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Posted By: Marty Today's Belize News: December 8, 2017 - 12/08/17 12:30 PM


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


The San Pedro Sun

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

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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 [...]

Posted By: Marty Re: Today's Belize News: December 8, 2017 - 12/08/17 12:31 PM

LOVE FM

Sugar Roads still a Major Concern for Farmers
Another set of challenges for sugar cane farmers are those faced in the fields. Their cost of production continues to be high, farmers also have limited access to finance to make adequate investments in their crop, and there is also the issue of sugar roads which is an annual problem for producers. Salvador Martin, Management [�]

Farmers receive assistance from GOB
As the farmers wait for improvements of sugar roads, the government of Belize has been providing assistance in the form of fuel subsidy to cane farmers to help cut transportation costs. Chairman of the Sugar Industry Control Board, Gabriel Martinez told us how much that assistance translated to for farmers. Gabriel Martinez, SICB Chairman "Over [�]

PSWT and Union to go to Mediation over Dispute
The court did not order an injunction against the Public Service Workers' Trust and the union. That is the resounding message sent today during a press conference held in Belize City by the management and trustees of the PSWT. It is an issue that dates back to 1995 and involves thousands of public workers and [�]

Man wanted by Police for Murder
Twenty-six-year-old Rasheed Hyde is wanted by police in connection with the attempted murder of 24-year-old Russell Hyde Jr. Rasheed is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you have any information that can lead police to his arrest you are asked to call 911, Crime Stoppers Belize 0-800-922-8477 or the nearest police station. Rasheed, a [�]

Video of Police Beating Man Goes Viral
On Sunday a video showing officers of the Special Assignment Team beating 20-year-old Randy Chambers began making its rounds on social media. The video shows Chambers putting his hand behind his head as three SAT officers approach him. One of the officers forces him to the ground after which two officers kick him a few [�]

A Stash of Weapons found in Container
Ten days ago, the Customs Department handed over to the Belize Police Department a container which contained ammunition and firearms. Initially custom officers found three nine millimeter empty magazines, one hundred nine millimeter hallow point Ruger brand round, twenty nine millimetre ballpoint Ruger brand rounds, eleven 204 Ruger brand rounds, forty 204 A- Merc Ruger [�]

Ride to Border
Earlier this month, the security services came together to put off the annual law enforcement torch run. This weekend, the security services are joining forces once again, this time around, the Belize Coast Guard has scheduled a ride on Saturday. Admiral John Borland told us about the initiative. Admiral John Borland, Belize Coast Guard "Security [�]

New Fire Truck for Caye Caulker Fire Station
Caye Caulker has a new fire truck. The truck which has a 1,000-gallon capacity and is capable of discharging water at 150 pounds per square inch, was donated by US citizen James York of Beechwold Christian Church, Columbus, Ohio. The donation came through the personal efforts of Caye Caulker's Officer in Charge, Miguel Matus, who [�]

Is there Contentions within the Audit Department?
Officers within the Audit Department are not happy with Auditor General, Dorothy Bradley. Love News has been informed that several officers have expressed discontent and disapproval of Bradley's management of the department. Contentions within the Auditor General's office have been building since last year. A letter dated May 13, 2016, and signed by 16 employees [�]

Women share Stories of Sexual Harassment
"Life in Leggings" exhibition, where women will share their stories of sexual harassment, opens tonight at the Mexican Institute in Belize City. The movement was started in Barbados by Ronelle King, who had experienced sexual harassment and started the movement in an attempt to stop the harassment. Ann-Marie Williams, Executive Director of the National Women's [�]

Gillett Open Up about Surviving an Abusive Relationship
The National Women's Commission continues to push for an end to violence against women. On November 23, they launched the16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence campaign in the hopes of sensitizing the community that abusive relationships can indeed be life-threatening. Many women have died at the hands of their abusers. For Shawna Gillett, the [�]

Court finds Man Not Guilty of Attempted Murder
In a trial without a jury, Justice Adolph Lucas today found Inmas Espinal not guilty of the attempted murder of Jose Antonio Saravia. Saravia, a naturalized Belizean, originally from El Salvador, was stabbed in his abdomen on March 15, 2012. Justice Lucas said that it was not a case of self-defense nor was it an [�]

Bail granted for Man charged with the Murder of Wayne Wade
Thirty-six-year-old Elroy Grinage, a driver for Forestry Department in Belmopan, who was remanded into custody after he was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and abetment to murder, was offered a bail of ten thousand dollars today by Justice Adolph Lucas. The bail was offered on the condition that Grinage attends the Magistrate Court in [�]

