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Posted By: Marty Today's Belize News: April 2, 2017 - 04/02/17 12:47 PM


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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, and other specials


The San Pedro Sun

Policeman shooting in San Pedro
This is another video from an eye witness who documented the beginning of the altercation between island residents and members of the Quick Response Team of the San Pedro Police Formation. For many islanders, it's surreal what took place around 4:30AM this morning at the Central Park, when police officers failed to part a basic fight between two women, which almost escalated into a riot after officers used force on one of them. According to witnesses, a fight ensued inside Daddy Rock night club and police. In the video, a woman is being beaten on the ground after she was taken out of the club. According to residents she was handcuffed, while police officers beat and kicked her senseless. This is what prompted many residents to confront the police offers. Things got out of control when an object (bottle) was hurled at the officers who responded with warning shots.

Embassy of Belize in Brussels Promotes Belize's Cacao Industry in the 'Chocolate Capital of the World'
On March 28, 2017, the Embassy of Belize in Brussels hosted a promotional event aimed at generating interest in importing Belize's high-quality cacao beans and encouraging investments in the expansion of cacao production and processing in Belize. H.E. Dylan Vernon, Ambassador of Belize to Belgium and the European Union, made a presentation on the industry's history, capacity, and potential to important players in Belgium's chocolate industry, including some of Belgium's prominent chocolatiers.

SPJC students place 2nd in tertiary level business fair
In celebration of Coastal Zone Awareness Week 2017, San Pedro Junior College (SPJC) competed and placed second in in the first annual "Coastal Awareness" Tertiary Level competition on Thursday, March 23rd. SPJC's team members Damaris Morales, Dora Trejo, Kelcy Alamilla, Pablo Mendoza, and Heidi Cruz presented their project, "Sea Grass Eco Fuels". The competition was aimed to spread awareness, and showcase sustainable entrepreneurship. SPJC'S business proposal was about converting sea grass into raw material, which produces methane gas. With their motto 'Harvest today, harvest tomorrow; safer environment', the team explained that the seagrass is dried completely in the sun, transported in a can to decompose, and it then produces methane gas. Morales said that team's inspiration was derived from sargassum. "The sargassum accumulates on the island every year. It has created a lot of issues in our society, primarily its unpleasant stench. It also makes our beaches less attractive, and it destroys our seagrass beds, which affects our fish habitats," said Morales.

SPTC is revisiting plans for solar beach lights
The San Pedro Town Council, in collaboration with the San Pedro Police Department, will once again attempt to install solar lights along the beaches of San Pedro Town. The project was originally planned in March 2016, but went dormant due to lack of resources. Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott stated that the project is set to be revived. "I was recently in a meeting with Mayor Daniel Guerrero, where he brought up the initiative. Our plan is to restart the project as a safety measure to help us to deter crime. These lights are to be placed around the beaches, and will not only help improve the lighting conditions of the area, but reduce criminal activity," said Jemmott.

SP Lions to hold Annual Pancake Brunch with the Easter Bunny
On Saturday, April 8th the San Pedro Lion's Club will be hosting a pancake brunch with the Easter Bunny. From 9am until noon guests will enjoy a delicious pancake meal with sausage, fruit, fun pancake toppings, juice and coffee. Children's activities will include coloring, games, face painting, and more. There will also be great raffle prizes for children and adults to win. Parents are invited to snap a photo of their child with the Easter Bunny. The event will be held at the San Pedro Lion's Den. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

Author Sharine Jones-Weaver encourages all Belizean women to stand up against Domestic Violence
Once silenced by domestic violence, Belizean-American Author Sharine Jones-Weaver is now using her voice through her publication "Reflections of a Woman's Indiscretions" to reach the Belizean community. As an advocate for domestic violence and gender equality, Jones-Weaver seeks to spread awareness through her past experiences, while empowering women of Belize. Within her book, Jones-Weaver revealed that her decision to have an affair with another man stemmed from her marriage not meeting her fairytale expectations. What begins as a midsummer romance evolves into her nightmare; riddled with abuse and violence. In her quest to break free of this toxic relationship, she developed courage, left her abuser, and overcame the emotional and physical trauma.

