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The San Pedro Sun
BTL responds to SMART
On November 12th, 2014 Speednet Communications Limited ("Speednet") issued a press release in which Speednet made a number of unfounded and misleading statements regarding the termination of DTN links provided to Speednet by Belize Telemedia Limited ("BTL").
On July 27th, 2014 BTL began providing DTN links to Speednet between Belize City and Punta Gorda as a normal retail service. At no time during the negotiations or subsequent to the provision of the service did Speednet inform BTL that it had terminated its service with its previous providers.
The relevant portion of BTL's network between Independence and Punta Gorda has been experiencing continuous deterioration of the fiber infrastructure causing limited capacity. BTL recently doubled‐up the Internet bandwidth to our broadband customers which caused a spike in current bandwidth usage. Due to increased demands on its network, BTL can no longer provide the DTN Lines to Speednet while adequately satisfying its own demands and requirements in providing quality telecommunications services.
National Garifuna Council San Pedro Branch releases calendar of events
The San Pedro Branch of the National Garifuna Council has released their calendar of events leading up to national Garifuna Settlement Day celebrated on November 19th. The events are being organized in collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council through the San Pedro Cultural Committee. The national celebration is being conducted under the theme "Mibe La Yanu. Awanse La Wadagimanu. BungiuWaba, WagiaLarigi - Let's not just talk. Let the work progress. God before us and we behind." The events include drumming through the streets and at business places on Ambergris Caye from the 11th to the 14th of November. On the 13th of November there will be Garifuna Literacy Night, which includes a translation contest for primary school students, as well as storytelling for adults. Both events both take place at the Central Park. There will also be radio and television appearances by organizers of this year's celebration on November 13th. On November 14th Belizeans are asked to participate in the National Garifuna Awareness Day by wearing yellow, black and white outfits - the Garifuna colors.
The season is looking delicious with Casa Picasso!
In their fourth year of operation as owners of Casa Picasso restaurant, Jackie and Adam Feldman have continued to up the ante when it comes to their food, ambiance and great service. On their opening night, nearly 200 people mingled and helped kick off the season in grand fashion. New and repeat patrons enjoyed delicious appetizers - oh those sweet pork buns and tart-fresh octopus spring rolls! Those were just a hint at the wonderful flavors to come for the new season. It was so busy and the conversations so intriguing that I missed quite a few of the yummy apps passing around (but I know where there's more)! Drinks were icy and refreshing - holy spicy margarita! And as always, the hugs from Jackie and Adam were warm and welcoming.
SPRCS holds annual All Saints Fair
On Friday November 7th, the San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School (SPRCS) held their annual All Saints Day Fair. A day set aside to honour the saints and those who have passed on, All Saints Day is a festive holiday observed by The Roman Catholic Church. The fair was introduced to the SPRCS some nine years ago to take the place of the school's Halloween fair. Open to the students and the public, the fair is one of the largest annual fundraising events for the school. Gates opened at 5PM for the crowd that couldn't wait to show up to the highly anticipated event.
With plenty of food, desserts and drinks on sale, there was something to satisfy everyone's taste buds. And for those that came out for the games and prizes, every classroom had a game station with lots of prizes to go around. In the spirit of the day, students also dressed in finely crafted costumes depicting biblical saints and angels. Throughout the evening, poems, songs and short skirts were recited as the audience applauded the little performers.
San Pedro Cadets receive donation from All Things ATM Belize
John and Dawn Kennedy of All Things ATM Belize have taken much interest in San Pedro Youth Cadet Corps and made substantial donations to the group. Since its inception on February 2014, the corps has grown substantially and now has over 20 members. The cadet corps was formed by the collaboration of the San Pedro Neighborhood Watch Committee and the San Pedro Police Department, to promote youth involvement in the community and as a preventative for youth crime. On Saturday, October 11th Dawn Kennedy presented Cadet Instructor, Police Constable (PC) Juan Chuc with a check for $500. The donation will be used to acquire uniforms for the new recruits as well for other expenses that the cadets incur. According to Deputy in Charge of Police, Inspector Henry Jemmott, the assistance received for the Kennedy's is essential to the continued growth of the group. "Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have taken great interest in the San Pedro Youth Cadet Corps. We need support like this from the community. The cadet program can be so beneficial to the island community for keeping children out of trouble and away from criminal activity, but it needs the support of the community in order for the program to keep going," said Inspector Jemmott. The cadet program had been dormant in San Pedro for nearly five years before it was re-started.
