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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
Inter-office Football Tournament heating up
The 6-a-side Interoffice Football League continues drawing football fanatics to the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex weekly. Now halfway before its scheduled championship game, the tournament teams have been fighting for a chance to get to the finals.
The next set of matches are scheduled from Thursday, July 21st through Sunday, July 24th at the Sporting Complex starting at 7PM. Fans are encouraged to come cheer for their favourite team.
2016 Healthy Reefs Report Card: Belize Barrier Reef 'endangered'
On Thursday, July 7th, various entities dedicated to the important work of preserving and protecting Belize's natural heritage presented the Belize Barrier Reef scorecard for 2016. The purpose of the evaluation is to get Belize's Reef System off the World Heritage Site's endangered category. The reef system has been on that list since 2009, and according to the results this year much more needs to be done before its removal from the vulnerable category.
The Belize Barrier Reef runs parallel to the coast of Belize for about 185 miles and is responsible for 15% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, this great valuable natural resource is in danger. According to Valentino Shal from the World Wildlife Fund they are looking at all that needs to be done in order to get the Barrier Reef off the endangered list, while at the same time ensuring that it is a healthy and functioning resource. "The indicators of this score card are based on the exact same indicators that are included in the desired state of conservation report that we the World Heritage Committee and The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) gave to the government," said Shal. He added that unless the government addresses the issues highlighted in the indicators, the reef will continue to be considered vulnerable.
San Pedro Police Youth Cadets attend 19th Annual Summer Camp
San Pedro Police Youth Cadet Corp members have returned to the island after attending the 19th National Youth Cadet Corp Summer Camp held in Trial Farm, Orange Walk District. The annual camp took place from July 9th to the 16th, under the theme 'Be bold, be Strong, Survival, We are together, We can.' Five local San Pedro cadets, accompanied by Police Constable Juan Choc from the Community Policing Unit and Woman Police Constable Arillee Young, joined cadets from around the country for some fun.
According to Choc, the annual camp takes place in different parts of the country and serves as a good opportunity for the youngsters to interact with youth from around the country. "It also serves as a platform for our youth to get to know other cultures, while learning to appreciate and respect them," said Choc. The five cadets from San Pedro Town were happy to participate in the activity and look forward for another camp next year.
Zennon Anderson, Joey Everette, Ashley Garnett, Meberly Jimenez, and Lalvani Dominguez attended lectures on decision making and peer pressure as well as exercises in team building.
GOB makes first payment towards BTL acquisition
On Wednesday, July 13th, the Government of Belize (GOB) made the first payment of over $190 million dollars to the Ashcroft Alliance as part of the arbitration award for the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). While the entire award was for $458.4 million, the GOB had already paid off $65 million in September 2015, decreasing the amount required for the first installment.
After the GOB's acquisition of some 45,199,996 of BTL's shares in a span of eight years, the Permanent Court of Arbitration awarded the Ashcroft Alliance BZ $5.6547 per share, at an 8.34% interest per annum, along with a $4.4 million arbitration fee.
Managing Director of Legacy Fund, Ervin Perez told the Amandala Newspaper that as of June 15, 2016, the amount of excess liquidity (in terms of hard cash) in the system is $451,802,000, up about $81 million from the same time last year. The GOB is currently making use of the increased liquidity of Belize's financial system, and reports indicate that GOB was able to finance the payment by Treasury Notes sold to the Central Bank. Since the payment was made through domestic borrowing, the debt burden has increased to about 86%.29.
Financial Secretary Joseph Waight shared that the Central Bank, the GOB's fiscal agent, will purchase the Government's notes and bills and then sell them to institutional investors such as commercial banks and insurance companies via a bid process.
Basil Jones Summer Camp brings fun and education to youngsters
Camp Basil Jones is in its third week of their youth education summer program at the Basil Jones Educational Centre in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. A group of 22 children enjoyed a long week of activities that included a balance of both fun and learning. The annual program which started on Monday, July 4th and will end on Friday July 29th is divided into four individual camps and spread over four weeks of unique educational summer experiences for children. Campers enjoyed in morning exercise, swimming, beach volleyball, football, basketball, kayaking, snorkeling, campfire, arts and craft, nature trail hiking, sea turtle beach clean-up, and traditional games like hopscotch, skipping rope, hide & seek, and even storytelling, poetry, dance and acting during talent show night.
