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The San Pedro Sun
San Pedro BTIA holds Annual General Meeting; Elects New Board
On Wednesday evening, November 16th, the San Pedro chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) held their annual general meeting at Fido's Courtyard. In attendance were San Pedro BTIA Chairwoman Melanie Paz, BTIA National President John Burgos, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Belize Tourism Expo (BTEX), and members of the local chapter.
The San Pedro chapter was reformed in July 2015 after a couple years of inactivity, and since then has been working to represent the tourism stakeholders on the island. Of recent, efforts have been made to standardize taxi services in San Pedro, as they are considered island 'ambassadors'; often giving the first impression to guests when arriving to the Caye. Finalizing the meeting involved the election of new board members for the San Pedro chapter. Tamara Sniffin was elected the Chairwoman, Melanie Paz the Vice-Chair, along with Delsie Graniel and a representative from the San Pedro Tour Operator Association, to be appointed at a later date.
San Pedro's Melvin Rolando Rauldares wins Gold at primary schools athletics championships
San Pedro Roman Catholic School's Melvin Rolando Rauldares leapt 4.90 meters to win gold for the Belize district in the Junior C boys' long jump at the annual national championship. The competition for primary school track and field championships is organized by the National Sports Council and was held at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City last Thursday, November 10. Rauldares' gold helped the Belize District win the most gold medals: 14, as well as six silver and five bronze. Stann Creek won eight gold, five silver and five bronze. The Cayo district won one gold, six silver and none bronze. Corozal won four silvers and four bronze; while Toledo won a gold and a silver. Orange Walk won a silver and a bronze.
Health screenings to improve MOH standards
In an effort to gather important health related information in San Pedro, a team of medical students from California, USA have coordinated with Dr. Javier Zuniga, Regional Manager of the Central Health Region and the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to conduct health screenings through a "Community Needs Assessment". The Community Needs Assessment is also being done in partnership with the San Pedro Red Cross and the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, who support this initiative to improve population health. From Saturday, November 19th and over the span of the next five weeks, NanoMed Corp-the students' healthcare-will be offering free health screenings at the polyclinic.
Health research is a long term investment in human health and well-being. The assessment will include a health questionnaire and a basic physical checkup. After being evaluated, and if anything is abnormal, NanoMed Corp will be able to refer the patients to the polyclinic. The benefits to the community are great, and it makes good sense to support a health screening initiative to empower the residents of the island.
Restrictions on the importation of ham and turkey supports local economy
Although Thanksgiving is not widely celebrated throughout Belize, a portion of the population still indulges in eating turkey and/or ham for the occasion. However, the demand for both turkey and ham products usually becomes high during the Christmas holidays. As both local and imported products are supplied in select stores, some individuals prefer imported products, while others purchase local products to help support Belize's economy.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Sustainable Development and Immigration, Godwin Hulse, is looking to change that by restricting the amount of future importations. He explained that the issuance of current importation permits were given before he took over the Ministry. "Before I took the Ministry, permits were already issued for hams to various operators who annually and traditionally get permits to bring in certain amounts of ham. What I understand the Ministry did was, to balance that along with the domestic production so that the domestic production is not disenfranchised. That was done just before I took the Ministry," said Minister Hulse in an interview with Love FM News.
Ambergris Today
BHA promoting Belize Tourism in Montreal and Toronto!
Following the recent addition of the twice weekly Westjet flight direct between Toronto and Belize City, the Belize Hotel Association was excited to participate in the Canadian Road show that was organized by the Belize Tourism Board and included the participation of several private stakeholders in the Tourism Industry of Belize. The BHA Marketing Director, Tessie Duran Tonaco attended the event to represent BHA members.
The intense two day marketing event, was hosted in Toronto, on Tuesday November 8, 2016, and in Montreal, on Wednesday November 9, 2016. The BHA, the BTB and attending industry stakeholders, each had a tabletop presentation at both venues, where they were able to have one-on-one meetings with a total of more than 100 Canadian travel agents.
Misc Belizean Sources
HARVEST CAYE: THE NEW TOURIST MECCA IN SOUTHERN BELIZE
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), under the auspices of the Ministry responsible for Investment, Trade and Commerce, is mandated to facilitate and promote investment in Belize. The massive investment happening at Harvest Caye in the southern part of the country is yet another vivid example of BELTRAIDE's efforts to foster investments.
On Tuesday November 15, 2016 Belize Island Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, held a soft opening for its Eco/Adventure Cruise Port at Harvest Caye.
Harvest Caye sits a few miles south from the Placencia mainland and it takes only eighteen minutes to get there by boat. Upon arrival, the visitor cannot help but to enter in a state of wonderment as the vast beauty of the island unfolds.
MINISTER OF DEFENCE TOURS BDF INSTALLATIONS IN THE WEST
Minister of Defence Hon John Saldivar is this week visiting BDF installations in the West as part of his countrywide tour. Yesterday, November 16, 2016, Hon Saldivar, accompanied by BDF Deputy Commander Colonel Steven Ortega and personnel from the Ministry of Defence, visited Camp Belizario in the Central Farm area of the Cayo District where he was briefed on security functions and given a full tour of the facilities. The Minister was also briefed on international military training being carried out under Exercise Tropical Dagger 16 which includes security forces from Jamaica, Canada, United States and Belize, and is being conducted in Belize for the first time.
The Minister and his team were then taken on a fly over along the Belize- Guatemalan border where BDF personnel man a number of posts, such as Xunantunich, Arenal and El Pilar located in the Bullet Tree area. Returning to the ground, Hon Saldivar was then given a full tour of those posts. The Minister of Defence continues his tour in the West today and tomorrow. His countrywide tour will take him next to the southern part of the Country.
The purpose of the Defence Minister's countrywide tour is to assess the state of readiness and the level of efficiency of the force in executing its various functions.
CHIQUI'S BIG DEBUT!
After many months living behind the scenes, Chiqui the jaguar has finally moved into her new home on-site at the Zoo! We have been fundraising tirelessly since we received her in early June to create a comfortable living space for this special cat. Thanks to the generous support of friends and donors both in Belize and abroad, this became a reality and was celebrated yesterday with a wonderful ceremony.
Zoo Director Sharon Matola opened the celebration with a energetic performance of "Chiqui's Song," with the help of our little friends from KLIC Preschool.
Representatives from Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic and Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize were present to say a few words and carry out the official ribbon cutting for the exhibit. Belize Tourism Board representatives unveiled the plaque to honour donors who contributed significantly to the Chiquibul Exhibit Project. Also present was "Miss Belize Universe" who helped us launch a stunning new poster aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of the Chiquibul and all of Belize's forests. Finally, officials from Belize Forest Department rounded off the ceremony with the unveiling of two life sized "mother and cub" jaguar statues, highlighting the celebration of this magnificent species, and the pride our country has in being able to declare that they still roam our forests.
Chiquibul Park Manager, Derric Chan
Was present for the inauguration of the newest enclosure at the Belize Zoo. FCD is grateful to The Belize Zoo and their supporters for the nice home now given to "Chiqui", the rescued Jaguar. We are certain "Chiqui" will highlight the importance of maintaining wild cats in the wild.
Ribon cutting for Chiqui's new home
Derric Chan of Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize and Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand of Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic carried out the official ribbon cutting ceremony for Chiqui's new home. FCD and BWRC, along with Belize Forest Department, were the first responders and primary care givers who got Chiqui through her tough first post-rescue days before she came to live at the Zoo.
Celebrating the Garifuna culture at the FSTV Kiosk
Lue proclaimed Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year for the Caribbean
The director of a programme that helps under-privileged Belizean youth has been named Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year for the Caribbean.
Manuela Lue of the Energy for Life programme received the accolade at the 2016 Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards last week, which coincided with Youth Work Week 2016. She was one of five outstanding youth workers celebrated for using sport and the creative arts to inspire and support young people.
Energy for Life mentors and tutors under-privileged Belizean youth in handicraft production, connecting them with their culture and enabling them to earn a living. "Youth workers do an extremely important job, which is moulding the minds and shaping the hearts of all these young people. It is very important as there's a lot of work that goes into making these young people productive and responsible citizens," Lue said.
The Belize Training & Employment Centre (BTEC) Trains 60 persons in the Independence/ Placencia Area
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE, one of the leading industry specific training centers in Belize, today held a certificate ceremony at the Independence High School in Independence Village. Sixty participants received certificates in areas of Lifeguard training; Gardening and Landscaping; Hospitality and wait staff; Introduction to Bartending and Housekeeping and Janitorial services. The training was geared towards persons who are employed or seeking employment in the various fields.
Also at the event, a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) was also signed between BELTRAIDE and the Independence High School (IHS) . The MOC entails BELTRAIDE doing more job - preparedness training of students and out of school residents in the area, while IHS will provide classrooms for such trainings and assist with recruitment of participants in the area. Signing on behalf of IHS was principal Mr. Omar Longsworth and on behalf of BELTRAIDE was General Manager, Ms. Leijia Melanie Gideon.
Mr. Adolfo Ayuso passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Ayuso family & friends on the passing of Mr. Adolfo Ayuso. Mr. Ayuso was a true pioneer as a fisherman of San Pedro when it was once a fishing village and into its transition to a town. May his soul rest in peace.
Vacancy at BEL
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Accounting Clerk III in the Finance Department.
Harvest Caye Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
30 or so photos
Channel 7
Hola! Harvest Caye, 7News Forced To Take In The View From The Sea
Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye Cruise Port was opened today, and their first ship docked at their island getaway. That first vessel, the "Norwegian Dawn" brought approximately 2,000 guests for this opening day at the island which is just off the cost of the Placencia Peninsula.
And so, four years after it got off to a rocky start in 2013, the south is now opened to mass cruise tourism, after a long and bumpy journey for Norwegian Cruise Line.
According to the BTB, the opening ceremony was a gala event attended by Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Transport and NEMO, Edmon Castro, and the Special Envoy for Women and Children.
But, we only have second hand information on that because none of the local media was invited. That's despite our repeated requests to the Tourism Ministry, the BTB, and Norwegian.
Accused Killer Of Chinese Grocer Jordan Cayetano
On the first Saturday in April of 2011, when Belize City gunmen killed two female Chinese grocers in one afternoon, it sparked an angry street protest and shutdown by the Chinese community. The women seem to have been killed for no reason - other than as a retaliation against the state by a prominent gang.
Tonight the man accused of one of those murders is free after more than 5 years on remand. 23 year old Jordan Cayetano, who was caught with a weapon and charged with the murder of 32 year old Chinese shopkeeper, Yan Ying Chen, walked out of court a free man after the Crown made a "nolle pros" motion. Prosecutor Rene Montero Jr was forced to do so after the confession statement he was relying on was ruled inadmissible by Justice John Gonzalez. In the trial without jury, Gonzalez ruled that he cannot accept the oral confession because it was given under "oppressive circumstances." Cayetano had testified that he was punched to his ribs several times, he was threatened and he was choked and shocked with an electrical cord by members of the GSU.
Gales Point Aggravated Burglary Has Evidence, But No Report
This morning Belize Rural police received a report of a European couple allegedly tied up and robbed by four armed men in Gales Point, Manatee. Now Manatee falls within Dangriga jurisdiction but their vehicle, a Jeep Patriot with Stann Creek License plates was also stolen, and that was found abandoned this morning in Belize Rural on the Boom-Hattieville road near the Kolbe Prison. Hattieville police told us more:...
Cpl. Ian Geban, Hattieville Police:
"We were waiting for the vehicle to the transported and processed by the Hattieville Police Station and information was relayed via WhatsApp, the police communication network and shortly afterwards the owner visited the station after he was informed that his vehicle was located. He made a verbal report to the station that he was kidnapped."
"Information is sketchy at this time and we are in the process of transporting the vehicle to be processed and we are working on the investigation at this time. There is not lot of information in relation to this report."
That Guy, Albert Caught With Conch, Contraband And Cannabis
Yesterday the GSU searched a car belonging to Orange Walk businessman Albert Guy - and they say he was carrying contraband, conch and cannabis. They found two ounces of cannabis, six cartons of contraband cigarettes and forty-eight undersized conch. Guy, who was charged with drug trafficking and possession of undersized conch, appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith yesterday, where he pled guilty possession instead of drug trafficking. He was fined $1000 and was told that he would serve 1 year in jail if he defaulted. He appeared in court again today, where be pled guilty the possession of 48 undersized conch. He was fined $500 for the offence and $20 for each conch, which brought the fine up to $1460. If he does not pay that fine by May 17, 2017 he will serve six months in prison.
Guy is no stranger to court - and has been accused many times, but not convicted.
Cop Charged For Pistol Whipping Villager
An Orange Walk cop accused of beating up a Guinea Grass resident has been criminally charged. Yesterday Police Constable Jaime Gongora was arraigned on a charge of wounding at the Orange Walk Magistrate's Court.
It took police one week to come up with charges after Gongora allegedly pistol whipped Hugo Noh in guinea Grass Village on Sunday November 6th. According to reports both men had been drinking and Gongora stopped Noh who was speeding within the village. They had an angry exchange of words, and Gongora allegedly pistol whipped Noh with his service weapon. Noh ended up with six wounds to the head.
9 days later Gongora was taken to court where he pleaded not guilty and was offered bail of $4,000 plus one surety of the same amount. The case was adjourned for the 21st of February, 2017.
Capital Cops Caught 25 Pounds of Weed
Belmopan police caught a sack of weed coming down from Benque Viejo last night. The Capital's Quick Response Team chased the vehicle with Benque plates from the Roaring Creek junction to St. Margaret's village. In the process, the passengers threw out the sack of marijuana. While police stopped to pick up the weed, the men in the car dashed off. Police are seeking two suspects but have the car and the weed - which weighed in at 25 pounds. Arenal is a known transit point for marijuana coming from Guatemala into Belize.
Police Turn Up The Charm
Next week, the Eastern Division police department plans to turn up the charm on Belize District residents. It's called CHARM week - and ACP Edward Broaster explained the meaning at a press conference today:...
ACP Edward Broaster, People's Committee Ex Officio:
"CHARM is the acronym for "Changing Heats And Renewing Minds." For the week we will be doing a host of community activities to benefit the community and to try and build that relationship with the police and the community."
ACP Chester Williams, People's Committee Ex Officio:
"Many members of the community feel comfortable speaking to us as commanders, because they see the effort that we are doing. They report to us what they see our officers are doings on the ground. These are things that never use to happen in the past. So we are seeing that the public have become more receptive to us as police officers and we want to continue to build on that relationship. Yes we know it is a tough sell at times, because like you rightly said, police have done wrong to many people out there, but we want those people to understand that whatever has been done to them in the past, we can still dialogue and find common grounds in areas and those areas where we find common ground, we work on them."
Why Is Murder On The Rise?
We also got the three Assistant Commissioners to talk about the alarming murder statistics. There have already been 130 murders up to Mid November 2016, which is already 11 more than last year's total, and 7 more than 2014's total. But, as the senior officer's explain, Belize City is not driving the murder totals higher:..
ACP Chester Williams - Commander, Southside:
"Well I will tell you that it is up in deed, but in the past Belize District use to be that have the murder count so high. But I will tell you that from all the different regions the Belize region is the only region that has the murder count below where it was last year."
ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural:
"While in Belize City, the murders are mixed between gangs and sometime alcohol and other disputes. In the Cayo District it's mostly alcohol and domestic."
Are New Bus Fares Fair?
In early September, we told you about the proposed increase in bus fares. Minister of Transport Edmond Castro had been meeting with several bus companies to try and come up with a new cost structure, but from what we understood, they were still in the consultation stage. Well, that period is over and the increase has been in effect since October 29th. Now for those commuters who are scratching your heads because you haven't been paying any extra, it seems not all bus companies have started implementing this price hike - not yet, but it is official and the Transport Department has authorized it. A representative from the department told us that this raise was needed to pay for high price fuels especially for those runs down south. The new cost structure is set between 12 cents and 14 cents per mile within 100 miles - that is how the new fares are calculated. So, for instance express from Belmopan to Belize is now $7.00 dollars and regular is $6.00 dollars - both up from five dollars. Now how will the commuters benefit from this increase...Shouldn't commuters demand better service as well? The Transport Representative told us that they will be moving towards a ticketing system, and will try to eliminate the standees situation. We won't hold our breath...
Guatemalan Congress Approves Amendment to Special Agreement, Makes Way For Referendum
One and a half years after the amendment to the special agreement was signed, Guatemala's congress has finally approved the document. According to an article in today's Prensa Libre, 88 of 158 members of Congress voted yesterday to approve the decree. It allows Guatemala to hold a referendum on whether its Citizens want to take the territorial dispute to the ICJ. Under the terms of the amended agreement, the referendum can be held "simultaneously or separately," on dates most convenient for each country. Guatemala usually holds elections on Sunday, while Belize usually holds it on Wednesday's or Thursday's. With this passage by congress, Guatemala will now look to Belize to amend its referendum law to allow a simple majority to carry the vote. There's no certainty yet whether the Barrow administration will agree to this.
"Don't Call Me Baby!"
If you were wondering what a bunch of women in orange shirts were doing on University Drive today, they were marching against street harassment. It's called the "Don't call me baby" movement and it addresses the constant pestering that women and even school girls have to deal every day from men. Counselor at the University of Belize Renee Wentz told us this evening that this is a form gender based violence and that men need to be more aware of the effect their words and actions have on a woman's everyday life.
Renee Wentz, Cunselor - UB Belize:
"Street harassment, all women experienced it. In fact most of the women I've spoken to started to experience when they were little girls in primary school and if people don't know what street harassment is, its basically "psst" and the rude comments and the "hey sexy" and the "hey baby" kinds of comments that women get on the street every day."
Anwar Says Adios, BTL Looking For New CEO
The Prime Minister's son Anwar Barrow has attracted a storm of controversy in his two and a half years as Chairman of BTL's Executive Committee, effective working as the CEO of the state owned phone company. Well, just as he said he would, Anwar Barrow is leaving that office and said as much in a letter to staff a week ago. And there's no successor in place. This morning, BTL started advertising for the post of a new CEO, for a company, quote "with the goal of becoming one of the leading telecoms operators in the region by 2020."
The deadline for submissions is the end of this month, and on his departure from the top post, Barrow told employees that a candidate should be selected by year's end. Barrow will stay on as a member of the Board of Directors.
Defence Minister Saldivar Keeps Touring
Last month, Defence Minister John Saldivar, was put on a one week suspension while the Prime Minister received legal advice about Saldivar's alleged business relationship with William Danny Mason. Saldivar was reinstated at the end of October, and since then, he's been busy touring the country, and visiting various BDF instillations.
Yesterday, Saldivar visited Camp Belizario in the Cayo District, where he was briefed on the security functions of the base. He was also updated about Exercise Tropical Dagger 16, a military training exercise involving the BDF and security forces from Jamaica, Canada and the US. He also went on a fly-over of the Belize - Guatemala border.
The Minister has been assessing the state of readiness and level of efficiency of the BDF instillations, especially along the Belize/Guatemala border.
Mexicans And Guatemalans Shine In Table Tennis
The 2016 Central American Senior Table Tennis Championships continued today with the team competition. After a morning full of action the Mexican Men's and Guatemalan Women's teams came out in the top spot for their categories. But the tournament is still far from over. The Belize Table Tennis Association's President, Arturo Vasquez, told us about how the young Belize team fared against their more experienced opponents and what we can expect to see from them going forward.
Belize is being represented by athletes between the ages of eleven and fifteen in a tournament with much older competitors. The championship tournament will continue on to Saturday.
Mexico Celebrates Garifuna
If you want to start off your Garifuna Settlement Day celebration early then you should head over to the Mexican Institute in Belize City where, as per tradition, the Mexicans are celebrating the garifuna. Its all about celebrating Garifuna culture. Cultural Attache Diego Sapien told us why everyone should attend.
It started at 6:00 at the Mexican Institute.
Channel 5
Jordan Cayetano is Free of Murder Charge in 2011 Death of Chinese Grocer
For the second time this week, a man accused of murder has been set free. Again, it is due to police coercing a confession out of a suspect without supporting [...]
European Couple Loses Vehicle to Home Invaders; Were They Threatened?
During a meeting with the press this morning in Ladyville, Belize District,� reports started coming in to Police that a foreign-born couple living in Belize had been kidnapped. Police recovered [...]
Orange Walk Cop Charged in Police Brutality Case
An Orange Walk cop is tonight out on bail after he was charged and arraigned for the wounding of a Guinea Grass resident. In a most recent allegation of police [...]
Harvest Caye Opened in Closed Ceremony
After four years, Belize's first cruise ship port, Harvest Caye in southern Belize, was formally opened for business today. It is not known why the press was not invited to [...]
European Cruise Line Makes First Appearance in Belize
And while NCL opened its port down south and will no longer be calling at the Fort Street Tourist Village here in the City, tour operators here are getting ready [...]
Police Searching for Missing Fisherman in Capsized Boat
A fisherman remains lost at sea tonight after a vessel he was traveling in capsized near Tobacco Caye.� The Dangriga resident has been identified only as Mister Locario.� According to [...]
Northern Businessmen Fingered for Drugs & Undersized Conch
Businessman Albert Jerry Guy appeared in court on two separate this week where he pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and undersized conch. GSU were on patrol on Water Lane [...]
No More Street Harassment for Belizean Women
Hissing and making lewd remarks to women is considered a form of violence and in some cases these actions escalate to attacks. Well today, a group of students-particularly females from [...]
Anti-Harassment March Encourages Women's Empowerment
According to Wentz, the initiative is to empower women, who are victims of street harassment. She says that the students are learning how to respond-keeping themselves safe while getting men [...]
Police Get Ready to CHARM Belize District Residents
From November twentieth to the twenty-sixth, residents of Eastern Division will be CHARMed by the division's Police contingent. In this case, it's not just hearts and flowers, but Changing Hearts [...]
CHARM Activities Intended to Unite Police and Citizens
The documentaries will be produced by a local production company and run for twenty to thirty minutes in primetime. Assistant Commissioner Deziree Phillips of Eastern Division North explains some of [...]
DiCaprio's Blackadore Caye Looking Good!
British newspaper The Telegraph, among other international media sources, has shown renderings of the plans for actor Leonardo DiCaprio's planned eco-tourism report on Blacakdore Caye, west of San Pedro. With [...]
Belize Hosts Regional Table Tennis Tournament
There is an ongoing table tennis competition in Belize. Players from neighboring countries in Central America except for Nicaragua are competing in the 2016 Central American Senior Table Tennis Championships. [...]
The Drones are Coming for Ministry of Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture just got some brand new tech to help them gather data and do other work that is critical to the ministry. Drones have been used primarily [...]
How You Can Spend the 19th in Belize City
Festivities in commemoration of Garifuna Settlement Day have begun across the country.� In Belize City, there is a full itinerary of events leading up to the Nineteenth of November.� The [...]
Mexican Embassy Honors Garifuna Culture
Every year, the Mexican Embassy through its Institute of Culture celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day along with the local Garifuna communities in Belize. In 2016, an exhibition by Pen Cayetano, entitled [...]
Healthy Living: Exercising for Your Mental Health
If you've been putting off getting into an exercise routine; then maybe the next segment of Healthy Living will give you the added push. Exercise - we all know by [...]
CTV3
Family Request Stiffer Charges for COP Who Attacked Their Love One
On Tuesday Orange Walk police arrested and charged one of their own, Police Constable Jaime Gongora, after a report of police brutality was made against him by twenty one year old Hugo Noh, a Guinea Grass resident. As previously reported, during his arraignment, Gongora plead not guilty and was offered bail in the sum of $4,000 plus one surety of the same amount. Today we contacted Noh's younger sister, who informed our news team that the family is not at all happy with how the case was handled. According to Liela Noh, the officer should have been imposed a stiffer punishment for having inflicting severe injuries to her brother.
Transport Officers Discusses Bus Fare
Bus commuters have been hit with the bad news that bus rates will be going up. The Ministry of Transport made changes to the bus fares about two weeks ago, without holding any public consultation. This has led to some frustration in the transport sector, at least here in the north, as there are some bus owners that are already charging the new rates while others aren't yet.
So what are those rates? Well, from Belize City to Orange Walk commuters will now pay $6.50 on a regular bus instead of $4.00. Express buses will charge $7.00 instead of the previous $5.00.
From Belize City to Corozal, the new fare is $10.00 on regular bus, and $11.00 on express bus.
The first 12 miles of any trip will cost $2. From there, the fares go up at a rate of 12 to 14 cents per mile for buses travelling in the north.
BNTU Injunction Case Against Government Goes To Court Tomorrow
In an effort to halt the Ministry of Education's plan to dock the salaries of those teachers who took part in their 11 day strike in October, the BNTU applied for an injunction on the Ministry of Education in the Supreme Court.
That injunction will be heard tomorrow at the Supreme Court in Belize City, where the faith of the Teacher's salary will be determined.
Today we spoke to President of BNTU Orange Walk, Otilio Munoz, who encouraged all Orange Walk teachers to wear their Green "Teechaz gat yuh back" t-shirt to show solidarity for the BNTU during the very decisive time for all educators.
Businesses Come Together To Assist BNTU Orange Walk
While it will be decided tomorrow if the teachers who participated in the 11 day strike back in October, will be paid at the end of November, residents of Orange Walk are still currently raising funds to assist BNTU Orange Walk with expenses incurred during their strike action. As previously reported, there are two raffles currently being organized to raise funds for the teachers here in Orange Walk, the first which is being organized by the Restaurateurs of town, will be raffled on Monday.
Otilio Munoz- President BNTU Orange Walk Branch:
"I'm very excited and overwhelmed with the support that the Orange Walk Business community is giving especially the four restaurants that came together; we have Nahil Mayab, Cosina Sabor, Maracas and Tanz Pizza, these are the four restaurants that got together and they decided that they will be helping the teachers who are on strike from the Belize National Teachers Union..."
Criminals On The Loose, They Targeted Chinese Business Store
It has barely been a month since Happy Family Store opened in San Joaquin Village and it has already fallen victim to an armed robbery.
Reports are that around 9:30 this morning, two masked armed men entered the store located at Mile 79 on the Phillip Goldson Highway and held up the Chinese store-owner's wife who was behind the cashier, the store assistant and a customer inside the store.
The men pointed guns at them and demanded money. The cashier showed no resistance and fearing for her life, she handed over money. Unconfirmed reports are that the men took about $4,000 plus valuable items before running towards the back streets in the community.
LOVE FM
Man Goes Missing After Boat Capsized in Southern Belize
A private skiff carrying five adults and a toddler capsized this afternoon at around two o'clock just outside Dangriga. As a result, one man is missing at sea and officials from the Belize Coast Guard and the Fisheries Department are looking for the individual. Reports reaching Love News are that the boat was heading to [�]
Norwegian Dawn - 1st Call to Harvest Caye in Southern Belize
The much talked about Harvest Caye Cruise Shipping Port was officially opened today as it welcomed the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship as the first vessel to call to its port. The media was not invited to witness its first cruise call but the Belize Tourism Board did issue a press release in which it stated [�]
Seafood Plant - A Plus for the Fishermen and Economy
The Rainforest Seafood Belize Processing Plant was officially opened today in southern Belize. The plant is a CARICOM project that will benefit local fishermen whilst giving a boost to Belize's export market. Attending the official opening was Agriculture Minister, Godwin Hulse who spoke with Love News. GODWIN HULSE "There was also the opening of the [�]
Belize Getting a Banana Boost
Minister of Agriculture, Godwin Hulse met today with the Banana Growers Association in the Stann Creek District. The banana industry is one that saw several challenges in recent history but things may be looking up according to Minister Hulse. GODWIN HULSE "Well first of all I met with the Banana Growers Association that was an [�]
A Couple Kidnapped? Police Left Clueless
Police have gotten word of an apparent kidnapping that occurred last night in Gales Point Manatee in the Belize District. According to police, a foreign couple escaped unhurt from kidnappers sometime last night. A complaint was made early this morning to Hattieville Police and investigator, Corporal Ian Geban shared with the media some preliminary information. [�]
Police Officer Charged for Assaulting Civilian
An officer attached to the Orange Walk Police Station was arraigned in court yesterday after a resident of Guinea Grass Village reported a case of police brutality. The incident occurred on November 6 in the said village against Hugo Noh. According to reports Police Constable Jaime Gongora assaulted Noh with a pistol following an altercation [�]
The Gunman's Bullet with No Name
One common sentiment that has been noted on social media or heard on the streets over the last few days is one regarding the state of mind of the gunmen and the criminal elements that are able to kill and shoot others. For one who has no affiliation with anyone in the criminal world, it [�]
Police Commanders Tackling Crime
Even though the country is divided into different police jurisdictions, each commanding officer has his or her own preventative methods in fighting crimes. With the recent spike in crimes, the media had an opportunity to ask ACP Chester Williams, ACP Edward Broaster and ACP Dezerie Phillips, all commanders for Eastern Division, how they plan to [�]
National Forensics Loses Evidence in Murder Trial
Twenty-three year old Jordan Cayetano, charged with the murder of 32 year old Chinese shopkeeper, Yan Ying Chen, walked out of the court of Justice John Gonzalez a free man today when a nolle prosequi was entered, indicating that the prosecution does not wish to proceed. Chen was shot three times at around 1:30 p.m. on April [�]
Defence Minister Tours Bases and Camps Out West
Minister of Defence, John Saldivar is in the western part of the country on his familiarization tour of the bases for the Belize Defence Force. Yesterday, Minister Saldivar was accompanied by BDF's Deputy Commander, Colonel Steven Ortega at the Belizario Camp in Central Farm, Cayo District. He took a full tour of the facility there [�]