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Posted By: Marty Today's Belize News: September 7, 2012 - 09/07/12 03:18 PM


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The San Pedro Sun

National News: Historic Regional fisheries agreement signed
In her keynote address on Tuesday morning, September 4th at the Belize Biltmore Hotel, Belize's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development Hon. Lisel Alamilla referenced the nation's unique place in the confluence of historical heritage, geopolitics and geography and the opportunity to provide linkages between two sub-regions and even two hemispheres. The historic conference of fisheries ministers culminated with the signing of a memorandum of understanding and a declaration that according to Alamilla, celebrates the integration of the wider Caribbean and Central America. "It is a great honor and privilege to be given an opportunity to address this first high-level meeting of Ministers of Fisheries across the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and SICA (Central American Integration System) sub-regions," Alamilla said by way of introduction. "This vast geographic area has been rightly described by fisheries resource managers and those in the scientific and academic communities as the WIDER CARIBBEAN. Now you will recall in my first statement I did refer to CRFM (Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism) /OSPESCA (Organization of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of the Central American) as "our" sub-region as opposed to "THE" sub-region," she further explained, "and the reason for this is that the colonial history and political governance structures of Belize legitimizes its place as a part of the English speaking or CARICOM Caribbean. Equally Belize's geographic placement in the northern reaches of the Central American isthmus and its Latin culture and integration into the political and economic development initiatives of Central America places it in the unique position as a link between the two sub-regions - the CARICOM/ CRFM member states on the one hand, and the SICA/OSPESCA group of countries on the other."

San Pedro Seadoggs at Belize Premiere League Competition
The San Pedro Seadoggs are back in the Belize Premiere League Competition and scheduled to go up against Belize Defense Force on Sunday September 9th at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio, Cayo. According to coach Billy Leslie, the team played two games the past two Sundays. In the first game played on August 26th against San Felipe Barcelona, the Seadoggs won in a game of three to one. Following this, the team travelled to Belize City for a home game, played at the MCC Grounds (as the Ambergris Stadium was not fit to play national games) on Sunday September 2nd where they drew in a game of nil-nil. The purpose of the league is threefold and offers opportunities to participants to compete internationally, all depending on their performance during the tournament. From the tournament, the top four contenders will move on to represent Belize in two international football competitions: the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) and the UNCAF (Union Centroamericana de Futbol). Thirdly, throughout the tournament, scouts will be looking at individual players to choose from to form a national selection to represent Belize in the Nations Cup. These games start as early as January 2013.

Eric, Bob, Daniel and Patricia represent in 2012 Lionman Triathlon
San Pedro was represented for the second year at the Belize National Triathlon Association's annual Lionman competition. The competition was held on Sunday morning September 2nd in Belize City. Starting as early as 6:30am, Team Sharks in the team competition and Kent "Bob" Gabourel, and Eric Donis in the individual competition were out gearing up to bring home the trophies. Team Shark made up of swimmer, Eric Donis (team swimmer and individual Lionman competitor) from San Pedro; female biker Patricia Chabarria from Cayo and runner, Daniel Gregorio of San Pedro worked tirelessly and managed to take the third place trophy in the Team category with a combined time of two hours and 22 minutes. Eric Donis, part of Team Shark also competed in the ironman tournament and notwithstanding a tire blowout, managed to take first place in the junior category with a combined time of two hours, 43 minutes and 59 seconds. San Pedro's Kent Gabourel came in Fourth in the Elite category and sixth overall with a combined time of two hours 35 minutes and 16 seconds. The tournament saw three legs: The first leg of the race was a 1,500 meter or .93 mile swim in-front of the eastern coast of Belize City. This was followed by a 24.8 mile bike route and ended with a 6.2 mile run.

Ambergris Today

National Service Day NOT a Public Holiday
The National Celebrations Committee informs the public that September 19, 2012, which has been designated as National Service Day, is NOT a public and bank holiday. National Service Day is an initiative under the George Price Center for Peace and Development and serves only as an invitation to encourage schools, churches, organizations and Belizeans in general to engage in community service projects.

San Pedro Athletes Shine at Belize Lionman Triathlon
San Pedro has another reason to be proud of its athletes as island residents participated in the 13th Annual Lionman Triathlon Competition in Belize City which took place on Sunday, September 2, 2012. Kent Gabourel, Eric Donis and Daniel Gregorio participated in this year's competition and proudly brought back home medals and trophies. Competitors battled it out against each other and against the scorching heat giving it their all and doing their best to finish the race. This is Kent and Eric's second time participating in the Lionman Triathlon as a team and the first time they participated as individuals. Eric was the first to come out of the water for the 1500m swim and won first place in the Junior Division of the Triathlon and 13th in the overall competition. Kent "aka Bob" Gabourel placed 6th in the overall competition and 4th in the Elite Category. Eric Donis, Daniel Gregorio and Patricia Chavarria competed as a team for the triathlon and placed 3rd in the overall competition.

Stricter Rules Coming for Importation of Vehicles and Parking
Traffic in San Pedro is without a doubt crazy! For being such a small town the small narrow streets are heavily congested with vehicles and with this in mind, the Ambergris Caye Traffic Control Committee (ACTCC) has come up with a few regulations for the standardization of size and types of vehicles for importation to the island. Councilor Kenrick Brackett met with the media on Tuesday, September, 5, 2012, to explain about the recommended vehicle types and sizes. Traffic flow and congestion on the island is in a bad state and Brackett explained that the committee believes that by standardizing the size and type of vehicles being imported into the island the problem can be alleviated, to a certain extent.

An Unforgettable Tres Pescados Tournament 2012
The fun we had at the tournament underscores the reason for my letter - we, as a group, have an opportunity to make our fishing world a better place. We have an opportunity to Nurture Belize and leave a legacy that both our children and our children's children can enjoy. If we don't seize this opportunity, odds are nobody will. There is much good news about our beloved fishery. It's healthy, thriving and not behind the eight ball like so many other places in the world. This Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit fishery enjoys the luxury of federal protection that prohibits harvest of these three key species (although enforcement remains an issue). Belize was the first country on the planet to enact these types of protections and we have the efforts of both individuals (just like us) and governmental staffers to thank for this great accomplishment. Because the fishery is healthy, we are in a wonderful position to craft conservation management tools that are proactive and not reactive. When things get reactive it's because it's too late. Just ask the guys in Texas and Homosassa about their Tarpon fishing, or the guys in Islamorada about their bonefish fishing. How about Boca Grande? They're all struggling in reactive mode, with poor results so far.

Misc Belizean Sources

UB Solar Panel Handing Over Ceremony
Last week, the University of Belize had the handing over ceremony for the solar panel project. The project was funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency and cost ten million dollars. "In effect, solar power technology can allow Belize to move beyond the fossil fuel conundrum and open new avenues for creating opportunities for Belizeans. For the University of Belize, we welcome an opportunity to play a role in the development of an applied science tradition within the University that will prepare our students for the future and allow our faculty to pursue careers in the field of alternative energy technology. I would like to personally thank the Japan International Cooperation Agency for the resources and the opportunity that has been offeredto strengthen the role of the University as a source of knowledge production thatcan help to propel Belize in a new direction."

Belize Audubon Society Video
You can see a lot of St. Herman's Cave, including the tubing adventure there, and the Blue Hole National Park in this professionally done video from the Green Light Project. It also highlights Cockscomb Basin. The BAS manages those, and quite a few other parks around Belize. "Since its formation in 1969 the Belize Audubon Society (BAS) has been Belize's foremost environmental organization protecting Belize's precious natural resources while educating the public about their value and sustainable use. BAS has grown from an all-volunteer organization with 55 charter members to a Society of over 1,400 members and a staff of more than 40 dedicated professionals."

Benque HoC Poetry Competition
The Benque House of Culture is having a poetry competition for standard 4 through 4th form students. They have some great prizes for the winners. Submissions are due by September 17th. For the September Celebrations, the Benque HoC has "The Story of Resistance in Belize" exhibit, and it'll be there through the month. "In honor of our Father of our Nation, Belize comes the Tribute to Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, credits to much of his rich knowledge came from reading, often described as an avid reader of all kinds of books including philosophy, literature, poetry, and religion. Reflections of the life of Rt. Honorable George Price, express yourself through this creative writing opportunity, encourage the expressive arts."

Illustrations of Maya Structure in Xunantunich
Here's a site with some cool drawings of Mayan temples from around Cayo, Belize, and La Ruta Maya. "Steve Radzi, owner of Mayavision, is a renown illustrator of Mayan archaological sites throughout Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. He is located in Coral Springs, Florida."

Guacamole Recipe
My daughter Jada was the one who developed this recipe for guacamole. It's very simple and tasty at the same time. It can be served on sandwiches or eaten as a dip. In the style of The Bare Pantry, it uses very few ingredients and is easy to make.

