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The San Pedro Sun
A wine dinner for the ages with Wine de Vine
I've finally recovered enough to tell you about what a fantastic night I had the other day at the Montes Alpha wine dinner. My hubby works for Wine de Vine (not too shabby eh?) and so I have had the opportunity to learn about wines, and wouldn't you know it, I've got good taste! Montes Alpha ranks right up there on my list!
Hosted by Hidden Treasure, the first wine dinner for 2015 was a special treat. Sonia Montanares of the Montes Alpha company in Chile was on hand to talk about the various wines being poured.
There were several courses being served, and each course had its accompanying wine�so, after I made the sign of the cross, I dove right in!
Five ladies to participate in La Riena del Carnaval Pageant 2015
The San Pedro Carnaval Committee, working along with Flora Ancona's Carnaval Group is proud to introduce this year's contestants of La Riena del Carnaval Pageant (the selection of a Carnaval Queen) 2015. This year, five ladies will participate in four different segments in an effort to win the coveted title. The participants are 49-year-old Rose Marie Linarez, 51-year-old Silvia Patricia Lopez, 48-year-old Nerie Itzab, 42-year-old Sinia Catalina Cruz and 44 year old Zeida Alamilla.
Organized by Ancona's Carnaval Group, all proceeds will be used for their comparsas costume and other expenses. The pageant is scheduled for Saturday February 7th at the San Pedro High School auditorium, starting at 7:30PM. The participants will see the ladies participate in sportswear, talent performance, evening gowns and even a Question and Answer segment.
Education Stakeholders on Human Trafficking receive training from CDF
Teachers from across Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, and other education stakeholders received a training seminar from Tom Sharp of The Child Development Foundation (CDF). Held at the Sunbreeze Conference Room on Thursday, January 22nd, the seminar entailed participants' learning methods to teach school children about abuse and human trafficking. Apart from gaining valuable experience, the participating teachers were also awarded credits by the Teacher Education Development Services of the Ministry of Education.
CDF is a Christian non-profit organization with aims of addressing the growing issue of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in Belize. Sharp explained that at many times, teachers find it challenging to talk to children about these subjects, especially the younger students. The seminar sensitized educators on the proper methods of addressing these topics.
Saga hosts Southern Comfort Food Cook-off
Saga Humane Society supporters gorged themselves on the best of southern comfort food at the first cook-off of 2015. Hosted at SandBar on Thursday, January 22nd, the fundraising event saw 10 food entries. The monthly cook-off raises much needed funds for Saga's Spay/Neuter Initiative Program (SNIP) Campaign.
Dishes ranged from chicken soup with grilled cheese sandwiches to southern classics with a twist like chorizo mac & cheese. For a contribution of only $15, attendees got to sample all the dishes. For the cost of $25, VIP guests skipped the line and got their plate of food delivered to their table! The tasting dishes included: Nancy Nida's chicken soup with grilled cheese sandwiches, Ray's Big Dog's peel n eat shrimp, Lick's plantain and conch fritters, Heather Smith's hash brown casserole, Di Vu's gumbo and southern comfort apple pie, Cori Sterrenberg's chorizo mac & cheese, Letty Hernandez's scalloped potatoes, SandBar's cheddar potato casserole, Parker Ault's hush puppies, and Ice & Beans' donuts.
Ambergris Today
Government Pledges to Remove Belize's Barrier Reef from World Heritage in Danger List
Following a week-long constructive discussion with UNESCO's World Heritage Centre and IUCN, the Government of Belize agreed to start talks on critical conservation challenges related positive to the removal of the Belize Barrier Reef from the World Heritage List in Danger.
From January 19-23, 2015, UNESCO's World Heritage Center, in cooperation with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), undertook a technical support mission to Belize with the objective of assisting the Government in its efforts to prepare a road map for the removal of the Belize Barrier Reef from the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Isla Bonita Elementary Holds Open Day Exhibition
The upper division students of Isla Bonita Elementary School held an open day educational exhition on Friday, Janurary 23, 2015. The exhibits were open to the public and other schools on the island. It was very well attended and booths/displays from the students of Std. 5 and Std. 6 classes included information on the following topics:
Rights of a Child,
Child Abuse,
Alcohol Abuse,
Drug Abuse,
STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections),
HIV/AIDS.
