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The San Pedro Sun
Two tourists receive minor injuries after a gun accidentally goes off
Belize Police Press Officer Rafael Martinez would not go into details, but did confirm that two tourists were injured shortly around 9:30AM on Wednesday February 19th in Belize City. The incident occurred inside the Brown Sugar Terminal that houses the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi. Martinez said that it was a negligent discharge, meaning that the firearm accidentally went off. An eyewitness, who was one of the many passengers waiting to board a water taxi, told The San Pedro Sun that a firearm belonging to a businessman from Caye Caulker Village fell to the ground and several shots went off.
The shots hit the concrete structure and fragments from the shots injured two female tourists, a mother and her daughter who were in the area. Fortunately, the injuries were not life threatening and thus the two tourist have been treated and released.
San Pedro barge collision damages Belize's largest port
A boat accident involving a cargo barge from San Pedro Town has forced the closure of the largest commercial port in the country, Port of Belize Limited. The accident occurred around 4:45AM on Tuesday February 18th when a vessel belonging to Krystal Shipping slammed into the port docking facility, seriously damaging three beams that hold up part of the port structure. The Belize Port Authority has opened an investigation to find out what caused the accident but the Port of Belize has indicated that the damages and losses to business can be in the hundreds of thousands. Speaking to the media, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Belize Limited Arturo "Tux" Vasquez said that it will take a minimum of six days before the repairs are completed. "The effects arequite significant really because it puts the pier out of commission and obviously we are still in the stage of assessing everything and the priority for us right now is to make sure that we get this [port] fixed. We thought that it was only one of the beams but apparently it damaged all three, so instead of having to replace one, we are looking to having to replace three beams now. The engineer is currently looking at it and trying to put all the plans in place, but for us even to replace one beam, we would have to close the pier off, so initially we thought about four days, but I think now we are realistically looking at about six days."
2 years in a row -Ambergris Caye is #1 island in the world!!
Ambergris Caye has been selected by TripAdvisor® as the number one island in the world for the second consecutive year in the 2014 Traveler's Choice Island awards. The good news was revealed by the travel review organization on February 19th and along with Ambergris Caye's accolades, other resorts and hotels from various parts of the country were also recognized as top places in the region.
Beautiful Ambergris Caye is the largest populated island in Belize located in northern waters of the country and anchored less than a mile west from the regional Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. "Ambergris Caye hovers in a vacation sweet spot: just enough amenities to make it exciting, but not so overdeveloped that you're tripping over flip-flopped tourists. A mangrove swamp is the eye of this white beach island, the largest in Belize, and golf carts are the main form of transportation along the sandy roads. Reef divers drool over the Belize Barrier Reef and the Blue Hole, a 400-feet deep circle of limestone that teems with angelfish, elk horn coral, cleaner shrimp and stalactites," describes TripAdvisor®.
Flor Ancona's Carnaval Group hosts Valentine's Dinner Dance
Carnaval Season is on its way and already some of the comparsas groups have begun fundraising for the big days of March 2nd-4th. On Saturday February 15th, Flora Ancona's Carnaval group held a Valentine's Dinner Dance at the Lions Den in an effort to raise funds for their group. The group would like to thank everyone who came out to support the dinner/dance and encourages the public to come out and have a great time at the first ever Miss Carnaval pageant. The pageant will be their next fundraising event and is sure to be a great time. Set your calendars for Friday February 21st at the Angel Nu�ez Auditorium.
Diamond in the Rough- Artisan Edition
Often times the end of vacations, tend to be the least favorite part of a trip for visitors vacationing in the "#1 Island in the World-TripAdvisor Awards 2104." But thanks to talented Belizean artisans such as our woodcarvers, Ambergris Caye tourists get to take a piece of paradise with them when they leave-literally! In this article you will be introduced to three of San Pedro's woodcarvers who have given countless visitors the perfect souvenir to remember their time in San Pedro. They work with tools such as chisels, chainsaws, and hammers in order to turn pieces of rough woods such as logwood, driftwood and ziricote into masterpieces that reflect various aspects of rich Belizean culture and wildlife.
