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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
Adopt a Bear once again brings Christmas happiness to children of Ambergris Caye
Thanks to the Adopt a Bear project sponsored by Raise Me Up, over 200 children on Ambergris Caye who wouldn't otherwise receive a Christmas present, received one on Wednesday, December 20th. Many children gathered in the morning at the San Pedro Lions Den to receive their gifts from Santa Claus and his elf's.
"I'm glad for the constant support that we receive from islanders and visitors of San Pedro," said Raise Me Up's Joe Chung, "This year was another success just like the previous ones, as we received 359 gifts. I hope that it continues to be like this for the coming years."
"Adopt a Bear" project doesn't only benefit children of Ambergris Caye, as over 100 children on the mainland received a gift as well. The presents were distributed on Thursday, December 21st to Liberty Children's Shelter and Kings Home in Belmopan.
Guatemalan beauty queen hosted on Ambergris Caye
On the 16th and 17th of December, island resident and pageant trainer Enrique de Leon hosted 15-year old Ofelia Marisol Ramirez Cardona, a beauty queen from the Department of Peten in Guatemala. Cardona was crowned Reina de la Feria 2017 on November 27th after representing her hometown of San Andres at the municipal level. She will be now competing at the Department's pageant on January 6, 2018. During her visit to La Isla Bonita Cardona took a couple lessons with de Leon as well as with Miss Earth Belize 2017, Iris Salguero. She departed on Monday, December 18th. On Saturday, December 16th, Cardona engaged in training sessions with Leon as she prepares for the pageant in January. At the pageant, she will be competing against 14 contestants from other municipalities. Leon was also joined by Salguero, who shared some tips with Cardona in the world of pageantry. Salguero recently returned to Belize after representing the Jewel as the Miss Earth 2017 Pageant in Manila, Philippines. Later that day, Cardona along with her committee were treated to a dinner at Rio Restaurant and Bar.
SPTC installs new street lights on Ambergris Caye
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) started the installation of new street lights on Ambergris Caye on Wednesday, December, 13th. Lights have been installed from north of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge all the way to Belizean Shores. Other areas on the island that will benefit from this project include San Mateo, San Juan, San Pedrito, DFC, Eiley Sub-Division and Elliot Sub-Division.
"This project of the new light posts for the island is something that we had mention several times, so it should be nothing new for the Islanders, " said Mayor Daniel Guerrero. "We started with the north side of the island because we are in the tourism high season. We hope the new lights will help prevent any crime as well as assist late night workers." Guerrero also mentioned that over 360 lights have already been purchased to be installed in the various areas that are needed.
Wyndham Hotel Group representative gives update on Ambergris Caye hotel project
The first phase of the completion of the Wyndham Grand Ambergris Caye, the first resort in the country to fly the Wyndham Grand Flag in northern Ambergris Caye, is reportedly on course. The resort is scheduled to open at the end of 2018. As such, a representative of the Wyndham Hotel Group visited Ambergris Caye on Thursday, December 14th and discussed with The San Pedro Sun information on the upcoming five-star oceanfront resort, its top-notch amenities and the benefits it will provide to the island. Alicea told The Sun that in his responsibility for resorts, he sees high potential on Ambergris Caye. He says that they want to start offering Ambergris Caye to their 50 million plus members and they believe that such exposure will guarantee a large influx of visitors to the island. He is happy and more than satisfied with the island. "When I first came here I was impressed with the natural resources, and the people are so nice and so welcoming," he said."
Ambergris Today
Nominations For San Pedro Person Of The Year 2017
Remember to nominate your choice for Person of the Year. We are accepting nominations of whoever you think is deserving.
Adopt-A-Bear Program Spreads Christmas Cheer
The Raise Me Up Foundation does it again - spreading Christmas Cheer to hundreds of children in San Pedro Town, with their third annual Adopt-A-Bear program. On Wednesday, December 20, 2017, children were presented with their special gift by Santa and his elves.
The program was brought to life in 2015 by a group of volunteers who wanted to make sure that less fortunate island children received a special gift during the Christmas Season. After months of preparation, the annual Adopt-A-Bear program officially kicked off the 2017 Christmas season in San Pedro's distribution at the Lion's Den with 359 children receiving gifts.
Misc Belizean Sources
Congrats to the winners from this year's Caye Caulker Fuels Annual Christmas Raffle
First prize : 49 inch flat screen TV won by Valentino Marin.
Second prize : $100 fuel won by Melvin Badillo Jr.