Mrs. Reina Del Carnaval to Liven up Celebrations Again
After a very, very, very successful Mrs. Reina Del Carnaval that was held for the very first time last year in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, the island is ready for another great pageant. This week, five contestants have been announced for the second annual pageant that will be held during the San Pedro, Carnaval Festivities.
Set to be held at the R. Angel Auditorium on February 7, 2015, five contestants will grace the stage with slapstick humor that characterizes the spirit and celebration of the traditional Carnaval of San Pedro. The Mrs. Reina del Carnaval Pageant is organized by Mrs. Flora Ancona's Comparsa Group that year after year entertains during the three days of street dancing of Carnaval. The pageant contestants are older women (Mrs.) who prove that beauty comes in all ages. 1. Silvia Patricia Lopez,
2. Neri Itzab,
3. Sinia Cruz,
4. Rose Marie Linarez,
5. Zeida Alamilla
Misc Belizean Sources
THE BUA ENDORSEMENT OF VIP 7 FOR THE BELMOPAN TOWN COUNCIL SLATE
In preparation for the upcoming Belmopan municipal elections, the Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) movement has put forth its full slate of candidates headed by Mayoral Candidate - Hubert Enriquez along with six Councillor Candidates, namely: Paul Morgan, Landy Cal, Kamil Espat, Clement Estrada, Eudell Bennett and Henry Dueck.
In keeping with the BUA's three, fundamental functions which include: (1) To provide support for alternative political parties and independent candidates, (2) To endorse alternative parties and candidates in local and national elections and (3) To advance the growth of the democratic process in Belize by means of education,the BUA endorses the VIP 7, slate of candidates.
Our endorsement of this dynamic team stems from the acknowledgement that the VIP shares our core values attributed to good governance principles and is committed to making substantive changes through political and social action. The hallmarks of:responsibility, accountability and transparency are the foundations of this bond.
New Dormitory and Resource and Visitor's Center Opens at Youth Hostel
A new Dormitory Facility and Resource and Visitor's Center will be officially opened on January 29th , 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Youth Hostel Facility at Mile 21 � on the George Price Highway. Remarks will be provided by Hon. Mark King, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation and Ms. Anneke Jessen, IDB Representative in Belize. Brief presentations will be done by the youths currently residing at the facility.
The New Dormitory Facility and Resource and Visitor's Center is an initiative under the Community Action for Public Safety (CAPS) Project which is funded through a loan facility between the Government of Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank. The project is being executed by the Project Execution Unit of the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation.
Mo'Mojo off to San Ignacio!
Mo'Mojo had a blast in Corozal. They visited Santa Rita and had an excellent concert last night!
Now they are headed to San Ignacio for the final leg of their tip in Belize.
See you at the concert tomorrow night!
Belize agrees to Chart Road Map solving Critical Conservation Issues to remove Belize Barrier Reef from Danger List
Following a week-long constructive discussion with UNESCO's World Heritage Centre and IUCN, the government of Belize agreed to start talks on critical conservation challenges related to the removal of the Belize Barrier Reef from the World Heritage List in Danger.
From 19-23 January 2015, UNESCO's World Heritage Centre, in cooperation with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), undertook a technical support mission to Belize with the objective of assisting the government in its efforts to prepare a road map for the removal of the Belize Barrier Reef from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Honorable Prime Minister Dean Barrow welcomed the UNESCO representatives and expressed his willingness to chart a course forward on key management requirements for a sustainable future for the reef. Prime Minister Barrow confirmed government's policy position to prohibit oil exploitation within and adjacent to the protected areas in the Belize Barrier Reef System.
Tourism Minister bails man charged with possession of drugs
Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia bailed a man charged with posession of cannabis.
On Saturday, January 17th at approximately 6:20 p.m., San Pedro Police on patrol at the corner of Almond and Tarpon Streets, noticed a man in a white T-shirt and a green short pants standing on Chicken Street and walking around a tank in the area. He handed something to a person who had approached him.