Leos work to improve San Pedro Catholic Church
The San Pedro Leo's Club has taken on a community rehabilitation project at the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church. With hopes of improving the church compound, the Leos got to work, painting the walls surrounding the church yard as well as renovating the main entrance door. Under the supervision of Leo's advisors, Marina Kay and Pamela Zetina, as well as current San Pedro Lions Presidents, Fatima Graniel, 18 island youth took part in this project. From 8AM to 4PM on Sunday July 17th, the young community activists worked hard to improve the religious landmark of San Pedro. By the end of the work day, the Priest in charge of the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church expressed his gratitude for their contribution, pleased with the improvements made.
New emerging destinations launch as tourism continues to rise
As a part of tourism development, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), with support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), along with other stakeholders will be launching new Destination Plans in four areas of Belize: Toledo, Caye Caulker, Corozal and the Mountain Pine Ridge/Caracol/Chiquibul. The plans identify key tourism organization projects and priorities that are considered crucial for further sustainable development of tourism in each respective destination.
The Destination Plans are a part of an ongoing process that was initiated in 2015, with the intention to bring together private and public stakeholders, and the community to develop an integrated approach to tourism development. This approach follows the recommendations of the National Sustainable Tourism Masterplan 2030 (NSTMP). It also highlights the need for greater involvement of multiple stakeholders in destination coordination and management, and encourages local stakeholder leadership within all aspects of tourism development including planning, branding and promotion, and quality management.
Misc Belizean Sources
PRESS RELEASE from the Forest Department
The Forest Department is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Adriana Moody of Maypen village, who was fatally attacked by a crocodile while she was swimming in the Belize River around 3pm on the afternoon of Sunday July 17th.
Although the specific reasons are uncertain for what we suspect is a morelet's crocodile attack, the Forest Department reports that this unprovoked incident may have been the result of one or a combination of five reasons: (a) hunting for food and limited natural food source; (b) defense of nesting sites; (c) the male Morelet's heightened testosterone levels; (d) loss of fear towards humans, and (e) direct or indirect feeding of crocodiles.
The Morelet's crocodile is the smaller of the two crocodile species found in Belize and can span over 8 feet in length (adult size range from 6 to 14 feet) and normally inhabits freshwater environments such as swamps, ponds, lakes and rivers. These crocodiles naturally prey on aquatic species, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals. A recent decline of their food source has forced crocodiles to seek alternatives, such as dogs and small mammals, whereby children may be at much greater risk than adults.
Caye Caulker Carnival Group Workshop/ Registration
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Sunday, July 31 at 9 AM - 3 PM, Community Center. Come join our Carnival Group and learn to prepare your costumes and obtain materials for free towards making your costumes! Come and register and join in the fun for September! Hosted by Ms. Sandra Mahler - President of the Belize Carnival Association! Want to be in our September 19th Carnival Queen Competion? Show of your beautiful and creative costume while dancing to carnival music!! This is just our first workshop! Cant make it? Let us know and we can still register you!
Call 630 - 3652 for more information or PM any CCVC member!
Garifuna Summer Workshop
Garifuna Summer workshop comes to a end. N.G.C in collaboration with the Stann Creek House of Culture- NICH
Ancient World Week
An incredible final day of the Ancient World Week event. A site visit to the the ancient Maya city of Aventura, located just outside San Joaquin Village, with Northwestern University's Dr. Cynthia Robin and students along with the University of Arizona's Dr. Laura Kosakowsky. We want to thank the Institute of Archaeology's(NICH) Sylvia Batty, Josue Ramos as well as Dr. Robin, Dr. Kosakowsky and Jorge De Leon for an enlightening experience over the past four days. A great thank you to each of our attendees. Also thanks to our sponsors getransfers Executive Services and the Corozal Junior College. We will continue to develop this annual event and look forward to presenting Ancient World Week 2017!!