Raquel Badillo to represent Belize at Miss World 2014
On Saturday November 8th, Raquel Badillo was officially crowned Miss World Belize 2014. The crowning ceremony took place at Fido's Restaurant and Bar where Badillo, her sponsors, family and friends gathered for the evening ceremony. Set to be Belize's delegate at the 64th edition of The Miss World Pageant in London England, Badillo expressed her enthusiasm to be representing her country at the historical arena.
The pageant will take place on December 14th at the ExCeL ICC Auditorium, where Miss Belize will join over 120 contestants from around the world. "As you all may know, I have been given the glorious opportunity of representing Belize as a country and as a community. I appreciate the opportunity that this beautiful place I am lucky enough to call home, and its citizens whom I see as a family, has given me to show the world what Belize truly has to offer," said a grateful Badillo.
Ambergris Today
Belize Hits 1 Million Mark in Tourist Arrivals!
As of October 2014, Belize has seen one million visitors into the country, through overnight and cruise arrivals, two months earlier than forecasted.
In October, tourist arrivals increased by 6.7%, exceeding the initial projection which estimated that October would have seen a decrease of 10.82% in overnight arrivals. For cruise arrivals, 56,144 visitors were scheduled for October, but there was a total of 1,769 more cruise visitors over that forecasted number.
According to the Belize Tourism Board's (BTB) projections set forth earlier this year, it was expected that Belize would hit the one million mark at the end of the year; however, we've surpassed this figure earlier than was expected.
Caye Caulker Ocean Academy Wins Awards for Aquatic Tourism
Caye Caulker Ocean Academy High School's Aquatic Tourism Program has won the prestigious Beyond Sports 2014 Award in the category Sport for Education (sponsored by UNICEF). The Beyond Sport Awards celebrate and reward the best projects from around the world that use sport to bring about positive social change.
Ocean Academy's project was selected from 350 entries spanning 70 countries. School founders Joni Miller and Heidi Curry were invited to Johannesburg, South Africa October 28-30 for the Awards ceremony and they represented Belize on an international panel addressing the theme of how sports can inspire youth to become leaders in their communities.
Misc Belizean Sources
Home Depot Opens branch in Chetumal
The Corozal Daily had the pleasure of witnessing the historic inaugural ceremonies by the Governor of Quintana Roo - Roberto Borge Angulo, accompanied by The Home Depot's General Director, Ricardo Sald�var Escajadillo, which is the third Home Depot branch to open in the State of Quintana Roo and the 110th in the country of Mexico. The opening of the branch cost approximately two hundred and ten million pesos (210 million pesos equivalent to over $34,400,000.00BZ) and will provide employment for approximately 230 Chetumale�os.
The Governor thanked the executives of the commercial chain for their confidence and asked them to continue to invest in Quintana Roo, providing jobs and expanding the range of the locals' buying opportunities and choices.
The Chief Executive reiterated that Quintana Roo has provided a safe and fertile environment for investment opportunities and that the State's local government State guarantees that the process and procedures are carried out in a timely manner. This is partly due to continuous improvement in our local regulations.
Hasta La Media Noche 2014
As part of La Festival De La Hispanidad Y Mestisaje, COLCHA held its Hasta La Media Noche Musical Concert on November 8th 2014. The concert featured our local favorite Caribbean Roots Band and Grupo Bernakoolo from Q.Roo. COLCHA would like to thank all the hundreds of supporters that came out for this event all the sponsors who made it possible. COLCHA is constantly motivated by the overwhelming public support that keeps us striving higher and higher each year!!
"Island City" coming soon
... the sign says. Interesting to see that Island Supermarket transforms to next.
Financial Stability Board to propose stricter capital rules for global banks
The Financial Stability Board, a panel made up of central bankers, finance officials and top regulators from the world's largest economies, plans to announce proposals Monday that would double the amount of money that large banks would be required to have on hand to absorb losses, reports New York Times.
The purpose of the new rules, which would not take effect until 2019 at the earliest, is to curtail risk-taking and protect taxpayers from having to bail out large banks in times of crisis, as happened on a grand scale during the financial crisis in 2008.
The new proposals, which have been hinted at for several weeks, aim to shift the burden of bank failures so that it falls more squarely on bank investors and the banks themselves. But the proposals are certain to face stiff opposition from the banking industry, which is likely to argue that the rules would force banks to curb lending, hurting economic growth. Banks and other interested groups have until Feb. 2 to submit comments on the rules.
