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Posted By: Marty Today's Belize News: May 10, 2013 - 05/10/13 12:18 PM


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The San Pedro Sun

Finger Licking Fiestas: Lobster Fest 2013!
With the opening of Lobster season right around the corner (June 15th) Belize is gearing up once again to host its annual lobster fests. Lobster season in Belize marks the opening of much anticipated annual festivities that draws lobster lovers from near and far. With events taking place in Placencia, Caye Caulker and San Pedro, lobster junkies have not only one but THREE opportunities to indulge in the goodness of scrumptious local lobster dishes. Want to enjoy the fun island style? The event kicks off in the San Pedro from June 15th-23rd. Celebrating its 8th annual Lobster fest, the annual block party will take to the street on the 22nd. The Central Park will come alive as music and savory flavors fill the air creating the perfect atmosphere of rhythm and thrill as lobster critics go from booth to booth basking in the ambiance all attributed to good food. Chefs of the island take part in the event to showcase some of their finest lobster dished both new and created just for the event , or traditional recipe that never fail to satisfy even the pickiest eater.

Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Presents Grant to GOB
His Excellency Mr. David C. K. Wu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presented a cheque in the sum of US Dollars Five Million to the Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Belize on Thursday, May 9th. The cheque represents a Grant to Belize for the year 2013 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the period 2013 to 2016. The proceeds of the Grant are for the general benefit and well being of the people of Belize. In particular, Government of Belize will use the funds to cover local counterpart expenditures on key infrastructure projects, including the Belize City Southside Poverty Alleviation Project Phase II, the extension of the Southern Highway to Jalacte in the Toledo District, and for the new crossing of the Macal River in San Ignacio/Santa Elena. In accepting the Grant, Prime Minister Barrow said: "Ambassador, please convey to your Government the heartfelt thanks and appreciation of my Government and those of the people of Belize. This cooperation program will go a long way in assisting Belize in meeting its development goals".

Belize and Guatemala Agree on Next Steps in Negotiation Process
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Belize and Guatemala, Wilfred Elrington and Luis Fernando Carrera, met yesterday with the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Jos� Miguel Insulza, to analyze the situation of the process to submit their dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Both Ministers agreed on the firm will of their countries in maintaining the Special Agreement to submit the Guatemalan claim to the ICJ and, in that sense, they agreed that the Deputy Ministers should meet, within the framework of the High-level Working Group, and as soon as possible, to reinforce the confidence-building measures guiding this process. The Ministers also agreed that once progress is made in the process, they will meet again to set the date for the holding of the referenda.

Tuff E Nuff wins second game in a row in National Interoffice Basketball Tournament
Defending national Interoffice Basketball Champions, San Pedro's Tuff E Nuff Team has started on the right track, having won two straight games in the 2013 season. On Friday May 3rd, Tuff E Nuff were back at the Birds Isle in Belize City for their second game of the season. Their second game was against CYDP (Conscious Youth Development Programme) and by all accounts the game was an intense and close one. Throughout the match-up defending champs maintained command on the court, taking their second win in the 2013 season. Tuff E Nuff took a slim lead in the first quarter with a 22 to 19 score; and it set the precedence for the game. In all four quarters, Tuff E Nuff maintain thier lead over CYDP, with the largest leading coming in the second and fourth quarters, with seven points. CYDP, a power house in Belize City tied the game for a brief moment in the second and third quarters but Tuff E Nuff regained control of the game. By the end of the fourth quarter, Tuff E Nuff took the win with 86 points over the CYDP's 79 points. CYDP's Lerroy Louriano scored the most points in the game, a total of 27.

2013 Fly Fishing Film Tour presented by COSTA DEL MAR
On Saturday night, May 4th fishermen of San Pedro descended upon the Tres Pescados Fly Shop for the Fly Fishing Film Tour presented by Costa Del Mar. The night started with a presentation to local legend Mr. Carlos Marin. Because of his life-long contribution to the sport Tres Pescados Fly Fishing Film-12fishing community in San Pedro, Mr. Marin was presented with a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD by Alyssa Flota of El Pescador. Also in attendance were the cast & crew of the Buccaneer's & Bones TV series. Among the cast was former news anchor Tom Brokaw, musician Huey Lewis, angling legend Lefty Kreh and Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard.

Ambergris Today

Navigational hazard Notice as Dredging Starts for Sunset Boardwalk Project
The public and all mariners are hereby informed that dredging works has now commenced in the Laguna de San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, for the purpose of upgrading, filling, and reclamation for the San Pedro Sunset Boardwalk and Water Taxi Terminal: a Project development initiative under the Sustainable TourismProgram (STP). It is envisaged that this activity will continue through May and June 2013. The dredge and pipeline will remain in the area of operation after normal operating hours for the duration of the works. All mariners are hereby advised to travel with extreme caution on approach to and passage through the Laguna de San Pedro. All mariners are requested to regard all warnings and navigational aids which may be displayed by the operator and to remain well clear of all operations.

Costa del Mar Presents Second Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour
Following the success of the first film tour, fishermen of San Pedro descended upon the Tres Pescados Fly Shop for the second annual Fly Fishing Film Tour presented by COSTA DEL MAR on Saturday night, May 4, 2013. The night started with a presentation to local legend Mr. Carlos Marin. Because of his life-long contribution to the sport fishing community in San Pedro, Mr. Marin was presented with a Lifetime Acheivement Award by Alissa Flota of El Pescador. In attendance were the cast and crew of the Buccaneer's & Bones TV series; among the cast was former news anchor Tom Brokaw, musician Huey Lewis, angling legend Lefty Kreh and Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard.

Misc Belizean Sources

Village Council Elections Underway
Village Council Elections are held every four years in Belize. This year, the first round of the Village council elections for the Corozal District will begin on Sunday May 12th for Calcutta, Ranchito, San Joaquin, Carolina, San Pedro, Cristo Rey and Yo Chen. On Sunday May 19th, San Roman, Santa Clara, Louiseville, Consejo and Chan Chen. On Sunday May 26th, Sarteneja, Concepcion, San Victor, San Andres and San Antonio. On Sunday June 2nd Chunox, Progresso, San Narciso, Buena Vista, Copper Bank and Xaibe. On Sunday June 9th Libertad, Caledonia, Paraiso and Patchakan. Corozal has a total of 28 villages. The electoral division for the entire district is 24,086 registered voters. 12,504 of these voters are males and 12,434 are females. Females account close to 50% of Corozal's electoral votes. In canvassing some of the rural villages in Corozal the most important issues that stand out are jobs, land distribution, water and electricity access, education and more autonomy to the village councils.

The rights of Maya indigenous communities not guaranteed
Oil and logging activities are carried out in the district of Toledo by private companies without consultation of the Maya communities. In an appeal issued on May 6, 2013, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expressed serious concerns regarding the human rights situation of the Maya indigenous communities in the District of Toledo, in south Belize. According to the IACHR, the government of Belize have been giving away oil and logging concessions to multinational companies without consulting the communities prior to the extracting actions, which endangered the natural resources that are essential for the indigenous groups living there. In 2004, the Maya indigenous communities of the District of Toledo filed the petition case No. 12.053 before the Commission. The petitioners claimed that the State of Belize had violated the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man "in respect of lands traditionally used and occupied by the Maya people, by granting logging and oil concessions in and otherwise failing to adequately protect those lands, failing to recognize and secure the territorial rights of the Maya people in those lands, and failing to afford the Maya people judicial protection of their rights and interests in the lands due to delays in court proceedings instituted by them."

Beach-Town Life, Belize (from $55,000)
We'd finished dinner almost an hour earlier. But we were still in the restaurant. Our host was back after a few weeks away and it seemed the whole town wanted to catch up. Every time we tried to leave, somebody else dropped by to chat. Not that we were in any hurry to go. With the stars twinkling overhead and a cool breeze drifting off the ocean, we were happy to linger and enjoy the evening. In Placencia, Belize, the atmosphere is super-relaxed. Today, scattered around town, you'll come across boutique hotels, luxury developments, and upscale restaurants. But Placencia has kept its laid-back charm and small-town feel. Of course, the 16 miles of natural soft sand beach helps everyone to slow down. As does the lagoon fringed with mangroves, access to the Belize Barrier Reef and hundreds of little cayes offshore. Twenty dive sites�a Technicolor reef that's a giant private aquarium, stuffed with parrot fish, butterfly fish and blue tangs�a lagoon that's home to dolphins and manatees. This place is a water-lover's dream�

Calla Creek Outreach Video
Feelgood news of the day. 4 the World Belize has a short video showing the building of the basketball courts at Calla Creek primary school, which is the school they've decided to focus upon for their outreach. Looks like the kids are really enjoying the new court. Thanks, 4 the World!

Help Vitelio Gomez
Vitelio Gomez, a bright student currently on hiatus from SHJC, has lymphoma, and needs a bone marrow transplant. They've set up a site for donations. If you can help this promising student, please do. "Vitelio Gomez is a 22 year old college student at Sacred Heart University in Belize who had his studies interrupted with bouts of fever and night sweats. The doctors originally thought he had pneumonia, but after failing multiple treatments for this, he traveled to Mexico City and was found to have non-Hodgkin's lymphoma."

Regional Entrepreneurship Training Program
Do you have a great business idea, but don't know where to start? Or do you already have a new business (less than 3 years old) and want to see it expand? If you do, then you should apply for this funding. Please share this with others who have a talent that they can develop into a successful business. "Entrepreneurs, welcome to the application form for the EMPRENDE training program, leaded by BELTRAID and CENPROMYPE. For the application and selection process, you must understand the following points: Potential Entrepreneurs: People and teams with business ideas and motivation to undertake full time, but have not yet advanced to the stage of marketing their product or solution."

