FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE
Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.
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
SPTC awards winners of Township Day poster competition
On Tuesday, December 5th, Mayor Daniel Guerrero welcomed to his office the top three winners of the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) poster competition. The competition was organized among the primary schools of the island. The students' posters were showcased during Township Day on Monday, November 27th. After reviewing dozens of submissions, the team at the SPTC selected the top three posters crafted by students. First place went to three winners, Ashlee Wallace, Genieve Ramirez and Jay Arzu from Isla Bonita School. They were awarded a cash prize of $150. In second place was Lauren Turley from The Island Academy, who was awarded a prize of $75; receiving the prize on her behalf was teacher Claire Kennedy. The third place had two winners from The Island Academy and came with a cash prize of $50. The winners were Madison Edwards and Grabriella Knox.
San Pedro AIDS Commission celebrates World AIDS Day; Felix Ayuso awarded by NAC
On Saturday, December 2nd, the San Pedro AIDS Commission and the National AIDS Commission/Island Committee (NAC Island Committee) hosted their annual World AIDS Day Awareness Fair at the Lions Den. The event offered free HIV rapid testing, information and counseling, condom distribution and food sale.
This year, the event was bittersweet without the presence of San Pedro AIDS Commission's Felix Ayuso Jr. Ayuso, who was a prominent activist and the main face of the island's AIDS Commission, was murdered on February 2, 2017. Ayuso left a legacy in San Pedro as he led successful campaigns in creating awareness and educating the community about HIV/AIDS.
Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton officially opens on Ambergris Caye
Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially declare the resort open on Wednesday, December 6th. Attending the inauguration ceremony were Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Manuel Heredia, San Pedro Town Council Mayor, Daniel Guerrero, Minister of State in the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Commerce, Hon. Tracy Panton, Director of Brand performance and Full-Service Hotels of Latin America & Caribbean Hilton Hotels, Juan Arboleda, CEO and Developer of Mahogany Bay Village, Beth Clifford, the media and invited guests.
The ceremony started at 11AM with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a short prayer delivered by Clive Welsh. Mistress of Ceremony Tanya Mcnab then welcomed everyone to the event and inviting Hon. Heredia to the podium to deliver the welcome address. "Today is a historic day for Isla Bonita as we officially inaugurate the first name brand hotel on the island. I was always there showing my support from the beginning because I knew this would have a positive impact on La Isla Bonita.
Caye Chapel Group proposes $250 Million development
The Caye Chapel Development Group has proposed a US$250 Million 5-star resort to be built on the island over the next four years. They invited input from interested parties when they presented their Environmental Impact Assessment for the project at a public community consultation at the University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies in Belize City last Thursday evening, November 30.
The project is expected to create as many as 500 new jobs during its construction phase and hundreds more once it is operational, explained Allan Herrera, who prepared the EIA. This included a social impact assessment, which Herrera noted had taken into consideration the traditional territorial fishing rights enjoyed by many Caye Caulker fishermen around the island, and that many tour guides also use the site for fly-fishing and picnicking.
San Pedro hosts the Special Olympics Torch
The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) arrived in San Pedro Town on the evening of Monday, December 4th bringing to the island the Special Olympics Belize torch. Members of the San Pedro Police Department were on hand to receive the flame of hope which has travelled around the country since Saturday, December 2nd. The torch remained on the island until Tuesday, December 5th, after being paraded through the main streets of downtown San Pedro.
The LETR has been taking place for the past six years and is part of a series of events held by Special Olympics International across the world. According to Inspector Elroy Carcamo, in Belize, the one-week torch run makes its way through different municipalities to create awareness about the upcoming Special Olympics Belize and the athletes who participate in the games.
