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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
SP Lions share the Christmas season with the island's senior citizens!
The San Pedro Lions Club hosted its annual Christmas Party for the senior citizens of the island on Saturday, December 19th. The event is part of their calendar of activities for the Christmas season, and treated over sixty senior citizens of Ambergris Caye to a night of holiday festivities. This year, the Christmas Party included an appetizer, turkey dinner with all the trimmings, desserts, a large array of cocktails, gifts, music and lots of dancing. The Leos were in full force helping along as they tended to the happy crowd. They are usually assisted by the staff of the Belize Bank, however this year they were unable to join in the event but sent their best wishes to the attendees. At the end of the event, each senior citizen was presented with a gift provided by the Belize Bank Staff and members of the San Pedro Lions Club. Music for the party was provided by San Pedro's number one band, Rompe Raja! The band took the guests of honor back in time with melodic ballads of the 70's and 80's.
US Embassy donates new equipment to the Belize National Coast Guard
On Thursday, December 17th, Belize's military partners in the United States donated more than a million US dollars in equipment for the Belize National Coast Guard (BNCG). The valuable assistance given to the Belizean maritime law enforcement will bolster their operations of national security in the fight against transnational crime. The hefty donation came through the US Embassy in Belize and was officially handed over a BNCG headquarters near Mile Four on the George Price Highway.
Male Senior Teams face off in second week of 5-a-side Football Tournament
The second round of games for the Island Citizens Sporting Club (ICSC) and the San Pedro High School (SPHS) 5-a-side Football Tournament took place on Saturday, December 19th. Island football fans definitely enjoyed a fun night of football action. 12 of the senior teams faced off in six intense matches at the Angel Nu�ez Auditorium starting at 5PM. Playing for the night were Green Hornets FC, Real Jr. FC, Island Boys FC, SPHS Boys, United FC, Harmouch FC, Mata Chica FC, Los Dorados FC, Victoria's House FC, We Them Boys, Pro Divers FC and reigning 5-a-side champs, Los Catrachos FC. The next round of games will be played on Sunday, December 27th starting at 11AM. For more information on the tournament, contact head organizer Alex Noralez directly at 631-0711.
Costa Rica breaks political ties with SICA over Cuban Refugees Crisis
Costa Rica has broken ties with the Central American Integration System (SICA) following the lack of support from other member countries in regards to the recent issue with Cuban refugees. The announcement was made on Friday, December 18th, when Costa Rica's Foreign Minister, Manuel Gonzalez, citing a lack of support and failure to include the Cuban migrant crisis on the agenda for discussion at the SICA Summit in El Salvador. Costa Rica has been dealing with over a thousand stranded Cubans hoping to reach the United States of America (USA) through Central America and Mexico since mid-November, 2015. After Nicaragua closed their border to the refugees, Costa Rica reached out to Guatemala and Belize for assistance in the transit of the refugees, but neither of the countries agreed to help.
Ambergris Today
Letters To The Editor: Yakarelis Recaps Experience as Miss Belize Centroamerica
Being able to present my little jewel abroad was a rewarding experience. Through mutual friends, I was contacted by pageant organizer, Saul Benitez, in search of candidates to represent Belize. Ever since my days as Miss San Pedro 2011-12, I have been involved in pageantry as dance choreographer of the Miss San Pedro Pageant for the past 3 years, something I look forward to every year, likewise coaching and volunteering with the San Pedro Dance Academy. Since then, I have been behind the scenes and after putting a lot of thought into it, I decided to participate and represent Belize in the Miss y Mister Centroamerica 2015 in Leon, Nicaragua last month. It was not an easy task, since I had to balance my schoolwork and job and other activities in order to prepare myself for this event. When social media announced my participation in this pageant, it struck me that I'm actually doing this and I felt the support and love from my community since day one. A lot of hard work was involved into this. The pageant was more exhausting and a lot more work than I have expected. Most people think we just walk around and look pretty, but it is more tiring than you think.