Youth Artist Award Nominations
The National Institute of Culture and History is accepting nominations for the Youth Artist Award. The winner will receive a $1000 grant to be used towards education. Nominees must be between 10 and 24, and be engaged in an artisitc discipline. NICH's Institute of Creative Arts is getting ready for the Festival of Arts.

Channel 7

Robbery At UB Dorm
Last night, the unthinkable happened at the University of Belize Central Campus in Belmopan: a group of bandits stormed into the dorm building, and robbed 9 students at gunpoint. Very fortunately, no one was hurt, but the school is reporting - quite understandably - that the students were traumatized. And right that they should be: sometime around 7:00, the six masked men, dressed in black, each of them armed with either a handgun or a shotgun went into the students individual rooms and forced them outside into the common area - the living room. That's where they were tied up and left for an hour, while the men thoroughly ransacked all the rooms. They stole laptops, cell phones, cash and other personal items totaling a considerable $41,108 dollars. The men collected the items, left the students tied up, and fled. After some time, at around 8:30, the students - sensing the threat was gone - finally got to call for help. A statement from UB says the students were Athletes on the Scholarship Program and international students from the English as a Second Language Program. Last night, University staff accompanied the students to file Police reports and they have also been offered counseling. UB additional measures have been implemented "to ensure students' physical and emotional well-being."

Greg Ch'oc Reported SATIIM Finance Officer
PG Police today confirmed that they are investigating the embezzlement of one hundred thousand dollars from SATIIM, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management. Police report that 45 year old Greg Ch'oc the Executive Director for SATIIM reported that between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 the former Administrator and Finance Officer forged, deposited and cashed several cheques belonging to SATIM amounting to over $100,000.00bcy. Choc has told us he strictly cannot comment because it is before the courts. And while police are saying the figure is one hundred thousand dollars, reliable sources tell us that the figure is above two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Which, in any organization, is a staggering amount to have been siphoned off in just 15 months. At this point, the former staffer has been questioned, but no charges have been brought.

Lord P. Goldsmith Speaks On Orozco Case
For the past 2 days, the Caleb Orozco's challenge to the Government of Belize has been extensively aired before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Queen's Counsels Christopher Hamel-Smith and Lord Peter Goldsmith made a total of about 11 hours of arguments in court as to why Section 53 of the Criminal Code is offensive and should be struck down. Well today, the Government of Belize was given a chance to respond, and Deputy Solicitor General Nigel Hawke defended the law before the court. The strength of his argument was on the central point that the rights Orozco is claiming do not exist in the Belize constitution. According to Hawke, nowhere in the written text of the constitution does it name a right to privacy, human dignity and sexual orientation. He submitted further that the court does not have the jurisdiction to imply, impute or impose these supposed rights into the constitution because it would be giving itself legislative powers, which violate the doctrine of the separation of powers. Hawk's presentation lasted 3 hours. And while that was today, yesterday Lord Peter Goldsmith represented his international clients yesterday. We asked him about his clients' interest in the outcome of this case, and about that prevailing perception that there's a foreign agenda at work. He told us that contrary to the widely held belief, he was not retained to press for the decriminalization of sodomy in Belize on behalf of wealthy international interests.

Hamel-Smith Recaps Orozco Case
While that was the position from Lord Peter Goldsmith this morning, late this evening, we were able to catch up once again with Christopher Hamel-Smith, Orozco's lead attorney. After hearing the arguments presented by the state and the Church we asked him to comment on the position that this matter is for the Belizean people and the Legislature to decide on. His response was that the Courts are the guardians and the interpreters of one of the best written constitutions in the Caribbean, which allows for an ideal challenge to the sodomy laws here. Christopher Hamel-Smith, QC - Attorney for Caleb Orozco "The constitution of Belize says expressly that it is the Supreme Law of this country and that any other law to the extent that is inconsistent with the constitution is void. The only person in the country that is allowed to decide whether it is contravening the constitution in the country is the courts; that is the job of the courts so that the judge has to answer the question. That doesn't mean the parliament cannot do its job but the courts are the guardians of the constitution, they have to interpret the constitution and they have to apply the constitution and I am sure they will do so; whichever party is right or wrong."

UNIBAM Boss's Home Burgled
But, while his attorney is optimistic about the case, Caleb Orozco is becoming increasingly rattled. He's reporting to police that someone vandalized and trespassed on his property yesterday. He told us this evening that 2 masked men entered his yard, a few days after someone sent a death threat against him to force the end of the case. Caleb Orozco - Challenging Belize's Criminal Code "Between 3 and 4 last night security arrangement were circling and they found some problems. Later on around 8:30 a.m while I was preparing to come to court they found the right side of my car door stripped. The upper part of the car door glass was broken - the back part of my car was open and later on I found out through a neighbor that the police had checked for a report that they were two masked guys that had jumped my iron gate to get into my yard while I was sleeping. I knew nothing of the men, I knew nothing of the police report until 8;30 this morning. I was asked to go make a formal report to the police station and I did that this morning and this has happened on top of a lot of Facebook threats. One person saying that this case could easily be dismissed if I die. It's things like that that have been accumulating over the past few weeks." Reporter "According to your own affidavit - your own accounts, you have lived a life under threat because of your homosexuality. Do you feel that recently in the last week or two, that these threats has gotten more serious and that your life is in danger at this point?"

Man Charged For Un-natural Crime Against Girl
Before the break, we showed you Day 3 of Caleb Orozco's challenge to Section 53 of the Criminal code which reads, "Every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years." Orozco says that the words, "any person or" should be declared unconstitutional because it violates his rights to sexual freedom. But, as we showed you yesterday, there are members of the church who believe that the law is good because it protects against male on male rape and child molestation. Well, we report tonight of a case which puts the importance of this law, as interpreted by its supporters, in the spotlight. 26 year-old Edwin Emmanuel Coye, a resident of Apollo Street in Belama, is at prison tonight after he was taken to court today for charges of carnal knowledge and an unnatural crime.

Belize and Guatemala Meet At OAS
The Foreign Ministers of Belize and Guatemala met with the OAS Secretary General yesterday in Washington. A release from the OAS says quote, "Both Ministers agreed on the firm will of their countries in maintaining the Special Agreement to submit the Guatemalan claim to the ICJ." Now, that special agreement stipulates October 6, 2013 for joint referendums, but the OAS release makes no mention of that date and simply says quote, "they agreed that the Deputy Ministers should meet�as soon as possible," and "once progress is made�they will meet again to set the date for the holding of the referenda." That seems to suggest that it's "ok" that the Guatemalans unilaterally bailed on the referendum process. A release from Belize's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says, quote, "The meeting proceeded in a constructive spirit, with both delegations reiterating the need to seek an early resolution to the age old dispute, despite the present obstacles to the holding of the referenda in October 2013." The release adds that "the meeting explored various ways of ensuring that the commitment to submit the dispute to the International Court of Justice, as contemplated in the Special Agreement, is maintained and acted upon in the shortest possible time." Again, no timeline, but the Belize release adds that the OAS has agreed to convene a subsequent Ministerial level meeting to confirm the way forward by June 2013.

Indians Caught In Western Belize
Tonight, eleven men from India are detained at the Belmopan police station after they were caught last night in the Billy White Area - which is in Western Cayo. Information is sketchy and police are mum, but 7news has learned that a round 8:00 pm, the Police Mobile Interdiction Team, acting on information received intercepted the 11 men walking on the road towards Duck Run. Information says that they were coming in illegally from Guatemala and had been trying to do so for days. Last night they made it across the Bullett Tree area - and that's where they were caught. But what will be the charges? No one could say today - and some suggest that though a human trafficking operation appears to be afoot, they could be charged with illegal entry and sent on their way. We'll keep monitoring the situation.

Prison Inmate Stabbed
There is confirmation tonight that a prison inmate was stabbed to the neck yesterday - while police was transporting a group of inmates back to the Hattieville Prison after a court date session. 18 year old Anthony Carballo Jr - who is on remand for murder - told family members from his hospital bed -that he was stabbed by an inmate from a rival gang who had been left unshackled by police. After he was stabbed, he alleged that he was tasered and then tear gas before he was taken to the hospital. Today in an interview with 7news, his aunt told us more about what happened. Voice of Anothon'y Aunt "Well apparently Anthony is in the Belize Central Prison on remand and he was brought down to Belize City for a case in the Magistrate's Court. Upon heading back he was taken by the Police Department - there were several of them in the police van being transported to the Belize Central Prison. Some of them were handcuffed not all of them were handcuffed and upon arriving close to the Prison one of the inmates that were not handcuffed approached him and started stabbing him with a metal object that we call 'bora'.

Yucatan, Mexico Wants Tourist Links In Belize
Belizeans are very familiar with the Mexican State of Quintana Roo - so many of us are regulars in the capital, Chetumal, and for Easter, who isn't down for a Cancun run? But, when we think of the state of Yucatan, we mostly think of Merida's hospitals' - and not much else. That's why a delegation from Yucatan's Ministry of Tourism is in Belize trying to bolster the image of their state as a touristic and as a shared gateway to the Maya world. Marketing Director Santiago Gonzalez explained. Santiago Gonzalez - Marketing Director - Ministry of Tourism Yucatan "Specifically we are trying to build a new relationship with Belize. We are trying to develop new roots and new products that combine Mexico and Belize and also to offer the people from Belize the things we have in Mexico that are attractive for people here. In Yucatan we have great infrastructure - the hospitals, malls, shopping centers for the restaurants that combine perfectly with the things you have here in Belize. I think the European markets and the people from North America don't see the borders between the countries, they don't see the difference between the Mayan world.