Rotaract Club of Ambergris Caye launches Merry Boxes Campaign
The Rotaract Club of Ambergris Caye along with Colleen's Kitchen at the San Pedro Food Bank has launched the Merry Boxes Campaign. The campaign aims to bring happiness to the less fortunate families on Christmas Day through the collection of nonperishable goods. All items collected from the Merry Boxes will be distributed to the various families in need across Ambergris Caye on the December 23rd and 24th. There is still time to adopt a Merry Box and make a difference in the home of a family on that special day. For more information on how you can adopt a box, you can message the Rotaract Club on Facebook @rotaractsanpedrobelize or contact Rotaract member Kyle Vasquez at 630-9043 or email at [email protected].
Ambergris Today
Closure Of Nassau Grouper Season
The Nassau Grouper season closed on Friday, December 1, 2017 and will extend to Saturday, March 31, 2018. Regulations state that (1) No person shall take in the waters of Belize, buy, sell or have in his possession any Nassau Grouper between the 1st December and the 31st March, inclusive, in any year. (2) No person shall take in the waters of Belize, buy, sell or have in his possession any Nassau Grouper which is less than twenty (20) inches in total length or greater than thirty inches (30 in) in total length. (3) Every Nassau Grouper caught in the water of Belize shall be landed whole. Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of the Fisheries Act commits an offense and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine or imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment.
The Caribbean Adventure Ambassador 2017 Is Rowan Garel
Congratulations to Rowan Garel of Belize for winning the title of Caribbean Adventure Ambassador of the Year for 2017 with 1,975 votes!
Rowan Garel was born blind but that adversity has not been an obstacle in his life, much less hindering him from undertaking extraordinary feats. He is the only visually impaired person to ever climb Victoria Peak, Belize's second highest mountain standing at over 3,000 ft. above sea level.
He trekked 74.7 miles from Belize's western border to Belize City in five long, gruelling days under the sweltering sun and dived the Great Blue Hole of Belize, a world-class destination for recreational scuba divers which is 410 feet deep. By all paradigms, these are amazing and record-breaking achievements.
Mahogany Bay Resort, Hilton's First Property In Belize Officially Opens
The official ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Mahogany Bay's signature Great House on Wednesday, December 6, with Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Hon. Tracy Taeger Panton Minister of State in Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce and Juan Arboleda Director of Brand Performance, Full Service Hotels Latin America and Caribbean Hilton Hotels addressing the gathering.
Guests staying at Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club have access to a wide array of amenities, including the Bay Club with a grand pool, bar and poolside spa treatments and the private white sand Beach Club, just a short ride from the on-site marina.
Misc Belizean Sources
BTIA 32nd AGM
Photos....
Caye Caulker Dinner and a movie
FAMILY FRIDAY - Dinner and a Movie - On the countdown to Xmas its only fitting we showcase the best Xmas movies as a treat - 'Trolls Holiday' and the classic 'Home Alone'. Kids meals, popcorn and toasted marshmallows!
Banyan Bay Moving Day!
Building split in two and moved across the street. Banyan Bay Suites undergoing major transformations as the holiday season approaches.
Closure of Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum Office
Between the Hours of 12:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.The Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum hereby informs the Government Ministries/Departments and Members of the General Public that its office will be closed on Friday 8th December, 2017between the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Caye Caulker Receives New Fire Truck
The village of Caye Caulker has received a new fire truck which is now part of the fire-fighting fleet of the National Fire Service.
The truck is a donation from US citizen James York of Beechwold Christian Church, Columbus, Ohio and was shipped to Belize through the assistance of the United States Air Force. It has a 1,000-gallon capacity tank and is capable of discharging water at 150 PSI (pounds per square inch).
Shopping Tips from the Belize Bureau of Standards
The Christmas shopping season is here again and it is usually a time when consumers buy all sorts of items like gifts for their love ones and home decor improvements. It is also a fact that at this time of the year businesses increase their advertising and sales promotion to encourage customers to buy what they are offering for sale.
Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation & Poverty Alleviation
Fourteen more staff members in the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation have been trained to use the "Return to Happiness" psychosocial recovery programme. The programme is designed for children between the ages of 5-12 years who have experienced traumatic events, such as disasters, fires, and death. By using a series of guided play activities such as drawings, songs, games and puppets, Return to Happiness allows children to process their experiences thereby reducing their anxieties. Return to Happiness has been used in post disaster response efforts in Saint Lucia (2010 & 2014), the Commonwealth of Dominica (2016) and Antigua (2017). The training workshop took place over the course of three days in Belize City.
The xate stock assessment is well underway
The research gathers data on height, diameter, development stage, number of leaves, number of harvested leaves and number of commercial grade leaves and reproductive state. The assessment is made possible through the Belize Nature Conservation Foundation (BNCF).
Meet Stann Creek District GBV advocate, Ms. Michele Irving!
She describes herself as fearless, feminist, freedom fighter and gender justice. Her passion is working in the area of Gender and Development for women and girls. Ms. Irving is currently the Women's Department Officer for the Stann Creek District. Her work focuses on the prevention and intervention of domestic violence cases and empowerment of women and youth in both urban and rural communities. This work takes her into many communities and villages in Southern Belize where she discusses with women the changes they want to see in their communities and in their own lives. At the organizational level, she plans projects and programs aimed at addressing gaps that are identified at the community level.
GBV resources in Dangriga Town
Women's Department - Department of Human Services
59 Pen Rd., Dangriga Town
Telephone: (501) 502-0038
Michelle Irving
[email protected]
Domestic Violence Unit, Police Department
Main St., Dangriga Town
WPC: Amanda Bull
Telephone: (501) 522-2022
National Symposium on Corruption
Hosted by Belize Network of NGOs and UNDP
Anti-Corruption Week Event in Belize City
The Strengthening National Systems for UNCAC Implementation (SNS4UNCAC) project is recognizing the first anniversary of Belize's accession to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
Event Date: 11th December 2017.
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Venue: Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Belize City.
Topics:
� Provide an update on the status of UNCAC implementation in Belize.
� Discuss the need to enhance State institutions/human resource and civil society organizations' capacities to implement anti-corruption programmes and policies nationally.
� Learn from the experience of other countries that have made significant progress with the implementation of the UNCAC.
Minister of State Hon. Carla Barnett Concludes Working Visit in Punta Gorda Town
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Natural Resources Sen. Hon. Carla Barnett was in Punta Gorda Town on December 6th and 7th, 2017. The Minister met with over 150 residents of Punta Gorda and surrounding communities who have had long-term challenges with their land tenure status.
Hon. Barnett was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, and senior staff from the Lands and Surveys Department, the Revenue Department, and the Legal Department in the Ministry to establish a full service for the residents of Punta Gorda Town.
San Pedro Calendar of Events for December 2017
Here is a calendar of the various events taking place for the month of December!
Resort employees doing an awesome job, picking up garbage along dirt road just pass the old Journeys End to the entrance of Secret Beach
Also saw some attempts to fill some the thousand potholes. Not sure if it is Mata Chica's employees or Las Terrazas... Either way, great job!! We are the number one tourist destination in the world, well maybe in Belize, keep it clean for locals and visitors! The north dirt road which leads to Many top resorts on the island, from guests to employees and of course to business Owners at Secret Beach as well and their employees do not deserve back breaking rides everyday or shattered vehicles caused by the horrible road with trash ruining the natural beauty of the island!!! STEP UP SAN PEDRO TOWN COUNCIL! At least give us some road fill and we can all get together and provide labor!
Belize Talent 2017 Holiday Showcase
Dec. 16 & 23, corozal Bay Round House
Golf TOURNAMENT IN CONSEJO SHORES, COROZAL
he date has been set for this year's Golf Tournament. clock
Saturday, February 17, 2018,
Consejo Shores Limited, Corozal
SISE Town Hall 30-Nov-17
Latest pictures from the SISE's new Town Hall. Almost done. The big inauguration is on the 13th.