Woman Attacked and Robbed in her Home
Today police shared a bit more on what transpired on Wednesday morning after four men assaulted a woman in her apartment on Fuller's Alley and robbed her of thousands of dollars in cash. The incident ended up with police shooting after the suspects. ASP Alejandro Cowo said that it all happened after they pursued the [�]

Finger Spelling Bee Competition
Today children with diverse abilities gathered at the Saint Catherine Academy Auditorium for the 21st annual finger spelling bee competition. The event is part of Disability Awareness Week which is being held under the theme "Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all". Special Education Officer for the National Resource Center for the Inclusive Education, [�]

Maheia: Trip to Sarstoon didn't have any Hiccups
A group of Belizeans went to Sarstoon Island without being harassed by Guatemalan Armed Forces or the Belize Coast Guard. Over the weekend, Wil Maheia of the Belize Territorial Volunteers led members of the Belize Bird Conservancy to Sarstoon Island for a bird inventory exercise. Maheia says they went early to avoid the Guatemalan Armed [�]

Five Paintings handed over to National AIDS Commission
Last Friday Belize joined the world in commemorating World AIDS Day. As part of the event, five artists created a painting depicting the theme, "Right to health". This morning artists Uriel Cowo and Kenesha Gooding handed over their paintings to Arthur Usher of the National AIDS Commission. According to Usher, the paintings will then be [�]

Disability week observed; protection of persons with diverse abilities lacking.
This week is being observed as disability week under the theme "Transformation towards a sustainable and resilient society for all". This morning there was a march from the Battlefield Park to the Memorial Park, where there was a rally to commemorate the occasion. Love News spoke with Erlette Thomas, Manager of the National Resource Center [�]

AG satisfied with where Senate investigation stands
As we mentioned before, today was the last session held by the Special Senate Select Committee. Auditor General Dorothy Bradley's report encompasses a number of irregularities that had been happening at the Immigration department between 2011 and 2013. After the report was publicized, the Auditor General was subject to scrutiny particularly from the UDP camp. [�]

With Senate hearings over what comes next?
The hearings which have spanned a little over a year with a total of 42 sessions held are finally over. What happens next? After this afternoon's final session, the media asked Senator Mark Lizarraga. Mark Lizarraga, Senator: "The first thing is that we are going to take a much needed break. We are meeting again on [�]

The Guardian

GOB collects 77.5 million dollars from IMMARBE and IBC
7 million, 590 thousand and 68 dollars is the combined revenue that the International Business Companies Registry (IBC) and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE), has been able to procure for and on behalf of the Government and people of Belize. The money is the combined total for operations of the two companies since 2015. In that year IBC made USD$7,103,430.00; in 2016 it was USD$7,536,980.00 and this year its up to USD$8,143,235.00. IMMARBE has had as much success with operations in 2015 bringing in US $6,274,207; in 2016 it was US $5,332,145 and this year, 2017 saw US $4,405,037 in revenues. It is significant that these numbers are brought to the fore as prior to 2013, all revenues collected by these companies were paid to a company controlled by Michael Ashcroft related entities. That company went by the name Belize International Services Limited. Under the arrangement BISL received 64% of revenues while Government received 46%.

Implementation of Anti-Corruption measures begin
In celebrating Belize's one-year anniversary of signing its accession to the United Nation's Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which will be on December 9, 2017, a series of events are being held countrywide during the week of December 4 to 8, 2017. These activities are being held with the intention of engaging youth, women, and other relevant bodies. Belize became the 182nd country to sign the international agreement. The anti-corruption training for secondary and tertiary students during the months of November and December have come about from the collaboration between the United Nation's Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Attorney General's Ministry of Belize.

BNTU says GOB must pay UHS debt
The Belize National Teacher's Union held the government and people of Belize hostage for 11 days last year because they wanted the government to implement a number of measures against corruption. In fact the BNTU was one of the primary movers back in 2007 that caused the government at the time, under Said Musa to back down from taking a bill to the National Assembly for the Belizean people to pay for a 33 million dollar guarantee which had been given to the owners of UHS, a private hospital.

Teakettle villagers protest fatal police shooting
A police officer shot a civilian in the Arizona area of Teakettle Village, Cayo, that man subsequently died. Police say that it was an accidental shooting, but friends of the victim are insisting that the officers intentionally shot him. The deceased has been identified as 20 year-old Edwin Antonio Baires Hernandez, a Salvadoran who is also known as "Jose". The police version of events are that at around 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, they responded to a report of a robbery at the football field in the Arizona area of the village. Residents say that the field was very active that day because there were a number of football games happening as part of a sports marathon.