Belmopan area Power Interruption Sunday
Power Interruption 6:00am to 12:00 noon, Sunday November 16: entire City of Belmopan, La Democracia, Franks Eddy, Saint Matthews, Cotton Tree, Valley of Peace, Roaring Creek, Camalote, Teakettle, Arizona, Ontario, Buena Vista, Blackman Eddy, Unitedville, Armenia. BEL to replace utility poles and equipment, adjust high voltage lines, install lightning arresters and conduct maintenance works at Belmopan Substation.
Cayo's Missing Teen
15 year old Vanessa Wagner is 5 feet two inches in height, has black shoulder length hair, a mole on the right cheek near her nose and weighs about 82 pounds.
She was wearing her school uniform, a white button down blouse, a brown checkered skirt and a pair of black shoes. Wagner was last seen with a male companion at 3:35 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12th, walking on the George Price Highway heading towards San Ignacio Town. If anyone knows her location please contact her father, Michael Wagner of Esperanza Village or the nearest Police Station.
Teachers in Corozal get CYCAS motivational Training
We are thankful to the fantastic team work of Corozal CYCAS and the enthusiastic collaboration of principals, managers, sponsors; SIRDI, Saint Francis Credit Union, BNTU Rural, St. Viator High School, CTV3 and of course, the great expertise of Pastor David Green and Veronica Ochoa.
Belize Optimist National Championship
A female emerges as National Optimist Champion for the first time ever in Belize, Placencia. With light winds on her side and revealing that she is a skilful tactician to contend with, 14 yr old Blanca Velasquez of San Pedro Junior Sailing Club (SPJSC), emerged as the new National Optimist Champion in Belize. After two days of 6 races November 8th and 9th and coping with 3-6 knot winds, the field of 15 racers that qualified to compete for the nationals tried every trick in the book to get underway. Blanca consistently took either 1st or 2nd place, slipping to third once in the last race of the regatta. This was enough for her to cruise into 1st place overall.
Two competing sailors closely pursued Blanca during the regatta, but 15 yr. old Chritian Trejo of SPJSC settled for 2nd Place, and 2013 National Champ, 13 yr. old Trent Hardwick of Belize Sea Scouts, took the 3rd place and now relinquishes the Deny Bradley perpetual Trophy to Blanca.
The other Top 10 finishers were: Faith Noel and Jerdon Anderson both of SPJSC finished 4th and 5th place, respectively. Antonio Ricardez and Nashira Ricardez of the Belize City Sailing Club took 6th and 7th place, respectively; Christopher Young of Corozal Bay Sailing Club finished 8th and Tyler Garbutt and Patrick Rhamdas of Placencia Sailing Club took 9th and 10th place, respectively.
Channel 7
Human Remains Found In Maskall - Police Asking Families of Missing Persons For Help
Tonight, Ladyville Police are doing their best to come up with an identity for the person whose remains were found burnt and disposed of in a remote location outside of Maskall Village.
An on-site autopsy was completed by Dr. Mario Estradabran this afternoon, but nothing conclusive was found. This evening, we spoke with the Police Public Relations Coordinator Douglas Hyde about what information they have at this time and how you can help.
Douglas Hyde - Police Press Officer
"Police received information at 1:30 today, some human bones were found half miles from Maruba Resort about 100 feet off the road where garbage is thrown and the body seems to be partially burned. Dr. Estradabran has done a post mortem on the human bones and the results were inconclusive. The results have also indicated that the bones have been there about a little a year or less than a year."
Daniel Ortiz
"Have you guys been able to follow any leads as to who this individual might be?"
Douglas Hyde - Police Press Officer
"Based on the information received from Dr. Estradabran, we have also called in the recent missing persons, their families to come and identify more or less the body or the bones along with the remains that were there to see if it is the persons that were missing and so far the recent missing persons have not been the persons identify with these remains that were there."
Sentenced to 18 Months In Jail, Cops Gets Bail 6 Weeks Into Sentence
A police corporal who was convicted and sent to jail for 18 months is out tonight after only 6 weeks because the Supreme Court granted him a stay of execution and bail.
His attorney, Anthony Sylvester who is appealing his 18 month conviction argued before the Supreme Court today that it is likely that by the time his appeal comes up for hearing, Cpl. Martinez will have served his 18 month sentence. With that, Justice Herbert Lord heard the bail application and set bail at $6,000 dollars for the convicted cop.
Cpl. Martinez was convicted on September 30, 2014 by Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. She found him guilty of the offense of attempting to corrupt WPC Stacey Smith, a member of the GSU.
ASR/BSI Tells Cane Farmers It Will Have A New Deal By Nov 21
Tomorrow, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association will have a general membership meeting in San Juan village in the Corozal District. And while it is pushing for everyone to come out - ASR/BSI is pushing back. Today the company sent out an announcement to cane farmers in which it makes it clear it is willing to make adjustments to the 18 page contract it circulated at meetings earlier this week.