Paradise Theater playing this weekend
The Huntsman: Winter's War,
Mother's Day,
Meet the Blacks,
The Angry Birds Movie.
The brutal murder and beheading of a beloved pastor in Belize
By Wellington C. Ramos.
On Saturday, July 16, 2016, I received a text from a family member that the police in Belmopan, Belize, had found the head of her relative Llewellyn Lucas, better known as "Pastor Lue" in a bucket in a vehicle belonging to a Canadian man. When I heard this I was shocked, amazed, angry, disgusted and in disbelief because I knew Pastor Leu when he was living here in New York City as a pastor and a real estate agent.
I called her immediately to reconfirm if what she had texted me was in fact true and she said yes. I then said to myself what did Pastor Leu do to this man or other individuals to be killed so brutally?
Then I also said to myself even if he did something to this man or other individuals, no human being has the right to take the life of another human being unless he or she is defending his, her or other peoples' lives. I was so perplexed by this story that I even wondered why he was carrying Pastor Leu's head in his vehicle.
Blue suitcase found at Carlo and Ernie's
The nice guys at Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar found a small blue suitcase and are holding it at the bar for whoever may be missing some vital clothing items! If you know someone who lost their items (a guest, a visiting pal, etc), let them know!
BTL Compensation Award Update
The Government of Belize (GOB) informs that a dispute has arisen between the Government and the Ashcroft Alliance over the recent BTL compensation award handed down by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
GOB, after the most careful examination by a number of its experts, argues that the wrong rate of exchange was applied by the Arbitral Tribunal in arriving at its ultimate compensation figure. GOB also submits that the Tribunal's calculation of interest was mathematically incorrect. Both mistakes by the Tribunal prejudiced GOB and resulted overall in larger sums being awarded than were justified. GOB has 30 days from the date of the award to seek rectification, and its overseas lawyers have now prepared and are filing the relevant application.
For its part, the Ashcroft Alliance questions the currency split used by GOB last week in making the first half payment of the award. It will be recalled that the award was divided into two by the Tribunal, with 40% of the total representing the non-Accommodation Agreement portion and 60% representing the Accommodation Agreement portion.
Turneffe Atoll Trust US Executive Director
Great op to work in two amazing locations: Montana (Bozeman no less) and Belize. Job Title: Turneffe Atoll Trust US Executive Director.
Location: Bozeman, Montana.
Deadline: August 15, 2016.
Background The Turneffe Atoll Trust (TAT) was founded in 2002 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization operating in Belize and the United States. Our mission is to drive conservation efforts at Turneffe Atoll in Belize leading to sustainable social and economic benefits for Turneffe and serving as a model for similar coastal marine environments elsewhere. TAT is guided by a dynamic and dedicated board with backgrounds in marketing, law, finance, tourism, philanthropy, wildlife conservation, business and communications, and operated by a small staff in the U.S. and Belize.
San Pedro Town Council Soccer Camp
San Pedro Town Council Soccer Camp was a week of fun it ended with a visit to The Ambergris Stadium where the kids got a little feel of the pitch. Special mention goes to Alex Sansores & Gerri Trejo for thier assistance.
As the first camp comes to and end, the boys got a special treat by visiting and playing on the new Ambergris Stadium! Kudos Councilor Hector Tito Alamilla Jr. and Kent Bob Gabourel on organizing such an exciting camp!
ECLAC team trains Belize public finance managers
Twenty government officials from Belize benefitted from a one week workshop to build capacity in conducting public expenditure reviews (PERs), focusing on applications for education, health, agriculture and social protection. PERs are intended to align expenditures with government's priorities.
They are also intended to provide savings, either from expenditure reallocation or by reducing unproductive expenditures. In addition they improve fiscal management and can provide fiscal space especially when a country is experiencing high debt levels.
Caye Caulker: BBQ Sale for a worthy cause
Our family friend is very ill and we are raising funds to help pay his medical expenses. All orders will be sent on the water taxi. Please comment or inbox your orders. Thanks.
International Costa Maya Festival
Bring the Kids to the festival! FUN FUN FUN.
