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Posted By: Marty Today's Belize News: November 18, 2016 - 11/18/16 06:35 AM


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Specials and Events

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

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 Sourcesmzz

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 [�]

Posted By: Marty Re: Today's Belize News: November 18, 2016 - 11/18/16 06:36 AM

The Guardian

Superbond renegotiations commence
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Economic Ambassador Mark Espat, and Financial Secretary Joseph Waight were in New York City from Monday, November 7 to Saturday, November 12. They went there to meet with Belize's financial and legal advisors to discuss a restructuring effort of the Superbond. Foreseeing that financial hard times could beset the country, the Barrow Government is trying to renegotiate relief for the country's finances from the Superbond. All this is important so that the repayment for the PUP's misuse of public funds during the 1998 to 2008 era doesn't strain the pockets of Belizeans to breaking point. Readers will never forget that the Musa Government squandered over a billion dollars which they borrowed on behalf of the Belizean people, which never benefited anyone but the elected politicians of that time and their cronies. That 530 Million-US-Dollar ball and chain is what the Barrow Government has been dragging around for the past 8 years and 9 months, while trying to stir economic growth and development for the people of Belize. The Government very rarely acknowledges the burden of the PUP's Superbond, but it does come up very infrequently, when the Barrow Administration is unable to make adjustments to the country's finances as managers to ensure that Belize can meet all its obligations.

Anthony Crawford arraigned for attempting to kill 13 year old girl
Anthony Crawford, 33, is back behind bars at the Belize Central Prison for attempting to kill a 13-year-old girl. Crawford was out on Supreme Court bail for a charge of attempted murder and is now facing his second such charge in less than five months. Police initial investigation revealed that at about 10 p.m. on Sunday, November 13, the minor was outside her neighbour's house on Racoon Street Extension when they heard about 5 loud bangs from somewhere close by. She managed to run into the house before realizing that she was bleeding from the left side of her face. That was when she heard several more shots and looked to see where the shots were coming from. The girl told police she saw a man dressed in a white under shirt and � pants who she recognized as Anthony Crawford with what appeared to be a firearm in his right hand still firing shots in the air. The girl was later taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where she was treated for a graze to the face.

October 5 fire claims last victim
Despite best efforts by doctors at Shriners Hospital in Galveston Texas, 8 year old Empress Hamilton the last surviving child who was burnt during a fire on Aloe Vera Street on October 5 died while undergoing treatment. Empress along with 4 year old Ian Carr had been flown out of the country to Shriners on October 7 for medical treatment. They were there receiving treatment but on October 9, Ian succumbed to the burns he sustained. Now one week later Empress has passed away. During the blaze 11 year old Aaron Gabourel died inside the house at the time of the fire.

Karim spits into the sky
PUP politics it seems has no bounds . On Tuesday it was the PUP Leader who played politics with the death of young Tyler Savery. Tyler, a seven year old boy who was a student of St Joseph Primary School was ruthlessly murdered last week Friday around 4:30 pm, as he was being carried by an adult cousin Porshan Pipersburg, to a shop on Daly Street to buy a milkshake, as he usually does. The cousin Porshan Pipersburg with whom Tyler was with was also shot in the same incident and died a day later. John Briceno's comments were political, but at least he did not make them at the child's funeral. Kareem Musa was not as measured when he went on an all out POLITICAL DIATRIBE on Wednesday at the child's funeral. Kareem did not spare any words to launch a vile political attack on the government. We will not go into all the things Kareem said because we think he already had his five minutes in the sun. However we will address only one issue he raised. He spoke about the giving people land that they be able to move out of the overcrowded and impoverished conditions. He needs to speak to his father. He unlike any other person has benefitted from persons living in those conditions. It was not the UDP that built those LONGBARRACK to stock voters.

More Development for Belize Rural North Villages
With the Hurricane Season almost officially over, Minister of National Emergency Management and Area Representative for Belize Rural North, Hon. Edmond Castro, has embarked on a flood mitigation program in conjunction with the upgrading of streets in villages throughout his constituency. Currently, a number of streets in the community of Maxborro in Sandhill Village, which have been prone to seasonal flooding, are being elevated, graded and rolled, while drains are also being dug and cleared. The same is occurring in the Horse Racing Track area of Burrell Boom Village. Similar street upgrade and flood mitigation measures will be carried out throughout the constituency of Belize Rural North between now and the start of the next Hurricane Season on June 1, 2017. Hon. Edmond Castro says his Ministry and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) are looking at a number of other areas countrywide to execute similar projects to mitigate seasonal flooding.