Police conducted a search on the male person, however, nothing incriminating was found on him. A search was then conducted around the tank where police found a black plastic bag containing green leafy substance suspected to be cannabis. The suspected cannabis along with the accused person was taken to San Pedro Police Station where he was identified as 43-year-old Edward Jones of Tarpon Street. The suspected cannabis was weighed and amounted to 8 grams. Police then arrested and charged Jones for the offence of Possession of Controlled Drugs.
Booths are available for the Carnaval Fiesta! Block Party on Friday, February 13th, at the Central Park!
We will have prizes for the Best Carnaval Inspired Booth, Best Carnaval Inspired Drink and Best Carnaval Inspired Food!
You can sign up by visiting the San Pedro Town Council's office, by phone (226-2936) or by sending us a message on facebook.
SIGN UP NOW!
Museum of Belize, A Year in Review
Channel 7
Minors Make Complaints About Hon. Marco Tulio Mendez
Orange Walk East Representative Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez is facing charges of child molestation tonight. First off, because minors are involved, we cannot go into details about his relationship with the accusers. But we can say definitively that today two children in the company of a female adult went to the Department of Social Services Office in Orange Walk Town to make a report that Mendez had inappropriate contact of a sexual nature with them.
Credible reports tells us that the allegations are being made by two teenaged females who allege that the inappropriate contact started some years ago - before the age of consent. We were reliably informed this evening that the matter has been turned over to police for a criminal investigation. Sources tell us that it is possible that charges at least of indecent assault will be brought against Mendez. Indecent assault is the charge employed when there has been fondling but not penetration.
SSB Workers Still Not Paid: Christian Workers Blame It On CWU
300 employees from Social Security still haven't gotten paid their end of month salary. For the 33 years that Social Security has been established, workers always get their end of month pay on the 26th of the month - but this week, history has been made. It's caused a major inconvenience for the employees because all of their bills and other financial commitments have been scheduled around that 26th pay date.
Right now, there is a lot of finger pointing between the Management of SSB and the Christian Worker's Union. We've been following the story since last week Friday, and what both sides agree on is that the management of Social Security decided to roll out what is called a "transitional increment" to reward employees for their high level of performance. It was to replace the bonus that each employee gets in March after they're assessed by Key Performance Indicators (KPI) system.
Shooting Victim Pitts Stable, In Intensive Care
27 year old Eugene Pitts remains in a stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit of the KHMH this evening. As we reported, he was at a party in Hattieville on Friday night when he was shot in the back with a shotgun. The pellets penetrated his midsection and caused a variety of injuries to his internal organs. We are told he is in a stable condition and despite his injuries, his prognosis is encouraging.
Forger Asks Court For Leniency; He Wants To Be A Lawyer
25 year-old Kenroy Young, who is already serving prison time is spending the first night of an additional 5 year prison sentence for forgery related offences. That's the sentence that Justice Adolph Lucas gave him after considering his guilty plea, and his mitigation plea for a lesser sentence, declaring his wish to study law after being released.
Young was charged with 19 counts of uttering upon a false documents dating back from November 5 to November 13 of 2008. When his case was called up for trial last week Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to 5 of the 19 counts and asked the court to forgo a trial. The rest were then withdrawn by the prosecutor, Crown Counsel Portia Staine, on the premise that the other counts are in relation to the same sums of money which he stole, $15,750.
What's The Chik-V Verdict?
The last time we reported on Chikungunya in Belize was in November, when CARPHA, the Caribbean Public Health Agency confirmed the first case - which came out of Las Flores in Belmopan.
We know that other samples were pending verification, but since then, we haven't really heard anything. So did Chik-V just go away? Today the CEO in the Ministry of Health told us that it kinda did!:...
Dr. Peter Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Health
"As you know while there was real chaos in Jamaica and actually a state of emergency was declared in Surinam, our people linked with the community actions of member of the community throughout the country, were able to limit the number of confirm Chik-V cases to less than 10 for last year."