The Farm House Deli in Belmopan
There is a creation called "rum and raisin cheesecake" at the Farm House Deli. I pinched it. I yelled for my creator in vain. For some reason I said "oh my." "Ate some more. The flavors melted with the knowledge that it was all made from scratch. The staff was expectedly friendly because Ella Baron and Ian Anderson are awesome employers and I must say if you truly want great food and cheese you should visit this place in the capital.
One simply does not go in without trying the desserts or the cheese that they make.
Miss Belize Universe Pageant Contestants -2016
The wait is over: Delegates for the Miss Belize Universe Pageant are selected! It has been nearly 10 years since a delegate from Belize graced the Miss Universe Pageant stage. September 10 will mark a turning point, when a panel of judges will select a young woman to represent Belize in the world's premiere beauty pageant.
Sixteen Miss Belize Pageant contestants, representing every district, were selected through an open casting call process in July:
Misty Swazo, Corozal Theotisha Hall, Corozal
Lianne Chi, Orange Walk Caroline Fox, Orange Walk Krystalane Wolfe, Spanish Lookout Marcia Moody, San Ignacio Kimberly Price, Santa Elena Shamra Palacio, Esperanza Lyanne Reid, Belmopan
Moriah Lino, Belmopan
Cellula Playing Cayo Welcome Center
The Panamanian reggae band, Cellula, will be playing at the Cayo Welcome Center Saturday, July 23rd, starting at 7:30pm. Another great free concert. Thanks, NICH!
"Coming to the Welcome Center through Nich, a Band from Panama that will be performing at 7pm. All are invited!"
World Culture Band Rock CWC
The World Culture Band was amazing! They rocked the Cayo Welcome Center. They played one really long, incredible set that got everyone moving to the beat.
"The World Culture Band really rocked the CAYO Welcome Center on Saturday night."
"enSLAVEd - The RISE and FALL of SLAVERY in BELIZE" at Museum of Belize
We are excited to present the newest exhibition at the Museum of Belize - "enSLAVEd - The RISE and FALL of SLAVERY in BELIZE". To be launched on Emancipation Day, at the Museum of Belize.
OUT AND ABOUT!
U.S. Embassy Belize
Ambassador Moreno recently traveled South to meet with some organizations helping youth in Belize.
Here are some highlights.
Channel 7
Hulse Went Up The Hill, to Fetch A Lighthouse?
Since the story of accused murderer, kidnapper, and conman William "Danny" Mason broke on Monday, we've been trying to find out just how connected he is to the Barrow Administration.
So far, we've found out that he was well known to Police Minister John Saldivar, whose football club he contributed to. Prime Minister Dean Barrow disclosed that Minister of State Frank "Pawpa" Mena received a ten thousand dollar campaign contribution form Mason, which he now wants to give back. Then, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber went to Mason's Intelco Hill Mansion for "congratulatory drinks" after his swearing in ceremony in early June. And, today, when we asked, Immigration and Natural Resources Minister Godwin Hulse confirmed reports we'd been receiving that he also went up the Hill along with DPM Faber. Now, this would seem to conflict directly with what Hulse told the media on Monday when he said that he'd never seen Mason before - and now we learn that he's been to visit his house? How does Hulse square that away? Today he explained:
Taeger-Panton Bristles At Mason Question
And while we had the opportunity, today, we asked Hulse's cabinet colleague, Tracy Taegar-Panton, if she ever came into contact with William Mason. We had been questioning all of her colleagues who granted press encounters this week. Though she answered when we asked, she made it plain that she didn't appreciate the topic being brought up:
Daniel Ortiz:
"Did you by any chance come into contact with Mr. Mason?"
Hon. Tracy Panton - Minister of State - Investment, Trade & Commerce:
"I can say categorically I have never had any interaction with Mr. Mason or any of his associates."
Mason's Attorney Unfazed By Police Video of Abduction
And while Tracy Taegar-Panton says that she has never met William Mason, her husband, Herbert Panton has to do so, and that's because he is Mason's attorney - and he seems to have a very big defence to mount.
