of the Belize Central Prison in Hattieville made a run for freedom at about 12:30 Wednesday, May 8, 2019, but the run was short-lived for two of them. Virjilio Murrillo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Belize Central Prison, told Amandala that the three prisoners who made a dash for freedom from behind the prison's walls were Wilser Echeverria, 25, of Belmopan, who is on remand awaiting trial for murder; Rafael Mencias, 25, of Corozal Town, who is serving a 10-year sentence for manslaughter for the death of Philip Hall of Corozal; and Christian Neal, 25, of Toledo, who was in prison for two counts of robbery and one count of carnal knowledge.

Editorial: Battering our democracy to hold on to power
In a year or so, Belize is going to the International Court of Justice, and you can bet that the judges there will be influenced by the kind of country that we are. Judges, they are only human. Too many members of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) brass either don't care about this country, or they don't understand why our image in the world is important to us. They are battering our democracy in their fight to hold on to power. What happened last week at the Lake Independence constituency office of the standard bearer of the UDP, Mrs. Diane Finnegan, does not serve Belize well.

Amandala 2019 front page review - October to December
� Mysterious jet crash-lands on Blue Creek road. The suspected drug trade executive jet is reportedly valued at US $6million. The impact of the crash landing broke the plane in two, but by the time police arrived on the scene, there was no one there and no drugs were found. � Jebran "Sucu" Wagner, 21, murdered on Coney Drive. Wagner, a member of the Caesar Ridge Road Football Club, was at a party when he was shot and killed.

Intrepid FC wins 5-A-Side Mayor's Cup Tournament at Yabra
A dramatic second half comeback yesterday afternoon by one of the Yabra based teams, Intrepid FC, thrilled Yabra football fans, as they overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat powerhouse Honduras FC (Barrack Road FC players) by a 6-5 margin for the Bernard Wagner 5-A-Side Mayor's Cup Football Tournament Championship. Six teams competed in the Mayor's 5-A-Side tournament, which kicked off on October 10, 2019, with games being played on Sunday afternoons at the Yabra Field.

C-Ray D. Banner Saturday Race results - January 11, 2020
The first C-Ray Saturday Race for the year was held over the weekend. Approximately 25 cyclists lined up on the Boom Road in front of Data Pro at around 6:30 a.m. They raced to the Hattieville roundabout and returned for a total of 23.8 miles, averaged 24.2 mph in a time of 58 minutes and 26 seconds. There is a special prize given if the record (53 minutes 3 seconds) is broken. Prizes were given in seven different categories: Junior/Youth, Junior/Youth Female, Women, Elite, non-Elite in 30+, 40+ and 50+ years.

PLB on a stumbling start to 2019-2020 Closing Season
Last week, there were 8 clubs scheduled to kick off Week 1 in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2019-2020 Closing Season; but today, the league released its revised season schedule, as Week 1 consisted of only 3 official games this past weekend, with only 7 teams now remaining on the PLB schedule this season. There had been strong rumors of a Corozal group securing the FF Valley Pride franchise, and the Corozal squad even reportedly had a good showing against a rated 1st Division team from Chetumal in a friendly match a week ago.

The Abel/Lucille family travel from Toledo to the capital
Jewel had made good progress in her studies, maintaining no lower than a third position in class, which people like Gertrude had found surprising considering her lack of formal high schooling, which had been another reason for developing a strong rivalry against her. One day I was in charge of the Maternity Ward when the telephone had rung while I had been involved with some activity I couldn't leave, and had asked Jewel to take the call for me.

Hodgepodge of local/world views with an eye on America
Mr. Brian E. Plummer, in his letter to the Amandala editor on Friday, sees an America in decline and says their decision to take out an Iranian general was a poor decision. It was not the right thing to do, and to be victorious a war must be seen as the right thing to do, Mr. Plummer says. I look the same way at laws. An effective law is one that the people believe in. Sometimes the lawmakers can get away with a stupid law for a while if they fool the people with propaganda and other biased information.