Ambergris Today

New Video Shows Alleged Police Brutality During Morning Shooting In San Pedro
Island residents woke up this morning to shocking footage of an altercation that took place at Central Park, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize involving night club patrons and San Pedro Police officers. During the incident shots were fired by a police officer in which four bystanders were injured. San Pedro Police Department reported the shooting incident taking place between 4:15am and 4:30am on April 1, 2017 at Central Park. Investigations from the police department reveal that officers were performing duties at Central Park when a fight ensued between patrons who were leaving Daddy Rock night club, adjacent to the park. The police intervened, however the matter escalated and one of the officers fired shots from his issued firearm resulting in four persons being injured. The extent of the injuries have not yet been ascertained, but no one received major injuries, according to the police. Three people received injury on the foot and one to the eye.

Misc Belizean Sources

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Second annual Bird and Tilapia Festival
The second annual Bird and Tilapia Festival happening now at beautiful Crooked Tree Village. People enjoyed free birding tours and experience large congregations of waterbirds. Tilapia cook-off and live fish haul. Fun games and activities for the entire family.

Caye Caulker Village Council cleanup
Thank you to everyone who came out to participate in the clean up beach effort. Special Mentions to Ms Angie and the staff of Sports Bar and Mrs Alina and the Island Magic Staff.

Caye Caulker Clean up campaign going on

San Pedranos didn't run when shots were fired. Why?
It seems that there was a fight between two women on the main street of San Pedro Town after 4 a.m. Saturday April 1st. Instead of parting the fight in a civil manner, the Quick Response Team (QRT) decided to use force against the women. A video taken moments before the shooting shows the QRT beating one of the women. Residents allege the police officer beating the woman is QRT officer Jamal Madrill. Voices shouting "too effin chancey can be heard". Be aware profane language is used in the video. The beating of the woman according to several residents on the island who were at the scene is what prompted them to confront the police officers because they could not let the incident go. And that is why the officers were afraid, a bottle was thrown, and the shooting at the feet of residents occurred. It was clear that the residents, men and women would not run when QRT Officer Norman Coye shot at their feet nor did they run when QRT Officer Eduardo Magana shoved residents and began to fight with them.

QRT Cop shoot at least 15 rounds & 3 persons injured while another provokes fight with SP residents
It seems that there was a fight between two women on the main street of San Pedro Town after 4 a.m. near the Central Park. A crowd had left Daddy Rock and happened upon the police using brute force on the fighting women on Saturday April 1st. Instead of parting the fight in a civil manner, the Quick Response Team (QRT) decided to use force against the women. A video taken moments before the shooting shows the QRT beating one of the women. Voices shouting "too effin chancey can be heard". The beating of one woman, according to several residents on the island who were at the scene, is what prompted them to confront the police officers because they could not let the incident go. View beating at this link.

We want to congrats this students of Corner Stone High School for representing our Maya culture
Most of us in Northern Belize are from Yucatec Maya descent. Let's preserve our Maya culture and make this Yucatec Maya Movement grow in Northern Belize. Pictures courtesy of Ariane Correa Teck and students of Corner Stone.

Harriot Topsey Park Refurbishment Project
This morning, April 1st ,2017, the Rotaract Club of Belmopan completed the Harriot Topsey Park Refurbishment Project in Belmopan City. Assistance was provide by the Belmopan City Council.

Rotary Club of Corozal's first Raffle
Ticket sales have started. Most Rotarians have tickets and they will be available at Art in the Park April 22nd, May 13th, June 17th and our BIG drawing date July 15th. The motorcycle will be available for viewing at Caribbean Tire and at each Art in the Park event.

CJC Business Expo 2017
From the faculty, student body and staff of CJC, have a wonderful and enjoyable weekend! Thank you all for your support!