Adopt a Bear Toy Drive Delivers HUGE Smiles for Christmas
One hundred and seventy seven lucky island children of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, wore even BIGGER smiles on their faces for the holiday season as their Christmas just got better with the generosity of the community. The Adopt A Bear toy drive was an immense success on its first year that the organizers is already excited for next year's project.
Adopt A Bear is happy to report the collection of $27,000 in presents that were handed out to 177 children at the San Pedro Lions Den on Wednesday, December 23, 2015. Fifteen of those lucky children even received brand new bicycles. They asked for it, the community delivered.
Misc Belizean Sources
BPP CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR MESSAGE
Christmas is founded on the premise of the Christian ideology and in that regard we express Merry Christmas wishes to all who celebrate this holiday. Given our acknowledgement of the plurality of the Belizean society, for those who do not subscribe to Christianity, in the spirit of community, we trust that you too shall embrace the season and celebrate the core values of: Faith, Hope, Love and Joy during this festive season and beyond. It is within this context, your Belize Progressive Party (BPP) Extends heartfelt well wishes to one and all.
Yet amid the merriment, as stewards who are committed to the preservation of our natural heritage and the sustainable development of the nation, the BPP takes this opportunity to break from the prevailing notion of commercialism which normally dominates this time of year and wishes to remind you of not only the reason for the season, but also the true reality of our national situation and how it impacts you.
Harmouch Center Christmas Raffle
Harmouch Center extends Season's Greetings to their customers and congratulates the winners of their Christmas Raffle held today December 24:
1st - TV - Veronica Caseres
2nd - Stove - Elga Padillo
3rd - Microwave - Karina Palma
4th - Tablet - Venezia
5th - Tablet - Erick
Blender - Gilberto Rivero; Iron - Erik Martinez; Toaster - Jose Lopez; Electric Kettle - Raquel Gomez; Cake Mixer - Einer Gomez
San Pedro Town Council says Merry Christmas
My fellow residents and visitors of San Pedro, It is with grateful spirit that I greet you during the Christmas season, a time of generosity and gift giving. Christmas is a time to renew our commitment to peace. We must ensure to have peace in our personal lives, in our communities, and in the world. Christmas is also a time of hope; we hope for new beginnings, hope for a better way of life and hope for a brighter future.
As I reflect throughout the year, we must be thankful to the Great Lord, for sparing us from any great hardships and blessing us with yet another great year. We might have faced a few small challenges along the way, like the Sargasso invasion and the heavy rains, but we over came it by working together and being patient.
Christmas Dunk on Caye Caulker
Come join in on the second annual Christmas Dunk Christmas morning at 9AM! SECOND bridge south of the mini reserve. Jump in with a whoop or swim for a couple of hours, it's up to you. Just come get wet and say Merry Christmas! All welcome!
Woodrow West comes back home for Christmas
Welcome back home to Corozal! Star athlete, Woodrow West comes back home for Christmas. West is considered one of Belize's Top athletes and star goalkeeper. He took a contract earlier this year with a Honduran professional soccer league -Honduras Progreso. West was their #1 goalkeeper and against very tough opposition mananaged to win the National Championship in that country.Congratulations!
Corozal welcomes Woodrow West, who is from Libertad, Corozal and wishes him and his family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
New fuel/gas station in Ranchito Village
Ground breaking has taken place for a new fuel/gas station in Ranchito Village, Corozal at the corner of Ferry Road and the Philip Goldson Highway just about a mile out of our town center.
Plans are underway for the first phase of the project which consists of building a fuel depot and other building plans include a supermarket, hotel & casino. The entire development project is scheduled to be completed within a span of five years with the fuel depot being the first part of the project to be done.
We will bring you more information as we obtain it from the developer.
We welcome this project to our Corozal District in hopes that it will employ people from this area.
Christmas is a special time of the year
�.and for our Cruise passengers is a time to enjoy their holidays/break in Belize! Our BTB FSTV Office gave them all a warm welcomed yesterday!
Cayo Welcome Center Holiday
Hoping your holiday season is fun and festive, here is a recap of yesterday's Cayo Welcome Center Holiday Fun!
