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Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
The San Pedro Sun
The Talented "Philly-zean" Lara Goldman
If I had two words to describe Lara Goldman they would be "creative genius!" Lara, the owner of 12 Belize and mastermind behind Romantic Travel Belize has really become quite the go-to-gal for those wanting a bit of something �well, Belizean!
Lara, originally from Philadelphia, USA, has lived in Belize for over nine years. Her east coast attitude, with blends of our Belizean hospitality has resulted in services that aim to offer travellers and Belizeans alike, the best of what's in our own backyard.
Romantic Travel Belize is a Destination wedding company, specializing in everything from proposals to the moment you say "I do." And honeymoons�how could we forget honeymoons? Yup she does that too! The thing is there are those who dream of nothing more than making that special moment happen in Belize, and for them, there is Lara! She is certainly capable bringing your vision to life, and has done so for so many. Whether it's a beach wedding, a sandbar proposal, a Maya Ruin engagement or maybe a wedding shoot by the falls, it can be done!
San Pedro athletes take top spots in CrossFit Chetumal Summer Challenge
Josh Daniel Nu�ez and Luisana Guerrero of CrossFit San Pedro have brought back major bragging rights after their excellent display of athleticism in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico. A contingent of 10 athletes, accompanied by family and supporters, took part in the Summer Challenge hosted by CrossFit Chetumal. In total, eight boxes (gyms) participated in the invitation-only Summer Challenge, bringing athleticism and sportsmanship together under one roof.
The two-day challenge tested the 48 of participating athletes to their limits, challenging their mindset and bodies. Participants hailed from Box Work, Box World, Garage CrossFit, Unity Fitness CrossFit, CrossFit Revolver, Ludos CrossFit, CrossFit Chetumal and CrossFit San Pedro. In the end, however, there can only be one at the top of the podium, and for San Pedro CrossFit's Josh Daniel Nu�ez, not even limited practice held him back, as he took first place out of 22 male athletes in the intermediate division.
"It was a crazy good weekend�competing with some extraordinary CrossFitters, but thanks to the help of my friends, my coaches and my CrossFit family - hearing their voices cheer me on, pushed my body to a whole new limit," said an emotional and grateful Josh. "Now that I've experienced and won my first challenge, I think I'm going to push myself to higher limits with my CrossFit family and see what else the lifestyle has in store for me."
Saga Pasta Spectacular cook off
After the great eating, and between live music and raffle prizes, votes were cast for the best dish of the evening. The third place went to Krista of Crazy Canuck's, while Jen Wochner took second place. The grand first place prize went to Dawn Locascio for her delicious and irresistible Kugel!
Saga would like to thank everyone that came out and supported the cook-off. Special thanks go to Brent Butcher for serenading the event, Crazy Canucks for hosting, Black Orchid, Belizean Breezes Soap Co. Sandbar, and Rays Big Dog.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve identifies possible Illegal conch harvesting
The Conch Season for 2015 officially closed on June 1, 2015, and this clearly means that no one is allowed to legally consume or be in possession of Queen Conch products until the season reopens on September 30, 2015. A little over a week ago, while personnel from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve were conducting a search for turtle nests in Northern Ambergris Caye, the team made a disappointing discovery. They found signs of what appears to be illegal conch consumption along the beach areas in North Ambergris Caye. The illegal sightings were spotted at Robles Beach, one of the most isolated areas in Northern Ambergris Caye. The area is especially active on weekends with people engaging in recreational activities. According to Hol Chan's Marine Biologist Kirah Castillo, they are not sure who the culprits might be, although they have their suspicions. "We found signs which tell us that people are extracting illegal products while they are using the beach. There were traces of conch, and the season has already closed. We don't know who is doing it, but more than likely its locals, but still we cannot say who is involved," said Castillo. She also emphasized that this activity is one of the biggest concerns at Robles Beach, a prime turtle spot.
Ambergris Today
San Pedro CrossFit Celebrates Victory in Chetumal Summer Challenge
Two San Pedro CrossFit athletes excelled this past weekend in Chetumal, Mexico as they stepped up to the podium after two days of tough competition to celebrate their victory over athlete from around the region who competed in Chetumal CrossFit's Summer Challenge 2015.