October pictures.
Caye Caulker Ocean Academy Tech Club at 2017 Raspberry Pi Jam
Be sure to watch the Caye Caulker Ocean Academy Tech Club on Open Your Eyes tomorrow morning! The Club won 3rd place in the 2017 Raspberry Pi Jam competition for their innovative design of a voting booth and tabulator powered by Raspberry Pi and Python programming language.
The U.S. Embassy is so proud to fund Ocean Academy's work to turn youths into innovators, entrepreneurs and professionals through one of our CARSI-ESF grants.
Way to go guys continue the good work!!!!!
Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Stronger,
The Ninjago Movie,
Dunkirk,
Mother!
Channel 7
Rasheed Hyde Wanted For Cousin's Attempted Murder
Russell Hyde Juniour was shot on December fourth at a meat shop in San Ignacio Town. His grandmother said he was lured there by someone who was waylaying him. Tonight, police believe that the shooter is his own cousin, Rasheed Hyde. Today police put out this wanted poster for the 26 year old Santa Elena resident who is wanted for the attempted murder of his own cousin. But, news tonight is that he has turned himself into the San Ignacio police station with his attorney. Today the head of Belize City's CIB office told us why he is wanted:...
#Me Too In OW? Domestic Says She Was Forced to Perform Indecent Acts
The "#me too" movement which has empowered scores of women in the US to speak out about sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace may have done something for a domestic in Orange Walk. A 25 year old woman - whose name police are not disclosing - alleges that sometime in April 2017, her manager forced her to perform what police are calling "indecent acts" on him. It happened at her work place in Orange Walk Town and she says it happened several times. She was employed as a domestic worker at this job, we've been made to understand. The questions is now whether police will charge him with indent assault.
Mayor Unfazed By Waste Control Debt
Last night the headline was about the almost one million dollars in backed-up payments that the Belize City Council owes its garbage contractor, Belize Waste Control. Well, today Waste Control picked up the Northside garbage - even if it did so a little later than usual. And maybe that's because - after our story last night - we are told the City came through with a partial payment - and a plan to pay off the arrears.
But today when we spoke to the Mayor Darrell Bradley, he was mostly unfazed - he said it's a chronic problem:..
Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City:
"For every year that I've been mayor, that has happened and for every year that the former, has been mayor, that has happened. It wouldn't surprise me in relation to us being in arrears."
1M In Debt To Garbage collector, Mayor Gives Raise. Why? "Because, I Am The Mayor!"
And so while the mayor said that the accumulated arrears are a chronic problem which shouldn't cause any kind of fuss - he countered that with a proof of financial solvency that any boss would be happy to boast about. He said that for Christmas he's giving the council's almost 500 employees a raise:...
Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City:
"That notwithstanding the City Council is in a very healthy financial position and one of the evidence of that is our ability to actually commit and to go through with a salary increase which came effective on the 1st December of this year. So that this would affect all non-management staff of the Belize City Council and people may realize that this present moment that the city employs about 450 people and we are having a salary increase across the board of 4% for every person on the rank of a supervisor and the coordinator and that's in a certain pay scale and 6% for every staff below that rank."
Commercial Center, Months Later, Mayor Promises It's Coming
We heard that one loud and clear, he IS the mayor - but for all Bradley's bluster today - we still haven't seen any movement on the Commercial Center renovation project. It's been promised for months - and nothing has happened. Today, the mayor said, this month, surely:...
Jules Vasquez, reporter:
"You will demit office and the commercial center will still be an edifice that is unpainted, that gives a ghastly appearance to the entire city."
Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City:
"I will agree that it's a thing that we have made quite a bit of in terms of the renovation of the commercial center and I think that it's a project that we've been working on for the last 3 years and I think we are right at the precipice where we are actually trying to see if we can get the project going.."