So the new deal from ASR/BSI is that the consultation period extended until Tuesday, November 18th. After that, the company will factor in input from the farmers, and will issue a final agreement by Friday 21 November.
This is a change because at first they said the contract they put out this week was not subject to change.
But two things that won't change are the ownership of the cane and the proposed payment for bagasse. ASR's Vice President of International Relations told us as much by phone from the UK this evening:
Mac McLachlan - International Relations Advisor, ASR
"If the question Jules is about ownership then we are very clear, every industry in the world have to own its sugar otherwise it can't contract to sell it. And the second thing bagasse; we have come to a natural impasse on bagasse. We are not going to get any further and we are wasting time preparing for the future of the industry. And that why we are not prepare to countenance what we tried last year and it fail, so there is no point in trying again this year. We are responding to cane farmers and that we believe it's their constitutional right to do that. We don't believe in intimidation and threats and that's why we are offering a choice." The announcement to farmers notes that quote, "Where BSI has not been able to accommodate suggested changes, a full explanation will be provided."
Teenaged Girl From Esperanza Found In Dangriga With Constable
Last night we told you the distressing story of Vanessa Wagner, the 15 year old high schooler who had left school in the company of an adult policeman - and over 24 hours later, had still not returned home. Neither did her parents know where to find her - and based on messages she sent to friends - she also claimed to not know where she was.
Well after we put her picture on the news last night, the family got a call saying she had been seen at a home in Ladyville. They called police who zoomed to that location, but found that she and the police constable had already left. This morning, the family got another call saying she was seen at a home in Dangriga - it turns out he was lured there by a friend who tipped off the cops. Police from that formation went to the residence where they recovered Vanessa and detained the policeman she was with. Her family went down to Dangriga to pick her up - and she is with them tonight. Her father tells us she is safe and unharmed and they are taking her home now.
Tourism: a Game Of Inches?
In sports, it is often said that it's a game of inches - and just so in the caving business where last week, the 48 inch requirement for entering a tour of the Nohoch Che'en caves became a national headline. Local tour operators said the rule was taking away their only competitive advantage: which is the ability to take on full family tours.
Well FECTAB reports that NICH has - so to speak - caved in to their demands. NICH has reportedly sent a letter to FECTAB President Tom Greenwood saying that there will be an amnesty on the implementation of the 48 inch rule until the end of December, 2014.
In the interim, both sides will work to reach a mutually agreeable accommodation. FECTAB is expected to have a press conference next week to discuss their options.
Man Charged For Traffic Fatality Three Years Later
It took police almost 3 years, but they say that they finally have enough evidence against Ervan Augustine, the driver in the traffic accident which killed 45 year-old Wayne Williams on the evening of in December 6, 2011.
Viewers may remember that terrible accident. The water truck that Augustine was driving had been parked in the West-bound lane of the highway after one of its back wheels broke off. Reports were that the truck was left in the lane until darkness fell. Williams was driving his Toyota Tacoma toward Belmopan, and when he arrived at mile 28, the truck suddenly came into his field of vision on a dark section of the road. He swerved into the lane of the incoming traffic and slammed into the driver's side of loaded Westline Bus heading to Belize City.
Call Center Workers Say They Will Be Paid Off In Two Weeks
Last night we told you about the ACCETEL workers who are rallying to get their pay and social security.
Well, Owner Emroy Castillo met with the workers today and they signed a contract stipulating that Castillo will pay the workers in two weeks' time, on November 28th. According to the one of the workers we spoke with today, social security payments have still not been finalized - though Castillo told us otherwise yesterday.
Whatever the case, the employee said that after they are paid off, they will request letters of termination and move on.
Panama, The Harpy Eagle At 11
Panama turned 11 today. Now if you are not quite sure 'who' Panama is, he is the most famous Harpy Eagle in Belize. To mark this occasion, the Belize Zoo threw him a party; not with confetti, cake or ice cream but with the warm presence of his human friends.
Courtney Weatherberne reporting
These students are here to celebrate Panama's 11th birthday at the Belize Zoo. Although there were recreational activities for the kids, it wasn't your usual birthday party celebration, but a celebration nonetheless of this majestic creature.
Sharon Matola, Founding Director, Belize Zoo
"Well I raised Panama, so he is a special boy to me and its very satisfying to see kids share a love, a likeness, a bond of compassion for a bird that looks like he could pick you up and drop you on the floor right - he wouldn't do that. He is a terrific symbol and a wonderful ambassador for Harpy eagles everywhere."