Neighborhood Watch Benque
A community policing initiative; by the Benque Viejo Sub-Formation & Neighborhood Watch Zone 4 Captain Samuel Bruce began today.
Listed police officers Cpl. Joshua McKoy community policing commander, other police which assisted; Wsgt. Thadine Martinez, Wpc. Cheyel Lanza, Pc Silas Lopez, Pc Sydney Agustine.
All of Benque Viejo Sub Formation.
Zone Captain Sam Bruce; visited various families in his zone to locate some of the most needy families, communicated this with Cpl. Joshua McKoy community Policing coordinator for the Sub-Formation.
Police provided and delivered 3-packaged food baskets, Captain Sam Bruce on his own initiative provided boxes of Toys for the children, clothing, Rice, Beans, snacks, and Whole Chicken.
Blackout on Christmas Eve!!! Aye!!!
BEL working to identify the cause of a power interruption affecting entire San Pedro, Ambergris Caye since 5:57pm Thursday, December 24. BEL apologizes for the inconvenience caused.
Power supply restored to all areas from Boca del Rio to the South end of the island by 7:00pm. Power supply restored at 8:20pm to the Northern portion of San Pedro.
How do you finish a birding tour on a high note, without birds?
Take them for lunch to The Farmhouse Deli. Then take them to Caye Caulker to watch the sunset from the split while sipping a stout, then an awesome ceviche for dinner. Oh yes, and get them a few libe birds, i almost forgot
Channel 7
The First Day At Court For The Rice Fight
Last night, we told you that importer Jack Charles finally sued the Government of Belize because BAHA continues to hold his shipment of Guyanese Rice at the Big Port. Well, Justice Sonya Young granted him an audience today on Christmas Eve.
Since it was an urgent application for leave to bring judicial review, all parties showed up to court. Those included Charles and his attorney, Leroy Banner, Deputy Solicitor General Nigel Hawke on behalf of BAHA, and Eamon Courtenay who is representing the local rice producers.
Justice Young heard them privately in chambers, and after the very short session this morning we spoke with both sides over what is to happen next in what could be a prolonged legal battle. Here's what the attorneys had to say:
Leroy Banner, Attorney for Jack Charles
"The AG Ministry is saying that that need more time to prepare fully for the case. Having received the affidavit at about 3pm in the afternoon. So they made an application for it to be adjourned until they are properly appraise of the information. So they needed more time to look at it."
PUC Rejects BEL Request For Rate Increase
Two weeks ago we told you that BEL was applying for an increase in electricity rates - taking the average up from 35 cents per kilowatt hour, to 38 cents per kilowatt hour.
The power company's position was that the cost of power from the GAS turbine was underestimated.
Well the PUC answered them today with the equivalent of a corporate slapdown.
The order made by the PUCS today says it, quote, "approves no adjustments to the Mean Electricity Rate and Tariffs previously approved for the period January 1, 2016, toJune 30, 2016, and hereby orders the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) to levy the currently approved Tariffs in respect of the relevant services it is licensed to provide;"
Prison Brawl Between Two Accused Murderers?
Right now, 33 year-old Prison Inmate Sherlock Myvett, a Cayo resident who is awaiting trial for murder, is recuperating at the Prison's medic bay after being stabbed 11 times by a fellow inmate.
7News has learnt that it happened yesterday when Myvett was cornered by a group of fellow prisoners. He was attacked by one of them who stabbed him several times all over his body with a shank. He had to be transferred to the KHMH for treatment, and he's since been returned to the prison since none of his injuries were life-threatening.
The police were called in, and Myvett's alleged attacker has been identified as 21 year-old Rigoberto Garcia, from Orange Walk who has been on remand while he awaits trial for murder.
Belizean Shot In The Head During Robbery In Mexico
Reports reaching our newsroom tonight is that Albert Gentle, a car dealer from Georgeville Village in Cayo, is tonight at a hospital in Villahermosa, the largest City in the Mexican State of Tabasco. That's after being shot in the head by a group of 5 robbers believed to be Mexican criminals.
