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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
Police United FC falls to Olimpia Club Deportivo in CONCACAF Champions League
Section 53 amendment - "a shield, not a sword" says P.M. Barrow
"A shield, not a sword" is how Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow interpreted the Supreme Court decision handed down last Wednesday, August 10, which in effect decriminalized same-sex intercourse between consenting adults.
Barrow said it was the role of the Judiciary to interpret the Laws of Belize, and what Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin had done was to amend Section 53 of the Criminal Code to exclude sexual acts between consenting adults from attracting criminal charges. Barrow was speaking at a press conference at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Wednesday afternoon, August 17. Benjamin had upheld the challenge brought by the plaintiff, Caleb Orozco, that Section 53 was a breach of his human rights to dignity and as such was unconstitutional. Those parts of the Criminal Code that pertain to sexual abuse of minors, or bestiality with animals remain unchanged.
Chetumal City embraces Miss San Pedro delegates
As part of the Miss San Pedro activities, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) hosted a trip to Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico on Wednesday August 10th, and returned on Thursday August 11th. The purpose of the trip was for the six delegates to get a jump-start in purchasing items for pageant night, such as their dresses, accessories and shoes, among other items.
Iris Salguero currently holds the title of Miss San Pedro, and this years' candidates for 2016-2017 are: Marisha Thompson sponsored by Jaguars Temple Night Club, Beverly Rodriguez, sponsored by Captain Shark's, Karina Requena, sponsored by Castillo's Hardware, Lisandra Novelo, sponsored by Ramon's Village, Marleni Diaz, sponsored by Fidos Courtyard and Pier, and Heidi Sorto, sponsored by La Sirene Resort Spa and Marina.
Upon their arrival, the girls were greeted by Belize Consulate in Chetumal, Jorge Valencia, who had arranged a tour to the Zoologico Bio Universo. The girls had a unique experience, and they were able to view some of their favorite animals, including tigers, jaguars, and hippos.
Boat Captain liable in accident involving tourist minor
After extensive investigation by the Belize Port Authority (BPA), San Pedro Resident Captain Carlos Franco has been found liable for the June 14th boat accident involving a tourist minor. The accident happened near a beach resort south of San Pedro Town where the minor sustained deep cut wounds to her face after being ran over by the boat. As a result, Franco will be facing court actions for negligence and for operating his vessel undermanned near a residential/hotel area. According to the statement provided by the BPA, it was revealed that the vessel Phanny was the sole boat in the area when the accident took place. It further stated that the captain was not cautious enough and to support this allegation, the law was quoted. "So to navigate such boat as to avoid collision with or injury to any ship or person present in, on, or under the water in the area occupied by or disturbed by the said boat was not carried out and neither did 'he' navigate such boat with due care and consideration for other persons having in regard to the prevailing conditions," end quote.
Ambergris Today
SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS: Playbill for Events Around the Country Available August 24
The National Celebrations Commission is pleased to announce the release of the 2016 Playbill and Calendar of Events, which includes celebrations, commemorations and other programs around the country.
On Wednesday, Aug. 24, the free booklet will be distributed throughout the districts, and is also available at the NICH Administration office in Belize City, as well as the Bliss Center and the Belize Tourism Board. The calendar covers events taking place in August and September, and includes programs sponsored by a wide variety of organizations and businesses.
One major change in the 2016 lineup is that there will be no St. George's Caye Official Opening Event due to damages related to Hurricane Earl. Instead, there will be an address by Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr., Chair of the National Celebrations Commission. This address will be broadcast nationwide.
Misc Belizean Sources
Bus busts up the Terminal in Belize City
Photo courtesy of Jeran Funez
Vacancy at BEL
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Accounting Clerk III in the Finance Department.
Cassava Processing and Baking Workshop August 22-26
Sabal Farm. We kick off on Monday. If you are interested contact the coordinator of The Stann Creek House of Culture Joshua Arana at 632-0147. Bus will pick up participants at the bus terminal in Dangriga at 8:30 am Monday, we leave the farm at 3pm.
Belize National Song Competition
Here are a few of the photos of the winners that we took for the Belize National Song Competition that happened this past weekend.
Trashy place in San Mateo on Ambergris Caye
This is an area adjacent to the lagoon on the backside of San Mateo. It's a small flooded area where crocs reside just steps from where children play.