Killer of 7 year old boy charged with murder
Police have arrested and charged 18 year-old Jayear Flores, a Curassow Street resident for the double murder of 7 year-old Tyler Savery, and 22 year-old Porshan Pipersburgh. He is at the Belize Central Prison after being arraigned in Magistrate's Court. On Tuesday, evening, November 15, Flores was arraigned before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on two counts of murder, and due to the nature of the offenses, no plea was taken from him, and he couldn't be granted bail. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January 24, 2017. The incident happened on Friday evening at around 4:30 p.m. on Daly Street. Little Tyler was in the company of his older cousin, Porshan Pipersburgh, who was taking him on bicycle to Moon Clusters Cafe. According to his grieving grandmother, Victoria Avilez, and heartbroken mother, Shakera Young, Tyler went with his cousin, so that he could get his favorite Friday evening treat, a milkshake. He was to have gone with his grandmother, but Porshan came by on his bike, and volunteered to take him. That's how he ended up in the care of his older cousin. They were only a short distance away from Moon Clusters when they were ambushed by several men in a white 4-door car.

BNTU sues GOB
The Belize National Teachers Union has retained PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay to sue Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber for his and the Education Ministry's decision to dock the salary of all those teachers who participated in that 11-day strike which now has the nation's students behind on work, for which they need to sacrifice a portion of their holidays to make up. On behalf of the BNTU, Courtenay has filed an urgent application for injunction, seeking to restrain the Ministry from moving forward with the November docking of the teachers pay. The claimants are the BNTU and Adelaida Guerra, a member of the Union. The respondents are Education Minister Patrick Faber and the Attorney General. The reason for the injunction, the claimants say, is that the teachers are scheduled to be paid on Friday, February 25, and while the dispute remains unresolved, the least harm will be done to the teachers, who are reportedly looking forward to their November paycheck to prepare for the Christmas Holidays.

Johnny Briceno - deflect on Superbond, Criticize Rt. Hon. Musa and Praise Trump
The most common criticism of Hon. Johnny Briceno is that he is an empty vessel. He is not the type of orator that Belizeans expect a Prime Minister to be. Some have linked his inability to articulate at an elite level to being less intelligent than the other men we have seen in leadership position in the two mass parties. Everyone is quick to point out how nice and straight forward of a guy he is. This caricature of a charismatic dimwit has limited his ability to inspire any meaningful social movement. He probably knows it too. This is what prompts an individual to rely on accomplished speech writers and dedicate ears to the lips of eloquent legal experts. Therefore, no one can accuse Briceno of not putting in the effort to get an intimate grasp on national issues. Briceno's weakness is not his dedication or lack of. The content in his conversations about complex national and regional issues combined with his successful business and political career should nullify questions about his level of intelligence. Where Johnny struggles are in the areas of delivery and rebuttal. Every time he speaks publicly he puts his foot in his mouth and he drives his leg deep down into the throat when he is challenged on his statements. Well, (Shaking My Darn Head) Johnny done did it again!

BWS - awarding 140 combined years of dedicated service
The Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) today held a Long Service Awards Ceremony honoring seven employees who have given a combined total of 140 years of dedicated service to the company. The program of events, guided by the company's Public Relations Officer Lisa McFadzean, included the singing of our National Anthem by Tara Williams followed by the welcome address by the company's Human Resources/Public Relations Officer, Haydon Brown. The opening remarks was delivered by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alberto August while reflections were delivered by the Deputy Chairman of the Board, Winston Michael and by the company's Operations Manager, Dave Pascascio. The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the seven awardees as follows: For 10 Years of Service each: Andrea Diane Pacheco and Gerardo Castaneda, For 15 Years of Service: Alvan Haynes, Chief Executive Officer, For 20 Years of Service: Paul Lino, For 25 Years of Service: George Roches and For 30 Years of Service each: Kent Nunez and Robert Ramsey.

Cayo schedule for Garifuna Celebrations released
A calendar of events for the Cayo District, leading to the Garifuna Settlement Day celebration on the 19th of November has been released. On hand at the announcements and informational displays at the Cayo Welcome Center on Saturday, were members of the National Garifuna Council as well as the Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena Earl Trapp Junior, who all urged everyone to come out and partake in the celebrations. Mayor Trapp has written that it is just appropriate that we celebrate this year's Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations under the theme: Risiti, Pantati, Gabafuti lunrahowa meme la Garifuna; rich proud and powerful, let us continue to preserve it. He was joined in that call by Cynthia Ellis, President of the National Garifuna Council for the San Ignacio Branch.

Belize City Mayor says trade license reform will cost CITCO $900,000
Over the past few months the Belize City Council has been undergoing a trade license reform process where it is looking at lessening the tax burden on businesses across the city. The Guardian spoke to Mayor Bradley and he explained that the process is stalled at this point in time because the new trade license proposal has to have legal amendments which will affect all 9 municipalities across the country. Those municipalities says Bradley have great concerns of loss of revenue as a result of the trade license restructuring. For it's part, Citco stands to lose some 900 thousand dollars in revenue. This revenue loss says the mayor will be offset by an increase in businesses who will take on to do business legitimately in Belize city as a result of cheaper trade fees. This added to the fact that Citco has been working at revenue replacement will cause the council to have a minimum financial shock.