That's because on Wednesday, police revealed that they are in possession of surveillance footage confiscated from Mason's Intelco Hill Mansion in Belmopan. According to investigators, the video shows clearly how Mason and his other 5 defendants kidnapped Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, David Dodd, and another man while they were inside Mason's hilltop home on Friday, February 15. A few hours later, the cops found Pastor Lue's decapitated head inside Mason's truck.
With the evidence seemingly piling up against Mason and the other 5, we asked Herbert Panton yesterday evening about the apparently tough cause he'll have to defend his clients against when they get their day in court. But, Panton was still confident that the men could be acquitted:
A Crooked Birth Certificate For a Crooked Con
So, as the William "Danny" Mason saga continues to unravel, there a number of unanswered questions. We've managed to unearth several aliases of his. His Guyanese passport says that he is Rajesh Oulette, and that would make the name "William Mason", just one of the assumed identities. He's known also as Canadian "Ted Oulette", as "Raj Ouellet" - a variation on the spelling on the Guyanese passport, and there are reports suggesting that he has also identified himself as Belizean "William Ferguson", and we know that police are seeking his wife, Mellissa Ferguson.
Today, we asked Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse if he or the other Government Department heads have managed to find out just how he got hold of the fake birth certificate which says that he is from Crooked Tree. Hulse told us that the Attorney General's Ministry is still investigating that, but he knows for certain that Mason did not manage to get hold of a Belizean passport:
Ashcroft Alliance Wants settlement in USD - Goes to CCJ
The Barrow Administration and the Ashcroft Alliance are back in court tonight - and this time the argument is over US dollars. As we told you government paid the first half of the settlement last week Wednesday, 40% in US dollars, and 60% in Belize dollars.
And, just as we told you at the time, the Ashcroft Alliance didn't like that breakdown one bit. They wanted the whole sum in US dollars, so the news tonight is that the Alliance has applied to the Caribbean Court of Justice to ask the court the interpret the settlement agreement with Government.
But that's just one issue. Government is now saying that the Permanent Court of Arbitration made mathematical errors in its judgment, namely with the rate of exchange used and the calculation of interest. According to a release, quote, "Both mistakes by the Tribunal prejudiced GOB and resulted overall in larger sums being awarded than were justified." End quote. Government now has 30 days from the date of the award to seek rectification, and applications are being filed.
BSI Scolds Caneros: "No Finger Pointing"
Two nights ago we told you about the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association - they are saying that ASR/BSI should absorb all the losses - which is about half a million dollars - for the 3,900 tonnes of molasses that went bad in tanks at the Tower Hill factory. The farmers stand to lose 22 cents per tonne in their second payment as a result of this loss - and they aren't too happy about that.
Well today ASR/BSI sent out its own release telling the famers that it's not a deduction from the price, but, quote, "rather a lost opportunity to realize proceeds from its sale." A release from ASR/BSI adds, quote, "The fundamental principle underlying the cane price calculation is a sharing of the value�from the sale of sugar and molasses�this extends to a sharing of both gains and losses." The release points out that BSI alone has to deal with the losses of handling and disposal of the molasses. The release closes, scolding, "It is�unhelpful to point fingers� it must be viewed as an opportunity to�work together�with a sense of shared responsibility."
A Policy For Trade Optimization
For the past five years, Belize's trade imbalance has been growing - that means that the country consistently imports more goods than it exports.
The disparity is cause for concern, and though it is an issue that confronts many small nations, the Directorate of Foreign Trade wants to ensure that they are doing all they can to maximize access to export markets.
To get the job done, the Ministry of Economy Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce has put together a new trade strategy called the "National Trade Policy Framework". It's a 40 page document which takes an honest, hard look at all aspects of trade. After months of deliberation within the Ministry and Cabinet, it was finally unveiled this morning.
7News was there, and we spoke with the Director of Foreign Trade, and the Minister of State about it:
Hulse On Campaign Finance Reform
Earlier in the news, you saw our interview with Minister of Natural Resources Godwin Hulse about his trip up to the Mason Mansion on Intelco Hill. Though Hulse says that he has never met the man, we know that at least 5 of his cabinet colleagues were friendly to, or acquainted with Mason: so far three of them have publicly admitted to this. And while public perception is one thing, the fact of the matter is that politicians cultivate wealthy friends, because politics is a money game, and those who don't have it, can't play, or maybe, we should say, they can't win!