Something is not right
Dear Editor, Since September 2019, the Federal Reserve has been buying 80% of US Treasury debt. The US is borrowing from itself -unprecedented. The attack on the Abqaiq oil facility in Saudi Arabia in September 2019, which affected global oil supplies significantly, barely increased oil prices. The killing of the Iran general by the US on January 3, 2020, barely influenced oil prices. The markets are not being influenced by threats to Middle-East oil.

The Toledo District - so rich yet so poor
Dear Editor, My district, your district, our district is rotten rich with fertile land, sea, rivers, lagoons, and creeks. And as Belizeans, we have the right to use any or all of them for our convenience, but we seldom do. I humbly, but firmly believe that what you don't use, you lose. Well, presently, that is exactly what is happening right here, right now. Our neighbors come into our jewel without permission from our government or people and are harvesting our goods that are coming from us and us alone.

US puts even more restrictions on air travel to Cuba - charter flights to nine Cuban airports banned
Less than three months after suspending commercial flights to airports in Cuba outside Havana, the United States Government has suspended all public charter flights as well. Charter flights will only be allowed to Havana's Jos� Mart� International Airport, and even then there will be limitations. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement that the flights were "suspended until further notice" by the US Department of Transportation (DOT), at his request. Nine Cuban airports currently receiving US public charter flights will be affected.

The Reporter

We Need Your HELP! Dara Makes Appeal To Feed Needy Children
Philanthropist, Joel "Dara" Robinson says that his feeding program for underprivileged primary school children is on "life support" and he is appealing to anyone and everyone to help him salvage what he says is a vert necessary social program which he has spearheaded for the last 13 years.

Resort Owner Facing Serious Rape Allegations
The Reporter has confirmed that the owner of a popular resort located on the outskirts of Dangriga Town is currently in Police custody and is being investigated for the alleged rape of an 18-year-old housekeeper.

Kenrick Longsworth Is Formally Arraigned & Charged
Kenrick Kevin Longsworth, 27, has been formally arrested, charged and arraigned for one count of Murder and two counts of Grievous Harm. He was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate's Court earlier today to be read the charges, and then remanded to the Belize Central Prison.

Foreign Demons Corrupting Belize: Politicians Will Be Disgraced
There are allegations that two government officials, one a government Minister will be named in an upcoming trial of an Armenian man in Utah. According to documents, testimony will state that Armenian Lev Dermen, on trial for fraud, paid a government minister $25000 monthly between 2012 and 2016...

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Belize city man shot on Seagull street
Minutes ago a man was shot in Belize City. He has since been identified as [�]

Former OAS ambassador says Belize's Nestor Mendez is the right man for OAS Secretary-General
A former Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS) and a resident of the [�]

Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulation signed into law
Today, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration, Godwin Hulse, signed [�]

Beware of fake posts as the 2020 general elections draw near
The 2020 general elections campaign has already started in Belize and the major political parties [�]

Alejandro Giammettei assumes office as Guatemalan President
Guatemalan President elect, Alejandro Giammettei assumed office as President today. Giammettei succeeded President Jimmy Morales [�]

Resort owner detained in Dangriga on allegations of rape
BBN's newsdesk has received reports that a well-known resort owner in Dangriga is currently detained [�]

Briceno to Belizeans: Time to unite and save Belize!
Leader of the People's United Party (PUP), John Briceno, has issued his weekly address and [�]

Dara Feeding Program "on life support"
Joel "Dara" Robinson is at the end of his rope. The feeding program he started [�]

Kenrick Longsworth charged for murder and grievous harm
The news of a man attacking three children resulting in the death of a 3-year-old [�]

"None of the allegations against Belizean ministers have been confirmed," says Foreign Affairs CEO
Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), H.E. Pat Andrews says that [�]

Another scandal brewing for Belize? Belizean Minister reportedly received money linked to US bio-fuel fraud
International media organizations are reporting on an alleged bio-fuel fraud scheme in the United States, [�]

Tourism Minister announces record half-million overnight visitors to Belize
With 503,177 overnight visitors to Belize in 2019, Belize has set another record, according to [�]