Third prize : Christmas ham won by Alwin Ramirez.
Congratulations to all the winners! Caye Caulker Fuels Management and Staff wishes all its valued customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for your continued patronage throughout the years!
NEMO STANN CREEK END-OF-YEAR AWARDS
Christmas and the end of the year is a time to give thanks, and in this spirit, the NEMO Stann Creek District Emergency Committee held its Annual Appreciation and Awards Banquet at the Dangriga Town Hall.
Those receiving awards were: Tristan Usher, Emergency Worker of the Year, who also received on behalf of his team at the Ministry of Works the Emergency Response Team Award; Emergency Operations Centre Director and Town Councillor Aaron "Jake" Gongora, Emergency Leader of the Year; Russell Lambert, Annual Emergency Team Spirit Award (received on his behalf by Human Resources Management Chairperson, Cynthia Villagran); Deputy Chair for Transport & Evacuation, Roman Sabal from the Dangriga Town Council, Municipal Transport Department, who received the 2017 Participatory Award; and Senior Agriculture Extension Officer, Adelita Arzu, who received on behalf of her department (Agriculture Department, Stann Creek) the Annual Emergency Team Collaborations Award.
Second Annual Child Advisory Board President's Meeting
Canucks New Years' Eve BASH
Sun Dec 31 2017 at 08:00 pm.
Crazy Canucks Beach Bar, Beachfront at Exotic Caye Beach Resort, Coconut Drive, San Pedro, Belize. Come celebrate 2018 at Crazy Canucks!
DJ from 8pm-2am. Giveaways and free shots throughout the night. Glow-stick bracelets and goodies will be provided.
Party under the stars south of town and away from the big crowds!
Corozal Public Library End of Year Program
A reminder that the End of Year Program at the Corozal Public Library starts today! Come by the library and register!
Minors and alcohol?
Is the Police Cadet Corps failing? Brava beer is contraband but brought in for officer events. Should the cadet program be in civilian hands since recent incidents have call the program into question.
Annual Child Advisory Body Presidents Meeting
Children of San Pedro Town work together and made their presentation and presented the report and a display corner about the island. All municipalities are present. The San Pedro Town Council is represented by Councilor Ruben Gonzalez.
Orlinton - San Pedro CAB Member
Other CAB members from across the country and UNICEF Representative in Belize Dr Susan Kassede being interview by Channel 5.
SUMMER 2018 STUDY OF THE U.S. INSTITUTE FOR SCHOLARS
The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce a call for applications for the 2018 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Scholars. Please read the program overview and share it with qualified partners and contacts. Self-nominations are accepted. Nominations, including resumes, should be sent to [email protected] with the subject line: SUSI for Scholars. Application deadline is January 10, 2018.
Program Overview:
2018 GIST Net Tech-I competition
Apply now: http://bit.ly/2hTMQ7d. ONE WEEK left to apply for the 2018 GIST Net Tech-I competition! Showcase your startup to the world, receive mentorships from top entrepreneurs and win big prizes. Application deadline Thursday, December 28, 2017.
Lions Club New Year's Dance in San Pedro
Inviting all the public to our annual New Years dance. The lions den will open their doors December 31st 2017 at 10:00 pm until January 1st 2018 at 8:00 am. This is an event that no one would like to miss as it has been a tradition for many years. Come and be part of this wonderful celebration as we will have Super Furia in the house. Thanks The San Pedro Lions Club
Interesting Public Notice from BTL
I am interested in the information about IPs. Is Diginet blocking ports with NAT and thus a need to pay extra plus tax for an IP? And what about the IP features / offerings with his SMART internet service?
We are content to announce that yesterday we officially received our pharmacy license to retail medication to the community of Caye Caulker
As a born resident of Caye Caulker, and as a registered pharmacist,Rx. Value Pharmacy, makes a commitment to continue to offer the highest standard of pharmaceutical service to you.
BEL and employees gift 150 Christmas hampers to families and the elderly countrywide
CAWS Chili Cook Off
The Cayo Animal Welfare Society is having its 3rd annual Chili Cook Off on Saturday, January 6th, at Remo's Roadhouse. If you just want to eat chili until you can't eat anymore, while supporting a great cause, it's only $10 If you want to enter your chili into the competition, call them at 669-1468.
CAB Advisory Board Recognition
Mayor Trapp and Councilor Neal met with the SISE Children's Advisory Body, and gave them some Christmas presents.