At first sight, Panama may seem intimidating with his 5 inch talons, sharp curved beak, 6 foot wing span and piercing eyes. But according to his caretakers, these attributes don't define his character.
Police Impound Vehicle With 3lbs Weed
This morning police moved on a Toyota RAV 4, which was parked on Nurse Findley Crescent in the Port Loyola Area of Belize City. It wasn't for bad parking - but because the RAV 4 had a major weed stash inside - over one kilo. Police say they were waiting for the owner who lives in the area to turn up - but they believe he was deliberately eluding apprehension. Late this morning, they impounded the vehicle and found over three pounds of marijuana inside.
Police say they know who the owner is and are seeking him for questioning.
Police Constable Failed To Stop, Knocked Down Man
34 year-old Police Constable Wilbert Chan is out on bail tonight after being taken to court for allegedly knocking a man down.
He appeared today before Magistrate Dale Cayetano on charges including driving without due care and attention, negligent harm and failed to conform to a traffic sign. Chan pled not guilty to the charges. He was released on a bail of $3,000 and his case was adjourned until January 12, 2015.
The incident occurred on October 24. According to the allegation, Chan was driving a police vehicle on Cleghorn Street when he failed to halt at a stop sign and knocked down Daniel Grey.
Dr. Adrian Coye At the Helm Of Belize's Premier Public Healthcare Institution
5 weeks ago, we told you how Dr. Adrian Coye, the former Director of Medical Services at the KHMH, had been appointed as the hospital's CEO.
Since he took up office, we've been trying to get an interview with him about how his management will move the hospital into the future. Today, we finally got a chance, when we caught him at another event. Here's what he told us:
Dr. (Mr.) Adrian Coye - CEO, KHMH
"I applied for the position with the belief that I can help chart the hospital into a direction of safety and to prepare for the future for Belizeans. We really need to have and deserve as Belizeans an excellent healthcare facility and Karl Heusner has a very important role as a national institution. So I would like that it is an era of great professionalism and that we get value for money and accountability for everything that we` do because in the end the majority of our funding is public purse related, so we want to really go head on into the future with a very strong team and also to make the best for our people. My role is to help with the right team to overcome all the other areas that we have and that is a big challenge.
Dr. Adrian Evasive On Audit
And while we had the opportunity, we asked the new CEO about the recent KHMH audit conducted by the Auditor General. The audit was to look into the acquisition of an X-Ray machine and other supplies at the KHMH for what are reported to be exorbitant prices.
Today, Dr. Coye confirmed that the audit has been completed, and that it is in the hands of the KHMH Board. We tried our best to ask about its contents, but Dr. Coye told us that he cannot release any details before the Board has properly reviewed and decided on a course of action to address it. Here's how that conversation went:
Daniel Ortiz
"What can you tell us about it at this time?"
Dr. (Mr.) Adrian Coye - CEO, KHMH
"Well all I can say is that the Auditor General's reports which was commissioned I believe by the Prime Minister has been done and that it will be reviewed by the board and from there we can make comments related to that. But that is something in the hands of the board."
UNESCO Assists Local Cervical Cancer Program
Just hearing the words cervical cancer, cause many women to shudder. But the cancer society says no woman has to die from cervical cancer if they get information and early diagnosis. In order to promote this positive approach they are organizing a cervical cancer campaign and UNESCO is providing funding for the initiative. President of the Belize Cancer Society, Laura Tucker Longsworth discussed the impact UNESCO's cheque of $49,600 will have on the cervical cancer campaign.
Laura Tucker Longsworth, President, Belize Cancer Society
"Literally we are hoping the years to come to really reduced significantly the incidents of cervical cancer simply because it is well known scientifically that cervical cancer is most of the cancers are caused by Human papilloma virus and if we understand how its transmitted and if we understand that we can eliminate it early and cure that cancer, then we will take action to do so and through a simple pap smear test or other procedures that can wipe out that cervical cancer."
Accident Victim Yanie Cu, The Pain Continues
Last night, we briefly showed you the hard time that Yanie Cu and his family have been going through since his accident with Deputy Police Commissioner Miguel Segura.
He's been trying to return to full health, but the process has been slow, and his wife and 2 sons, have also been negatively affected.
We visited with his Cu and his wife yesterday, and tonight, we show you what life has been like for them since the morning of Saturday, August 16.
Daniel Ortiz reporting
28 year-old Yanie Cu has been bedridden for 3 months since his accident with Miguel Segura. He has to endure constant, excruciating pain.
