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Posted By: Marty Today's Belize News: January 10, 2017 - 01/10/17 06:50 AM


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Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials


The San Pedro Sun

Belizeans still need a visa to travel to Canada
Reports on the internet that Canada had lifted visa requirements for Belizeans were quickly denied and clarified by Belize's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Canadian Consul in Belize City. The article in question, which was posted on a fake news site, 'CBN-TV.com,' stated that Belizeans traveling to Canada would no longer need a visitor's visa. The false report went so far as to state it was the new commitment Canada had with Belize for 2017, due to the great relations the two Commonwealth countries have. The news about the possibility of the visa waiver went viral, but is simply untrue. The office of the Canadian Consulate in Belize City told The Sun that there were unaware of any such visa waiver and as far as they were concerned, the visa requirement continues in effect. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Belize posted a message via their facebook page. "Belizeans please be advised that there is no truth in this article. Canada has not lifted visa requirements for Belizeans."

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week - Cold Front and Beautiful Sunsets
It may not look like it, but it's chilly in Belize. A cold front made its way across the country on Sunday, sending everyone into their storage room looking for warm clothes. With Christmas already gone, no one was expecting it to get this cold in January - it's about 70 degrees.

Bollywood's Nargis Fakhri's Beach Selfie in Belize
With a 4.8Mil following on Instagram and 2.26Mil following on Twitter, we are sure Nargis Fakir's posts on her social media pages will bring some publicity to Belize. She is an American model and actress, who mainly appears in Hindu films but a Bollywood celebrity nevertheless. On January 2, 2017, Nargis posted a beach selfie in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize that has her followers jealous. Online celebrity media followers were envious of Nargis as she "has been posting some rather interesting pictures from her beach holiday and having the time of her life basking in the sun". One headline read: Nargis Fakhri's beach selfie at Belize will give you vacation goals. Fakhri began her career as a model and appeared as a contestant in the The CW series America's Next Top Model; she made her acting debut in the 2011 romantic drama Rockstar.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

Inaugural Meeting of New Caye Caulker Traffic Control Committee
Minister of Transport Hon Edmond Castro was special guest at the opening of the inaugural meeting for the new Caye Caulker Traffic Control Committee. The Caye Caulker Traffic Control Committee has the responsibility and authority to vet applications for all vehicle licenses (mainly golf-carts) on the island, similar to the Traffic Control Committee on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Sitting on the new Caye Caulker Traffic Control Committee are Village Chairlady Enelda Rosado and one other member of the Village Council, Mr Miguel Angel Neal. Chairperson of the Traffic Control Committee is Mrs Ruth Staine Dawson, who is appointed by the Minister of Transport. Also sitting on the committee is the CEO in the Ministry of Transport, Ms Ruth Meighan; and the Chief Transport Officer, Mr Tirsio Galvez.

Fundraiser for Lizette Alamina Gutierrez
In the planning stages of a fundraiser for our very own Lizette Alamina Gutierrez, she attended CCRC School and held the title of Miss Caye Caulker. Lizette has been diagnosed with stage two cervical cancer and is in need of urgent medical attention in Guatemala. If you would like to assist with the fundraiser by assisting with the preparation of food, a cash or kind donation please kindly let me know. Lizette has been Mistress of Ceremony for many events on the island and is often on the island gracing us with her karaoke skills.

La Ruta Maya Canoe Race
It's that time of the year to start preparing for the La Ruta Maya Canoe Race. Three cheers to our very own Barracuda, Allie Johnstone, who brought Caye Caulker much glory in this race.

Ms. Sofia Paz passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Paiz family & friends on the passing of Ms. Sofia Paz. Ms. Sofia made San Pedro her home many years ago and made friends with everyone from her very popular fruit and vegetable shop on Barrier Reef Drive, "El Parawe." May her soul rest in peace.

R.I.P. "Miss" Dit
Today they bury her. She lived a long life. My fave memory of her is the home remedy advice she gave me when Shane Zaldivar was just a baby. RIP Tia Dit.