Ambergris Today
Ambergris Caye Voted #1 Island in the World Two Years in a Row
Residents of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye are jumping for joy as the island has once again been voted THE NUMBER ONE ISLAND IN THE WORLD for the second year in a row in Trip Advisors's 2014 Travelers' Choice Awards. Ambergris Caye beat out destinations such as Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, Bora Bora in the Society Islands, and even Marco Island in Florida, for the coveted title.
"Millions of reviews, nothing but the best" posts Trip Advisor as it lists the TOP 10 Islands in the World, voted by its millions of online viewers and reviewers. And Ambergris Caye, Belize is on the top of that list one more time for the second year in a row!
This is such a great honor for Ambergris Caye and Belize as the number one tourist destination in the country also becomes the tops in the world once again. This Belizean jewel offers the perfect blend of modern development and laid-back tranquility that keeps visitors coming back year after year to enjoy the sun, sea and air.
Golf Cart Crashes Into Island Supermarket
At about 6:12p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, San Pedro Police and the San Pedro Traffic Department responded to a traffic accident that occurred on Coconut Drive on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Upon arrival police and traffic wardens found that a green golf cart had crashed into the glass wall of the Island Supermarket.
Driving the vehicle belonging to Peter Jones was 79-year-old Graham Whitehead, UK Citizen. Investigations reveal that Whitehead stepped on the wrong pedal and instead of hitting the brakes, he stepped on the accelerator causing the cart to crash into the glass window. Mr. Whitehead received minor cuts on his left foot and was treated at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Poly Clinic.
A Valentine's Day Surprise Dive Proposal in San Pedro, Belize
This is quite likely one of the coolest marriage proposals that we have seen done here in Ambergris Caye. Who can beat an engagement underwater at 85 feet deep at the Tunnels of Love?
This is exactly what Todd planned as he organized an elaborate marriage proposal for his girlfriend Kristina. It was a surprise dive proposal organized by the team at Belize Pro Dive Center who helped Todd with the dive preparations and the celebration once they came back from the dive. And it all happened on Valentine's Day. Watch the video; it's pretty amazing!
Flashbacks:
De Ja Vu Stories on Skeletal Findings in San Pedro
Very often we have a de ja vu or repeat story on some incident or the other. In this flashback series of photos taken by renowned photographer Kay Scott in the 1980's we re-live the same story of the recent find of skeletal remains in the mangroves of North Ambergris Caye. This Flashback was supposedly of a sailor Lawrence Dombrowski of Florida who disappeared on New Year's Eve of 1987. Despite a rigorous hunt for the person or body, it did not appear until February 21, 1988 when Carlos Martinez discovered a partially clothed skeleton in the mangroves of Boca Del Rio Area of Ambergris Caye. There were many rumors including that the skeleton had two bullet holes, that the body was found buried, and that his dingy had drifted away and he drowned. The biggest rumor was that he headed to Mexico and left the country. Do you wonder what stories will come out of this one that the police has in its hands today?
Misc Belizean Sources
Longest zip line in Central America
The longest zip line in Central America is 2,300 feet long and located at Mayflower Bocawina National Forest in Silk Grass on the Southern Highway in Belize. The last line is very fast & very long, lasting over 30 seconds!
Ground Breaking for Infrastructure Improvements at Archaeological Sites
Tourists and local visitors to archaeological sites in Belize will soon benefit from infrastructure improvements at the sites under the Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites (MTBCAAS) project. The infrastructure works will commence at Altun Ha, Belize District and a ground breaking ceremony was today (Wednesday, February 12), to mark the occasion. The project is funded by the European Union and the Government of Belize.
European Union (EU) Ambassador Paola Amadei who addressed the ceremony remarked "It is a symbolic event as this EU funded project aims on one side to improve the experience of tourists visiting the archaeological sites AND as well promotes employment and better opportunities in the communities in the proximity of the archaeological site. This project has the component of promoting community development."