Metal Pins hold the bones of his hand and his leg in place while they heal, but it's it has been a very slow process of recovery, with no estimation of therapy time in sight.
This family's financial health remains uncertain. He is the breadwinner for his family of two children and a wife, which he has to support. But right now, he's unable to do so .His wife must now take on all that responsibility.
Xaibe: Roads Run Through It
The European Union's Accompanying Measures for Sugar recently funded 4.1 million dollars in works for the San Roque-Xaibe, Patchakan-Xaibe and Calcutta-Xaibe Roads. These 5.5 miles of paved roads will be used for the sugar industry and for the communities.
Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Belize, Ambassador Paola Amadei, discussed the contribution at the official opening yesterday while the area representative explained why the opening is two years late:
The rehabilitation included construction, installation, and completion of site clearance, culvert and drain construction, and improved surfacing.
BTL and SMART Battle
Belize's two telecom providers, SMART and BTL are in court - preparing for trial on December eighth. SMART, also known as SPEEDNET relies on BTL's infrastructure for voice and data services in the south - but recently BTL gave them a 30 days notice of termination for that contract. That would cripple SMART - and the company says - leave almost seven thousand Smart customers in the Toledo District without access to its voice and data services.
So it went to the Supreme Court asking for an injunction - but BTL's attorney gave an undertaking to maintain the service until December eighth when the two go back to court.
BTL today issued a release saying that due to increased demands on its network brought on by the double up in internet bandwidth, it can no longer provide the Lines to Speednet while adequately satisfying its own customers' demands and requirements.
Fighting Illness Through Awareness
The Belize Diabetes Association has been conducting awareness activities for the past 2 weeks.
With 15.9% of the Belizean population confirmed living with Diabetes - and so many more un-diagnosed, the Association is urgent in its mission to get the message out.
They held an open day today in downtown Belize City, on World Diabetes Day 2014, and we stopped by:
This year's theme for World Diabetes Day is Healthy Living and Diabetes. It has been celebrated for 7 years now.
Channel 5
Loggers Discover Human Remains in Maskall
There is what appears to be a murder to report in the community of Maskall on the old Northern Highway, but there is precious little information at this time. What [...]
Why No Charges for Sonia Abac's Murder?
On July ninth, the body of seventy-one year old Ramon Cervantes Sr. was recovered from a shallow grave on a farm on the Honey Camp Road, an area called Indian [...]
Patrick Faber Says Petrocaribe Ballyhoo Is All About PUP Hypocrisy
The Petrocaribe money is all the rage these days, hundreds of millions of dollars in GOB's hands to be used specifically for poverty alleviation, human and social development projects. But [...]
Accountability for Petrocaribe Funds Can be Seen on the Streets
Attorneys for the Opposition who are dealing with a suit filed against the Prime Minister, say that the loan motion was not taken to the house as required by the [...]
Still No Suspects in Yhony Rosado Home Invasion
The home of tour operator Yhony Rosado of cavetubing.com was taken by storm on Wednesday morning when a duo of armed men raided the property while he was out attending [...]
BSI/BSCFA Back and Forth Continues
The 2014-2015 sugar cane crop season is threatened by an impasse between the factory and the farmers. Latest developments this week are that BSI has sought to bypass the BSCFA, [...]
Work on Douglas Jones Canal Resumes
Work on the cleaning of Douglas Jones Canal was abruptly suspended on Tuesday due to several health and safety concerns raised by the Ministry of Works, through the Flood Mitigation [...]
Andrew Tate and Carl Lino Remain Hospitalized, Charges Pending
Twenty-eight-year-old Andrew Tate remains hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after being shot in the back of the head while riding a bicycle on North Front Street on Wednesday [...]
Faber on Teachers Missing School for UDP Rally
Earlier in our newscast, Minister of Education Patrick Faber spoke about the Petrocaribe funds, defending his government's use of those monies. But he's had to be defending himself in another [...]
Police Corporal Darius Martinez Out on Bail
Forty-four year old Corporal, Darius Martinez has so far spent six weeks of an eighteen month conviction in jail for Attempting to Corrupt a Public Officer, but today he got [...]
Convention on the Rights of the Child: Twenty-Five Years Later
Belize, along with the rest of the world, is commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.� In 1989, a [...]
Belize Making Strides in Honoring CRC Responsibilities
Despite significant progress in achieving the objectives set out under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Belize falls nominally short of a hundred percent birth registration.� Likewise, great [...]