Channel 7

Killing in PG, Was it Belize City Beef?
2016 was the second most murderous year in Belize's history, and 2017 has started out on its own record pace. 7 murders were recorded in the first six days of the year, and #7 occurred not in the mean streets of Belize City, but in tranquil Punta Gorda. Well, it's not so tranquil anymore after an execution style murder took place in a much-trafficked area of town. The victim had just come out of jail, but a history of violence may have caught up with him. Here's the story with help from our colleagues at PGTV:... Jules Vasquez reporting: On Friday night at 7:25, Alex Palacio Jr became the 7th murder victim for 2017. The 35-year-old was killed on Santa Maria Street in Punta Gorda town - a shocking event for this quiet community. Shocking also for his family; his cousin says they are still struggling:

Father Says His Son Was Troubled By Threats
And while we spoke to Alex Palacio Jr.'s cousin in Belize City, PGTV spoke to his father, Alex Sr., this afternoon in Punta Gorda. His son had just left his home when the killers appeared. He says they had been lurking and his son was troubled:... Alex Palacio Sr., Father of Deceased: "He went home to his aunt's house. When leaving his aunt's house, I told him to hurry up so we can prepare tea. He said 'yes dad I'm coming back right now' but he never did come back. He left this house between here and that street there when he was shot. He ran down that street until he cold after he got shot. When you get cold you have to drop. It's there where he stayed." Reporter: "Did he say that anybody was threatening him? or did he say anything at all?" Alex Palacio Sr., Father of Deceased: "No, he told his sister in U.S.A that someone is threatening him so I think he was afraid maybe because I like to panic or he didn't want me to feel bad."

Man on Motorbike Killed in Explosive Hit And Run
And from murder in Punta Gorda, we turn now to the fatal traffic accident in Ladyville in which a man's motorcycle exploded and burnt him to death. He's 21 year-old Jamalsky Young, a Ladyville Resident who was on his way to work last night, sometime after 9 o'clock. He was on his motorbike when a hit and run driver crashed into him. The young man's motorbike erupted into flames while he lay unconscious and the driver sped off. Today, our news team went looking for answers in Ladyville, and Daniel Ortiz has that story: Daniel Ortiz reporting: 21 year-old Jamalski Young passed away here in Ladyville, right in front of Blues Bar. His body caught on fire after the motorcycle he was on exploded. Police believe that Young was driving to work at the Sky Gas Station, which is less than a quarter mile away.

Robbery Foiled Before It Happened By Cops' Sharp Intel.
Belize City Police were able to foil a robbery today after they intercepted a mini-van full of young men. It happened around 2:00 this afternoon when the cops say, the men planned to rob Northern Fishermen's Cooperative - only thing is the Co-op never even knew anything about a robbery. It seems the cops had major advance intelligence and were waiting for the men before they could pull off the robbery. They detained five suspects as well as a taxi driver at the scene, and recovered one 9mm handgun from the taxi. We'll have more on this tomorrow as they are all held pending charges.

Chetumal Returns to Normal
After one night of ruction on Thursday January fifth, Chetumal was back to normal this weekend. News reports from the Quintana Roo capital say that 32 businesses were damaged, most of them drug stores. And the drug stores were targeted because most businesses had closed early on Thursday due to riots in other parts of Mexico. 56 persons were detained in Chetumal and 11 - including one woman - are expected to be charged. But there have been no incidences of vandalism or unrest reported in Chetumal since early Fridaty morning. State police however are keeping a high and visible profile in the shopping malls and on Avenida Heroes (E-RO-ES). Police can be seen guarding department stores and main streets. Other businesses that were damaged by the vandalism have remained shuttered - and some have even welded those shutters closed while repairs are underway. Chetumal finished up its Tres Reyes holiday on Sunday - which is usually a time of major sales.

School Resumes For Real
The Ministry had their say, and the teachers had their way�school started in earnest today January ninth after teachers and students had their full Christmas vacation. This morning we made the rounds and it was business as usual, with teachers and students turning up en masse at all primary schools. While a few of them did show up last week, the numbers were far fewer and they were dismissed early. But today, school went right through, just as if the ministry and school managements hadn't even issued a directive telling everyone that school started on January third. So it now remains to be seen what happens next with the other two-planned make up days in April before the Easter break. Again, the ministry and school managements agreed on these days, but the unions have demanded to be a part of the decision making process. The school year must have 180 regular school days in every school year, and without the make up days, that mandatory minimum will not be met.