Citco prepares for 12 days of service to Belize City residents
The Belize City Council is embarking on a program called '12 Days of Charity.' Mayor Darrell Bradley says the program is modeled off the 12 days of Christmas where the City Council will embark on non-cash social programs to make life better for residents of the city. He says the 12 days will be between the 1st and the 16th of December and will include the various departments within the council having community outreach programs for 12 working days in that time span. He says that there will be numerous activities including the distribution of school bags and books to school children and having the sanitation department clean up yards and paint homes for various residents. Bradley says that it is in the spirit of being a blessing on other people and sharing that during the Christmas Season and beyond. He concluded that it is all about citizen involvement to make Belize City and its people be a better place through service.

Climate change focused innovators
Climate Change may be the number one national security threat to low-lying Belize. Data shows that over the past 40 years there has been a warming of between 1.6 to 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit along the coast and interior of Belize. Experts say this is extremely alarming, considering the fact that the globe warmed by only 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit over this period of time. Meaning, Belize is warming faster than the globe. What is even more concerning is that Belize is not really a huge ozone polluter. Therefore, this country that has very little impact on the degradation of the global environment is feeling the effects at an above average level. It is disheartening for even the most optimistic environmentalists but the work must continue. Belize continues to do its part to promote environmentally friendly initiatives and build climate change resiliency. The most recent initiative is a partnership with the Caribbean Climate Innovation Center (CCIC) aimed at encouraging environmentally friendly innovation.

Locally based film screened in Cayo
A 25 minute film, produced in Belize was screened at the Cayo Welcome Center in San Ignacio on Friday night. Forming part of the presentation by the Belize International Film Festival, the screening of Yochi had the presence of both the film director and main actor. Film Director of Yochi, Ilana Lapid, told her audience that her film attempts to bring across a message that the Yellow Headed Parrot faces extinction as a result of poaching. Our viewing of the entire film revealed that the main actor, played by Cayo resident Evan Martinez, was indebted to someone else and needed some quick money by selling the parrots. But his little brother --in real life as nine year old Kerry Landero--was able to dissuade him from selling the parrots and the birds were taken back to their nesting site.

Ministry of Health improves monitoring of safety in health care providers
Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin and Minister of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Hugo Patt on Wednesday November 16, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purposes of improving the monitoring and control of peddling activities in Belize. Recognizing that there are concerns over products that are made available to the public through peddling activities, the Ministry of Health is being proactive where prior to granting of trade licenses, facilities which include clinics, pharmacies, imaging services, nutrient stores etc.; should hold a Ministry of Health permit/license to ensure it meets minimal Public Health Standards and other safety standards. The issuing body for such a permit will be the Licensing and Accreditation Unit of the Ministry of Health.

San Ignacio Police Formation gets new vehicle
The Spanish Lookout community on Tuesday evening handed over a brand new vehicle to the San Ignacio police formation in the form of a Foton Pickup Truck. This was possible after months of negotiations between the police department's Cayo Formation and the Spanish Lookout Community in conjunction with the Spanish Lookout Business Bureau. The vehicle will be assigned to the Cayo Rural West Formation which is responsible for some 17 villages around the San Ignacio Area. This vehicle comes at an opportune time as the formation is the largest in the country with over 38 communities spread over a vast area. A release from the Ministry of Home Affairs states that this is an excellent example of the Community and the Police working in partnership for a safer Belize.

Mark Lizarraga attempts to double dip from government
Last week the Senate Select Committee to investigate wrongdoings at the Immigration and Nationality department got underway. While the proceedings were carried live on at least one television station, what was not carried live and was never made public was what took place behind the scenes during the preparation of the meeting. The Guardian Newspaper has confirmed that just before the meeting got underway there were two strange requests made by Senator Markhelm Lizarraga. One of those requests was that his brother be paid to carry the proceedings on television. While that may not be out of the ordinary, after all resources were used up to do the work, what was is another request he made. Apparently Lizarraga minced no words when he point blankly asked that he needed to be paid extra for being a part of the Committee. He was very brave and even justified the request stating that this time of the year was the busiest for him and he needed to be in his office instead of at the Senate Meetings. He however said that the dilemma could be overcome if he were to be compensated for the time that he was at the meeting.

Hecto Silva finally shuts up
On Friday we saw a very strange Facebook post , the post was from Belize's number 1 SERIAL CALLER ,DON HECTO SILVA . For clarity we will share the entire post, so that the essence of what he said is not lost in our editorializing. The following is the post that we have lifted from his Facebook page. "IN RESPONSE TO A MANY CALLS, I HAVE RECEIVED from some of my many Fans of my Radio/TV participation, over the many years, especially on the Morning Shows, - I wish to inform them, that regrettably, because of the HIGH COST of Telephone Calls, I HAVE DECIDED TO CALL IT QUITS on this Medium. - - Thank you all for your support. and appreciation over the years. - I will continue sending my messages on FACE BOOK. - THANK YOU ALL."

New Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize presents credentials
H.E. Mr. Charles Keh-yue Liu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), today presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. Ambassador Liu expressed his pleasure in being a representative of his country in Belize and conveyed his country's pleasure in continuing the strong diplomatic relationship and friendship between the two countries. The Governor General warmly welcomed and received the Ambassador's credentials. Ambassador Liu was accompanied by members of the ROC Taiwan Embassy in Belize.

Tilapia farming workshop held in Cayo
Tilapia producers in Belize, students and other technicians continue to receive training to advance their knowledge on freshwater tilapia fish cultivation and processing. The second workshop for this year was held on Wednesday of this week at the Tilapia Hatchery Center on the Baking Pot Road in Central Farm, Cayo. Run by Taiwan's Aquaculture Project in collaboration with the Government of Belize, the Tilapia Hatchery Center is also producing tilapia fingerlings to meet the demand of tilapia farming in the whole country. The five year Taiwan's International Cooperation and Development Fund ICDF sponsored project-- worth US$2,500,000--began in February 2012 and comes to an end in the next three months. But Pablo Hong, Project Manager of the Government of Belize and Republic of China Aquaculture Project told participants this morning that "�this is not the ending, this is beginning."

Jordan Cayetano on trial for Chinese grocer's murder
Jordan Jamar Cayetano, 23, will soon learn his fate in trial for the murder of Chinese grocer, Yan Ying Chen, 32. A very distraught and frustrated Chinese community took to the streets over the killing of two Chinese businesswomen in April of 2011. Yan Ying Chen and Fei Lan Wu were shot and killed over the span of less than two hours on Saturday, April 2, 2011 in apparently random shootings. Word on the street is that the shootings were a message to the police from angry gang leaders. The reaction to those senseless killings was a business shutdown sparked by the Chinese community. Police investigation led to the arrest and charge of Jordan Jamar Cayetano, 18, for one count of murder, one count of keeping an unlicensed firearm and one count of keeping unlicensed ammunition.

Another charged for violent reaction to baby Kaylee's death
Police have arrested a fourth person in connection with the almost deadly beat down that Richie Jones, 20, suffered at the hands of an angry mob following the death of 2-year-old Kaylee Alvarez. Kaylee's father, Glenford Alvarez, 23, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was arraigned for use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm upon Jones. Kaylee Alvarez perished in a fire that destroyed the home of Phyllis Rhaburn on Thursday, October 27. Later that evening, someone produced a video recorded by phone showing a man fleeing Rhaburn's yard shortly after the fire started. That individual was identified by Conch Shell Bay residents as Richie Jones, 20, also of Conch Shell Bay. Richie left his house early the following morning, October 28, to start his day and take a circle around the block. It was around 8 o' clock when relatives and friends of the grieving family spotted Jones near the Vernon Street Bridge. An angry mob went immediately after the unsuspecting youth and unleashed a brutal beating. "Fortunately" for Jones, he was knocked out in the early stage of the attack with a piece of two by four lumber.

Grandmother robbed, killed and buried by family members
Dangriga Police are investigating the very gruesome murder of 63 year-old Salvadoran Victoria Castillo. The family members of this grandmother found her body buried in the backyard of her Dangriga Town home. Her friends realized that they hadn't seen her around for a few days, all the way up to Wednesday, November 9. So, when her husband returned from Guatemala, they alerted him to her unusual absence. He immediately reported her missing to the police, and the family and friends formed search parties to try to find her themselves. Their worst fears were confirmed on Saturday, November 12, when Victoria Castillo's daughter, Gloria, found her body in a shallow grave in the yard. The Police dug up the area and that's when they found her wrapped in a tarp; she had suffered multiple chop wounds to the chest, and her neck was almost completely severed.

PIV's "Flash" remanded for Andrew Williams' murder
Kareem "Flash" Smith, 28, a Peace in the Village (PIV) associate of Holy Emmanuel Street, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison again. This time he has been charged for the murder of taxi driver Andrew Williams, 41, who was shot and killed just after midnight on Saturday. Police say Williams was driving up Mahogany Street with a passenger and as he reached the intersection with Periwinkle Street two males walked out from Tibruce Street and fired several shots at the vehicle. The vehicle turned and crashed into a small wooden structure on the side of the road. Police arrived at the scene shortly after and found Williams' lifeless body inside the car. Police investigation led to the arrest of Kareem Smith. Smith was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Monday, November 14, 2016. He was unrepresented as a single charge of murder was read to him. Due to the nature of the offense, no plea was taken and Smith was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January 25, 2017.

