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The San Pedro Sun
SAGA chicken cook-off
On June 6th, the Saga Humane Society monthly cook-off took place at Carlo and Ernie's Runway Bar and Grill. Eight exquisite dishes featuring chicken were entered, with all donations going towards the SNIP (spay and neuter) program. The ticket line was long and crowded as no one wanted to miss out on the delicious food. The array of savory chicken dishes was grand, and paired with a tasty cocktail from Runaway Bar, it was a treat that just couldn't miss. For the minimal contribution of $10, lucky attendees got to sample all the treats and cast a vote for their favorite entry. After tasting and voting the count was tallied and winners were chosen. Letty Hernandez's fruity curry chicken dip took first place for a most delicious and different take on chicken dip. Placing second was the Spanakopita in Tzaziki sauce, a tasty Greek-style pastry made by Fido's Restaurant and Bar .Feliz Bar and Grill took third place with its Buffalo Chicken Dip; yum!
OCEANA condemns GOB's outright disrespect for Oil case ruling
Since Supreme Court Judge Justice Oswell Legall handed down his decision on April 16 declaring all offshore oil contracts "unlawful, null and void" and an injunction restraining the government, the servants and agents of the Government of Belize has refused to ensure compliance with the ruling.
The most recent outright disregard for the ruling is exhibited by this week's release of the Belize Petroleum Contract Map dated May 2013 which is after the April 16 court ruling. The map clearly shows Princess Petroleum Ltd and Providence Energy Ltd. with their full offshore oil block in tact as if there was never a ruling even declaring said contracts unlawful, null and void.
"This action by the Government's servants, the Petroleum and Geology Department under the Ministry of the Energy is a flagrant disrespect and disregard for our courts, since Belizeans must keep in mind two principles of law: 1. courts do not make rulings in vain and 2. No court in making a ruling against a Government or the crown needs to take coercive action to force the administrative arm of the state to obey a decision of the judicial arm of the state," explained Audrey Matura Shepherd, VP Oceana in Belize.
OCEANA Awardees revealed at World Oceans Day Cocktail
"We are extremely proud and gratified to honor Dr. Melanie McField with the Oceana in Belize Ocean Hero Award for 2013! And our Wavemaker Award 2013 goes to the Ottley Family," announced VP Oceana Audrey Matura-Shepherd during a celebratory cocktail party at the Caracol Room on Saturday, June 8th, 2013. "Truly, Dr. McField, who is not present tonight to accept this award, is a Belizean who has consistently and unselfishly worked toward the protection of Belize's marine resources. And the Ottleys, whenever we have issued a call for assistance, they have consistently volunteered and assisted Oceana with accomplishing its mission," Audrey stated.
Saturday's festivities also included the opening of a photographic exhibition in conjunction with the Radisson Fort George Hotel. SEA PEOPLE, the photo exhibit, is mounted in both the Villa Lobby and the Colonial Lobby. The images capture the people, places and fish from the coastal communities of Belize, from Sarteneja Village up north to Barranco down south, and aim to address issues of juvenile fish overfishing to the destruction caused by gillnets.
The photos will remain on display until June 14th, 2013. Members of the public are invited to stop in to view the exhibit between 9:00am and 7:00pm.
San Pedro Cancer Society celebrates 3rd year with anniversary banquet
The San Pedro Cancer Society (SPCS) held its first anniversary banquet celebrating 3 years of existence in San Pedro. The SPCS was founded on June 15, 2010, and has since been working hard to create awareness, raise funds and assist cancer patients on the island. In the three years of existence, 18 cancer patients have been assisted. Unfortunately, four have lost the battle to the disease. As a group, the SPCS has also lent a hand to non-cancer patients who needed support from the community. Throughout all the fundraising efforts, SPCS has donated over $14,792.50. Those accomplishments were highlighted in a small ceremony at Elvi's Kitchen on Saturday, June 8th. Giving the welcome remarks was Alyssa Mu�oz, who reiterated the importance of the SPCS's contributions, and the need to continue educating and informing the general public of this disease. Guest speaker at the event was Melanie Paz. Melanie spoke of how cancer has touched her life twice. While one beloved family member lost his battle, she mentioned the triumph of her aunt who, for over 20 years, has long outlived the 3 months her doctors had given her. It is stories such as those that keep the society's members motivated, and certainly gives them the drive to continue to help.