Jules Vasquez
"Sir, I have a healthy skepticism on Chik-V situation, are you able to say specifically, how many samples were sent to CARPHA for testing? How many were confirmed as negative or positive from CARPHA?"
Avian Infuenza Causing Poultry Farm Losses
Two weeks ago we reported on the poultry samples from two farms in Spanish lookout that were tested for avian influenza. Well the results are in and the samples have tested positive for Avian Influenza antibodies.
But don't fret, your chicken and eggs are safe!
A press briefing was held today to reassure the public that: 1.) the actual full-blown virus has not been detected in the samples - so there is no cause for alarm and 2.) The results of this test will not impact supply or price of chicken and eggs. Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Miguel Depaz outlines some of the key measures put in place to ensure that these cases are contained.
Woman Alleges Special Branch Abuse; Commander Says No
We often report on allegations of police and GSU brutality but tonight we have complaints about the Special Branch Unit's new secret strike team. 39 year old Belama resident Shelmodine Panting came to our studios this morning all shook up. Panting says that members of the Special Branch Unit broke down her front door for no reason last night. No one was at her home at the time of the incident and according to her neighbors, the officers were demanding to see Panting. Here is her story.
Voice of; Shelmodine Panting, Police Destroyed Property
"I got the call after 10pm last night at Belama from the neighbor. I had at least 4-5 miscalls and so U decide to call back one of the number and the lady Ms. Georgia, my neighbor in front of me, told me that the police stomped down my door. After that my daughter call me and says that she is leaving from work now because she got to understand that police stomped down the door. She got the call from the same neighbor. When I reached there the neighbors were alarm, they (police) was on the rooftop and firing shots. They were firing shots I don't know at who, but I guess somebody they were firing shot after or they were chasing somebody. According to the neighbors, they came in 3-4 vehicles."
New Breast Cancer Diagnostic Unit At KHMH
The KHMH opened its breast cancer diagnostic unit today. It's the product of a generous donation of mammography equipment and technical assistance from the Carolinas Healthcare System. We found out more at the handing over today:..
Dr. Lisa Johnson, DMS - KHMH
"The donation of the Lorad M-IV Series Mammography Unit, with workstation and storage capacity, a reader, the ultrasound machine and the Mammotome Biopsy System, is worth something in the neighborhood of one hundred thousand US dollars."
When Will Belize Have A National Museum?
In Belize, it's highly unlikely to find 'a trip to the museum' on someone's list of things to do or places to go. Well, NICH along with other stakeholders are trying to change that by drafting a master plan to construct a state of the art National Museum. Today a forum was held at the House of Culture to discuss key elements and features that can inspire Belizeans to visit.
A master plan of the museum will be presented to NICH by the Lord Cultural Resources organization in September. If all goes as planned this time around - the Museum will be built in Belmopan on ten acres set aside by the Belmopan City Council - since the last plot - beside social security was sold right before the 2008 elections.
Matura-Shepherd Lashes Out At Port CEO
Last week, we showed you our interview with Arturo "Tux" Vasquez, the CEO of the Port of Belize, in which he reacted to the comments made by Audrey Matura-Shepherd, President of the Christian Workers Union.
She says that the union will be going back to the beginning of the bargaining process for the Stevedores, because their position is that the former executives of the union, Antonio Gonzalez and James McFoy, supposedly misled the bargaining process.
That has caused some concern for the Port's current management since certain agreements were already reached. Vasquez believes that it is unreasonable to scrap all that progress and go way back to the beginning.
Today, the CWU president was asked to comment on the response from Vasquez and she didn't mince words:
Still With The Mandamus
Matura-Shepherd is still the attorney of cane farmer Lucilo Teck, who is seeking a Mandamus against the Sugar Industries Control Board.
Now, you will remember that the season finally opened yesterday at 10 a.m. That was only possible after the Sugar Industries Control Board declared the season open. So, if you're thinking that the Mandamus case is now inconsequential, we thought so too, since there is no need to compel an action which has already been taken. Matura-Shepherd says that acting as attorney, she will press the case nevertheless:
"We filed the substantive claim before a crop grinding season was declared open, but that does not nullify our application before the court, because if you were in court you will hear that one of the complaint that they had about our application, was that it went beyond a mandamus, where we were seeking certain declarations.
