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Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV3
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The San Pedro Sun
San Pedro Town and Roatan discuss signing of Sister City Relationship
On Friday, March 7th the San Pedro Town Council received a visit from Her Excellency Sandra Rosales Abella, Ambassador of the Republic of Honduras and Carlos Villanueva Medina, Minister Counselor of the Republic of Honduras. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the proposal of a Sister City Relationship between San Pedro Town and Roatan, Honduras. San Pedro Town has always had good relationships with its neighboring countries, so much that on October 26, 2013 the City of Chetumal renewed its Sister City Relationship with San Pedro Town. The aim of such relationships is to strengthen exchanges in the cultural, academic, tourism, economic and health sectors in both municipalities.
Social Investment Fund to inaugurate Guinea Grass Library & Multi-purpose Center
Eight hundred children in the village of Guinea Grass, Orange Walk District, will now enjoy a safe community space promoting reading, culture and knowledge through a project implemented by the Social Investment Fund (SIF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports through the Belize National Library Service and Information System (BNLSIS), and the community of Guinea Grass.
The Guinea Grass Multi-Purpose Center, which was financed by the Government of Belize by a loan provided by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) at a total cost of $368,099, houses the community library, the Village Council, the Water Board and sewing facility.
The library is equipped with furniture, books and computers made available by SIF. SIF was also instrumental in providing sewing equipment, sewing and small business/entrepreneurship training to men, women and youth in the village.
The project represents SIF's continued commitment of realizing its Mission by implementing social infrastructure projects and programmes that provide basic services to the most severely affected groups aimed at reducing poverty in urban and rural areas across Belize.
Jordy Craft is current top scorer of the SPSC Football Tournament
The San Pedro Sports Committee (SPSC) Football Tournament is winding down to the finals, and teams are fighting for the win. After the fifth round of games, FC United and Joker FC are still leading the boards in their group but they better not get too comfortable because Island Pure and Southwind are looking to take over. At this point of the tournament every goal counts. On Saturday, March 8th, four teams faced off in two grueling matches. In the first game, Southwind faced off Costa Blu. With every intention to take the lead in Group B, Southwind defeated Costa Blu in a 4-1 point game. The second game was between VH Bomber and Island Pure, the game ended in a 0-1 win for Island Pure.
NACNW group effort leads to the successful apprehension of two culprits
A neighborhood watch is a group of neighbors who believe that fighting crime is every citizen's responsibility. That theory was put to the test on Wednesday March 12th by the North Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch (NACNW) in the Tres Cocos area of San Pedro Town. The group, working along with other people in the area managed to detain a male identified as 22-year-old Juan Carlos Martinez and later a 17-year-old male minor, who police believe have been terrorizing islanders in the Tres Cocos area of the island. San Pedro Police said that residents in the Tres Cocos area have been experiencing a number of burglaries and they strongly believe the two males are the ones who have been terrorizing the residents in the area. Both Martinez and the minor have been arrested and are expected to be charged for the incident and will be investigated for other similar incidents. Martinez, who is known to local authorities on the island, has been out of prison on bail after he was accused of an armed robbery on the island which is still pending before the court.
Darrington Louriano shot but refuses to speak to police
One person was treated and released following a shooting incident that occurred on Sand Piper Street in San Pedro Town on Tuesday March 11th. The victim is 21-year-old Darrington Louriano Jr. of a San Juan Area address.
According to residents on Sand Piper Street, they heard several gunshots sometime around 9:24PM and moments later saw a dark skinned male wearing a gray T-shirt running towards the beach area. The incident occurred at a time when several area residents were heading home from work while others were trying to purchase food from a mobile food stall in the area. According to one eyewitness who requested to remain anonymous, as many as seven gunshots were fired. The person explained that some buyers were so terrified that they took cover behind the stall in fear of being hit. According to police, when they visited the scene, they found Louriano Jr. suffering from one apparent gunshot wound to the left shoulder.
"Footprints for Peace"- the community is invited
With the increase in crimes happening in our San Pedro community that led to the shooting death of Jeffrey Eiley, his family and friends have joined together to partake in a coalition to restore safety within the streets of San Pedro Town. The movement is called "Justice for Jeffrey," and will see a series of events geared towards raising awareness and breaking stigmas associated with crime and violence, but will moreover be geared towards restoring compassion.
Jeffrey's violent death has brought to light what is lacking in our community, and it is the hope of his family that with the formation of the Justice for Jeffrey coalition, that sense of community and fellowship is restored.