Quick Cops Foiled Fullers Ally Foursome
Last night we told you about the robbery in Fuller's Alley in Belize City - followed by a police chase - which led to some short of shootout on Euphrates Avenue.
Today police filled in the blanks of a case which started with a female landlord who had a few thousand dollars in cash she had just collected - when four men pounced on her. Police responded quickly to catch the thieves moving fast in a Ford pickup :..
ASP Alejandro Cowo, CIB - Belize City:
"Miss Zenaida Allen, she reported that while at her house, some individual had entered her residence and as a result of that they stole from her an amount of cash and other properties all to a total of $12,450. During the process she had received certain injuries to her eye and she was taken for medical attention."
Judge "Disturbed" By Accused Murderers Affidavit Bails Alleged Accomplice
He's accused of assisting in a beheading - but tonight Elroy Grinage is out on bail.
The 36 year old driver for the Forestry Department who was remanded for conspiracy to commit murder and abetment to murder, was offered a bail of $10,000 today by Supreme Court Justice Adolph Lucas. The bail was offered on the condition that Grinage doesn't interfere with any of the prosecution witnesses, particularly Rafael Mencias - who is the alleged killer. Mencias and Grinage allegedly teamed up to kill Hilton Wade, who was stabbed several times and decapitated.
Justice Lucas said he granted Grinage baIl after he read the affidavit of his alleged accomplice Rafael Mencias. Mencias said he was coerced by the police to implicate Grinage. Justice Lucas called the information disturbing. Grinage was represented by attorney Dickie Bradley.
The Sour Season For Sugar Starts With Modest Optimism
The Sugar Season, or "La Zafra" has started. The Crop Opening Ceremony was held this morning at the the Tower Hill Factory in Orange Walk. Now, usually the start of the season is an auspicious event - much anticipated - but this year, it is being met with some trepidation. That's because world sugar prices are tanking really badly. And so stakeholders are saying that in this time of challenge opportunities have to be seized:..
Gabriel Martinez - Chairman, BSI Control Board
"This 2017, in particular, had been the year which we had been talking about as the year of truth. We all know that the prices in the EU market are not favoring our industry. So, we are ready to start our crop for 2017-2018."
City Family Claims Arson
An Iguana street home went up in flames last night at around 8:00. The owner, Lisa Loriano believes it was arson.
She left her home in the care of her sister after moving to Placencia. Now, they believe someone in the community is targeting Loriano. We spoke to one of Loriano's neighbors and her sister.
Voice of: Eyewitness:
"All that I could have seen was just house in flames and I hollered Oh my God and I contact my granny because my granny raised her so we raised together so I know her very good."
Kimberly Hendricks, Sister:
"When I come home from work last night I get a call from my mom saying that the house is on fire."
"All of my stuff that I just moved from here and took over there all of that just went like nothing, check."
Showdown At Public Sector Workers Trust
Since March, we've been following the case of several hundred retired public officers who been fighting the teachers union and the Public Service Union over the management and control over just under 8 million dollars in backpay. They have a judgement against the unions saying that their Public Sector Workers Trust, which was set up to manage the funds is invalid and unenforceable. They believe that this should force the unions and the Trust to give up management of those funds, but the unions are not budging so easily.
Even though that ruling was handed down in earlier this year, it still hasn't resolved the dispute over these funds. The two sides are locked in litigation, which must now proceed to court ordered mediation.
Here's how the history of this case goes: Back in 1995 to 1997, the Esquivel Administration imposed an increment and wage freeze for all teachers and public officers.
Customs, The Cops And That Container
9 days ago we told you about an unexpected find that the Customs Department made when they searched a 20 foot container. Concealed inside they found a gin barrel, a rifle bottle assembly, a firearm trigger assembly, a slide and barrel for a nine millimeter gun, and many boxes of assorted ammunition. In short, the importer had almost all the parts needed to put together a gun, along with plenty of ammunition. But since then, police haven't said anything about the find - no one has been arrested - even though the container was brought in by an identified US National from Stann Creek. Now, it would seem like importing weaponry would be illegal - and an arrest would be made. But, nothing has happened. We asked police why today:...