Dollar Diplomacy In Decline, But Taiwanese Still Sweet On Belize
Dollar Diplomacy may be in decline, but Taiwan always has a few dollars - or a few million - to scratch the Belizean government's itches. The Taiwanese today donated five million US Dollars to Prime Minister Dean Barrow. It is the 2013 Grant under the Bilateral Cooperation Program, which runs for the period 2013 to 2016. Taiwanese Ambassador David C. K. Wu, explained: H.E. David C. K. Wu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) " This is a grant from my government to be of some of help for the construction of your infrastructure and we are very honored and very pleased to do so because you know Taiwan and Belize - we are very coridal partners." A government release says the proceeds of the Grant are quote, "for the general benefit and well being of the people of Belize." The release adds that Government will use the funds to cover local counterpart expenditures on key infrastructure projects, including the Belize City Southside Poverty Alleviation Project Phase II, the extension of the Southern Highway to Jalacte in the Toledo District, and for the new crossing of the Macal River in San Ignacio/Santa Elena.

Woman Calls Out For Missing Son
13 year old San Ignacio Resident Scott Thompson has been missing for the past 12 days. He is a special needs child who is kept at home - and known to hitch-hike. He's gone wandering before but never for this long and today his mother came to us saying she is beside herself with worry. Elvira Thompson - Mother of Boy Missing Since April 27th "I am Scott's mother and I live in San Ignacio and I came up here for the public to help me look for my son who has been missing since April 27th and hasn't reached home since and I have not heard about him since" Dennis Ellis "Is this the first time he's been missing?" Elvira Thompson "No, this is not the first time but this is the first time it has ever been so long"

Ret'd Canadian Belizean Educators Want To Start School
And while that special needs child is in the wind, a pair of retired teachers want to make sure children with those kinds of needs have greater educational options. Dr. Lorna Bennett and Louisa Sanchez left Belize nearly five decades ago and migrated to Canada where they both became highly trained and specialized educators. They work with special needs children and that means kids who have difficulty learning, visual and perceptual difficulties, mild sensory deficits, language deficits, and social skills deficits. And now that they are in semi retirement, they want to bring their considerable skill set to help Belizean children. Yesterday, they told us a little bit about their grand plan. Dr. Lorna Bennett - Belizean-Canadian Educator "Now we have decided that we would like to address the needs in Belize of children that are having learning difficulties. We are calling it the Bennett Sanchez diagnostic teaching center because we are not just going to evaluate children but we hope to hire people to tutor those children based on programmes we set up for them after finding out what they're difficulties are." Jules Vasquez "Often times, perhaps too often, in school is a child is unable to learn - the child is just seen as 'duncey'."

GSU Says Man Threw Gun In Canal
25 year-old Berris Alexander Torres, a resident of Tibruce Street, is at prison tonight after he was taken to court today for firearm offences. According to the GSU, last night they were on patrol in the Saint Jude's area in Lake Independence, when they saw Torres on a bridge. Police say that when Torres recognized them, he allegedly threw an object into the canal. They detained him, and took him to the area they saw him dispose of the object, and the officers retrieved a .38 special revolver which had 5 live rounds of ammunition in its chamber. As a result, they charged him with keeping an unlicensed firearm, and keep unlicensed ammunition. He was arraigned today in Magistrate's Court, and he was remanded to prison until July 3, 2013.

"Public Service" And "Information" Do Go Together
Public Service Information - try going into any government department on an average day - and you might say that the word "information" should never be put next to the words "public service." To that end, a viewer sent us this depressing video from the vital statistics unit where one man is seen shuffling through a chaotic pile of pink papers while a restless crowd waits behind the desk. That's often the state of public service in real time, but not for the folks who are organizing the public information day show that's travelling across the country. It started in Belize today where government departments proudly put their services on display - we found out more: Anissa Perdomo - District Representative - Public Service Info Day "We have approximately 20 departments participating for Public Service information day and one of the things we wanted to highlight this year is showing the public the different services that we offered as public officers. Many times we go to different departments and we don't know the different services that they offer. This is a way of showcasing what services we offer. The public service has gone a long way and we have improved in a lot of services that we do so having things like this is just showing how we improve in the public service." Form here the exhibit travels to San Pedro tomorrow then Corozal and Belmopan.

PROFILE: Courtney Gillett
Tonight's profile is about Courtney Gillett. She's a young, visually impaired girl but she's full of life - and determination. She's taken on the Spelling B, and many more challenges. She tells us more in tonight's profile.

Deon Wants To Make A Difference
The Third World Social Club is a three week summer camp that has been around for 13 years. The grass roots camp is organized by football star Deon Flowers in the Lake Independence area and caters for over 250 underprivileged youths from across the city. But it is not easy keeping it going - according to Flowers it's him against the world in terms of sponsorship. To make the annual camp possible this year, he is hosting a 2 day bar-b-que sale next week and a football marathon fund raising drive. Here's how you can support. Deon Flowers - Third World Sports in Education "The camp is coming up and we're looking at what all we have, we want to do it on the correct date because we dont want to go through any hassle running back and forth while the camp is on. We want to get everything together so right now we are raising funds and next week Friday and Saturday we're having a bar-b-q sale to raise funds to reach a budget that we have. We are catering for 200 and add kids but the amount of kids that come we don't want to chase any of them away.

Channel 5

Masked gunmen storm UB dorm and tie up students
We'll have the court details of the Caleb Orozco case and a robbery at his house coming up, but first we go to the nation's capital where a terrifying robbery took place on Wednesday night. Fourteen students were attacked and robbed by armed men at the University of Belize, Belmopan Campus. The group of foreign [...]

Trafficking of Indian nationals through Belize
A bold attempt at smuggling eleven illegal immigrants through Belize, presumably en route to the United States, has resulted in several arrests, including the mechanic/driver of the British High Commission.� On Wednesday night, a detail of officers attached to the Mobile Interdiction Team nabbed a group of Indian nationals, who purportedly entered the country unlawfully [...]

UNIBAM's Orozco receives threats and his vehicle violated
The highly publicized case of Caleb Orozco versus the Attorney-General of Belize continued before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. This morning CJ Benjamin informed the Court that the claimant, Caleb Orozco, has been granted permission to be absent from the proceedings for some time. Shortly after, reports circulated that persons unknown had targeted Orozco's vehicle, and [...]

Objection in the Court! UNIBAM
Day three started much the same with the procession of attorneys for the claimant, the state and interested parties and observers from both sides of the legal battle heading into the court to take their seats. Today was set aside for arguments from the defendant and from the fourth to sixth interested parties, the churches. [...]

3 foreign entities in gay case
On Wednesday, Day two of the trial, Queen's Counsel Lord Peter Goldsmith made his submission to the Court. Goldsmith is representing the foreign interested parties in the case, namely the Human Dignity Trust, the International Commission of Jurists and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, renowned international legal bodies with a focus on human rights who have [...]

Foreign minister returns from meeting with Guatemalan at O.A.S.
As we reported on Wednesday, Belize and Guatemala have been meeting with the O.A.S. in Washington. Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington, along with a delegation of government officials, returned this morning, following a round of discussions with Guatemalan Foreign Affairs Minister Fernando Carrera and O.A.S. Secretary General Miguel Angel Insulza. The purpose of the meeting [...]

Former P.U.P. leader, John Brice�o joined attended meeting
Joining the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the visit to Washington was former Leader of the Opposition John Brice�o.� While the People's United Party has not presented a formal position on the matter of the joint referenda, Brice�o says that they have commenced a series of consultations among regional executives of the party.�   John [...]

Mexico and Belize sit to talk tourism opportunities
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize along with its Ministry of Tourism organized an excursion to the Jewel to forge a new relationship through multi-destination tourism. Many tourists and backpackers from Europe do not simply desire to see one country when they cross the ocean. That is why at a power breakfast at the Best [...]

GSU takes gun and marijuana off the streets
Just before midday today, the Gang Suppression Unit arrested fifty-two year old taxi driver, Valentine Ferguson. He was driving a Toyota car when he was intercepted by the Unit near the house of who is described as a reputed drug dealer on West Street. The vehicle sped away in the direction of Water Lane with [...]

Orange Walk Court finds man guilty of attempted murder of common-law
There were two guilty verdicts today in the Supreme Court sitting of the Northern District in Orange Walk Town. Justice Herbert Lord delivered his verdict in the case of Kenroy Foreman who stood trial by judge alone.� Foreman was tried for the attempted murder of his former common-law law back in April of 2009 in [...]

Murder case collapses as witness fails to appear in court
Twenty-three year old Belize City resident, Anthony Lewis, who was on trial for the December 2010 murder of eighteen year old Leon Ebanks, today walked from court a free man. The case concluded in a nolle prosequi when police could not locate the main witness to testify against him. Within twenty minutes of walking into [...]

Unnatural crime; man charged for sodomizing female minor
As the case of Caleb Orozco versus the Attorney General of Belize continued in the Supreme Court, in the lower court a man was arraigned for sodomizing a fourteen year old girl. Edwin Coye, a resident of Apollo Street of the Belama Phase four area of Belize City appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer [...]

In-depth, inside the classroom; 143 students with special needs take P.S.E.
For parents and families who have children with special needs, education begins early and at home. But the challenge is greater once they enroll in schools because few are equipped with the necessary tools. There are over one hundred and forty students in schools across the country who have special needs that range from autism [...]

Public service comes out to show its services
The Government of Belize is the largest employer in the nation. Services offered by government departments and ministries represent an important vein not only in the legal and justice system, but in health, agriculture and just about every industry in the country. And though International Public Service Day is a month away on June twenty-third, [...]

The Pallotti Campus Darling Pageant
The twenty-fifth annual Pallotti Campus Darling Pageant will be held at the Princess Hotel and Casino on Friday.� The yearly showcase of young beauty and talent has helped the high school tremendously in raising funds to improve the on-campus experience of students.� This year it is anticipated that the event will raise enough money to [...]

Runaway; have you seen this missing child?
But there is some disturbing news to report. Thirteen year old Scott Thompson, affected by a psychiatric disorder, has been missing from his home in San Ignacio Town since April twenty-seventh.� The teenager was last seen wearing a grey shirt with a blue dragon design, a pair of black jeans shorts and black slippers.� According [...]

