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Posted By: Marty Today's Belize News: April 15, 2014 - 04/15/14 11:57 AM


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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.

Posted By: Marty Re: Today's Belize News: April 15, 2014 - 04/15/14 11:58 AM

More News: Scroll up from here

Channel 7

Man Kills Two Alleged Robbers: Police Say It's Murder
It was a deadly weekend in Belize: there are 5 murders to report on tonight, plus two traffic fatalities, a total of 7 deaths, all males between the ages of 18 and 57. We start tonight with a story of two killings In Carmelita Village, Orange Walk which many thought would not result in murder charges. Two alleged robbers were killed by the property owner whose farm they had just raided. He was defending his property but police said he went too far, and that's why they charged him for murder. Daniel Ortiz has the story:... Daniel Ortiz reporting The Johnson farm was still smoldering, today, signs that it had been burnt to the ground. The two houses that they worked hard to build were ransacked and all the items of value were stolen. Thieves tore off parts of their roof, probably to gain entry.?The family's life's work had been reduced to nothing. That's the difficulty that 50 year-old Edson Johnson, the patriarch of the family found himself in on Friday when he visited the farm. He then opened fire on 2 men when he found them trespassing on his property.

Hon. Boots Saw Darrington Die
And so while those are the two murders in Orange Walk - there were three in the city - all occurring between Saturday and Sunday night. We start with the first at around 6:30 on Saturday night. 27 year old Darrington Lauriano was killed in what is believed to be a gun related shooting. And on Saturday night, he was hanging out at the famous Mike's Club in Belize City when he was executed. It was witnessed by minister of government Anthony Boots Martinez who told us what he saw: Jules Vasquez reporting It might look shabby from the outside but Mike's Sporting Club on Regent Street West is the oldest bar and membership club in Belize. On Saturday evening at 6:30, it was buzzing with activity and regular patron, Minister Anthony Boots Martinez was there: Hon. Anthony Boots Martinez, Minister of Human Development "People were playing checkers, people were playing dominoes, people were watching TV talking about the fight the night. I was sitting playing domino and I just heard what seems to be like the sound of dynamite."

Man Crushed By Bus On Saturday Night
The pre-easter weekend was deadly in more ways than one. As we've shown you, there were murders, but there were also two traffic fatalities. The first happened at Mile 19 and a half on the Northern Highway where Raymond Allen Sedacy crushed by a Tillett bus on Saturday night. We were on the scene, shortly after, and Daniel Ortiz reports: Daniel Ortiz reporting The body of Sand Hill Resident, Raymond Allen Sedacy, was removed from the Northern Highway, to start its journey to the KHMH Morgue. He became the latest victim of a fatal traffic accident at mile 19 1/2. He was trying to cross the highway on bike, and he was a short distance away from his house, when he was struck by an empty Tillett Bus heading north. The Rural Executive Officer, whose officers had to investigate yet another fatal traffic accident in his jurisdiction, spoke to us on the scene shortly after it happened.

Another Saturday Night Fatality
And while police were at that fatal accident scene near Sandhill, there was another at mile two on the northern highway near the New Horizon Building. GLEN CRAWFORD was northbound in a Ford Ranger Pick-Up when he saw an ambulance coming up fast behind him. He pulled to the right side of the Highway to let it pass, and then got back unto the highway. He said that he drove for about 1/2 a mile when a vehicle coming from the opposite direction blinded him with high beam lights. To avoid an accident, he again veered to the right side of the road. That's where he hit 27-year-old Mario Choc of 3 � Miles northern Highway who was walking on the side of the road. Mario Choc received injuries to both of his legs, right hand and head and died while undergoing surgery at11:50 p.m. Notice of intended Prosecution has been served on Glen Crawford.