Belize Mega Bingo Results For (5 September, 2012)
Straight Line 100.00 Each (7 Balls) 6 �1 �71 �39 �11 �49 �19� Y 125.00 Each (17 Balls) 6 �1 �71 �39 �11 �49 �19 �23 �13 �3 �29 �31 �25 �70 �62 �67 �22� Letter X 750.00 Each (22 Balls) 6 �1 �71 �39 �11 �49 �19 �23 �13 �3 �29 �31 �25 �70 �62 �67 �22 �73 �26 �52 �7 �74� Inside World 1000.00 Each (24 Balls) 6 �1 �71 �39 �11 �49 �19 �23 �13 �3 �29 �31 �25 �70 �62 �67 �22 �73 �26 �52 �7 �74 �17 �53�

Channel 7

Measuring The Cost Of Acute Gastroenteritis aka Diarrhea
You might not think about food borne illnesses or acute gastroenteritis too often - but according to health experts it exacts a costly toll annually - both in treatment and days lost to work. And if the term "food borne illness" or gastroenteritis have you scratching your head - we mean simply - that oh so unpleasant word - diarrhea. It's not dinnertime talk, but it is one of the major causes of illness and death worldwide. A recent study showed that at least 70% of diarrheal diseases are food borne. And now the ministry of health in collaboration with PAHO and the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) is launching the "Burden of Illness Study" - which will try to find out what causes diarrhea in Belize. CAREC's expert on this is Dr. Lisa Indar who told us what has been found so far in other Caribbean countries. Dr. Lisa Indar "We have conducted a study so far in 8 countries and the economic impact that we have seen is far greater than what we expected, for instance, a small country like Grenada where the population was about 60,000 we found that the economic impact range in the millions. Guyana, another small country where the population was very small, the economic impact were going in 40s-50s of millions. So it's quite expensive, we sometimes do not realize the cost of gastroenteritis because it's not one of those diseases that require so much attention when its occurring - you get a bot diarrhea and you go home and you just take a day off. But the thing is that there is a cost. There is a cost of medication; there is a cost of staying home and the fact that it is a very common illness as we have been seeing. The cost is actually greater the country."

From Arson to Infanticide? Baby Drama Turned Deadly
Last night we told you about the arson at Kevin Burgess's home in Ladyville. Eyewitnesses said that his ex - girlfriend and baby's mother had torched the home - as an act of jealousy. Well tonight the story is very different - and far more serious. The child that the couple shared is dead: the infant girl - named Kaylee - reportedly drowned in a bucket last night. Police say that the circumstances are very suspicious - so much so that the mother Deidra Trapp is now detained by police - being investigated both for the arson and for possibly causing the infant's death. It is drama turned deadly - in a very disturbing case - and we spoke to all the personalities in the story including Diedra Trapp who is being investigated for torching her boyfriend's home and possibly being involved in the death of her own child. The story is complicated, and overwhelmingly tragic - but it is also gripping. Monica Bodden has a very full report on all the accusations and counter accusations - as well as the mother of the dead child and lead suspect in the arson giving a stout defence of herself.

Another Shooting Near Lacroix Blvd
The area around La Croix Boulevard in Lake Independence witnessed another shooting last night at around 8:05 pm, A young man named Alex Ku was shot near his home on Williams Street - which is two blocks from La Croix. He was reportedly shot to the midsection and when we checked at the hospital today - he was being observed in the emergency room. Police have not released any details.

Budna Again? This Time Guats Say He's a Kidnapper!
Joseph Budna has built up quite a reputation for himself in Belize - always into some drama or caught up in some near death encounter. Well tonight he seems to have parlayed his talent for finding trouble over to Guatemala - where he's in the hospital after being shot by Guatemalan police - who have named him as the leader of a kidnapping ring. Here's what we've found out about the story behind this picture where Budna is in a hospital being interviewed by a scrum of media houses. According to a Guatemalan radio station called Emisores Unidas, the National Civil Police captured 37 year old Budna in the barrio La Ermita, San Benito, Peten. He is accused of being the ringleader of a gang of kidnappers operating in Belize Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. According to the police report, Budna was arrested after he was shot by police. Preliminary police investigations found that that quote, "the criminal group allegedly led by Budna was responsible for the kidnapping of three people, victims who had been brought to Honduras." End quote.

15 Days Later: What's the Decision On Willacey?
Principal of Belmopan Baptist High School Norman Willacey was suspended 15 days ago - while the charges against him were investigated. We've been trying to find out what the final decision is - and yesterday, a ministry spokesperson told us it is in the hands of the school management. So today we asked Ruperto Vicente - the President of the Baptist Association of Belize - and he told us it is in the hands of the Ministry. Here's his interview:.. Ruperto Vicente, President of the Baptist Association of Belize "Yesterday a decision has been made on Pastor Willacy as the principal of the school. That decision has been sent to the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education has advice that a press release no be sent until they have reviewed and made final decision on it." Jules Vasquez "You are unable at this time to disclose what the findings are?" Ruperto Vicente "I cannot disclose it because I do not have the details and that has not been sent to my office either." Reporter "You must have inkling of what's happening." Ruperto Vicente "I have information on what we've done at the Baptist Association's level. Certainly at the Baptist Association level what the investigation we did is - I must take my hat off for Pastor Willacy because he has cooperated with us and giving us all the information and he is not denying any of the allegations. He has agreed that the allegation is true and that he also own up to everything that was said and written on Facebook."

Pulu's Family Accused OF Trafficking Hashish
Tonight, family members of the well-known Clinton "Pulu" Lightburn are out on bail after the Gang Suppression Unit allegedly busted them with marijuana. According to the GSU, yesterday, they went and searched the residence of 32 year-old Tariq Lightburn, which is located at #5379 D Street in the Kings Park area. Lightburn was present at the time along with his mother, 53 year-old Laura Lightburn, and 27 year-old Shawn Hemmans. The GSU searched the entire house, and they found a ziplock bag which contained 84 grams of cannabis in the cabinet under the kitchen sink. The weed was in the form of hashish - which is a super-concentrated form of marijuana. As a result, all 3 people were charged with drug trafficking and they were arraigned before Magistrate Dale Cayetano today, where they all pleaded not guilty to the offence. They were granted bail of $5,000, which they were all able to meet. They are to appear back in court on October 25, 2012. In other related news, on Sunday, at around 1:30 p.m., a team of GSU officers conducted a search of an abandoned black GMC Pontiac Car in an unknown street in Hattieville.

Measuring The Cost Of Acute Gastroenteritis aka Diarrhea
You might not think about food borne illnesses or acute gastroenteritis too often - but according to health experts it exacts a costly toll annually - both in treatment and days lost to work. And if the term "food borne illness" or gastroenteritis have you scratching your head - we mean simply - that oh so unpleasant word - diarrhea. It's not dinnertime talk, but it is one of the major causes of illness and death worldwide. A recent study showed that at least 70% of diarrheal diseases are food borne. And now the ministry of health in collaboration with PAHO and the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) is launching the "Burden of Illness Study" - which will try to find out what causes diarrhea in Belize. CAREC's expert on this is Dr. Lisa Indar who told us what has been found so far in other Caribbean countries. Dr. Lisa Indar "We have conducted a study so far in 8 countries and the economic impact that we have seen is far greater than what we expected, for instance, a small country like Grenada where the population was about 60,000 we found that the economic impact range in the millions. Guyana, another small country where the population was very small, the economic impact were going in 40s-50s of millions. So it's quite expensive, we sometimes do not realize the cost of gastroenteritis because it's not one of those diseases that require so much attention when its occurring - you get a bot diarrhea and you go home and you just take a day off. But the thing is that there is a cost. There is a cost of medication; there is a cost of staying home and the fact that it is a very common illness as we have been seeing. The cost is actually greater the country."

New FFB Exec: From Strength to Strength
The Football Federation of Belize is moving from strength to strength after a new executive was swept into power in early March. Today, six months after taking over - the executive held a press conference to report its state of affairs to the media. President Ruperto Vicente says that they took over a Federation in financial and organizational shambles:.. Ruperto Vicente, President FFB "They were no programs for the football federation of Belize. There were no committees in place and there were no tournaments that were properly organized. There was no training for anyone involve in football. There was no equipment at the football federation of Belize. Football was being administrated by two individuals. There was no football calendar and there was no public confidence in the football federation of Belize." "As we move forward with all the challenges that we face there are now programs in place. We now have the grassroots programs where we seek to train young children to play football. As I have said to you a couple months ago that we are going to be investing in young children. We will start training young children to play football. We now have in place a referees program. We now have in place a coaches program. A female program and we are working talent schools in every football district in this country. There is now in place a strong relationship with the government of Belize - we've establish that and we want to maintain that relationship with the government and that we are going to keep."

Chuc Says Westline Willing to Compromise
Earlier this week you saw the Chairman of the Belize Bus Association Thomas Shaw complaining about Westline Bus and the road service permits that company alone has been allowed to pay for. Two of those runs - the 3:30 and 4:00 pm form Benque Viejo are highly sought after: right now the BBOC runs them - but Westline has now been awarded those runs - and has paid for the road service permits to secure them. Today we spoke to Chuc - he told us that he has met with the Bus Owners Association and told them he is willing to make a compromise by swapping some of his runs for theirs. But the terms of that compromise could not be hammered out - and he says it's because the BBOC wants to cherry pick the best runs - which won't work. Here's Chuc's side of the story:.. Sergio Chuc, Westline Bus "When I got back their response from Monday they said that they will tale the first 5 coming out from Belize City which are excellent runs they want to the 7:30 and including the 6:45, so they asked for 7 runs instead of 5 that they have right now. They say that coming back out of Benque they want an half an hour slot; they want 12:30, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00 and 2:30 runs and that is what broke down the deal - I said no, you can't cherry pick this thing. The transport department proposes these runs and you apply and I apply for it and that is the situation where we stand right now."

UB City Students Want Better Campus Conditions
If you passed by University Drive this evening, you probably experienced a slight delay in the movement of traffic in the evening rush hour. That was because a small contingent from the student body of the University of Belize was staging a peaceful demonstration. 7News stopped in to see what the excitement was about, and the president of the Belize City student government told us that the Administration isn't dealing with their concerns in a timely manner. Here's how she described it: Cordelia Belizaire, President - UB Student Government Belize City "We have been having some concerns over the past couple months in which we had follow up with administration but nothing was being accomplished so they weren't really doing anything and we are already almost a month in and nothing is being accomplished." Reporter "What are some of the problems?" Cordelia Belizaire "Some of the problems that we are currently having is that the pot holes for once, when entering the campus, there are a lot of holes and this causes problems and it damage people's vehicle. In addition when you walk you can hurt your foot. When it rains the campus is filled with a lot of water and mud."