U.S. Government Expands and Upgrades Belize's Automated Fingerprint Information System
On Monday, December 4, 2017, the U.S. Embassy transferred 14 new Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) terminals to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Belize Police Department. The project, valued at approximately $430,000 USD was officially signed by Adrienne Galanek, Charg� d'Affaires, U.S. Embassy, and Hon. Elodio Aragon, Minister of State for Home Affairs. The handover of documents took place at the Belmopan Police Headquarters. Charg� Galanek highlighted the Embassy's dedication to assist the Government of Belize in increasing its forensic capacity, decreasing impunity, improving the justice system, and making Belize safer for all.

Ways in which the NTUCB and Chamber can pay the 90 Million UHS debt
We are dismayed by the pronouncement from the NTUCB, which states that we should pay the 90 Million judgement for the UHS Loan Guarantee. You the readers may be wondering why we feel this way since it has always been the NTUCB's position to be at odds with the government on any given subject. Well in the matter of this UHS Loan Guarantee, the NTUCB and this UDP, were in agreement with each other at one time. Actually in the original case that saw the matter go to court, the NTUCB was one of the original PLAINTIFFS that took the matter of the UHS Loan Guarantee to court back in 2007.

Youth Rise Project underway in San Ignacio
Community Policing Officers from the San Ignacio Police Formation engaged the youths and their families on Saturday at the Octavia Waight Convention Hall in San Ignacio. This is an effort to bridge the gap between the Gang Resistance Education and Training GREAT program, which the kids learn in school and now with their family. In doing so San Ignacio Police are involving the parents to help support their kids in helping them to resist gangs, peer pressure and in developing their self esteem. The two hour program for parents and their children on Friday was facilitated by Corporal Jason Jones under a Youth Rise Project with funding coming from the Caribbean Development Bank.

Minister and CEO of Foreign Affairs visit Brussels for Working Mission to EU Institutions and Attends 106th ACP Council of Ministers
Brussels, Belgium. December 6th, 2017. Today, December 6th, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs of Belize, Hon. Wilfred P. Elrington, along with the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Pat Andrews, concluded their five-day working mission to Brussels, Belgium, after attending multiple high-level meetings with the EU Institutions and participating in the 106th Session of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Council of Ministers. On Monday, December 4th, the Belize delegation met with the Commissioner of the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development of the European Commission, H.E. Neven Mimica, to discuss Belize-EU bilateral relations and its development cooperation both in the Central American and Caribbean sub-regional contexts.

Belize and El Salvador discuss Citizen Security
The first Technical Cooperation Meeting on Security between the Governments of Belize and the Republic of El Salvador was held on December 5, 2017 in San Salvador. This followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in October, 2017 which formally established the strengthening of relations and citizen security in the countries. During the meeting, both delegations focused on improving efforts in the areas of migration, intelligence sharing, international security and terrorism, prevention of gang violence, and the fight against organized crime and forensic sciences.

Senate Hearings come to a close
After 13 months and hundreds of thousands of dollars in public spending, the Senate Hearings on Immigration are finally over. The Senate Select Committee called Auditor General, Dorothy Bradley to testify as their final witness. She was the first witness back in October 2016, and on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 she was the last to be called back. The majority of the hour and a half long testimony was housekeeping, with the Auditor General taking questions about her audit process which resulted in her 2011-2013 Audit Reports on Immigration.

Friends for Conservation and Development protecting the Chiquibul
The Friends for Conservation and Development held its 18th Annual General Meeting at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel on Sunday. As part of the meeting, a new Board of Directors was elected with prominent citizens such as Ambassador David Gibson and Tony Rath coming into the fold. In his presentation to the gathering, Rafael Manzanero, the Executive Director of the Friends for Conservation and Development reviewed important events within the organization over the preceding year. According to Manzanero, the Belize Electric Company Limited BECOL has been providing FCD with $25,000.00 yearly to do bio-monitoring; especially the Scarlet Macaws. Also, the Belize Diesel and Equipment Limited donated a new Hilux, which is now stationed at the Las Cuevas Research Station. Manzanero also reported that the co-management agreement with the Belize Government for the management of the Chiquibul had expired.

UNICEF/OAS discuss how to measure poverty
Representatives from various Government Organizations met at the Inspiration Center on Thursday, November 30, 2017 along with the representatives of UNICEF and the OAS in Belize to discuss multidimensional poverty. The discussion focused on poverty in Belize and its effect on children especially. The first part of the discussion was an open house sponsored by UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty Alleviation. There, the concept of the multidimensional poverty index was introduced. This index will be used to measure poverty in its various facets, facets that go beyond income and expenditure.