Murdered For A Gun Stolen From Cops?
And as we've shown you already, this weekend's death toll was staggering. 7 men lost their lives, either to murder or traffic accidents. The youngest was 18 year old Kevin Rodriguez. He was at home in the Port Loyola area late last night when death came calling. We found out more from his aunt and mother:.. Jules Vasquez reporting 18 year old Kevin Rodriguez was killed at this house on Curl Thompson Street Extension. He got a call at a few minutes to 11:00 according to his mother who asked to appear off camera: Sylvia Rodriguez, Mother of Deceased "He received a phone call yesterday and he came out outside - just that." He went outside to what neighbors say was a barrage of gunfire. His aunt was sleeping inside. She asked to appear off camera: Brenda Aguilar, Aunt of Deceased "I was sleeping when I heard the gunshots. I awoke and lay down on the ground. I wait a minute and then I came out and saw him already dead. I couldn't do anything. He calls me saying Brenda, but when I came out I couldn't do anything."

What's With Stolen Weapon?
And while the murder is presently unsolved, that firearm is compelling. It was stolen from police possibly used in a homicide two weeks ago, and now could have factored into another murder. That's a terrible trail - particularly for a weapon that should have been used to keep the peace. But, right now all that is known for sure is that it was stolen from police and found in the yard beside Kevin Rodriguez's home: Corporal Jorge Lemus, Admin Officer Precinct #2 "We can confirm at this time that yes it is a weapon that was stolen from Precinct #2. At this time the investigation is still ongoing with that of the other homicide that we suspect that the weapon might be involved in. The weapon in question was a 9mm pistol that was stolen and found in an abandoned lot in the Jane usher Boulevard area and our investigations reveals that this person is sought for questioning concerning that same firearm." The firearm is presently being put through ballistics testing.

Grown Man Killed In Random Shooting
And the last murder we'll tell you about tonight is probably the most senseless. 57 year old Alonso Cruz was the victim of a random shooting that had nothing to do with him. Cruz was a working man a heavy equipment operator - and known as one of the most generous persons in Rhaburn's alley off North Front Street. But a deranged gunman on bicycle seemed that he didn't care who he shot on Saturday night. A neighbor who responded to the scene told us what happened at about 9:30:.. Voice of: Neighbor "They say that a known gunman passed through the alley and snap his gun in a sprang-head face and the gun jammed, so he went into one of the yards close by to check his gun. It seem that he came out back to see if his gun was working and meet the master in the yard relaxing and he opens fire on the master. The master didn't make, he died in the ambulance." Police have made no arrests.

Shooting On San Pedro: Injured Man Escapes In Boat
So far tonight, we've told you about the 7 deaths, 5 of which are being treated as murder. Well, there was another shooting in San Pedro, in which the victim narrowly escaped fatal injury. The San Pedro Sun reports that it happened at around 5 p.m. on Sunday in the Bacalar Chico Area on Northern Ambergris Caye. 25 year-old Miguel Fuentes was walking on the beach with several other men, when a group of 5 approached them. One of the men started shooting at the group, and Fuentes was struck once to the left hand near the elbow and once to the right side of the back. Fuentes and his companions ran into the sea, where they escaped, and were picked up by a passing vessel. One of the occupants of the vessel was fortunately a doctor, who gave Fuentes emergency treatment to stop his injuries from bleeding out. He was then rushed to the San Pedro Poly Clinic, and he was later transported to the KHMH.

Alleged Pirates Charged
3 men who shot at the Coast Guard, and are suspected of being pirates have been charged and arraigned. 28 year-old Giovanni Murrillo, 19 year-old Everon Teck, and 36 year-old Lionel Sedacy, were all arraigned before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, today on the charges of 2 counts of aggravated assault for allegedly firing 4 shots at them on Last week Thursday. Though they pleaded not guilty, the offences were allegedly committed with firearms, so all 3 men weren't eligible for bail. They've all been remanded to prison until May 30. Sedacey was arraigned by himself for drug possession of 0.9 grams of cannabis. He pled guilty to that charge and he was fined $100 and he was ordered to pay forthwith, in default 3 months. But his troubles were not over just yet. He was then taken before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser and charged with possession of 31 lobster tails out of season and possession of 4 turtle fins. He pled guilty to the charges and he was fined $4,000 for the turtle fins and $650 for the lobster tails. He was given until April 30 to pay. If he defaults on payment he will serve 1 year and 3 months.