Power interruption 5:00am to 5:30am, Sunday, August 21: entire San Pedro Town, and Bomba Village
BEL to conduct switch over from mobile substation to newly installed transformer at Maskall Substation.
Two 20 minute power interruptions 6:00am to 6:20am & 4:40pm to 5:00pm on Sunday, August 21: entire Orange Walk & Corozal Districts
BEL to replace insulators and downguys on transmission system between Maskall & Buena Vista Substations.
September Celebrations Playbill and Calendar of Events
The September Celebrations Playbill and Calendar of Events will be out next week, but here's sneak peak
The U.S. Embassy has an opening for an Electrical Technician position
Performs regularly scheduled and comprehensive maintenance on all facility electrical equipment and systems as required by the Overseas Building Operations (OBO) Global Maintenance Management System (GMMS).
Diagnoses, disassembles, adjusts, programs, re-programs, repairs, installs and replaces defective parts or components on all facility electrical equipment and systems.
Maintains controls systems on compound to include programmable logic controllers (PLC), sensors, control panels, and some building automation system components.
Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project's History and Culture Summer Camp 2016
The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project's History and Culture Summer Camp 2016 came to an end today. We were sad to see the kids leave, but we know that they are leaving with a better knowledge of our history and culture. Today, they went on a city historic tour and visited the Old Prison Museum. During the other days they listened to folklore stories, learnt techniques to play the drum, played traditional games, danced to traditional songs and learnt how to conduct oral history interviews. All the kids received a certificate of achievement.
Channel 7
Mechanic Crushed In Industrial Accident At ASR/BSI's Tower Hill Factory
A worker at the Tower Hill Sugar Factory in Orange Walk was badly injured on the job today, and he died two hours ago. At 1:30 this afternoon, Ismael Jimenez - who has been a mechanic for Belcogen since 2012 - was working on pieces of heavy equipment. Something went wrong - and he got pinned between two of those pieces of equipment. He suffered major injury to his internal organs. He was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital where doctors performed emergency procedures to try and stop the internal bleeding. But they had only limited success, and they took the decision to send him to Belize City for critical care, but, Jimenez never made it and he died at 4:45. ASR/BSI says it is conducting an investigation to determine what went wrong.
US Ambassador Cheers Supreme Court Sodomy Ruling
Belize, the Caribbean and the rest of the world continue to digest the Chief Justice's landmark decision in which he decriminalized sodomy after hearing Caleb Orozco's lawsuit challenging Section 53 of the criminal code.
We've shown you the excited reaction from Orozco and the LGBT Community after sitting in court to hear the judge deliver it in person last week Wednesday. We've also shown you the disappointment from the Churches who interpret the ruling as the beginning of the country's moral downfall.
So, what does the US Ambassador think about the ruling? Well, as viewers are aware, he's a former US High Court judge, and the country he represents is on a global mission to encourage acceptance for LGBT communities. As proof of this, a few weeks before the ruling was handed down, the US Embassy hoisted the rainbow flag on its compound, which is considered US soil.
PM's Wife supports CJ Decision
Now, the Prime Minister's wife, Kim Barrow may share some of Ambassador Moreno's enthusiasm, but she's in what might be called a "cute" situation, politically. She is the Prime Minister's wife, and so she isn't expected to be seen cheerleading for the gay rights activists on such a divisive issue.
But when Caleb Orozco, UNIBAM and their legal team held a press conference shortly after the decision last Wednesday, they disclosed that Mrs. Barrow immediately came out in support of the judgment.
So, today when we caught up with her at another event, we asked her to confirm. Here's how she explained it:
Kim Simplis-Barrow - Special Envoy For Women And Children:
"I applaud the Chief Justice's decision. I think we all have rights and court rulings must be respected."
Daniel Ortiz:
"A lot of people are disappointed that the decision has been made and it has caused a lot of venom, from the more conservative persons in society. Is it something disappointing to you to see that some people are close-minded?"
Will/Can the Churches Appeal?
So, the matter lies now with the churches - will they appeal the section 53 judgment, or can they even launch that appeal? Well we spoke to Pastor Lance Lewis of the National Evangelical Association of Belize today and he told us that his group had just met, and will meet with the other churches next week Thursday to plan their next step.
Now, there is some deadline pressure, since they have three weeks to file an appeal after the written judgment is issued. But, our understanding is that the three weeks commences after the judgment is perfected - which still hasn't happened.