NEW LEGAL YEAR: Ex-Attorney General makes a suggestion to help Chief Justice clear court backlog
Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte missed yesterday's ceremonial opening of the Supreme Court, handing over to [�]

Taiwan Ambassador to Belize delivers election results to PM Barrow
Yesterday, Ambassador of the Republic Taiwan to Belize H.E. Remus Chen visited the Prime Minister [�]

Police investigate broken grave in Orange Walk
The family of Emil Escalante is still grieving the loss of their loved one. Escalante,27, [�]

Grief stricken father: "I can't do it"
The news of a man attacking three children resulting in the death of a 3-year-old [�]

"W" designation to be removed from the ranks for female officers,' says ComPol
Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Chester Williams announced this week that the Belize Police Department is working [�]

Survivors of Kenrick Longsworth to be released today
On Friday night we reported that three boys were physically abused at the hand of their [�]

Blogs

2019 Russian Space Craft Shell Washes Up On Beach Of Ambergris Caye, Belize
I mean we've had unorthodox things was onto the beach on Ambergris Caye before. I sent a message to David Campos, the man who pulled the shell from the water to find out when I could take a look. We drove down to Indigo and found this. So cool that the barnacles are in a square - around the ridge where there's a hatch or panel. The first thing we noticed - it's in SHOCKINGLY good shape if it had been in the ocean for over 30 years. The steel pieces are still basically shiny and�.perfect. Fabric and foam still in good shape.

Enjoy the Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival in Placencia Belize
Belize is a wonderful mix of culture, and you can experience every wonderful part of that mix at the Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival in Placencia. This vibrant festival celebrates everything uniquely Belizean. If you want to experience the colors, taste, and music that make up the beautiful quilt of Belizean culture, you can't miss this event. Placencia does not have a main street. It has a main sidewalk that is 4,000 feet long, and during the festival, every inch of it is covered with art and color.

Maya Cosmology and Religion
In the Maya religion, objects that we consider to be inanimate had spirit. They believed in numerous gods that were dualistic (two-sided) in nature. For example, a benevolent Chac (rain god) brought rain to nourish crops; a malevolent Chac brought hurricanes, hailstorms, and floods. Their supreme deity was known as Hunab Ku, and because he was believed to have no body or form, they never produced effigies or other graphic representations of him.

Littoral Forests
Coastal Littoral forest is found on high ground along the coast. In Belize, it is seen in small pockets between Shipstern Lagoon and the Pott's Creek are the Placencia peninsula, areas near Monkey River, some patches near Port Honduras, south of the Moho River, and south of Barranco. The largest areas of littoral forest are found on the higher elevations of the developed islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris. The major importance of littoral forests is the protection of soil during overwash events, such as hurricane surges. Because of the forest's dense carpet of vegetation abutting fringing mangrove, on the windward side of cayes, water is slowed in its progress across islands during weather events, thereby reducing soil loss. Erosion from wind is also by the density of thickets.

Celebrate Valentine's in Belize | Best Place To Go For Valentines 2020
Valentine's Day is the day for couples. Whether you are aspiring to become a couple with that special someone or you are just looking to keep the passions going with your significant other, you want to do something really amazing for them. Maybe you have everything planned but the venue for your Valentine's day activities or maybe you are drawing a complete blank. The good news is that the many picturesque vistas and tropical climate of Belize will more than suffice for enchanting couples or bolster those wonderful feelings of love and trust you and your significant other have for one another.

Enjoy the Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival in Placencia Belize
Belize is a wonderful mix of culture, and you can experience every wonderful part of that mix at the Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival in Placencia. This vibrant festival celebrates everything uniquely Belizean. If you want to experience the colors, taste, and music that make up the beautiful quilt of Belizean culture, you can't miss this event. The festival has become a yearly tradition in Belize, turning the quaint seaside village of Placencia into a vibrant, lively center of music, color, food, dance and fun for all ages. Artists, craftspeople, musicians, chefs, jewelry makers and all types of artisans descend on this beautiful village to transform it with color, taste, and sound.