PROFILE
Tonight's I am Belize Profile is about Andre Lisbey who grew up on Waterlane in Belize City. Lisbey was just like many of the Belize City young men who turned to street life as a form of rebellion. Here's how he explained that a death threat made him leave the streets, and took on the responsibility of a written contract to return back to school:

Soundfest Will Be Slamming
This year's September Celebrations season is starting to pick up momentum, and tomorrow night, there will be 2 musical concert venues for the public to choose from. This afternoon, the organizers for the Soundfest event dropped in to speak to us about tomorrow night's exciting line up of Belizean artists who will perform in the show. Here's what they told us: Tony Wright "Soundfest is happening tomorrow evening on the island Birds Isle at 9 o'clock. We have a massive lineup - one of the greatest lineup of artist we have. We want everybody to come out because this is one of the baddest show that we will have. One of the things is that we feel so good this year is because we have some young artists who are coming in like Jah and these guys came all the way from LA to be a part of soundfest." "We have an entire lineup; Melonie Gillett, Berne will be there, Youth Connection Band, Lucio and the new Generation, Love Vibrations and of course Radiance Thompson, she just won the father's day song competition - we are talking about top of the line artist that we will have on soundfest."

US "Premium" Actor IS OF Belizean Descent
Have you heard the name Wole Parks? You may have because this American Actor of Belizean lineage is doing things in Hollywood. Wole Parks is the American born son of Belizean Lillette Parks - who has retired here to Belize. Lillette Parks used to teach at St. Hilda's college before she migrated to the US. That's where Wole was born and he started out as a cast member on As the World Turns, a popular soap opera. He also played role don Law and Order and then acted in the films Taking Chance with Kevin Bacon and Ghost Town with Ricky Gervais. Well now he has a leading role in the hit film "Premium Rush" where he plays one of the bike Messengers at the center of the movie's plot.

BNE Gives Cayo Cops
Yesterday in San Ignacio the BNE Trust made a donation of household appliances to Cayo Police. Now, that doesn't sound like the kind of thing that Police would need - but, they do, because the officer commanding's residence is a most un-inviting place. So to encourage the officer to stay in Cayo and live amongst the community her serves, BNE chipped in with the contribution:.. David Henderson, Commissioner of Police "Many times they have been transfer and we do not have proper housing and again welfare is key, we cannot force somebody to stay if he is not comfortable." Chester Williams, Senior Superintendent "I confronted my friend Mr. August and I told him that probably the day he just could do a project for the police and assist in furnishing the officers' quarters even though I will not be here to enjoy it but I believe that the person who should come after me should be able to live comfortable while they serve the people of Cayo District."

Channel 5

Parents detention; Sudden Death of Baby
A two year old girl was found dead in a bucket of water late on Wednesday night in the Japan area of Ladyville. The toddler was found by her grandmother while the father was in detention for damaging the family's house and the mother had just been released by police. It is a tragic end [...]

UB students protest for change
Late this evening, a demonstration was held at the University of Belize campus on University Drive. The students are protesting the deplorable conditions of the campus and demanding better classrooms. As the protest got underway and the students gathered with placards in hand, they were informed that an agreement had been made between the administration [...]

The Budna chronicles: Joseph Budna detained in Guatemala
According to a late report in Nuestro Diario Norte, a Guatemalan newspaper a Belizean is in serious trouble in that country. He is thirty seven year old Joseph Budna, who is in police custody in San Benito, Peten. There are few details available but the reports are that there was a clash of some sort [...]

The History of Carnival in Belize Part 2
The origins of the Belizean carnival have been traced back to 1975 by Researcher Lawrence Vernon. The event is now firmly in the calendar of activities for the month of September; it didn't get there by sheer luck, in fact there were conflicting views on where the bacchanal would best fit because it was quickly [...]

Lightburns detained for suspected cannabis
The wife and son of well known basketball player, Clinton "Pulu" Lightburn, were arrested on Wednesday on charges of Drug Trafficking. Tariq and Laura Lightburn appeared before Magistrate Dale Cayetano today along with Shawn Hemmans to be arraigned. They all pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail of five thousand dollars. The [...]

Football Federation of Belize presents state of financial affairs
Ruperto Vicente took over as president of the Football Federation of Belize five months ago. This morning he presented a report card on the state of affairs of the organization. Vicente confirms that he inherited an organization that was financially broke but says he is putting the house in order. News Five's Isani Cayetano reports. [...]

Basketball Federation prepares for COCABA 16 and younger games
While the F.F.B. presented its five-month report card earlier today, the Belize Basketball Federation (B.B.F.) will be busy this weekend scouting new talent to represent the Jewel in the COCABA under-sixteen tournament being hosted by Honduras next month. The organization is inviting all athletes sixteen years and younger to audition for the national team which [...]

Restore Belize's Midnight Games to bring neighborhoods together
Midnight Basketball started in the 1990's. Not many social activities were taking place, so the concept was designed to keep young people socially active amongst various neighborhoods. And in this crime ridden era, when neighbors are now referred to as associates and neighborhoods called rivals, Restore Belize felt it was time to reintroduce the concept [...]

Survey says the burden of illness is Acute Gastroenteritis
A study was launched today; it is called Burden of Illness, and has to do with the safety of food for local consumption. The survey is also critical because as a tourist destination, hundreds of thousands of visitors sample the food that is cooked and served in restaurants, hotels and elsewhere. One of the most [...]

Frankie Reneau Master Classes Group of Students interested in Music
Frankie Reneau, renowned Belizean Pianist, has become a regular in the September Celebrations. Reneau, in his Masters Classes summer program, has been working with young Belizean talents to stage an annual concert. Joining Reneau will be some familiar faces from the local music scene including Tricia Gabourel and Jenny Lovell. The acclaimed composer spoke appeared [...]

Healthy Living looks at conditions associated with overloaded backpacks
Thousands of students across the country have returned to the classrooms to start the new academic school year. Aside from the spanking new uniforms, sneakers and lunchboxes, students are carrying backpacks overflowing with textbooks. While the backpacks may ease the heavy weight of books, it can also contribute to a change in the posture of [...]

LOVE FM

Belize Bureau of Standards Carries Out Investigation On Over Priced Fuel
On Tuesday of this week we reported on a complaint forwarded to the Bureau of Standards which stated that a gas station on the Northern Highway increase prices of fuel before the prices took effect and over charged a customer, who proved it with a receipt. This morning the Bureau...

Baptist School Board Met to Discuss Principal's Sexual Misconduct with Student
In mid August reports of the Principal of Baptist High School in the Belmopan area, Norman Willacey engaging in inappropriate behavior with a former student was in the headlines. The situation drew condemnation from various sectors of the population. On August 22 the Board ...

Thursday, September 6 ---------- Relationship Gone Sour: House is Burnt Down and Toddler Is Dead - Police Suspects Foul Play
Ladyville Police are investigating a bizarre twist of events that started with a suspected arson on Tuesday night and ended on Wednesday night with the sudden death of a toddler. Kaylee Burgess, a baby girl who would have celebrated her second birthday on Friday, was reportedly d...

Security Guard Acquitted of Firearm Charges
Thirty-three year old Oscar Aguilar, a security guard at the Roman Catholic Diocese, located on North Front Street, was acquitted of charges of kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license. Aguilar, a husband and father of three, was charged in connection with an incident which oc...

Teenager Escapes Detention After Being Sentenced to Four Years in Prison
Nineteen year old Said Pike, one of three persons charged with two counts of kept firearm and two counts of kept ammunition without a gun license, escaped from Court yesterday morning after Magistrate Roberto Ordonez found him and the others guilty of the charges and sentenced them to ...

CTV3

Basto And Son's Plantain Chips Wins International Award
Yesterday Citi Foundation, the Caribbean Microfinance Alliance, and the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) announced the winners of their 1st annual Citi Micro-entrepreneurship Awards for the Caribbean. The Awards recognizes a microfinance and micro-entrepreneur institution that has each demonstrated remarkable success in the Caribbean. Five finalists were chosen for each award and six experts on microfinance and micro-entrepreneurship in the region had the task of selecting the winners. Out of the five finalists selected for the Excellence in Micro-entrepreneurship Award, two were from the northern part of the Country, Basto & Sons Plantain Chips located in the Village of Guinea Grass and Cal's Bakery located in the Village of Trial Farm. At the end, experts named Basto and Son's Plantain Chips winner of the Excellence in Micro-entrepreneurship Award. Today we travelled to Guinea Grass to find out more about the family's business which was nominated by the La Inmaculada Credit Union.

National Service Day Not A Holiday
As Belizeans across the country prepare to celebrate the 31st Anniversary of our nation's sovereignty, it is also the first anniversary of the passing of the Father of the Nation the Right Honorable George Price. On September 19th of 2011, Mr. Price passed away from complications after suffering a fall in his house a week earlier. As Belize's Independence is celebrated so is the life of Belize's first Premiere. As part of the 2012 September Celebrations calendar of events, the National Celebrations Committee designated the 19th of September as "National Service Day" in honor of Right Honorable George Cadle Price. The day is an initiative of the George Price Centre for Peace and Development who is inviting everyone to take part in a day of community service. Schools, churches, businesses, NGO's, and Belizeans are encouraged to organize and carry out projects in memory of Mr. Price and in one way or another, continue what he stood for in serving all Belizeans. Although it is a day designated for community service, we must remind you that it is not a public and bank holiday. Everyone must still report to work as per usual.