A raw natural and balanced diet on Healthy Living
Every health related issue is linked to lifestyles; a healthy way of life includes exercise and a balanced diet. Some people are making the switch to all protein, less carbs, more wheat, juice diets, cabbage diets, detox diets and the list goes on and on. Tonight on Healthy Living we sit one-on-one with a certified [...]

LOVE FM

Day 3 Concludes In Orozco vs Attorney General On Homosexual Issue
There were quite some things to talk about as the case of Caleb Orozco versus the Attorney General of Belize entered its third day at the Supreme Court of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. As we reported yesterday, attorney for the interested parties, namely the Commonwealth Lawyer&rsquo...

Taiwan Gives Belize A Five Million Dollar Grant
Prime Minister Dean Barrow today received a five million dollar grant from Taiwan. The check was handed over by Taiwanese Ambassador David Wu. DAVID WU "Today I am very honoured I represent the Republic of China, Taiwan; I am handing over a cheque of five million US ...

Outstanding Results Released For ATLIB Examinations
Back in February hundreds of students sat the Mathematics and English ATLIB examinations and today the Association of Tertiary Level Institution in Belize released its list of outstanding students in both subjects. ATLIB congratulates and recognizes the dedication and effort of the out...

Tourism Endeavor Presented By Mexican Officials To Belize's Tourism Stakeholders
This morning the Ministry of Touristic Development of the State of Yucatan, SEFOTOUR, along with the Embassy of Mexico met with various stakeholders of the tourism industry in Belize at the Biltmore Hotel. The purpose of the meet and greet was to a new touristic endeavor entitled, &ldq...

Supreme Court Rules: Man Guilty of Attempting To Murder His Spouse and Another Guilty of Raping A Mentally Challenged Woman
In news from the Supreme Court, a man who had reportedly attempted to murder his former common-law was today found guilty. Justice Herbert Lord found Kenroy Foreman guilty of the April 2009 incident in which Foreman slit the woman's throat three times. The incident ha...

Belize's Foreign Minister Heads Delegation To Washington For Meeting With OAS and Guatemala
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington led a Belize delegation to Washington to meet with his Guatemalan counterpart and the OAS Security General Jose Miguel Insulza at the OAS headquarters earlier this week. The meeting was convened to discuss the next steps in the Belize Guate...

Belize City Resident Remanded On Firearm Charge
Twenty-five year old Berris Torres, an unemployed of Tibruce Street, was remanded into custody when he appeared in court and was charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license. Torres pled not guilty to the charges. He was remanded into custody until July 2. The i...

UB Students Robbed Inside Dorm
An armed robbery at a dorm at the University of Belize in Belmopan netted robbers over 40 thousand of cash and items. Correspondent Fem Cruz has more in this report. FEM CRUZ " Love news spoke to one of the UB student 19-year-old O. McKoy who said that on ...

Unemployed Man Remanded On Charges of Sodomy and Carnal Knowledge
Twenty-six year old Edwin Coye, an unemployed of Belama Phase 4, was charged with one count of an unnatural crime and two counts of unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl, 14 years and 4 months old, when he appeared in court today. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser explained to him that she...

Burglary Investigation Leads To Teenager Arrest
Eighteen year old Jonathan Gideon, an unemployed of Hemsley Street, was charged with burglary when he appeared in Court. Gideon pled not guilty to the charge. He was offered a bail of six thousand dollars and his case was adjourned until July 2. The burglary occurred around 12:10 p.m. ...

GSU Busts Mechanic After Uncovering Cannabis In Refrigerator
Twenty-three year old Victor Cima, an auto mechanic of Mckay Boulevard, was charged with drug trafficking for 573 point one grams of cannabis when he appeared in Court today. Cima pled not guilty to the charge. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser offered him a bail of eight thousand dollar...

Belize Man Acquitted Following Christmas Day Stabbing In Hattieville
Twenty-three year old Anthony Lewis, charged with the murder of Leon Ebanks, was freed of the charge today in the court of Justice John Gonzalez when a nolle prosequi, indicating that the prosecution does not wish to proceed, was entered by Crown Counsel Leroy Banner. Crown Counsel Ban...

PlusTV

UB Students attacked in dormitory by armed robbers
The spring semester is coming to an end, and students at the University of Belize are on their last lap of exams. This is usually a time when there is absolute quiet, as students are doing last minute prepping for their tests, but that calm was abruptly interrupted last...

Day three of the Challenge to Belize's Sodomy Law
Day three of the court hearing of Caleb Orozco's attempt to get rid of Belize's sodomy laws got on the way today. On the first two days, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin heard from Orosco's lawyers but today, lawyers for the Government of Belize and the church made their arguments....

Teacher detained as Police investigate unnatural crime
Yesterday we reported on another incident in San Ignacio where a minor was allegedly sodomized by his high school teacher. Police issued an official release today where it says that on Wednesday May 8th at 11:00am, a 14 year old Student of San Ignacio Town visited the San Ignacio...

Edwin Emmanuel Coye arraigned for carnal knowledge
In a present day use of section 53 of the criminal code, a man was arraigned in court this morning after being accused of sodomizing a 14-year-old girl. 26-year-old Edwin Emmanuel Coye, appeared unrepresented appeared before Senior Magistrate, Sharon Frazer this afternoon where he was read three indictable offenses,...

Belize and Guatemala deligations meet at OAS
The delegation of Belize led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington met yesterday May 8 with a Guatemalan delegation led by Foreign Minister Carrera and the OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza at OAS Headquarters. The meeting, held at the invitation of the OAS Secretary General, was convened ...

SATIIM funds reported stolen
SATIIM funds have been reported stolen. The executive Director for Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) of Punta Gorda Town reported that between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 a former Administrator and Finance Officer for the organization forged, deposited and cashed several cheques belonging to SATIIM....

Mayor of Dangriga tells Rise & Shine of Land Dispute
There is an issue of land controversy in Dangriga Town. This particular case started back in 2000, when a Dangriga resident purchased a small parcel of land, located near the main bridge in downtown Dangriga, which the town council says was set aside for public use. The purchaser of...

Taxi driver high-jacked in Corozal
A 64 year old taxi driver of Corozal reported that on the morning of Wednesday May 8 at around 7 pm, he was driving his car by the Corozal Town Bus Terminal when he was stopped by two Hispanic descent men. The men chartered the taxi to the border....

Convictions for attempted murder and rape in the Supreme Court in Orange Walk Town
The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions today reported convictions for attempted murder and rape in the Northern Session of the Supreme Court in Orange Walk Town. Justice Herbert Lord presided over both cases. Santiago Coc, indicted for rape, was convicted on the alternative charge of carnally knowing...

Yucatan Ministry of Tourism promotes its product
This morning, Belize's press was hosted by the Yucatan Ministry of Tourism on the occasion of a promotional effort of that Mexican state's tourism product. Southern Mexico and northern Central America including Belize are seen as the center of the Maya world and marketing director Santiago Gonzalez Abreu told...

Taiwan gives grant for Belize infrastructure
Today in Belmopan, His Excellency Mr. David C. K. Wu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), presented a cheque in the sum of five million US dollars to Prime Minister Dean Barrow. The cheque represents a Grant to Belize for the year 2013 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program...

Public Officers showcase their services
Leading up to Public Service Week in June, the officials who keep our country moving are showcasing their services to the general public in a series of public information day. The first was held today at the ITVET Compound in Belize City. With more here is Belize District representative...

Workshop for Municipal Development Planning held in Belmopan
The first of three national workshops on municipal development planning was held today at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in the city of Belmopan. The BMDP is a $30.0 million Government of Belize project being financed through the World Bank and implemented by the Social Investment...

Posted By: Marty Re: Today's Belize News: May 10, 2013 - 05/10/13 12:18 PM

More News: Scroll up from here

The Guardian

700 Students in Feeding Programs
Over 700 students from the south side of Belize City are benefitting from the Southside School Meals Program that was officially launched by Hon. Patrick Faber on Tuesday, May 7th. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has targeted 13 primary schools in the city to be part of this pilot program that they hope to roll out nationally in the near future. Those schools are Calvary Temple School, Friends Boys School, Grace Primary School, Living Hope Preparatory School, Muslim Community School, Queen Square Anglican School, Salvation Army, St Ignatius School, St. Luke's Methodist School, St. Martins Depores School, Unity Presbyterian School, Wesley Upper School and the Skills Training Center. The meals are prepared and packaged inside the "Satellite Kitchen" at the Magazine Road Skills Training Center and distributed to the different schools across the city. The Ministry works in collaboration with the Nutrition Department of the Ministry of Health to ensure that the meals provided to the students are nutritiously balanced. The students that are in the program also receive vitamins and dental services. Minister Faber said that it is a program he wanted to implement from day one because he has been extremely concerned about the large number of students, who attend schools regularly without having something to eat and those who choose not to attend school for that very reason. He said, "We are hoping that this program provides a strong foundation and good solid start so that our students can perform and develop because we understand the saying in creole 'empty krokus bag kyaant stan up'."

