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The San Pedro Sun
New British High Commissioner to Belize Makes Courtesy Call on Minister of National Security
The new British High Commissioner to Belize, H.E. Peter Hughes today made a courtesy call on Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar in his office at the Ministry of National Security Headquarters in the Curl Thompson Building in Belmopan.
The British High Commissioner's visit is part of his familiarization tour, having recently taken up his new position after presenting his credentials to Governor General Sir Colville Young. H.E Peter Hughes started his diplomatic career as Desk Officer in the British Defense Department, and has since served oversees in Australia, the Caribbean, Asia and Afghanistan. Upon his appointment to Belize, Mr. Hughes was quoted as saying he hopes to build on the enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Belize.
More rain forecast for the weekend
Although Tropical Storm Ingrid is safely away from Belize, the country is still experiencing continuous rain and minor flooding. Ingrid is currently located in the southernmost part of the Gulf of Mexico and is delivering significant rainfall to parts of Mexico, causing major flood threats. Ambergris Caye and most parts of the country have been experiencing rainfall nearly all week. Several media house are reporting minor flooding in most part of the country including Belize District, Corozal District and Orange Walk District. Areas of San Pedro are also flooded, but no major flooding has been reported.
La Isla Bonita: San Pedro's very first telenovela
San Pedro is about to make its debut in the world of novelas (soap-operas) with the production of "La Isla Bonita". Producer and Director Mathew Klinck, Executive Producer Horacio "Chito" Guerrero, Writer Deion Vansel and Coordinate Producer Arlando Smith are the masterminds behind this unique production, which will showcase the difficulties and secrets of living on this island paradise. Auditions were held on Saturday, September 7th, and over 50 aspiring actors made their way to the San Pedro Town Council to audition for a chance to be part of this novella. Overseeing the auditions was Horacio "Chito" Guerrero. According to Guerrero, the auditions went well, and he noted that this island has many hidden talents. "We found several great actors. This is an island that has a lot of talent." Guerrero, who studied acting at New York film Academy Universal Studios in the USA, will be providing classes and coaching for the actors. The novela will require actors of all ages and several extras for certain scenes, and announcements from the auditions will be made in the coming week.
Discover How to Be�Belize!
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased to announce the release of their "Discover How To Be" video. The video, which was officially launched at the BTB's 12th Annual Industry Presentation in January, is a part of the BTB's re-branding that took place earlier this year. Alyssa Carnegie, Director of Marketing and Industry Relations commented, "We are extremely proud to share the "Discover How To Be" video with Belize and our visitors. We strongly believe that this captures the essence of what Belize is all about- what we are as a destination. The images are authentic, unaltered and profound. Coupled with Aurelio Martinez's Santo Negro, the video will certainly resonate with Belizeans and pique the interest of travelers."
Misc Belizean Sources
IA Poster Competition
The Institute of Archaeology is have a poster competition to celebrate International Archaeology Day, which is October 18th. The theme is 'preserving the past for the future,' and it's open to high school and primary school students in standard 4 through standard 6. The deadline to submit is October 4th. For more information email [email protected]. The prizes are a tablet, digital camera, and school supplies. Good luck!
PACT Call for Proposals
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust is having another call for small and medium proposals, just in time for the September Celebrations. Contact PACT at [email protected] for more information.
"PACT is hereby inviting eligible organizations to submit proposal applications for its upcoming grant cycle. This call for proposals targets the following thematic areas:
Protected Areas Management and Conservation
Protected Areas Promotion and Development
Environmental Education and Awareness
Community Development around Protected Areas
Funding is available for grants up to $200,000. Project applications must fall within the thematic areas listed above. All applications should be submitted to the relevant government agency (Forest Department or Fisheries Department) no later than October 28th, 2013 for the required letter of endorsement. Thereafter, complete applications with all supporting documents should be submitted in hard copy to PACT no later than November 18th, 2013. All project applications are subject to the established screening procedures."
Cayo's Got Talent
The Cayo Got Talent talent show was last night, and Monday night, at the Cayo Welcome Center. The SISE town council invites everyone out to show off their talents, and possibly win the grand prize. Music will be provided by Vybze Xplosion Soundz. Happy September Celebrations!