Ambergris Today
Jenessa Sierra of San Pedro Ties Second Place in Countrywide PSE Exams
The Primary School Examination (PSE) results were announced on Friday, June 7, 2013 and amongst the top students countrywide is one student from Ambergris Caye. Over 7,000 students sat the PSE this year and Jennessa Sierra of San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRC) tied in second place with two other students from the Cayo District.
The top finisher this year is Siyun Ye, from Bernice Yorke Institute of Learning in Belize City. She topped her peers easily with an overall total of 391 points, six more than the second place finishers. There was a three way tie for second between Vincent Hulse and Nelson Esteban from St. Andrews Anglican in Cayo along with Jenessa Sierra from San Pedro RC School with a total of 386 points.
San Pedro Cancer Society Celebrates Third Anniversary with Awards Banquet
Coming up on their third year of working for the community, the San Pedro Cancer Society held its first banquet in celebration and appreciation towards all the people who commit to the society and those who assist the group in its endeavors. The event took place on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at Elvi's Kitchen.
When the disease started affecting more island residents and there was more need of assistance and education, was when a group of individuals organized the San Pedro Cancer Society. The very founding members had family affected by the terrible disease. This was three years ago and today the Society has been able to donate over $11,092.50 to directly assist 18 cancer patients, four of which are no longer with us (may they rest in peace). Assistance to them included treatment, medication and traveling expense to the Dangriga Cancer Center.
Pic of the Week:
At the Tortilla Factory in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
El Patio Tortilla Factory has been one of the long-standing businesses in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, providing fresh corn tortillas to the island on a daily basis. How convenient is it to ride you on your bicycle, like this precious young girl, up to the counter and order fresh and hot corn tortillas by the pound. Tortillas are a staple food in Belize and incorporated into many meals.
Misc Belizean Sources
Belmopan Weekly June 7 2013
34 min video....
Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium
The 11th installment of the Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium (BAAS) is scheduled for July 2nd ‐ July 5th, 2013 in San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize. The primary objective of the Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium is to disseminate current archaeological and anthropological information to the people of Belize, the tourism industry and the general archaeological and anthropological community. It is envisioned that the conference will provide an interdisciplinary arena that will allow students, staff, faculty and practitioners to discuss and exchange ideas about the latest developments in the field. Edited versions of the papers presented at the Symposium will be included in our annual publication series entitled "Research Reports in Belizean Archaeology".
New Horizons fixes hospital sterilizers throughout Belize
A member of New Horizons is using a specialized skill set to repair steam sterilizers throughout Belize.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rosalinda Alfaro, biomedical equipment technician from the 59th Medical Wing at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is repairing steam sterilizers with various problems in the towns of Belmopan, Orange Walk and Dangriga.
The steam sterilizers are used for sterilizing instruments used for surgery.
Previously, the sterilizer in the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan was broken for three months. The heating elements were no longer working and needed to be replaced to get the steam generator running again.
Staff members from the hospital spent approximately 15 hours per week driving to sterilize equipment. Alfaro overhauled the steam generator and replaced the heating elements and flange on the machine.
Lots of photos of the repaired Sir Barry Bowen Bridge in San Pedro
VIDEO: Belize City Tourist Guide
I make a short video in Belize City about why I believe it is worth seeing when one visits Belize. It represents a country in the infancy of independence and all that is good and bad in these early stages.
Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed
The Science Museum of Minnesota is preparing for their Mayan exhibit, and they have numerous Belizean artifacts on loan. NICH has some pictures of them setting up the exhibit. Dr. Jaime Awe will be presenting on the 21st and 22nd of June, about cave rituals in Western Belize, and also about figurines from Cahal Pech.
The SMM has pictures up too: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151477741723292.1073741828.5905048291.
There's a behind the scenes video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGY9X1KE80M.
And some info about Dr. Awe's lectures: http://sites.hamline.edu/mayasociety/June_2013_Jaime_Awe.htm
Father's Day Friday Dinner
Meluchi's will be having a special this Friday, an early Father's Day dinner and dance. They'll have the Aldana Family Band playing there for the occasion. Tickets are on sale now, and are only $25 per person. What are you doing for your dad for Father's Day?
"A great opportunity to invite your Dad out for Father's Day and give him a treat of his lifetime in the Company of great music by the Aldana's Family Band with Golden Oldies and music from the '80's & '90's while dining and bonding with that special one. Show him your love for him and invite him to Meluchi's this Friday night June 14th as from 6:30pm. It will be fun!"