Yesterday we asked the PUP leader about committing to campaign finance reform and accountability, and he gave us a feeble "wait and see" answer. But today we asked Godwin Hulse about it. Ever the reformer, how does he feel about limiting the influence that private business persons can exert on the political matrix?:
Mike Rudon:
"I want to ask you about the importance of that if you are a supporter of campaign finance reform. And also the integrity commission; there has been a call for the integrity commission."
Grasping the Meaning of Prehistoric Graffiti at Xunantunich
You might have thought you knew everything about the maya site of Xunantunich in San Jose Succotz, but for the past two nights, we've been showing you exciting new finds that have been made at that ancient city.
Well, The final part of the Xunantunich feature series focuses on the discovery of a scribal room at the El Castillo structure.
Archeologists were finally able to decode the graffiti on the walls of this room last week. Here's what we saw:
The El Castillo structure stands 30 meters, or a hundred feet high at the south-eastern side of the central plaza. It is the second tallest building in Belize and it was once a palace that housed the royal Maya rulers of Xunantunich. While you can take in its grandeur on the ground level.
As you mount the steps, you truly appreciate its towering magnificence.
How Methodist Kids Spent Summer
And while that's how the archaeologists are spending their summer, kids from Methodist schools were doing it today learning about art and Spanish, and taking music lessons. They're doing it right beside our studio where Emanuel Pech was pulled in by the sound of drums:�
New Bookbags For Summer Campers
And while those students are keeping their brains active during the summer break, 75 five school kids from Belize City will start the upcoming school year with some brand new school bags, thanks to the Belize City Council and Diamonds international. This small but meaningful donation was done to mark the culmination of the 2016 City Council Summer Camp Program. We spoke to the coordinators who told us what the kids learned this week.
The program has been held annually for the past four years.
Pastor Lu, They Reminisce Over You
For the entire week, you've been hearing about the different parts of the William "Danny" Mason saga, including the most horrifying element that he is the mastermind behind the beheading of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas.
Separate from the fine-tooth comb with which the media has been investigating Mason and his life in Belize, are the family and friends of Pastor Lue who are still trying to come to terms with his gruesome murder. Today, Plus TV Station Owner Louis Wade and Sharon Palacio, who is one of Pastor Lue's relatives discussed a candlelight vigil that they are putting together on Monday night in his honour. They told us why they want people from all over the country to join them:
Sharon Palacio - Pastor Lue's Family Member:
"As we know grieving is never easy. Losing a loved is naturally rough and the news we received and the way it happened it is beyond our comprehension so there's no way I can say that; it's something we can't describe, it is horrible. You can imagine that even people who are not directly related, the entire country is mourning, everybody is mourning so you can image the immediate loved ones. You can imagine the atmosphere. Words cannot describe nor cannot express."
Classical Music Mastery At Pallotti
The classically trained musicians who work at the Pallotti Music School are preparing for a grand concert. It's an event called the Piano and Violin Concert which happens on Sunday evening. This evening, the organizers gave us a preview of the musical spectacle they have in store:
Alobi Young - Piano Teacher, Pallotti:
"This weekend what we have planned is a piano and violin concert. We say piano and violin because it's basically just solo performances. We have a couple students who will also be on stage but for the most parts it solo performances. The thing is what I found in Belize is we have a lot of orchestral concerts; either the national youth orchestra Belize or Coral Society. All these guys they come out and they do group work but we never really had solo performances in Belize. And I find the only time we really have it is either when Franky Reneau, you know the great Franky he comes and he does his thing on the piano or he foreign musicians who come in on the violin or other instruments and they do their solo performances. And in Belize especially at Palotti we're one of the leading music schools, we have a lot of talented musicians here; talented teachers. We have Ms. Chelsea Thompson who will be playing with us. Ms. Cindy Burgos, they are both going to be doing violin solos. They are extremely talented and I think it's about time we started show casing Belizean talent, Belizean musicians. Not in cortex or orchestra but doing solo performances."