Channel 5
P.U.P. Leader Speaks on Allegations against Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez
Where is Doctor Marco Tulio Mendez? That's the question everybody's asking after some very serious and disturbing allegations about the P.U.P. Area Representative in Orange Walk East spread like wildfire [...]
K.H.M.H. C.E.O. Gives Update on Case of Lucia Martinez
Most Belizeans, or at least those who watch the news, are likely family with the case of Lucia Martinez. Eighteen year old Martinez had her first child at the K.H.M.H. [...]
Hepatitis Outbreak in the West
Today, the Ministry of Health is working to contain a localized outbreak of Hepatitis A at a government school in Buena Vista, Cayo. According to reports, there was one case [...]
CWU Investigates Alleged Misappropriation of Union Funds by Past Executive
CWU President Audrey Matura-Shepherd has been in the news more often lately than she has been out of it. Currently the union is embroiled in a Collective Bargaining Agreement dispute [...]
Audrey Matura-Shepherd Reveals Who Has Asked Her to Run for Office
Matura-Shepherd was also asked about her political future. It's become the propaganda of choice for the United Democratic Party, which for weeks has been claiming that Matura-Shepherd has been compromised [...]
Is Wiretapping a Reality in Belize?
Has the Government of Belize secured highly trained Israeli surveillance team to monitor phone conversations and text messages? For some time now, several reports have been claiming that this is [...]
Why Did the Cleopatra White Health Center Close Down on Friday?
Last week Friday, the Cleopatra White Polyclinic closed its doors and sent waiting patients home. That's because there was somebody waiting for attention with an open abscess which ruptured right [...]
What's the Deal with the Deputy Director of Health Services?
And from matters of health and infection to matters of internal politics…Doctor Allen has certainly seen his share of controversy and contention. Right now he's dealing with a vacant post [...]
From Internal Politics to Corruption�C.E.O. on Health Audits
And from internal politics to corruption…last year after audits of the Punta Gorda Polyclinic and the Dangriga Polyclinic administrators of both were let go. The audits allegedly turned up evidence [...]
Belize City Man Sentenced for Forgery
Once a Belize Youth Ambassador to the United Nations, twenty-five year old Kenroy Young was sentenced to prison for forgery. The U.B. graduate has been serving a seven year sentence [...]
Ryon King - Not Guilty of Arson
A jury found thirty-six year old Ryon King not guilty of arson this afternoon. Back in February 2010, King's then common-law wife Kendra Pennil accused him of setting her mattress [...]
Missing Corozal Girl Found
Corozal teen Ana Villanueva has been found. Corozal police say the fifteen year old is now safe and in good health. We told you on Monday night that the fifteen [...]
Carnal Knowledge in the West and San Pedro
Tonight the brothers from Calla Creek, who allegedly had sexual intercourse with a teen who is now pregnant, are in police custody. �Police arrested and charged twenty-five year old Maysin [...]
Avian Flu Confirmed in One Poultry Farm in the West
Today at the conference room of the Central Health Region in Belize City, representatives from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, the Poultry Industry and the Ministries of Agriculture and Health [...]
�Authorities Put Containment Measures in Place
The virus primarily affects poultry and according to BAHA, there is a low risk for transmission from poultry to humans; there is also no evidence of human to human transmission. [...]
K.H.M.H. Opens a Breast Cancer Diagnosis Unit
Just a couple weeks ago the K.H.M.H. benefitted from the donation of two cell saver machines from Spine Overseas, and today the institution's international partners came through again. Through ongoing [...]
Social Security Employees Go Home with Empty Pockets
There is some contention between the Christian Workers Union and the Social Security Board. The result of that contention is that three hundred S.S.B. workers, always paid on the twenty-sixth [...]
FCD Meets with Guatemalan Counterparts to Discuss Illegal Issues in Chiquibul
The Friends for Conservation and Development, better known as FCD, has been working tirelessly to stop a number of illegal activities inside the Chiquibul.� For the FCD, illegal logging remains [...]