Uncertainty About Charges In Death of Man Who Choked After Cops Shot Him
Police continue to investigate the death of 20 year old Teakettle Villager Edwin Antonio Baires Hernandez.
As we told you last night, a post mortem showed that he died from choking. Simply put, he had food in his mouth when police chased him, and he choked when they shot him in the leg.
Of course, it can still be argued that police caused his death. Today, they said the investigation is ongoing:..
ASP Alejandro Cowo, CIB - Belize City:
"The file is being compiled and as soon as it is ready, again it will be forwarded for directives. As to what the investigation reveals there if anybody is to be charged, they will be held accountable."
Brutality Victim Made Statement, Cops Say He Didn't
ASP Cowo made another mis-statement when he said that beating victim Randy Chambers hasn't yet given a statement. It was caught on camera on Sunday morning when the police Special Assignment team beat down Chambers in front of his Police Street home. Cowo said, inaccurately, that only his father has given a statement:
ASP Alejandro Cowo, CIB - Belize City:
"All that I can tell you about that incident is that the father has visited the professional standards branch and made a report. The victim who is Randy Chambers has not yet come forward to give a statement to the police. We were told that he will be coming sometime today, so the personnel at the professional standards branch are waiting to see if he will come and give that statement."
BTIA, Banking On A Big Future
The Belize Tourism Industry Association is made up of those business owners, tour operators, and stakeholders who depend on the Tourism industry to make a living. This industry is the biggest FOREIGN EXCHANGE earner for the country, and so, those who work in this sector are doing their part to make sure it continues to thrive.
The BTIA held their 32nd Annual General Meeting today at the Radisson Fort George Hotel, and 7News stopped by to find out what issues the general membership is currently focused on. Osmany Salas, the outgoing president, told us that the stakeholders want to make sure that Belize's tourism product remains competitive, so that it can keep attracting visitors:
Hon. Osmany Salas - Outgoing President, BTIA:
"We're having our 32nd Annual General Meeting today, where we report back to the membership in terms of the achievement over the past year. Our industry, as he heard from Dr. Martel from the IDB in his presentation, is they major industry for the country."
Leggings, Comfort Wear And Political Statement
Leggings - for girls and women - they're a "go-to" wardrobe accessory - you can use them for dressing up, casual wear, or just chilling at home - like comfort food from your closet.
But, now they're also being used to make a political statement about sexual harassment. As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence " the Mexican Embassy and the National Women's Commission have put together an art exhibition called Life in Leggings. It opens tonight and we got a preview and an explanation today:
Ann-Marie Williams:
"This space is very powerful, it is a space of courageous species, it is a space of shame, it is a space of anger. We have students from Sacred Heart College telling their stories of being harassed on the street, being touched while going to school and while on their way home."
Finally, An MBA Program At UB
Your academic career at the University of Belize doesn't have to end with a Bachelor's degree. That is because UB has launched its first ever Masters of Business Administration program. It was launched today at the Biltmore hotel and the Chair of the Faculty of Management told us how significant this is for the University and for Belize.
Gilroy Middleton, Chair., Faculty of Mgmt. and Social Science:
"This is the first Masters level program that the University will be delivering and providing to the country. The focus will be Business Administration. So for the program we are looking young people, old people - it's for everyone. You coming in from your insurance background, you coming in from your English teacher background. So an MBA you simple need a bachelor's degree and 3 years working experience. So we will have a wide range of individuals and it's in that in-class session which is our niche as opposed to the fully online courses. We will be filling a gap in terms of the theory and applications. In terms of building up the managerial aspect of the country."
New Fire Truck For Caulker
Caye Caulker Village has a much needed new fire truck. It was donated by American James York of Beechwold Christian Church, from Columbus, Ohio.