"Yesterday, Mayor Earl Trapp Jr. and Councilor Vanessa Neal acknowledged the work and contributions of the CAB Advisory Board issuing Christmas gifts to the children. The CAB Advisory Board is geared towards teaching children in our community Leadership skills, Civic Pride and the importance of service to the community among other things. They have been active in providing recommendations and ideas to develop our municipality to a child friendly one. The SISE Town Council joins Mayor Earl Trapp and Councilor Neal in commending the children for their service and participation!"
Christmas In Town Grand Finale
Christmas in Town is having its grand finale today, December 22nd, at the Cayo Welcome Center. They'll be giving away 500 gifts, along with a scooter.
"Christmas in Town! 500 Gifts to be given away! and other Great Prizes. And the GRAND RAFFLE OF A LIFAN MOTORCYCLE.
This is the Grand Finale, happening at the Cayo Welcome Center starting at 7:00PM-9:00PM.
Watch it live on Channel 10 exclusively on Central TV & Internet."
Christmas Bird Count in Mountain Pine Ridge
In case you are wondering what the MPR CBC circle looks like...
Scarlet Macaws, Russet Antshrike and Slate-colored Solitaire are possible. Solitary Eagle and Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle too. Sedge Wren, Cabanis's Wren, Rufous-capped Warbler, Red Crossbill, Spectacled Owl and Central American Pygmy Owl, Lovely Cotinga would be marginally possible.
See you today at 7pm at Hodes Place, San Ignacio!
Paradise Theater closed this weekend
Merry Christmas! Be back December 29th
Channel 7
The 90 Million Dollar House Meeting
While most of you will be enjoying your delicious Christmas dinner next week without a care in the world - the Prime Minister and his Cabinet ministers will also be enjoying, but in the back of their heads, they'll probably be weighing that 90.6 million dollar question.
Today, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber confirmed that that matter will be taken to the House of Representatives on January 5th. Faber told us more or less what to expect:
Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister:
"Ah yes, I believe that the Prime Minister indicated at the last meeting that he would be waiting for the 21 days to expire for him to bring the motion to the house and it is intended that motion will be brought at the house meeting on January 5th. However, I think that it is the intention of the Prime Minister to introduce the motion and then nothing really says that he has to push it through all the readings in one sitting and I believe it is the intention for him to just introduce it and then at a subsequent meeting the debate on the merits of it will actually be made and then the voting will take place."
DPM Faber Says Basil Jones Is Legit
Was Belize duped by a South Florida scammer? That is the question on everyone's mind after developer Jorge Jaen's credibility has come into question. Jaen appeared last week as the point-man for the hundred million US dollar airport project at Basil Jones on northern Ambergris Caye.
But he has no track record in airport development - and neither does his company, International Airport Alliance. Jaen has also been accused of fraud in 2006 - including allegations of Conspiracy to Commit Extortion and voter fraud.
While a statement from International Airport Alliance says that Jaen has never been prosecuted, it still raises major concerns about the legitimacy of his partnership with Belize and the future of the Airport. Today we asked Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber about it and he says all this might just be mischief making - people trying to jeopardize the project. Here is how he put it.
Ministry of Works Has Central Culpability in Cayo Explosion
Who's to blame for what went wrong with the explosion at a Santa Elena quarry last week? Well, documents on the Department of the Environment website, show that the Ministry of Works played a central role.
The mining explosion is part of the roadworks for the paving of miles 48 to 80, a project spearheaded by the Ministry of Works.
The Ministry had to file an environmental compliance plan - and a review of that document shows that the Ministry was in open violation of many of the requirements.
Under the heading "earth movement activities," it says that they must obtain proper licenses and permits from the Mining Unit to operate quarries. As we now know, so permit was obtained for last Tuesday's explosion.
Elderly Man Identified, Sad Story Revealed
Police have identified the elderly man found with a head injury on the side of the Phillip Golden Highway. As we told you, he was found on Tuesday night at 9:00 pm, at mile three on the George Price Highway with a major injury to the back of his head.
Police told us that they finally got his full particulars - and found out why he was on the road alone late at night:...
ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB Belize City:
"Last night we were finally able to get the family members and he was identified as Claudius Meighan, an eighty-year-old of a Belama address. He was identified by an ex-common-law wife. Apparently he is experiencing some mental disorder and he has been walking up that George Price Highway over and over. He has been here at the police station, police had even taken him to his residence, but apparently he lives by himself. Police has previously escorted him to his residence, but apparently he has nobody else to be along with him."