CRC and Child-friendly Municipalities
Among various initiatives undertaken at the national level is a move by local governments to have their municipalities recognized as child-friendly.� In Belize City, there was a recent ceremony to [...]
Cancer Society Receives Financial Aid from UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization works in various areas in the country including HIV/AIDS, Climate Change and the Barrier Reef System. The organization collaborates with different ministries [...]
Rotary Club Distributes Wheelchairs in Belize City
A generous shipment of wheelchairs has arrived in the country for distribution countrywide. The first batch is being delivered in Belize City where the need is the highest throughout the [...]
CTV3
Belize Hits The One Million Tourist Arrivals
Over the past few years Belize has received nothing but good news when it comes to the Tourism Industry. And the good news just keeps pouring in. According to the Belize Tourism Board, as of October 2014, Belize has seen one million visitors into the country, through overnight and cruise arrivals and this is two months earlier than forecasted.
Figures show that In October, tourist arrivals increased by 6.7%, that's more than the initial projection which estimated that October would have seen a decrease of 10.82% in overnight arrivals.
Alyssa Carnegie Resigns From BTB
She joined the Belize Tourism Board in 2012 as Director of Marketing & Industry Relations and after more than two years of service, Alyssa Carnegie, has resigned from the BTB, effective December 12th, 2014. Carnegie was tasked with building and managing a Marketing team and implementing key marketing strategies to promote Belize in new and innovative ways.
In a release issued today by BTB announcing Carnegie's resignation, Director of Tourism, Karen Bevans is quoted as saying "Alyssa's contributions and dedication to the BTB and, by extension, the tourism industry, haven't gone unnoticed. Working with her for the past seven months has been an absolute pleasure. While we are sad to see her go, we understand and respect her desire to move on to pursue her own endeavors. We are grateful for the achievements under her leadership of the Marketing & Industry Relations Department, and we wish her the very best."
LOVE FM
Speednet Communications Limited Injunction Against Belize Telemedia Limited
The two competing telecommunications companies in Belize were in court today before Justice Shona Griffith after Speednet Communications Limited (SMART) filed an injunction against Belize Telemedia Limited. It is a matter that dates back to July this year when BTL had agreed to accommodate SMART's data load on their system�..but five weeks after the agreement
Sarteneja Village Enjoys Clean Portable Water
Over four thousand residents of Sarteneja Village in the Corozal District now enjoy clean portable water. This is the result of the Sarteneja Reverse Osmosis Rehabilitated Rudimentary Water System funded by the Government of Belize. Spearheading the project was the Social Investment Fund. William Lamb Junior is the Executive Director at SIF. WILLIAM LAMB JUNIOR
Faber Speaks On His Opposition For Collet Division
Recently we told you that the main Opposition Leader, Francis Fonseca told the media that former City Councilor, Yasmin Shoman would be throwing in her hat in the Collet Division to run against the current Area Representative, Patrick Faber. Today, we met up with Faber who weighed in on the fact that Micah Gooding, who
Faber Speaks Of The Importance Of The Education Workshops
Following workshops held yesterday at the Radisson Fort George in Belize City involving several partners in tertiary level education quality assurance, the official 2-day conference got underway this morning with an opening ceremony. The conference, spearheaded by the Caribbean Area Network for Quality Assurance of Tertiary Education, is looking at quality assurance as a regional
Police Constable Charge With Traffic Offenses
Thirty-four year old police constable Wilbert Chan was charged with several traffic offenses when he appeared today before Magistrate Dale Cayetano. The charges included driving without due care and attention, negligent harm and failed to conform to a traffic sign. Chan plead not guilty to the charges. He was released on a bail of three
Ervan Augustine Charged With Manslaughter By Negligence
Forty-one year old Ervan Augustine, a truck driver of Maxboro, Sandhill, was charged with manslaughter by negligence when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Augustine was also charged with causing death by careless conduct. He was released on a bail of five thousand dollars. His case was adjourned until January 20, 2015. The
Eighteen Year Old Charged With Attempted Murder
Eighteen year old Deshay Williams, an employee of Cisco Construction who resides on Banak Street, was charged with attempted murder when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Williams was also charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. He was remanded into custody until January 23, 2015. The incident occurred [...]
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Succotz Protestors Arraigned in Court
It has been months now since the protest in the Village of Succotz, following the fatal traffic accident involving Assistant Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura. That accident claimed the life of Yolanda Valencia and left Yanie Cu bedridden.
Police had six months, according to the laws of Belize, to press charges against the group of protestors for the illegal gathering on August 19th; and on Thursday, four months after, they did.
Attorney for the defendants Michel Shebat gave details of the persecution.