FANTASTIC! FANTASTIC CJC BUSINESS EXPO 2017
Success is never easy. It always comes under extreme duress, sacrifices and dedication. The Corozal Junior College faculty, administration, student body and staff, once again proved yesterday, that even under a scorching sun they were able to come on top as true champions in this wonderful Corozal Community. Thanks for sharing the early Easter spirit by the super wonderful Sparkle Giftshop students. The presentations of the coconut art, rustic furniture, varieties of Belizean arts and crafts, trinkets, the environment, recycling and science were exceptional! As every year, the foody section was impressive indeed. Participation from the business private sector, once again, shows the support and confidence of this great event. We take pleasure in covering events like these that seek to empower our Corozal youth. Thank you, to all the local financial institutions that came out in full support. There were many great deals!

Policeman shoots at people's feet at Central Park
Island residents woke up this morning to shocking footage of an altercation that took place at Central Park, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize involving night club patrons and San Pedro Police officers. During the incident shots were fired by a police officer in which four bystanders were injured.

Ombudsman launches new website
The office of the Ombudsman of Belize has recently launched a new website to facilitate complaints and queries from the public. The website can be found at www.ombudsman.gov.bz. It is completed with links to annual reports, legislations, complaint forms, Facebook link, and contact information. According to a press release from the Ombudsman's office, the newly-launched site offers a fresh new look, easy navigation, comprehensive information, links to relevant institutions, as well as filing complaints and online ratings.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Crazed cops terrorizes San Pedro, internal investigation underway
Four persons were injured as a result of the incident in which a crazed police officer fired shots at people's feet in the middle of downtown San Pedro, Belize's mainstay tourist destination. A video has surfaced online showing the disturbing ordeal. A police officer in casual wear, attached to the San Pedro police formation appears on camera armed and firing shots in the middle of a crowd of people on one of the main streets in the town. The incident happened this morning after 4:30 a.m. at the Central Park in San Pedro.

Guatemalans busted with gold in Chiquibul
Four Guatemalan gold panners were busted in the Chiquibul on Wednesday.The men have been identified as William Govanni Mangandil, Israel Garcia, Enrique Velis and Hermelindo Velis. According to reports, BDF personnel and FCD Rangers busted the men in a thatch camp on a hill.

Alleged husband killer out on bail
An alleged husband killer received bail in the Supreme Court yesterday.Genevia Estrada was charged one month ago with manslaughter for causing the death of her husband.

Renaissance Towers sold in auction
The famous Renaissance Towers on Newtown Barracks in Belize City was sold in an auction on Wednesday. It was reportedly sold for about $4.75 million dollars to Emil and Daniel Arguelles and other investors. The property was previously owned by businessman Luke Espat until it went into receivership.

Belize CitCo launches new app
Last night the Belize City Council held consultations with the city's residents at Battlefield park. Of all the updates provided, the most interesting was the announcement of a Belize City app which would allow anyone to search for businesses in the city. With the app, the public will be able to easily access key governmental agency or facilities.

Top cop sent to jail
The Deputy Officer Commanding the Stann Creek Police Formation, Mark Stevens, is serving his first week in prison. The top cop was reportedly sent to prison on a committal warrant on Monday. We are told that he owed a bank around $50,000.

Early morning shooting in San Pedro
Shortly after 4 this morning, there was a shooting at Central Park in San Pedro town. According to police reports, three persons were injured. A source told BBN that the injured persons were allegedly shot by a police officer.

Fuel goes up again!
As a part of government's strategy to collect more revenues, they have adjusted the cost of fuel for the 5th time this year.. The cost of Premium increase by more than 25 cents, from 10.44 per gallon to 10.79 per gallon.

Disorderly conduct lands Belmopan man in jail
Jerome Gill Jr. is currently in prison after he was refused bail yesterday in the Belmopan Magistrate Court. According to police reports, he was behaving disorderly with a firearm while under the influence of alcohol at the Double O's Bar in Belmopan.