But, timeline aside, legal opinion is still split on whether the churches can appeal. That will be a matter for the Supreme Court to decide - since the Court will have to give them leave for appeal. That's when it will be determined if the churches as interested parties have the standing to launch an appeal. And while the churches are passionate about the issue, some legal experts say that only the Catholics and Anglicans may have standing since they work the "church-state" school management system. Those churches have not arrived at a position yet, so it's too early to tell if they will go ahead and try an appeal.
16 Year Old Sibling Arrested For Sodomising 11 Year Old Brother
In an update to the ugly case of incestuous sodomy we've been reporting on all week, a 16 year old Santa Elena resident has been charged for sodomising his own little brother.
The teenager was taken to court where he was charged for an unnatural crime and he was remanded for the weekend. He will re-appear in court on Monday 22nd August when bail will be considered.
As we've been reporting, one week ago, the 16 year old allegedly molested his 11 year old brother who was asleep. PLUS TV's Louis Wade - who's in touch with the family - reports that the 16 year old was heard to taunt his younger brother by saying that since section 53 was struck down, nothing can be done to him now. Well, he has been charged - since the change in section 53 change deals with consenting acts between adults; the 11 year old is not an adult and could not consent.
Unhappy Ending For Loose Masseuse At Dirty McNasty
"Dirty McNasty's" - it's name would seem to suggest all kinds of funky stuff, but in fact, Mcnasty's a popular hostel on Caye Caulker with a colorful clientele of backpackers. But, one male visitor got a lot more than he asked for when a local masseuse crossed the line. The tourist alleges that 38 year old Javier Nabet, was giving him a massage, but tried to turn it into something else when he attempted to perform oral sex on him.
It happened on July 7th and Nabet was remanded to prison on a charge of sexual assault. Today he applied for Supreme Court bail, and Justice John Gonzalez offered him bail of five thousand dollars.
We called Dirty McNasty for comment, but they didn't get back to us.
Bail, Not Jail For Ryan Rhaburn
Ryan Rhaburn is alleged to be one of William Danny Mason's crew but tonight he is out on bail. Rhaburn, was remanded to prison on 2 counts for allegedly kidnapping Lloyd Friessen and his wife. Friessen had allegedly gone to Mason to ask him to return three hundred thousand dollars that Friessen had advanced him to purchase corn.
Today, Rhaburn was released on bail of $8,000 that was offered to him by Justice John Gonzalez. Rhaburn must surrender all his travel documents to the clerk of court, reports to the Belmopan Police Station every Friday, and not interfere with witnesses for the prosecution. Rhaburn was represented by attorney Herbert Panton while the Crown Counsel Rene Montero appeared for the crown.
Two More Million Dollar Babies
On our newscast right after the Christmas Holiday, we told you about newborn Shamir Aban. He was the so called "million dollar baby" who the World Pediatric Project in Belize managed to get flown out of the country for emergency million dollar surgical procedures not available in Belize.
He was born with esophageal atresia, a birth defect where he had no tube connecting his mouth and his stomach. He got the million dollar gift of life when the doctors at the Virginia Commonwealth University came to Belize for him in a private jet, took him to their hospital, gave him life-saving medical surgeries, nursed him to full health, and then sent him back home.
That came all free of charge, now 2 other babies are getting the same treatment after they've been identified as emergency cases that the US Doctors have volunteered to take on. Our news team was at there today when they were transferred from the KHMH Neonatal Unit to the PGIA. Daniel Ortiz has that story:
UNDP Gives Relief Funding
Today another round of hurricane relief donations were handed over to CEMO, this time it's from the United Nations Development Program. It's a $50,000 US dollar contribution of mattresses and building supplies for those who lost their homes. The donation will be split in 2 parts, half of the donation will go to storm victims in the city and the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR will distribute the other half in Valley of Peace and Armenia. Today we found out more at a short handing over ceremony at Militia Hall.
Phillip Willoughby - City Councilor - CEMO:
"We got mattresses, windows, Plycem and other 2x4 type lumbers and so forth to assist with home repairs basically."
Courtney Weatherburne:
"You know that several organizations or international agencies have contributed. We know that we need all the help we can get because it is still not enough but how long or how far will this donation go in terms in reaching out our hurricane survivors or victims?"
The City Continues The Cleanup
While residents will be building new homes with these supplies and bringing in their new mattresses and other furniture, they will also be getting rid of all their damaged belongings, and that means more rubbish for city council to pick up. Today we asked Councilor Willoughby how the garbage collection is going.
Phillip Willoughby, City Councilor, CEMO:
"In its initial stage NEMO afforded the city some assistance. That afforded us since Thursday to the following Tuesday for some contractors to do work across the city. Since then you may know that a lot of additional debris waste came out. That had its toll on the city. We opted to say well let's put it on hold and then have everyone put out their waste and then we started to pick up these waste and debris. So that process to this end in ongoing."
Sam and Earl
Another friendly country which will try to provide some hurricane assistance is the US Government. We've heard so far of relief donations from the Taiwanese and the European Union, but what about good old Uncle Sam?
Today the Ambassador told us that he has made requests, and that immediately after the Hurricane passed the US Military was instrumental in making some of the damage assessment fly-overs possible:
Daniel Ortiz:
"Has the Government of Belize approached your government for trying to seek assistance for those affected?"
H.E. Carlos Moreno - US Ambassador to Belize:
"Yes it has and we are in the process of compiling the various forms of assistance, some of which I believe will come from this very unit that organized this event today, military liaison office of Southcom. They will be with proposals going forward to provide hurricane assistance and initially USAID the office of foreign disaster assistance have provided the necessary funds for the day after fly over that were conducted."
BTL Still Bringing Back Services
And while we mostly talk about the damage Hurricane Earl did to residences, but what about businesses which lost phone and internet service? Chair of the Executive Committee Anwar Barrow told us today that they are working to restore those services as quickly as possible.
Anwar Barrow - Chair, Executive Committee, BTL:
"In terms of our performance throughout the hurricane most of our network assets are above ground and were resilient during the hurricane. However, we did have a lot of individual connections that went down with copper lines into people's homes that have been water logged or that have been destroyed. We had several thousand around 4 thousand faults in our system after the hurricane on a day to day basis and we have been working to resolve those. We prioritize them first because certain customers who are doing business over those lines, employing people, we try to give priority to and then those who maybe just be using their home phone or just be using internet at their home have some alternative source come a little later."
Man-Man Business In Court
A man ended up in court today because of a domestic dispute - but it's news because the complainant isn't a woman; it's a man!
39 year old Noel Garcia reported that his partner of 6 months, 23 year old Justin Arnold slapped him during a domestic dispute.
This morning, after an overnight in lock down, Arnold appeared before Magistrate, Carlon Mendoza where he was read a single charge of common assault.
Arnold pleaded not guilty and Magistrate Mendoza offered him bail of $500 dollars.
Garcia told Police that it happened at their North Front Street home on Wednesday night at 9:00. He says Arnold asked him to help pull down a door. Garcia told Arnold he was too tired to help, and alleges that's when Arnold slapped him.
US Ambassador says OAS Investigation In Child Shooting Finished
A month ago, we told you that Both Belize and Guatemala requested that the OAS investigate the BDF's fatal shooting of 13 year-old Guatemalan Julio Rene Alvarado. That's the shooting which the Guatemalan Government condemned as murder, but which the BDF maintains was self defence, since they were fired upon inside the Chiquibul, under the cover of darkness.
The Mexican Government dispatched a highly trained forensics specialist to make up a part of the OAS's independent investigation team. So, did the US Government, and today when the media asked US Ambassador Carlos Moreno about it today, he said that he understands that the investigation is complete.
He said that it is for the OAS to decide when to disclose the results to the two Governments after the formal report is completed:
BTL Scholarship Program Continues
Many kids won't be able to go back to school next month, and if they do, they will be missing books or start off late until they can recover all their school supplies after Hurricane Earl. But there are others who can't even afford to pay the tuition to be enrolled, let alone buy their class materials. Well, 25 of those deserving kids got full high school scholarships from BTL and a ceremony was held at the Radisson today to recognize the recipients. The Chair of the Executive Committee, Anwar Barrow told us more about the scholarship package and the kids described how this opportunity will help them realize their dreams.
Since the scholarship program began in 1991, BTL has awarded scholarships to over 300 kids from all over the country. They are planning on expanding the program.
US Military Trains Bze Firefighters
Today at the Ladyville Fire Station, over 70 fire fighters from across the country were finishing up a 5-day training supervised by US Military firefighters. It's an intense real-time simulation of a raging fire that the firemen had to take on in full gear - resembling conditions very much like those infernos which have made it regularly on our newscast.
Our Daniel Ortiz was placed in the training area to experience what those firemen were putting themselves through and within 5 seconds, he ran out unable to take it. So, today, we asked the Fire Chief why they would punish themselves to train under these conditions. Here's what he told us:
The training was done with the million dollar equipment donation that the US Embassy provided to them last year.
Family Day For Disabled
At the top of the news, we showed you our interview with Special Envoy Kimplis-Barrow. We got that opportunity today at the Inspiration Center's 3rd annual family day. It's the small social event which the staff holds with the families of the disabled children who they work with everyday.
The Executive Director told us more:
Jazzfest Sweet!
And we close tonight as we did on Monday, with some clips from the Belize Jazzfest 2016. First is Tuesday Night's Classical Concert, and, second, you'll see Thursday's Piano Concert.
Enjoy, and get out and see it for yourself tonight at the Pickwick Club with the Tribute To Lord Rhaburn.
Have a good night, and a great weekend, and join Indira Craig back here on Monday...
Channel 5
Ryan Rhaburn Arraigned, Makes Bail on Friesen Kidnapping Charge
Another of William Mason's alleged henchmen has been brought before the court where he was indicted on charges of kidnapping.� After previous issues stymied attempts to charge ranch manager Ryan [...]
BELCOGEN Mechanic Crushed to Death at Tower Hill
Forty-one-year-old Ismael Jimenez Junior, a mechanic employed at BELCOGEN, lost his life this afternoon after being pinned between two vehicles at the energy plant on Tower Hill.� It is unclear [...]
16 Year Old Arraigned for Sexual Assault of Younger Brother
Earlier this week, we reported on the shocking news coming out of the Cayo District; that an eleven-year-old boy of Santa Elena had been sodomized, allegedly by his sixteen-year-old brother [...]
B.P.P. Treasurer Has a "William Mason Story"
Weeks after he first made headlines, the threads continue to unravel in the story of accused con man turned alleged kidnapper and murderer, William "Danny" Mason. And the staggering scale [...]
Put Hurricane Relief Funds into Productive Sector, B.P.P. Tells Government
The Government has collected millions of dollars in hurricane relief funds since the passage of Hurricane Earl. Much of it will go to rebuilding efforts for the hardest-hit communities. But [...]
U.S. Ambassador: Section 53 Ruling is "Victory for All Belizeans"
Earlier this week, the Government of Belize announced that it will not be appealing Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin's decision that Section Fifty-Three of the Criminal Code was unconstitutional. The landmark [...]
Carlos Moreno Calls for Ventilation of Decision in Local Forum
According to Ambassador Moreno, the decision sets a precedent that is being observed by Caribbean and Latin America.� The legal system and the people of Belize, Moreno says, should be [...]
Ambassador Moreno Advises Churches to Seek Permission to Appeal
Today, a closed meeting among church leaders with an attorney took place to discuss the way forward and a possible appeal of the decision by the Chief Justice that decriminalized [...]
V.I.P. Maintains Support for Section 53 Despite Court Decision
The political party Vision Inspired by the People says it stands in full support of Section Fifty-three of Belize's Criminal Code and still wants the Government of Belize to appeal [...]
Gay Man Accuses Partner of Violence in Lovers' Quarrel
In court news, twenty-three-year-old Justin Arnold of Sandhill village has been accused of domestic assault on his partner.� Interestingly, the accuser is a male, sixteen years older than him, and [...]
B.T.L. Awards 25 Scholarships in 25th Anniversary of Scholarship Program
The country's largest telecommunications provider also runs one of its biggest scholarship programs. Established in 1991, Belize Telemedia Limited's scholarship program has helped hundreds of Belizeans gain access to secondary [...]
U.N.D.P. Hands Over Construction Material
Relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Earl are ongoing.� Contributions in the form of cash and other resources needed for victims to repair homes and properties continue to be [...]
How Will Assistance Be Given to Hurricane Victims?
According to Councilor Phillip Willoughby, who also heads the City Emergency Management Organization, CEMO, there is a strict process in place to assist disaster victims. Phillip Willoughby, CEMO "What [...]
Chetumal Chamber of Commerce Chips in with Hurricane Donation
The Chetumal Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism, CANACO Servytur Chetumal, has also stepped up to assist victims of Hurricane Earl.� At midday, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry [...]
Firefighters Train to Respond to Major Disasters
There was a fire and an accident in Ladyville and firefighters had to be called in to out the blaze, rescue victims trapped in the fire and extricate a critically [...]
New School Year, New Haircuts Offered to City Kids
The annual drive to prepare primary school students for the start of the academic calendar by grooming and offering haircuts is just around the corner.� On September third and fourth, [...]
Haircut Drive is Giving Back to Local Community
Another of the event's organizer, Edmond Staine says that it is their humble way of giving back to the Fabers Road community. Staine says that this year, they are doing [...]
Mexican Embassy Hosts Exhibit on Yucatan Art
An art exhibit has been launched at the Mexican Institute in Belize City. Entitled "Three Generations of Graphic Art in Yucatan," the exhibit will showcase the work of three talented [...]
Channel Five's Summer Fest 2016 Was Better Than Ever!
Music, song, dance and poetry - it all took place this morning on Channel Five's annual Summer Fest. Children from across the country converged on our outdoor stage here on [...]
LOVE FM
Machine Operator Crushed at Sugar Factory
A tragic accident at the Belize Sugar Industries has left an employee dead today. William Neal, the Communications and Government Affairs representative for ASR/BSI confirmed that Ishmael Jimenez Junior who has been employed by BELCOGEN as a mechanic since February 2012 was working with heavy duty machinery when he was pinned between two machines just [�]
VIP Wants Sodomy Ruling Appealed
Vision Inspired by the People has joined the voices of those speaking out against the recent ruling of Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin on Section fifty three of the criminal code. The VIP says the Government should appeal the decision. The VIP says they have taken the stance because natural human procreation serves as the bedrock [�]
US Ambassador Commends Chief Justice on His Ruling of Sodomy Law
On May 29, 2016 the LGBT flag was hoisted on the compound of the US Embassy. It was done as a consequence of the White House sending out a Presidential Proclamation declaring the month of June to be the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. Almost three months later Belize's Chief Justice, Kenneth [�]
NEMO Gets $100K of Supplies from UNDP
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) along with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) donated one hundred thousand Belize dollars worth of materials and supplies to the National Emergency Management Organization and the City Emergency Management Organization this morning to aid in hurricane relief efforts. Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP, Karen Bernard spoke [�]
$40K Courtesy PACT for Hurricane Relief
On Thursday the Belize Red Cross received a donation to continue the work they have been doing to provide continued relief to victims of Hurricane Earl. The forty thousand dollar donation was from the Protected Areas Conservation Trust, PACT and was handed over by Chair of the Board, Dr. Colin Young. Director of the Belize [�]
PetroCaribe Chips In the Hurricane Relief Efforts
Petro Caribe gave a donation to two agencies this afternoon to help with Hurricane Relief Efforts. The Belize City Council received an amount of twenty five thousand dollars and the Belize Red Cross received seven thousand five hundred dollars. Chairman of Petro Caribe, John Mencias, stated that they want to assist the people in need [�]
USA Contributes to Recovery Efforts Following Earl
It has been fifteen days since Hurricane Earl wreaked damages upon lands and structures especially in the Belize District. Since then we have had several agencies and countries extending a helping hand to Belize via monetary donations or in-kind contributions. Today, the US Ambassador Carlos Moreno told the media that the embassy is in the [�]
Baby Liam Gets First Class Travel for Medical Attention
Esophageal atresia is a disorder of the digestive system in where the oesophagus is not fully developed which therefore disrupts the linkage from the mouth to the stomach. It is a congenital defect, meaning that it occurs before birth. Cassia August and Shaheed Ritchie are the parents of twin babies that were born recently. One [�]
3-Days Into the Fire with Belize and Puerto Rico
Over six dozen firemen from around the country concluded a 5-day training in collaboration with their counterparts from the Puerto Rico National Guard Fire Team. This training was the second phase of the partnership between both agencies under the US Embassy Belmopan Mission Strategic and Resource Plan as well as the US Southern Command Theatre [�]
Fun Day for the Special Children
The Inspiration Center is holding its family fun day today at their resource center where they provide services for children with special needs. There were fun events for the parents and children that attend the center. Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis-Barrow spoke of the beneficiaries of the centre. Special Envoy for [�]