Courtenay fabricated Allegations against former British High Commissioner
A Royal Court of Justice judge has ruled that former Ambassador to Belize John Yapp is entitled to damages to compensate him for losses after the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the U.K. acted in breach of his contract and breached their duty and care to him when he was withdrawn from his position in Belize. The judgment was handed down by Justice Cranston on Friday, May 3rd. Yapp had been withdrawn from Belize in June of 2008 following allegations that he had touched the bottom of Eamon Courtenay's wife, Denise, at a function. Thereafter, an investigation of sexual misconduct and of bullying against his staff was conducted by the FCO. The Office was more concerned with the allegations of sexual impropriety which were deemed to be baseless. The investigation, which was conducted by Michael Gifford who is now the U.K Ambassador to North Korea, acquitted Yapp of sexual misconduct. Those accusations arose out of allegations made by Eamon Courtenay who claimed that Yapp had inappropriately touched his wife. Investigations on the matter proved that this was one of many allegations made by Courtenay against Yapp which were deemed to have been politically motivated

Bam Si Deh! 15 Attorneys for and against Section 53
The case of Caleb Orozco and interested parties versus the Attorney General and interested parties began on Monday, May 6th in the chambers of Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin. Even before the beginning of the case, it was billed to be filled with drama and excitement and two days into the arguments it has not disappointed, at least not from the theatrics that are accompanying the case. Religious organizations who are opposed to Orozco's position have held prayer vigils in Corozal and other parts of the country. In Belize City a sizeable one was held in front of the Supreme Court on Monday night and throughout the proceedings, some have gathered outside the courthouse to hold prayer meetings. Orozco is taking the Attorney General to court challenging the constitutionality of Section 53 of the Criminal Code. That section reads "every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years." Orozco, an openly gay man, says that the law violates his right to privacy, dignity and equality. He has retained the services of Senior Counsel Christopher Hamel Smith, Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson, Lisa Shoman and Westmin James a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, at UWI's Cave Hill campus. But Orozco is not alone in his bid; he is joined by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, the Human Dignity Trust and the International Commission of Jurists, who also have representation by Queen's Counsel Lord Peter Goldsmith and Godfrey Smith.

Minister Opens Education Showcase 2013
Minister Faber to honour Outstanding Teachers in Education Showcase The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports is holding Education Showcase 2013 under the theme "Working Together: Stakeholders Partnering to Enhance Education". Education Showcase 2013 is taking place from Sunday, May 5th, to Friday, May 17th, and a series of events will take place in the two week period which Minister Patrick Faber hopes will reinvigorate education stakeholders.

National Agriculture and Trade Show 2013 Held
Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Gaspar Vega shakes hands with Senior Farmer of the Year George Choj All roads led to the National and Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) Grounds on May 3rd, 4th and 5th as thousands of Belizeans converged for the sixty fifth ever Trade Show, with this one, as has long been tradition, being held near the Nation's Capital. To befit this Year's theme, "Stimulating Prosperity in Agriculture and Food Production through Renewed Public Private Partnership," the three days of activities was to highlight the work of the farming community, bringing together individuals, organizations and groups from across the Country.

Book Week celebrated in Cayo
Author Elodio Aragon with his book,'In the Flow of Eternity' BookWeek ended on April 27th in the Cayo District, after a three- day series of events for which the book industry had an opportunity to celebrate under the theme, "Books: Food For the mind". Under the stewardship of the Belize Book Industry Association (BBIA), it was an occasion to enjoy the gift of books and also to meet their authors directly.

Buena Vista Village selects Village council Slate
The in the Corozal Southwest division has selected their UDP slate for the upcoming village Council elections. They are: Daniel Chable for Chairman and Mariela Teck, Giovani Teck, Samuel Quinteros, Azucena Chan, Esther Olivarez, and Ernesto Chable for councilors. The Corozal Southwest now has UDP slates in all the villages of this division ready for Village Council Election Day.

Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis releases New Book - Commits Proceeds to Restore Belize
Hon. Patrick Faber, Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis and Sir Colville Young An anonymous source once said, "Poetry doesn't belong to those who write it, but to those who need it." Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis is in a league of her own in the class of poets for her generation and on Wednesday, May 8th, she released a pair of books that the country of Belize desperately needs right now, "Moments in Time Volume 1: A Collection of Poems, Short Stories and a Play" and "Moments in Time Volume 2: A Collection of Poems, Two Short Stories & a Play".

Ministry of Health receives Funding for Mental Health Project
The Ministry of Health Belize is pleased to be a sub-grantee on the project "Improving prevention and treatment systems based on primary health care for alcohol use problems in two Caribbean Countries - Guyana and Belize' funded by Grand Challenges Canada to the Grantee Ministry of Health, Guyana."

From Yalbac #1 to Mike Usher #1 - A Brief History of Exploration in Belize
Petroleum exploration began in Belize 1938 when Shell was given an exploratory license to conduct exploration work. The first exploration well, Yalbac #1, was drilled in 1956 in the Yalbac Area by Gulf Oil. Though dry or noncommercial, there were oil shows that indicated the possibility for the presence of a petroleum system. This sparked the interest of other major companies such Anschutz, Chevron, Texaco, Esso and Philips. As Majors, the aim was to explore for and successfully drill large structures targeting giant oil field (greater than 100 million barrels). This resulted in significant exploration work both onshore and offshore to identify drillable structures. With several structures identified, over 40 exploration wells were drilled by the end of the 1980's, and all were unsuccessful with no commercial discovery. Several wells had oil shows. Most of the seismic and wells shown in the figure below were acquired and drilled during this period. Naturally with no success, the majors would lose interest and leave. The wealth of the data that was acquired remained as the property of the Government of Belize. These data attracted the interest of smaller intermediate companies such as Petro Belize, Marathon, Eagle and Spartan. Companies like these saw smaller structures being as attractive. With new data and previously acquired data several more wells were drilled. By the late 1990's hundreds of square kilometers of aeromagnetic and gravity data, hundreds of geochemical samples and thousands of line kilometer of 2 dimensional seismic were acquired; and 50 exploration wells were drilled in both the offshore and onshore area. A commercial discovery was yet to be made. Like other frontier high risk areas in the world, un-success was attributed to poor data quality and limited knowledge of the geology.

7,900 Plus sit Math and Social Studies P.S.E.
Seven thousand, nine hundred and thirty-one students sat part two of the Primary School Examinations on Monday, May 6th. It consists of the mathematics and social studies papers. Students once again said that the mathematics exam was the hardest of all P.S.E. papers this year. The mathematics exam is divided into two parts. Part one is a multiple choice section consisting of 50 computation questions that requires relatively simple and quick calculations. Part two of the exam is problem solving. There are ten problems to solve in section two of the mathematics exam. Principal Examinations Officer, Yvonne Davis said they tried to use questions that are relative to the Belizean society. Questions based on the General Sales Tax, utility bills, higher purchase, etc. Last year, the worst scores were recorded in Mathematics exam once again. However, grades were the best they had been since 2004. The mean score for Mathematics was 54.38%, which was up from 47.16% in 2011. The mode grade was Adequate at D, which was again an improvement on the E (0-49%) from the previous year. The median was 53%. In 2011, the median was 45%. Educators hope for continued improvement in performance this year.

The Ambassador of the State of Qatar presents Credentials to Governor General
Today, the Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young was presented with credentials from the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Belize, His Excellency Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamid Al-Thani. In his presentation, the Sheikh conveyed greetings and best wishes for progress and prosperity to the Governor General and the people of Belize on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar; H.R.H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani,the Crown Prince of the State of Qatar, and H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar. The Sheikh further expressed the Emir's pride in the relations between Belize and Qatar, and his aspiration to build strong relations at all levels to serve the common interests of both countries. During his visit, the Ambassador met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow and also presented his credentials to Foreign Minister, Hon. Wilfred Elrington and CEO, H.E. Alexis Rosado.

Change of High Commissioner to Belize
Peter Hughes, OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to Belize in succession to Pat Ashworth, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Hughes will take up his appointment during August 2013. Hughes began his diplomatic career in 1985 as Desk Officer in Defence Department and has served overseas in Australia, the Caribbean, South Asia, Afghanistan and North East Asia. On his appointment as British High Commissioner to Belize, Hughes said "It is a great privilege to have been given this opportunity to represent the United Kingdom in Belize. I hope to build on the enduring friendship between our two countries, and look forward to working closely with the Government and people of Belize to support our shared objective of a secure and prosperous future."

PUP Standard Bearer's Son charged for beating up Female Teacher
31-year-old Police Corporal Darrell Usher appeared in the Belize City Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, May 8th, to answer to a charge of wounding upon a 29-year-old female teacher. The incident occurred two weeks ago, April 25th, at a repast in Hattieville Village. According to the woman, she was sitting at a repast for the late Mark McKoy, when Usher suddenly approached her and punched her in the face. According to the teacher, she was punched to the left temple, jaw area and kicked in the stomach. She said Usher acted out because he thought it was her that said something bad about him earlier that day. She said that he had been sending her threats via text prior to the attack. She had to seek medical attention at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where a doctor classified her injuries as wounding.

Fight in Cayo Leaves One Dead
A fight, which had erupted between two males on May 3rd, 2013 in San Ignacio Town has left one man dead. Shortly after 6:30 pm, a shirtless person with braided hair was observed motionless on the bank of the Macal River at the corner of Riverside t and Wayatt Streets or behind the spacious 'Pit Pan Bar' in San Ignacio Town. Closer inspection of the victim revealed that there was a stab wound on the left side of his neck and to the left shoulder. That body has since been identified to be that of 17-year-old Shaheem Slusher from Gales Point Manatee in the Stann Creek District. On that fateful night, the body of Slusher was rushed to the San Ignacio Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending doctor. Sources say that Shaheem was patronizing the Pit Pan Bar when he became involved in an argument with another male and it was outside the establishment where the stabbing occurred.

From Good Samaritan to charged for Attempted Murder
On Monday, May 6th, 34-year-old Edgar Elmer Frutos, an Angelus Press Technician and Belize City resident, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate's Court on charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. Frutos appeared before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith after he was accused of chopping Osmond Romero, on April 27th, 2013, in Belize City. He was remanded to prison until July 4th. Frutos is accused of chopping up Romero with a machete, causing injuries to the upper part of his body.