We're told that Gentle was part of a convoy of more than 10 vehicles traveling to Belize. He was in an 18 wheeler truck which was towing a container. Our information says that he temporarily separated from the rest of the convoy, and he stopped for gas at a gas station in Villahermosa. That's reportedly when a group 5 armed robbers pulled up in a vehicle and attacked Gentle and his friend who was traveling in the truck.
Thieves Made Off With A Boat Engine
A $21,000 boat engine was stolen from the Alfonso Young Boat Yard on North Front Street. The 72 year old security guard Delvie Gavilan reported to police that yesterday morning at around 1:00, 2 men with shirts covering their faces held him up at gunpoint, and told him to stay seated, as one of the men stole a 75 horsepower Yamaha outboard engine which was mounted on a 25 foot skiff in the yard. The engine is valued at $21,890. Police have one man detained for this robbery. The engine belongs to the Belize Audubon Society.
Police Investigating Fatal, Pint Bottle, Stabbing
Police are still investigating yesterday's stabbing death in the city. As we told you, 45 year old Lindbert Brown was stabbed with a pint yesterday on Far West Street. Brown was hanging out with two friends, a male and a female when a fight broke out. Brown attacked the female with a broken pint bottle - and that's when his male friend intervened, wrested the bottle away from him and then stabbed Brown in the head and neck. Police say all 3 persons are mentally challenged and they are not treating the case as murder. The case file has been sent to the DPP's office for review.
Fuel Prices Are Increasing After X-Mas Weekend
So, here's our Christmas gift to you - it's a tip: if you own a car and have some cash, go and gas up before Sunday night. That's because at 12:01 am on Monday morning fuel prices are going up - and by more than a few pennies.
Diesel is going up by 81 cents, regular by 97 cents, and premium by 72 cents. That's a sharp and surprising increase. Surprising because world oil prices are at a 14 year low - and also because prices have been trending down since November.
The year's lowest price for regular was recorded on November 28th at seven dollars 38 cents a gallon, and the year's lowest price for diesel was recorded just a few days ago on December 16th.
MIT Finds Weed Being Transported A Bus
The public and politicians may complain about those traffic checkpoints that slow down traffic, but they have a knack of producing good sized weed busts. Yesterday morning, the Mobile Interdiction Team set up a checkpoint at mile 37 on the Hummingbird. They searched a James Bus and found a big bag stuffed with many smaller bags of weed. All totaled, it weighed in at almost ten pounds of weed. No one claimed the bag and it had no name, so it was labeled as fund property.
14 Years For Trying To Rob A Tortilla Factory
23 year-old Joseph O'brien tried to rob the Golden Corn Tortilla Factory on Central American Boulevard in September of 2015. Tonight, he's spending the first few days of a 14-year prison sentence for it.
As we reported at the time, three men, one of them armed with a .38 pistol, stormed into the business and snatched the money from the cash pan. But that wasn't enough, one of the robbers then grabbed a cell phone from a worker, and that's when the owner tackled the man with the gun. His two accomplices ran off, but the employees and the owner subdued the gunman until police arrived and arrested him.
That armed robber was later identified as Joseph O'brien, and he was charged with robbery, 5 counts of aggravated assault, and keeping an unlicensed firearm. He ended up standing trial for the robbery and firearm charges, and the prosecution called the owners, the employees and the police investigators to testify against him.
BTB Email Discusses 2 Million Dollar Insurance Hike At FSTV
Two days ago, the BTB's Director of Destination Planning and Cruise, Valdemar Andrade told us he didn't know anything about the 2 million dollar insurance requirement that the FSTV was imposing on independent tour operators.
But 7News has obtained an email which shows that early that morning, before he gave us the denial, Andrade sent out an email to the independent operators talking very specifically about that same two million dollar insurance requirement. He tells the operators, quote, "we are not in support of the requirement for the 2 million dollar insurance being required of the operators." Again, this is the same insurance requirement which a few hours later he claimed to know nothing about.