In Bloom Performing 'Your Love'
In Bloom rocked the house at Lucky 5 this past weekend as they were joined by A Cold Day in May's Solangel Moreno. Here's the musical interlude of the day: The Outfield's 'Your Love.'
"Another "In Bloom" Video, this one of us Covering "Your Love" Originally By "The Outfields" at Lucky 5 Sports Bar And Grill In San Ignacio Town, In the Beautiful Cayo District of Belize!!!! More Videos Coming Soon, Check Us Out On Facebook!!!!!"
Fuego Opens Today
Fuego Bar and Grill opens today. They released their menu recently, so you can tell they'll have a good selection, and be pretty affordable.
"Elevated 'Street Food' - farmer's market to table. Our chefs utilize Belizean ingredients from the farmer's market next door and present it their way in a very comfortable and current setting. Our mixologists tell their own stories with fresh fruit juice concoctments. Choose from our music menu and enjoy downtown San Ignacio - it's people, shops and attractions."
Catwalk in the Jungle Fashion Show
The Catwalk in the Jungle Fashion Show will be this Saturday at the Cayo Welcome Center, starting at 7:00pm. A portion of the proceeds from the event will got to a feeding program to support families with children who are unable to provide nutritious meals for the kids.
CARICOM Song Competition Extended
The deadline to enter a song for the Caricom song competition has been extended until the 28th of June. The song should celebrate the history, culture, and traditions of the Caribbean. The winner will take home $10,000. For more information, call 227-2110. Good luck!
Channel 7
OCEANA Back To Court Against Government
Today, OCEANA Belize, the Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage, and COLA all got their opportunity to present to Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin why the injunction against the Government of Belize should not be lifted.
Viewers may remember that at the last adjournment, GOB's attorney, Denys Barrow, presented his case as to why the injunction granted by Justice Oswell Legall should be lifted in relation to the 6 PSA's which were declared null and void for offshore oil drilling.
Today, there was another marathon of legal arguments, and we'll get to that later but first, Oceana released a copy of the oil exploration maps that the Department of Petroleum and Geology currently recognizes as valid.
They are outraged to find out that weeks after the contracts for Providence Energy and Princess Petroleum were declared null, their oil blocks remain intact.
So, we spoke to them about it, and we got a response from the Government. Here's how that conversation went.
Dr. Colin Young - CEO, Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology
" Based on our advice from our attorney the judgment from Justice Legal specifically did no squash the PSAs. He declared that the contracts were null and void, however, we are of the opinion, based on the advice from our attorney, that the judge refuse specifically to squash the PSAs. Based on that advice, then the companies are not injuncted and the companies still in fact can proceed with exploration so based on that advice they have not been removed from the contract map"
Belize Gets Guatemala Into A 0-0 Draw
Last week in Antigua Guatemala, Foreign Ministers from throughout the America's converged for the OAS General Assembly. Today, that same ancient city saw two regional football powers meet for a friendly match when Belize's National Selection played its Guatemalan counterparts. The match started at 3:00 pm at the Pensativo Stadium. For the first half, with Woodrow West in Goal both sides had multiple opportunities on goal, but neither could convert.
In the second half, the Belize side brought in Shane Orio as goalkeeper and though a difficult half - where Guatemala had the majority of possessions, he managed to get the national team to a nil-nil draw. It's a respectable score and speaking to us minutes ago, Orio told us that it was a good challenge:
The Alliance Strikes Back: Says IBC/Immarbe Nationalisation Will Cost GOB 60 M USD
If you thought the IMMARBE and IBC Registry nationalizations coolly announced by Government yesterday might go down without a great hue and cry, just a few minutes before newstime, Belize International Services Limited - or BISL, the Ashcroft-allied co-owners of the registries sent out a release saying it quote,
"expresses its surprise, disappointment and indignation at the Government of Belize's unilateral decision�"
The release asserts that BISL has quote, "a legally enforceable contractual right to operate and manage these two registries until June 2020."
The release also discloses that just before the takeover, Government's Tax Commissioner sent BISL a tax assessment for over 30 million dollars, even though, BISL argues, it is tax exempt, as are its employees. The statement says it had not been taxed for the 20 years it operated the registries.
And so, BISL says government's takeover is a "flagrant breach of contract" and quote, "exposes the government to yet another round of expensive litigation�(in which it) will be liable for an amount estimated to be in excess of 60 million US dollars in damages." End quote.