Blogs

Affordable Healthcare with a Personal Touch in Belize
My husband, Marcos, and I moved to the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize four years ago with considerable knowledge of the country since we had made 12 trips here and were able to watch the country grow and change. Even so, being a tourist is quite different to actually living and working in a foreign country�we've learned many things since our arrival. One of my concerns before our move was about medical and dental care. I imagined I would need to return to the States or go to Mexico for decent care�I was wrong. There is national healthcare in Belize, which anyone can use. We can also afford private care that costs a fraction of what it does in the States. A visit with a specialist of any kind costs about $30, and you are given as much time as you need. My last visit with a specialist in the U.S. cost me $180 and I was seen for exactly 15 minutes. I recently saw a specialist, had an ultrasound, and a full blood screen in Belize, and the total cost was $315. Dentistry costs about half of U.S. prices, and sometimes less. In Belize, your doctor sees you as a person, not just a problem to be solved or an insurance policy to be charged. The atmosphere is relaxed, like a small-town U.S. doctor's office in the 1960s. When you visit a doctor here, you're part of the community. Your blood pressure is generally taken in the waiting room along with everybody else's, and you are either congratulated or perhaps scolded a bit right there.

New Direct Flight To Belize Adds New Route & Higher Level of Service
Trump Air IS BACK! For those of you not from the east coast of the US - I'm from NJ and this news was BIG! - Trump Shuttle, operating as Trump Air, flew from 1989 to 1992 as part of Eastern Air Lines. TA ran flights from Boston to Washington DC and NYC to Orlando. Their aircraft featured luxurious maple wood veneer, chrome seat belt latches and gold colored lavatory fixtures. After its demise, there were many who thought the Trump name would never grace the skies again. But during Trump's presidential campaign, his plane carried a message of hope�of renewed greatness to enthusiastic crowds gathered a airport hangar pep rallies around the United States. (April Fools)

International Sourcesizz

What to Do in the Rainforest in Belize
Westjet Magazine has another Belize article out. They answer the question with, 'stay in a jungle lodge, take a hike after dark, explore Mayan ruins and go cave tubing,' and while they miss about 50 other things, it's still correct.
Half the country of Belize is covered in lush, dense rainforest, which is populated with unique wildlife and features jungle lodges and Mayan ruins. Here are four ways to experience the rainforest. Much of the wildlife in the rainforest is nocturnal, so book a jungle hike after dark for your best shot at catching a glimpse. Jungle lodges and resorts like Chaa Creek, Black Rock Lodge and Caves Branch offer guided night hikes. Expect to be followed along the way by buzzing fireflies and encounter creatures such as red-eyed tree frogs, tarantulas, armadillo, snakes, wild boar, deer and spider monkeys.

Videos

  • Remembering Late Photographer Noel Escalante, 1min.

  • Say NO to cyber violence!, 1min. Join our campaign Be Bold for Change and Show Cyber Respect featuring Caye Caulker Ocean Academy students.

  • Residents claim abuse by police officers at this morning's shooting incident at Central Park, 2min. Police report three injured as shots fired by officers.

  • Spring Break Cruise 2017, 4min. Norwegian Getaway - Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya, and Cozumel

  • CAYE CAULKER. The Best Island in BELIZE., 10min. Let's take a tour around Caye Caulker. This small caribbean Island takes the best of the caribbean experience. Caye Caulker is a very comfortable island with many beaches, activities, restaurants and things to do but Caye Caulker is still a very small and peaceful community in the Caribbean.

  • HIKING MAYAN TEMPLES! Belize Travel Vlog, 3min. Had the incredible opportunity to travel to Belize for two weeks! Amazing hiking, snorkeling, and adventuring.

  • Flowers Bank -The Belize River, 2min.

  • The fisheries of Honduras and Belize, 9min. The Centre for Marine Ecology has a brand new way of tracking the fisheries of the Utila Cays, Bay Islands, Honduras and Caye Caulker, Belize... Check out this great piece created for National Geographic TV
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