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The San Pedro Sun
Lionfish Jewelry: looking good for a great cause!
Let us introduce you to one of these amazing minds, Petrona Hun.
Petrona grew up in the village of Silver Creek, Toledo where she was intrigued by the art of crafting and designing at a very young age. She learned traditional Maya designs from village elders and incorporated ideas into her sewing, embroidery and basket weaving. While jewelry crafting has always been one of Petrona's many talents she was introduced to eco- friendly jewelry and the idea of incorporating lion fish spines into her designs at an entrepreneurship training by the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE). When Petrona found out just how these predators were affecting our oceans, she jumped on board, and decided to help by doing what she knows best: creating an entire line of handcrafted lionfish jewelry designs!
The two police houses still not moved
Three weeks after the Mayor of San Pedro Town Daniel Guerrero and the Deputy Mayor Gabriel "Gaby" Nu�ez promised to move the two houses donated to the San Pedro Police Department, no action has been taken. Moreover, there seems to be no real indication as to when the houses will be moved. Nu�ez said that efforts are being concentrated in completing another project that will also help to alleviate the living condition problems. He said that the new buildings of the barracks are moving ahead. Financed by a small group of business people on the island and spearheaded by Mukul Kanabar, it is expected that the new barracks will be completed soon. In fact, the Deputy Mayor stated that all the wiring for the two-story building has been installed and windows are being put in place.
San Pedro Traffic Department now equipped with Breathalyzer
As part of the Belize National Road Safety Demonstration project, the Belize Transport Department has donated a breathalyzer to the San Pedro Traffic Department (SPTD). The breathalyzer is a device used to measure alcohol levels in the blood using a breath sample. This device seeks to crack down on irresponsible driving and prevent traffic accidents caused by drunk driving. Mayor Daniel Guerrero of the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and Head of the SPTD Chris Nu�ez were on hand to receive the breathalyzer during a short ceremony held on Thursday, April 10th at the Central Park to launch the "Don't Drink and Drive" campaign. The event continued with a couple of testimonies from residents whose lives have been affected by driving under the influence. Rafael Torres spoke of his experiences while driving under the influence of alcohol and how at many times he endangered the lives of other without even knowing.
Belize's Tiburon Rum wins Bronze at San Francisco World Spirits Award
There's another Belizean product turning heads and teasing palates in the international market arena and already it's made a name for itself at the 14th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Award held from March 20th-23rd. Tiburon Rum, a double barrel aged rum from the shelves of Belize's Traveller's Liquors stood out among the 1,474 spirits submitted by distillers and importers from 63 different countries. Tiburon Rum is sold exclusively in the United States at $34.99USD per bottle.
Miguel "Motita" Fuentes shot on northern Ambergris Caye
One man was retrieved from the sea off northern Ambergris Caye after he was shot on Sunday April 13th. The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Miguel Fuentes aka "Motita," a fisherman of a Boca del Rio address in San Pedro Town. At the time of the incident, Fuentes was accompanied by 18-year-old Christian Espat and 20-year-old Brian Espat, also fishermen of a San Pedrito Area in San Pedro Town. One of the people inside the vessel was US National, Dr. Gregg Godfrey. His intervention and medical expertise helped save the life of a heavily bleeding Fuentes. "We were travelling in the Bacalar Chico Area and we noticed three individuals waving their hands frantically and we went upto them. We noticed that one of them was shot and we pulled him into the boat and he said that somebody shot him with a big gun," explained Dr. Godfrey.
Once inside the boat, Dr. Godfrey managed to splint and bandage the wound, and then rushed Fuentes to San Pedro Town for medical attention. Fuentes was taken to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II for treatment and later airlifted to Belize City, where he remains hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH).
Ministry of Health Receives Donation of Support Vehicles from Government of Dubai
The Ministry of Health today hosted an official presentation of twenty-six (26) health support vehicles donated by the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. The presentation was done at the compound of the National Engineering and Maintenance Center Compound in Belize City. The vehicles will be distributed to identified priority regional and community hospitals across the country where there are transportation and logistical challenges; and also to areas that have a more dispersed high risk population group.
On hand at the presentation were Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and other health partner officials.
The Ministry extends its gratitude to Minister Heredia and the Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wilfred Elrington for their support in this initiative.