Belizean killed in Guatemala
Funeral services were held on Tuesday November 15 for Wilber Abriel Sanchez in the village of Arenal in the Cayo district. Sanchez, also known as Jimmy crossed over into Melchor at around 8:56 on Sunday morning and he was reportedly killed between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on that same day. His body was found in a farm in Melchor and it had massive trauma to the head where his skull had been peeled back from his head and inside his right forearm he had what appeared to be the initials M and U written on it apparently with a blade. Police in Guatemala are investigating this murder and they may be looking at the possibility of any connection his murder may have with the killing of his brother, Mario Sanchez and another man which also took place in Melchor, Guatemala a few months ago.

Shelly Meighan forgives Roger Anthony and Kendis Flowers
Two notorious Ghost Town figures are free of attempted murder charges after the woman they allegedly tried to kill said she has forgiven them and wants no further court action against them. In October of 2014, Shelly Meighan, mother of Tyrone and Ellis Meighan Jr., reported to police that on Saturday, October 26, she was inside her house on Banak Street when she saw Roger Anthony wearing a camouflage outfit and a warm cap. They allegedly exchanged harsh words and immediately after Anthony allegedly opened fire on the Meighan's residence; breaking four window louvers, piercing a bedroom door and the cement walls with the spray of bullets. Fortunately, no one was injured and quick police response led to the detention of Anthony and Kendis Flowers, 23, who were hiding in a lot next to the Meighan residence. The officers reportedly seized a chrome 9 mm pistol which had 6 live rounds of ammunition. Both Anthony and Flowers were charged with attempted murder, damage to property, and aggravated assault. Anthony was also charged separately with keeping an unlicensed firearm and keeping unlicensed ammunition. Both men were later released on Supreme Court bail.

Sherman Mcfarlane shot and killed in Libertad village
Police in Corozal are investigating the murder of Sherman Mcfarlane who was shot and killed in Libertad village on Tuesday night. Police investigations so far have determined that Mcfarlane, 22, was found in a slouched position near to a vehicle. He had a single gunshot wound to the right cheek. Reports are that 4 men laid wait on Mcfarlane in some bushy area near to where he was executed. When Mcfarlane made his way to the area one of the assailants, a dark skinned man wearing a camouflage jacket and a red rag over his face snuck up on him and fired a single gunshot killing him on the spot. Police report that Mcfarlane had an argument with some men in the village the day before his death during which he was threatened. Police have detained one individual on this latest murder.

Drunk thief steals bike from in front of police station
Samson Teck, 25, of a Mahogany Street address in Belize City is lucky to be out in the general population after he pleaded guilty to stealing a security guard's bicycle that was parked in front of a police station. Security guard Deon Brackett, 55, reported to police that he was buying food at a stall in front of Queen Street Police Station at about 9:30 p.m. on Monday, November 14, when a Hispanic man took off on his green 26 inch frame beach cruiser valued at $325. Brackett shouted, "weh yuh gwen with mih bike? " but the thief just rode faster. Fortunately for Brackett, the thief rode straight into police at the corner of Hyde's Lane and New Road. Police stopped and detained the culprit. He was taken back to the police station where he was identified as Samson Teck.

Belize to participate in UNCAF U-17 World Cup Qualifier
The National U-17 Football Team of Belize will participate in the UNCAF U-17 Elimination round for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualifier that will be taking place in San Jose, Costa Rica. The delegation left the country on Avianca at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, 15th November, 2016. The elimination round is scheduled to take place from November 17th to the 26th. All matches will be played on artificial turf at the Estadio Ernesto Rohrmoser in San Jose, Costa Rica. Team Belize will be playing its first match against the host country Costa Rica on November 17th, against Honduras on November 19th, El Salvador on November 21st and Nicaragua on November 24th. The delegation will return to Belize on November 25th, 2016.

Belize District wins National Primary Schools Athletics meet
The National Sports Council held the National Primary Schools Track and Field Meet on Thursday 10th November, 2016, at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City. At the end of the meet, it was the Belize District that captured first place in the championship. Infant "B" Female (9-11) Years

East Coast Ballerz and Jumanji won Sugar City Hoops Competition
The 2016 Sugar City Hoops Competition came to an end on Saturday 12th November, 2016 at the East Sports Centre in Orange Walk Town with the third and final game in the two categories. In the U- 17 championship game, East Coast Ballerz captured the title when it upended Ever Ballaz by the score of 48-43. The top scorers for East Coast Ballerz were Kristan Puerto with 18 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block; Javier Rosado with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals and Norris Fisher with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block. For Ever Ballaz, the top scorers were Tyrique Dawson with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals; Rasheed Reneau with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal and Shane Pollard with 6 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 assist.