The Subculture of a Car Show
Fans flocked to the northern entrance of Belize City on Sunday for a unique event that is growing in popularity. Owners of the hottest cars and motorcycles turned out to [...]
CTV3
Avian Influenza Type A Positively Identified In Belize
Last week we told you about suspected cases of Avian Flu emerging from two farms in the Cayo District and today continued surveillance and testing confirmed that one of the two farms have come back with positive results. According to Samples tested by an International reference Laboratory in the USA has confirmed the presence of Avian influenza H5N2 antibodies in one farm only but not the live virus. BAHA continues to test and has detected the presence of Avian Influenza Type A on another farm. There are very few clinical signs in the affected birds, which may indicate a response to the low pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 virus. This virus predominantly affects poultry. There is very low risk of transmission from poultry to humans and there is no evidence of human to human transmission.
Corozal Police Gets New Computers
Viewers may recall that last year Inspector Daniel Arzu launched an initiative that was geared at benefitting underprivileged students of Corozal Town. And with the nature of job, later that same year, inspector Arzu was transferred to the Cayo District and the project unfinished. The good news tonight is that not all good has gone to waste since members of the Corozal Community Policing and Officer Commanding the Corozal Police Department Superintendent Andrew Ramirez have filled up the gap in making Arzu's initiative a true success. And today, the Corozal Community policing department has acquired fourteen new computers which were donated by the U.S Embassy in Belize through the CARSI program. According to Superintendent Andrew Ramirez, nine of the fourteen computers will be set up in the Drop-in Center where many students will have access to them.
DPM's Brother Gets Contract For Corozal Market
Another Municipal Development Project has been awarded to a relative of Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Gaspar Vega. A release from the Social Investment Fund in partnership with the World Bank issued today states that a Contract for the upgrading and rehabilitation of the Corozal Town Market and Sports Complex facilities is valued at $721,789.40. The contract for the two (2) facilities was signed by Mr. Liborio Vega of LV and SONS Construction, and Mr. William Lamb Jr. the Executive Director, Belize Social Investment Fund, at the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) headquarters in Belmopan on yesterday's date.
The market project is designed to upgrade a section of the existing market of 220 square meters particularly 15 market stalls which were in a dilapidated condition that poses serious health and security risks and natural disasters to both vendors and patrons. According to the release, the objective is to provide a safer and more pleasant environment for vendors and shoppers resulting in significant improvement in the quality of life for residents in Corozal Town and surrounding communities.
Sugar Road Concern For Cane Farmers
Throughout the course of the negotiations with BSI, a faction of the negotiating team at the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association had been steadfast in what they say was obtaining a good deal for farmers. Up until the end of the negotiations, and joined by other parties, the group had remained vocal about their rejection of the terms of the new commercial agreement. Nonetheless, Alfredo Ortega, one of the persons at the forefront of the campaign against the signing of the agreement says he is content the crop has finally started but remains concerned about the conditions of the sugar roads.
"It has been a very rough road to reach to this point because of many issues that has transpired but as you know farmers are eager to deliver their cane also because if they don't deliver they don't make any money of what they have invested and today we can say and we can thank God because of the movement that is ongoing because there are many hurdles that the farmers are going through for them to transport their material to BSI mill because when we talk about access in regards to roads we have very little work being done on that, thanks to the weather that we are experiencing this week is that farmers are able to transport their material on those conditions of the sugar roads."
Infant II Student Involve In Traffic Accident
Shortly after the school bell rang at 11:30 today, students from the Presbyterian Primary School on Tate Street rushed home for their daily lunch break. Things almost took a tragic turn when an infant two student was brushed and almost severely hurt in a traffic mishap. From what we have been able to gather, a pickup driven by the owner of an Asian bread factory was commuting on Holy Trinity Street and soon after the child ran across the street and was brushed by the vehicle. But while the child did not suffer much injury other than being shaken up, the driver rendered assistance and took the child to the Hospital, just to make sure. Checks made at the school late this evening revealed that the boy was healthy, alive and kicking as he played with his companions at the school campus. The area though is of concern to many parents since it is a school zone and should have the proper safety measures in place so as to avoid these incidents from occurring in the future.