Late Evening Shooting In City
A shooting occurred at 6:00 pm in Belize City. It happened in the Collet area between Antelope Street and Pitta Street. One man was shot in the yard of a family member and he was taken to the KHMH. Monica Bodden just came from the area where she spoke to a resident - who says the victim was a Hispanic male was not familiar to them:�
Voice of Neighbor
"I saw someone in a white tee riding on a bicycle through the burial ground and that's all I saw. After I heard to shots, I went from where I was and I saw right up into the crime scene and I saw a person in white tee. I can't describe him but that's all I saw and all I can say. The person that was on the ground was the one that got shot. From the crime scene, I heard him drive off to the hospital, we didn't see him after the building and he drove to the hospital and that's all I saw."
Wayne Samuels Facing Multiple Civil Actions In Court
Business facilitator Wayne Samuels was back in THE MUNICPAL Court today - settling some of his debts.
7news has learned that Samuels was arrested on the strength of 4 warrants in relation to a bank and 3 private individuals who he owed $16,153 dollars.
He was ordered to make payments on these debts to which he was able to pay $7,500. We understand that since then other civil complaints have come up against him - and those other matters have been adjourned to the 17th. of June.
Samuels told us he had promised some business people gun and labour licenses which eh was unable to come through with because of changes in the labour office and special branch department of the police.
Merlene's Return To A Major Position
Merlene Bailey Martinez had a well publicized downfall as CEO of the Social Security Board - but since then she been steadily regaining her footing as a leading holder of public office. She was named chair of the transport board a year ago and now we have learned that she has been named the Pots Commissioner. She takes over from John Flowers who quite a few months ago. Bailey-Martinez is highly trained but has no known expertise in Ports. We requested an interview form here, but today she was too tied up in what we were told were intense technical meetings to speak with us.
Man Who Killed Mother-In-Law, Drove Around With Her In Car, Pleads guilty
He killed his mother in law and drove around with her in his car, but today 44 year-old Peter Contreras pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Contreras, the owner of Kings Cuisine Restaurant, who was charged with murdering his mother-in-law, 50 year-old Argentina Aravello, is tonight at prison awaiting a sentence after taking his plea in the Supreme Court today.
The incident occurred on December 13, 2010 in Ladyville, where Aravello went to his restaurant, located on the airport road, to visit her daughter, Leslie Contreras. Peter Contreras offered her a ride, and while they were on the way, they got into an argument.
That argument, led to a physical confrontation, where Peter Contreras punched her twice in the face. She tried to get away, but Contreras used a rope to pull her back in. He later used that rope to strangle her, and he then drove around with the body for hours.
La-La Milk, A Strange Change
Merchants say LA-LA Milk from Mexico is the most popular milk in Belize - and that's why we took note today when we got two angry calls saying that one store was selling defective milk without the safety seal. We went looking for answers.
Jules Vasquez reporting
So, we went into K-Park Grocery, hidden camera and all to find this pack of milk - and sure enough, open it and there appears to be no seal - it's already been punctured. We took it up with the manager who told us that's how LaLa Milk is now packaged.
To prove it, he then took us to see sealed boxes, opened them and it was the same.
Pradeep Badalani - K-Park
"It's coming like that from Mexico, not from our store - it's selling all over the country just like that."
The Cost Of Looking Grand For A Prom
On Friday, we told you about the student's lesson in prom economics - where high school finishers and their parents have to find the money - hundreds of dollars to pay for the biggest party of a student's young life. Years ago - that meant turning all kinds of tricks to get a suit from the states or to have one sewn locally. But one local business has filled that vacuum with a service that has the high schoolers lining up every year. Monica Bodden found out about the economics of renting a top notch prom outfit:�
Monica Bodden reporting
Belize Dry Cleaners has an inventory of hundreds of suits , every style, color and flavor imaginable. And every year in May and June these suits leave the warehouse and go into the show room where they take on a new life as prom suits giving some young man shining social armor for the biggest night of his life.
Malva Palacio - Supervisor
"Right now, business has picked up and it's hectic because there is lot of high schools and colleges that are having proms and graduations at this time"
Monica Bodden
"Can you tell us how far how many outfits have you guys rented?"
Young, Gifted and Restless
In 1972, Nina Simone recorded the song, "To Be Young Gifted and Black," which is really a celebration of youth and her race.