Visitors to Altun Ha will experience the upgraded Visitor's Centre which will be outfitted with audio-visual equipment, enhancing the tourist experience. Additionally, a new male bathroom facility, walking trails and seating areas will be constructed. These improvements will cater to people with diverse abilities and increase health and safety at the site. A contract was signed with KIKOS Engineering Services for $255,583.41 to carry out the construction works at Altun Ha. Construction is expected to last for 4 months, ending in June 2014.
(MOU) to establish and protect Belize's biological corridors and core areas that function as habitat for jaguars and their prey
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish and protect Belize's biological corridors and core areas that function as habitat for jaguars and their prey will be signed at 10 a.m. on Friday February 21, at the Black Orchid Resort, Burrell Boom Village, Belize District.
Signatories to the MOU will include the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development, the University of Belize through its Environmental Research Institute (ERI), and Panthera.
The ERI, is dedicated to the science and conservation of natural resources and the development of Belizean human capacity. Panthera is a global non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wild cat species and their habitats, with a long history of jaguar conservation efforts in Belize and the Mesoamerican region. The jaguar, because of its mobility and sensitivity to human presence, along with its ecological function and its role in human culture, can provide an effective focus for monitoring the integrity of core areas and for corridor identification and conservation.
University of Belize partners with European Union in Masters and PhD Scholarships Opportunities for Belizeans
The opportunity for Belizeans to pursue a Masters or a PhD degree is available once again through a program offered by the nation's tertiary institution, the University of Belize.
The European Union project has provided funding for the scholarships through "The Caribbean-Pacific Islands Mobility Scheme (CARPIMS).
CARPIMS III is funded by the Education, Audio-Visual and Culture Agency (EACEA) of the European Union, and is designed to facilitate the movement of Masters and PhD students and staff among a consortium of Universities from the Caribbean and Pacific regions. The program aims at building capacity and encouraging socioeconomic development in each country and each region.
The La Ruta Maya River Challenge is just over 2 weeks away. It'll follow the same route as last year. The SISE House of Culture's Cultural Night will be at the Cayo Welcome Center on Thursday, March 6th. The World Culture Band will be playing, and they'll have marimbas, and dancing.
UB's Jan/Feb Newsletter
The University of Belize has released their first newsletter for the year, and it's filled with good news and articles about their endeavors, including articles about their collaboration with TAMU and their student numbers.
"The first e-bulletin for the year 2014 - University of Belize Collaborates with Texas A&M University; UB Receives Agricultural Equipment Donation; Educational Trends; UB Receives Donation of Technological Equipment; UB Distributes Micro Propagated Planting Materials to Benefit the Agriculture Sector; Preserving Red Kidney Beans via Science; BSU President Visits UB; UB Scientist Spearheads Research on 'Dung Beetles' ; Students Enhancing Campus Landscape; US Graduate Student on Internship at UB; UB Black Jaguars Coach Receives High Level Training; Bringing Smiles to Children; Mandarin Class - Hen Hao; Welcome to the UB Team; Free Laboratory Testing"
20th Coca Cola Spelling Bee
The 20th annual Coca Cola Spelling Bee has been happening all around Belize. Congratulations to Zone 3 finalists Rina Marcos(United Pentecostal) and Leighi Alvarado(Santa Elena), and Zone 5 finalists Sherman Matute(St. Jude's) and Shelby Gonzalez(St. Martin de Porres), who will all go to the district finals. Great event; thanks, Coca Cola! Best of luck to all!
"The annual Coca-Cola Spelling Bee is celebrating its twentieth anniversary and this year plans to be a banner year for the national competition. Beginning with the addition of other corporate sponsors, including the Belize Bank, BTL, Caribbean Treasures and the Ministry of Education, the spelling contest is being billed as the biggest primary school event."
Cayo International Banking Fair
The Cayo Welcome Center will be the site for Cayo's International Banking Fair this Saturday, from 9:00am until 2:00pm. The Atlantic International Bank is sponsoring the event, and they'll have an information booth, games, and applications for those interested.