Celebrating one year under the CrossFit San Pedro Box, Josh Nu�ez took first place in the intermediate males division, while Luisana Guerrero took second place in the female division. Both athletes competed against eight different top level CrossFit boxes from around the area and were cheered along with a San Pedro entourage of coaches, family, friends and nine other San Pedro CrossFit members who also joined the competition.
"As owner of CrossFit San Pedro, and a box that has only one year doing CrossFit� to go and compete with eight different top level CrossFit boxes and come out with 1st place on male division and 2 place on female division, all I can say is that am damm proud of what we have accomplished," commented Freddie Gonzalez of CrossFit San Pedro. "I want to thank all who competed this past weekend; you guys killed it and gave your all! To my coaches Rene, Liliana and Horacio, you guys have designed ways for winning. For being a young box and making winners, I thank and salute you; for that I love you guys."
Misc Belizean Sources
That is Belize's Five-Star Private Island Resort Cayo Espanto Island Resort
on the Spring/Summer 2015 cover of Private Islands magazine.
Free 2 Be Party with DJ GrACiErOcK
Sharing his LOVE for EDM, Droppin' Phat beat's, from Deep Funky Tech-House, Ghettofunk, Dubstep,Breaks and Mash-up's.
Contests- Limbo, Musical Chairs, The Big Suck-Off, MegaJenga and more (with PRIZES)
Free Shots all night just for walking in the door...Belikin Bucket Specials. Saturday at 7:00pm - 12:00am
Jul 18 at 7:00pm to Jul 19 at 12:00am. Luna Loca
on the beach, San Pedro, Belize
Emergency power interruption 11:50am to 1:00pm, Friday, July 17, San Pedro
North San Pedro from Boca Del Rio to Perla del Caribe Resort. BEL to replace burnt high voltage connector in the area.
Accident
Police Officer Carlos Orio and Buena Vista Village Chairman Eddie De Larosa were in a vehicle which collided into a lamppost in Spanish Lookout on Thursday night after 9. The village chairman is in a critical condition while Orio passed away.
Superintendent Vidal of Special Branch is quoted to say
"Carlos Orio was an outstanding officer and an asset to Special Branch and to the Department as a whole. At our end of the year assessment for 2014 we unanimously agreed to award him for his dedication and efficiency in the performance of his functions. He was so awarded in December. In addition he was recommended by me for promotion to the rank of corporal. Quite apart from his admirable work ethic, he was a remarkable person. He was humble and friendly, always willing to assist and generous with his time almost to a fault. We are trying to come to terms with this tremendous loss and we share the grief of his wife and beautiful children, to whom he was so dedicated and who he has left behind. The death of Carlos is our collective loss. I speak both as his administrative superior and as his friend. I had known him since August, 2006 when he joined Special Branch and over the years we became more than colleagues. I considered him to be my personal friend."
BOLEDO DRAWING for Friday, July 17, 2015: 86. PICK 3: 0 5 4
Channel 7
KHMH Implements Go-Slow, Outpatient Services and Elective Surgeries Cancelled
Today, services at the country's national referral hospital - the KHMH - were cut back -after workers launched a kind of go-slow because government has not agreed to give them a 6% raise. As we've been reporting, the KHMH's 579 staffers are not considered public officers - so they did not qualify for the raises of pay given to public officers for the last two years. The Chairman of the KHMH Board of Governors made a special appeal to Cabinet on Tuesday - but the answer came back that the workers would have to form a bargaining unit - a union, just like the Teachers or Public Service Union.
That may be the legitimate process, but these workers feel they are long overdue, and the union requirement is just one more brush off. So, last night they announced that effective today all Outpatient Elective Services and Surgeries referred to the KHMHA would be cancelled. So what happened this morning?
Emergency care was un-interrupted, the day to day running of the wards continued without any glitches, clerk windows were open, but the clinics were closed, and no elective surgeries were performed, only urgent and emergency cases.
That's an administrative emergency for the Ministry of Health and today we asked the CEO what's happening, and how long it will last:..