More Amendements Need To Be Made To The Sugar Act Says BSI/ASR
The sugar crop has started and while the operations remain relatively the same, there are new changes within the industry. The biggest being the registration of two more new associations and the amendments to the sugar act to support these associations. Of course these amendments are long overdue since the court had ruled the changes be made since 2010. Still, stakeholders within the industry have been vocal about the need to further amendments to the sugar act. Yesterday, International Relations for ASR Mac McLachlan told the media there is a need for this to happen as it is an important part in the continued development of the sugar industry.
"Everybody would agree in the industry including the government that we need fundamental reforms to the sugar act in due course, those reforms can't take place immediately I think it would be sensible to have full stakeholder engagement in those reforms so that they can feel that they own whatever comes out of that process in the end and I think what happened before as the Prime Minister said it was basically to implement the changes that the Supreme Court has ask the government to make but I think an important part on looking at the future is how the sugar act can be amend ended to ensure that it putting regulation where regulations needed and taking regulation away where is not needed to enable the industry, this is a private industry to move forward the best way for in the industry stakeholders and that is not something that is going to happen today or tomorrow I believe that would be a part of the discussion of the strategic Development Plan."
BSCFA Cleans House
The survival of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association is still very much a concern for administrators of the organization. Following the disbursement of six and a half million dollars in Fairtrade premiums the BSCFA faces decertification from Fairtrade. Another worry is that after disbursing the money, BSCFA had little to no money to conduct daily operations. Despite the speculations however, the BSCFA remains operational but there are still many assessments being made. Today we spoke with Ezequiel Cansino, Chair of the Committee of Management who told us that they will be issuing a statement as to the changes within the association in the near future. He did say too that they are preparing to fire the association's entire staff. Here is why.
"Por el momento si vamos a despedir a los empleados a todos los empleados vamos a despedir y despu�s vamos hacer lo que es el rehiring, los vamos a emplear de nuevo pero no a todos solo a los que realmente vamos a necesitar y lo estamos haciendo por el motivo de que tenemos los fondos que quedan nos permite pagarle a todos estos empleados, por el lado de las divisiones tenemos empleados hasta de 18 a�os ya aqu�, entonces de los fondos que tenemos vamos a pagarles todo lo que la ley exige pagarles entonces les vamos a volver a emplear para que empecemos de nuevo por el temor de que no sabemos c�mo vamos a estar en el futuro entonces ya les dimos esa compensaci�n por su trabajo y por tantos a�os, pero si estamos viendo c�mo se va a reestructurar toda la Asociaci�n."
Cane Of Excellent Quality Delivered On First Day Of Crop
The crop saw a big launch on Monday and the company aimed at receiving six thousand tons of sugar cane for the first day. Deliveries started shortly after ten and stakeholders in the industry were quite content with the start of operations. Today, factory Manager John Gillett informed CTV-3 News in an interview that there is good news as the quality of the cane is impressively good.
"I would like to encourage the farmers to continue keep on delivering the good quality cane that they are delivering, so yesterday we were very impressed with the quality of cane that has been delivered and I think it is the first time on the first day of crop that we are seeing ton cane per ton sugar ration below ten and that is an indication that we will be having good cane quality this year and that the cane farmers continue doing what they have been doing."
Serious Allegation Unbounding Against Area Representative, Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez
Last night, 7news broke a sensational story that embroiled current PUP Orange Walk East Area Representative Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez in an allegation made against him of unbecoming sexual behaviour. While these are strong and damning allegations for anyone, we reiterate that at this point, it is only speculations, since the matter cannot be substantiated and as far as we are concerned no report has been made to police. Several attempts in getting comment from Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez proved unsuccessful.
We also tried to get comment from Mendez's estranged wife but our attempts also proved futile. What we can tell you is that this afternoon Doctor Leslie was at the Department of Human Services here in Orange Walk. We understand that she was accompanied by a police officer. Mendez did not come out the building until after 4:00pm and in order for her to avoid the media her vehicle was driven into an adjacent parking lot by one of the department's employees from where she got in the vehicle and drove away.