Well, along that line, a new art exhibit called, Young, Gifted and Restless - celebrates youth in art. It features 6 artists and today we got a look at what is described as a provocative and diverse art display.
Kim Vasquez - Youth Development Officer, ICA
"The exhibits - we have two of them, one of them will open tomorrow night here at the Bliss Center that one is entitles Young, Gifted, Restless and we have a six upcoming professional artists showcasing their exhibit. It is being curated by Gilvano Swasey and their art, I would describe it as very disturbing, provocative, very diverse. Each one of them brings something different and it's worth while coming out to see and then on Monday we will launch the Children and Teenager's portion of the art exhibit on the National Festival of Arts - that's over at the Government House of Culture. Both of these exhibits will run up until July 6th. Both of them are open to the public, you can join us here tomorrow at 7pm for the launch - we will also have some entertainment. One of the artist, Galvez, that is in the exhibit is very multi-talented and will also be showcasing his music as well."
Channel 5
Another Government nationalization: another legal battle for registries
In 2009, the government of Belize nationalized the telephone company, B.T.L. and the electricity company, B.E.L.� Today, government went further and took over control of the Belize International Services Limited [...]
New G.O.B. oil maps include areas for null and void contracts
Finding oil, testing for the grade and quantity are only some of the hurdles that come with the petroleum industry. The ink on the contracts is also soaked in controversy. [...]
Maranco's Oil Show; what does it hold for Belize?
Since discovering oil in Laguna Seca, an area within the northwest corner of the Orange Walk District, Maranco Energy Belize Ltd. has been trying to determine whether the promising show [...]
Nil: Belize versus Guatemala in football
On the Road to the Gold Cup 2013, Belize played Guatemala this afternoon in Antigua, Guatemala. While the National 'A' Selection, the Jaguars, ended its second international friendly game with [...]
Belize to host major teen basketball competition
Turning to basketball, the Belize Basketball Federation (B.B.F.) participated in the annual COCABA meeting on June first in Montelimar, Nicaragua. Following that meeting, it was confirmed that our local ballers [...]
Activists says some south schools have not received P.S.E. results
Seven thousand five hundred and thirty-three students sat the 2013 Primary School Examination. There are three moments that define the exam: the nerve wracking day one, and the sighs of [...]
Man pleads guilty to strangling his mother-in-law
Forty-four year old Peter King Contreras was escorted to the court of Justice Adolph Lucas this morning for trial for the murder of his mother-in-law. At the start of the [...]
Cousins at War
A feud between two cousins on Sunday has resulted in charges being brought against the pair.� This morning, twenty-six year old Vivian Martinez and twenty-four year old Lauren Young were [...]
Talking streets with Belize City Mayor
Stories on the street works being done in Belize City are not new, and neither are stories of frustration, congestion, inconvenience and even loss of revenue caused by that work. [...]
Is there anything left in the Municipal Bond offering?
In November 2012, the Belize City Council launched its Municipal Development Bond. It was a novel idea to raise much needed money for infrastructure works and it was greeted with [...]
Cattle Sweep for diseases
A cattle sweep is taking place in rural Belize to detect two diseases that affect livestock and can be harmful to humans if consumed. The process is in three phases [...]
LOVE FM
Young Artists Put Works On Display
The works of six young artists are on display tonight at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. The exhibit entitled "Young, Gifted, Restless" seeks to bring to attention the creative imagination of the artist including that of Alex Sanker who has made the creative arts both his pa...
Attorneys Speak Out Following Court Session Against Government of Belize
Earlier in the newscast we told you about the ongoing court case involving OCEANA Belize, the Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage, COLA and the Government of Belize. Today's court session concluded after 5 o'clock and Love News manage to speak to Attorney for the Government Denys B...
Eye Care For Residents In Southern Belize Via New Horizons 2013
Over seventeen thousand Belizeans have been aided by the New Horizon Program under the US Military. Now they are offering Ophthalmological services in Dangriga. Correspondent Harry Arzu reports. HARRY ARZU "Free eye care is currently being provided to the residents of th...
Police In Belmopan and San Pedro Investigate Robbery and Shooting
A student of Belmopan has reported that his house was burglarized in his absence. The twenty five year old student reported to police that he left Belmopan on the fifth of June to go to Belize City. When he returned the next day he discovered that his house was burglarized. Stol...