Drilling For Black Gold In Blue Creek
Oil exploration is expected to commence soon in the community of Blue Creek in the Orange Walk District. Yesterday a huge oil rig arrived at the port of Belize and was transported in 60 containers to Blue Creek where drilling is expected to commence on the 1st of October. The drilling will be conducted by Big Creek Energy which has partnered with New World Oil and Gas in order to carry out the multi-million dollar project. According to Managing Director of Blue Creek Energy, Alistair King, seismic testing has already been conducted in the area and now its time to drill approximately eight thousand feet below the ground to find the oil field. Alistair King - Blue Creek Exploration "From the last time, RSM drilled 2 wells in the neighborhood, not in our licensed area, but next door to it, and both wells had oil in them. So, we know that oil is coming from Mexico and Guatemala. It's migrating down, and that's where the Spanish Lookout oil is coming from. So, we know that it's passing under there, but we have to make sure that we find a trap, and the only way we can find where it's trapped, is to drill. This area that we in, Northwest Belize, is totally virgin area when it comes to oil exploration. There's no seismic done there before. The seismic that we have done is the first seismic to be done in that area, so - and of course - we're not too far from the Giant Mexican Fields, the Shaan Field in Guatemala, which is now being declared a 300 million barrel field, and we know that oil is migrating, as I say. So, we just want to find the trap." So far Blue Creek Exploration and New World Oil and Gas have invested U.S$6 million in the project. Reports are that drilling will take place in five areas.

Bureau Of Standards Investigates Price Gouging
The price for a gallon of gas has seen seven different increases this year taking it pass the $13 mark. With the recent increases in the price of fuel, it would only seem logical that the next step would be an increase on the price of goods further diminishing the value of the dollar even more. This morning in a press release, the Belize Bureau of Standards brought to light several allegations made to the Supplies Control Unit of increases on the prices of controlled goods before the implementation date set by the Government of Belize. Reports made to the SCU by consumers indicate, that merchants, along with several distributors of price controlled goods including gasoline, diesel and kerosene, have increased the price of their products before the implementation date, thus making a quick buck at the expense of consumers. As a result of these allegations, the Belize Bureau of Standards informs merchants and fuel station operators that increasing the price on Controlled Goods before the implementation date is an offense under the Supplies Control Act Subsidiary Regulation for Price Controlled Goods. This offense carries a penalty of $1,000 as well as a charge of $200 per day for each day the infraction is committed with the possibility of six months imprisonment. Along with these fines, merchants can also have all of their good seized.

Will Fuel Prices Decrease?
And while the Belize Bureau of Standards is addressing complaints of increases in the prices of Controlled Goods, there is another news story to report tonight in the petroleum industry. On Saturday September 8th, the Miramis Ship, which is an oil tanker, will dock in Belize with the first shipment of fuel from Venezuela's national oil company Petroles de Venezuela, PDVSA. The arrival of the tanker is as a result of the Petrocaribe agreement made in June of 2005. The agreement allows for no middleman dealings, it's based solely on negotiations between state owned entities and the Venezuelan national oil company. With this new shipment of fuel coming from Venezuela, one would expect that the price of fuel would significantly reduce, that is because the gallon of gas in Venezuela sells for about ten US cents. Yes, you heard right ten US cents equivalent to twenty Belize cents. Sounds good right? But don't get too happy as yet because the price for a gallon of fuel will not change here Belize as Venezuela has to sell all Petrocaribe partners fuel at world prices so as not to undermine the price of their crude oil.

Residence Of Santa Martha Still Without Potable Water
Today makes it approximately 47 days that residents of Santa Martha in the Orange Walk District are without potable water. The situation has understandably become frustrating for villagers who say that nothing is being done to solve the problem. More than a month and a half ago pipes went dry after the village's water pump stopped working due to mechanical problems. Orange Walk East Area Representative Honorable Doctor Marco Tulio Mendez has met with representatives of the Rural Development Office to find a solution to the problem but to date assistance is hard to come by. Today we traveled to the village to get a first hand look at how residents are coping with the situation. By hand and on bicycles that's how residents of Santa Martha carry their buckets of water obtained from well's and in many cases the water reservoir located approximately one mile out of the village. For the past month and half pipes have been dry due to the fact that the water pump is broken down and has not been fixed by the village's water board or much less the Ministry of Rural Development. For the 1,200 residents of Santa Martha the situation is both frustrating and unacceptable.

LOVE TV

Police accused of abuses in Georgeville
Abuse of police authority and abuse is never far from earshot, and today, a woman has come forth to accuse one police officer of planting a bullet at her home during a raid last Thursday at the premises. According to Aldrina Pech, it happened in Georgeville Village, Cayo, while she was out. But while she was not around to personally point any finger, she is relying heavily on her six year -old son's word. To add to that allegation, Pech also accuses the officer of stealing money from her home. But while a complaint has been made at the Professional Standards Bureau within the Police Department and the matter is under investigation, Officer Commanding the San Ignacio Police Station, Senior Superintendent Chester Williams, told Love News that he does not buy Pech's story. The investigation is expected to be completed into this allegation by the end of next week.

Teen convict escapes and is recaptured
Nineteen year old Said Pike, one of three persons charged with two counts of kept firearm and two counts of kept ammunition without a gun license, escaped from Court around 9:45 this morning after Magistrate Roberto Ordonez found him and the others guilty of the charges and sentenced them to four years imprisonment. The prosecutor, corporal Noel Muschamp, pursued Pike, and with the help of other police officers, captured him shortly afterwards in the building that houses the Human Services Department, located on Regent Street. Pike pleaded guilty to escape when he was taken this afternoon to Court. He begged for leniency and Magistrate Adolph Lucas Jr. fined him $1,000.oo and gave him until November 30 to pay. If he defaults on payment he will serve 10 months. The others convicted along with Pike for the firearm and ammunition offences were 23 year old Kareem Heusner and 34 year old Marlon Budran. On November 24, 2010, the police searched a house, located on Regent Street and found two nine millimeter pistols in the bathroom. One pistol was in one rubber boot and the other pistol was in the other boot. One pistol contained 12 rounds of ammunition and the other had seven rounds. Pike, Budran, Heusner and Clifton Flores were present in the house at the time. Flores, however, was shot and killed before he was brought to trial. A fifth person, Budran's common-law wife, Bridget White, was also charged but the charges were dismissed fromm her because she was not at home at the time.

Security guard freed of firearm charges
Thirty-three year old Oscar Aguilar, a security guard at the Roman Catholic Diocese, located on North Front Street, was acquitted of charges of kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license today. Aguilar, a husband and father of three, was charged in connection with an incident which occurred between 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. on August 14, 2010. Detective Corporal Keith Clarke testified that he was in a vehicle driving on North Front Street and when he was passing by the entrance to the diocese he saw two Mestizo men and one of them had a black object resembling a firearm pointed in the air. Clarke said he reversed the vehicle and stopped in front of the men and when he searched Aguilar he found a .22 pistol and three rounds of ammunition in the right back pocket of his pants. Aguilar was charged but his companion, Camelo Choc, was released. Aguilar testified and said that Choc saw an object being thrown from a car and when he retrieved it he found that it was a pistol. Aguilar said Choc gave the pistol to him and he took out the bullets and put them in the pocket of his pants. He said he wanted to take the pistol and bullets to the police station but he could not leave his job and he was going to wait until his boss arrived. He said he was saved that trouble when he saw a vehicle coming and he recognized one of the occupants to be a police officer and so he waved the pistol in the air. Choc testified and corroborated Aguilar's testimony. In his summing up of the case Magistrate Roberto Ordonez said the Aguilar could not have had the firearm in the air to discharge it because the bullets were in the pocket of his pants. He also said that there was doubt that the firearm that Aguilar had was the same in the information and complaint because the description was different. Aguilar was represented by attorney Dickie Bradley. The prosecutor, Sergeant Clinton "System" Magdaleno, has given notice that he is going to appeal.

Crimes of dishonesty being investigated on opposite ends of the country
Corozal police are investigating a report of misappropriation of funds. Jareth Arnold, Director of the Free Zone Fuel Distribution Limited inside the Corozal Free Zone reported to Police that between January 4 and April 25 the office supervisor who was the temporary accountant, miscalculated monies. Arnold said he made a review of the company's finance and found that a total of 14 thousand 300 dollars was not accounted for. Police investigations continue. Two fisheries officers remain in police custody. According to Police reports on Tuesday they searched the home of a 26-year-old fisheries officer on the New Road area which resulted in the discovery of a brown back pack containing 11 thousand US dollars. Police conducted a search at a second fisheries officer's home, nothing illegal was found but both men were taken to the Police Station. Reports are that the men were transported to Belmopan and later to Belize City.

Escaped convict seeks refuge in Human Development Office
It was not business as usual at the Human Services Department on Regent Street in Belize City. A prisoner reportedly escaped from court and fled down Regent Street. He reportedly sought refuge in the Human Services Department with the Police in hot pursuit. We understand there were about twenty people in the office at the time of the incident. One of the persons we spoke to told us she was in the office when the man who appeared hurt and was dripping blood rushed inside the building. The man then reportedly ran into the office and scaled two of the walls before locking himself in one of the offices. The woman told us she was terrified as the pursuing officers were armed and the manner in which they conducted themselves. She added to make matters worse there was an unarmed female security officer at the department and there is only one way in an out the building since the exit door is not functional. Love News attempted to speak with the Director of Human Services Ava Pennil who while she declined an on camera interview confirmed that a man entered the office this morning. Pennil said she called the Police and they responded within a few minutes and removed him. We asked Pennil if the staff had expressed concern at the situation to which she responded that they will take measures to ensure that the staff is not at risk considering the nature of the their job is dealing with people in the most dire situations. She then referred us to CEO in the Ministry Judith Alpuche.