Channel 7
He Confessed To Killing Aguirre
On Wednesday, we told you about arraignment of 4 people in connection with the firearm stolen from Belmopan Taxi Driver Daniel Aguirre, who police believe was killed and then set on fire on a deserted road near Tea Kettle Village. Well, the news tonight is that one of those four, 29 year-old Noel Alexander Torres, the Belize City resident who pleaded guilty to stealing and then stashing stolen weapon, has been charged for Aguirre's murder.
As we told you, a post mortem was conducted late Wednesday evening on the severely burnt body of what is believed to be Daniel Aguirre. Yesterday, police released the details of that examination where Dr. Mario Estradabran found evidence to suggest that the body was bleeding before it was burned. The result of the post-mortem was inconclusive, but Belmopan Police seem to have enough to ascertain that the body is indeed Aguirre, and that Torres was the assailant who murdered him.
Belmopan Police Solve Attempted Murder Case
And while Police say that they have the murder of Daniel Aguirre neatly tied up, they've also quickly solved the case of a shooting in Belmopan.
At around 9:30 on Wednesday morning, a 16 year-old minor from Roaring Creek was sitting in a yard on Progress Avenue with his friends when a heavily tinted green car approached and parked a short distance away from them. A man got out of the car, pulled a gun, and fired several shots in his direction. One of those bullets struck the young man in his midsection. Police retrieved 3 nine-millimeter shells, and they've since arrested and charged 1 man for attempted murder. They're now seeking another.
Tortilla Shop Owners Overpower Armed Robber
And Belize City police have made a quick arrest after an attempted armed robbery this afternoon. It happened at the Golden Corn Tortilla Factory on Central American Boulevard at around 4:00 pm. Three men, one of them with a .38 pistol, barged into the shop and snatched money from the cash pan and grabbed a cell phone from one of the workers.
But even though the assailants were armed, the owners of the tortilla shop jumped the man with the gun. His two friends ran while they wrestled with him. His gun fell to the ground and they managed to subdue him. They called police who picked up the young man, indentified as 21 year old Joseph O' Brien. Police also recovered the revolver and the phone he had pocketed along with an undisclosed amount of cash. Police continue the search for his two accomplices.
Northern Medical Plaza Says Baby Dulce Was In "Fragile State" Before Surgery
Last night, we spoke to the Tun family from San Roman, Corozal who say the doctors at Northern Medical Plaza are to blame for the death of the 15 day-old baby, Dulce Maria Coye. The family is claiming that medical malpractice contributed to the death of the child which was diagnosed with congenital pyloric stenosis, a rare and complicated condition.
We made very exhaustive attempts to get comments from the personnel at the Northern Medical Plaza for the past 2 days, and they refused to even acknowledge that baby Dulce received treatment at their medical facility.
Today, finally, after repeated requests from the media, the hospital responded to the family's claims in a statement. We'll get to that shortly, but first, to one part of the story which didn't make it into the news last night: Baby Dulce's family was outraged that the hospital expected them to make payment for the second surgery, and for medicine which Baby Dulce received.
Delivery-man Robbed At Resort
Ladyville police are investigating an armed robbery which happened yesterday evening at the Black Orchid Resort in Burrell Boom Village. But the robbers weren't after the resort - they were waylaying a delivery-man.
All indications are that the assailants were observing the movement of a San Cas employee who makes rounds at the Resort, and yesterday they struck with precision. Today, the owner of the resort told 7News how the incident unfolded.
Doug Thompson, Owner - Black Orchid Resort
"It was yesterday evening at around 3 o' clock. San Cas who delivers here every week came by to pick up the order fpr next week and he was followed here based on everything that we could determine by two guys on motorcycles."
"They obviously makes the round collecting from different facilities that they service and he came here not to collect but to take orders and two guys on a motorcycle went directly to him and they pulled him out of his vehicle and drag him on the ground and grab the bag of money and jump back on the motorcycle and took off. On their way out they fired shots in the air."