Ambergris Today
BTIA Launches Destination Belize 2014
The Belize Tourism Industry Association officially launches the 18th publication of Destination Belize Magazine. Destination Belize is the official visitor's magazine and #1 marketing collateral piece for Belize. The magazine is dedicated to showcase Belize and all it has to offer to our visitors near and far.
The 2014 Destination Magazine includes amazing photography of our destinations and the BTIA has further incorporated the Belize Tourist Board's creative marketing strategy to ensure a unified public and private sector branding for Belize. It also includes articles on our remarkable reef; protected areas; Heartland of the Maya; Getting Married in Belize; Real Estate and Retirement; kite surfing; our exotic culinary dishes; yearly activities and a complete listing of industry partners and BTIA members.
Belize to Host 2014 Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton Relay
The Queen's Baton is set to arrive in Belize on Her Majesty's Queen Elizabeth II 88th birthday, Monday, April 21, 2014. The anticipated tradition, which has become a staple of the festivities, happens every four years. This year it signals the staging of the XX Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23rd to August 3rd, 2014.
Relay teams of one hundred participants will carry the baton to each destination where it will be welcomed with a reception, tree planting initiative and plaque ceremony. Celebrations for the Queen's Baton Relay will be led by Patron of the Belize Olympic & Commonwealth Games Association, H.E Sir Colville Young. Joining the GG will be British High Commissioner to Belize Mr. Peter Hughes, Consul General of India to Belize, H.E Arun Hotchandani, Minister of Sports Honorable Herman Longsworth, Mayors of the respective municipalities and executives of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (BOCGA).
Catholic Church Easter Schedule 2014
Holy Thursday
6a.m. - Washing of the Feet Mass
After Mass - Transfer of Holy Eucharist to the Parish Hall
Till 12p.m. - Adoration in the Parish Hall
Good Friday
4a.m. - Stations of the Cross Around Town
12noon - The Seven Last Words (Las Siete Palabras)
3.pm. - Celebration of the Passion of the Lord
*Liturgy of the Word
*Adoration of the Holy Cross
*Communion Service
6pm - After Service - Procession around Town (El Santo Entiero)
All Access Pass inside Belizean Designer Joris Hendrik's Fashion Show
The fashion industry in Belize is growing at a moderate pace and many are appreciating the hard work of our Belizean designers, but most importantly they are supporting them. Hard work and dedication pays off when you put your heart into something you love.
I was invited by up and coming fashion designer Joris Hendrik to check out his latest fashion show inside the Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City. I came to know and befriend the talented Joris when I met him at his his first Eco-Friendly Fashion Show for Earth Day. Since then he has made some impressive accomplishments like showcasing his talent to Prince Harry during the Royal Jubilee tour and much more.
This year I decided to give you an all access behind the scenes preview of the Joris Hendrik's Fall Winter Fashion Show that took place on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at the Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City. I hung out backstage with the team as they prepared for the show. There I met the gorgeous models that were chosen to represent Joris' fall winter collection and also the makeup artist Emmanuelle Habet - The Doll House and photographer Ernie Alpuche. The collection was truly amazing and props have to go out to Plastic, Knight and Day Photography and Crowns by Inga Woods for teaming up with Joris in making the show extra special.
Flashbacks:
Amigos Del Mar, Friends of the Sea
Amigos Del Mar is very close to being "Twenty Five Years Ago", like our columnist would say, or perhaps it already is. In this Flashback which was taken in 1992, 22 years ago, Amigos Del Mar boasted its original sign and logo, which even included a fax number that has now become obsolete. However, Amigos Del Mar owned by the famous Albino "Changa" Paz has truly lived up to its name, being Sea Friendly, Friends of the Sea or Guardians of the Sea. They protect and conserve all aspects of marine life and encourage all guests to enjoy the sea as is and to leave it a better place than they have found it. Amigos Del Mar has stepped up to larger boats, larger office and dive shop, larger and professional staff- indeed larger operations. Perhaps the most popular dive and tour operation in San Pedro, Amigos Del Mar remains committed to being Friends of the Sea.
Misc Belizean Sources
Reports of more illegal rosewood logging in Toledo
Earlier this month, the leaders of Medina Bank and Golden Stream vilages in the Toledo district reported that they have been getting reports of illegal rosewood harvesting in their communities.
The leaders say that as soon as the illegal activity came to their attention, they reported the matter to the Forestry Department in Toledo, but have seen very little action on the part of the authorities to deal with the matter.