"In Belize, we love to celebrate thus, this weekend we are celebrating the new Atlantic International Bank and Atlantic International Corp Services San Ignacio office with an "International Banking Fair". The fair kicks off at the Cayo Welcome Center from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday February 22nd. The International Banking Fair promises to have something for everyone. Here's what you can expect!"
Early morning robbery nets thieves undisclosed amount of money
Police in Belize City are investigating an early morning robbery in Belize City.
It happened around 6:30 this morning on Freetown Road.
Reports are that a person was in the process of depositing money for Western Diaries at the Freetown Road branch of Atlantic Bank when the robbery happened.
An undisclosed amount of money was taken in the robbery.
SPELLING BEE - SAN ANTONIO (4 photos)
With the rolling hills of Cayo as the backdrop, the Zone Eliminations of the National Cocal Cola Spelling Bee is today in San Antonio Village, Cayo. 16 children from 8 primary schools in Zone 3 are taking part in today's competition.
Profiting from a strong private sector - Job creation:
Collectively we are by far Belize's largest employer. According
to the Statistical Institute's most recent Labour Force Survey, for
September 2013, 84.8% of employed persons (more than
108,000) are working in the private sector.
The Government of Belize, on the other hand, employs 11.6%,
totaling just under 15,000 people.
Contributed by Kay Menzies - President of Belize Chamber of
Commerce & Industry
Love is in the Air Concert
The Benque House of Culture is having their Love is in the Air Concert Saturday, February 22nd, starting at 7:00pm. It's at Centennial Park, and the Benque Marimba Academy is involved, so maybe they'll play a little. Thanks, Benque HoC!
"Come and support our local artists this coming Saturday!!!"
Lucio and the New Generation
The SISE House of Culture teamed up with the Cayo branch of the Belize Cancer Society teamed up Saturday to bring out Lucio and the New Generation to play at the Cayo Welcome Center. Emmanuel Mangar also played some. It was another fun night at the Cayo Welcome Center.
"The Belize Cancer Society teamed up with the SISE House of Culture to bring Lucio and the New Generation to the Cayo Welcome Center."
PUP to pursue Police Penner investigation in court
The People's United Party awaits a date for the hearing of its application for judicial review of the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie's indecision to act on the investigation of the Elvin Penner/Won-Hong Kim scandal.
Legal advisor Anthony Sylvestre filed the documents at the Supreme Court Registry this afternoon and spoke to the press afterward, saying the PUP and his law firm, Musa and Balderamos, had to act after there was no response received from the Commissioner by the deadline of Monday, February 17.
Sylvestre says the Party still believes that there is time to act and arrest Penner and his assistants, however the six-month statute of limitations on summary offences will run out in March.
Channel 7
Morning Killing Is Result Of Escalating Gang War
Yesterday morning there was a misunderstanding between two rival gangs, George Street and Supal Street at the fish market in Belize City. Tonight, police believe that same misunderstanding resulted in a shooting last night and a murder this morning in acts of random retaliation. Last night's victims were injured, this morning it was murder on Plues Street. 7News was there:
Jules Vasquez Reporting
The shooting happened between Plues Street and West Canal at 9:30 this morning.
25 year old Tarique Cadle lay dead in the yard, he had been shot multiple times to the head. His sister Kassian Cadle arrived at the scene in time to identify the body:
Kassian Cadle - Sister of deceased
"When I arrived on the scene, I saw his slippers outside, his cap behind the fence in the yard where he was shot, and I saw him at the back lying down. It was tragic moment. It was nerve-wrecking because I saw my brother's face - you know - blood coming all out of his nose, his ears, even his eyes. It was was a cruel death."