Corporals Charged For Knocking Teen's Teeth Out
Two Punta Gorda police corporals have been criminally charged for beating up teenager Victor Kus. Last week Wednesday Corporal's Ico and Coy pounced on the 16 year old - and beat him so badly that the doctor classified the injuries as grievous harm. The teen lost three teeth, got a bad black and blue eye, and an injury to his arm. His cell phone was also destroyed.
His father was outraged by the crime and demanded court action - which is what has happened. The Head of the Professional Standards Branch, ACP Chester Williams told us more today:
ACP Chester Williams, O.C., Professional Standards Branch:
"In respect of that matter, I have given instructions to the officer commanding Punta Gorda Police Station to lay criminal charges against the police officers concerned for grievous harm and damage to property. So they should be charged before the week ends and they will be arraigned in court on criminal charges and they will also be charged disciplinarily in respect of their disciplinary infractions where that matter is concerned."
Owner of SUV Reported It Stolen Shortly After It Was Found With Drugs
The owner of the Lincoln Navigator which crashed into the gate at the Customs Department with 5 kilos of cocaine in a hidden compartment says his vehicle was stolen.
Belize City resident Bruce Faber reported to police that his vehicle was stolen - and he did that about 10 minutes after the SUV crashed into the customs fence. Actually, he didn't make the report his "washman" did. Police explained today:
ACP Joseph Myvette, NCIB:
"A suspect is still being sought in regards to the drugs found in the Lincoln Navigator. He has not been found since."
Bail For Alleged Cocaine Cowboys
In other news of cocaine trafficking, 2 alleged cocaine cowboys Peter Schmidt and Carlos Lopez got bail today.
This is two days after they were remanded to the Belize Central Prison after being busted with 5 kilo bricks of cocaine and a loaded firearm.
Their attorneys, Ellis Arnold and Oscar Selgado, made bail applications on their behalf before Justice Adolph Lucas today. After hearing their attorneys' arguments, and the response of Crown Counsel Sheneiza Smith, Justice Lucas granted them bail of 100 thousand dollars.
Finally Police Publicize Wanted Alleged Killer
Tonight police are finally admitting that a murder suspect escaped from them and is on the loose. 29 year old old George Bull escaped from Orange Walk police on Sunday afternoon - but on Monday, police were pretending that he was just wanted. Today - they conceded that the man wanted for the murder of Jaime Pelayo has been on the loose since his ID parade was finished on Sunday:
ACP Joseph Myvette, NCIB:
"The suspect was detained and he was formally charged for two counts of aggravated assault and in order to complete the murder investigation, an ID parade would have had to be conducted and in the process after the ID parade and whilst being escorted back to the cell block he made good his escape while being escorted back to the cell block."
The Curious Case of Mark Vasquez and Usbaldo Nieto
The man who was the main suspect in Mark Vasquez's murder has been released without a charge. He is 18 year old Usbaldo Nieto - and he was also injured in a knife fight with the 53 year old car dealer. Police said that the case will require some deeper investigation.
ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB Belize City:
"18 year old Osbaldo Nieto was detained and he was admitted to the hospital with several injuries. The doctor has already treated him and he was discharged two days ago. He was brought into custody and questioned. After reviewing all the statements that we had recorded, the young male person, Mr. Nieto, was released and the investigation is still continuing at this point."
No Charges For Village Murder
No one has been charged for the chopping death of 21 year old Independence Villager, Victor Pou. The young man was attacked and killed on Big Creek Road over the weekend. Today, police told us that the suspects have been released:...
ACP Joseph Myvette, NCIB:
"A number of persons were detained in regards to that investigation but eventually were released pending further investigation. The police are following new leads and they were on the ground yesterday where they got some new leads which they are following as we speak."
In one more murder update - Belmopan police have detained the main suspect in the murder of 69 year old taxi-man Oswald Lopez.
Mid December 2017 Murder Total Equals End Of Year 2016
Those four murders between Friday and Sunday brought this year's official murder count (so far) to the same as last year's 138. It's a very high number and it's one of several topics Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie touched in his 14-minute Christmas message - where he outlined the major crime statistics up to three days ago:
Allen Whylie, Commisioner of Police:
"In terms of a national crime statistics in regards to major crimes, it shows that at 18th December 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016, we have had 138 cases of murders reported currently and in 2016 we also had 138 murders reported for the entire year. Rape: we've have 22 incidents recorded in 2017 versus 23 in 2016. So rape recorded a down by one incident or 4.3%. Robbery: we've had 245 reports in 2017 versus 232."