6 Charged For Firearm
These 3 alleged pirates were joined by 6 others today because police say that they had bullets and drugs in their home. Yesterday, police searched a house at 10 Far West Street and found the 2 bullets and a small quantity of cannabis. Present at the time were 23 year old Nicoli Rhys, 27 year old Shane Mckoy, 18 year old Rheonna Rivero, 18 year old Godwin Neal Jr. a 17 year old male student of Wesley High School and Bernadette Samuels, a nurse at KHMH. But only 5 of them were arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser because Samuels collapsed with high blood pressure and she was admitted to ward at KHMH. The 5 were charged with kept ammunition without a gun license and possession of 1.2 grams of cannabis. They pled not guilty to the charge, but they were remanded into custody.

Ministry Will Fight Pharmacists
Last week we told you about the Belize Pharmacists association rejecting the proposals form the ministry of health to regularize the employment of Danini Contreras the recently installed Director of the Drug Inspectorate. The Pharmacists rejected a compromise and held their ground that she has to go. Well, the Ministry is also holding its ground. We spoke to the Minister and the CEO today:.. Peter Allen, CEO - Ministry of Health "It is a little bit difficult for me to think that what is a special interest group that has an interest of course in who conducts inspections, should be telling us who the inspector will be. Obviously we are open to negotiations and it was for that reason that the Minister suggested that the association was welcome to send a representative on any inspection to make sure that the process was transparent and fair and the executive rejected that. The executive has since written saying that they feel that they will be force to use the essential services process. I did check just this morning before I came because for some reason I thought you might ask me, but the minister of labor has not yet received notification about such a process. But if indeed that is the process for the settlements of disputes then once again the ministry is happy to proceed with the process. We do think we are doing the right thing." Hon. Pablo Marin, Minister of Health "We are not overseeing anyone, we are looking at an area that will benefit the country. Everything we do is for our people and if we have someone to go out there and look at illegal drugs, the quality of drugs and test the drugs that we have then that means that we are moving forward and that is everything that we are doing. It is sad to see that six years from now, the Pharmacy Association is jumping on something that we are trying to do for the benefit of the people."

A Three Wheeled Ambulance? Not Quite!
Over the years, we've seen the rise of the three wheeled vehicles, called auto rickshaws in India. They are pretty basic, a modified motorbike connected to a covered lorry. We've seen them used for light transport and cargo - but we've never seen them outfitted with ambulance sirens! 26 of them are a donation from the government of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. We found out how they will be deployed:..

What's Being Done About Unhealthy Audits?
We also got the CEO in the ministry of health to speak about a pair of audits. The first is for the Central Health Region, basically the Belize district where the auditor general has completed a report which found irregularities. That was months ago, but apart from a suspension, nothing substantial has been done. Allen told us it is a process..

Channel 5

Darrington Lauriano killed inside Mike's Club
A United Nations report places Belize as the third of ten countries with the highest rate of murders in the world. It's a startling statistic and this past weekend proved [...]

The senseless murder of a 57 year old Rhaburn Alley resident
The second murder took place hours later on Saturday night. Fifty-seven year old Alfonso Cruz of Rhaburn's Alley, Belize City was shot to the left side of the chest and [...]

18 year old south side youth murdered in Jane Usher
Twenty-four later on the south side, eighteen year old Kevin Rodriguez was gunned down and his family believes he was lured to his death. Just before eleven p.m., Rodriguez, received [...]

2 robbers are shot and killed by a farm owner in Carmelita, Orange Walk
The weekend's violence started on Friday night up north in the village of Carmelita when a fifty-year old grocer from Guinea Grass and his son visited their family farm located [...]

Attorney says farm owner will be trapped in prison for years
In just a matter of seconds on Friday, Edison Johnson's life was changed for all time. He is now an inmate at the Belize Central Prison, charged with two counts [...]

UN Report says Belize is the third most dangerous country in the world
Where murders are concerned, Belize recorded fewer numbers in 2013 that in the five years prior. That was good news for a country under siege, and provided hope that perhaps [...]