Police Torch Run to raise funds for Special Olympics
The Belize Police Department as well as the Belize Defense Force, the Belize Coast Guard, the Belize Immigration Department, the Belize Transport Department, and the Customs and Excise Department embarked on the 6th annual "Torch Run" carrying the Flame of Home. This activity, which is to last one week, started on Saturday, December 2, 2017 and will journey through various municipalities in an effort to promote awareness about the Special Olympics Belize and its participants.

Gender-based violence and human trafficking being targeted
On November 29, 2017, RET International launched its newest project "Strengthening the Government-Civil Society Partnership for Timely, Transparent Response to Gender-based Violence (GBV) and Trafficking in Persons (TIP)" at the George Price Center in Belmopan. The 2-year project is being funded by the U.S. Embassy through a Central American Regional Security Initiative Economic Support Funds (CARSI-ESF) grant and is value at approximately USD $300,000. Through this grant, RET International will support the implementation of Belize's National Gender-based Action Plan and is partnering with the Women's Commission, the Association of Justices of the Peace and Court Commissioners, and Productive Organization for Women in Action (POWA).

FFB has new executive
Sergio Chuc has won the election for presidency of the Football Federation of Belize. He now joins the executive of the FFB, along with Vice President Elect Cruz Gamez, filling up 2 empty seats that have been vacant for 1 year and 7 months. The election for those posts happened on Saturday, December 5, in a full Congress of the FFB, which was held at the Princess Ramada Hotel. Chuc was up against the incumbent, Ruperto Vicente, and other candidates such as Onan McLean, and Daniel Fabro. In the first round of elections, Chuc defeated his opponents when he got 14 votes out of the possible 20. Mclean received 4 votes, and the other 2 went to Vicente. Fabro, who was a newcomer entering the race late, received none of the votes.

Dr. Carla Barnett explains why she walked away in 2007
I was asked why I walked away in 2007 rather than stay to try and help to "fix it". People's memories are short - or maybe it's just natural to try and forget painful experiences. Please remember that a lot of time and energy was spent: 1. Trying to solve an unsustainable fiscal situation 2. Implementing tough economic reform measures which brought real pain to the business sector and ordinary Belizeans, 3. Negotiating extensive governance strengthening measures such as reform of the Finance and Audit Act and introducing social partner consultations in policy formulation etc.

Belize Tourism Board Hosts Children's Christmas Party at Tourist Village
The Belize Tourism Board hosted 200 children from 10 different primary schools in Belize City at the Fort Street Tourist Village (FSTV) for a children's Christmas party on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. This year marks BTB's 14th year for the Holiday Gift Project. BTB works with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) to bring a form of Christmas cheer to needy children. According to Maria Guerra, Cruise Coordinator, BTB, the BTB worked along with the Ministry of Education to identify 10 needy schools. From each school, 20 students were chosen to participate in the initiative. In an effort to spread the cheer around, 10 different schools are chosen each year.

Belize City Council's 12 Days of Charity
With the Christmas season quickly approaching, the Belize City Council took to their second year of their version of "12 Days of Christmas". Their 12 Days of Charity started on Friday, December 1, 2017 with a Calypso Train city tour for the elders of the Sister Cecilia Home. The tour was guided by Mayor Darrel Bradley himself and began at 10:30 a.m. A lunch with entertainment at the BTL Park followed the tour which was sponsored by the Office of the Mayor. At that lunch, Mayor Bradley and the Belize City Councilors shared a meal with the older people

Aragon Christmas cup winds down
The Aragon Christmas Football Cup which has been running for the past five consecutive years is in its final leg. After eight weeks of intense competition only four of the eight teams that signed up remain. With three more weeks to go and the final game tentatively scheduled for the 17th December, only the best have survived so far. Progresso, Carmelita, Guinea Grass and San Jose Palmar are the four teams which will battle it out to see who walks away with the coveted $5000.00 first Prize. The second place winner will take home $3000.00 and third place settles for $2500.00.

Police and his Girlfriend charged with wounding of his daughter
A police officer and his girlfriend are out on bail after they were separately charged with the offence of wounding in connection to the alleged beating of the police officer's 6-year-old child. They are PC Tony Gamboa, 31-year-old; Aricia Gentle, a 23-year-old sales representative, both of Hattieville. PC Gamboa and Gentle were taken to court on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 to be arraigned before Magistrate Michelle Trapp. The police officer was read a single charge of harm upon his 6-year-old daughter.