Chicki Blue and The Chinese Restaurant Owner
Wilfred "Chicky Blue" Nicholas, rose to fame as part of the Penta-Lakers basketball team as an elite-semi-pro baller. But tonight he's making the news after he got into a scuffle with the son of a Chinese restaurant-owner. That ended when the man chopped him in the head with what could have been either a machete or a meat cleaver. It happened on Friday night after the Green Jade Restaurant was closing. Nicholas and his family were celebrating an annual memorial for his deceased step-son who was killed in 2009. He went to the restaurant to buy food for his grandchildren, but Green Jade was closing for the night. The Chinese business owners say that they tried to turn him away, but he refused to leave, insisting in an aggressive manner that he be served. They say that he was trespassing. He, on the other hand, says that the Chinese restaurateurs disrespected him and shoved him, which led to the scuffle. Today, we spoke to his wife who was outraged the behavior of the business owner, who could have seriously injured Nicholas, or worse.

Multiple Stabs For Mai
And while Chicky Blue Nicholas got away with minor cut wounds, and a few missing dreadlocks, 30 year-old Jesus Mai, whose family is from the Ladyville area, is currently hospitalized in a critical condition. That's after 5 or so men jumped him in Lord's Bank Village on Friday night, and followed him all the way to the Lords Bank junction, where they stabbed him multiple times, leaving him to bleed out in a drain. His family, who sells fruits right across the street saw him severely injured, and they rushed in to help. Today, we spoke with his aunt, who was the first to try to get him help: Myrna Ramos - Aunt of Stabbing Victim: "Somebody came for me and told me that he was in the drain all stabbed up. So, I went and I saw him. He was in the drain, drowning in the drain, and we tried to drag him out, but the police stopped us from trying to get him out. But, I can't see my nephew drowning in the drain and hurting like that. So, I got some other people who helped me take him out from the drain, and that's how we got him into an ambulance. Then came the police, and police don't want you to move the body. But, I tried to help him, as quick as possible to take him out. He was seriously injured."

Another Rural Home Invasion
And the bad news out of Ladyville continues... On Thursday Steven Wade was visiting his girlfriend's home on Hibiscus Street in that village. While he was making his way from the bedroom to the kitchen he was confronted by a man wearing black clothes, a white mask and armed with handgun. The intruder then robbed them both of iPhones, assorted personal items and the keys for a white 2010 Ford Escape. The intruder then fled in the same vehicle. With that theft, the total value of all the stolen items comes up to just under $28,000. We note that a Ford Escape - presumably the same one - was found burnt to a crisp the next day near Lake Gardens which is not far from Ladyville. Also, we note that there was another home invasion on Thursday in Belize rural - this one happened outside Hattieville and the victim was an elderly gentleman.

Two Minors Are Suspects In Cabbie Shooting
There was a shooting yesterday on Police Street in Belize City. 24 year old Kyron Santiago was sitting inside his taxi on Police Street when two young men pulled up. One of them fired several shots at Santiago, hitting him in the lower back and right hand. Santiago was transported to the KHMH where he was admitted in a stable condition. Cops later discovered a .38 revolver believed to be used in the shooting, which led to the detention a 16 and 17 year old.

Bus and Truck Crash, Ten Injured
Ten people were injured in a collision between a Westline Bus and a cement truck on Saturday. According to reports, the cement truck reversed onto the George Price Highway and into the path of the passenger bus. Seven people received minor injuries, while three remain in critical condition at the KHMH. Investigations into the accident continue, and both drivers have been served Notices of Intended Prosecution.

Top Shelf Contraband
At around 6:30 on Saturday morning the Ladyville Police and Customs Department, acting on a tip, stopped and searched a Guerra bus at the Burrell Boom junction. After sweeping the bus they found 37 bottles of contraband liquor in a concealed compartment. The alcohol, which ranged from tequila and vodka to Bailey's and Kahlua was confiscated by Customs. The guilty parties were identified, and the case was settled out of court today. Customs says such settlements are covered by a confidentiality clause, so they cannot disclose details of the names. The liquor is believed to have originated in the free zone.

GOB Owes The Ashcroft Alliance Another $50M USD After US Supreme Court Denial
The government of Belize tonight finds itself owing the Ashcroft Alliance another 50 million US dollars. It's the result of a court hearing in the United States where this morning the US Supreme Court refused to hear Government's appeals of judgments in the cases of Belize v. BCB Holdings Limited et al. and Belize v. Belize Social Development Limited. According to a statement from Sidley Austin LLP - which represented BCB and BSDL, this victory clears the way for both companies to collect on the judgments which, including interest, is approximately U.S. $50 million dollars. Both judgments date back to a dispute that started in 2009 when the Barrow administration rejected the Musa Administration's Accommodation Agreement. The Ashcroft Alliance took it to arbitration, lost, and then it ended up in the US courts, where they also lost, and tried to appeal it all the way to the US Supreme Court. That's the final court of appeal in the US - and now that they won't hear it, the lead Litigator Benno Kimmelman told us via phone from New York what it means for the government of Belize:

West Street Fire In PG
On Friday evening Punta Gorda police responded to a house fire on West Street. There they found a small wooden structure with a zinc roof engulfed in flames. The house and all of its contents were completely destroyed. None of the two residents were in the house at the time, and the police and Fire Department are investigating.