Abrupt End to Murder Trial
On Friday, May 3rd, the murder trial of 21-year-old Kirk Smith, Jr. came to an abrupt end at the Supreme Court. Smith, who was accused of the August 25th, 2010 murder of well-known Wesley College employee, Eyan Arnold aka "Trouble" came to a sudden halt in the courtroom of Justice Adolph Lucas just hours after the trial had commenced. The case was halted after two jurors, one of them, the foreman in the case told the court that they knew the father of the accused. The jurors told the court that because they knew the father of the accused, it would affect their judgment in the case. Upon hearing that Judge Lucas dismissed the 12 member jury and informed the accused that he would have to traverse his case to the next sitting of the Supreme Court so that the same panel of jurors are not selected again. The prosecutor in the case had already called 2 witnesses, they included a main witness, Antonio Pop, and the deceased's common-law wife, Carolyn Castillo who had identified the body to the police prior to the post-mortem examination.

7 Years for stealing Pan Crema Biscuits
On Wednesday, May 8th, 31-year-old Mark Faber, resident of Biscayne Village, was sentenced to 7 years for burglary and 6 months for handling stolen goods in relation to the burglary of a burrito shop, which is located near the Boom Road junction with the Phillip Goldson Highway. In court, police officers Elizar Cobb and Roman Cantun said that at about 11:55 p.m. on January 2nd they caught Faber pulling out his hands from inside the burrito shop owned by Guadalupe Torres. Apparently, Faber had pried open the wooden window of the shop in order to gain entry. The officers caught him in the act and conducted a search. During the search, the officers found 2 packs of Pan Crema biscuits inside his pants pocket and four empty chips bags on the ground next to him. As a result, he was arrested and charged for burglary and handling stolen goods. In court, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith found Faber guilty of the charges. This was his second conviction for burglary. Therefore, Smith sentenced him to 7 years imprisonment for the burglary conviction and 6 months for handling stolen goods.

Michael "Crazy" Arnold pleads guilty to rape
On Monday May 6th, Michael 'Crazy' Arnold told the court that he did not want to waste its time and pleaded guilty to a charge of rape he was facing. After his plea he chose not to call any witnesses for mitigation, he only asked the court to allow his sentence to run concurrently with a 10 year term he is currently serving. Arnold stood accused of raping a 29 year old woman on September 18, 2010. According to the woman, at about 10:00 p.m., that night, she was on her way to use the bathroom, which was down stairs of her apartment, when she was approached by Arnold who told her to come over to his room. The woman said she declined and told Arnold that at the time she was having her menstruation. Undeterred, Arnold pulled out a firearm and placed it at her head. He then ordered the woman to perform oral sex on him but she refused. He then grabbed her and pulled her into his bedroom. Whilst there, he put the firearm under his pillow. He then got a machete which he placed at the woman's neck telling her that with the machete it would be easier to use instead of the firearm which would make too much noise. The woman further reported that Arnold proceeded to take off her underwear at which time she begged him to use a condom which he agreed to do and then proceeded to rape her.

Paul Smith re-arraigned on Murder Charges
On Monday, May 6th, 18-year-old Paul Smith reappeared in Magistrate's Court where he was charged once again for the murder of 36-year-old Stevedore, Frank Neal. The teenager had originally been remanded to the Wagner's Facility as he was thought to be 17 years of age however; it turns out that he is actually 18 years old making him an adult. Smith was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate's Court before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith where the charge of murder was read to him as an adult. The indictable matter saw no plea taken from Smith who was unrepresented in court. He was then remanded to the Belize Central Prison and is due back in Court #1 on July 4th, 2013.

Eduardo Torres detained for Palm Island Murder
Police have detained a 40-year-old security guard in their investigation of John Paul Fernandez's murder which took place early Saturday morning, May 4th. According to police, Fernandez was seen socializing at Palm Island Bar with Eduardo Torres, security guard of Carnation Street in Belize City, when a single gunshot sound was heard. Fernandez was then seen lying motionless on the ground. Police arrived at the scene at 3:41 a.m. and transported Fernandez to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. From the scene police recovered a 9mm Glock pistol with a magazine containing 15 live rounds. An expended shell was also recovered from the scene. Torres has been detained by police and their investigation will determine what charge will be levied against him.

Fined $11,000 for molesting 6-year-old girl
On Tuesday, April 23rd, 38-year-old John Baptist Sr., a Belize City resident, who was accused of having sex with a 6-year-old child back in 2003, and also accused of sexually molesting her on three other occasions was found guilty of 2 of the four counts. On Friday, May 3rd after mitigation pleas, the 38-year-old convicted molester was set free after being fined a total of 11 thousand dollars. He was facing a maximum jail term of 4 years upon conviction at the Supreme Court. Nonetheless Justice Troadio Gonzalez, imposed two fines, a $5,000 fine which he was ordered to pay $1,000 by May 31st, 2013 and the balance in two payments by January 31st, 2014 or in default 1 year imprisonment.

Available Scholarships from Ariel Rosado Memorial Education Foundation
The Ariel Rosado Memorial Education Foundation is inviting applications for the following scholarships for academic year 2013 - 2014. The Foundation emphasizes that once applicants are accepted into a program the main criteria for consideration is financial need. High School Scholarships tenable at any recognized High School in the country of Belize covering the cost of all Fees, Tuition and Books for a maximum of 4 years: 1. The Joyce and Arthur Barrow Memorial Scholarship 2. The FULTEC Scholarship 3. The Dorin and Louis Humphreys Scholarship 4. The Joan and Said Musa Scholarship 5. The Rosaura and Erdulfo Nunez Scholarship 6. The Sharon and Chester Walker Scholarship University Scholarships tenable at Galen University covering the cost of Tuition for a maximum of 2 years: 1. The Ariel Rosado Academic Scholarship 2. The Saniyya Rosado Athletic Scholarship Primary School Sailing Scholarships: Interested Primary Schools are invited to apply for a Grant that covers the cost of 1 year membership fee and 25 sailing sessions with the Belize Sailing Association for 5 students attending any Primary School in Belize. Schools must provide adult supervision for students while participating in sailing sessions.

Belize's Miss India Belize Returns from Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia
Belizean born Ms. Janine Gilharry returns from Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia after participating in the twenty second (22nd) annual Ms. India Worldwide Pageant. The pageant which took place on April 27th, 2013 in that country focused on the promotion of Indian culture around the world and around the Diaspora of Indian heritage. In Belize, Janine Gilharry competed in the Ms. East Indian Belize 2013 pageant and placed first runner up. She was officially invited by the organizers of Ms. India Worldwide on the basis of her excellent Indian performing arts and pageantry and most importantly on her keen interest to learn more about her Indian heritage and culture. Ms. Gilharry was also given the title of Miss India Belize by the organization upon her officially becoming a candidate of the Miss India WorldWide 2013 pageant. Ms. East Indian Belize is a pageant organized annually by Corozal Organization of East Indian Culture and Heritage (COEICH). This year, five young ladies vied for the title. COEICH is principally focused on the revival of the East Indian culture in Corozal. The organization was organized on September 6, 2009. As a Participant in the Miss India Worldwide pageant, Ms. Janine Gilharry gained a wealth of experience. Upon speaking to Ms. Janine Gilharry she stated:

Byron Pope captures 8th Pablo Marin Cycling Classic
The 8th annual Pablo Marin Cycling Classic was held on Wednesday May 1st, 2013, in Corozal Town. The elite riders started from Miami Beach in Corozal Town to the Belize-Mexico border then onto Orange Walk Town around the Caribbean Tyres Round-about and the back to Miami Beach for a total distance of 86 miles. At the end of the journey, it was Byron Pope of Benny's Megabytes, who was the first rider to cross the finish line in a time of 3:33:29 to capture first place. The second rider to cross the finish line was Johnnie Quintal, who is unattached, and he was followed by Gregory Lovell of Telemedia, who finished third. He was followed by Allen Castillo of Benny's Megabytes who finished fourth and then Nissan Arana, who is unattached, finished fifth to round off the top five finishers. The other finishers in the elite competition were Juan Manuel Yapur, who is unattached; Mark Staine of Benny's Megabytes; Henry Moreria, unattached; Brandon Cattouse of C-Ray; and Peter Choto of Belikin Western Spirit.

Tuff "E" Nuff wins Second Game in Competition
The 2013 Interoffice Basketball League competition continued on Friday, May 3rd at the Bird's Isle. In the first game of the evening, Tuff "E" Nuff won its second game of this year's campaign when it defeated CYDP by the score of 86-79. The top scorers for Tuff "E" Nuff were Jamal Kelly with 25 points, 2 rebounds and 5 steals; Winston Pratt with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists; and Tyrone Edwards with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Meanwhile, the top scorers for CYDP were Leroy Louriano with 27 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals; and Bernard Felix with 25 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. In the second game, No Limits defeated Sir Belikin by the score of 87-78. The top scorers for No Limit were J. Leslie with 21 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals; and B. Rogers with 21 points, and 10 rebounds. For Sir Belikin, the top scorers were Steven Williams with 25 points, and 3 rebounds; and Ty Bradley with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 7 steals.

New Elections for the Formation of the Western Zone Cycling Association
The Legislative Council of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association met on Monday, May 6th, 2013, and decided that the Western Zone elections that were carried out in April are null and void. This means that a new election for the formation of the Western Zone Cycling Association must be held. The attorneys all agreed that the deadline for the registration of candidates for the election was March 10 and at the cut-off point only 63 persons were eligible to vote. The Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association informs the cycling community that the new elections will be held on Saturday May 11th, 2013, at the Belmopan Hotel and Conference Centre in Belmopan commencing at 2:00 pm.