Belmopan Bandits maintain lead in Premier League Opening Season
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season competition continued over the last weekend with a number of games on the schedule. On Saturday 12th November, 2016, at the Louisiana Football Field in Orange Walk Town, the visiting FC Belize edged out Orange Walk United FC by the score of 4-3. FC Belize made it onto the scoreboard first when Andrew Estelle scored the 1st goal of the game in the 15th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The lead was further increase when Jordi Lopez scored his team 2nd goal of the game via a penalty kick in the 19th minute of play for a 2-0 lead.

Same old dead horse
This time I have a valid excuse for being AWOL for three weeks. My father who resides in Chicago had invited me to visit him after he heard of my condition. In my mind I assumed he wanted to take me to see a top neurologist in the state of Illinois, so I consulted my BELIZEAN doctor, Dr. John Sosa, if it was safe for me to fly the FRIENDLY SKIES and he gave me the green light, so off I went for two weeks to the windy city during the period of the world series in baseball. Of course I only managed to pass by Wrigley's since the price of admission was in the thousands of US currency for the seats from where one can actually see. I was not treated to any top Ranking specialist since my dad subscribes to the late MR. George Burn's philosophy that 90% of illnesses are healed by the body's auto immune system so why waste good money on doctors. From Chicago I flew to Kingston, Jamaica, where I attended commencement ceremonies for my son at the University of Technology ( UTECH), I will tell you that no matter where I was I made sure I caught a talk show or two in the mornings and the evening news via the internet every day.

Learning, showing, and embodying respect
Our country has been the arena of some of the most heartless and violent activities. Just recently, two young persons have become yet two more statistics of the gun violence that plagues us. One of them, an acquaintance of mine, and his seven year old cousin were shot, in broad daylight. I cannot comment on what was going through the mind of the shooter and what pushed him to make the horrid decision that he made, but I am still in utter disbelief that he would completely ignore and disregard the presence of a seven year old baby boy to eliminate a foe. Watching the news on Monday night and hearing this minor's mother speak, I could not manage to hold back my tears. Her strength, courage, and faith, despite her harsh reality, were inspiring. I made it a point to express my concern to all those around me, despite not having any relation to the young boy. I have a seven year old cousin whom I love dearly and if it were him, I'd be vocal in saying this:

WORDS OF LIFE
As I was reading from the book of Psalms recently, I came across these interesting sentences: Psalm 71:17-18 reads, "Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come." Now those are statements that I can identify with! My hair is now white, and I am 70 years old. In Bermuda I preached to relatively large congregations, but now my audience is smaller. In the past, the objective was to spread the word to as many listeners as possible. That's one reason I went into the radio ministry, to teach the good news of the Kingdom of God.

Long standing contributors to the aged awarded
Seven Belizeans who have wholeheartedly contributed to the aged in Belize for over 15 years have been awarded. These hard working Belizeans, Sonia Swaso, Opehlia Pinelo, Dalia Chan, Javier Lopez, Susana Lopez, Clair Valerio and Marisha Zetina were jointly awarded by both Help Age Belize and the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly on Saturday night in the Cayo District. Representing Help Age Belize during a brief ceremony at the Orange Gallery at number 60 George Price Highway was its Chairman Evan Dakers. Joining in the award ceremony was Bernard Adolfus from the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly. Both representatives thanked all the awardees for their services rendered. Also present for the awards was Ivorine Bulwer, the Executive Director of Help Age Belize (former Director of Health Services), who in her address said that she had observed all the branch membership having great love for their work despite low remuneration.

Belizean named Commonwealth Caribbean and Americas Youth Worker of the Year 2016
On November 10, 2016, Ms. Manuela Lue, one of the Directors of the BNE Energy for Life Program, received the Commonwealth Youth Worker Award for the Caribbean and Americas regions. Ceremonies took place in London England at the Commonwealth Secretariat's offices. The Energy for Life Program is a charity that is funded by the employees of BNE. Through the program employees of BNE sponsor, mentors and tutors underprivileged youth; these youth are actively engaged in various community projects nationwide. Several of these youth have won international awards and scholarships from Canada and the United Kingdom.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

The life of Tyler Savery, Celebrated
The body of Tyler Savery, 7, was cremated yesterday following a celebration of his life at the BTL park in Belize City. Friends, family, schoolmates and the community at large showed up to pay their respect to the child who was mercilessly shot and [�]

Harvest Caye quietly calls to port
Without much publicity, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has quietly launched operations at Harvest Caye with its first calling to the new port. The opening of Harvest Caye had been pushed back for months and for NCL, the road to the launch was not without its [�]

Entrepreneurship Convention 2016 (EntreCon) to be held tomorrow in Belize City
International speakers and experts in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), along with members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, will meet at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City tomorrow to participate in the second annual National Entrepreneurship Convention (ENTRECON). Last year, [�]

BTB employs new marketing strategy in Canada
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has engaged in a new marketing strategy in Canada to promote Belize as a destination through music and dance. According to a Canadian report, the BTB's latest marketing pitch involves a custom-made drum in Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square where passersby can [�]