"Fawda" Henry Protests Against Albert St Bus Ban
For the last 2 nights, 7News has been telling you about the decision by the City Council to ban all city buses from Albert Street, Belize City's main street. We also showed you our sample of the reaction from the commuting public which is very much against the decision.
Well, pan-activist Phillip "Fawda" Henry is joining in the chorus of dissent. This morning, he staged a one-man protest at the new location where the buses are being directed to pick up passengers on Regent Street West.
Fawda has been criticized for agitating against social issues which may be outside of his expertise, but this morning, he pulled out his "Employee of the Year" Certificate which he received as a traffic officer back in 2010, to add weight to his criticism of the decision.
Another UB Student Charged For July Murder
In July of this year, 7News told you about 21 year-old UB Student Jedden Burgess who was charged with the murder of 21 year-old Jamal Anthony Neal. Well tonight, his fellow UB schoolmate, 18 year-old Micah Tillett has joined him after he was taken to court today.
As we told you, Neal was walking along Banak Street at about six on Monday July 8, when he was gunned down by someone who was a passenger on a motorcycle. The gunman fired a barrage of bullets, most of which caught Neal and he collapsed on the street there and died before his body could be transported to the hospital.
Well, police investigated for over 2 months, and they eventually arrested and charged Tillett with murder. He was arraigned today before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stewart. Tillett has been remanded to prison until October 15, when he will be taken back to court before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer.
Prison Inmate Shot
Tonight, prison inmate Adrian Gordon is at the KHMH receiving treatment for injuries he received this morning after he allegedly tried to escape from the Belize Central Prison.
7News spoke to the CEO of the Prison this morning who explained how the guards caught him trying to climb over the walls. HE says the officers warned him before shooting him in the leg:
Earl Jones, CEO - Belize Central Prison
"About 11:10 am this morning inmates Adrain Gordon who is on rema dfor two counts of attempted murder and was held in the special care unit at the Belize Central Prison attempted to escape from the prison by climbing the eastern perimeter fence of the prison. Warning shots were fired by the tower guard in trying to deter the guy. However he continue to make good his escape. He was later shot in his leg. Two shots hit him in his leg. He was captured and returned back to the prison. He is on his way now to the KHMH for further treatment."
FCD Gets PM to Listen About Chiquibul
This year, the Friends For Conservation and Development has been pushing extra hard for recognition of the multiple problems that face the Chiquibul Forest. And it's paid off; they've gotten the notice of the head of government. On Wednesday, FCD met with the Prime Minister in Belize City. It may not seem like such a big deal, but for an organization who's been trying for years to get officialdom fully on board with its effort to protect the Chiquibul, it is a significant step. Rafael Manzanero told us that the meeting was extremely encouraging:..
Rafael Manzanero, Executive Director - FCD
"The main objective of the union in the first phase was basically for us to present ourselves. I felt that the meeting was extremely productive in terms of prescribing the actual situation on the ground and certainly expressing the interest for us to have more support."
Alleged Cop Killer Acquitted Of Ammo Charge
Viewers may remember Delford Slusher, he was the man accused of shooting Corporal Victor Lima to death last year, when the officer responded to try to stop him while he was in the middle of a home invasion. Well, the ammunition charge which the police department used to hold him while they investigated to bring murder charges has been dismissed.
During the trial before Magistrate Adolph Lucas, the arresting officer told the court that when he visited Slusher's residence in Bainsville, he found the two rounds of ammunition inside a suitcase that sat in the living room. The officer told the court that when he showed Slusher the two rounds, Slusher accused them of planting the bullets there, an accusation that the officer denied.
You Celebrate At The Good Ole' Children's Rally
The annual school children's rally was held today all over the country. And in Belize - which is the largest school district it was held at Parish Hall. Now, the rally - which was first created to stoke nationalist sentiment in the youth after independence - has seen its better days venue wise. It's gone from the City Center to the Bird's Isle, and now it's in the enclosed Parish Hall. In those closed confines, the riotous nationalism that we've seen in previous years doesn't have quite the opportunity to show itself. But, this morning, education minister Patrick Faber gave it the old college try - and he encouraged a receptive audience to be nationalistic:..
Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education
"I am so very proud of all of you the children of Belize for staying in school and for taking the right path that will build Belize and make Belize truly a place where we will all be able to say that we love and we cherish although we already do that. We can make it even into a better place. Do you agree? Remember that Belize is counting on you to do your part to help us to build this nation. So dont let anybody no matter who it is tell you that you are not good enough or that you are not smart enough or that you are not good looking enough to be whatever it is you want to be because one; you are Belizeans. Two; you are made in the image and likeness of God."
Inside Ms. Marsha's Mud Factory
And while the kids waved flags today, tomorrow morning the adults will be waving their rags in the J'ouvert. It's an annual celebration of debauchery, the carnival without custumes, where huge crowds come out and - under the cover of dawn's early light, they cover themselves in mud and create chaos in the streets. But, where does all the mud come from? As we found out, it's slow cooked by an expert. We went to Ms. Marsha's mud factory:..
Jules Vasquez reporting
We've all seen the J'ouvert - a orgy of mess mud and madness in the street that plays out in the pre-dawn of carnival day. But where does all that colored mud come from? Well it starts here with mounds of clay brought in by the trucks loads to Marsha Smith's yard on Dolphin Street. From there she mixes the clay with water and puts it in drums and open fires to let it boil down. This caldrum-style cooking could lasts for hours, even days.
Marsha Smith
"We have to boil it for sometimes 48 hours. All through this rainy season we take a lick because we hae to boil with wet wood."
After it boils down Marsha and her helpers have to strain it and add color.
Ready For The Road
And join us tomorrow during our live Carnival Coverage, when we'll have uncut highlights of that j'ouvert madness. Our live coverage hosted by Jesell Luriano and Jazel Pascascio starts at midday here on Channel 7 - so make sure to tune in then.
And, before that, in partnership with Belizean to the Bone, Channel 7 will have liver coverage of the Chamber of Commerce Expo 2013, starting with the opening ceremony at 9:00.
Join us on Sunday also, for all day live coverage of the Expo.
So you have a full weekend of live entertainment on channel 7 - and to get you in the carnival spirit, we leave you tonight with highlights of this year's carnival season so far which show that they are ready for the road.
Channel 5
E-mails of alleged payroffs surface in the scandalous Dangriga market
In Thursday's newscast, we reported that two investors had apparently been scammed of hundreds of thousands of dollars in a project in the south involving the Social Investment Fund. It [...]
Two investors are now trying to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars
While residents and vendors were outside the compound picketing SIF's takeover of the Dangriga Municipal Market Project from Kenard Smart's K and G Construction, more specifically Gush and Emy Ramirez, [...]
Newborn dies at the K.H.M.H., family blames doctors at Northern Medical Plaza
On Wednesday, one month old baby Dulce Maria Coye died at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. She had been rushed there by ambulance from the Northern Medical Plaza in Orange [...]
Attorney for medical facility dispels allegation of malpractice
The grieving family has made serious allegations of malpractice against the doctors from the Northern Medical Plaza who treated baby Dulce. Those allegations have caught fire in certain sections of [...]
B.T.L. reporting a drop of $5.5 million in profits
The government-owned Belize Telecommunications Limited will hold its annual general meeting this coming September twenty-sixth. Early word is that the company will be reporting a less than stellar performance with [...]
Alexander Noel Torres is charged for the murder of Karaoke King
Alexander Noel Torres, a resident of Belize City, was today arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrates’ Court for the murder of Daniel Aguirre, the KTV Latino King. His charred remains were [...]
Second UB student, Micah Tillett, charged for murder of Jamal Neal
Before the courts closed today, police escorted eighteen year old University of Belize student, Micah Tillett, to the Magistrate's Court where he was charged with the Murder of Jamal Anthony [...]
City residents continue to complain of debris and water seeping into their houses
As we have been reporting, the persistent rains have dropped a couple of inches of water in many houses and yards around the City. The situation has become unbearable for [...]