Police United and FC Belize win in semi-final openers
The Semi-final round of the Premier League of Belize Football Competition opened up on Saturday May 4th, 2013, at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, where the home team Police United (number 3 seed) bested the Belize Defence Force (the number 2 seed) by the score of 3-1. The home team, Police United drew blood early when Amin August scored the first of 2 goals in the 4th minute of play to give his team an early 1-0 lead. However, the lead was short lived when the Belize Defence Force got on the scoreboard when Tyrone Pandy scored the equalizing goal in the 11th minute of play. At the end of the 1st half of the game, both teams have played to a 1-1 draw. It was well into the second half of the game, in fact it was actually in the closing minutes of the game, that the Police United squad was able to penetrate the defence of the BDF where they were able to score the go-ahead and winning goal which was scored by Amin August in the 90th minute of play and then the insurance goal by Trevor Lennon.

Holy Redeemer Girls and Ephesus SDA Boys are Belize City Primary Schools Basketball Champions
The 2012-2013 Belize City Primary Schools Basketball Championship concluded on Thursday, May 2nd, 2013 at the Bird's Isle in Belize City. In the girls' championship game, Holy Redeemer School defeated Belize Elementary School by the score of 13-12. The top scorer for Holy Redeemer School was Zaria Jenkins with 5 points while the top scorer for Belize Elementary School was Chelsea Williams with 9 points. In the boys' championship game, Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist defeated St. Martin De Porres School by the score of 28-27. The top scorer for Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist was Delbert Sabal with 10 points and the top scorer for St. Martin De Porres School was Deon Edwards with 8 points. Holy Redeemer School girls and Belize Elementary School girls along with Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist boys and St. Martin De Porres boys will represent Belize City at the Belize District Primary Schools Basketball championships.

Football Federation of Belize hosting UNCAF training
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB), in conjunction with UNCAF, is hosting the 2013 seminar entitled "Refereeing for Growing Young Officials (Arbitral Jovenes En Proyeccion). The seminar will be held from May 7th-9th at the FFB Headquarters in Belmopan. The training seminar will have the participation of coaches from Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Panama, Costa Rica, and Honduras. The instructors for the training are Victor Estrada, Carlos Batres and Francisco Ramirez.

Blogs

Homestyle cooking a great price and whats new around town
What a busy day, it started with a sunrise drive with Dick at 5:00am and then we split up for a couple of hours and regrouped for an errand run to town. While there we hit 3 banks paid a parking ticket checked 4 stores for a camera to computer chord and stopped off at BEL on behalf health and safety committee for the San Pedro Red Cross to make sure they knew about the power pole that had been run across from the Belize Medical School. It is hazardous looking especially since that road is now highly trafficed due to it being a detour because they are still fixing the road after broken water main on coconut drive. All that running around made us hungry so I suggested we check out what the days lunch was at Denny's Donuts and Truck stop. It turned out to be chicken fried Steak so I decided to treat Dick , Paul, and Cowboy Doug to lunch. Dick and I grabbed a glazed doughnut and I paid for lunches and told the girls we would be back to eat ours at noon when they opened and that Cowboy and Paul would work out when they wanted to get theirs. It was delicious Dulce Wolfe is a great cook and at $10 a meal you cannot go wrong for a delicious home cooked lunch.

Jello Cheese Cake
Jello Cheese Cake is a very simple delicious dessert to make. No baking required, just chill and serve.

"With a Little Help from My Friends" in Ambergris Caye, Belize
With the choice of tiles for our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize completed Rose and I focused on the stuff that needs to be done for the importation of our golf cart. First off was to get the Application Form 'signed off' and stamped by a doctor. This was very easily achieved with a visit in the morning to Doctor Miguel Allison in Trigger Fish Street (don't you just love the street names) with a cost of BZ$ 30 per 'Form. After lunch Rose and I made a visit to Gekko Graphics in Buccaneer Street to get photocopies of my UK driving license and "QRP" I.D card. With the paperwork complete it was straight around the corner to the San Pedro Town Council offices in Barrier Reef Drive. After a short wait in the Transport Department queue the Application Form was stamped for me to go pay the BZ$ 60 fee and then get my photograph taken and be issued with my Belize drivers license. The whole thing only took twenty minutes. And whilst I was getting my license Rose paid this year's property tax! Feeling quite pleased with ourselves Rose and I went up to see what was going on at our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize and to meet Carolyn and Robert (who live on the island and who we have become acquainted with through this blog) to let them have a look at our ever evolving house.

Missing - Cara Pastor
On Tuesday May 7th 2013 at 5:04pm,Herman George Pastor Jr, of #19 Rose Wood Street, Santiago Juan layout Area, San Ignacio Town, Cayo District, reported that on May 3rd 2013, between the hours of 9:00pm and 10:45pm, his daughter Cara Pastor, 16, a student, ran away from home and is suspected to be in the company of a male person of SIEGNE BIGHT VILLAGE, Stann Creek District. She is 5'5″ in height, slim athletic built, have a "mohawk" haircut, dark complexion and of Creole decent. Police are seeking Darnell Majore whom they believe can assist in the investigation.

Mennonite Gurls A'ken Cook: Crunchy Bakd Chicke Tenders
1 1/2 pounds chicke tenders (chicke brees strips) 1 cup buttarmilk 1/2 teespoon crushed red chili peppr 1/2 teespoon garlic salt 1 1/2 cups panko breed crumbs 1 cup grated parmesun cheez 1/2 teespoon salt 1/4 teespoon cayenne peppr 1/8 teespoon black peppr Mix buttarmilk, crushed peppers and garlic salt togethr n' a shalloe dish (like a pie plate) and add chicke tenders�turnin pieces t'coat. Covr and set aside t'marinade fer one hour er overniite.