Gun Accidentally Discharges at Water Taxi Terminal, Minor Injuries For Two
And just as police were processing the Tariq Cadle murder scene, a report came in saying that there had been a shooting at the San Pedro Belize Express Terminal on North Front Street. Now, on a day when there are four cruise ships in port, and the area is thronged with tourists, that was very disturbing news. Fortunately we can report that it was an accidental gun discharge and no one was seriously hurt. But, accident or not, a nine millimeter pistol discharging in a crowded terminal poses a huge public safety risk. Police explained what happened:
Superintendent Gualberto Garcia - OC, Police Precinct 3
"It was a local, a Belizean business man who was in the area right behind me this morning, and at about 9:50 a.m. this mornin, he was coming out of the Compound at the back there. He is a licensed firearm holder; he had firearm in his pants waist. Upon exiting the compound, he tried - according to the investigation - to fix his pants, and unfortunately, that action caused his firearm to be negligently discharged. As far as we are concerned, the firearm was pointed downwards, as you can imagine, and the bullet hit the floor, richoceted, and the pieces hit 2 tourists who were coming out and were immediately around him, 2 females, a mother and daughter. Both persons have been treated by BERT personnel, and as far as we are concerned, they refused to be transported to the KHMH, and they returned back into the compound with injuries treated already."
Body Found In Guinea Grass Is 23 Year Old Man
It has been confirmed that the a body found yesterday morning on the outskirts of Guinea Grass Village in the Orange Walk District is 23 year-old Luis Moreno, a young man who went missing about 10 days ago. Preliminary findings from the medical examiner suggests that he may have been killed.
The body was found on a farm called Rancho Lalo, located 2 and half miles on the Guinea Grass Road. Approximately 400 meters in, his skeletal remains were found under some cohune trees. HIS MOTHER Marcela Moreno went to the site and identified the body as her son who she's been looking for. She recognized him from the boxers and sweater he was wearing. Marcela Moreno had been tormented by the news of the discovery since yesterday, and she had strongly suspected that it was her son, which she finally confirmed today.
Public Service Hearing For Officers From Passport Section
Immigration Officers Sharon Neal-Flowers, Erwin Robinson and Omar Phillips, all from the Passport Section of the Immigration Department, are at home tonight, patiently awaiting the decision of the Public Service Commission as to whether or not they will be terminated as public officers.
These officers, you will recall, are the same ones who were suspended following the unearthing of the Citizen Kim Scandal. Director of Immigration Maria Marin recommended them for termination in January. After weeks of waiting to defend themselves against the allegations that they had a hand in getting fraudulent passport issued to Won Hon Kim, they got their opportunity today before a Commission Tribunal in Belmopan.
The hearing was held behind closed doors, and after 3 hours, it was all over after one witness testified against them. Oswald Twist, attorney for Robinson and Phillips, spoke to the media afterwards, and he told us that he's confident about the case they presented on behalf of the Immigration officers:
PUP Files Writ Of Mandamus
And while those wheels of process turn in Belmopan, today at the Supreme Court in Belize City, the PUP went to the Supreme Court to file a writ of mandamus - basically asking the court to make the Commissioner of police arrest Elvin Penner for violating the passport and nationality act.
This move comes after the party gave Commissioner Allen Whylie 7 days to respond to their request, which he ignored. So the PUP went to court to file the application today and we spoke to the legal advisor:
Anthony Sylvestre - Legal Advisor, PUP
There's been no response to that letter and so, as a consequence, we are forced to actually take this course of action and actually initiate judicial review proceedings against the commissioner."
Hipolito Novelo - Love News
"Is there any indication that the Com Pol even open and read the letter. Well, there was no formal - or any response to our office, but I did read in the Amandala that Rowland Parks was lucky to have a reply given to him from the Commissioner. But, there hasn't been anything formal that has been submitted to our office."
Cuban Gold Heist Fugitive Wanted, But US Not Ready Yet
Last night we told you about Cuban fugitive Raonel Valdez Valhuerdi. He was caught by immigration authorities in the bushes of Benque Viejo trying to slip illegally into Belize from Guatemala. Sharp work by the Benque Border Immigration told them to follow up on a hunch and google his name: they found that he is wanted in Coral Gables Florida for the armed robbery of 3 million dollars in gold. Police reports fr4om Florida say he masterminded the theft of two rolling suitcases filled with more than 100 pounds of gold flakes from a courier working for a Bolivian export company.