Parents in Teakettle are disgruntled
A group of parents gathered today in front of a school in TeaKettle village in the cayo District. Correspondent Fem Cruz has the story.

Rig arrives for oil exploration in northern Belize
The Clipper Concord Docked at the Port of Belize yesterday bringing with it the equipment necessary for a company to start exploring for black gold in the northern part of Belize. Reporter Natalie Novelo has the story.

BNE Charitable Trust donates to San Ignacio police
The BNE Charitable Trust today made a donation to the San Ignacio Police. Reporter Marion Ali was at the Event and brings us the details.

Farewell to Chester Williams � for now
Meanwhile, today was the last day on the job for Senior Superintendent, Chester Williams, who was placed in charge of the San Ignacio Police formation upon his summer break from legal studies in the Caribbean. His posting happened just before the murder of thirteen year old Jasmine Lowe and Williams has been the one keeping the peace in San Ignacio each time Lowe's accused killer, Bert Vasquez, was taken to court in front of huge crowds to face charges. Aside from the Lowe murder, however, statistics for the Cayo District have plummeted over the months and today Police Commissioner, David Henderson, told reporters that diligent police work and cooperative police officers contributed to that. But Commissioner Henderson says the police will now take a national focus to curb crime. As for the Corozal District, which has seen a number of murders occur over the past few months, Commissioner Henderson said that there will soon be some changes at the Corozal Police Formation.

Super Furia Band releases new song for September Celebrations
Super Furia, a band originating from the Orange Walk has released a new song just in time for September Celebrations. This afternoon they visited Love News to tell us all about the new song which already has an accompanying video. The founder of Super Furia, Francisco Alcoser told us more about the band. Roxana Alcoser is the lead singer in the band. She says that although she was born in a musical family, she has been singing professionally for ten years. She told Love News more about the song entitled "Long Live Belize. Roxana Alcoser says she hopes everyone is receptive to the upbeat song. The CD can be purchased at any music store and you can go on youtube to check out the new music video.

Belizean cultural foods on display at the Image Factory
Flavors of Belize exhibition. The month long flavours of Belize food exhibition is underway at the Image factory in Belize City. Special Correspondent, Janelle Chanona reports.

The Guardian

Drawing Parallels
I have always shunned from making comments on the politics and policies of other nations, especially with respect to the United States, but with the more than ample television exposure on American politics during the past two weeks, I now feel quite acquainted with Romney and Obama and about the diverging political and economic platforms they represent. I can also tell you that I am very well informed as to which polls favor each candidate for the November elections. With the newly attained knowledge above, I find it easy to draw parallels between the US and Belize, and the respective challenges both countries are confronted with. You see, our own Prime Minster recently faced a national poll on his 2008-2012 administration which, although he prevailed for another five-year term, turned out to be a close election. The same is being predicted in the US by several of their TV political talks shows: their November elections will be very close. The very issues which Prime Minister Barrow was confronted with on March seven were basically the same ones President Obama is being charged with: a weak economy, staggering debt and the lack of jobs. And while the great United States has suffered a single downgrade, our economic rating by Moody's, S&P, et al, has seen multiple slips and at this moment is at selective default. The US can support its debt over the long term but our small economy cannot sustain these huge payments too much longer, and so we need to restructure for our very survival. Another of the parallels that has emerged as to why the UDP Government is faced with this present challenge of burdensome debt and economic crisis is a scenario exactly reflected in several other economies: former governments did not exercise prudence in managing their resources and many financial ventures collapsed, which had a crippling effect on the job market. That's the official, polished version, since mine would sound this way: many people in positions of authority, in the public and private sector, got extremely greedy and decided to dishonestly help themselves to bundles of money the fast and easy way.

School Warden Murdered Inside her Home
Police are trying to solve the murder of a 41-year-old school warden. From all accounts, Dana Augustus was a beloved woman. Friends know her as a fun loving and "straight up" person. September was one of her favourite times of the year because she always looked forward to Carnival and other festivities. On Friday, August 31st, she participated in the Carnival motorcade with the Mother Nature senior group. Late that night, she decided to get dressed and head out to party with friends. Unfortunately, she didn't get a chance to do so. According to police report, at 12:10 a.m. while Augustus was at her home at #19 A Mayflower Street with her two daughters, someone called out her name. Shortly after, several gunshots were fired at the house. Augustus' two daughters managed to flee from harm's way. Augustus however, was struck by a bullet to the right side of her abdomen. Police responded quickly to the incident and rushed Augustus to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. She made it to the Hospital barely alive and succumbed to her injury minutes into an operation in which doctors were hoping to stabilize her. The cause of death was certified as vascular shock due to internal bleeding from a heart injury caused by a gunshot wound. Police have not announced any arrest in this murder investigation. They believe it is related to a shooting that occurred hours before in which Lucretia Myvett was sitting on the sidewalk at the corner of Vernon and Sibun Streets along with her mother and her sister. A gunman on bicycle fired several shots in their direction from the corner of Sibun Street. Myvett was hit to the center of the upper back. Police say that though neither women are in gangs, the shootings appear to be gang related.

Posted By: Marty Re: Today's Belize News: September 7, 2012 - 09/07/12 03:19 PM

Reported Belize City Shootings in the Past Week
Reports of as many as six shootings over the past week have reached us here at the Guardian. However, we can only confirm what has been made official via a police report. The Belize Police Department only records an incident in which there is a virtual complainant. Therefore, aside from the murder of Dana Augustus, three shootings were reported in Belize City over the past news week. At about 5:38 p.m. on Thursday, August 30th, a 14-year-old female student was around the dining table inside her Cumberbatch Street home having supper, when a stray bullet penetrated the wooden walls of the structure and struck her in the right lower back. Police responded to the scene quickly and rushed the minor to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where she was treated for her injuries and released the following day. Police have since detained three men in relation to the shooting. According to police reports, three male persons on separate bicycles were at the comer of Park Street and La Croix Boulevard. While at that location, one of them pulled out a gun and fired four shots in the direction of Kinsley Morrison and Kimberly Michael, who were in the area. The bullets missed their targets but one penetrated the minor's house on Cumberbatch Street causing the injury to the girl. Police investigations led to the arrest and charge of a 16-year old student of Belize City for the crimes of two counts of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, Dangerous Harm, the Use of Deadly means of Harm and Conspiracy to commit Murder. 18-year-old Adrian Alvarez of #88 Linda Vista Street was charged for the crime of Conspiracy to commit Murder and a 14-year-old male minor, student of Police Street, was charged for the crime of Conspiracy to Commit Murder.

Coast Guard retrieves Over 47 Killos of Cocaine from the Sea
The Anti Drugs Unit (ADU) of the Belize Police Department have confirmed that a package retrieved from sea in the Turneffe Atoll area by the Belize National Coast Guard contains cocaine. According to police reports, on Wednesday, August 29th, the Commander of the National Coast Guard reported that a unit was patrolling the Turneffe Atoll area when they found what appeared to be a bale of cocaine floating in the water. The unit retrieved the package and transported it to the National Headquarters in Belize City. At about 1:30 p.m., a team of ADU personnel and an officer from the National Forensic Unit visited the National Coast Guard compound. The bale was handed over to the forensic officer for testing. It contained thirty-five smaller parcels. Twenty-one of them were wrapped in red tape with the markings "PZ" on them, ten were wrapped in brown tape without any markings and four were wrapped in yellow tape without any markings. Each parcel was weighed individually and they totaled a weight of 47,480.5 grams or 104.675 pounds. According to police reports, presumptive testing was conducted on fifty percent of the bail which returned with positive results for cocaine. The drugs were then handed over to the ADU and now are in the process of being destroyed. Police have not said if anyone was in the area at the time of the discovery.

Another Murder in Corozal
22-year-old Humberto Gonzalez died on Tuesday morning after he was shot shortly after leaving a bar in Ranchito Village in the Corozal District. Police report that at around 12:10 on Tuesday morning, they found the body of Humberto Ivan Gonzalez at the Corozal Community Hospital. Gonzalez had gunshot wounds to the right side of the chest. Investigations revealed that at around 11:00 on Monday night, Martin Armstrong, a money changer of Crozal Town left the Palacio Dulce Bar in the company of Gonzalez. As he got into his red Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and left the establishment, he came under fire by two men who were waylaying him nearby. Armstrong managed to escape unhurt but Gonzalez was not as lucky. He was fatally injured and died shortly after the incident. Police are investigating the incident and are leaning towards the possibility that the shooting was drug related. There have been at least three other murders in the Corozal district in three months.

Family mobs Dangriga Police
According to police reports, four civilians were shot by Dangriga police officers on Thursday, August 30th. Three officers of the Dangriga Police Station reported that they responded to reports of an aggravated burglary in Steadfast Village at about 7:25 p.m. on Thursday. After conducting initial investigations into that incident, the officers left for the police station. On their way back they saw a black Toyota pick-up truck parked in the middle of the road near mile 15 on the Hummingbird Highway. As soon as the police vehicle approached, the truck sped off recklessly into a nearby road. Police pursued the truck until it stopped at the driver's home.

Rosalia Roxana Navas Bijil, 10, found hanging from Tree
The startling news that a jovial ten-year-old student had been found hanging from a tree, on Thursday, August 30th, in the village of San Lazaro, Orange Walk District, spread quickly.

New Oil Exploration to start in October
On Tuesday, September 4th, a massive oil rig landed in Belize to be set up in Northwestern Belize to commence the exploration of oil in that part of the country. Principals for Blue Creek and New World Petroleum exploration companies made the announcement on Wednesday, September 5th.