2 traffic fatalities in Belize District
Aside from the five persons who were murdered, two others died in traffic fatalities. There was a fatal traffic accident on Saturday night near mile nineteen and a half on [...]

Sea pirates arraigned for aggravated assault with firearm
  Three Belize City pirates were arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate's Court for two counts each of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.� They are Lionel Emmanuel Sedacy, Giovanni Murrillo, [...]

6 persons busted by GSU
The Gang Suppression Unit conducted a search on Sunday at the home of a K.H.M.H. nurses' aide where the Unit found nine millimetre ammunition and some marijuana. The home owner [...]

Several shootings: in City and San Pedro
Twenty-one year old Glenford Alvarez, a resident of Supal Street, was the target of a lone gunman on Saturday morning.� Shortly before eleven a.m., Alvarez was riding a bicycle on [...]

Health Officials defend appointment of Minister's daughter to top post
It's been a month since the Pharmacy Association has been expressing concern about the appointment of the daughter of Minister Erwin Contreras to the post of Director of Drug Inspectorate [...]

SATIIM responds to Attorney General's interpretation of court ruling
This morning, the Sarstoon-Temash Institute for Indigenous Management, SATIIM, as well as claimants from five buffer communities surrounding the Sarstoon-Temash National Park, filed an application for a post-judgment injunction in [...]

A serious allegation of police brutality
Tonight, News Five has been able to confirm that San Ignacio Police are following up reports of an alleged police brutality in that district. Although it is only an allegation [...]

A fleet of support vehicles donated to the Ministry of Health
This morning, the Ministry of Health received a fleet of health support vehicles from the United Emirates. The twenty-six vehicles are valued at three hundred thousand dollars; essentially they are [...]

C.E.O. Peter Allen gives update on audit reports at hospital
There have been reported irregularities in two hospitals; the Southern Regional as well as the Central Regional Hospital. In the south, the Hospital Administrator Nasley Sommerville was suspended last October, [...]

An update on weekend sporting activities
Good evening, I'm James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. We take you out immediately to scenic San Pedro for Saturday night's big time shootout between San Pedro Tigersharks and [...]

LOVE FM

Woman Needed A Ride Home But Got Raped Instead
A Pomona resident has reported to Police in Punta Gorda that she was raped on Friday after hitchhiking from the Stann Creek Valley Road junction. The woman says that she caught a ride with a stranger bearing short black hair, a red complexion and a tattoo on his arm but when they passed Bella Vista Village, the driver began touching her inappropriately on her legs and her private part. Upon arriving at the Dump Area, the man drove the car into San Antonio Road, turned left off the main road and had sexual intercourse with her against her will. Police are investigation.

Belmopan Family Overturns on Highway
Just before nine o'clock on Saturday night, a traffic incident occurred between miles seventeen and eighteen on the George Price Highway in Hattieville Village, Belize District. Upon arrival at the scene, police found a blue Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck overturned on the left side of the road, when traveling to Belmopan. Reports are that 46-year-old, Carlos Mendez, a resident of Belmopan was heading home in the company of his wife, Sarina; his 13-year-old son; his 9-year-old daughter and his 21-year-old niece when an oncoming vehicle swerved in their lane causing Mendez to stray from his lane onto the shoulder of the highway, thus causing the vehicle to overturn. Sarina received abrasions to her right hand and knee while the other passengers escaped unhurt. The vehicle sustained damages to the windshield, roof and windows. A notice of intended prosecution has been served to Mendez pending the results of the investigation.

Bright Lights Cause Death of Sales Clerk
Traffic personnel of Precinct Four in the Belize City are investigating a traffic incident that has left the family of a sales clerk in mourning after he received injuries to his legs, right hand and head. According to reports, a resident of Maxboro, Sandhill Village, Glen Crawford was driving to Belize City this past Saturday night just before nine o'clock when he was blinded by high beams from an oncoming vehicle, causing him to swerve to the right side of the road, hitting 27-year-old, Mario Choc who was walking on the shoulder of the Philip Goldson Highway near the Belize Biltmore Plaza. Choc died while undergoing treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hosptial just before midnight on Saturday. Meanwhile, Crawford, who was driving a Ford Ranger pickup truck, has received a notice of intended prosecution pending further investigation.