International Sourcesizz

Belize vs Costa Rica: Which Central American wonder should you visit?
Both teem with wildlife, but are you drawn to Costa Rica's rainforest-swathed volcanoes and oceanic beaches, or Caribbean Belize, with its dive-friendly coral cayes, misty mountains and Mayan ruins?

Guatemalans demand arrest of outgoing president for corruption
Jimmy Morales' immunity will lapse for just a few hours on Tuesday before he's sworn into Central American Parliament. Guatemalan civil society groups are pressuring authorities to arrest President Jimmy Morales for corruption on Tuesday as soon as his successor takes office. For more than half of his four-year term, Morales has been plagued by allegations of illegal campaign financing. He has denied any wrongdoing. He also shut down an international commission leading investigations into high-level corruption.

Belize Has Quietly Become a Caribbean Hotspot
Long a well-kept secret for travelers in the know, Belize has quietly become a full-fledged Caribbean hotspot in recent years, buoyed by one of the region's fastest rates of tourism growth. And now it's borne out by the data - Belize just set a new all-time record for tourism arrivals to the destination, Caribbean Journal has learned. The buzzing destination on the Caribbean coast of Central America topped the half-million mark for stayover viistor arrivals for the first time last year.

13 Countries To Travel From Montreal Where The Canadian Dollar Is High
With hopes of no one falling into the "currency trap," MTL Blog has made a list of countries to travel to from Montreal where the Canadian dollar is high. For each country, we've included the approximate cost of a round-trip flight from Montreal, the cost of a 3-star hotel stay, and an average meal cost. Belize is known for its "chill" environment and adventure - the perfect combination! It is the escape if you are looking to flee the cold. Belize may only occupy 8,867 square miles, but this country is equipped with everything you will ever need for a dream vacation. From stunning sites to thrilling activities and a ton of spots to go swimming, Belize is truly amazing.

Belize scores half million overnight tourism arrivals ahead of plan
For the first time in the history of its tourism development, Belize has surpassed the half-million mark in overnight arrivals. A release from the Belize Tourism Authority said in 2019, a total of 503,177 overnight visitors were welcomed to Belize, an increase of 2.8 percent from 489,261 in 2018. The National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (NSTMP) endorsed in 2012, has a goal of achieving overnight arrivals of 556,000 by 2030.

KISS Returns to the Sea with KISS Kruise X
The most popular Gold Record Award winning American group of all time and iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Famers KISS have once again partnered up with the industry leaders in music festivals at sea, Sixthman to announce the upcoming voyage of The KISS Kruise X. The KISS Navy will set sail for their tenth mission from Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize & Roatan, Honduras from October 30 - November 4, 2020 aboard Norwegian Pearl. The announcement comes on the heels of 2019's sold-out KISS Kruise IX, from where the band announced live onboard that their final show of all time will take place in July 2021. Fans can go to TheKissKruise.com for more information on pricing and availability.

The Latest on Offshore Banking: How to Choose the Best Country
As the world changes, so is the offshore banking landscape constantly evolving. What used to be the favourite private banking locations for the wealthy several years ago, has little impact on what is happening today. Academic research shows that the demand for offshore banking is on the rise and will continue to be for some time. There are indeed many legitimate reasons for opening an offshore account although according to FACTA, for offshore banks to have customers from the USA, it has become rather expensive. In this article we take a closer look at what well-known authorities on the topic say, including Investopia, Luigi Wewege (SVP at Caye International Bank Belize) and others.

Cayo Espanto nominated for Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards
Cayo Espanto Island Resort, Ambergris Caye - We're so excited to share that #CayoEspanto is nominated for Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards in the hotels category! Show your support by voting now:

Caracol Named Wonder of World
Caracol was named one of the seven new wonders of the world by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine. They nail it in that Caracol represents adventure, eco, and sustainable tourism instead of the over-hyped mass tourism. Well deserved recognition for the best Maya Archaeological Site on Earth. "Only one of the original Seven Wonders of the World remains, so we've picked seven new wonders that you can actually visit in 2020... The ancient Mayans were a remarkable people. Without the wheel, or advanced tools of any kind, they managed to build vast stone cities in the middle of one of the densest jungles on Earth. Chichen Itza and Tulum, in Mexico, are perhaps the most famous sites, but today they are a crush of souvenir stalls and mass-market tourism. Caracol is different.