Belize bridges Regional Gap in Fisheries Industry
Hon. Alfred Gray (Bahamas), Hon. Lisel Alamilla (Belize) and Hon. Danilo Rosales, (Nicaragua) Young Belizeans may not truly appreciate the significance of a recent regional meeting held at the Belize Biltmore Plaza. However, for historians and freedom fighters, Belize hosting a meeting that brings together Ministers of Governments from the Caribbean and Central America is a vision long dreamed and finally seen. The geographic location of Belize alone calls on the country to take its place as powerhouse in the region. Being the only country that is a member of CARICOM and SICA, Belize provides the opportunity for true regional integration.

Channel 5 - Are you Serious?
The government is currently in the process of renegotiating the Superbond. And even as it does, it appears that there are those at home who would rather the Belizean people be saddled with this enormous debt which we simply cannot pay. Among those who it appears would rather the people pay and pay dearly for the Superbond is Channel 5.

Seventh Meeting of The Mexico-Belize Bi-national Commission
The seventh meeting of the Mexico-Belize Bi-national Commission was held on August 30-31 in Corozal, Belize. The meeting of the Bi-national Commission, the most important forum for bilateral dialogue and cooperation, was chaired by the Mexican Foreign Ministry's Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ambassador Norma Pensado, and the CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize, Alexis Rosado. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassadors of Mexico to Belize, Mario Velazquez, and of Belize to Mexico, Oliver del Cid. The Mexican delegation also included officials from the Ministries of Interior, Defense, Finance, Civil Service, Economy, Communications and Transportation, and Agriculture, as well as the Navy and the Attorney General's Office, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), the National Water Commission and the Government of the State of Quintana Roo. During the two-day meeting, meetings were held by the political and economic, trade and financial subcommittees. There was also a meeting to assess the 7th scientific and technical cooperation program, and a second meeting on cross-border transportation. Progress was made in strengthening the already close ties between the two countries during the meeting. The border between Mexico and Belize is clearly an example of good neighborliness as well as a place of opportunity and development.

National Service Day not a Holiday
The National Celebrations Committee informs the public that September 19th, 2012, which has been designated as National Service Day, is NOT a public and bank holiday. National Service Day is an initiative under the George Price Center for Peace and Development and serves only as an invitation to encourage schools, churches, organizations and Belizeans in general to engage in community service projects.

September Celebrations kick off on St. George's Caye
On Sunday, September 2nd, the Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young, led a large group of government officials, diplomats and patriotic citizens to St. George's Caye. 214 years prior, a group of Baymen, African slaves and free blacks resisted Spanish rule and defended their right to settle on the island. There are opposing views on the events of the 1798 Battle of Saint George's Caye. However, whatever one's views on the Battle are, every Belizean knows that if a settlement was not established on St. George's Caye, there would be no Belize today. That is why the National September Celebrations Commission now launches the September Celebrations every year from St. George's Caye. St. George's Caye is home to some 250 residents. The Chairman of the Community Council of St. George's Caye, John Searle, Jr., and the other residents of the island were very welcoming on Sunday. They know very well the historical significance that their home represents in Belize. Searle once again commended the celebrations commission for celebrating St. George's Caye in the right context. The settlement at St. George's Caye was the start of our journey to nationhood and today, it is where we begin our national celebrations. In 2009, Hon. Manuel Herredia Jr., Minister of Tourism and Culture, proclaimed St. George's Caye a Historical Site. The island's significance in our history has been diminished due to a seemingly organized campaign to dispute the facts of the 1798 Battle. Those who now make their way to St. George's Caye annually to kick off the celebrations believe not only in the Battle, but the message that the Battle implies. The Battle tells that a bunch of misfits, once united, can defeat an extremely powerful foe. That is the story that they want their children to learn in school, that 214 years ago, the settlement received word that an attack was imminent. A meeting was held to decide whether to abandon or defend the settlement. The votes cast resulted in a tie and they sent for free blacks from the Flowers Bank area to cast their votes. The Flowers Bank 14 voted unanimously to fight, not flee. That is why today Belize is free.

13 Bands Ready!! Are You for Carnival 2012?
Band members will gather in several different locations over the next few days to finish costumes and assign responsibilities for Carnival 2012. For one not familiar with Carnival preparation, a visit to one of those locations may cause an instant headache. Some seem extremely chaotic and disorganized. However, any band leader you ask would say without hesitation that they are right on schedule. There is little sleep for band members in the weeks leading up to Carnival and in the days leading up to the event, there is no sleep at all. That is what band leaders and members of the thirteen (13) Carnival groups are experiencing all these nights leading up to Saturday, September 8th.

Birth Registration: Did I Count?
Marlon, a jovial 16-year-old, smiles as he picks up his birth certificate after filing in his late registration form as he will now be "somebody". His name is his "trademark" as big and global as the soft drink that he is sipping. He feels that his identity is now in his hands and his nationality will no longer be questioned for he is a proud son of the soil, a Belizean! He is the first of six children who, today, will get their birth certificates. His mother had tried in other occasions to obtain their birth certificates but several factors had delayed the process. When Marlon found out that it was not only his siblings that were unregistered but that thousands of children were in his same situation, he decided to help out in the registration campaign to ensure that they, too, be counted.

Brighton Cordova, 10, traveled to Chetumal, Quintana Roo
On Wednesday, September 5th, Brighton Cordova, 10, traveled to Chetumal, Quintana Roo, for medical attention to help improve his present condition.

Belize Telemedia Ltd. Scholar Participates in the Student Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE)
Mr. Isaure Milian of Cayo District recently returned to Belize after participating in the 2012 Student Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE) at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in Barbados. Mr. Milian and nine other students from Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago participated in the four-week program under the sponsorship of regional organizations, including Belize Telemedia Ltd. Organized by the Caribbean Science Foundation and spearheaded by its Interim Director, Dr. Cardinal Warde, a Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a member of the Belize Science Advisory Council, SPISE is aimed at secondary school students who wish to pursue a career in science or engineering, and seeks to assist in broadening the economic base of the Caribbean region by encouraging and facilitating the study of science and engineering and promoting related entrepreneurship. Mr. Milian's placement was coordinated by the Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and Public Utilities. Program organizers selected Mr. Milian to attend the inaugural SPISE from among a number of applicants.

International Friends of Belize announces New Name
The non-profit organization International Friends of Belize proudly announces that it has changed its name to Full Basket Belize effective September 2012. The new name and identity better reflects the organization's goals and best attributes. The name Full Basket Belize derives from the Kriol proverb, "wan, wan, okra, ful baaskit" meaning that much can be accomplished ("the basket can be filled") when people cooperate, persevere, and work hard together. This non-profit group endeavors to "fill the basket" of Belizean communities with the help of generous donations from Belize and abroad. The organization's mission remains the same: to help improve the education, health, and environment of Belizean communities through educational scholarships and small project grants. Thus, Full Basket Belize will continue to offer secondary school scholarships to deserving students as well as small project grants in the areas of health, education, and the environment. At present, Full Basket Belize supports the education of 13 deserving students with BZ$1000 scholarships which pay for tuition, fees, books, and uniforms for the academic year 2012-13. They also sponsor annual grants worth BZ$2000 each to three different community groups throughout Belize. Over the past seven years, the organization has provided funding to every district in Belize and will continue to do so under the new name of Full Basket Belize. Please visit their website, www.fullbasketbelize.org, for more information about this organization.

National Garifuna Council holds Special General meeting
The National Garifuna Council, Belize City Branch hereby informs the public that a Special General Membership Meeting was held on Sunday September 2nd, 2012 at St. Martins De Porres Parish Hall, Belize City. Highlights of the meeting was the election of a new executive for the term 2012-2014: Elected were: President Francisco Zuniga 1st Vice President Michael Enriquez 2nd Vice President Winder Ellington Secretary Oscar Marcello, Jr. Assistant Secretary Agnes Morris Treasurer Neomi Guzman Assistant Treasurer Norman Augustine Councilors Matthew Martinez Mary Enriquez The Miss Garifuna Queen's Committee is also extending invitations to Young Belizean Women who are between the ages of 15 years and not older than 20 years to participate in this year's 2012 Miss Garifuna Belize City Pageant which will be held on Saturday October 27, 2012. For further information, on the Miss Garifuna Belize City Pageant, please feel free to contact Mrs. Neomi Guzman at 601-4914 or Mrs. Virgin Martinez at 607-1783.

Manatees in Peril in Ladyville
On August 15th, a large manatee was reported in a canal in Vista del Mar, described as being entangled in a net. The Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network Response Team, led by Jamal Galves and Nicole Auil Gomez, located the animal and determined that the long white line across the manatee's back was not a net, but a large boat engine wound.

SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS 2012: National Discourse
By Dr. Oliver Ottley, District Superintendent Emeritus, Church of the Nazarene Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12a). Quo vadis, Belize? Dear Fellow Belizeans, It's time once again to contemplate what we celebrate each September: A settlement which began in the early 1620s; A territorial victory on September 10, 1798; British colonial status in 1862; and our Independence from Britain on September 21, 1981 which settled Belize's sovereignty and territorial integrity: historically politically and internationally. This was the general understanding notwithstanding any prior unfulfilled agreement between Britain and Guatemala whose own independence from Spain was not until 1821. In recent times a few have been relegating the Battle of St. George's Caye to a myth. Many have likewise relegated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ to a myth. In each case the deniers insist that there is no proof. Refusal to accept written history, not to mention the reports of eye witnesses and "many infallible proofs," conceivably presupposes that there is an ulterior motive. With regards to the Battle of St. George's Caye, two pieces of definitions taken from different dictionaries should help those who may still be in a quandary: Oxford: A prolonged fight between large organized armed forces. Webster's: Engagement, action between opposing forces.