Minister’s Daughter Stays on As Director; Health Minister Says His Plans Will Not Change
The Association of Pharmacists in Belize has been up in arms for almost two months now after the daughter of Minister Erwin Contreras was hired to fill the post of Director of Drug Inspectorate. It is a post that is currently non-existent in the Public Service as it was recently created through the Ministry of Health with the stamp of approval from Health Minister, Pablo Marin and Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Peter Allen. But aside from being a Minister's daughter, the PAB cited several other reasons why they cannot and will not approve Danini Contreras' appointment. Among those reasons were her lack of qualification to hold the post, lack of specialized training and not being registered as a chemist or druggist�.but despite PAB's objections, Marin says he is putting his foot down and doing what needs to be done.

Former Politician Sent to Central Prison
Darrell Carter, a former PUP politician was taken to prison today on a committal warrant for failure to pay General sales tax. Carter owes a total of twenty three thousand dollars and Magistrate Dale Cayetano ordered him to pay six thousand dollars today or go to jail. Carter said he only had five hundred dollars to pay today and he promised to pay one thousand dollars by tomorrow. But the prosecutor for GST would not accept that. She told the court that it was not the first time Carter has been brought before the court and it was not the first time he has made the same promises. She said the last time Carter made a payment was in February last year and it was only fifty dollars.

Trip to Shop Turns Fatal in Belize Rural
"The body being transported in the pan of the police pickup truck is that of Raymond Allen, a laborer of Sandhill Village. Allen lost his life on Saturday Night after he was knocked down by a Tillett's Bus. Allen had just left home on his bicycle en route to a nearby store when he was knocked down. His Step mother, Ramona Sedacy, ran to the scene after being told the heart-wrenching news." RAMONA SEDACY "He had already passed away when I got here. I didn't see anyone; only one of my neighbors was here and he came and told me." RENEE TRUJILLO "Where was he going?" RAMONA SEDACY "I think he was going to the shop. I don't know�they came to tell me he got knocked down by the bus and that was the time I came out here and his body was in the grass."

Farm Owner Remanded After Killing Thieves on His Land
As we heard, the Johnston family is convinced that Edson was merely protecting his property. Nonetheless, police have proceeded to charge him with two counts of murder. For this reason the family has hired the services of Attorney Hubert Elrington. Arturo Cantun explains the family's position. "According to Rosita Johnston, the farm her husband bought in 2004 was meant to be a place where she and her husband would spend their golden years. That dream was stolen when the family discovered their farm was burglarized and all they had worked hard for had vanished. ROSITA JOHNSTON "My farm, my two places had my bed and my bureau, everything in my house. Now, my farm - all the coconut and the zinc, everything is gone. I never thought that I would picture myself like this, wasted all these years working so hard. I worked at Turneffe Lots for twelve years and my husband worked for ten and we used to have foul, so many years ago, we used to have all that and before they burnt this place, my daughter and son-in-law used to live here for three years and we used to work at the caye and they would mind here. I can't explain myself and how I feel; the only thing I can think is what did I work for? Because working here is not like working for Government. We worked for having something and we invested all our money here because this was where my husband said this would be a retirement for him because in his older years, he could sell the place and make something in life."

Coast Guard Attackers Arraigned for Aggravated Assault
Three fishermen, who allegedly shot at two members of Belize Coast Guard, were charged with two counts of aggravated assault when they appeared today before the Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. They are 28 year old Giovanni Murillo, 19 year old Everon Teck and 36 year old Lionel Sedacy. They pled not guilty to the charge and they were remanded into custody until June 13. Sedacy alone was charged with possession of point nine grams of cannabis, a charge to which he pled guilty. He was fined one hundred dollars and he was ordered to pay forthwith. Sedacy's troubles were not over. He was taken before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser and charged with possession of 31 lobster tails out of season and possession of four turtle fins. He pled guilty to the charges and he was fined four thousand dollars for the fins and six hundred and fifty dollars for the lobster.

PlusTV

Jesus Christ Died for Our Sins and Rose Back From the Dead
Our Scripture for this week is taken from 1st Corinthians 15:3-4- "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures".

Darrel Carter in Trouble with 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...

Hugh Phillips Charged for Shooting Female Minor
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 appeared in the #2 Magistrate's Court charged with attempted murder, use...

PUP and UDP Rallies Clash
Quite a bit of tension has been reported from within the PUP as the convention to elect the PUP standard bearer for Cayo Central gets ever nearer. However, Dan Silva Supporters were reminded this weekend that Luke Espat is not his only opponent. On Sunday April 13th, Daniel Silva's...

Bus Hits and Kills Cyclist
There were two accidents on the Phillip Goldson Highway just about 20 minutes apart from each other. The first incident happened at Mile 19 � where a Tillett Bus knocked down a man identified as Raymond Allen Sedacey. According to police reports, the bus was driven at the time...

New vehicles for Ministry of Health
The Government of Dubai donated 26 health support vehicles to the Ministry of Health today in Belize City. The three wheeled motorcycles come with a covered unit that equipped with seats and a stretcher to transport patients. The vehicles, valued at $300,000, will be distribute to those hospitals across...

SATIIM Goes for Injunction Against Government
Tensions have risen following 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. Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) says this applies to...

Shootout on the Seas with Coast Guard
There was a shoot out on the seas where the Coast Guard was in pursuit of a skiff carrying three men. Today in Court, a trio of Belize City men were charged with aggravated assault and drugs and illegal fishing offences. According to police, two members of the National...

Ministry of Health Won't Back Down on Danini Contreras
The scandal surrounding the appointment of the daughter of Trade Minister Erwin Contreras, Danini Contreras, as Director of the Drug Inspectorate has stepped up to new levels with reports that the Pharmacists' Association has threatened industrial action. Minister of Health Pablo Marin and CEO Dr. Peter Allen were quizzed...

Large Stash of Rosewood Confiscated
Forestry Officers in the Southern Districts have confiscated another stash of Rosewood. The amount is so large this time, that it is taking several trips for BDF transportation to move the rosewood flitches to their Campsite in the Toledo District for safekeeping. Some time over the weekend Forest Rangers...

Band Fest Winners; Belmopan Included
Band Fest 2014 was played out at the Santiago Ricalde Stadium in Corozal Town on Saturday April 12th under the patronage of the Governor General Sir Colville Young. The annual event brought together different bands from all around the country to compete in different categories and also featured local...

Pedestrian Knocked Down and Killed on Highway
Shortly after that accident, there was another one, fatal as well. Glen Crawford reported that he was driving a Ford Ranger Pick-up truck on the Phillip Goldson Highway travelling from the direction of Belize City heading towards the Haulover Bridge. He said that a motor vehicle was coming from...

Red Moon Rising
This week is holy week in the Christian calendar but in the Jewish calendar it marks Passover Celebrations. Tonight at sundown marked the beginning of Passover and it continues until tomorrow at sundown. What is special is that tonight there will be a total eclipse of the moon, and what makes...

Two Men Shot on a Farm During Alleged Burglary
There were two more killings this weekend, but the circumstances surrounding these murders are a bit confusing. It appears, at least in the first instance, that a burglar entered the wrong building and was killed by the property owner. The incident happened at Johnson's Farm situated on the outskirts...

Thief Scolds Family for Leaving Door Open
A family in Belmopan is shaken up after a man just walked into their home and robbed them of their jewelry and cell phones. The incident happened on Saturday night at around 10:30 pm on Temash Street. We understand that the door to the house was open and the...

Hugh Phillips Charged for Shooting Female Minor
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 appeared in the #2 Magistrate's Court charged with attempted murder, use...

Darrel Carter in Trouble with 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...

Blogs

"Just the Two of Us" in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
I've had a mixed bag sort of time since the last edition. Nothing monumental to report. I've not been back to 'go to war' with the fence. I want to get it finished, of course I do. But it's not like it's going anywhere, is it! I had an ego massaging experience last Friday (well at least I think it was Friday). I had breakfast at Estel's Dine By the Sea and was on my way to the 'cart after some shopping at The Greenhouse when I sensed something behind me. Turning around I saw that it was a female pushing a bike. I chivalrously (I do display good manners occasionally) moved to one side to allow her easier passage. As she drew close she mounted the bike and in seconds was beside me. As she started to cycle away from me she turned and said "You're building a new life aren't you". Not being the brightest bulb in the box it didn't register what she was on about until she added "Love the blog". And then the penny dropped. I didn't get a chance to respond or to get her name but if you (and obviously you'll know who you are) are reading this I'd just like to say "Thank you". I was 'made up' (( no I didn't go home and apply mascara and lipstick - it's an English (originating in Merseyside) expression meaning "really happy")) all day. In fact I'm still 'made up'!

Scattered clouds in San Pedro Belize
My favorite weather app is showing scattered clouds for San Pedro Belize and colder than yesterday which means we are experiencing a cool 29c opposed to the balmy 31c we experienced yesterday :) I know some of you are about to get hit with more snow like the Wags. Hopefully your upcoming trip to Belize and being able to finally see people in the big pool as you help me test the webcam will help you through this difficult weather. As bad of a day as I am having I just cannot imagine cold and snow in the mix - living here has truly spoiled me. I find it ironic that I cannot see a cloud in the sky as the "scattered clouds" they are predicting are definitely inside my head lol. I would even add chance of storms due to an extremely frustrating tech morning, according Wundergound I have to wait till Wednesday for real stormy weather. Been working on the webcam all morning and managed to get a few more issues ironed out, we are almost ready to go live again if all goes well with my tech help this afternoon - yay. I have to say other than our crazy internet and power issues lately, it has been a lot easier than I expected to be able to do remote control on cam laptop up at Grand Caribe while I am at my desk in San Pablo.

Belize Public Service Salaries
Position Salary Members of the House of Representatives $610,200.00 Members of the Senate $169,020.00 Crown Counsel - Civilian Prosecutions Unit $153,396.00 Chief Justice $150,000.00 Appeals Judge $139,320.00 Undersecretary Revenue $119,736.00 Puisne Judge $110,000.00 Director of Public Prosecutions $100,000.00 Financial Secretary $100,000.00 Assistant Registrar $92,928.00 Prime Minister $91,800.00 Auditor General $81,787.00 Minister of Public Service $81,000.00 Minister of Health $81,000.00 Elections and Boudaries - Registering Officer Cayo $80,140.00

Belize's Coolest Caves
In this post, we bring to you the coolest caves to visit in western Belize. Known locally as Xibalba, Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) is one of the most popular and impressive caves in the Cayo District that was used as a sacred place by the Maya of Belize. The ATM cave consists of a series of chambers ending in a 300 by 50 meter Cathedral where sacrificial ceremonies once took place. Visitors are offered the opportunity to travel into the Maya past and witness a living museum where human sacrificies and artifacts can be viewed in their original context. Located 16 miles away from San Ignacio Town near Vaca Falls, Che Chem Ha Cave is most notable for its unique collection of Maya artwork and artifacts. The cave's entrance is decorated with Maya motifs and an assortment of storage jars line the walls of its chamber. Visitors will notice that many of the storage jars still contain maize and other staples of the ancient Maya diet.

International Sources

In Belize, teaching youth life-skills to prepare for workplace
For Diangelo Ramos, a young man living in Belize, surviving after he was thrown out of his house at 13 took determination and courage. "I was drinking at school, missing classes," he recalled. "My teacher said she would not give up on me because she knew I could change." Diangelo participated in a youth engagement programme implemented by UNDP. The Southside Youth Success project, established in 2012, is a coordinated system that provides mentoring, life-skills, training and job placements for vulnerable youths in Southside Belize City (SBC), the most violent area of the country. It focuses on preventing "most-at-risk" youth, in particular young men, who come from the most marginalized parts of Belizean society, from entering gangs and provides them with the life-skills and knowledge base to enter the workforce instead. "Today I think I have changed," Diangelo said after completing the programme.

Videos

Video: Caye Caulker Easter Preparation, 12min.
Gilbert Tzac

Video: Sacred Heart Flashmob, 4min.
Rotary worked with Sacred Heart Primary and the SIPL to do a flash mob at the Cayo Welcome Center. 'This book's gonna be a good book!' Sacred Heart School in San Ignacio in Cayo, Belize performed 'Gotta Keep Reading' to raise awareness for literacy in Belize. This was done in cooperation with the 'Literacy Alive' project which was supported by Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Red Deer, Ab, Canada as well as the Rotary Club of San Ignacio.

Video: The Placencia Resort, 6min.

Video: BAREFOOT IN BELIZE FISHERMEN REPORT, 2min.
THE LITTLE BELIZE COMMUNITY LOS ANGELES "Somewhere in the various Districts of Belize the future Prime Minister is growing up may a pair of shoes reach his or her feet to avoid a Barefoot Injury."

Video: Diving in Belize - Nov. 2013, 8min.
Photography and Editing by Orest Romaniuk while vacationing in Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Video: Old Belize Historical Center, 1min.

Video: Belize Cave Water passage Push, 18min.
2 1/2 Miles Underground in Belize, Cavers push virgin passage through an underground lake with air space of just a few inches, at times ducking from air pocket to air pocket, all the while facing dangerous conditions as the oxygen is over taken by sulfur dioxide. one caver was nearly lost as he swims to death zone.

Video: Belize XMET Caving Dive Team, 18min.
caved dive Belize with virgin swim in underground lake, 2 1/2 miles underground

Video: Belize / Bacab Eco Park, 3min.
Aboard the bus to Bacab Eco Park & riding "Rice n Beans"

Video: Belikin - CHOCOLATE STOUT, 1min.
We present to you Belikin Chocolate Stout, made with organic cacao from the farms of Toledo, Belize. We don't use fillers or shortcuts and we don't compromise our brewing. We only produce the best for The Beer of Belize.

Video: Hot Docs Trailers 2011: THE CHOCOLATE FARMER, 1.5min.
With machete in hand, Eladio Pop cultivates his Belizean cocoa plantation, following in the footsteps of his Mayan ancestors. But as progress undermines tradition, his children confront a modern world, charting their own path. Will any of them carry on his legacy?

Video: Mexico, Guatemala & Belize 2014, 26min.
My trip to Mexico, Guatemala & Belize Date 14.01.14 - 14.03.14 camera. Gopro hero 3 black

Video: 3 Seasonal Beers of Belikin Beer Worth Trying, 3min.
Drinking In Belize: The Country's Rum Industry Aside from the popular Belikin Beer, Belize also offers a good rum. The nation is part of Central America but its coast is on the Caribbean Sea, so rum is entrenched in its alcohol habits ever since. It is not that it just your eyes everywhere like the Jamaica, but you will easily find and buy it, and at very economical prices. The Belize rum market today is controlled by Travellers, a company that Mr. Omario Perdomo started midcentury with a bar of imported beverages for travelers in the center of the former capital, Belize City. Those times were also when the sugar cane industry sky ascended, so a lot of Belizeans decided to begin doing their own distillates. Mr. Omario Perdomo of Travellers Bar was no different, deciding to homemake his own rums. Travelers Rum was born and they now have over 20 products in their line, including vodka and bitters, that are massively distribute around the country.

Video: Dangriga Belize Arrival, aerial, 4min.

Video: The Split, Caye Caulker, Belize, 2min.
The Split in Caye Caulker is just that it was split by a hurricane and the the caye is now two not one. The Lazy Lizard is the watering hole at the end of the land here, The beer is cold and water is warm what could be better than that okay the bikinis are small and the girls are pretty how is that ..

Video: Fun on the Beach with Rusty, 3min.
Rusty (my dog) is loving the beach here in Belize. This was shot on my GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition and this is my first fully edited video.

Video: Traveller's Liquors Baron Gin - Cheers to the Baron, 1min.

Video: Belize Teaser, 4min.

Video: Spooky, 4min.
Spooky (Curve Bar, Sittee River, Belize)

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