Cop Loses Life In Fatal Accident
A police detective constable died last night in a terrible accident on the Spanish Lookout Road. It happened about three-quarter miles east of the Iguana Creek Bridge, close to Coop sheet Metal. Last night at around 8:00 pm, 33 year old Carlos Orio was driving a Toyota Yaris in heavy rain when he lost control, careened off the road and slammed into a lamp-post. His passenger Eddie De La Rosa told us from his hospital bed that he was knocked unconscious, and regained consciousness only after the top of the lamp-post snapped and fell unto the car. He says that he woke up to see Orio who is his brother in law take his last breaths and expire in the car seat. Orio was on the driver's side, which took most of the impact. De La Rosa says that incredibly as they sat injured and trapped in the car, passers-by stopped to try and steal what they could including his cell phone. He says Detective Orio - though gravely injured - was concerned about them stealing his service weapon, which got jammed in the interior of the crushed car. Orio died shortly after, while De La Rosa has fractured ribs and a broken hand. Orio was a special branch officer and had been in the department for 12 years.
Did DOE Fast-Track Harvest Caye Against Public Interest?
The lawsuit filed by the Belize Tourism Industry Association to battle Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye Cruise port project in the South was argued to completion today. And tonight, it is in the hands of Justice Courtney Abel to decide if the challenge is legitimate or frivolous. He has to determine whether or not the Department of Environment and the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) acted properly when it approved the project, despite the challenges from the private tourism partners.
But, as we told you 3 weeks ago, NCL's attorney, Eamon Courtenay tried to get it thrown out of court on the basis that the BTIA wasn't actually making serious steps to advance their case. He was basically saying that the organization's principals were, in effect, wasting the court's time, because the immediate past president, Herbert Haylock, was unavailable to testify for BTIA.
Justice Courtney Abel decided to allow the association to proceed, and today, their attorney, Godfrey Smith, was allowed to make his case. Norwegian's President of Destinations and Strategic Development, Collin Murphy, was called to the stand as the last witness in the case, and Smith grilled him about the process that the company went through to get its environmental impact assessment approved.
PUP Wants Eamon as NCM; He Says DOA!
All week we've been reporting on Godfrey Smith being given his walking papers as the PUP's National Campaign Manager. His departure has created some volatility within the PUP where he was an important ally to the leader, Francis Fonseca, and now, he's gone. And he left without any natural replacement. So, who will take his job? IT'S an important post because the National Campaign Manager is the one who drums up funds for the party - something that's been sorely lacking in the PUP. And it's not a job for political amateurs because the party's chief fundraiser has to go knocking on many doors, including Michael Ashcroft's. So 7News has learned that Francis Fonseca's old guard allies have sprung to his aid. We have been reliably informed that senior figures in the old guard have reached out to Attorney Eamon Courtenay to take up Smith's post. Now Courtenay had that job before is and surely has the necessary prestige and connections, but, guess what(?) he's not interested, not at all. When we heard the rumors we asked Courtenay who told us via text message, quote: "That idea will never fly. It is D-O-A." End quote. That means "dead on arrival" - an indication of what we are told are Courtenay's fundamental differences with Party Leader Francis Fonseca and the Old Guard actors who are reaching out on his behalf.
This quite dramatic backdrop creates an interesting ferment for next week Tuesday's meeting of the party's elected representatives and standard bearers.
Smith Mum On NCM Departure
So, while that's the position of the man who won't replace Smith, what about Smith himself? We finally got an opportunity to talk to him today after 4 days of banter about his sudden resignation. We asked him if he would discuss his departure with us, but he made it clear, he wasn't interested in commenting:
Daniel Ortiz
"We are hoping you will entertain us on your reasons for stepping down as campaign manager for PUP. Are you willing to talk to us?"
Godfrey Smith
"I had already made a statement to you all that it was by mutual agreement between the party leader and myself. Stemming out of conversations we had, I am not prepared to nor will I comment further on that state of affairs."
Daniel Ortiz
"It seems a bit abrupt and persons want to understand why you made such a decision?"
Godfrey Smith
"I repeat, I will not comment further than to say it was reached by mutual agreement and ask you to respect that."