Channel 5

U.S. Supreme Court Shuts Down Final Attempt to Avoid Arbitration Awards
The Government of Belize is on the hook for more than one hundred and twenty million dollars after the United States Supreme Court today declined to hear the petitions for [...]

Belize Moving Closer to Superbond 3.0?
Government will have to find a hundred and twenty million dollars even as Superbond renegotiations take place. But is Belize closer to obtaining debt relief from the Belize 2038 Bonds, [...]

Alexander Palacio Murdered in Punta Gorda
Weeks ago, Alexander Palacio was released from prison on parole for a manslaughter conviction. But his life was taken over the weekend in Punta Gorda where he was seeking refuge [...]

Police Stop Major Robbery Attempt at Northern Fishermen
Six persons are in detention this evening after police stopped an armed robbery in progress at the Northern Fisherman's Cooperative's offices on North Front Street in Belize City this afternoon. [...]

Why Did Chinese Restaurant Owner Chop "Chickie Blue"?
A well-known foreman at the Port of Belize escaped death after he was chopped twice to the head on Friday night. In Ladyville, the Nicholas family was having an annual [...]

Family Wonders Why Owner is Now Pressing Charges
Police came out to the scene within minutes because the incident occurred just around the corner from the Ladyville Police Station. An injured Nicholas and his wife were escorted to [...]

Schools Re-Open for Real; Teachers Will Say How They Want to Make Up Classes
"Free paper bun" for thousands of students countrywide on this Monday, after schools formally re-opened following a three-week holiday break. The Ministry of Education, with support from managers of schools, [...]

Jamalski Young's Horrific Death; Burns to Death after Explosive Traffic Collision
A Ladyville man lost his life in an accident in Ladyville village on Sunday night. He was heading to work when it is alleged that a vehicle was reversing on [...]

Passengers Injured When Cement Truck Hits Bus Accidentally
There was another accident, but fortunately there were no fatalities. It occurred at mile ten on the George Price Highway, and while no one perished, several persons suffered various degrees [...]

Couple Robbed at home in Ladyville; Robbers Set Stolen Ford Escape Afire
There was a home invasion in Ladyville just before midnight last Thursday on Hibiscus Street. Twenty-six-year-old Steven Wade reported to Police that while he was inside his girlfriend's house in [...]

Teenager Detained in Police Street Shooting
Police detained a seventeen year old minor of Belize City over the weekend. He may face charges in the attempted murder of Kyron Tyrell Santiago. On Sunday afternoon, Santiago was [...]

Cross-Border Jasmine Alert: Teen Kidnapped by Mexican Father
This Friday, thirteen-year-old Anaseily Gonzalez was allegedly kidnapped; her family believes it is by her Mexican father, forty-three-year-old Javier de la Cruz. De la Cruz was recently released from a [...]

Corozal Police Dropped Ball in Missing Person Investigation?
According to Menzies, the Jasmine Alert program is not as effective as intended. While anyone under eighteen years of age falls within the program, the police should immediately start investigations [...]

What Caused Fire in P.G.?
Two buildings went up in flames in Punta Gorda over the weekend; one was completely destroyed and the other partially damaged by the blaze. A couple who resided in one [...]

National Team Prepares for Central America in Sports Monday
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   {Feature including national team weekend friendly games; Weekend Warriors cycling race and C.Y.D.P. football match….}

Posted By: Marty Re: Today's Belize News: January 10, 2017 - 01/10/17 06:50 AM

CTV3

Was Fetus Aborted In Church Bathroom In Patchakan Village?
There is a very strange report coming from Patchakan Village today. On Sunday afternoon, as the administrators of the Catholic Church in the community were cleaning up the compound after holding a Patron Saint Day activity the day before, they discovered heavy blood stains inside the latrine. The latrine is located outside the Church building but on the compound. According to the administrators who spoke to us off-camera, they got alarmed and alerted the Police. The Police arrived to investigate but could not find anything that would point to the cause of the gruesome scene. Rumours have since spread like wildfire that a fetus was aborted and found at the latrine, so we went to investigate and when we spoke to the Church administrators, they strongly denied that anything like that happened.