Two men charged in Belmopan
Two men have been charged in connection with the decapitation of a Belizean laborer from Cotton Tree. Twenty-nine-year-old Raphael Mencias was charged for murder while thirty-six-year-old Elroy Grinage was charged for abetment and conspiracy to commit murder on Friday at the Belmopan Magistrate Court. Both men, also of Cotton Tree Village were brought before the court in connection to the death of Hilton Wade and were as a result remanded to the Belize Central Prison until March 2, 2018.

Teenagers out on bail for robbery and wounding
On Monday, December 4, 2017, two teenagers ages 17 and 18 were before the court to answer to two criminal charges of robbery and wounding upon a man. The 18-year-old has been identified as Dwayne Williams. The duo was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate's Court before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where they were read a charge of robbery upon Alfredo Ical and one count of wounding upon Ical. Both Williams and the minor pleaded not guilty to robbing Ical. Williams did plead guilty to wounding Ical but his sentencing for the guilty plea was deferred until a later date.

Two years in jail for taxi driver who touched girl's leg
Nestor Gallindo, a 44-year-old taxi driver, was sentenced to 2 years in prison after he was found guilty sexually assaulting a 15-year-old minor who was a passenger in his taxi. He was found guilty on December 1, 2017 and sentenced on December 4, 2017. Gallindo appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where he pleaded not guilty.

Russell Hyde Jr. shot in San Ignacio
Russell Hyde Jr., son of the notorious Russell Hyde Sr. from Roaring Creek, continues to recover at the Western Regional Hospital from a shooting incident in San Ignacio Town. On Monday, December 4, 2017 at about 8:15 p.m., San Ignacio police received information about the shooting, and they visited the San Ignacio Hospital. That's where they observed Russel Hyde Jr., a 24-year-old Belizean businessman of Belmopan, with multiple gunshot wounds to the body.

Gasman Jones on bail for sexual assault accusation
Gasman Jones, a 22-year-old Belize City resident, is out on a $2,000 bail after he was accused of the offense of unlawful sexual intercourse. His case ended in a paper committal before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on Tuesday, December 5, 2017. In August of 2016, Jones was accused of having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl. After the paper committal, Senior Magistrate Ford committed Jones to stand trial at the Supreme Court for the January 2018 session set to commence on January 16, 2018.

Screwdriver and TV splitter costs man his job
Antonio Novelo, a 38-year-old ex-sales clerk of Augusto Quan, was fired from his job on Monday, December 4, 2017 after he was caught red-handed stealing from his workplace. On Tuesday, December 5, 2017, he appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford in the Belize City Magistrate's Court where he was read a single charge of theft. Novelo pled guilty to the charge and was fined $500 plus a $5.00 cost of court which he was ordered to pay by January 15, 2018 in default of 5 months' imprisonment. Novelo was caught stealing a screwdriver and a 2-way TV splitter, all to a value of $4.50.

Verdes FC a win away from National Football title
The Premier League of Belize entered its final round of the 2017 Opening Season with game one of the finals on Sunday 3rd December, 2017, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town between the defending champions and competition favourites the Belmopan Bandits and the determined Verdes FC. Before a stadium full of football fans and enthusiasts, the host team Verdes FC, were determined to cut the defending champions Belmopan Bandits down to size. The game itself was perhaps one of the best games played in the championship series for a long time when no one gave up any goals in the early goings.

Demille Flores to Rush Select Programme
Dangriga's Demille Flores, 14, has been invited to attend the Rush Select Programme at the Presidents' Day Tournament as one of the top 16 players in Rush his age group. Demille had attended and participated last month in the Rush Select 2004/2005 Boys ID Camp, an event for 60 boys and 60 girls of the U13 - U15 age groups where the Rush Select staff trained and evaluated them. The Rush Select Technical Staff selected him based on nominations from Rush Technical Directors there. The Presidents' Day Tournament is a college showcase tournament February 15 - 19, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Belizean athletes compete in Beach Volleyball at the XI Central American Games in Managua
Gabriel Nunez Jr. and Luis "Ricky" Luna both of San Pedro Town are representing Belize in Beach Volleyball at the XI Central American Games in Managua, Nicaragua. Belize is among the Central American countries that are participating in the regional games. On Sunday 3rd December, Team Belize played two games in the Round Robin competition. In game one, Team Belize fell to host country Nicaragua by the score of 21-12 and 21-12.

Sergio Chuc to lead football in Belize for the next four years
The Football Federation of Belize held its 11th Ordinary Congress on Saturday 2nd December 2017, at 10:00 am at the Ramada Princess on Newtown Barracks in Belize City. The high point of the 11th Ordinary Congress was the elections of the President and Vice President of the Football Federation of Belize. A total of 20 delegates, each representing a football district and the Premier League of Belize participated in the election process, which saw the election of Sergio Chuc as the new President of the Football Federation of Belize. Chuc, received a total of 14 votes out of the 20 casts by the delegates. Onan McLean received 4 votes, former president Ruperto Vicente received 2 and outsider Daniel Fabro received 0 votes.