And so the leaders organized themselves and proceeded to go in and confiscate the 31 unflitched rosewood logs with an estimated value of BZ$9,000. Reports are that a team of about 10 Belize Defence Force Soldiers later went to speak with one of the Alcalde allegedly to claim the rosewood; but when they refused to provide proper legal documents upon which they were making the claim to the logs, the leaders of Medina Bank village refused to hand over the logs.
Ministry of Health Receives Donation of Support Vehicles from Government of Dubai
The Ministry of Health today hosted an official presentation of twenty-six (26) health support vehicles donated by the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. The presentation was done at the compound of the National Engineering and Maintenance Center Compound in Belize City.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY - MASTERS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The program will begin on June 9, 2014 and will be imparted online in English. The scholarship deadline for this program is May 2, 2014 and admission deadline of the program is April 18, 2014.
Details of this scholarship offer can be found at the following website: www.oas.org/scholarships or http://bit.ly/1q8Uszb
Businessman targeted for unpaid GST
Darrell Carter, owner of Carter's Custom Upholstery, is in trouble with the General Sales Tax Department tonight after he was brought to court on a committal warrant.
Carter's bill with the Department stands at $23,847.36 and the prosecutor wanted no less than $6,000 today to avoid jail.
According to Carter he could only pay $500 today and another $1,000 tomorrow as he is expecting to collect a payment.
Carter has been perennially in trouble over taxes and contributions as he paid only $7,000 of a $22,000 bill a few years ago and has not honored previous commitments to pay off his debts to both GST and Social Security Board.
Carter told the court that since a fire at his business on Cemetery Road a year and a half ago he has been having a lot of trouble, but the Magistrate was not lenient.
Three murders in 48 hours in Belize City
This past weekend in Belize City saw four separate shooting incidents in a span of less than 48 hours, causing three deaths and injury to a fourth man.
Around 10:00 a.m. Saturday on Dolphin Street near Wesley Upper School, a man identified as 20 year old Glen Alvarez, aka "Dut", was riding a bicycle toward the bridge crossing Collet Canal at the junction of North Creek Road and Fairweather Street when a single armed man, also on bicycle, rode up from behind and fired several times at Alvarez, who was injured in his left leg.
One person is detained by Police, pending investigations.
Nine hours later, police were called out again to Mike's Club at the corner of West Canal and Regent Street West, where around 7:00 p.m., 27 year old Darrington Lauriano was shot three times by a lone gunman of dark complexion, who entered the bar through a back entrance located on the east side of the building near the canal.
Three traffic accidents, two fatal, in Belize District
Two men died and several persons were injured as a result of three traffic accidents in the span of two days on both major highways.
At 8:16 p.m. Saturday night, Ladyville police found the dead body of Raymond Allen Sedacy flung off the road at Mile 19 � on the Philip Goldson Highway, with head and body injuries.
They were allegedly caused by a Tillett's bus driven by 32 year old Rafael Murillos, a bus driver of Carmelita, Orange Walk District.
Murillos was driving the bus toward Orange Walk when he hit Sedacy, who was riding a blue beach cruiser bicycle across the road.
Police have since detained Rafael Murrillos and have served him with notice of intended prosecution.
About 25 minutes later in Belize City, Maxboro/Sandhill resident Glen Crawford reported to Precinct Four Police that he was driving a white 1995 Ford Ranger pickup from Belize City toward the Haulover Bridge and on reaching New Horizons Building he noticed an ambulance coming from behind him and traveling in his direction and he pulled off the road to let it pass.
SATIIM goes for injunction against Government
ollowing the April 3 ruling of Justice Michelle Arana that requires Government to consult the Maya people of Southern Toledo District prior to any attempt to continue exploratory work inside the Sarstoon Temash National Park, there has been serious disagreement as to its meaning.
Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) says this applies to the current permit which expires on April 30; U.S. Capital Energy which is responsible for the work believes it does not.
On April 8, Cabinet approved the extension of U.S. Capital's permit to continue works inside the protected area.
Attorney General Wilfred Elrington provided legal counsel on the matter, advising that the recent judgment does not apply to an existing permit; more specifically, U.S. Capital's concession to drill for oil within the Sarstoon-Temash National Park.
Five charged including minor for ammo and weed
Six persons were taken to court today for possession of unlicensed ammunition and controlled substances following a Police search of a house on Far West Street on Sunday.