The only good news coming out of that is that it puts Andrade on the record as saying BTB opposes the insurance requirements. And so do the operators. It's come to a head today because all 6 of them were required to sign their new leases. Those new leases will allow them to remain inside the village for another year - but the lease now also comes with the requirement to have the 2 million dollar insurance per passenger.
Food Vendor Killed In Accident Near Camalote
A food vendor is dead after he was flung from his motorcycle in an accident. It happened yesterday in Camalote Village between miles 50 and 51. 36-year-old Belmopan resident Marina Christina Vasquez was heading to Belmopan in her SUV while 61 year old Israel Romero was traveling ahead of her on his motorcycle. Vasquez started to overtake Romero but that's when Romero swerved to the left - right into Vasquez's vehicle. Romero was then launched off his motorcycle. He received major head and body injuries and was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital. But he didn't make it. Vasquez has been served with a notice of intended prosecution.
The Marley Tradition For Christmas
Apart from your Christmas trees, your turkeys and your Christmas hams, there is one other Christmas essential that can't be overlooked - and that's Marley! Not Bob, or Damian�nope, it's the kind of Marley you put on your floor. It's a central part of the traditional Christmas housecleaning, but what is it about marley really? These inexpensive, decorative floor coverings come in many splendored colours, but what makes a marley good enough to take into your house? Emanuel Pech took to the streets to find the answer to that question.
Bright, colorful, and decorative patterns- these are the marks of a good marley. When we stopped at Vin Fa's Shopping center yesterday, the sale of marley was still at its peak. Costumers rushed in to make that last minute purchase of Marley for that final Christmas touch. Marlon Grey has worked a long time with the sale of marley. He described this year's marley rush as more hectic that last year's.
Marlon Grey - Shop keeper
"This year I think it's a little even more hectic than last year. It's a trend - it normal procedure. Every year around Christmas time people crowd up in here buying marley. That's the number one item they keep buying; marley, paints - a number of items."
Reporter
"What do you prices look like?"
Marlon Grey - Shop keeper
"I think we have the best prices around town. The marley 72 inch, the regular grade is $5.50 per yard and we have a new quality here. It a foam material with backing and it's thicker than the regular marley and its $.7.95 per yard. Very good quality. People buy it a lot."
Million Dollar Baby's Christmas Miracle
He's only a few days old, but Baby Shamir from Corozal town is getting a miracle for his first Christmas gift. He was born four days ago with a birth defect called "esophageal atresia", or an incomplete esophagus which does not connect to the stomach. That means he can't swallow, can't eat, can't ingest nutrients - basically, he can't survive.
After a post natal gastrostomy was performed at the KHMH, the newborn was immediately referred to World Pediatric Project. Now, it's a million dollar emergency surgery that can only be performed abroad - which is complicated. There's never any guarantee that a specialized medical center will take the child - since it is on a charity basis. And if they do take him, working out all the details just a few days before Christmas - including the very prohibitive cost of an air ambulance to a medical center is time consuming. But, the Virginia Commonwealth University is coming through big time - so big, and so quick that it would make even Santa feel shame.
The Passing Of A Celebrated Belizean Writer
And while Shamir is moving up, one of Belize's greatest authors and playwrights, John Alexander Watler has moved on. We are informed that Watler - who celebrated his 75th birthday on December the fifth - passed away in Baltimore, Maryland sometime between yesterday and today. Friends tell us that Walter had been in good health and had been travelling between the east and west coast. He had just published his latest work a few weeks ago; it is titled "Weggy's Rumour."
Watler is possibly the most prolific published Belizean writer - and is certainly among the most imaginative and humorous. He has countless works including standouts, "Cry Among the Rain Clouds", "Sea Lotto" and "The Bomba Codex." He is also the writer of many short stories - which is what he started out writing in 1956 - and plays.
Tropigas Customer Will Live Free For An Entire Year
The cost of living - how do you manage it? That's a question that daily confronts all of us - and it bedevils those who live on the margins. But one lucky person doesn't have to worry about that anymore; at least not for another year. That is because today she was the winner of Tropigas' "Live Free For a Year Christmas raffle." Keisha Torres spent about a thousand dollars at Tropigas this Christmas season and now she holds a $12 thousand dollar check in her hands. We were there when she picked dup her prize this morning:
Reporter
"When you found out that you were the winner for the free for a year raffle?"