Hundreds of students attend the annual Children's Rally
The annual Children's Rally in Belize City was held today at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall. Approximately a thousand students gathered inside the hall for the event which seeks to [...]
British High Commissioner commences diplomatic tour in Belize
The new British High Commissioner to Belize, Peter Hughes, has arrived in the country to commence a diplomatic tour of duty. Hughes today paid a courtesy call on Minister of [...]
Gaspar Vega visits border area of Peten
As we mentioned earlier, Minister John Saldivar has been acting as Prime Minister in the absence of the Deputy Prime Minister, Gaspar Vega. The Minister of Natural Resources is on [...]
Parade routes for the Carnival and Jouvert
The highly anticipated Carnival Road March 2013 will be broadcasted live right here on Channel Five starting at one p.m. on Saturday. The road march is preceded, however, by the [...]
LOVE FM
Alleged Corruption and Law Suits in Construction of Market
Allegations of extortion are being made against employees of the Social Investment Fund, SIF. Now while these allegations are just surfacing, Love News has obtained documents indicating that these allegations have been occurring since 2009. But first we'll tell you how the allegations surfaced. The Social Investment Fund, through its Belize Municipal Development Project is funding the Dangriga Market Extension and the Renovation Project to the tune of exactly, one million three hundred and seventy thousand- three hundred and forty nine dollars and fifty cents. The project was to be completed in July of this year. SIF terminated the contractor, Kenard Smart of K&G Limited, contract. In the process, two financiers are worried that their accumulated hundreds of thousands of dollars were lost. Today, those financiers launched a lawsuit against Smart and the Social Investment Fund.
Minister Vega Concludes Business Trip in Guatemala
As Love News reported last week, Deputy Prime Minster of Belize and Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Gaspar Vega embarked on a working visit to Peten, Guatemala as a guest of Guatemala's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food.
The Minister's visit has now concluded and we have received reports that while he was in Peten, he attended and addressed the First National Livestock Fair held in Peten where he made contacts with several private sector livestock, equipment and service providers. Guatemala's Agriculture Minister, Elmer Lopez, the Governor of Peten and the Congressman of Peten were among many other distinguished Guatemalan officials at the fair meanwhile bilateral meetings focused on cross border collaboration in particular with efforts to eradicate the Mediterranean Fruit -Fly.
Belize City Resident Arraigned for Murder of Cab Driver in Belmopan
Twenty nine year old Noel Alexander Torres from Antelope Street in Belize City was today arraigned in the Magistrate's Court of Belmopan for the murder of thirty seven year old Taxi Driver, Daniel Aguirre.
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, there is no eyewitness to the actual killing in this case and the Prosecution's evidence rests mainly on a confession contained in a statement made by Torres under caution to Police for which no issue of involuntariness has arisen. Vidal explained that certain matters raised in the statement have been confirmed independently and there is other circumstantial evidence which bolsters the case for the Crown.
Neonate Dies…..Did Pin Remain Inside Her After Surgery?
The death of a month old baby girl of San Roman Village in the Corozal District has once again brought attention to medical practice in the country, only this time the spotlight is not on a public hospital but on a private medical institution with long years of service. The young parents of the baby are blaming two doctors of Northern Medical Specialty Plaza in Orange Walk Town of medical malpractice. Arturo Cantun found out more today.
ARTURO CANTUN
"This afternoon the Coye and Tun family held funeral services in San Roman Corozal to give rest to a month and two days old baby Dulce Maria Coye. The death of the neonatal has obviously saddened the entire family."
National Security Minister Gets Courtesy Visit from New British Commissioner to Belize
Minster of National Security, John Saldivar received a courtesy call from the new British High Commissioner to Belize, Peter Hughes.
According to a press release from the Ministry of National Security, the visit is part of the High Commissioner's familiarization tour having just taken up his new position after presenting his credentials to Governor General Sir Colville Young. British High Commissioner Hughes started his diplomatic career as Desk Officer in the British Defense Department and has since served overseas in Australia, the Caribbean, Asia, Afghanistan and the Oceana Region.