Ambergris Today
My Baby Turns 15. Happy Quince A�os Ambergris Today
I sit back at my desk, close my eyes and can just feel like it was yesterday when I published my first edition of Ambergris Today Newspaper. Wow! It has been 15 years from that day this year as Ambergris Today becomes a Quincea�era - Sweet 15 indeed!
And as I keep my eyes closed, I recollect on all the wonderful memories that include happy times, triumphs, adventures, excitement, celebrations, knowledge, failure, tragedy, sadness and on top of it all, so much wonderful experience. My experiences working on building my personal business and public service to the community of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and my country Belize has brought tremendous happiness in my life. 'Love your job and you will not have to work a day in your life'; this explains my passion towards my career.
San Pedro AIDS Commission Sends Thanks For Carnaval Support
The San Pedro AIDS Commission wholeheartedly thanks the following businesses/individuals who so generously helped us this year with our comparsa expenses. It is because of your support that our group moves forward. We salute each of you and say Muchas Gracias to:
Mata Chica Resort
NICH
Kelly McDermott Kanabar
Rojo Lounge
Findley Halliday
Sandy Point Resort
Deputy Mayor Gabriel "Gaby" Nu�ez
Councilor Guillermo "Mito" Paz
The San Pedro Town Council
The Unique Pharmacy
Yadira & Rene Paz
Sajia's Construction
Traveller's Liquors
Captian Iguanas
Coqui Rodriquez
Elito Arceo
Wilbert Maga�a
Elder & Corina Alvarez
E&L Butane
Juvinie Sabido
Dennis Alfaro
To Our Designers and Comparsa Helpers: Dianelita Hancock, Pablito Guerrero, Sandra Ayuso, Mrs. Irma Banegas, Angel Nu�ez, Noel Wiltshire, JoVan Ayuso & Lilia Westby.
Misc Belizean Sources
Women's arts & craft display in Punta Gorda
As part of celebrating Women's Month the Toledo Women's Department of Toledo is today hosting an arts and craft display at the PG Central Park.
According to Coordinator Loraine Johnson, the main objective of the day-kong event is to "showcase the talents of women and their efforts in keeping to strive for the best."
And a look at the vast array of items on display, the arts and craft done by the women of Toledo are second to none.
Johnson says that "as women we also have a lot of potential to do things and that success starts with wanting to do something."
Outstanding women recognized in Corozal
Activities for Women's month are continuing across the country.
Here in Corozal, women are being treated to a complete spa treatment for a previously unheard of $5.00.
This includes manicure and pedicure for that one low price. In related news, two prominent women from Corozal have been designated Most Outstanding.
They are 66 year old Elda Sutherland, a retired Community Development Officer.
Sutherland contributed 23 years of service to her people as an officer with the Human Development Department.
The other awardee is 23 year old Niedi Leticia Rosado.
Fun run in PG a success
Promoting a healthy lifestyle was the theme of this morning's Fun Run in Punta Gorda town.
Over 360 persons, including children with special needs took part in the event which was coordinated by Special Olympics Belize and the One World Running volunteer group from the United States.
Organizers say they are happy with the turn out. Congratulations to all who took part in the Fun Run.
Hot and dry today; but rain on the way
It is another hot day in beautiful Belize, as fair and mostly dry conditions will push the heat level to the high end of the thermometer. But rain is on the way as a weak cold front approaches the country.
The general forecast for Belize and her coastal waters is for sunny skies with cloudy spells. Then the change will come this afternoon with an increase in showers and isolated thunderstorms starting over inland areas and then spreading southward tonight.
Winds are easterly to southeasterly at 5 to 15 knots. The sea state is choppy.
CARNAVAL 2014 - PAINTING & COMPARSAS (47 photos)
San Pedro Town Council
Ministry of Health Invites the Pharmacy Association to Dialogue on Regulatory Framework in Pharmacy.
The Ministry of Health notes with concern a press release issued by the Pharmacists Association dated March 11, 2014. As always, the Ministry of Health is happy to discuss any issues the Association may have, but regrets that the executive of the Association has not made any attempt to contact the Ministry in this regard. Nonetheless, the Ministry is open to discuss such issues at any convenient time and has already responded by inviting the executive of the Association to meet.
While the Ministry supports several of the points raised by the executive, it opposes others. Some of the issues raised appear to be flawed conclusions based presumably on inaccurate information. The Ministry emphatically rejects the underlying premise of the release. Certainly, the quality of pharmaceuticals is an important issue. The public sector has a clear and transparent procurement process in place which optimizes the quality of supplies - but the inspections over pharmaceuticals sold privately have been weak and must be strengthened. The Ministry also agrees that a strong, independent unit should be created, staffed and empowered to carry out these and other functions.