The truck has a 1,000 gallon capacity tank, and is capable of discharging water at 150 pounds per square inch. It was shipped to Belize with the assistance of the US Air Force, and it was officially handed over to the Government last night.
Those in attendance included NEMO Minister Edmond Castro, Caye Caulker's Chairlady, Enelda Rosado; Caye Caulker's Officer in Charge for the National Fire Service, Miguel Matus; and the donor, James York. The Government says says that the donation came through the personal efforts of Miguel Matus.
Track Athletes To Nicaragua
Today 14 Belizean Track and field athletes traveled to Managua, Nicaragua for the athletics portion of the Central American Games. These games are held every 4 years. For 5 of the juniors, it will be the first time competing in an open competition. We caught up with a few of the athletes this afternoon before they departed. They say they are ready for the challenge and hope to bring home the win.
Courtney Weatherburne
"Tell us about the competition and it will be in Nicaragua right?"
Ashantie Carr, Junior Track and Field
"It will be in Nicaragua and we are competing weekend and I am competing in long jump, triple jump and 4 by 4."
A Bronze In Basketball
And while track is about to start, the basketball competition at those same games just finished and Belize won bronze - the first medals for Belize at the Games.
A release from the basketball federation says Team Belize played their hearts out and held on to close out a 63-58 victory over Honduras to secure the bronze.
Coach Milton Palacio - who is used to winning gold when he played - says it was a great effort:
Palacio, former NBA, Euroleague and Team Belize standout has pledged his commitment to continue the process of rebuilding the National Team Programme. Next for the National Team is the first round of the FIBA AmeriCup competition which starts in February, 2018.
Spelling Without Sound
"Transformation towards a sustainable and resilient society for all": That was the theme for the 21st Annual Finger Spelling Bee. There were 9 participants - 5 juniors and 4 seniors. It was held today at the SCA multipurpose building. One of the organizers told us it is more than just the competition, it is about celebrating kids with diverse abilities.
1st place for Junior's is Daniellie Correa, 2nd place went to Daniel Chun and 3rd place Gabriela Martines - all from the Cayo Deaf Institute. For the senior category, the Cayo Deaf Institute took all the wins -Jacob Chun took 1st place, 2nd place went to Lisbeth Marisol Shish and 3rd place went to Floyd Wilford Coc.
Kids, Toys, Christmas In The Park
And whole the Salvation army was at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall, United Airlines threw their own Christmas bash for city kids today at the Memorial Park. Now, they weren't giving away free plane tickets, just good ole' paper wrapped presents from Santa - and that's all these kids need to brighten the season. We dropped by to have some fun with the kids.
As you heard United teamed up with the T-shirt factory to cater to 100 kids. They also teamed up for a raffle that will be drawn on December 16th. You can get more information at the T-shirt factory.
Salvation Army Does It For The Kids
And in another event for children, the Salvation Army today held its annual Christmas party. It's a Christmas dinner and the gift of a toy for hundreds of city school children - and the Army Regional Commander told us it is about giving spiritual and material meaning to the season:..
Channel 5
New Evidence Reveals Franz Parke Accused of Personal and Professional Misconduct
Former Justice of Appeal Franz Parke has left a cloud of suspicion and scandal in the wake of his departure from the Court of Appeal, announced this week. The Jamaican-American [...]
Bank Tells A.G. Gov't Can't Hide from U.H.S. Debt
Acting for the Belize Bank Limited, the Courtenay Coye LLP firm has written Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte regarding enforcement of the November twenty-second order of the Caribbean Court of Justice [...]
Chamber & N.G.O.s Say Pay Up, Too; Unions Want to Meet
As promised last week, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry has responded in stinging fashion to Prime Minister Dean Barrow on the matter of the Universal Health Services fiasco. [...]