Nicoli Rhys, 23 of Euphrates Avenue; Rheonna Rivero, an 18 year old student; Shane McKoy, 27; and Godwin Neal, Jr., an 18 year old student, along with a 17 year old minor who was also a student, were charged with possession of 2 9mm brass Luger brand bullets and 1.2 grams of cannabis located in a compartment inside a standing fan.
A sixth person, nurse Bernadette Samuels, had to be taken to hospital from court this morning for treatment and has not been arraigned.
Entrepreneurship workshop focuses on helping small business develop
A two and a half-day workshop has opened at the Belize Institute of Management (BIM), focusing on developing entrepreneurship in Belize, Central America and the Dominican Republic.
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) signed up ninety entrepreneurs from around the country to learn about entrepreneurship and developing their businesses as well as preparing proposals to access capital. Facilitator and national advisor on the Regional Entrepreneurship Training Program for BELTRAIDE, Christine Smith, says the key to operating a successful small business is knowing your customer base and fulfilling a specific need in the community.
Trio charged for high seas incident
A trio of Belize City men were charged with aggravated assault and drugs and illegal fishing offences as a result of a bust on the high seas following a chase last week Thursday.
According to police, two members of the National Coast Guard, Dobian Montero and Jose Reyes, reported that they responded to a report of an apparent robbery in an area southeast of Middle Long Caye in the Lighthouse Reef system, 20 miles from Belize City.
Shortly thereafter they saw a blue and green 23 foot skiff under the name "Dannica" which corresponded to the vessel used in the robbery.
The skiff fled and the Coast Guard officers set chase. Eventually, the vessel stopped in the water and as the Coast Guard closed in, four shots were fired.
Charges for shooting at basketball game
A Belize City youth has been charged with the attempted murder of a female minor who was shot while watching a basketball game in the North Creek Road area last month.
21 year old construction worker Hugh Philip Thomas of an Armadillo Street address appeared in the #2 Magistrate's Court charged with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and wounding in relation to the shooting of teenage student Hortence Lynch of Belize City.
Lynch and two youths, Kenyon Moss and Justin Orellano, were shot by two gunmen who rode into the area on bicycle and fired toward their direction, where they were seated on a parked vehicle.
Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer did not take a plea from Thomas, who returns to court from remand on May 30.
The Tale of the Two Cities
By Abdulmajeed K. Nunez
The Belize that you see is a smoke screen
Let me explain what I mean
There is a Belize for the upper class
Then there is a Belize for the lower class
They have perfected their propaganda
I can't go to the border with Will Mehia
UNIBAM is the agent for the US foreign policy or plan
I can't support Greg Choc fronting for an oil company from Alaska
US Capital would have never invested 20 million
On a wild assumption it is all shenanigans
38 villages and one they swindled from the Garifuna
With both governments emasculated into collecting agent for the International Monetary Fund
Belize Zoo Visits SHC Science Fair
The Belize Zoo visited Sacred Heart College for their Science Fair this week, bringing some critters with them.
"TBZ congratulates Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio town on another great science fair! The Zoo's Education team took the show on the road with colourful wildlife displays, animal artifacts, posters and more for the many students shuffling through the 'zoo-zone.' Herman the Hermit crab was this year's animal ambassador at the fair. Hermit crabs are usually shy recluses, but Hermit showed energy and charisma as he scuttled across the hands of curious students... However, TBZ Educators reminded students that humans(like themselves) are also capable of saving our natural world, and invited them to sign up for the annual conservation camp this summer. Be on the lookout for more info as July draws near!"
Benque Holy Week
Benque's culture and history show during Holy Week, and this year there's a lot happening for it. Palm Sunday(pictures) was celebrated yesterday. They are doing a Eucharist and Procession tonight in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows. Tomorrow night, it's the procession of El Encuentro. Friday is the famous Sawdust Art Project, and the Passion of the Christ re-enactment. Saturday is the Easter Vigil. Happy Holy Week!
Parrot Forum
If you are in Orange Walk and want to know all about parrots, then we've got a forum for you. The Belize Forest Department in collaboration with the Belize Bird Rescue will be holding a very important information session on Tuesday, April 15. The event will be held at the Orange Walk Education Center starting at 5:30 pm. During the meeting, the facilitators will be sharing vital information needed to keep captive parrots healthy and on the Belize WIldlife Protection Act, Chapter 220.
CONTRABAND BY CONTRACT ON THE BELIZE BORDER
The contraband activity in the Benque Free Zone took an even darker tone over the weekend. Usually reliable source says on Friday night the contrabandistas began transporting some chemical that they had to extract from drums into gallon jugs for the backdoor trip to Guatemala.
Although contraband activities have been going on in Belize for a long it is not in our best interest, as a sovereign nation to have the GOB involved with activities designed to evade legitimate customs duties due our neighbors. We are conducting some form of low-grade economic war against our large and powerful neighbors buy conspiring to evade their laws for personal profit of the members of government.
The recent death of the Guatemala national caught planting weed and the recent find of harvested rosewood in Toledo also bear closer inspection.
Gales Point Day of Healing
Women of Belize,
Sadly, in recent years, Belize has been plagued by violence, but there are people trying to make a difference... you can help.
As you may have heard, grassroots community leaders from various parts of Belize City have been conducting a series of events known as the 'days of healing'. I would like to invite you, on their behalf, to lend your support to their 11th event, scheduled to take place on the 19th of April in the village of Gales Point, 'Malanti'.
In their own words: "This effort seeks to rekindle a sense of commonality and reconciliation in neighborhoods across Belize, one community at a time. Ultimately, the organizers hope to stem the tide of violence and subsequent fragmentation of the community by using a bottom up approach."
The 'Day of Healing' movement, was borne out of that horrid quadruple murder on Dean Street. In a very evolved response to this incident, the Dean Street & George Street community came together in mourning and determined to show a different side of themselves from what was being portrayed in the news. They held a community open day of sorts, combining sports, family games and performances by local artists in an inspiring occasion for community residents and visitors of all ages to come together in unity, culminating in a stirring candle light vigil.
Ministry of Health Receives Donation of Support Vehicles from Government of Dubai
The Ministry of Health today hosted an official presentation of twenty-six (26) health support vehicles donated by the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. The presentation was done at the compound of the National Engineering and Maintenance Center Compound in Belize City.
Earth Day in Corozal
Friends of Corozal United for Sustainability (FOCUS) in collaboration with the Corozal Town Council, other environmental groups, friends and schools proudly announces Earth Day April 26th, 2014.
Earth Day is on April 26th. The global Earth Day initiative for 2014 is "GREEN CITIES". To commemorate Earth Day (FOCUS) will adopt the "Corozal Green Mile" trash clean-up campaign. We (FOCUS) will start from the northern border Santa Elena in Corozal to the southern boundary in Buena Vista Village, Corozal on the Phillip Goldson Highway.
After the clean-up activity, we will all meet in Mangrove Park, Finca Solana area where there will be invited speakers, food, prizes, as well as educational tours to finalize the day's activities and express appreciation to the participating working group.
We are requesting your groups participation and support. We are inviting you to form part of our clean-up campaign under the concept of "Adopt a Mile: Keeping Corozal Clean". By signing up in support of this effort you can make this event a united and successful effort for the environment.
Growing Entrepreneurship in Transitioning Economies
The U.S. Embassy is partnering with the University of Belize to facilitate a 6 week FREE online course offered through Case Western University titled, "Growing Entrepreneurship in Transitioning Economies." The course starts on April 28th so sign up today!
While the course work will be offered online and completed at your convenience, we will host scheduled review meetings with an Embassy facilitator to help participants better understand and discuss course materials. At the end of the course, the participants who successfully complete the course materials, and attend the review meetings will be given a certificate of completion to add to their professional resumes.
If you decide to sign up for the course and want to attend the review sessions. Please email us at [email protected] so that we can send you the meeting schedule and location in Belmopan.
Liquor store hours Good Friday
The Corozal Police Formation would like to inform the business establishments and the Public at large as to the opening hours for ALL LIQUOR LICENSE ESTABLISHMENTS on Good Friday April 18, 2014.
All liquor establishments must be closed on Good Friday which means from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. Exception is granted to Hotel License, however the owner (s) must obtain a written authority from the Chairman of the liquor board which should include the hours that are granted.
Whilst in the past, it is the Public's concept to open after 6:00 p.m. on Good Friday, it is not law and the Police intends to enforce this specific Act in conjunction with the Liquor Board.
Thanks for your understanding and support.