"There was a total of 17 persons arraigned on the charges of rioting and unlawful assembly. The prosecution withdrew 2 against 2 of those persons, so there are only 14 persons who are now facing charges. There are 5 persons who were not served. So, the situation is that 14 persons have been charged with rioting and unlawful assembly today.
Actually they're misdemeanours. So they're really petty offences. They're not serious offences at all.
Wife of Traffic accident victim supports Succotz road blockers
Emotions ran high at the August 19th Succotz demonstration and road block after the accident that left one dead and another clinging to life.
Yolanda Valencia is believed to have died instantaneously during the fatal traffic accident involving Deputy Compol Miguel Segura, while Yanie Cu, a taxi driver of Succotz, had to be taken to Guatemala for treatment.
On Thursday Ruselia Cu, the wife of Yannie Cu, through her tears, told reporters why she stands in solidarity with the people who took part in the protest and those who were summoned to court on Thursday to answer to charges of rioting and illegal assembly.
[Translated] " There is a group of people that were taken to court today, because of something that they reacted to, because of all the hurt. It is enough that they suffered the loss of a loved one and then to know that there was also someone that was hospitalized in a critical condition.
Everyone that came to visit him saw the pain he was in. And so that is why they were summoned today for seeking justice. They reacted because of all the pain.
Minister of Agriculture speaks on current sugar industry conflict
The tensions between BSI-ASR continue as negotiations have taken a strained turn, when BSI decided to bypass the Belize Cane Farmers Association and negotiate directly with individual farmers. BSI ASR says it maintains its position when it comes to the terms of the commercial agreement, while BSCFA says they would not accept some of those terms.
The BSCFA had written to the Government body, Sugar Industry Control Board, to assist in the negotiations. SICB has answered and says they will see what steps can be taken to help negotiations go smoothly.
On Thursday, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Gaspar Vega, spoke with the media and said that he is hopeful that both parties would be able to compromise .
"The Government will continue to facilitate. We have always done that, ready to ensure that both parties, BSI -ASR and the Cane Farmers, sit around the table. I know that the negotiation is still going on. All we can do is continue to facilitate, continue to encourage them, to come around the table and ensure that both parties compromise as much as possible, for us to be able to start a crop with, at the best, the lease challenges possible."
Ramon Cervantes says he will not retract statement
As we told you on Wednesday, Ramon Cervantes Jr. received a notice of intention to sue from Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega. The Deputy Prime Minister was named in a recorded telephone conversation which was broadcast live on the radio.
The Minister responded with a video release of his own, refuting any allegations of his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Ramon Cervantes Sr.
On Wednesday, the son of the deceased, Ramon Cervantes Jr. received the letter from Barrow and Williams law firm, demanding a retraction and an apology to Hon. Gaspar Vega.
On Thursday, Ramon Cervantes Jr. told the media that he has nothing to apologize for.
"I have nothing to apologize for, and there is nothing for me to retract and so I won't apologize.
Accutel BPO company shuts down
As one of Belize's fastest growing industries, business process outsourcing, has handed thousands of Belizeans jobs responding to customer concerns for many businesses, chiefly from the United States.
But as with any business there are growing pains and on Thursday about 30 employees of a relatively new BPO start-up, Accutel BPO, are without jobs.
The company began in May and hired its first workers in September, to act as agents to respond to campaign contracts obtained from U.S. companies.
But the main owner of the company, Emory Castillo from Belmopan, has shut down the outfit, and his employees say he has not met their final payments.
We spoke to one of them off-camera.
Female Accutel Worker
"The issue is that our boss, Mister Emory Castillo, made an arrangement with us. He opened a business, we were hired on the fifth of September, and on the twenty-seventh of October, he told us that we were not supposed to come in at work. So we were on standby basically.
We waited, time passed, and he told us no work until further notice.
PNP say they support FECTAB, outraged at NICH
The People's National Party (PNP) issued a press release expressing its "complete outrage at the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) decision to lease our caves to Dark Knight Cave Tubing Adventure Ltd, a foreign entity. Were they leased for 3 years or 75 years? PNP calls for transparency asking for the details of the contract regarding the leasing of our caves to be made available for public viewing."
The release says that PNP fully supports, the Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations of Belize, (FECTAB) members demand to be treated equally, fairly and respectfully.
The release further says, "These small business tour operators are Belizeans, working to earn a living in their country, yet they are continuously being held down while the larger foreign tour operators prosper. PNP further believe provisions should be in place to ensure that Belizeans tour operators are guaranteed a percentage of the larger foreign tour companies tours."