CitCo Behind Again in Garbage Arrears
Is the Belize City Council behind in almost one million dollars in payment to the Belize Waste Control? Mayor Darrell Bradley responded to that report to say that the arrear [...]
Will Waste Control Stop Picking Up Garbage? CitCo Says No
And with those payments lingering, will your garbage be picked up? Mayor Bradley says that the trucks will remain on regular service, collecting garbage on all scheduled days. Today, he [...]
Mayor Seh So: CitCo Workers Get Pay Raise for Xmas!
You heard the Mayor say that the City Council will come into some monies through revenue collection in the next few weeks - that is when the Belize Waste Control [...]
House Meets Friday; G.O.B. Wants More Money
Friday's meeting of the House of Representatives, the last for 2017, is expected to be chock-full of news. Hanging over the gathering like a specter is the UHS debt motion, [...]
Beheading Murder Co-Accused Makes Bail; Elroy Grinage Swears He Didn't Do It
Thirty-six-year-old Elroy Grinage, a driver with the Forest Department in Belmopan, is accused of ordering and orchestrating the stabbing death and decapitation of Hilton Wade.� On December first, the Cotton [...]
Court Found Compelling Reasons to Make Rare Grant
According to Bradley, had Grinage not been lucky enough to have had proof to support the claim that he was not involved in the homicide, he would have languished on [...]
Anke Doehm Preliminary Inquiry Put Off to February
In the courts, there is further delay for Anke Doehm, charged with cruelty to a child - her late adopted daughter, thirteen-year-old Faye Lin Cannon. She was scheduled to face [...]
Workers' Trust Defends Actions after Court Case
The Public Sector Workers' Trust, established in 2014, has been a source of controversy in the trade union community. Three retired public officers who say they represent many others sued [...]
How Many Will Really Benefit from Trust's Planned Projects?
The Trust comes out of the infamous period between 1995 and 1997 when public officers' wages and increments were frozen due to budgetary issues for the Manuel Esquivel administration, which [...]
Relative of Russell Hyde Jr. Sought in Shooting
Twenty-four-year-old Russell Hyde Junior remains hospitalized after being shot multiple times during an attack on Sunday night.� Police believe that the young businessman, who bears his infamous father's namesake, was [...]
PSB & CIB Lead Edwin Hernandez Death Investigation
Edwin Antonio Baires Hernandez was shot by police on Sunday afternoon in Teakettle Village, during a pursuit of the alleged robber.� The twenty-year-old Salvadoran national was injured in the right [...]
Police Await Randy Chambers Statement in Brutality Investigation
Will the trio of officers that brutally assaulted twenty-year-old Randy Chambers on Monday be disciplined internally for physically abusing the young man while in the process of surrendering himself?� The [...]
Reyneldo Guerrero Leads B.T.I.A.
The Belize Tourism Industry Association held its thirty-second annual general meeting today at the Radisson where a new executive was elected. Reyneldo Guerrero is the new President of the B.T.I.A.� [...]
King Sugar is Back!
The new sugar crop got off to a good start this morning at Tower Hill where relations between millers and farmers seem to be on a good footing. A projected [...]
Cayo Deaf Institute Sweeps Finger Spelling Bee
Disability awareness week is being celebrated under the theme 'Transformation Towards a Sustainable and Resilient Society for All'. As a part of the activities, the annual Finger Bee was held [...]
Christmas Party Season Begins: Toys for Tots Celebrate
'Toys for Tots' is an annual event organized by United Airlines where primary school students are treated to a Christmas dinners, toys and entertainment. The organization also partnered with T-shirt [...]
Salvation Army Parties Too
It's the Christmas season and there are parties galore across the city! Today, we joined the Salvation Army at their annual grand Christmas festivities at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall. [...]
Healthy Living: Getting Malaria Cases to Zero
When we think of mosquito borne illnesses in Belize, Malaria is probably not the first disease to come to mind. There is a reason why that is so. That's what [...]