Videos

  • San Pedro Belize offshore fishing, 3min. Really good day it was the big blue got away but still managed some nice fish

  • San Pedro Belize mahi mahi fishing, 3min. Summer time dorado fishing in Belize.

  • The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry - opportunities to manage your business, 12min. The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) will provide several opportunities for you to develop your capacity to manage your business. These workshops are in collaboration with the University of the West Indies Open Campus Belize and the BTEC. We talked with Yorshabell Cattouse, Manager of Member Relations of BCCI, about the 2020 workshop calendar.

  • The Caye Caulker Chapter of BTIA - update on the recovery process for residents, 31min. The Caye Caulker Chapter of BTIA were our guests to update us on the recovery process for residents. They estimate the losses to be around a quarter of a million dollars. Residents are being supported to file claims. They are also working on finding alternative solutions for renewable energy sources. On our couch: Maria Vega - Chapter President, BTIA. Buddy Magana Jr. Secretary. Akheil Badillo- Treasurer.

  • Professional Counselor - identify red flags in potential child abusers and molesters, 28min. The nation was left reeling from the reports of a child murder that occurred last Friday. There is much that is unknown about the situation and what led to the murder but the alleged perpetrator was captured this weekend. We invited Aimee Jex, Professional Counselor, to talk with us about how parents can identify red flags in potential child abusers and molesters.

  • Belize tamales from Mama's Tamales in Belize, Central America, 1min. Opening up tamales hot from the fiya hawt in Belize, Central America. These Belizean tamales we made by the popular Mama's Tamales in Belize.

  • ReefCI Belize 2020, 4min. Tom Owen's Caye - 26 miles off the coast of Placencia in Southern Belize Volunteering with Reef Conservation International

  • Alaia Belize construction update, 1.5min.

  • Belize Dive Trip 2020, 16min.

  • [Aug 2019] Belize - From Shore to Border, 16min. It manifested - a work trip to Belize. It took years, but it finally happened, and I was able to go and experience a new Central American country. Belize is a feast for those who love Mayan history - or those who just love nature. Luck brought me the opportunity to travel to this lovely country for seven days (not vacation days, work days) - and I am all the better for it.

  • Chuyến đi Cave Tubing tại Nohoch Che'en, gần San Ignacio, Belize - Du lịch Trung Mỹ -, 22min.

  • Belize Helmuth family trip 2020, 8min. Our family had lived down there for 2 years, and so this trip was to more or less connect with old friends. hope you enjoy it.

  • Grand Slam in Belize, 3min.

  • Fishing at Glover's Atoll in Belize staying at the Isla Marisol resort., 5.5min. 2020 new Years Fishing vacation at the Glover's - what an amazing experience and fishing.

  • Family Trip to Belize 2020, 4min.

  • Ryan Vogel, City Parks of Belize - ARTA 2019, 21min. City and Regional Planning's International Development Studio focused on researching and developing strategies for the Belize Association of Planners (BAP) on the following topics: Advocacy, Coastal Resilience, Safety, Education and Transportation. Ryan Vogel conducted on-site research to examine what did and did not work well regarding the studio's recommendations and shared with Knowlton faculty his findings to improve future projects in the development studio. He also participated in producing a comprehensive citywide park plan for the Belize City Council.

  • Belize snorkeling 2020!, 6min.

  • Belize fishing sailfish, 2min. Catch and release this beautiful sailfish.

  • Belize Fly Fishing and Diving, 1.5min. Get away. Really away. And once you are there, have more creature comforts than you can imagine a place away in the sun and sand can offer - great fly fishing and diving, snorkeling and sunning, yoga and massage, tropical cocktails and upscale meals, and a private villa to escape to when away isn't private enough.