Orange Walk Police Raid Results In Discovery of Drugs and Firearms
Police operations in Orange Walk Town led them to the discovery of drugs and firearms. Around 9:30 yesterday morning, police visited an apartment on Tate Street and a search was conducted. They discovered two bags containing two thousand one hundred and twenty one point three grams of...
Young Man Stabbed In Northern Belize; Police Investigates
An eighteen year old man was stabbed in the Orange Walk District and police are looking for the assailants. Investigations revealed that the man, Misael Valdez was walking on Robin Street in the Village of Trial Farm along with a friend, when three other men suddenly came out of Pelican Str...
Cayo Police Investigates Death of Farmer
A twenty two year old man from the Cayo District lost his life in a road traffic accident yesterday. According to reports, police visited Duck Run three Village, located in the Spanish Lookout Area around seven yesterday morning. When they arrived they saw the body of a Hispanic man l...
Businessman Confesses To Killing Mother-In-Law
Forty-four year old Peter Contreras, the owner of King's Cuisine Restaurant who was charged with the murder of his mother-in-law, 50 year old Argentina Aravello, pled guilty to manslaughter today in the court of Justice Adolph Lucas. Justice Lucas has deferred sentencing until June 18 i...
Belize Petroleum Association Wants Standardized Industry
Last week Tuesday the Belize Petroleum Association sent out a press release encouraging GOB to standardize the petroleum industry that would give investors' confidence that the industry is unbiased. CEO in the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities, Dr. Colin Young ...
Mixed Signals For Cruise Tourism In Southern Belize
It is no doubt that tourism is one of the biggest income generators for Belize's economy. The debate lies in how tourism is brought and what the attraction is and although Belize City has been the hub for cruise ship arrivals, an up-roar has been stirred with the idea of cruise touris...
Maranco Second Phase of Oil Drilling Will Determine Quantity
At the beginning of April of this year, the Government of Belize issued out a press release announcing that Maranco Energy Belize Limited had discovered an encouraging oil show at the South Canal Bank #1 exploration well in their concession area in the Orange Walk District on March 30. At that mo...
CTV3
GSU Descends In Orange Walk, Three Persons Detained For Firearm Offences
Two residents from Orange Walk Town including a woman have been charged with several offences after police searched an apartment located on Tate Street Orange Walk Town. The search was conducted yesterday at around 9:30 in the morning. Inside the apartment police found two bags containing a total of 2121.3 grams of suspected cannabis, one .380 caliber pistol without serial number which was found on the floor and 50 rounds of .380 ammunition. Thirty one year old Melvin Gentle, Belizean laborer of Otro Benque and 30 year old Magali Cuellar, Belizean domestic of Savannah Street were inside the apartment at the time and were unable to produce a gun license. As a result they were both arrested and charged for the offence of drug trafficking, and kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license.
On Saturday night while some Orange Walkenos were attending the Tommy Lee concert, the Gang Suppression Unit was raiding houses in Orange Walk Town searching for drugs, firearm and ammunition. And that is exactly what they found when they searched a residence located on Asuncion Street. Reports are that while several persons were inside the house, police found Sofia Luna in possession of four .410 rounds of Ramington ammunition. As a result of the finding, Luna was arrested and charged for unlicensed ammunition and was remanded to prison until her next court date.
Armed Robbers Hold Up Marchand's Poultry
A brazen daylight armed robbery has left a family from Orange Walk Town in shock after they experienced the horrible ordeal. On Sunday June 9th 2013, at around 10:30 in the morning, two male individuals, one brandishing a gun and the other a knife, barged into Marchand's Poultry located on Cemetery Street and demanded that all valuables be handed over.
Owner of the establishment, Carlos Marchand, his wife and a customer were inside the business at the time of the robbery.
Luckily no one was injured but Marchand had to hand over $800.00 in cash to the robbers before they made good their escape. One of the men is described as being of clear complexion, tall, slim built and has braided hair while the second is said to be of dark complexion. Police investigations continue.
Weekend Leaves Two Persons With Stab Wounds, One Person Is Charged
A man from the Village of Trail Farm in Orange Walk is tonight recuperating from multiple stab wounds at the Northern Regional Hospital. On June 8th, at around 11:00pm, 18 year old Miseal Valdez was walking on Robin Street in Trail Farm, along with a friend, when three male persons attacked him. Reports are that the three individuals came out of Pelican Street on to Robin Street and stabbed Valdez multiple times. While the reason for the attack is unknown, police are looking for three suspects who will be facing charges of attempted murder. Valdez is presently admitted at the NRH in a stable condition.