Landlord and Tenant Act pt1
If you're an adult living in Belize, chances are that you have been in the position of a tenant or landlord at some point in time. There are many things to know when you are either of them and a great many misconceptions as to what you can or can't do when you find yourself in any of these situations. The rules and guide that governs this is the Landlord and Tenant Act Chapter 189 of the Laws of Belize, Revised edition 2000. This act consists of 69 sections and to include all the information therein we would need four newspapers. The following will speak on some of the more common issues encountered while letting premises.

Closure of Nassau Grouper Season
The Nassau Grouper season will be closed from 1st December 2017 to March 31st, 2018. Statutory Instrument #49 of 2009 Regulations which relates to Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus): Regulation 3 (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.

Man found stabbed in San Ignacio
San Ignacio Police visited Domingo Street in San Ignacio Town on Sunday afternoon where they discovered a decomposing body inside a house with stab wounds above the left eye and other bodily injuries. The lifeless body was that of thirty-three-year-old Victor Spain, who was last seen on Friday evening at about 5:30 pm. The ex-common-law of Victor Spain had found him in a pool of blood inside his home. Neighbors had reportedly heard screams coming from inside the house on Friday night, but they did not react thinking that it was just a domestic dispute. They also report seeing two persons running from the area shortly after.

Minor survives hit and run accident on Phillip Goldson Highway
On Thursday, November 30, 2017 at about 5:40 p.m., police officers visited the KHMH where they observed 11-year-old Emmett Burgess, a student of a Belize City address, suffering from multiple injuries over the body. Initial investigation revealed that while Burgess was crossing the Phillip Goldson Highway near the DK Supermarket to meet his grandmother, he was hit by an oncoming vehicle. A driver had signaled for Burgess to cross but an overtaking vehicle hit him. That vehicle was being driven by 29-year-old Ralph Burns, a Belizean businessman of a Lord's Bank address.

The other side of Christmas
It was not until I was nearly a 25 year old woman that I realized that for some people Christmas was not the most wonderful time of the year. Sure I had always known some families have it better than others. My family had it better than some and some had it better than ours. But what I did not realize was that for some people, Christmas was a time of utter sorrow and misery. One Christmas-Eve when I was five years old or maybe I was six- I don't quite remember now- my dad upon arriving home from work, informed my mama and me that he would be working the next day, Christmas day. "WHAT DADDY? WHY? WHY DO YOU HAVE TO WORK ON CHRISTMAS DAY?" My dad who was the manager of his work station calmly explained that, yes, it is Christmas and the other employees all wanted the day off so although he was not scheduled to work, he volunteered to do so.

One of a Kind
I am me, you are you but at times one plus one is not two. Are we not equals if I am but one and you another? What makes you so special, if I have the "whole" to your part? I cultivate and reap whilst you just plant the seed. Looking at it objectively, It is unbalanced as us women carry the brunt. We, women carry all the secrets as well. We hide the truth behind our smiles, jackets, scarfs, pants and war paint. Today, the 6th of December is the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre and is now observed as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence AGAINST Women. Majority of the time, we cannot tell when women are being abused, be it verbal, physical or both because they are ashamed and hide it well.

Sustainable Development Goal Target 6.4 ?
Last week I reported that the SDGs are designed to finish the job started by the MDGs, that is, to get to a statistical "zero" on hunger, poverty, preventable child deaths and other targets. Included is the set of goals, is to "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all" also known as SDG 6. The SDGs unlike the MDGs are applicable to all countries, rich and poor, and developed and developing. Belize has always focused on the provision of potable water, and under the MDGs we did an excellent job. However SDG 6 includes seven targets and only Target 6.1 is specific to drinking water (potable water). All other targets refer to sanitation, water use efficiency, wastewater management, gender issues, international cooperation for water, the natural water environment, and Integrated Water Resources Management. The reason for this shift is that the MDG 7 outdid itself in most parts of the world, including Belize. There is now the need to ensure that the Green Infrastructure will be able to sustainably provide water for potable use without imperiling these natural water systems.