Minister Vows to Bring Down Murder Count
So while major crimes were down - we may end the year with an increase in murders. While we all hope there isn't one more killing between now and the end of the year, even with 138 murders, Belize's murder rate will remain among the global top ten.
It's pretty puzzling when you think about it - considering all the energy and resources put in to containing crime. We asked the Minister if he's disappointed:...
Jules Vasquez, reporter:
"Is it a disappointment to end the year 139 by my humble count, 138 by yours, with the same number or more murders than we did last year?"
Hon. Elodio Aragon, Minister of State, Police:
"Dealing with murders, especially in Belize City, is not an easy thing. We all know the situation here. What is important to note is that the Belize Police Department has not sat idly by. We initiated the Operation ACT to deal with that situation, to reduce the incidents of gun violence and murders, which to a large extent since we've initiated this operation we have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of shooting incidents and murders in Belize City. And I am confident in all that will come to bear next year, I am confident that the Police Department achieve a reduction in murders."
COMPOL: Gang Activity Responsible For High Murder Count
And while Aragon is determined to bring down the total, Commissioner Whylie says he's not happy with the current figure. He said gang activity was the main driver for the high murder rate:...
Allen Whylie, Commisioner of Police:
"Any murder is a murder too much. Of course we are not happy in terms of the level of murders we've had."
Jules Vasquez, reporter:
"Is there any indication so far of what is driving this high number of murders this year? What's the main driver?"
Allen Whylie, Commisioner of Police:
"Well you know we have some upsurge in terms of gang rivalry as well as inter-gang rivalry fueled by the fight over turf for the sale of drugs and I think that contributed significantly in terms of the Belize District. We've also seen where a few incidents occurred during robberies and there are a few indeed from domestic violence. But I think the majority of the incidents were gang related, so to speak."
Operation ACT A Success
And one of the main reasons that crime numbers aren't even higher is Operation ACT. Since it was launched in late October - crime in the city has taken a sharp downtown- after recording a record number of murders in that same month.
Today Commander of Operations Edward Broaster, said that ACT led to many firearms and drugs seizures along with thousands of searches:
As part of ACT, 12 persons have been arrested and charged with drug related offenses.
ACT Will Continue Until When?
But how long can police afford to keep the operation going? It has had successes in the 55 days it's been running, but can the police keep paying for the manpower, the fuel, and the food and water? The Commissioner acknowledged that their resources are finite:...
Allen Whylie, Commisioner of Police:
"I've already indicated that ACT will continue into the New Year. It won't be indefinite, because it's a high intensive in terms of human resources as well as the financial cost. I won't say when it will done, because I don't want to tip the criminal to say we will just wait out the police. I can assure that it will continue into 2018 and we will continue to review as we go along."
Fire In City "Barracks" Leaves Four Families Homeless
The city has seen a total of four fires this month and last night another was added to the list. Four families that resided in a barracks home on #4 Flamboyant Street lost their house to a vicious blaze that destroyed everything. This morning we were able to speak to one of the victims who explained how the damage has put a damper on their Christmas.
Emmet Baptist, Fire Victim:
"I lived in the first apartment right here. This is my house. Well to be exact we just heard it start from over the next side of the neighbor's house and it blazed right into my house."
Helluva Time In Pomona Valley, Or, Not Really?
Last night we showed you the picture with three females posing off with cans of contraband beer in front of a police youth cadet Christmas party banner. The clear suggestion was that they had been drinking at a youth cadet function.
It's a very unsavory image and no less than the Commissioner of Police reacted by tasking the commander of the professional standards branch to find out what really happened.
Today, ACP Chester Williams told the media that it is not at all what it seems:..
Cops Charged For Chancing Chambers
And, yes, as you noticed, after some months of being cast into the shadows, ACP Chester Williams was back at the front and center this morning. And we had a lot to ask him. First off, was a question about those police officers from the Special Assignment Team caught on camera gratuitously brutalizing Belize City resident, Randy Chambers. Williams said the officers have been charged disciplinarily:...
ACP Chester Williams:
"I gave instructions to my office here in Belize City to proceed with charges against those officers concern and they were disciplinary charge yesterday and arraigned this morning and they pled not guilty to the charges against them."
Independence Rape Allegation Far From Clear Cut
ACP Williams also had the first coherent explanation of why police have been moving so cautiously before bringing charges of rape against police officers at the Independence station.
Two women made a complaint that they were raped in the station months ago. But, Williams - who is personally leading the investigation - said there are inconsistencies in their statements:..