And while police hunt for Valdez's aggressor's, they have arrested one person for Saturday evening's stabbing incident in the Village of San Jose Nuevo Palmar. As mentioned last night, the incident went unreported and up to news time the name of the victim had not been released. All we knew was that the victim was stabbed at around 5:15pm on Saturday and that he was in a critical condition at the Northern Regional Hospital. Tonight little has changed except for the fact that police have revealed the name of the victim and his attacker. According to police reports, on Sunday June 9th, Irvin Cantun identified Alejandro Itzab as the person who stabbed him on Saturday June 8th while in the Village of San Jose Nuevo Palmar. As a result, police arrested Alejandro Itzab, a 40 year old Belizean laborer of Palmar Village in Orange Walk for the crime of attempt murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm.
Guatemalan Troops Deployed To Adjacency Zone
On Monday June 3rd a Guatemalan national was shot by Belizean forces patrolling near the Caballo area in the Chiquibul after he was caught approximately two miles inside Belizean territory. The victim, later identified as 27 year old Edgar Alexander Sacasa, was transported to the Western Regional Hospital in a critical condition since he was unable to be transported the same day, due to the terrain and weather conditions. Reports are that a team of patrol officers stumbled upon a plantation and a thatch structure in the Caballo camp area and while they were securing the area, Sacasa came upon them. He was on a horse and he was carrying a firearm. Authorities say they ordered him to stop, but Sacasa ran off into nearby bushes. Patrol officers say they fired two warning shots and Sacasa who fired back at them. The patrol team subsequently returned fire, and Sacasa was hit four times - twice to the upper back and once to the lower back and left elbow. He also sustained a large bruise to the back. It is believed that Edgar Alexander Sacasa was conducting illegal activities within Belizean territory.
Restoration Of Santa Rita Archaeological Site Completed
In Early January 2013, the conservation of one of the most important Maya sites in the Corozal District was launched by the Institute of the National Archaeological Department with funding obtained under the U.S. Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). Through the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Cultural Heritage Centre, the AFCP assists eligible countries in preserving their cultural heritage. Seeing potential in Belize, the AFCP awarded BZ$100,000 to the National Institute of Culture and History's Institute of Archaeology for the reconstruction of Santa Rita. Today, after almost 6 months the conservation project has been completed. Reporter Victor Castillo tells us more.
Victor Castillo - Reporting
The archaeological site known to be the ancient City of Chetumal, Santa Rita, was in much need of reconstruction since the area was under a deplorable condition. At the beginning of this year, a group of experts directed by Dr. Jaime Awe from the Institute of Archaeology and managed by George Can, launched the restoration project of the Maya Site with funding obtained under the U.S. Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation, AFCP.
Belize's National Football Team Holds Its Ground In Guatemala
In preparation for the Gold Cup Tournament which will take place on July 9th of this year, with the first match being between Belize and USA, the Belize Jaguars played a friendly match against Guatemala's National Selection in the "Estadio Pensativo" in Antigua Guatemala, today. The game proved to be very intense as Guatemala sent out a very offensive team in the first half of the match.
The Guatemalan team; however, was unable to pass the defense of the Belize team. Both goalkeepers, Woodrow West and Shane Moody, played for this game; one in the first half and the other for the second half of the game. By the time the whistle was blown, signaling the end of the match, the score was nil, nil representing a big win for the Belize team.
Belize and Guatemala remained in the same group in the second round of the CONCACAF world cup qualifiers. Although they ended up as the group winners, Guatemala's team could not proceed to the third round of the CONCACAF as they lacked two goals to rank third in their group in the third round.
Oceana Tells GOB "You Are Not Above The Law"
On February 5th 2013, Attorney Godfrey Smith, representing Oceana Belize and other organizations such as Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) and the Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage, concluded his oral arguments challenging the validity of six offshore Production Sharing Agreements in the courtroom of Supreme Court Justice Oswell Legall. The PSA's, were awarded between the years 2005 and 2007 to Island Oil Belize Limited, Tropical Energy Limited, Petro Belize, Princess Petroleum, Providence Energy Belize and Sol Oil Belize.
On April 16th 2013, Oceana Belize scored what was considered the biggest victory in the history of modern Belize as Justice Legall ruled in favor of the claimants declaring all offshore oil contracts "unlawful, null, and void". In his ruling, Justice Legall stated that the minister who signed the contracts exceeded his jurisdiction when he entered into the agreements without first having or considering and environmental impact assessment of oil exploration on the environment.
LOVE TV
Young Artists Display Art Works
The works of six young artists are on display tonight at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. The exhibit entitled "Young, Gifted, Restless" seeks to bring to attention the creative imagination of the artist including that of Alex Sanker who has made the creative arts both his passion and career. Sanker has been painting for more than 12 years and during his career he produced many pieces including a painting of his son.
ALEX SANKER
"I came up with this concept for Caribbean Rum; they had a lizard basically drinking from the bottle and I have a whole story behind it but the concept about getting a painting on a canvas and the story behind is basically like a puzzle, putting on the last piece will make all the difference but on that specific piece there is a story behind it that the viewers and the people that come to the art exhibition could actually read it and could actually see the painting unfold in front of them. The story has a lot of humor behind it; so that's what I try to do it's all acrylic, it's a technique that I do; it takes a long period of time to build up because as you know art critics and also artists know acrylic latex is a very soft medium of paint but with a lot of patience and time I have developed a technique where I could actually build it up off the canvas and for right now that is one of my best works and I think for the next 20 years that will always be my piece that I will put in all my exhibition to open it."
The work of Sanker is more traditional compared to the work of Briheda Haylock who prefers to produce conventional work of arts with the use of mannequins.
Man To Be Sentenced For Murder of Mother-In-Law
Forty-four year old Peter Contreras, the owner of King's Cuisine Restaurant who was charged with the murder of his mother-in-law, 50 year old Argentina Aravello, pled guilty to manslaughter today in the court of Justice Adolph Lucas. Justice Lucas has deferred sentencing until June 18 in order to give Contreras' attorney, Ernest Staine, time to prepare a plea for mitigation. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on December 13, 2010, in Ladyville. The facts of the case disclosed that Aravello went to the restaurant, located on the Phillip Goldson International Airport Road, and Contreras offered her a ride and she accepted the offer. While they were at the junction of Phillip Goldson International Airport Road and Phillip Goldson Highway an argument ensued between them. Contreras then reportedly punched Aravello twice in her face and a struggle ensued between them. Aravello then tried to exit the vehicle and Contreras used a rope to pull her back into the vehicle. Contreras then used the same rope to strangle Aravello.
Is Southern Belize Ready For Cruise Tourism?
It is no doubt that tourism is one of the biggest income generators for Belize's economy. The debate lies in how tourism is brought and what the attraction is and although Belize City has been the hub for cruise ship arrivals, an up-roar has been stirred with the idea of cruise tourism in the south. Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced in an interview that the Norwegian Cruise Line which was being contemplated as a possible avenue to bring tourists to the south has gotten a big no no. Last week Love News spoke with a member of the Placencia Tour Guide Association who was concerned about some statements allegedly made by Minister Hulse to other media that the Association had agreed for cruise tourism in the south. The Tour Guide told us that the Association has never agreed for large cruise ships to arrive in the south, explaining that they did say they were willing to accept small boats of like two hundred and fifty tourists but that large tourism ships were not acceptable. But it appears that the sentiment isn't shared by all in the south for today we got a call from Lester Richards, a resident of Independence Village who told us that he along with other community members want cruise tourism in the area as soon as possible.
Government Sets More Profitable Revenue Terms With Maranco
At the beginning of April of this year, the Government of Belize issued out a press release announcing that Maranco Energy Belize Limited had discovered an encouraging oil show at the South Canal Bank #1 exploration well in their concession area in the Orange Walk District on March 30. At that moment, the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities were not releasing the full details of the oil find. According to the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry, Dr. Colin Young, at the moment, Maranco Energy Belize Limited should commence their second phase of drilling operations in order to determine whether or not the quantity of crude oil believed to be present beneath the earth is in commercial quantities.
DR. COLIN YOUNG
"In terms of the Maranco oil find in the South Canal Bank #1 well, the company has completed its testing. Unfortunately they had some technical difficulties while doing that but they believe that what they have seen is good enough to report to the Department of Geology that they will proceed to drill an appraisal well as allowed under their production sharing agreement that allows them about 18 months to complete it and after that process they will be able to indicate whether or not the field is commercial or not.