Ministry of Health to improve monitoring of health facilities
The Ministry of Health is moving towards improving the monitoring of health facilities to maintain the highest standards for clients who access the health services they offer. On Tuesday, November 15, Minister of Health Pablo Marin and Minister of State in the Ministry of [�]

Fair weekend conditions ahead
The 24-hour forecast is for cloudy and mild weather with a few showers or periods of light rain mainly over the sea and coast. The wind will blow from the north to northeast at 10 to 20 knots and the sea state will be [�]

Minister of Defense tours BDF Installations in the West
This week, Minister of Defense John Saldivar is visiting BDF installations in the West as part of his countrywide tour. Yesterday Saldivar was accompanied by BDF Deputy Commander Colonel Steven Ortega and personnel from the Ministry of Defense. They visited Camp Belizario in the Central [�]

Belmopan Police meet with Mennonite Community
Today Officer Commanding Belmopan police Howell Gillett, his deputy and other police officers from Belmopan met with the Mennonites of Barton creek to discuss ways on making their community safer from Cattle Theft and other crimes of dishonesty. Two chairmen of lower Barton Creek [�]

4th Annual Entrepreneurship Symposium held in Belmopan
On Monday, November 14, the 4th Annual Entrepreneurship Symposium was held at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan. The building was packed with students from the University of Belize and Belizean entrepreneurs. The event was a partnership between the Small [�]

Blogs

BEING LGBT IN BELIZE
I wish I could say that being an LGBT individual was a walk on a golden brick road. However, being LGBT in Belize is comparable to climbing Doyle's Delight with 150 pounds on your back. At the base of the mountain of equality, LGBT individuals are burdened with the weight of stigma, discrimination, and fear- of being outted, humiliating your family, and losing your life. Recently, the courts declared that Section 53 of the Criminal Code of Belize violated several fundamental human rights for the LGBT population. Despite this victory, we keep trekking uphill. We sweat, we cry, we yearn for nourishment as we stand against the winds of oppression cast on us by our families, friends, colleagues, classmates and government. Every time we fall, we look for someone to motivate us, to remind us that there will be fresh air at the top of this mountain. There is a ray of hope, a promised sunshine. But for now, we are alone on this journey to equality. We watch as people who have been on this path before have given up, because the winds of oppression have become so strong. They have scars and bruises, but they decided - "this journey asks for too much sacrifice". We watch those on this mountain who have lost partners and have never gotten the opportunity to attend their funerals because legally they were just 'roommates'. We keep trekking. We watch those who have lost their jobs and all they have worked for because of malicious stories around their sexualities and being compared to pedophiles. We keep digging in. We watch the lovers who want to have a family but are worried that their child might not be strong enough to withstand the rains of bullying.

Sneak Peek At Norwegian Cruise Line's Exclusive Harvest Caye Port
Harvest Caye is the only Belize port that features a cruise ship pier, so guests can walk from the boat right to the resort. Like we pretty much did, they can spend their time under the sun in lounge chairs that have been spread out on seven acres of beach. You can also frolic on the white sandy beach or soak in the 15,000 square-foot pool. It's an impressive pool, one of the largest in the Caribbean according to them. It has a swim up bar!!! Local business man, Dustin Bowen, has his hands full with a staff of over 120 people who work at Landshark Bar and Grill. All his employees have been receiving training to meet international standards, even those of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. The food, local beer (Belikin) and cocktails were amazing and the staff at attention. There will be a total of five dining options and bars including the two-story indoor/outdoor Landshark Bar and Grill.

Why December on Ambergris Caye, Belize is Fantastic: Your Calendar
Everyone loves Christmas as a child. But as an adult, it's beautiful but MAN it seems like lots of work. Add in cold weather, the 40 minute search for a parking spot at the mall and super creepy Santas and the fun festivities can quickly become EXHAUSTING. Belize in December is such a fun, beautiful WARM, laid back build up to the holidays�I wouldn't think of being anywhere else. Here are some of the reasons why December in Belize is a great idea. High Season, For Many Hotels, Doesn't Start Until the Actual Christmas Week: Many resorts in Belize break down rates into Low Season, High Season and Christmas/New Years. Low season provides the lowest rates and, for many, continues until mid to late December. So�if you are coming for a bit of holiday spirit and a break from the craze, the first few weeks of December are fabulous. Airfare is usually lower as well. Note: The Christmas to New Year's week is often the most expensive week of the year and books up quickly! So plan your trip for what fits you and your family best. The Weather Starts to Get Cooler and Clearer: And by cooler, I do NOT mean "cool" by your standards. Humidity goes down from 90% to the 70% range and temperature drop to the low 70s at night. A light jacket, shorts and flip flops in the evening will do you just fine.