ACP Chester Williams:
"In that investigation the two females concerned gave their account of what took place and after having given their account, I had the privilege of viewing the surveillance camera in the police station. And having viewed the surveillance camera in the police station..."
Did Cops Cause 20 Year Old's Death
The case of Edwin Antonio Baires Hernandez is even more complex. He's the 20 year old Teakettle Villager who choked on his food after pursuing police shot him in the leg.
Williams investigated that case personally and said that the DPP will have to decide if police bear any responsibility for his death:..
Jules Vasquez, reporter:
"There is still a causation element or there may be in so far as it's the police officers' who were pursuing him and indeed shot him and the shock of the shot may have caused the choking. Are you able to speak about where the investigation is in to the action of that officer?"
Opinons On Legal Opinions
You also heard Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington say on Tuesday night that Belize's lawyers advised him that to amend the Maritime Areas Act right now could have negative consequences for Belize-Guatemala relations.
Well, Courtenay took on that concern, and said that if the territorial dispute is taken to the ICJ, those lawyers are not the type we want fighting our case. Here's are the perspectives of the current Foreign Minister and the Former Foreign Minister on that issue:
Hon. Wilfred Elrington - Minister of Foreign Affairs:
"When we spoke to the lawyers - I was in London about 2 weeks ago - and the lawyers understood immediately, immediately the possible potential negative consequence of pursuing the path that Courtenay is adopting at this time."
What Next If There's A No To The ICJ
For the past 2 nights, we been showing you the perspectives of both Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington and PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay on what should be done about the Maritime Areas Act, and how it could affect Belize's Claim if the territorial dispute actually goes to the ICJ for an attempt at final resolution.
Guatemala will hold its ICJ referendum in Mid-April of next year, and Belize is looking at either the end of 2018, or the beginning of 2019, as possible time frames.
In order for the territorial dispute to go to the ICJ, both nations have to vote yes to the referendum. But, if either votes no, then there will be no ICJ case.
Belize Joins Over 100 Nations In Rebuking Trump At UN
Belize was one of more than 100 countries who rebuked US President Donald Trump today in a United Nations Vote. 128 nations voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Trump had threatened to cut off financial aid to countries that supported the resolution. His Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley made it even more plain. She wrote her fellow ambassadors to say, quote, "I want you to know that the President and US take this vote personally�.The President will be watching this vote carefully and has requested I report back on those countries who voted against us. We will take note of each and every vote on this issue."
Happy With Hampers
Only four more days until Christmas and the giving streak continues. Today the police gave some residents of precinct two an early Christmas present filled with Christmas day essentials. We spoke to some happy recipients.
BEL also did its part today by distributing 150 Christmas hampers to 90 families and 60 senior citizens across the country.
BEL also sponsored Christmas luncheons at feeding centers countrywide.
Listening To The Children
Today, the annual Child Advisory President's Meeting was held. But it wasn't a usual board meeting with adults sitting around a table listening to long-winded presentations - there were skits, performances and speeches by very outspoken kids - who just want to make a difference for Belizean youth. We stopped by the Belize Institute for Management to hear what these child leaders had to say.
That was the main message from one of the Child Advisory Board's presentation.
All the board members from the 9 municipalities gathered today at the Belize Institute of Management to bring awareness of the issues affecting children in their area as well as to share what their board has accomplished over the year.
Which Westby?
And in a final spot of police news tonight, we have an update on murder suspect Vildo Westby.
Westby - who is wanted for killing 44 year old Islander Felix Ayuso in February, was reportedly captured in Las Choapas, Mexico near Vereacruz two weeks ago. But, initially, police said they had no confirmation of that.
Today, they acknowledged that someone has been caught, but said he has not been conclusively identified as Vildo Westby:...
Minister Wants PSB Autonomous
That's a lot of police charged - a higher number than usual. And it's the product of a beefed up Professional standards Branch that's showing its teeth. Minister of State for Home Affairs Elodio Aragon says this kind of oversight is a major part of a maturing Department. Now he wants to make this branch even more autonomous - so you won't have to go into the police station to com-plain against the very same police. Here's the explanation:..
Cpl. Requena's Recklessness
But ACP Williams didn't have to consult the DPP on a smaller matter involving a disorderly corporal in Cayo. He barged into a restaurant and casually pointed his weapon at the woman behind the bar. He then held the gun to another man's head, as he puts him in a chokehold.
That's Corporal Daniel Requena in early October, and ACP Williams said he was charged:
