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The San Pedro Sun
Ambergris Caye's Madison Edwards and conservationist Luz Hunter get Ocean Hero Award
At the sixth annual Ocean Hero Award organized by Oceana in Belize, two outstanding Belizeans were awarded with the prestigious award on Saturday, September 30th, at the Ramada Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City. The two recipients are career tour guide and conservation educator Luz Hunter from Burrell Boom in the Belize District, and 11-year-old student, Madison Edwards from Ambergris Caye. Both were recognized for their exceptional efforts in conserving Belize's marine resources, the environment and its creatures for future generations to come.
Conch Season officially opens
On Sunday, October 1st, the 2017-2018 fishing season of the Queen Conch (Strombus Gigas) officially opened. The season had been closed for the past three months since June. Conch represents a significant source of revenue for traditional fishermen on Ambergris Caye and across the country, which generates millions of dollars to the Belizean economy. The season usually runs from the 1st October until June 30th of the following year, however the season can close earlier if the conch quota is met before the end date. The BFD takes this opportunity to advise the general public that the Queen Conch shell should exceed seven inches in length, and that establishments should not have diced conch meat in their possession. Also they remind that conch flesh that has been processed as market clean, the weight should exceed three ounces, while filleted flesh which is completely processed white meat, should exceed 2.75 ounces. According to the Fisheries Department, penalties will be levied against failure to follow these regulations.
Belize Participates at Belgium's First International Day of Cacao & Chocolate
Belize's cacao and chocolate industry was highlighted at the inaugural Belgian edition of the International Day of Cacao and Chocolate in Brussels, Belgium on 1st October, 2017. The Embassy of Belize in Brussels and the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) joined forces to represent Belize at the event in the center of Brussels, long acknowledged as a chocolate capital of the world. In addition to a successful booth showcasing a variety of Belize's cacao and chocolate products, a special presentation on the trade and investment potential of Belize's cacao industry was made by the Ambassador of Belize to Belgium, H.E. Dylan Vernon, and BelizeINVEST Manager of Investment Generation at BELTRAIDE, Mr. Hero Balani.
The purpose of the day was to bring together cacao growers and chocolatiers to share experiences and ideas on how these key actors can work closer together in the cacao value chain. Hundreds of chocolatiers, cacao importers, and chocolate aficionados attended the event, as did Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Didier Reynders. The guests had the opportunity to view booths and attend presentations on a range of themes, including the bean-to-bar concept, environmental aspects of cacao cultivation, the health benefits of chocolate, and investment possibilities in producer countries. Apart from Belize, six other countries, mostly from Central America, showcased booths.
Ambergris Today
Oceana Announces Belize's 2017 Ocean Hero Award Winners
San Pedro Student Madison Edwards and Tour Guide Luz Hunter exemplify heroic spirit - On Saturday, September 30, 2017, Oceana formally recognized two Belizeans as the 2017 Ocean Heroes. They are eleven-year-old student Madison Edwards and career tour guide and conservation educator, Luz Hunter.
Hunter has been exploring the wilds of Belize most of her life. Her youthful awareness of respect for wildlife and the importance of the sustainable use for the marine environment led her to a career in the tourism industry. Over the last three decades, Luz has earned the respect of both local and international university professors and industry regulators who rely on her encyclopedic knowledge of the local flora and fauna to educate students as well as fellow Belizeans working towards tour guides licenses.
Belize Participates At Belgium's First International Day Of Cacao & Chocolate
Belize's cacao and chocolate industry was highlighted at the inaugural Belgian edition of the International Day of Cacao and Chocolate in Brussels, Belgium on October 1, 2017. The Embassy of Belize in Brussels and the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) joined forces to represent Belize at the event in the center of Brussels, long acknowledged as a chocolate capital of the world.
Belize Will Endorse Establishment Of Ray Sanctuary During Shark Workshop
The Belize Fisheries Department in partnership with the Florida International University, the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit and with the support of the Central American Fisheries and Aquaculture Organization (OSPESCA) is pleased to announce some recent and significant achievements pertaining to the Sharks and Rays management and conservation initiatives in Belize.
1. A National Shark Working Group (NSWG) that was first established in 2012 was reactivated in 2016 and was given the responsibility for the revision and updating of the National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA - Sharks).
Misc Belizean Sources
SuperHeroes, Weekend fun at Kids Planet
All children ages 5 to 13 years are invited. For more information contact Sagebrush's office at 632-7015.
National Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons
International Day of Older Persons, October 1st, is celebrated as a day to acknowledge, honor and re-commit our support to older persons around the world and in our country. This year's theme: "Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society;" is about enabling and expanding the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societies at large. It focuses on the pathways that support full and effective participation in old age, in accordance with old persons' basic rights, needs, and preferences.
In Celebration of International Day of Older Persons, the National Council on Ageing is pleased to be hosting the first National Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons on October 5th, 2017. The National Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons will bring together professionals from different sectors to discuss the rights of older persons, economic security, age-friendly health care and social support highlighting the crucial role of an ageing population in Belize's development.
Stakeholder Consultations Revised Standard for Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce hereby informs the general public that notice is hereby given under Section 4(1) of the Standards (Preparation and Declaration) Regulations, 1997 that it proposes to recommend to the Standards Advisory Council that the following draft standard be declared compulsory Belize Standard:
1. The Belize National Standard Specification for Labelling Part 3: Labelling of Pre-packaged Food.
Stakeholder consultation sessions will subsequently be held during the following dates with each session commencing at 8:30 am to 12:00 noon. Stakeholders are to note relevant session in proximity to their establishment.
See & Taste Belize 2017
Sparks will fly with this newcomer to See & Taste Belize 2017! Chef Luzmilda Montero trained by master Chef, Mrs. Susana Eiley, owner of the famous El Fogon Restaurant in San Pedro. Known for its "fiya hart" or fire pit cooking, which adds an earthy smoky flavor to their cooking, El Fogon Restaurant brings back fond memories of the way Belizeans used to cook (today a dying art). Chef Luzmilda will be impressing us with a favorite Belizean snack, Salbutes (crispy corn tortilla with chicken) as well as her scrumptious fish balls on coconut rice and tomato sauce!!!
New restaurant on Caye Caulker, Blue Beard French Restaurant
Hello every body! We are waiting for you today for the opening !! From 08am to 10pm.
Come to discover ours 3 formulas for the breakfast , and our original menu made from France. Everyone is welcome!!
We thanks a lot all persons at Belize who help us for this adventure!
CENTRAL AMERICA & MEXICO INDEPENDENCE EVE 2017
30 photos...
Poets Corner: Independence
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez.
Is any country really independent?
International relations suggests this all nonsense
We are interdependent in essence
This is quite essential for our existence
International trade has become the formula for our subsistence
Land and territory is the source of protest and resistance
A country's independence
Is not solely dependent
On any government
But on the citizens commitments
To contribute to their national development
And their communal sustenance
Like the Mennonites and Mayas for instance
Miss America Latina Del Mundo BELIZE 2017/2018
Miss America Latina Del Mundo BELIZE 2017/2018 is working arduously, committed and dedicated on rehearsals dressed by American Fashion Distributors . A heartfelt thank you to the proprietor and staff of AFD. Thank you once again for accompanying me through yet another journey!
Nat'l Garifuna Council of Belize 2nd Annual Black, White, & Yellow Gala
October 7th, 8pm-2am, Ecumenical Auditorium
Miss America Latina del Mundo 2017
The first approach to our beautiful delegates arriving from Latin America to Huatulco, Oaxaca, Barcel� Huatulco Beach, the home of Miss America Latina del Mundo 2017.
The Flags of the Maya World(El Mundo Maya)
El Mundo Maya include Honduras,Belize,Salvador,Guatemala and Mexico. Belize is being represented by this Maya warriors from Ek Balam team of Yo Creek ,Orange Walk. Poktapok is our Ancient Maya sport .Los descendientes de los pueblos originarios del Mundo Maya estamos Vivos ,estamos aqui
SJCJC Wavemakers
Group photo
Welcoming our Maya warriors of Yo Creek village(Orange Walk),who are champions of El Mundo Maya mundial de PoktaPok . We are so proud of you Guys !!!! Kux'ano'on (we are alive)!!!!
Kelly McGuire in San Pedro
The fun begins this week for our 1st Group trip to Belize with 50+ people attending this year. I arrive on island today and will be finalizing the last minute details. Thank you to everyone that will be attending this year. It's going to be a great time, with shows, golf cart tour, cruise/snorkel trip and much more.
San Pedro Intermagia Magic Show
Today and tomorrow!
2017 Coastal and River Cleanup
Oceana Belize would like to express a huge "THANK YOU" to our Wavemakers and all the sensational Belizeans from across the country who came out on September 30th, 2017 to participate in the Annual Coastal and River Cleanup as a part of the global initiative: International Coastal Cleanup. Cleanups were carried out throughout various locations in Corozal, Sarteneja, Caye Caulker, Orange Walk, Belize City, Belmopan, Cayo, Placencia, Hopkins, Georgetown, Independence, Golden Stream, Big Falls, and Punta Gorda. Those postponed due to bad weather will be happening in the coming weeks.
For the past 26 years, Belize has participated in this event in an effort to rid our country of the pollutants that affect our waterways, coasts and marine environment. Every year through the coordination efforts of the Scouts of Belize Association, Oceana Belize, environmental clubs, organizations, and individuals across the country, hundreds of volunteers take to the beach, riverbanks, canals and lagoons to collect and remove garbage and other forms of debris from Belize's waterways. Every article of trash is recorded and the information is sent to the Ocean Conservancy to document the state of marine debris in Belizean waters.
Channel 7
Late Evening Murder In Belize City
There were multiple shootings this weekend in which 6 people were injured, and one of them died. We'll tell you all about those incidents, but we start tonight with the breaking story of a late evening murder on the city's Southside. It happened near the La Croix Boulevard Area in an alley off Linda Vista and Police Streets. That's where Dorian Sutherland, was shot and killed.
Not much is known at this time, and our news team just returned from the scene after speaking to Assistant Superintendent Alejandro Cowo about the preliminary information they have:
Birthday Party Brawl Leads To Murder
A man was shot and killed in an after party clash early Sunday morning. 31 year old Daniel Anderson and a group of friends were at a birthday celebration at Bismark Club. There were a number of confrontations that erupted after the party, and it culminated in a shooting outside the club which left Anderson dead. Courtney Weatherburne has more.
Ivarine Gomez, Sister Of Deceased:
"All I know he was at some party with some friend at that place Bismark and something happened, they came out of the club they were all getting ready to go home and a gunman came and started shooting in the crowd, that's all I got."
Courtney Weatherburne reporting:
And it's in that early Sunday morning shooting that Gomez's brother Daniel Anderson was struck to the chest. Anderson, his girlfriend and a group of friends were at Bismark Club celebrating Alex Underwood's 28th birthday.
Two Charged For Killing Bullet Tree Butcher
On Friday, we took you to mile 18 on the Hummingbird Highway, where 46 year old Luis Sierra's family was looking for him. They found the butcher from Bullett Tree on a hillside, dead from a gunshot wound, and Dangriga police wrapped up the case with lightning quickness. They charged two suspects, plus they got the alleged murder weapon, with the expended shell still inside.
The suspects are the same 2 suspects we told you about on Friday, but tonight, they have been charged so we can release their names; they are 34 year-old Saul Campos, and 31 year-old Lyndon Lewis.
Tonight, Daniel Ortiz looks at how the two allegedly lured Sierra to his death.
Marcel's Murderer To Court
And the other alleged butcher killer was arraigned in Belize City today. 18 year old Hattieville resident Blake Lewis is accused of killing 62 year old Butcher Marcel Samuels. It happened on Friday on the Butcher Burns Road off mile 19 on the George Price Highway. Before 6:00 am, Samuels and his wife had just gotten off the bus to walk into their farm, when they were ambushed by two men on motorbike. One of them pulled up and shot Samuels in the head, while the other lashed his wife with a machete.
Two Shot By Driveby On George Street
At the top of the news we told you about Sunday's murder - in which two other persons were shot. But, all told, a total of 6 persons were shot in the city over the weekend. Two of them received their injuries on Saturday evening. They are 26 year old Emerson Faber and 28 year old Franklin Heusner. Police say they were hanging out on George Street when a gunman drove up in a vehicle and opened fire on them. Faber was hit to the right calf and Heusner was struck to his lower back. No one has been detained.
Man Treated and Released in Yabra Shooting
And another man was shot on Queen Charlotte Street on Saturday night around 10:25. It happened on the Yabra bridge - right up the street from Bismark Club where Anderson was killed on Sunday morning. In the Saturday night shooting, 22 year old Justin Coote told police that as he was heading down the street a man jumped out from a bushy lot and shot him to his upper back. The gunman got away and Coot was treated and released.
Life Somehow Spared in Sandhill Pileup
There was a major traffic accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway on Saturday, which left two vehicles completely wrecked, and put 3 people in the hospital.
It happened within Sandhill between miles 14 and 15 at 10:00 am.
Police say that 65 year-old Avril Alexander was northbound in a red Ford pickup when she lost control and slammed into an oncoming car, driven by 25 year-old Bayardo Orozco, from Ladyville.
The front end of the car was destroyed and Orozco suffered a broken right leg, and a cut to his right forearm. Avril Alexander complained of pain all over her body, and her passenger, 61 year-old Arnufo Manzanero, told emergency personnel that his was experiencing pain in the chest area.
Bad News From Uncle Sam For Former GSU Commander
We haven't heard much from former GSU Commander, Mark Flowers since he was released on bail in July of 2016. He had been charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.
Not long after that, Flowers caught a stroke and he has been partially paralyzed since. He was hoping to catch a break on Friday when he was scheduled to fly out of the country to go to the US and seek treatment. But, it never happened because he wasn't allowed on the plane. As we understand it, the reason given to Flowers was because he had a pending case in Belize.
So, his friends got all that cleared up at court this morning with a release signed by a Supreme Court Justice. But, fearing something else right be afoot, they also went to check with the US Embassy if Flowers is free to fly. We are reliably informed that the Embassy informed the person appearing for him that Flowers' visa has been revoked.
Briceno Calls Snap Nat'l Convention
The PUP celebrated its 67th birthday on Saturday with its quarterly National Party Council Meeting at the SCA Multipurpose Auditorium. But, it wasn't business as usual at all; party leader John Briceno surprised the gathering when he called for a National Convention to be held on Sunday, November 26th.
It's a surprise because Briceno was just elected leader 18 months ago, and he has a two year term. The party constitution calls for conventions bi-annually in November, so the conventional wisdom was that he would hold off until next year November.
But Briceno pulled the tigger early. On Saturday he told the media he wants a new mandate - but is it political positioning since there are some rumblings of discontent with his leadership?
Briceno Sees A Tipping Point
As you heard Briceno say, he wants a mandate to go all out after the UDP in advance of the municipal elections.
Briceno notes the swell of student-led protest that came up so easily when Kelvin Usher went missing - and he takes that to mean that things have reached a tipping point against the UDP.
Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition:
"I do believe we are at a tipping point. If something like this that can trigger young people and the entire nation to be able to ready to stand up and say enough is enough, I think we are at a tipping point. It shows you that what have happen since the UDP got into government, they have been turning the police department into almost like a paramilitary force where they - now you have to get a recommendation from a minister to be able to join the police department and that is simply wrong."
PUP Says It Will Challenge Appointment of Justice of Appeal Parke
The PUP also passed a resolution to take legal action against the Barrow administration on matters related to good governance. One of those is the appointment of Justice of Appeal Franz Parke. The Opposition maintains he is not qualified and does not meet the standard set out in the constitution:...
Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition:
"Today we passed a resolution that we are going to challenge the Prime Minister's stance. We think it is unconstitutional. We believe that Frank Parke does not have the necessary qualifications. No other than the Caribbean Court of Justice made a ruling that whenever you are going to name somebody to the court of appeals, it needs to be somebody of high legal standing and we don't believe that Mr. Parke has that."
Opp. Leader Says PM Must Keep Funding Senate Hearings
The PUP is also resisting the Prime Minister's timeline for the Senate Inquiry into Immigration Irregularities. Originally, the Prime Minister had set out a deadline to stop providing funding in November; last week he indicated that - with a clear timeline - he would be willing to provide funding until December or January.
Well, the opposition leader says that the PM should not dictate a timeline:...
Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition:
"Who is the Prime Minister to determine the length of a senate investigation? He was the very same person when he was leader of the opposition when we were in government pushing for a senate investigation and the senate investigation during the PUP time went on for about 2 years. You did not hear Said Musa as prime minister saying I'm not going to give them any more money. Same Minister Godwin Hulse was the one that flew to New York because he had to go and do his own investigation."
PUP Leader Says Send GSU For Immigration Agents
And regarding those two former ministers who are now influence peddling agents within the immigration department - Briceno urges the PM to send the GSU to eject them - since the Director has testified that she has tried to, and cannot get rid of them:...
Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition:
"As to the 2 former ministers, yes I heard the 2 names. I think they were named earlier by a news organization. I do believe that it is wrong. Just by them showing their faces out there, it gives the impression as if they can carry favor from the government because they were former ministers if the UDP and there are going to be a lot of unsuspecting people, citizens that are trying to get their nationality that don't know better and can be taken or could probably have been taken advantage of. I don't know, but probably it has happened."
Don't Forget Erwin
The whole nation tuned into the disappearance of 17 year old Kelvin Usher last week. He's safely back at home now, but there's no such happy ending for the family of 17 year old Erwin Rodriguez. He was last seen on the 24th. August - and his family has been desperately searching for him for almost 6 weeks now.
Last week Thursday at the vigil held in celebration of Kelvin Usher's safe return, Rodriguez's sister was there representing her missing little brother. She shared her frustrations and grief with us.
Henry Allegedly Cut His Son
He cut his 10 year old son for refusing to go and get a plate of dinner from the neighbor, and tonight Henry Gillett is in jail because of it. The fisherman of a Brown Street address was arraigned on a charge of wounding and wanted to plead guilty. But he changed his plea when Chief Magistrate Fraser that he can get up to 7 years.
After that, he was unable to meet a bail of $1,000 dollars, and so he was remanded. One condition of the bail is that he does not come in direct contact with his son.
The allegation is that on September 30 Gillett caused a wound to his 10 year old son by cutting the boy on his upper right arm with a knife. Gillett admitted that he committed the offence and that he did so because his son refused to go and get a plate of dinner for him from his neighbor. Gillett's next court date is December 1.
Capital Cops Solve Crime Quickly
Belmopan police have charged two men who allegedly robbed a Chinese grocer last week.
Wei Jie Kuang reported a robbery at his store last week Wednesday.
By Saturday Capital cops had arrested and charged 26-year-old vendor of Mahogany Heights Ronald Bradley for the crime of robbery. A cell phone that was reported as stolen during the robbery was also recovered.
And today 22-year-old Kareem Hoare of Mahogany Heights was also charged with robbery of the Chinese store. They have both been remanded until November 27th,.
OCEANA Celebrating Ocean Heroes
OCEANA's "Ocean Hero" award is given to celebrate those that have displayed extraordinary commitment to conservation, advocacy, and educating others about Belize's precious waters.
This year's awards were given to eleven-year-old Madison Edwards and career tour guide and conservative educator Luz Hunter. These two winners may be far apart in age but they have the same love for the ocean. Here's how they put it when OCEANA spoke with them.
Belize Won World Cup of Poktatok
"Poktapok" is not a sport you hear much about anymore but more than a thousand years ago, it was revered by the Mayan people
But it's been kept alive as important shared legacy of the Mundo Maya people, and last week Belize's EK Balam from Yo Creek Village team took part in 2nd Copa Mundial "Poktapok" competition in Guatemala.
They faced stiff competition like Mexico and El Salvador but in the end, Belize proved to be the strongest by coming in first - making them the world cup champs of Poktapok.
The team returned home home today and was celebrated with a victory parade through Orange Walk. Team member Eric Cal told CTV-3 said it was not an easy road to victory but the fought through:
Cal says another Pok Ta Tok team has formed in Xaibe and he hopes the sport continues to grow.
Cacao From Belize To Belgium
Yesterday the cacao and chocolate industry of Belize were highlighted at the inaugural International Day of Cacao and Chocolate all the way in Brussels, Belgium. Hundreds of chocolatiers from all around the world attended. Belize was one of six countries that had a special booth showcasing our fine chocolate and cacao products. The main purpose of the event was to bring together all the Cocoa grows and chocolatiers to share different experiences and ideas on how the key factors can work closer together in the cacao value chain.
Starting Again With GREAT
Another session of police training in the US - sponsored Gang Reduction and Education training, or "GREAT" program began at the Radisson today.
The idea is to train the police, who will then go into schools and teach young people how to resist peer pressure, how to handle peer pressure; how to deal with issues of gangs and drugs and a lot of the other social issues:�
Ciriaco Medina an instructor told us more.
Ciriaco Medina, Corporal Of Police/Stationed at San Ignacio Police Formation:
"It is a life skill based lesson. We have bullying, setting goals, decision-making, and all of these things they will learn and this is what they will be teaching the students, in other words, this is a program that can assist and will assist the students to be free of crime."
Channel 5
BREAKING: Late Evening Murder in Belize City
Just before news time tonight, there was a murder on Police Street in the south side of Belize City. Around five p.m., police responded to reports of shots being fired [...]
Daniel Anderson Killed at Bismark Birthday Party
Within a span of twelve hours over the weekend, one person was killed, another stabbed and five others injured in separate shootings also in the city. A birthday celebration ended [...]
Gang Boss Turned Truce Leader Injured in Hospital Along with Woman
Alex Underwood and Crystal Flowers remain hospitalized at the K.H.M.H. recovering from gunshot wounds following the shooting at Bismark Club on Sunday morning. Now, Underwood is one of the reputed [...]
Hattieville Teen in Court for Marcel Samuels Murder
There's a break in Friday's murder of Marcel Samuels. Eighteen-year-old Blake Norman Lewis, a construction worker of Myvette Street in Hattieville Village, was arrested and charged for the murder of [...]
2 Charged in Luis Sierra Robbery-Murder
On Friday, the body of forty-six year old Luis Antonio Sierra, a naturalized Belizean businessman of Bullet Tree village, Cayo, was located near Valley Community, Stann Creek District. He had [...]
George Street Scene of Drive-By Double Shooting
Back to the city where there were two other acts of gun violence on south side prior to the shooting murder of Daniel Anderson at the Bismark Club on Queen [...]
Justin Coote Shot in the Back on Queen Charlotte
Five hours later, shots rang out near Yarborough Bridge. Twenty-two-year-old Justin Coote is tonight recovering at home after he was shot to the back. The fisherman was walking on Queen [...]
1 Month Later, Mom of Missing Erwin Rodriguez Loses Hope
It's been one month since seventeen-year-old Erwin Paulino Rodriguez of Grown Dove Street in Belize City has gone missing. The teen was last seenin the Jane Usher Boulevard area on [...]
Off-Duty Policeman Halts Rape on George Street
There is also a disturbing report of a rape in the city over the weekend. On Saturday night on George Street, an off-duty police caught a man in the act. [...]
P.U.P. Plans National Convention for November; Who Will Challenge John Brice�o?
The People’s United Party’s National Party Council met on Saturday at the Saint Catherine Academy multipurpose center in Belize City. The Council is the party’s second highest authority after the [...]
P.U.P. Says G.S.U. Must Go
The party leader took questions on several national issues, including one that dominated most of last week's newscasts. We are speaking of the disappearance and return of seventeen-year-old Kelvin Usher, [...]
Integrity Commission Being Taken to Court
The Integrity Commission is under fire for two reasons. The first is its reversal of a prior position that persons in public life were to submit five years of declarations [...]
'Pink Eye' Rises and So Do Prices for Medication
The country is battling an outbreak of conjunctivitis - or what is better known as 'pink-eye'. The outbreak is also affecting Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica. And while the Ministry [...]
P.U.P. to Launch Belize City Municipal Slate This Month
Nearly two months after the incumbent United Democratic Party held a contested convention for the Belize City Council slate; the People's United Party is planning theirs for mid-October. It will [...]
Franz Parke Appointment to be Challenged; 2 New Judges for Supreme Court
Belize's top two judicial courts are seeking to fill posts. In the case of the Court of Appeal, Prime Minister Dean Barrow is proceeding with the appointment of former classmate [...]
Victorious 'Pelota' Champions Return to Belize
Belize won a regional sporting competition in Guatemala last week. But this sport doesn't have as much of a national following as football or basketball, though it does have centuries [...]
OCEANA Rewards 2 Heroes
Over the weekend, OCEANA in Belize formally recognized two Belizeans as the 2017 Ocean Heroes. They are eleven-year-old student Madison Edwards and career tour guide and conservation educator, Luz Hunter. [...]
Mom Relieves Nightmare with another Missing Daughter
Tonight there is another missing person to report. Karen Baptist, the mother of murder victim Erica Wills, last saw her daughter Kenisha Wills as she was leaving to go to [...]
Sports Monday Reviews Busy Weekend
Good evening, I'm James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. {Highlights of the weekend sporting activities�]
LOVE FM
Two charged for robbery
Twenty-six year old vendor of Mahogany Heights, Ronald Bradley, and twenty-two year old Kareem Hoare were charged for robbery. According to Chinese businessman and owner of Wei Li Store in the Maya Mopan area of Belmopan, Wei Jie Kuang, two men barged into the store. One of the men pulled out a handgun and demanded [�]
Belizean athlete Kaina Martinez to be honored at awards dinner
Nine former college athletes have been selected as finalists for the 2017 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Woman of the Year Award and will be honored at an awards dinner on October 22 in Indianapolis. One of the finalists is Belizean athlete Kaina Martinez. According to the NCCA, Martinez was an exemplary leader during her [�]
Two charged in connection with the murder of Luis Sierra
Two persons were arrested and charged in connection with the murder of 46 year-old Luis Sierra. 34 years old Saul Campus of Valley Community was charged with murder and kept unlicensed firearm and ammunition while 31 year old Lyndon Lewis was charged with conspiracy to robbery. Sierra was found dead on Friday September 29 after [�]
Blake Norman Lewis charged with the murder of Marcel Samuels
Belize City Police have formally arrested and charged 19 year old Blake Norman Lewis, a Belizean construction worker from Hattieville Village, for the murder of 62-year-old Marcel Samuels. He was arraigned this afternoon before Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. She explained to Lewis that she will not take a plea because the offence is of an [�]
Justin Coote sustains gunshot wound to his back
22 year old Justin Coote is lucky to be alive tonight after an attempt was made on his life on Saturday night. He was by the Yarborough Bridge when a man emerged from some nearby bushes and fired a single shot in his direction. Coote was shot to the back. He was rushed to the [�]
Breaking Belize News
18 year old charged for murder of Marcel Samuels
Yesterday, police formally arrested and charged Blake Norman Lewis, 18, a Belizean construction worker of Hattieville village for the murder of Marcel Samuels,62, which happened on Friday, September 29, 2017.
Beyond the Horizon 2017 continues
The United States Marine's Beyond the Horizon 2017 project continues. The project is a partnership exercise that has provided three medical events and five construction projects in communities across Belize.
Senate Special Select committee to meet on Wednesday
The government sent out a press release this morning informing that on Wednesday, the Senate Special Select Committee with meet at the National Assembly in Belmopan.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow had initially stated that the hearings would come to an end in November, however, in an interview with the media last week [�]
Ashton McKenzie wins UDP convention in Punta Gorda
The United Democratic Party (UDP), over the weekend, held a convention to elect a slate to contest the upcoming municipal elections in March 2018.
Mayoral candidate, Ashton McKenzie came out victorious garnering 606 votes, while his opponent Christie Martinez received 351 votes.
BBN meets with US Embassy representatives
On Saturday night, representatives from Breaking Belize News and Love FM met with the United States Embassy's Charge d' Affairs, Adrienne Galanek in San Ignacio town.
The dinner/meeting was to reinforce the partnership of the US Embassy with the media in Belize and to discuss the importance of a partnership to promote entrepreneurship among other skills in Belize.
PUP to take legal action against GOB on matters of good governance
The People's United Party (PUP), celebrating its 67th anniversary, held its National Party Council (NPC) at the St. Catherine Academy Mercy Center on Saturday and passed four resolutions to take the government to task on matters of good governance, corruption and other national issues.
National Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons
October 1st is observed as International Day of Older Persons and is celebrated as a day to acknowledge, honor and re-commit our support to elder persons around the world and in our country.
This year's theme: "Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society," is about enabling and expanding the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societies at large.
Motorcade at noon today for Pok ta Pok Champions
The Belize Ek Balam Poktapok team was in Guatemala over the weekend competing in the 2nd annual Poktapok Worldcup tournament. Pok-A-Tok is a Mayan ball game with ritual associations.
Members of the Belize team are from Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk
Stakeholder consultation sessions to be held on Revised Standard for Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce hereby informs the general public that notice is hereby given under Section 4(1) of the Standards (Preparation and Declaration) Regulations, 1997 that it proposes to recommend to the Standards Advisory Council that the following draft standard be declared compulsory Belize Standard:
Belize participates in Belgium's First International Day of Cacao & Chocolate
The guests had the opportunity to view booths and attend presentations on a range of themes, including the bean-to-bar concept, environmental aspects of cacao cultivation, the health benefits of chocolate, and investment possibilities in producer countries. Apart from Belize, six other countries, mostly from Central America, showcased booths.
Family of Luis Sierra thanks Dangriga police
A close relative of Luis Sierra contacted BBN this morning to express gratitude to the Dangriga Police for the swift apprehension of the culprits responsible for his murder.
UB hosts third bi-national Belize/Mexico seminar
The University of Belize (UB), in cooperation with the University of Quintana Roo, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) and the Embassy of Mexico in Belize, is hosting the "3rd Bi-National Seminar Mexico/Belize."
The bi-national seminar takes place at the EcoSur Campus from October 4th - 6th in Chetumal.
Blogs
The Sun Came Out and So Did We
Originally my friend Debbie and I had planned an early Saturday morning drive north to Secret Beach and then we were going to stop at X'tan Ha or Dive Bar for lunch.
Waking up to rain that had started late the night before slowed our plans down to a non-existent crawl. As we messaged back and forth we both agreed that sleeping in was now top item on the menu. I added laundry while I settled in to watch TV in bed - a perfect rainy day activity.
We were not disappointed though, after not having any significant rainfall for a while, dust had begun to accumulate everywhere and the island was in need of a good wash. Although it seemingly came down quite heavy, according to Wunderground (my favorite weather app) it only amounted to 0.01 mm. That evening, it got as high as .57 mm, needless to say, the dust has been washed away a bit now.
A Rainy Monday Morning on Ambergris Caye
This morning I headed to town - to run some errands. Some drop offs, some pick-ups (including one pound of conch - $14bzd), some shopping. The rainy seasons seems to be kicking in a bit. After a dry September, some wet weather has finally come and some uncertainty is forecast for the week.
The Weather Channel has called a potential system a "Central American gyre". Some additional information about the unsettled areas.
Estel's Dine by the Sea is closed for renovations and hopes to open at the end of this week/beginning of next.
Love the new signs�
Breast Cancer Month in Belize
The Belmopan Cancer Society will be very active in October in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We will participate in the "Walk for a Green Belize" being organized by the Department of the Environment. "Walk for a Green Belize" will involve cleaning the sides of the George Price Highway on Saturday 14th October.
Kindly come out and support San Ignacio Cancer Society Walk on Saturday October 28,2017 commencing @ 5:30 a.m starting at Running W Brand Meats Compound - Central Farm and ending at Macal River Park- San Ignacio.
International Sources
Belize: Great Spot for Water Babies
While Belize has a small geographic area, and even smaller relative population, it boasts the second largest barrier reef in the world. Australia's Great Barrier Reef is tops, yet some Belizean visitors say this one is just as good for snorkeling or diving.
Sue Wells, United Nations Development Program Global Environment Facility's Coastal Zone Management Project wrote in a case study, "In Belize, the coastal waters were used extensively for fishing by the Mayans between 300 B.C. and 900 A.D. However, the main use of the Belize Barrier Reef is now tourism. So Charles Darwin referred to the Belize Barrier Reef in 1842, in his study of the origin and evolution of coral reefs. Since then it has become renowned as the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Nearly 260 kilometers long, it runs from the northern border of the country, where it is only about 1 kilometer offshore, south to the Sapodilla Cayes which lie some 40 kilometers offshore."
There are two primary launch pads for reef visitors. San Pedro, in Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. Both are accessible via water taxi from Belize City. San Pedro is a bit larger and more populated, whereas Caye Caulker has more of a laid back backpacker appeal. Caye Caulker is the first stop from Belize City on the water taxi (a 45-minute breezy ride) and San Pedro is another 30 minutes beyond that. At the same time, there are airstrips in both towns, with service via Maya or Tropic Air.
Engel & V�lkers Expands Into Belize
Engel & V�lkers has expanded into Belize, opening its first shop on the Placencia Peninsula, the company recently announced. Engel & V�lkers Belize will provide services to buyers and sellers of properties in the central coast and southern areas of Belize, as well as the Maya Mountains and the Cayes. The shop will be led by license partners Scott and Sandra Gjesdahl.
"The Belize market is booming, continually ranking among the top destinations for Caribbean real estate investment," says Anthony Hitt, president and CEO of Engel & V�lkers Americas. "As the market is on the precipice of extreme growth, the time is right for Engel & V�lkers to enter the region. We've had tremendous momentum in the Caribbean recently, and we're confident that Scott and Sandra, with their proven commitment to premium client service, will be the ideal partners to lead Engel & V�lkers Belize."
1,400-year-old stone tablets show ancient Mayans playing a gruesome ball game in which the winning team's captain is DECAPITATED
Two carvings depicting Maya ballplayers in action have given new insight into these bloodthirsty games and suggest they were crucial in connecting different communities.
The panels which date to AD 600 - 800 were found among the long-lost ruins of Tipan Chen Uitz in Belize and are believed to be the first of their kind.
Depictions show players wearing their protective belts alongside hieroglyphics that suggest the balls could have had the circumference equivalent to nine hands.
The game was played for two weeks and sources suggest the winning team's captain was decapitated which was believed to be a great honour.
Caribbean Keeps Watch As Hurricane Season Continues
After battling one tropical storm after another, the Caribbean can breathe a sigh of relief, meteorologists say, reporting clear skies and hurricane-free waters.
However, weather experts have cautioned that with two months left in the hurricane season, there is still a chance of a few more tropical systems, particularly in the western Caribbean, while strong thunderstorms are a guarantee.
"Multiple factors will be in place that may favor several tropical systems to come about into the middle of October," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said, explaining the warm tropical waters create the ideal temperatures for system formations.
However, Sosnowski reassures that hurricanes like Harvey, Irma and Maria will continue to diminish as the weeks progress.