Kadeem Gets Free Based On Statement Inadmissible
19 year-old Kadeem Anderson, a teenager who has been on remand for 3 years for the murder of 25 year-old Leo Palacio Jr., is a free man tonight after he was convicted in a trial without jury before Justice Adolph Lucas. Despite the very best efforts of the DPP's Office, this is the second case in two days that they've lost in the very same way.
The court heard evidence that on May 10, 2012, Palacio was shot in chest while he was standing at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Pelican Street. Well-known elite cyclist Byron Pope, and Dennis Talbert were with him at the time of the shooting, and both men were injured as well. Pope was only grazed by a bullet, but Talbert was injured in his left arm and right thigh. Palacio Jr., was the only one who died from his injuries.
Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell, who was prosecuting this case, had difficulty proving her case when she called Talbert as the main witness to testify against Anderson. He took the witness stand and said under oath that he could not recognize the shooter. That was directly contrary to what he told police in a written statement, when he identified Anderson - who was only 16 at the time - as the gunman who pulled the trigger on them. Talbert had to be treated as a hostile witness, but he refused to acknowledge that he gave the police that written statement that the prosecutor was relying on.
Social Security Cares For Cancer Victims
The Belize Cancer Treatment Center in Dangriga is doing serious work for hundreds of Belizeans in managing their cancer care. But, when cancer patients need radiation they still have to go abroad - to Guatemala or Mexico for treatment. Many can't afford it - and that's where things fall apart. And that's where the Social Security Board stepped in today, with a generous donation of three hundred and seventy thousand dollars. We found out how it will be used for children and women with cancer:
Dr. Ellsworth Grant - Belize Cancer Center
"It's a great honor to be here today on this most historic day and I don't think this moment should really be lost on anyone. I thank the Social Security Board for this - a moment which really allow us to provide a more structured programs to children. I hope that this moment will allow parents with a child who is who newly diagnosed with a cancer to not really have to stress over the portion of where the child will actually go to obtain care or how it will all be financed. I'm hoping we will have a program in place that provides one shop stop. One stop shopping for these parents."
Dr. Cecilio Eck
"We've seen multiple interviews with parents going to Channel 7 and Channel 5 begging for an interview. asking BNE asking Friends of Pediatrics, the Cancer Center, Ministry of Health, Social Security Board to help put care for their kids and if you work in the trenches it's even more devastating to sit in front of a mom and trying to find out when is their next chemo and they don't have the funds to get to the Center to get it done. So, this is a really awesome day."
Belize And Guat - Common Ground In Trade?
Last night, we told you how the Guatemalan Government doesn't want Belize to build a Forward Operating Base at Sarstoon Island, the Southernmost point in the country. While that is certain to cause some friction between both sides on the border, trade relations may be moving forward.
Today officials from the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture, BAHA, and the Customs Department met with the private sector to discuss the Partial Scope Trade Agreement between Belize and Guatemala. The government's trade technocrats wanted to find out what sort of goods those business men from Belize City would like to make available for commercial trading in Guatemala, and what would be the challenges everyone would need to overcome to make it happen.
7News stopped by and spoke with the facilitators:
Dr. Leroy Almendarez - Director, Foreign Trade
"The primary focus of the consultation, let me just give some feedback. In 2010, the Partial Scope Agreement between Belize and Guatemala came into effect. And so as we approach the 5 year anniversary and one of the clauses within the agreement states that the scope of the agreement can be expanded.
Nestor Mendez Moves Up
Orange Walk's very own Nestor Mendez has taken up his office as the new Assistant Secretary General of the OAS. That is one of only two elected posts in the hemispheric Organization - and it is among the most senior international posts ever held by a Belizean.
Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington went to Washington to witness Mendez's installation. He will serve for the 2015-2020 period and leaves the post of Ambassador of Belize to the OAS which he held since June 2008.
In his speech today - which he delivered in Spanish and English, Mendez committed to transparency, equity and unambiguous policies.
Retired Bank Manager Pat Andrews replaces him as Ambassador.
T and T Orchestra Visits
The Trinidad and Tobago Philharmonic Youth Orchestra arrived in Belize yesterday for a colossal music experiment: the 50 member T and T Orchestra is teaming up with the National Youth Orchestra of Belize for an event called the "Night of Musical Excellence."