High Speed Chase Leads To Suspected Marijuana
In Friday's newscast we reported on the drug trafficking case being investigated by police which involved a high speed chase between cops and this grey Jeep in the village of Trial Farm. As mentioned on Friday, Orange Walk Police intercepted the vehicle which was speeding, and after the driver of the vehicle did not pull over when asked to do so, authorities fired a single warning shot before the car came to a stop. Three male individuals then exited the vehicle and attempted to escape into some nearby bushes but were intercepted by police. Along with the three male persons who were later identified as, thirty two year old Junior Triminio, nineteen year old Albert Vargas and nineteen year old Jose Medina, police discovered a large travelling bag which contained five parcels of suspected cannabis. The drugs along with all three individuals, who are no strangers to police, were transported to the Orange Walk Police station where the drugs were processed and weighted amounting to a total of 4, 890 grams. All men were later charged with a single charge of Possession of a controlled drug with the intent to supply.

Appeal Denied Belize One Hundred Million In The Hole
Belize today suffered a major loss and setback in international litigation against the Ashcroft Alliance. Back in December, the United States' acting Solicitor General, Ian Ger-sheng-orn advised the US Supreme Court to refuse to hear an appeal that the Government of Belize had ask to file so it would not have to pay out an original Belize sum of 38 million dollars to the Ashcroft Alliance, or failing that, have Belize assets in the United States seized. The award given by the District Court of Colombia and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit was granted in 2009 for the company Belize Social Development limited and in a second matter, for BCB Holdings, accrued interest now puts the figure roughly at 100 million Belize dollars. Senior counsel Eamon Courtenay who has represented Ashcroft against the Government of Belize before told the media on December 16TH what he knew of this case although he is not a part of the current litigation team.

Former Immigration Director Pushed For Answers
On Wednesday January 11th, the Senate Select Committee hearings investigating the multitude of irregularities at the Visa, Passport and Nationality sections of the Ministry of Immigration which were cited in the Auditor General's special audit report will resume in Belmopan. Former Director Maria Marin, who served in various senior positions between 2009 and 2016, will continue to testify and provide answers to the questions put forward by the Committee. Last week Marin took the witness chair for the first time and admitted that a number of things were not going right at the Ministry. When Marin takes the seat once more in two days, she is expected to provide details on a list of Ministers who were constantly intervening in various immigration processes. Marin explained at the last hearing that the list was compiled simply for information purposes but Committee Member Senator Eamon Courtenay did not buy that rationale.

Orange Walkena Headed To Panama
El Proyecto Lagartija Centro America is an association which is comprised of professional actors and actresses who conduct several workshops and activities in the field of drama. The main objective of the group is to transform adversities into events and implement these practices so as to strengthen the theatre or what is commonly known as the art of acting. The project was born as a result of the el 'El Karomato Project' which offered training sessions for drama within the Central American region. Though the project only lasted a period of three years, some it's participants took the initiative of organizing the now existing El Proyecto Lagartija Centro America which includes Belize. Every year, the asamblea or annual general meeting is held in a Central American country to discuss important matters including future activities and finance. This year it is being held in Panama and representing Belize are Nucleo for the Proyecto Lagartija Belize Beverly Swasey and Orange Walk's very own Florencia Loyola Castillo who is the Activities Coordinator for the Belize Association for the Development of Arts (BADA).

Bus Driver And Conductor Held Up By Armed Robbers
Armed robbers held up a Valencia bus driver and conductor in Corozal Town last night. The bus had arrived in Corozal Town on its regular schedule about 8:20pm and the bus driver 45 year old Carlos Canelo had parked the bus on 6th Street South, when out of the darkness out came two male persons, one who pointed what appeared to be a pistol at him and his co-worker Shamir Sanker. The armed male person demanded money and took a purse containing the day's proceeds totalling about $860. Reliable sources tell us that at that point, the bus owner was also in the area and he pulled out his licensed weapon and fired at the robbers before they escaped by running away.

Police Suspect Child Molester Abducted Thirteen Year Old
Local authorities are tonight asking for your help in locating 13 year old Anaseily Gonzalez, who was last seen on Friday, December 6th boarding a bus to her home village of Chunox in the Corozal District. It is alleged that the teen was kidnapped by her father, Javier De La Cruz, a Mexican national who is a known Child Molester. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male with dark brown eyes and straight black hair and is believed to have travelled to Orange Walk along with Anaseily in a navy blue taxi. Police suspect De La Cruz has either crossed the Rio Hondo and is now in La Union, a small Mexican community located along the Rio Hondo or has made his way to Chetumal Quintana Roo.