Placencia Assassins, Belize Defence Force and Verdes are early leaders in PLB Competition
The Premier League of Belize 2012-2013 Football Competition continued over the last week of play with a total of five games being played on Saturday September 1st and Sunday, September 2nd across the country. On Saturday, September 1st, 2012, at the Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo, Verdes FC edged the Police United Team by the score of 2-1 to hand it a second straight loss in the competition. The goal scorers for Verdes FC were Leobardo Mendez, who scored the 1st goal of the game in the 37th minute of play and Rodney Torres, who scored the 2nd goal of the game in the 62nd minute of play. Meanwhile, the only goal for the Police was scored by Evan Mariano in the 52nd minute of play. At the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, the visiting Placencia Assassins won its second game in as many outings when it blanked the home team Paradise/Freedom Fighters by the score of 1-0. Dalton Eiley scored the only goal of the game in the 28th minute of play to give the Placencia Assassins the big win. The competition then continued on Sunday, September 3rd, 2012, with three more games on the schedule. At the MCC Grounds here in Belize City, the host team San Pedro Seadogs and the visiting FC Belize played to a 0-0 draw. At the Louisiana Football Field, the Belmopan Bandits defeated Juventus by the score of 6-0. The goal scorers for the Belmopan Bandits were David Madrid in the 3rd and 5th minutes of play, David Trapp in the 50th minute of play and Ernest Wiltshire in the 69th, 79th and 80th minutes of play. Meanwhile out at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, the Belize Defence Force blanked FC San Felipe Barcelona by the score of 3-0. The goal scorers for the Belize Defence Force were Byron Usher in the 40th minute of play, Lisbey Castillo in the 61st minute of play, and Shane Flores in the 90th minute of play. With that win, the Belize Defence Force stays amongst the front runners in this year's competition.

Belize District Basketball Association Firms Competition opens
The 2012 Belize District Basketball Association Firms' Competition opened on Friday, August 31st, at the Bird's Isle in Belize City. This year's competition attracted 10 teams. The teams are Belize Water Services Ltd., Central Bank, Smart, BTL, Airport, Bowen & Bowen, Belize Electricity Ltd., Port of Belize, Belize Bank and Atlantic Bank. In the first game of the season, Belize Water Services Limited defeated Central Bank by the score of 51-37. The top scorers for Belize Water Services Ltd. were Lindburg Graham with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, and Lawrence Young with 7 points, 3 steals, 1 assist and 1 steal. For Central Bank, the top scorers were Wilfred Richards with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and Edward Baptist with 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. In game two, BTL won over Smart by the score 74-38. The top scorers for BTL were Devon Lozano with 16 points, and 2 steals and Jason Lamb with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal. For Smart, the top scorers were Kurt Budd with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal and Scott Young with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. In the third and final game of the evening, Airport won handily over Bowen & Bowen by the score of 64-34. The top scorers for Airport were Vince Lamb with 16 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists and 2 steals, and Elvin Gillett with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. The competition will continue on Thursday, September 6th, 2012, with two more games on the schedule. In game one at 7:00 pm, BEL will go up against Atlantic Bank, and in the second game it will be Belize Bank against Atlantic Bank.

Mirage Lady Rebels bombed Telemedia in first game of championship series
The Finals of the 2012 Belize City Female Softball Competition started on Friday, August 31st, between the National Softball Champions of Belize Telemedia and its nemesis Mirage Lady Rebels. The championship series will utilise the best of five series. In game one, Mirage Lady Rebels bombed the pitching of Telemedia's starter and loser Mary Flowers for 25 hits which scored a total of 17 runs. This was the highest scoring output against the Telemedia softball team in recent memory. By the time the dust had settled around home plate,Telemedia was on the short end of a 17-10 defeat. Mirage Lady Rebels batting in the top of the innings scored 2 runs in the 1st; 5 in the 2nd; 1 in the 3rd; 1 in the 4th; 4 in the 5th; 1 in the 6th and 3 in the 7th for the win. The Mirage Lady Rebels offence was keyed by run-producing doubles by third baseman Lisa Jones, left fielder Aludy Arthurs, and shortstop Sherette Vernon. Meanwhile, Telemedia batting in the bottom of the innings scored 2 in the 1st; 3 in the 2nd; 4 in the 4th; and 1 in the 5th. The winning pitcher was Lanisha Jones, who allowed 14 hits to the potent offence of the defending champions. The losing pitcher was Mary Flowers, who had relief help from Elaine Humes.

Athletics wins again in Vega Cup Tournament
The Vega Cup Tournament continued on Sunday, September 2nd, 2012, with four games on the schedule at the Trial Farm Football Field. In the first game played, San Antonio Jaguars blanked San Jose Survivors by the score of 3-0. The goal scorers for the San Antonio Jaguars were Gabriel Perez in the 14th minute, Gerardo Sosa in the 53rd minute of play and Wilber Teyul in the 85th minute of play. In game two, San Juan FC and Douglas Galaxy played to a 2-2 draw. The goal scorers for San Juan FC were Lorenzo Menjivar in the 23rd minute of play and Jair Blanco in the 80th minute of play. Meanwhile, the goal scorers for Douglas Galaxy were Marco Correa in the 17th minute of play and Kareem Torres in the 65th minute of play. In the third game of the afternoon, San Jose Pumas shut out Blackwater F.C. by the score of 3-0. The goal scorers for San Jose Pumas were Osmin Morales in the 29th minute of play; Ervin Patt in the 55th minute of play, and Leonel Gongora in the 69th minute of play. In the final game of the evening, Athletics F.C. doubled up against United Ballers by the score of 4-2. The goal scorers for Athletics F.C. were Earl Archer in the 24th minute of play, Osmi Medina in the 63rd minute of play, Norman Trapp in the 72nd minute of play and Farid Carlos in the 79th minute of play. For the United Ballers, the goals were scored by Jason Williams in the 65th minute of play and Aaron Allen in the 90th minute of play.

Orange Walk Mayor continues Destructive Path
There seems to be no end to the destructive nature of Orange Walk Mayor as he is back to his old deeds. In May of this year, The Guardian pointed out that the Orange Walk Town Council under the leadership of Mayor Kevin Bernard took to tearing down newly constructed stalls that were to have been used to accommodate market vendors in that municipality. At the time ,the public outcry was met with further disdain when a week after zinc from the stalls were taken down they were replaced with coconut leaves. Since that time, all had quieted down despite the fact that there is still no accounting of the sheets of new zinc which were taken off the roof of the structures. Even so, the memory of the destructive mayor's behavior is fading as the structure is now but a reminder of better days albeit that the roof of most of it is still missing. Well, no sooner had the town of Orange Walk resigned itself that it will have to live with the remains of the structure than Mayor Bernard was back at it again. Like a thief in the night, slowly he ordered work crews to once again pick at the market extension. We are not certain what has re-inspired the mayor to return to his old habits, maybe someone is in need of more zinc and the source of that has been identified as the stalls. No matter what the cause, earlier this week, work crews were back at it and now all the zinc has been removed and they have started to work on the supporting beams of the roof. Slowly but surely, the entire structures are being brought down.

Yadira Argueta is Queen of the Bay 2012
The 67th Queen of the Bay pageant was held at the Birds Isle on Saturday, September 1st. The Queen of the Bay title is the most prestigious of Belizean pageantry because it is synonymous with Belizean nationalism. According to local historians, it started back in 1946 when Guatemalan warships were seen in the harbour of Belizean waters. Public Meetings were held to discuss the threat and seek help from Great Britain. During those same meetings, the Loyal and Patriotic Order of the Bay (LPOB) was formed. Nothing developed from the Guatemalan threat but the LPOB had the desire to show Guatemala that we are different here on this settlement and we are a proud people. Therefore, the idea arose to start the Queen of the Bay Pageant. The first Queen of the Bay was Rita Lewis in 1946. There has been a Queen of the Bay Pageant every year for the last 66 years. The current Queen of the Bay is Amanda Taylor. She is as strong as the Mahogany Tree but as flexible and tough as a pine tree. She is sweet like the oranges and the sugar but as pure as the waters and she shines beauty from within. Taylor is a symbol of our freedom and she inspires patriotic love. The 67th Queen of the Bay, like all before her, must possess similar qualities to rule over the bay.

Carnival Kings and Queens set the stage for Road March
On Saturday, September 1st, residents of Belize City got into full September Celebrations gear as the Carnival King and Queen competition took place at the MCC grounds. A total of 34 kings and queens contested against one another for four hours for the right to be the overall winner. In the Junior queen competition, 5 bands submitted 8 competitors. Jump Street Posse presented Cinderella and Queen Agatha; Western Paradise presented Florecenta and Queen Aquaria; Black Pearl presented Tropical Queen; Sunshine Masqueraders presented Mayan Rain Goddess, and Pickstock Carnival Band presented Queen Fauni and Queen Florasol. At the end of the competition, Sunshine Masqueraders' Mayan Rain Goddess took home the first place. Second place went to Pickstock Carnival Band - Queen Fauna and the Third Place was captured by Western Paradise - Queen Florecenta. In the Junior King Category, there were 6 entrants by 4 bands. Jump Street Posse presented Prince Kent and Gus while Western Paradise presented King Crude and Mr. Electircity. Black Pearl, for its part, featured Prince of the Wild. Sunshine Masqueraders depicted Mayan Moon God while Pickstock Carnival band presented King Jungle-la. In that competition Jump Street Posse's King Kent took home the first place with the second place going to Jump Street Posse - King Gus; and third place to went to Sunshine Masqueraders - Mayan Moon God.

The Reporter

Boys 18, 16 and 14 yrs.charged with trying to kill teenage girl
Three boys, aged 18, 16 and 14 respectively have been arrested and charged with shooting at a teenage girl on LaCroix Boulevard in southside Belize City last Thursday evening.