The May 12th, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

  • Record-Breaking Turnout ! 42,000 Attend Agriculture & Trade Show:
    What you put in is what you get out. It's an old saying that's as true as it is trite. Perhaps more appropriate in this instance (since Agriculture is at the center of the event in question) is the good old Bible version, which goes: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7). Never before has so much been invested in Belize's Annual National Agriculture and Trade Show; and just as surely, never before have the rewards been as great. Ticket sales for last weekend's Agriculture and Trade Show indicate that a record-breaking 42,000 persons visited the show grounds over the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, 2013. And receipts from the event were over $200 Thousand which, as noted by Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega, is about double what the best performance of the show was in any previous year. It did not happen automatically; far from it. This record turnout and performance last weekend was the culmination of the first phase of an arduous and ambitious undertaking to upgrade the National Agriculture and Trade Show Grounds at the entrance of the Capital City, Belmopan, and better organize and promote the event itself which occurs annually. It's an initiative that is being led by Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Gaspar Vega; his Chief Executive Officer in that Ministry, Jose Alpuche; and Chief Agriculture Officer, Eugene Waight, with the full participation of the entire staff in the Ministry.
  • New British High Commissioner to Belize:
    News has been received of the appointment of a new British High Commissioner unto Belize. He is H.E. Peter Hughes and his appointment will take effect in August of this year, 2013. Mr. Hughes is described as a British Diplomat with extensive experience, having served as Ambassador in a wide cross-section of countries and regions. including the Caribbean, Australia, Afghanistan, South Asia and North East Asia. Speaking of his new appointment to Belize, Mr. Hughes commented: "It is a great privilege to have been given this opportunity to represent the United Kingdom in Belize. I hope to build on the enduring friendship between our two countries, and look forward to working closely with the Government and people of Belize to support our shared objective of a secure and prosperous future."
  • Small Nation - Great Things!:
    Whatever the story is, statistics often tell no more than half of it. Indeed, the official figures show that the Belize Economy is doing well, especially when viewed in comparison to other economies in the region and the world. That is, of course, only half the story. The other half is being graphically told by the economic activity we see around the Country. One of the many episodes in the compelling account of a rebounding and advancing Belizean Economy features a private-sector project officially launched just two weeks ago in the Belmopan area, as documented elsewhere in this edition. It's called Egoli Estate modern, high-standard residential project with strong backing from the commercial banking community. It is, among so many other visible signs, a clear indication that there is great confidence in the Belize Economy.
  • Ambassador of Qatar Presents Credentials: Meets Governor General Sir Colville and Prime Minister Barrow:
    Today, the Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young was presented with credentials from the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Belize, His Excellency Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamid Al-Thani. In his presentation, Qatar is a small country that resides on the western side of the Arabian Gulf as part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a member of the GCC countries which contains several other gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The majority of people in Qatar are Muslims, and the citizens speak Arabic, although English is a very widespread language there, because of the huge number of employees from Europe and North America. The Qatari people are very friendthe Sheikh conveyed greetings and best wishes for progress and prosperity to the Governor General and the people of Belize on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar; H.R.H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani,the Crown Prince of the State of Qatar, and H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar. The Sheikh further expressed the Emir's pride in the relations between Belize and Qatar, and his aspiration to build strong relations at all levels to serve the common interests of both countries.
  • Some Quick Facts About Qatar:
    Qatar is a small country that resides on the western side of the Arabian Gulf as part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a member of the GCC countries which contains several other gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The majority of people in Qatar are Muslims, and the citizens speak Arabic, although English is a very widespread language there, because of the huge number of employees from Europe and North America. The Qatari people are very friendly, and they embrace, and most of the time they tolerate foreign visitors' cultures, while holding on tightly to their own.
  • Faith Lift By Zelda Hill: The Judgment is Already Declared!:
    Having the foreknowledge from Scripture of how the war against evil will end should urge more people to enlist on the side of righteousness. History also has proven that whenever you choose to stand on any side that God has endorsed, you are always on the winning side. For these reasons it is distressing to see that the current debate on the decriminalization of homosexuality has upset and divided a nation that once acknowledged the supremacy of God and esteemed His decrees. Our god-fearing grandparents would "turn in their graves" to know that their children have exchanged the light of Scripture for an 'enlightened' doctrine, which compels us to examine our traditional moral convictions and to consider removing our ancient spiritual landmarks. And as the battle progresses to the courtroom, it seems that many are awaiting the judge's decision to endorse or to redefine their personal convictions.
  • Things Looking UP in First Quarter of 2013; Prime Minister Reports to the Nation at Press Conference:
    I think I ought to start by reporting on the visits that I had first to New York and then to Haiti. I was accompanied on the New York leg of the trip by Ambassador (Mark) Espat; The purpose of that visit was two-fold; we went to have a meeting with the Greylock people with respect to some possibilities concerning the 75 Million US Dollar window that, as part of the agreements governing the restructuring, we're allowed in terms of the issue of additional bonds, over and above what we now describe as Super Bond Two. That 75 Million US Dollars could accommodate any settlement that we might perhaps reach with FORTIS, for example; so there was a need to discuss mechanics in that regard. Also, Ambassador Espat was asked to present a paper at a UN meeting that was hosted by the Economic and Social Council of the UN, together with the Britten Woods Institutions, the World Bank and the IMF. Perhaps most important for purposes of this morning's press conference is the visit that I had with the US Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. The idea there was to update him on where things stand between Belize and Guatemala. We've all been aware, in the past couple of weeks, of the developments in Guatemala.
  • Address by Hon. Gaspar Vega; Delivered at Opening of National Agriculture and Trade Show 2013:
    Ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant good afternoon to all of you. Once again, it gives me great pleasure to address you, at this, my second Agriculture and Trade Show as Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture. This afternoon I am particularly proud, as this new Multipurpose Centre we are using represents the start of a five year redevelopment programme for the Show Grounds. These grounds, all sixty acres, are truly a national asset and we must treat it as such. When you consider the rich history of the Agriculture Show and its prominent place in Belizean culture, then I dare say this is really a National Heritage Site. This year's theme "Stimulating Prosperity in Agriculture and Food Production Through Renewed Public-Private Partnership" captures the essence of the work the Ministry is undertaking. We are very much aware that for us to succeed, the active participation of private sector stakeholders in the work of the Ministry is vital. We facilitate, the private sector invest profitably, Belize and all Belizeans prosper!
  • Achievements in HECOPAB:
    The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council and other partners in health conducted a health fair in March 2013 at the Lions Club in San Pedro Town. Six new San Pedro Community Health Workers (CHWs) were presented and endorsed by all collaborating partners and the community. The Ministry of Health recognizes CHWs as forefront community leaders who provide preventative measures, health education and direct patients to health facilities.
  • Second round Burden of Illness Study commences:
    The Ministry of Health announces the second round of the 'Burden of Illness Study' (BOI) research study on Food Bourne Diseases in Belize. The study aims to determine the prevalence of acute gastroenteritis related to food and water infection. It will also investigate the more common viruses or bacteria transmitted by food and seek to determine the magnitude of underreporting to the Ministry of Health as well as strengthen the laboratory capacity for accurate diagnosis of the most common food borne illnesses. The study is conducted in two phases, the low season of acute gastroenteritis which is during the period September to November and the high season which is during the period April to June.
  • World Health Day 2013:
    The Ministry of Health joined its national partners, the Belize Kidney Association and PAHO/WHO - Belize to celebrate World Health Day and World Kidney Day early last month with an official ceremony in Belize City. The campaign focuses on hypertension also commonly known as high blood pressure and the need to "Know your numbers."
  • Belize and Guatemala hold regional launch:
    The Minister of Health of Belize, Pablo Marin, the Minister of Health of Guatemala, Jorge Alejandro Villavicencio and special guest the Director of the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Carissa F. Etienne hosted the 11th regional launch of the Vaccination Week in the Americas at the Adjacency Zone between Benque Viejo, Belize and Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala last week.
  • King James Crowned MVP Again:
    After picking up his fourth MVP trophy Sunday, Miami Heat star LeBron James gained a new appreciation for the rivalry his team has with the New York Knicks. James, 28, became the youngest player in NBA history to win four MVPs after receiving 120 of 121 first-place votes by league media members and analysts. The lone other first-place vote went to Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. "LeBron gets it, I take my hat off to him, he deserves it," said Anthony. "They had a helluva year, to win 27 straight games, a hell of an achievement."
  • ELECTIONS & BOUNDARIES DEPARTMENT Public Notice:
    The Elections and Boundaries Commission, in accordance with Part II, Sections 6 and Part VI, Section 35 of the Village Councils Act, Chapter 88 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2003, hereby release the official schedule for Village/Community Council Elections 2013 In all villages nomination opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 10:00 a.m. No asterisks denote Poll closes at 1:00 p.m. * Denote Poll closes at 3:00 p.m. ** Denote Poll closes at 5:00 p.m.
  • Confidence in the Belize Economy; New Era Development Launches Egoli Estate:
    It's the new standard for infrastructure and residential development; and it was officially launched two weekends ago in the Belmopan area. We're speaking, of course, of Egoli Estate, a project conceived, developed and managed by a group who call themselves New Era Development Company Ltd. Situated at the North End of the Capital City, the community hopes to become the new center of Belmopan City, as it represents where the country will go in its future community development planning and execution. They are building a complete community using modern eco-friendly construction and development practices.
  • Belmopan Kids and Youth Cup 2013:
    Week 5 Result Youth Cup 2013 Sunday 28/04/2013 12:00 pm Celtic - Las Flores = 01 goals vs Valencia - YWAM Roaring Creek = 07 goals Ronald Orellana - 6 min Dmitre Fabro - 4 & 62 mins Eddy Valencia - 27 & 40 mins Naim Wilson - 39 & 75 mins John Banner - 72 min 2:00 pm Chelsea - Maya Mopan = 00 vs Real Madrid - Mountain View = 01 Jose Mendez- 51 min 4:00 pm Manchester United - San Martin = 02 vs Barcelona - Site7 = 0 Jorge Hidalgo - 6 & 80 mins

International Sources

Interview: John McAfee Answers Your Questions
Last week you had the chance to ask software designer and international man on the run John McAfee about his exploits in business, programming, and the jungle. Mr. McAfee provided some extraordinarily entertaining and frank answers to your questions. Read below and enjoy. Do you still write code? by sosume Do you still write code, perhaps for fun? McAfee: I haven't written code in 20 years. In truth I was a terrible programmer. At all the companies I worked at I did everything within my power to avoid coding tasks. I was just good enough though to be able to spot the truly outstanding programmers. At McAfee I hired the best and then stayed out of their hair. If I had been responsible for even a tiny amount of code I fear we would never have gotten off the ground. McAfee Antivirus by AmiMoJo Doesn't it bother you that your name is being used to peddle one of the worst anti-virus products on the market? Often it comes pre-installed on computers as a 30 day trial (crapware), with dire warnings flashed up in the event that the user fails to pay (scareware). The performance hit it brings is huge. Would you advise anyone else to name their product/company after themselves in this way? McAfee: I haven't been involved with McAfee Ant-virus for 21 years.

Taiwan Presents $5 Million Grant to Belize For Infrastructure Projects
Taiwan has granted $5 million to the government of Belize for infrastructure projects. The funding, which was officially presented by Taiwanese Ambassador David CK Wu to Prime Minister Dean Barrow Thursday, will target projects including the Belize City Southside Poverty Alleviation Project, the extension of the Southern Highway to Jalacte and the new crossing of the Macal River in San Ignacio/Santa Elena. "Ambassador, please convey to your Government the heartfelt thanks and appreciation of my Government and those of the people of Belize," Barrow told Wu. "This cooperation program will go a long way in assisting Belize in meeting its development goals." The grant, which was issued under the Bilateral Cooperation Programme between the two countries, covers the period from 2013 to 2016.

BELIZE ATTORNEY GENERAL ARGUES TO MAINTAIN ANTI-SODOMY PENAL CODE
Day Three of the Caleb Orozco v. The Attorney General of Belize trial challenging the constitutionality of the Section 53 anti-sodomy penal code started with chatter in the courtroom about the Claimant Caleb Orosco's home being vandalized: This came on top of new reports last night on Belize Channel 5 News that threats of violence against Caleb and the gay community members close to him had escalated. Lisa Shoman, Attorney for Caleb Orozco, appealed to all, especially the media: "There has been a visible increase of threats and violence against Mister Orozco and against all homosexuals in Belize. There are threats for killing, burning, shooting; you name it. It has to stop. We are all Belizeans. We can agree to disagree without getting violent about it." Arguments on behalf of the Attorney General of Belize were made today by Nigel Hawke, Senior Crown Counsel. Objections were entered to the Claimant's reliance on Sections 11, 12 and 16 of the Constitution, which govern freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, and the right to non-discrimination. (In the afternoon session the Judge would rule that these sections are admissible. ) Next up was the argument that that there were no fundamental rights upon which Claimant could rely in the Belize Constitution. Counsel for the Defense argued that sexual orientation was not a basis for claiming the rights afforded to citizens under the Constitution, and therefor the rights the Claimant sought to enforce rights were "somehow mythical." And that:

Belize and Guatemala agree on next steps in negotiation process
The ministers of foreign affairs of Belize and Guatemala, Wilfred Elrington and Luis Fernando Carrera, met on Wednesday with the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), Jos� Miguel Insulza, to analyze the situation of the process to submit their territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Both ministers agreed on the firm will of their countries in maintaining the Special Agreement to submit the Guatemalan claim to the ICJ and, in that sense, they agreed that the deputy ministers should meet, within the framework of the high-level working group, and as soon as possible, to reinforce the confidence-building measures guiding this process. The ministers also agreed that once progress is made in the process, they will meet again to set the date for the holding of the referenda. Both ministers expressed their appreciation to the OAS and to the secretary general for their constructive participation in this process, as well as to the international community for its support throughout the years, stressing their hope that they will continue to receive that fundamental support to maintain peace and stability between the two countries.

Time-lapse map chronicles decades of global change as seen from space
Satellite imagery can serve as a time machine, revealing dramatic change in just a few seconds - but can you imagine documenting almost three decades' worth of all that change, across most of our planet's land mass?

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