LOVE FM

US Court of Appeal Orders Belize to Pay Up M$50US
Tonight the Government of Belize's appeal to have a fifty million US dollar award struck out has been denied by the US Court of Appeal. This award came about back in 2009 when the London Court of International Arbitration ruled in favor of the Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited, formerly BCB Holdings, against the Government of [�]

Young Man Killed in Hit and Run in Rural Belize
Twenty one year old Jamalski Young died on Sunday night. He was on a motorcycle heading to work when he was hit by a vehicle, causing the motorcycle to burst into flames. The driver sped off and Young died on the scene. Hipolito Novelo reports.

Belama Man Shot in the Head on Boulevard
A shooting incident shortly before five o'clock this evening has left 30-year-old Germaine Villanueva clinging to life at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Reports are that Villanueva of a Belama address was walking on Central American Boulevard when he was shot once to the head. He was transported to the KHMH for medical attention.

Punta Gorda Records First Murder for 2017
The first murder in the Toledo District was recorded this past Friday. Thirty four year old Alexander Eric Palacio Jr. was shot and killed while on Santa Maria Street. Police believe that two men crept up Palacio from the rear and blasted several shots at him. He was hit once to the back and died [�]

Passenger Bus and Truck Involved in Highway Collision
Several persons were injured after a truck and a passenger bus were involved in an accident on Saturday evening. Police say that it happened on Mile 10 of the George Price Highway at around 5:15pm. Reports are that a truck carrying cement blocks reversed unto the highway and into a Westline Passenger bus. Ten persons [�]

Shoman Speaks of an Uncertain Economy, Poverty, Fears and Politics
Attorney-at-Law, Lisa Shoman is a Belizean woman who has played the role of an Ambassador, a Senator and Cabinet Minister among others. She is a well-known member of the People's United Party and is known to be very vocal on social media when it comes to politics and governance issues. Today, she was a guest [�]

Past Senator Speaks of 13th Senator: Expectations, Implications and Participation
Tomorrow, Belize will see history unfold as the 13th Senator will be elected for the first time, representing non-governmental organizations. The relevance of having a 13th Senator added to a group of legislators that many have termed as a rubber stamp on Bills and Motions brought from the House of Representatives. Past PUP Senator spoke [�]

SATIIM's Concern Continues over Guatemalan Poachers
The Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) is expressing growing concern over Guatemalan encroachers in southern Belize. According to the Executive Director, Froyla Tzalam, the situation is getting worse, as she believes that Guatemalans are crossing the river and raiding Belize's supply of the comfrey plant. FROYLA TZALAM " Such concerns have also been [�]

Minister Speaks of Upping the Enforcement of Transport Laws
The closure of 2016 and the start of 2017 have seen multiple road traffic incidents that have proven fatal. Unless you are actually on the scene to witness first-hand the circumstances leading to the incident, no one can ever really know what transpired. It is a situation where prevention is crucial on the thoroughfares in [�]

Forbes Weighs in on Mexico's Energy Costs
Last week we told you of the uprising that ensued in neighboring Mexico following a hike in fuel and energy costs. The price hike was implemented at the start of the New Year and was met with much resistance by the Mexicans as it even caught the attention of international agencies. Forbes, an American business [�]

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Another man shot in Belize City
Reports reaching our newsroom is that a shooting occurred tonight near 88 store located on Central American Boulevard in Belize City. A man was reportedly shot to the head and is listed in a critical condition at the KHMH. Details are still forthcoming. © [�]

Missing Bullet tree man found
According to police reports, 44-year-old Ricardo Manuel Altamirano who was reported missing by his common law wife, has been found. Altamirano was found near the Bullet Tree Road Checkpoint on Sunday, January 8 and has returned home in good health. © 2017, www.breakingbelizenews.com. This [�]

Belize City cops foil robbery attempt at Northern Fishermen Cooperatives
Five men attempted to rob the Northern Fishermen Cooperatives in Belize City after 2:00 p.m. today but quick police response foiled the attempt and officers took the men along with a taxi driver into custody. It was reported earlier that the men had stormed Carla's [�]

Corozal police are faced with the first robbery for the new year.
According to police, 45-year-old Carlos Canelo, a bus driver of Corozal Town reported that on Sunday at 8:20 p.m., he and his coworker Shamir Sanker arrived at 6th Street South, Corozal Town. The men reportedly parked their Valencia Bus in front of the address when they [�]