Private Hustles, sovereign Guarantees
I am treated each week to several opinions from friends on topics they think I should share with readers. I must confess that I do not always develop these suggestions into writing since truthfully some of them do sound weird. However, there was a particular gentleman, a former PUP diehard, who sat beside me Sunday morning past on my bench where I sit to read. He piped my interest with the following observation. This longtime acquaintance, whom I will call Buddy, is vehemently against our country paying the $90 million for an illegal sovereign guarantee made to greedy, connected PUP cronies. Buddy said that this action by the past PUP Administration combined with $millions in free grants from DFC and SSB to "lambiscones" made him turn against his own Party. Buddy told me that he heard that the Principal benefactor of the Alliance met with the entire PUP caucus last week and secured from their representatives a commitment for a "yes" vote in the House on December 8.

Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
At this time of year, our thoughts are about the mother of our Lord Jesus, Mary of Nazareth. Her story illustrates many of the characteristics of the kind of woman God uses to fulfill His redemptive purposes in our world. There was nothing particularly unusual about Mary. She was not from a wealthy or illustrious family. When the angel appeared to this young teenage girl, she was engaged to be married and was undoubtedly doing what engaged girls do-dreaming of being married to Joseph, of the home they would live in, of the family they would have.

Human Rights Student Scholars: Write to Fame!
Written by By Calbert Pratt. CRIME TIME All you hear every day is crime. Crime rate goes up but never goes down. Every day innocent people drop by gun. Their mothers are crying, "God, why my son?" People taking it for fun, Until their eye water starts to run. Crime rate will never stop. Gun man pass and rob people by the bus stop. When you go to jail, More than likely you won't even get bail. In life, you'll realize all you did was fail. Rise up ghetto youth. Let SUCCESS be your motivational line.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Carla Barnett concludes working visit in Punta Gorda Town
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Carla Barnett was in the [�]

Rasheed Hyde wanted for Santa Elena shooting
Russel Hyde Jr,24, was shot on Monday night at a meat shop on George Price Avenue in [�]

Senate Hearings come to an end
For the last year or so, Wednesdays in the jewel have been marked by melodramatic [�]

Caye Caulker gets new fire truck
The Village of Caye Caulker has received a new fire truck which is now part [�]

Police: Woman robbed of her cash in broad daylight in Belize City
Yesterday, a 45 year old Belizean businesswoman of Belize City reported to police that about 10:30 [�]

Blogs

Aji Tapa Restaurant in San pedro Ambergris Caye
Aji Tapi Restaurant includes a Bella Vista Guest Homes, a four casita boutique resort located 2.5 miles north of San Pedro inside Aji Tapa premises. It has full equipped furniture, wifi, cable, air-conditioning and kitchen. The garden has a walk way very clean and maintained. My friend Linda Miller picked me up at my house, and we drove 2.5 miles up north with her golf cart. The weather was perfectly fine to come out and adventure in San Pedro. We exchanged information all the way until we reached to Aji Tapa Bar. The first thing I saw was the big sign that had written their happy hours and opening time in Aji's. I liked the style they had from the entrance. Beachfront, Restaurant, Tapas, Paella, Wine, Seafood says the sign. Tapa and Bar restaurant opening hours are from 8am to 10pm. Then, I saw a long wooden post laid flat across from one cement post to the other. It had a stained crocodile on top of the wood.

Mahogany Bay Village Opens As the Largest Resort in Belize & Hilton's First in the Country
Yesterday Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton officially opened! Late morning on a gorgeous day, there were a few speeches, the Belizean flag was raised and lunch and champagne were served. The largest resort in Belize is OPEN. It marked a project that has been in the works for quite a few years (check out the posts I've written below) - and is just one stage in many more that are planned. It is the largest resort on Ambergris Caye - with 106 rooms opening at 12.01am on December 6, 2017. There will be 300 in total. There are now 325,000 square feet of completed buildings. 310 employees. A monumental accomplishment on a large piece of reclaimed land that was completely empty - just dirt and sand -about 5 years ago. I first properly visited the site less than 2 miles south of San Pedro town in June 2014. Since then there has been an EXPLOSION of activity. New businesses, new buildings, a massive Great House, furnishings, decor, plants�

Belize's 1st Pelagic Trip, Warbler Mania on Halfmoon Caye
So this has been what many Belizean Birders have been waiting for, a Pelagic Birding Trip. For those of who don't know a Pelagic is a trip that goes out in the open ocean look for seabirds (boobies, shearwaters, storm-petrels etc) This trip has been in planning from the beginning of the year and thanks to the chief Roni Martinez and the Belize Audubon Society the day has come. We boarded the Booby at the Old Belize Marina to start our journey out to the Lighthouse Reef Atoll we had a pretty solid group of birders Roni Martinez, Fidelio Montes , Isaias Morataya, Diego Cruz, Eduardo Ruano, Marcos Corado, Meshack Eliah, Eric Tut and myself. Before the trip even started Eduardo, Marcos and I managed to stumble upon a Brown Noddy in Belize City. So we took hour two hour journey and our first stop within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll was at a caye called Northern 2 it was supposed to be some sort of mega resort on the atoll but it never really took off ( thankfully) so now the island is abandoned buildings that have become fishing camps and an abandoned airstrip. A perfect stopover point for migrating birds before long we were picking up migrants such as Palm Warblers, Blue Grosbeak, Dickcissels, Merlin, Peregrine Falcons and my first pair of lifers an Acadian Flycatcher and a Prairie Warbler. Other than birds we stumbled across an Allison's Anole an Anole that's found only on a few Islands in the Caribbean.