Meet the U.S. Embassy's Woman of the YEAR 2014
Congratulations to Dezerie Jacklyn Phillips!!!!
You are an inspiration to women in Belize, and women around the world. Through your example of excellence you teach girls and women that they can achieve anything in any field.
Dezerie Jacklyn Phillips was born on December 22, 1967 and joined the Belize Police Department on December 1, 1985 and worked her way up the ranks during the course of twenty eight plus years to her current post of Senior Superintendent. She is currently one of two deputy officers commanding Eastern (Police) Division which is the largest division in the department and her duties & responsibilities are focused primarily on community policing enhancement and administration.
Corozal Police News Report
The Corozal Police Department has noted to the Corozal Daily the increase on a number of burglaries and robberies of late.
We would like to inform the neighborhood watch groups to kindly become active and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.
YWCA Cultural Experience in Benque
The YWCA, which has been touring their Cultural Experience all over Belize, visited the Cancha Marshalleck in Benque yesterday. The Institute of Social and Cultural Research was there to take some pictures, as was the Benque House of Culture. Benque HoC Pictures
The Senior Steppers put on a show to Gangnam Style. Classic!
"The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA Belize) has touched the lives of over 400 rural women and youth from various cultures through the Expanding Economic Opportunities through Entrepreneurship and Market Development Project (YWCA EEOEM Project). To honor this accomplishment during Women's Month, the YWCA CULTURAL EXPERIENCE is a month-long cultural celebration of YWCA Belize women and youth that showcases the culture of each represented district through food, music, dance, drama, arts & crafts, and other cultural presentations."
Vanzie Lamb acquitted of rape charge
A jury of nine this afternoon acquitted Belize City resident Vanzie Lamb, 44, of rape after nearly three hours in deliberation.
The trial's conclusion before Justice Troadio Gonzalez had been delayed since last week as a juror recovered from a bout of illness.
Lamb had been accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a 14 year old girl from Punta Gorda in May of 2009 while she was visiting Belize City for a party.
The girl told the court that she was taken by Lamb from the scene of a car crash to his house where he allegedly beat, raped and tied her up.
She reported the matter to police after escaping her binds the following morning.
Laura Esquivel-Frampton leaves Tourism Director post
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) confirmed this afternoon that Director of Tourism Laura Esquivel-Frampton had resigned after a 22-month tenure.
In a release the Board said Esquivel-Frampton's resignation was "for personal reasons" and commended her knowledge of the industry and personal integrity.
These may be a response to allegations that the daughter of former Prime Minister Sir Manuel Esquivel and former City Councilor was being pushed out after several senior managers reported requested a meeting with Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia to discuss concerns of poor management, leadership and control of finances.
A letter circulated in the press quotes the group as saying that Esquivel-Frampton has not been open with them and financial concerns have reportedly limited the functions of the Board's departments and caused significant dissatisfaction with industry partners.
Police train to communicate during emergencies
The Belize Police Department is an especially key member of the apparatus for national response to disasters and emergencies.
Today, 45 staff members of the Police Communications Control Room were trained in emergency disaster response.
Chief trainer is Wayne Usher of the Central Emergency Management Organization, and participants will learn about establishing and maintaining an operations centre during emergencies and how to cope with stress and pressure in tough times.
Additional presentations are being made by the Meteorological Service and Belize Red Cross.
This session is the first of several planned for the Communication division of the Department.
Women in Art exhibit opens
Women's Month activities continue tonight in Belize City with the launch of a special art exhibit saluting our most creative women.
It kicks off at the Bliss and Communications Officer for NICH, Shari Williams says the 7:00 p.m. opening is not limited to the art found on canvas.
There will be a special dramatic and musical performance titled "Evolution of the Belizean Woman," produced by Maryam Abdul-Qawiyy and exhibit of culinary art from Chef India of the "Back to Life" Caf�.
The curator of the exhibit is up-and-coming artist Briheda Haylock. She said she wants a different experience for visitors, where the pieces are not just hanging on the wall but part of the atmosphere inside the gallery.
She acknowledges as an artist herself that art is an increasingly important method of self-expression for women and indeed for all humanity.
Former Minister Louis Sylvestre dies
Former Minister of Government and long-standing area representative Louis Sylvestre died last Thursday after a long illness.
The House of Representatives observed a moment of silence in his honor on Friday prior to the National Budget presentation.