Panama Reggae To Belize
A popular Spanish-reggae band from Panama is here in Belize to perform for FREE this weekend. The band called "Cellula," arrived in the City late this evening the bad leader stopped by our studio, and told this is his second time and he plans to make it memorable for his fans:
The band performs on Saturday at the Welcome Center in Cayo at 7:30 pm and on Sunday at the Queen Elizabeth Park in Orange Walk at 6 pm. Again both concerts are being organized by the NICH and are absolutely free.
Channel 5
Godwin Hulse Gives His Account of DPM's Reception at Mason Manor
There has been a full week of solid coverage of the bizarre murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas. Five persons including the man alleged to be the murder mastermind, William Mason, [...]
How Did Guyanese Born/Canadian National William Mason Become a Native Belizean?
Before coming to Belize William Danny Mason, using multiple names, was known to be a grifter, a con man, and a scam artist without scruples. In Belize he was a [...]
Frustration Over Rank Corruption at Vital Statistics Unit
The birth certificate in question, obviously fraudulent, was actually issued by the Vital Stats Department which comes under the Attorney-General's Ministry. That occurrence, we can tell you with certainty, is [...]
Tracy Panton is Grilled About William Mason
News Five also got the opportunity to speak to Minister of State in Economic Development Tracy Taegar-Panton. It seems that just about every other U.D.P. Minister hung out with William [...]
Government is Headed to CCJ for Interpretation of B.T.L. Arbitration Award
Just when you thought that the B.T.L. acquisition fiasco had been settled, the Ashcroft Group and the Government of Belize are headed back to the courts for an interpretation of [...]
Godwin Hulse Weighs in on Campaign Financing
Frank 'Papa' Mena received ten thousand dollars from Mason toward his by-election campaign. At least he says it was only ten thousand. According to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, no other [...]
Government Vehicles Collide on Busy Highway
After nine this morning, there was a traffic accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway in front of Enrique Martinez and Sons Limited. It involved two government vehicles, a Ford Ranger [...]
Mobile Patrol Along Seven-mile Stretch to Haulover Bridge
Now the last time we spoke with Senior Superintendent Flowers, traffic accidents were a perennial problem in the precinct four area.� Today it still remains the most prevalent issue officers [...]
B.S.C.F.A. Says Farmers Shouldn't Absorb Cost of Spoiled Molasses
Up north, there is trouble in the sugar belt. Will sugar cane farmers in the north bear the brunt of financial losses from spoiled molasses?� Caneros are tonight incensed over [...]
Homeless, Hungry Man is Sentenced to 5 Years for Burglary
An elderly homeless man is spending his first night of a five-year prison term in jail tonight for causing damages of four hundred dollars during a break-in. Sixty-year old Codrington [...]
Overnight Shootings in Belize City and San Pedro Leaves Teenager Injured
Two persons were injured in separate shootings on Thursday night in Belize City and San Pedro.� In the Old Capital shortly after nine o'clock, gunshots rang out in the vicinity [...]
National Trade Policy Framework is Launched in Belize
Today the Ministry of Economic Development and stakeholders launched the National Trade Police Framework. That structure signifies approval by Cabinet to implement a comprehensive review to find common and fertile [...]
CitCo Wraps Up Annual Summer Camp
Summer camps have been providing an outlet for those energetic kids who are on holidays. In the city, students from numerous schools participated in a free summer program that entertained [...]
2016 Expressive Arts Summer Program is Hosted by ICA
Another summer camp dedicated to the expressive arts concluded today in Belize City. Hosted by the Institute of Creative Arts, the participants enjoyed sessions in arts, drama, dance and music. [...]
Creative Arts Curriculum to be Piloted in Primary Schools
Green also told News Five that after four years in the making, in the next school year, the creative arts curriculum will be piloted in primary schools. Leroy Green, [...]
Calypso Rose to be Honored at WOMEX
Calypso Rose will be bestowed with the WOMEX 16 Artist Award in October of this year in Santiago De Compostela, Berlin. At age seventy-six, the legendary singer and composer from [...]
Banda Cellula Visits from Panama
The Cellula Band of Panama is in the country; the band arrived late this evening and will be performing two free concerts in Orange Walk and San Ignacio. Established in [...]