International Sourcesizz

Drilling of dinosaur-killing impact crater explains buried circular hills
Today, scientists published their first results from a drilling expedition into Chicxulub crater, the buried remnants of an asteroid impact off the Yucat�n Peninsula in Mexico that killed off the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Their discovery of shocked, granite rocks from deep in the crust placed "out of order" on top of sedimentary rocks validates the dynamic collapse theory of formation for Chicxulub's peak ring, the scientists says. Chicxulub is the only well-preserved crater on Earth with a peak ring, but they abound elsewhere in the inner solar system. Last month, scientists using instruments on a NASA lunar mission showed that the peak rings within the Orientale impact basin were likely to have formed in a similar way as at Chicxulub.

Second Mayan Pyramid Discovered Inside Famous Temple Of Kukulkan Like A ‘Nesting Doll’
A second pyramid has been discovered at the famed Mayan Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza in Mexico, archaeologists have announced. Described as being like "nesting dolls," the pyramids are set one within the other. And there could be more. The Daily Mail reported this week that a non-invasive study using electrical imaging techniques revealed yet another Mayan pyramid inside the Temple of Kulkulkan, which is located at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. According to the study, the smaller pyramid stands 32.8 feet (10 meters) high but is not in perfect alignment with the two outermost pyramids that rest atop it. Archaeologists have known for quite some time that the ancient Temple of Kulkulcan was built on top of a smaller version of itself. The second, or intermediate, pyramid is believed to have been constructed in the 800 and 1000 C.E. The last pyramid, the structure visible to over a million tourists each year, was added sometime between 1050 and 1300 C.E. The newest find is believed to have been built, according to archaeologist Denisse Lorenia Argote of Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History, in the "pure Maya" style from between 500 and 800 C.E. The scientists used "tri-dimensional electric resistivity tomography" to look inside the Temple of Kukulkan. The process involved using electric current, passed through electrodes placed along the outside of the pyramid into the structure, to measure resistance in the current flow to digitally map any existing structural formations inside.

Belize bondholders ready talks with government
Holders of Belize bonds announced this week that they had formed a committee in response to the government's desire to open debt talks this month. The Central American nation said earlier in the month that it would need to discuss ways to amend its outstanding 2038 bonds at a time of rising fiscal deficits. The 2038s were issued in 2013 in what was then the country's second restructuring in a matter of years. The bonds carry a step-up coupon that climbs from 5% to 6.767% in August 2017. While creditors note that the restructuring has provided Belize with US$100m in debt service relief to date, the government said circumstances have changed since then. "Belize's economy has significantly underperformed in comparison with projections used at the time in setting the terms of the 2038 bonds," the government said this month.

Beyond Hollywood: Belize Film Festival Showcases Local Indie Film Talent
As the U.S. faces bitter divisiveness, other countries are inspiring a path toward inclusiveness through the medium of film. I was fortunate enough to have scheduled a flight to attend the 11th Annual Belize International Film Festival just hours after the surprising results of the U.S. election. While Belize is fighting the many battles that accompany extreme poverty, the country provides its artists with a platform to highlight social issues in a constructive environment. The festival's intent is to call attention to emerging Caribbean filmmakers who struggle to get their stories seen even in their own island nations. The four-day event highlighted the triumphs and challenges of Caribbean talent.

Videos

  • The Belize Municipal Development Project (BMDP), 4min. "Belizeans across the country are now benefiting from the improvement of basic municipal infrastructure; thanks to a $30 million Belize dollar project financed by the Government of Belize through a loan from the World Bank and counter-part funds from municipalities."

  • Belize Steps Up in International Film Festival, 5min.

  • Dia de Garifuna Livingston Guatemala, 12min. Take a look at Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations in Livingston, Guatemala (2013).

  • Garifuna Language and Dress, 2min. Belizean children learn a bit about Garifuna language and attire via Adele Ramos

  • Thatch Experience Teaser, 1min. Undiscovered paradise awaits you on this private island. Discover the real Belize at Thatch Caye, one of the only resorts offering overwater bungalows. Perfectly located along the Belize Barrier Reef and just a short boat ride away from excursions and adventures, this resort limits the number of guests to just 26 at a time, guaranteeing a unique experience. See all that Belize has to offer while staying on a private island. Whether you are spending the week with us, sailing to us, or just spending the day with us, Thatch Caye is waiting for you with a welcome drink in hand!

  • Belize Ambergris Caye San Pedro Trajet en Voiture de golf / Belize San Pedro Golf Drive, 2.5min.

  • Open Your Eyes Special EIGHT Year Anniversary 1, 31min.

  • Open Your Eyes Special EIGHT Year Anniversary 2, 25min.

  • Open Your Eyes Special EIGHT Year Anniversary 3, 32min.

  • Open Your Eyes Special EIGHT Year Anniversary 4, 21min.

  • Open Your Eyes Special EIGHT Year Anniversary 5, 9min.

  • Belize, 9min. Trip to Belize, Rio Frio Cave
  • © Ambergris Caye Belize Message Board