Bullet Tree man reported missing
San Ignacio police are reporting the case of a Bullet Tree resident gone missing.Suselie Auraluz Guerra, 28, reported to police, that the last time she spoke to her common law husband, Ricardo Manuel Altamirano, 44, was at 12:47 p.m. on Saturday. He had called informing [�]

Edmond Castro visits fire station, post and transport offices in Caye Caulker
On a recent trip to Caye Caulker, Minister of Transport and NEMO Edmond Castro took the opportunity to visit offices responsible for public services which fall within his cabinet portfolio. Those include the Fire Department, Post Office and Transport Office. Castro met with personnel [�]

San Ignacio man to be charged for drug trafficking
On Saturday night January 7, around 8:20, San Ignacio Police conducted a search at a residence in San Ignacio where officers found 345 grams of cannabis inside a black plastic bag. Police have since detained 30-year-old Amiel Topsey of San Ignacio pending charges of [�]

Motorcycle rider hit by car, burned to death
A Ladyville man was knocked down in a case of hit and run between miles 8 and 9 on the Philip Goldson highway last night. The incident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. when police saw 21-year-old Jamalski Young, a resident of Ladyville, burning to [�]

Inaugural meeting of new Caye Caulker Traffic Control Committee
Transport Minister Edmond Castro was the special guest at the opening of the inaugural meeting for the new Caye Caulker Traffic Control Committee. The Caye Caulker Traffic Control Committee has the responsibility and authority of vetting applications for all vehicle licenses (mainly golf-carts) on [�]

NEMO Minister delivers houses to hurricane victims in Caye Caulker
NEMO Minister Edmond Castro has handed over houses to hurricane victims in Caye Caulker. The houses are among over 300 constructed countrywide by the Government of Belize through the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) as part of its rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of [�]

Blogs

Antigua, Guatemala: The Sights and Shopping of this Gorgeous Colonial City
I was in Antigua, Guatemala for 5 days and 5 nights and I can't wait to go back. In fact, I'll stop back there for a few hours on my way to Guatemala City for my flight home. It's so beautiful, so manageable, filled with beautiful shopping, food, coffee, people, VIEWS, people, cultures, art, churches�the faded pastels of the buildings, the vibrant colors of the art and fabrics�I couldn't get enough. All you need are some sturdy shoes, the ability to simultaneously look down (at the wildly uneven sidewalks and cobbles stone) and all around (at the gorgeousness of every single building) and you will do just fine. Getting from Flores to Antigua. There are two "best" options. I had no time or energy for chicken buses. My options were a flight - from Flores to Guatemala City runs about $100-125USD one way and takes an hour. Antigua is a 30 minute taxi ride away - 200-250Q or about $30-35US or a shuttle ride or bus for cheaper. You can also do what I did and take the overnight bus. Linea Dorada runs two overnight buses from Flores to Guatemala City - 830pm and 9pm. Easiest just to ask at the local travel agents or your hotel for information. It cost me $55US for the TOP CLASS first floor. Huge lazyboy type seats - only 9 on the entire level. You can pay about $8US less to ride with 20+ others in much less comfortable seats.

New Year = New Adventures! Here's to 2017
Just like that 2016 is over. 2017 welcomes us with open arms, with the opportunity to make new memories and live exciting new experiences. A new year often sees us making resolutions, challenging ourselves to add to the storybook of our lives. There is no better way to do that than creating a list of fun/in Belize. Call it your Belize Bucket List! 1. Dive/snorkel the Blue Hole: This is an easy one, after all who doesn't want to visit one of the top aquatic destinations in the world? The collapsed sink hole is visited by thousands each year who marvel at its complex structure and amazing marine life. We want you to enjoy that too!

International Sourcesizz

Belize must take a tougher stand against Guatemala
For the Guatemalan Congress to pass laws to have jurisdiction over our land, sea and territory is a gross violation of international law. We should tell the president and government of Guatemala to void the laws within 30 Days. Failure to act within this time period will result in our government taking further actions, which will include: 1. Suspend diplomatic ties with Guatemala until the laws are revoked. 2. Recall our ambassador to Guatemalan and ask that their ambassador to Belize be recalled as well. 3. File a protest with the UN Security Council and request a hearing on this matter immediately. 4. Take our case against Guatemala on our own to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for all the violations they have and are still committing against us, without waiting for a referendum to be held in both countries to be approved.

Videos

  • San Pedro residents and Oceana Belize, joined hands together, 4min. Voicing out their opinion against offshore oil exploration during a public meeting held in San Pedro Town.

  • SCUBA Diving - Belize, 1min. Promotional video for Scuba diving in Belize!

  • Cultural Affinity Inc. (Belize Project), 3min. This video is filled with love, laughter and Cultural Affinity.

  • Why "Make-Up Week" Failed, According to Teachers' Union, 52min.

  • Belize, 2min. Here's the last leg of my 2016 trip with my sister, in San Pedro on the island Ambergris Caye. This footage is only about 2 days of our week stay in Belize because we were stuck in the aftermath of Hurricane Earl for a while with no electricity. Still one of the best experiences.

  • Belize Now - December 2, 2016, 33min. 1. Ministry of Defence Discusses National Defence Strategy 0:38 - 7:34. 2. Ministry of Public Service Provides Customer Service Training 7:35 - 13:02. 3. Beltraide Launches New Campaign to Boost Investment Generation 15:56 - 21:29. 4. A Taste of Indonesia 21:30 - 23:50. In Case You Missed It (#ICYMI). 1. 16 Days of Activism Launched 25:57 - 31:06. 2. World Mourns Passing of Fidel Castro 31:07 - 32:15

  • Belize Now - December 9, 2016, 30min. 1. Belize Signs UNCAC 0:38 - 4:14 2. Belize-Chile Political Dialogue Seminar 4:17 - 9:00 3. Minister of Defence Concludes BDF Tour 9:01 - 14:38 4. UN Multi-Country Development Framework Launched in Belize 17:30 - 19:24 5. New Quarantine Facility at Corozal Northern Border 19:25 - 24:30 In Case You Missed It (#ICYMI) 1. Santa Elena Sports Complex Inaugurated 26:37 - 28:31 2. BDF Lieutenant Receives Silver Medal Award 28:32 - 29:10

  • Dolphin Research in Belize with HelloOcean and The Moorings, 4.5min.

  • Belize Now - November 17, 2016, 26min. 1. Tourism Boost/Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport Inauguration 0:44 -7:00 2. Belize Crime Observatory 9:59 - 14:52 3. HPV Vaccination Program Launch 14:53 - 18:50 4. Road Safety Unit Promotes Proper Roundabout Usage 18:52 - 20:16 In Case You Missed It (#ICYMI) 1. Court Vindicates GOB Takeover of IMMARBE and IBC Registries 23:34 - 24:36 2. Laing Building Dedication 24:37 - 25:03 3. New Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize 25:06 - 25:27

  • OLD HABITS DIE HARD BUT CHANGE WE MUST, 8min.

  • Central Health Region - Health Bulletin 2016, 24min.

  • Resolution Week - Personal Branding (Making oneself marketable), 31min.

  • Belize Now - December 16, 2016, 26min. 1. Prime Minister Announces Changes to the Cabinet 0:37 - 3:07 2. FIU and World Bank Host Money Laundering Risk Assessment Workshop 3:08 - 5:41 3. Organizations Receive Grants through the Chiquibul Forest Investment Initiative 8:33 - 13:03 4. Final Nationality Swearing in Ceremony for 2016 13:04 - 15:18 5. Ms. Belize Prepares for Miss Universe Pageant 15:20 - 19:58 In Case You Missed It (#ICYMI) 1. GOB Receives Prince Michael Road Safety Award 22:05 - 22:53 2. Carl Ramos Stadium Inaugurated 22:54 - 22:05

  • Belize 2017, 5min.

  • Tour of Beautiful Belize, 5min. A bus tour around the beautiful Tropical Country of Belize. Enjoy.

  • Go to Belize, 4.5min. Amazing drone footage and underwater videography documenting one families unbelizable vacation. Jungles, Mayan ritual caves, Crystal blue waters and some of the best dive sites in the world. Watch for Scuba Santa.

  • Harvest Caye Preview ~ Behind-the-Scenes: Belize Destination ~ Norwegian Cruise Line [4K Ultra HD], 4.5min. Visit Norwegian Cruise Line's new Harvest Caye destination in Belize and the port's marina, shopping village, pier entrance, nature center, kid's splash park, pool, LandShark Bar & Grill, beach, beach villas, lagoon, flighthouse and zip-lining.

  • Casanova- Dub For Free | Drake For Free Remix, 2min.
  • © Ambergris Caye Belize Message Board