The T and T group has over 50 players all on its own, and there could be as many as 90 musicians on stage at the height of the event. It's so big that the stage had to be extended to accommodate all the players and their instruments. We visited during rehearsals today:..
The concerts will take place at the Bliss Center on Saturday and Sunday and there will be different set lists on both nights.
The event is organized by the Belize Bank in coordination with NICH.
Channel 5
K.H.M.H. Go-Slow In Effect Indefinitely, Hospital Staff Demands Wage Increase
Services at the national referral hospital were significantly reduced today, and will continue so for an indefinite period, affecting patients from the districts who require medical attention at the Karl [...]
Ministry of Health C.E.O. Says Industrial Action Precedes Negotiation with Government
Coming out of Thursday's meeting, the staff of the KHMH is organizing a workers' union and plans to negotiate on behalf of employees with the Board of Governors and government.� [...]
Police Officer Perishes in Road Traffic Accident in Cayo District
An accident in Spanish Lookout claimed the life of a detective attached to the Special Branch in Belmopan. San Ignacio police were called out to the Spanish Lookout Road sometime [...]
Former P.U.P. National Campaign Manager Breaks Silence on Abrupt Resignation
In news of a political nature, on Tuesday, Attorney Godfrey Smith abruptly departed his post as National Campaign Manager in the wake of a third consecutive election loss by the [...]
Sedi Elrington on Recent Detention of Belizeans in Guatemala
Five Belizeans were detained in Guatemala in mid-June and reportedly experienced a horrible ordeal at the hands of the Guatemalans military.� The group was hanging out at a restaurant in [...]
Former Benque Mayor Arrested in Melchor Holds Guatemalan Nationality
There is another recent arrest by Guatemalan authorities. On July eleventh, 2015, Benque Viejo businessman and former Mayor, Edgar Contreras was arrested in Guatemala for having a gun not registered [...]
Arguments in B.T.I.A./NCL Suit Concludes in Supreme Court
The case against Harvest Caye, a tourism development project created by Norwegian Cruise Lines, concluded in the courtroom of Justice Courtney Abel today with closing arguments. The Belize Tourism Industry [...]
The Fate of Harvest Caye Development to be Decide on Later Date
On the other side of that argument is Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith.� He is representing the Belize Tourism Industry Association, arguing that indeed the developers of Harvest Caye proceeded with [...]
Teenager Acquitted of 2012 Murder of Leopold Palacio
A teenager walked free from a murder charge today after Judge Adolph Lucas upheld a no case submission. Kadeem Anderson is now nineteen, but he was seventeen years old when [...]
Attorney General Discusses Justice System
It is known that there is a backlog of cases and decisions yet to be dealt with at the Supreme and Magistrate Courts level. According to the Foreign Minister Sedi [...]
Will Early General Elections Be Called? Ask U.D.P. Ground Commander, Boots Martinez
There is speculation that given the state of affairs within the Opposition party, Prime Minister Dean Barrow will again call general elections before the current term expires to secure an [...]
Boots Is Ready to Face Any P.U.P. Candidate in Port Loyola
An audit done by the People's United Party after a resounding defeat in the municipal elections called for changes to revitalize the grand old party. One affected area representative was [...]
Ambassador Nestor Mendez Sworn-in as O.A.S. Assistant Secretary General
Former Permanent Representative of Belize to the Organization of American States, Nestor Mendez is spending his first day as the new Assistant Secretary General of the O.A.S. �The ambassador will [...]
WINBelize Takes Proactive Approach in Fight Against Gender-based Violence
The recent murders of two women, Juana Cardinez and Keisha Buller, that allegedly took place at the hands of their domestic partners, has prompted a reaction from the Women's Issues [...]
Ministry of Foreign Trade Discusses Partial Scope Agreement with Private Sector
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and its partners held a seminar to discuss the Partial Scope Agreement (P.S.A.) with private sector partners. It's an agreement signed a few years ago [...]
S.S.B. Provides Big Bucks to Aid Children with Cancer
Today, the Social Security Board made a generous donation to the Belize Cancer Society. A handsome cheque of three hundred and seventy thousand dollars was handed over to the organization [...]