GSU raid lands family in prison
Six persons were jointly charged and remanded to prison on Monday, after the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) found a handgun at their Raccoon Street Extension residence last Sunday.

Sunshine vitamin may help treat tuberculosis
Vitamin D could help the body fight infections of deadly tuberculosis, according to doctors in London. Nearly 1.5 million people are killed by the infection every year and there are concerns some cases are becoming untreatable. A study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed patients recovered more quickly when given both the vitamin and antibiotics. More tests will be needed before it could be given to patients routinely. The idea of using vitamin D to treat tuberculosis (TB) harks back to some of the earliest treatments for the lung infection. Before antibiotics were discovered, TB patients were prescribed "forced sunbathing", known as heliotherapy, which increased vitamin D production.

Sadie Vernon boys win 2 in CODICADER basketball
The boys of Sadie Vernon Technical High School, silver medallists at the 2011 CODICADER Games in El Salvador, enjoyed consecutive wins in basketball at the XVII Central American Junior Scholastic (CODICADER) Games hosted by Guatemala at the Quetzaltenango Sports Complex from August 26 to September 8. The Sadie Vernon Tech boys won 95-81 over Honduras on Wednesday September 4-5. Bryan White played big defence snagging the rebounds to score 31pts but Belize trailed 19-20 at the end of the first quarter. The Sadie Vernon boys took over the game in the second quarter as Roderick Williams rammed home a monster dunk tand scored 18pts and Douglas Valley added 17pts ato lead 44-41 at intermission.

Roger Troyer & Shalini Zabaneh win 2012 Lionman triathlon
Cycling enthusiasts Roger Troyer and Shalini Zabaneh won elite and female categories of the 23rd Lionman Triathlon held beside Sandlighters Promenade in Belize City on Sunday morning, September 2. Troyer clocked two hours 23 minutes and 46 seconds to win the 4200 first prize as well as a weekend stay at The Lodge at Chaa Creek , three cases of Guinness Stout, two cases of soft drinks from Bowen & Bowen Ltd, and a package of Seven Seas tablets from San Cas Ltd. Troyer's girlfriend Shalini Zabaneh was sixth overall in two hours 32 minutes and 25 seconds, good enough to win the $200 first prize in the women's category, plus three cases of Smirn off and two cases of soft drinks from Bowen & Bowen

EDITORIAL
Mr. Ghian Gandhi, Legal Adviser to the Ministry of Finance has pointed out that there are laws which already define the status of a "spouse", so that the new definition contained in the Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions Act should not be a cause for concern.

The government and the private sector
In the late 1980's, the collapse of the Soviet Union closed a significant chapter on a centuries old debate regarding how involved government should be. The Union, from 1920 up to its reform in 1980s, employed a central planning system in which the central authorities determined economic behaviour. The authorities had to manage an enormous amount of data, and attempted to properly analyze the data to produce truly comprehensive and integrated plans that address current and future problems. This, however, caused them to suffer from issues such as poor coordination, quantity-over-quality, shortfalls, lack of incentives and environmental degradation.

Toddler found dead; mother & father primary suspects
A seemingly straightforward case of suspected arson turned into something sinister, when a toddler was found dead in a bucket of water Wednesday night.

Bus owners say fares not fair
The Belizean Bus Association (BBA) told The Reporter Wednesday that the current fare of 8 cents per mile for the Western runs is no longer enough for bus owners to meet their operational costs, and it must be increased to at least 16 cents per mile.

Pickstock families upset over loss of standpipe. You never miss the water 'till the well runs dry!'
Many residents from the old Long Barracks off Lovely Lane, also known as the "Pink Jungle" have been expressing indignation over the decision of Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) to cut off their free water supply by closing down the solitary standpipe which serves the block. Residents of the area took to the air waves via the morning talk shows vigorously condemning the action, causing Belize Water Services Limited to send out a press release, dated September 5.

New definition of spouse causes uproar! Fr. Noel Leslie sounds the alarm in Senate
The definition of the word "spouse" within the Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions Bill has caused concern among the churches and the legal community.

Yadira Argueta wins 2012 Queen of the Bay
Yadira Argueta, Miss Stann Creek, is the Queen of the Bay designate, after winning the annual Queen of the Bay pageant, held at Bird's Isle on Saturday night, September 1. Yadira proved herself not only beautiful and gracious, but the most eloquent and talented of the 10 other candidates vying for the title. Yadira entertained the audience with a monologue about the cultural heritage of the Stann Creek district and impressed the judges with her grace and poise in the formal evening gown segment of the pageant, in which each contestant came on stage and curtsied before the outgoing queen Amanda Taylor. Yadira also won the Miss Eloquence award as she aced the question & answer segment. Queen of the West, Marcia Moody won the talent competition with a skit, in which she portrayed a mother of seven Belizean children, each by a different father, each from a different ethnic group in Belize, and Marcia wove in a verbal tapestry of Belize's multi-ethnic cultures, as she regaled the audience with the attributes of each of her children's fathers.

Superfoods for Women
Ever wonder if your diet is missing something? Add our expert-approved, eat-right picks to stay lean, healthy, and strong. The Cancer Fighter Don't let brussels sprouts' signature scent turn you off. "The smell is a compound called allyl isothiocyanate that causes precancerous cells to self-destruct," Jonny Bowden, PhD, author of 'The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth' says. "It's entirely possible that eating them every few weeks could help greatly reduce the incidence of colon cancer."

Mahogany Masqueraders & Mother Nature's Creations win Carnival Queen and King
Mahogany Masqueraders' Queen Ruby costume worn by Kimolyn Vernon and Mother naAcombo, worn by Leroy Green, won the Senior Carnival Queen and King competitions held by the Carnival Association, with support of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) at the MCC grounds on Saturday night, September 1. Queen Ruby won the $5,000 first prize from among 11 contestants from six senior bands. Soca Warriors' Alexis Palacio as Queen Ixchel won the $3,500 second prize, while Oceana's Soca Moca Queen Tia Dalma, portrayed by Suzette Marsden, won the $2,500 third prize.

Blogs

A literary lunch break
A literary lunch break 09/06/2012 2 Comments Today I had the opportunity to meet a fellow expat and blogger who lives on Caye Caulker for lunch in San Pedro. I'm not saying her name or including any photos of her as her employer doesn't know she lives in Belize. As long as she is still able to do her job effectively, I can't imagine they'd even care, but I completely respect her desire to keep her identity private. So mum's the word from me! She'd come to town to have her hair done at one of my favorite funky, dual-identity spots on the island, the Aquarius book shop and hair salon. I've exchanged books at Aquarius several times and always enjoy going in to see what I can find. I had several books to exchange, so while my friend sat in the stylist's chair, I had time to check all the shelves for juicy murder mysteries, one of my favorite genres and one of the easiest to find wherever I go. We decided to eat at Hemingway's on Middle Street, in keeping with the bookish theme. I don't know how this restaurant got its name, because it seems a bit unlikely for a locally owned spot. But local it is, and during slow season, I know how hard it can be for businesses to keep their doors open, so I like to give my business to places less frequented by tourists. I'd never eaten here before, but our friends Debra and Bill liked it, so I was looking forward to checking it out.

St. George's Caye, Part Three: The Resort and More Pictures of the Island
This is my third and my last post about my visit to St. George's Caye on Sunday afternoon. I described the history, the sailing regatta and the dignitaries a bit. I told you about Karly, one seriously awesome 11 year old running his own aquarium on the caye. Here are the remaining pictures that I took (and liked...there were 293 in all). Not to repeat myself but this island is TINY...only 9 permanent residents.. And there is only one hotel...St. George's Caye Resort. And the pcitures on their website don't do the island justice. But that's just my opinion. This is one seriously cool place to spend the day and just wander around. Let's start with some of the vacation houses on the island. Most are proper wooden summer houses and many have both seafront and lagoon views on the slim island. Lawns and picket fences... Some in need of a little TLC. Big grassy meadows leading up to the sea...you can totally picture vacationing here as a kid. In fact, the place we used to go in New Hampshire was strangely similar... Except for the food. There was some seriously top notch BBQing and picnicking going on. Is it a Belizean thing or do BBQers world wide wipe the grill down with an onion half once it gets hot? The sailing heats provided a very pretty back drop...(okay...another difference from the NH seaside)

International Sources

New regional fisheries collaboration between CRFM-OSPESCA solidified
Over 60 high-level delegates from 19 countries spanning the Central American and Caribbean regions concluded a milestone meeting in Belize on Tuesday evening with a comprehensive roadmap for collective action in tackling their biggest obstacles in fisheries and aquaculture. According to Milton Haughton, CRFM Executive Director, "the long term objective of the of the partnership between the CRFM and OPSESCA is to secure a brighter and more prosperous future for our fishing communities that rely on the marine resources for their livelihoods, and ensuring that the fish stocks are able, through prudent management, to make enhanced contribution to the social and economic development of our countries now and in the future." The event was the first joint meeting to bring together as many countries to discuss the plight of their shared marine resources and the uphill battle in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which knows no borders. One major outcome of the cross-regional meeting was the signing of the Belize Declaration on Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the Central America Fisheries and Aquaculture Organisation (Spanish acronym OSPESCA) Cooperation for Sustainable Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources. The CRFM and OSPESCA are the regional agents for the harmonisation of fisheries management and development efforts across 24 states. "We are delighted to partnership in ensuring that countries around the Caribbean and indeed the Central and South American region have seen the wisdom of getting together and pooling resources in order to protect what we consider to be a very important part of our countries' very existence," said V. Alfred Gray, chair of the CRFM's Ministerial Council, and Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government of the Bahamas.

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