Now, he's at the Hattieville Prison pending deportation presumably to Cuba - even though he paid his two thousand dollar fine for illegal entry.
But now, since it turns out he's wanted by the US, Belize police say they will expel him. A US Embassy spokesperson, says that they have been in touch with the Belizean authorities regarding Valhuerdi�and "if necessary (they will) work with local counterparts to take further action."
Unconfirmed Firings From That "Hotbed of Corruption"
7News has been attempting to confirm all day with Wilbert Vallejos, the Commissioner of Lands, and the Acting CEO of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture about the status of 3 very senior public officers from that Ministry who all been reportedly dismissed.
They are the Deputy Registrar of Lands, Barony Hernandez, and the Deputy Commissioner of Lands, Nestor Hernandez, and National Estate Officer Darleen Padron, and we must stress that it is not confirmed that they are indeed terminated.
These officers were all reportedly appointed by the Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega when he was elected to office, and CTV3 reports that Nester and Barony Hernandez are Vega's nephews.
Lawyer For Immigration Officers Say They Are Being Scapegoated For Hon. Penner
In our last segment we told you about the three Immigration Officers from the passport section who were taken before the public service commission today. Well, two more are pending; they are Ady Pacheco and Gilroy Wade, from the nationality section.
Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse says they are the ones who handled the disappeared Citizen Kim file. The Director of Immigration wrote to them asking for their explanation and they "lawyered up". Through sources in the public service, 7News has obtained a copy of that letter from their attorney Godfrey Smith. It says that they deny acting in breach of Department procedures since they have never been provided with an outline of their specific duties.
As for any breakdown in procedure which led to the Citizen Kim passport, Smith writes that quote, "my clients say that any such misprocedure - as all of Belize knows - was conceived and engineered by Minister of state Elvin Penner acting either personally or through instructions directed at public officers.
Mental Health Association Says Moses Williams Didn't Have To Die
On Monday, we reported on the police killing of a mentally unstable man in Big Falls Village, Toledo District. Moses Williams who was brandishing a machete and charged towards a special constable and chopped both his hands. As Williams stood over him, with the machete in the air and was about to chop him again, a police Constable reportedly fired a warning shot with his issued 12-guage pump action but Williams took no heed. The police then shot Williams in the left leg to subdue him, but, Williams reportedly kept advancing with the machete towards the police and got a hold of his shotgun. Both police officers then dashed off. A few minutes' later police heard when the shotgun. Police from Punta Gorda arrived on the scene and found Williams sitting on the ground with the shotgun under his injured leg and a machete next to him. Police took Williams to the hospital and he died at 9:20am.
Introducing Breathalysers?
25 Traffic Enforcement Officials from around the country participated in the first of a 2 day training on road safety and enforcement.
It's being conducted by facilitators from a Danish company, SWeROAD, and it will focus on a wide range of topics aimed at making the Country's roads a safer place to drive.
7News stopped in to find out what the international trainers were presenting to the traffic officials. Here's what one of the organizers told us about it:
Evan Dakers - Representative, Social Investment Fund
"There is a number of activities will be taking place. Today's workshop is focusing on issue of communication with road users. We have been trying to get the police officers and traffic wardens to understand that there are proper ways of speaking to road users, and of course, there are not-so-good ways of doing it. But, I think what is even more important - and that will be done tomorrow because this is a 2-day - tomorrow, they will be introduced - or maybe re-introcuded in some cases - to the use of breathalysers. That will be an opportunity for those drivers who are driving under the influence of alcohol to be put on warning. In other words, there will be the distribution of breathalysers, and all the traffic warders and traffic officers will be able to utilize these equipment. So, I think that we are hoping that with the use of the breathalysers, there will be a definite reduction in road traffic accidents and so forth."