Upon his appointment to Belize, Hughes had said that he hopes to build on the enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Belize. Hugh takes over from former British High Commissioner, Pat Ashworth who upon leaving Belize reiterated the British Government's commitment to continue its support to the Belize Government and the British Army Training Support Unit's pledge to continue standing shoulder with the Belize Defense Force.
Reckless Driver Leaves Scene After Causing Traffic Mishap on Highway
A traffic accident this morning on the Philip Goldson Highway leaves a man suffering from minor injuries and his vehicle with major damages.
It happened at around eight when 52 year-old, Ernesto Perrera was driving his brown Toyota Prado in the direction from Belize City towards the Haulover Bridge when a vehicle exited the street that connects from Coney Drive to the highway near the Puma Service Station. In an attempt to avoid hitting the vehicle, Perrera swerved and hit the median, then careened onto the other side of the highway and hit a white delivery truck that was travelling towards Belize City. Pererra's Prado received extensive damage and he himself complained of minor injuries.
Accused Murderer Freed of Ammunition Charge
Twenty-seven year old, Delford Slusher, a fisherman of mile 17 and a half on the George Price Highway who was charged with kept ammunition without a gun license was acquitted of the charge today by Magistrate Adolph Lucas.
However, despite the not guilty verdict, he was not freed as he is on remand at the Belize Central Prison for murder. At around 11 p.m. on July 24, 2012, police officers went to Slusher's residence as part of their investigation into the fatal shooting of a police officer. Two police officers testified that when they executed a search upstairs of Slusher's house they found two live rounds of nine millimetre caliber ammunition in a large black suitcase which contained female apparel. Slusher, who was represented by attorney Dickie Bradley, testified that when the officers arrived the dogs began to bark and he opened the door for them after they identified themselves as police officers.
PlusTV
SIF's Executive Director addresses problems within the organization
There is much tension brewing within the Social Investment Fund. The refurbishment of the Dangriga Town Market is part of the 30 million dollar Belize Municipal Development Project, financed by the World Bank. And while the first phase of the project is near completion with the...
16 year old shot in Roaring Creek Village
Belmopan Police are investigating a shooting incident involving a 16 year old boy who was shot in the abdomen. According to police reports, the teenage boy was inside a yard with a group of friends in the Roaring Creek village at around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday when the incident...
Belize City Council bans large buses in downtown area
The Belize City Council continues to aggressively pursue its plan for developing and reorganizing the downtown area of Belize City. One feature is the re-routing of traffic, including large buses and the so-called "dalla taxi" vans which inexpensively transport commuters from the western area of the City into downtown....
Two men charged for breaking into a container
Two men have been charged after Police say they broke into a container belonging to the Cane Farmers Fair Trade Association. The break in occurred about 1:30 yesterday morning in Caledona Village in the Corozal District. Reported stolen were three spray pumps, one tractor battery...
CEMO responds to flooding in Belize City
On Tuesday night in Belize City there was localized flooding as a result of a low pressure system in the immediate area of Belize. It was forecasted by the Weather Bureau but not expected to have the impact it did. Coordinator for the City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO), Wayne...
Red Cross and NEMO prepare for disaters
The Belize Red Cross joins the City Council and NEMO in raising local awareness of hurricanes and particularly plans for evacuation and shelters. At an event on Thursday at City Hall Director General Lily Bowman described the origin of the plan. Lily Bowman...
BTB premieres new advertisements
This week the Belize Tourism Board premiered new advertisements promoting Belize as a tourism destination. Every so often the campaign is refreshed and the current one talks about "Discover How to Be�in Belize." While Belize has never had difficulty with attracting eager tourists,...
Belize prepares for EU/Caribbean Trade Agreement
Five years ago, the CARIFORUM countries and the European Union signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in which each grants the other access to their markets in all goods and services. The Agreement will be implemented in the next twenty-five years and a formal plan has been developed to...
Why is Stephen Okeke changing pace?
After nearly two decades of various philanthropic works across Belize, Stephen Okeke is winding down his public life in Belize. He believes that he has done enough for this country with little appreciation and in fact much opposition. But why is the usually irrepressible Nigerian finally giving up? It...