Known as "Cuz" or "Louie," he was one of the towers of the People's United Party (PUP) in the time of Right Honorable George Cadle Price.
Sylvestre was first elected to political office in 1957 and served until 1984, holding the portfolios of Agriculture, Local Government and Public Utilities and was chairman of the PUP.
He would later leave to form his own political party and eventually join the UDP. Sylvestre was recognized for being close to his constituents, particularly in San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker, where he will be buried after a memorial service on Friday.
Kirk Smith Jr. acquitted of murder
On Tuesday, a jury freed Kirk Smith, Jr., 22, from a charge of murder at the direction of Justice Adolph Lucas.
Smith was accused of shooting Wesley College janitor Eyan "Trouble" Arnold, 35, to death at his home on Berkeley Street in August of 2010.
But attorney for Smith, Bryan Neal, argued in a no-case submission that the evidence against his client was weak and did not positively link him to the murder.
Crown witness Corporal Antonio Pop could not identify Smith in court, saying that he saw a man looking like Smith briefly and from a distance.
Smith said he was not in the City at the time of the incident but in Hattieville with his aunt.
Estel's BBQ Cookoff
Come join us this Saturday for our annual BBQ cook off. Its gonna be lots of fun!!!!!
FEASIBILITY STUDY, ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND COSTINGS FOR THE ISIDORO BEATON FOOTBALL COMPLEX AND FACILITIES
Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL), a public sector agency of the Government of Belize is undertaking the design, construction and management of capital projects in Belize with particular emphasis on sporting and other multipurpose facilities.
The investment project was initiated on March 12th, 2014 with contract signature for consulting services and architectural designs for infrastructure at the Isidoro Beaton Football Complex and Facilities.
BIL, along with technical support from the Ministry of Works, will be working closely with the Local Government Representative and local municipality for the area. The investments to be financed as a prerequisite to any commencement of the civil works, and relevant to this consultancy, include a
Cayo Classifieds 11-Mar
This week's Buy and Sell Weekly is out. Read about Victoria Peak in this issue.
"In the weekly 'Wellness Corner' read about the 3-day juice cleanse. Ladies, on page 7 see New Arrivals at Pink Boutique for all your fashion needs. View page 12, Central Wholesale Premium Wines & Spirits. You don't have to drive to Belize City, prices are the same, 'free' delivery service every other Saturday and will find any alcoholic beverage or kitchen supplies and deliver for 'free.' Looking for a room? Rumors Resort Hotel located in the San Ignacio Hills has special rates for locals, missionary group specials or planning an event the staff are well trained to assist your needs.
La Ruta Maya Cultural Night
The La Ruta Maya Cultural Night was a great success, and the Cayo Welcome Center proved to be the perfect spot for the wonderful event. Fire spinning and the World Culture Band really made it a great night.
Pictures on G+.
"The Cayo Welcome Center was happening Thursday night for the La Ruta Maya Cultural Night. They had artists, cultural presentations, music, fire spinning, and the World Culture Band played too. Thanks, NICH!"
Help Little Siarsha Fundraiser
There will be a fundraiser for Siarsha Alverez at Club Next on Friday, March 21st. The $15 collected at the door completely goes to Siarsha. They have a great line-up of DJ's for the event. Eclipse Sound, Cloud 9, Richie Galvez, Mistah Geeh, New Vybz Sound, and many more will be at the event.
Real Ice Cream Sandwiches
This ice cream sandwiches remind me of the stuff we get from the store, with one difference...It tastes way better. The cookie or skin is very simple to make and you can use any ice cream flavor you chose.
Video: Mopan River Belize
The majestic Mopan River in western Belize.
Video: Belize's Indian Community celebrates Holi Festival
Video: Tarrus Riley live in Belize City with BadGyalSharon opening for him
Video: Cruise - Day 4 - Belize City, Belize
Video: An Injured Dolphin Approached this Diver for Help. Then This Happened
During a night dive last January at Gadren Eel Cove in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; a bottlenose dolphin caught in a fishing line approached scuba diver Keller Laros for help.
The dolphin's left pectoral fin was stuck, wrapped around fishing line with a hook embedded into its body. Laros, who was equipped with scissors, was able to free his fellow mammal and the amazing rescue was caught on film by Martina Wing.
Video: Belize Bonefish on the Fly
Fly fishing for bonefish in Belize.
Video: Belize Horse Carriage Tour
Horse & Carriage Tour in Belize City, Belize. 30 minute tour with horse drawn carriage and Belizean guide.
Video: Maya Mountain Adventure Race
My first attempt at making a picture movie. Enjoy.