From China To Chile, Around The World In A Few Years
Travelling in a motor home is one of the cheapest ways to travel the world. That's according to a group of friends who have set out to travel the world in an RV. These fulltime RVers are from China and began their journey around the world in May of 2012. A year and a half later, they have visited 35 countries out of a list of one hundred. This had always been a dream for the group of friends - who say they had to sacrifice their businesses and homes to make it a reality. Here's their story.
Belize Bests Top Island List
For the second year in a row, Ambergris Caye has been voted Trip Advisor's '#1 Island in the World.'
The list this time is Trip Advisor's 2014 Travellers' Choice Islands and Ambergris Caye bested destinations such as Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, Bora Bora in the Society Islands, and Marco Island in Florida.
According to the glowing review on Trip Advisor, "The beautiful Belize island offers the perfect blend of modern development and laid-back tranquility."
Channel 5
Gang warfare: Tarique Cadle murdered on Plues Street
There is a murder to report tonight resulting from the hostility between two south side gangs. It stems from a shooting on Tuesday night at the corner of King Street [...]
George Street gang members injured in shooting incident
While police are investigating Tarique Cadle's murder, the two Belize City gang affiliates of George Street who were shot on Tuesday night remain hospitalized. Twenty-five year old Kariq Tzul of [...]
2 persons detained in the murder of cab driver, Lester Rowland
On Monday evening, the lifeless body of sixty-one year old Lester Rowland was discovered inside a concrete vat outside of his home on Guerrero Street.� A team of law enforcement [...]
3 suspended immigration officers go before Services Commission
Elvin Penner, the disgraced former minister of state, who facilitated the illegal issuance of a Belize passport to a South Korean fugitive, has not been questioned much less investigated. But [...]
P.U.P. files writ of mandamus against ComPol Whylie
The People's United Party believes that by his own admission in an email to the media, Elvin Penner committed an illegal and criminal act in the passport issued to South [...]
Sitting Magistrate Seeking judicial review against Director of Immigration
As you heard, the P.U.P. is asking the court to direct the Commissioner of Police to carry out a criminal investigation into the illegal issuance of a passport to a [...]
2 tourists injured in accidental discharge of firearm
There were thousands of tourists today in the area of the Tourism Village when a pair of visitors narrowly escaped grave; they were wounded by the fragments of a nine [...]
Body found in Orange Walk farm confirmed to be that of missing man
A News Five team traveled to a farm on the Guinea Grass Road where human remains were found by the farm's caretaker. While the police would not confirm the identity [...]
Infrastructure bonanza a 3-year plan
In November 2013 Prime Minister Dean Barrow hosted a special press briefing to announce a countrywide infrastructure bonanza, what he called a plan on steroids. G.O.B. proposes to spend approximately [...]
Ministry of Works C.E.O speaks on the San Estevan/Progresso Road
That's good news for Belize City and other municipalities who will benefit under the National Infrastructure Plan. But there is an area in the north which continues to bedevil commuters. [...]
Patrick Bevans arraigned for attempted theft
A Belize City man, who claims he was badly beaten by the police and B.D.F. after he was accused of trying to steal a rifle assigned to a B.D.F. officer [...]
6 illegal immigrants caught in sting operation by Immigration Department
A total of six illegal immigrants, who were rounded up as a part of a sting operation by the Immigration Department, appeared in the Belize City Magistrate's Court today to [...]
25 traffic enforcement officers receive training
Today, police officers, traffic wardens and transport officers gathered at the Belmopan Training School to learn the dos and don'ts of traffic enforcement. It's all part of a larger Road [...]
Road Safety Project deals with traffic enforcement and road conditions
As we told you, the Road Safety Project deals with everything from traffic enforcement to road conditions, specifically the road on what is called the western corridor. That's the Western [...]
Mental Health Association issues release on shooting death of PG man
Moses Williams, a mentally challenged person, was shot and killed by the police in Big Falls.� Police told News Five that Williams was shot after chopping the left arm of [...]