Keisha Torres, Winner of Tropigas Raffle
"On Tuesday when the lady call me."
Reporter
"What was your first reaction when you heard you won?"
Keisha Torres, Winner of Tropigas Raffle
"I was surprised."
Reporter
"Tell me how will this assist you in your daily expenses?"
Keisha Torres, Winner of Tropigas Raffle
"It cover all after the big shopping for Christmas."
How Di Christmas Di Cohn?
It's Christmas Eve! And for us here at channel 7, that means it's time for a good old 7 news tradition. Today like all other Christmas Eves our news cameras took to the streets of down town Belize City to ask one question, "How Christmas di cohn?" Like always, it was a mixed bag opinions, however most people seemed to be doing ok. They offered season's greetings to their family and said they looked forward to an even brighter 2016. Emanuel Pech did the questioning this year.
Channel 5
Mennonite Communities Join G.O.B. in Rice Litigation
On Christmas Eve, businessman Jack Charles was before the Supreme Court in a case he is bringing against the Government of Belize. The importer is seeking permission for a judicial [...]
Jack Charles Says Cost of Storage will be Recovered in Damages
While the shipment of seventy-five tons of prepackaged grain remains grounded in Big Creek, as of Christmas Day the importer will have to start covering the cost of storage.� That [...]
Sergio Garcia Asks C.E.O. Alpuche a Tough Question
Former Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Sergio Garcia is presently a technical advisor to Jack Charles.� As a regional trade specialist, Garcia is familiar with the provisions [...]
A Dangriga Fugitive is Recaptured in Lakeland
On December second a man considered a dangerous criminal escaped from Police custody while he and two others were being transported to the Belize Central Prison from Dangriga. According to [...]
Mum's the Word on San Ignacio Police Station Rape Incident
As we get set to close up shop and head into the Christmas holidays, there is no significant update in the alleged rape at the San Ignacio Police Station. Four [...]
What's the Pulse of the People this Christmas?
It's Christmas Eve and around the city today, residents from across the country were hustling and bustling in the downtown Albert Street area doing last minute grocery and gift shopping. [...]
Post Office Cashier Embezzles $10,000
A report remains on the desk of the C.E.O. in the Ministry of Transport and NEMO today on the misappropriation of approximately ten thousand dollars from the Post Office in [...]
No Increase in Electricity Rates Says PUC
There's good news tonight for consumers. The Public Utilities Commission has issued a statement in respect of a proposal for a rate increase in electricity. Following the submission from Belize [...]
Fatal RTA Claims Life of Elderly Motorist
A sixty-one year old vendor from the village of Armenia died yesterday afternoon from injuries sustained when the motorcycle he was riding was hit by an SUV. It happened between [...]
Rural Eastern Division Retooled for Policing in Belize District
There will be peace in the twenty-two thousand square miles of the Rural Eastern Division's jurisdiction this Christmas, at least if the officers in that division have anything to do [...]
A Christmas Message from Father Matt
Every year we get the traditional messages of Christmas happy tidings and goodwill, of peace and all things holy and joyful. And that's a good thing because Christmas is a [...]
Christ is the Reason for the Season
With the Christmas holiday weekend just a few hours away, downtown Belize City is alive with activity. While it is easy to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas, [...]
Keisha Torres Wins Tropigas Raffle
Christmas will be a lot brighter this year for a Belize City resident. Tropigas officially handed over twelve thousand dollars cash to Keisha Torres this morning at its Belize City [...]
B.E.L.'s Annual Hamper Drive
The PUC has put the brakes on electricity rate increase, but the employees of Belize Electricity Limited are in the spirit of giving. The annual hamper drive where residents from [...]
Healthy Tips as 2015 Comes to an End
In this, our last Healthy Living segment for 2015, we compile some of the top health tips offered by our medical, mental health and fitness experts during the outgoing year. [...]