International Sourcesizz

Hilton's Mahogany Bay Opens in Belize
There's a new place to stay on Belize's Ambergris Caye. The Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton is now welcoming travelers, the property announced Thursday. Belize's newest hotel features 205 cottage and villa-style rooms on a 60-acre waterfront site. The sprawling complex includes 10 different dining outlets, along with bay and beach clubs and event spaces and a 72,000-gallon saltwater pool. It all adds up to what is the largest hotel in Belize.

CARICOM and Cuba mark 45 years of relationships
The bonds of brotherhood and cooperation between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Cuba, 45 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries of that bloc and the largest of the Antilles, were highlighted on Wednesday in Havana. During a gala to commemorate the date in the Marti Theater, the Cuban Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ana Teresita Gonzalez, recalled that more than four decades of that courageous decision, the links between peoples and governments of the Caribbean and Cuba have been deepened and made more effective. Gonz�lez emphasized that a sign of that friendship was the mutual support after the passage of the intense hurricanes Irma and Mar�a, which hit the Caribbean last September

Videos

  • SPECIAL OLYMPICS 2017 COROZAL FUND RAISER, 4min.

  • CCRCS school children going around singing Christmas carols, 1/2min. How adorable.

  • Mahogany Bay Resort Opens its Doors, 5min. A new luxury resort was launched today in San Pedro just in time for the tourism high season. A year later and over a hundred million dollars in investment, Mahogany Bay resort opened its doors to Hilton members visiting the island. At the launch today, it was announced that this latest CURIO brand resort is among five in the Latin American and Caribbean region. News Five's Duane Moody was present and files this report.

  • Belize Reef C1/GoEco highlights 2017, 8min. Thanks to Reef C1 and GoEco for the opportunity to explore the coral reef zones off of the coast of Belize. Drone footage provided by Polly Alford

  • Bones in Belize, 22min. SFTV Classic: Mike Mazur, Editor of Fly Fishing In Salt Waters, travels to an exotic offshore atoll surrounded by hungry bonefish and permit.

  • Carnival Magic Cruise Vlog November 2017 - Part 4: Belize - Altun Ha & River Wallace - ParoDeeJay, 26min. We're rolling on to a 7-day cruise aboard the Carnival Magic out of Port Canaveral, headed to Cozumel, Belize, Mahogany Bay, and Costa Maya! We cruised from November 11-18, 2017. In this episode, we schedule an excursion throuh Carnival called "Altun Ha Mayan Site & River Wallace" where we'll tour a Mayan ruins site, then head out on a river wildlife safari...

  • Gender-based violence is everyone's business, 1min.

  • Talk Ah Di Town December 7, 2017, 31min.

  • Morning Matters Raggamuffuin Tours #2, 65min.

  • Mikado, 1min.

  • Human Rights Commission, 44min.

  • Belize High School MOAS 2017, 21min.

  • Confettii Christmas Tree Decor Tips, 19min.

  • Kaya Cattouse Annual Cycling Track Games, 17min.

  • Representatives of the Belize Chamber of Commerce "The CCJ Ruling", 45min.

  • Belize Barrier Reef, 4.5min.

  • Belize! Be There!, 8min.

  • BELIZE, 6.5min. My Family's trip to Belize.

  • Belize | Travel Diary, 9min. I surprised my hubby with a trip to Belize for his 30th birthday! We stayed at the Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Hopkins. This was the best little get away!

  • Tobacco Caye, Belize 2017, 9min. Small coconut-tree island, 30 minute boat ride from Dangriga, few accommodation, excellent snorkel on the exterior side of the reef

  • Belize Barrier Reef, 4min.

  • Belize Don't wanna say goodbye,5 min. Belize coral reef conservation project, November 2017. Thanks to Reef C1 and GoEco. Shout outs to: Willie, Richard, Linda, Luis and Capiiiitan Choc!

  • Belizean Christmas Vol. 1., 21min.
  • © Ambergris Caye Belize Message Board