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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
Three persons detained following Jimell Paul Jex's murder in San Pedro; Dion Neal survives attack
Police have detained three persons and are looking for two additional suspects in connection with the brazen shooting on Tuesday, January 23rd that left Jimell Paul Jex dead and his cousin Dion Neal injured. Jex was fatally shot in the head, while Neal received a gunshot to his lower back. The incident occurred at the entrance of the San Pedrito Subdivision. Neal, who survived the attack, was treated for his injuries at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. As police continue to investigate, they attribute the shooting to an ongoing gang rivalry on the island. Reports are that Jex had recently moved to the San Pedrito Area and was trying to control the drug business in that subdivision. According to one source, this latest murder is part of a chain of murders that started with the killing of 30-year-old Jason Gillett in October of 2016. The next on the list was 44-year old Antonio Pagoada, who was murdered that same month. A year later in August of 2017 24-year-old Scott Charles was gunned down at his home in the Elliot Subdivision. Later that month, 34- year-old Armando Lopez was shot and killed in broad daylight in downtown San Pedro. The source added that the last murder related to this chain of incidents was the execution of 18-year-old Christian Contreras on Laguna Drive in October of 2017. It was revealed that one side of the gang rivalry happening on the island brought hitmen from Belize City to get rid of anyone close to Jex or Gillett.
Other residents also added that they had known Jex for a long time and that even though he had a bad past, he was trying to change.
William Godoy remanded for Alfredo Cowo's murder; family and friends claim he is innocent
33-year-old San Pedro resident William Godoy was arraigned for Alfredo Cowo's murder on Monday, January 22nd at the San Pedro Magistrate Court. No plea was taken, and due to the nature of the offense, bail was denied. Godoy was then remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next court date on April 13, 2018, for a disclosure. His family, along with many island residents, are shocked and disappointed with the outcome of the situation as they strongly deny the accusations against Godoy. They are confident that their relative and friend is innocent of the murder charge and that there may be a plot to wrongfully accuse him.
Comedy and Music - Reef Radio hosts talented Mexican duo in San Pedro
Another spectacular comedy show, courtesy of Reef Radio and Reef TV, was held on Saturday, January 20th at the Paradise Theatre. Featuring Mexican performers Humberto Casanova and Rafael Suarez, the show delighted a large audience with their musical interpretations of Mexico's king of the Ranchera genre, Vicente Fernandez as well as the late Juan Gabriel. Despite the inclement weather, island residents made their way to the show for a fun evening. The event, which began shortly after 9PM, also included a three-member band who accompanied the performers. Casanova's initial performance included a line-up of different ballad singers from the 70's and 80's. Many in the audience traveled back in time singing to songs of Camilo Sesto, Jose Jose, and even Jose Jimenez. Casanova's presentation also included a bit of comedy in between his singing, drawing loud applause and laughter from the audience.
Ambergris Today
Latest Murder In San Pedro Raises Concerns
Three murders in only the first month of the year. It seems that crime is plaguing La Isla Bonita and it's raising some concerns. Is this the island we fondly remember?
Is the San Pedro Police Department doing enough to combat crime? Is the Town Council taking proper measures to secure the safety of the island? Will Government do enough to assist Ambergris Caye, the number one tourist destination in the country?
These are the questions island residents and visitors are asking? There is reason for concern; and although crime may not be out of hand yet, it's the right time to start taking strong measures.
The latest murder on the island took place yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, January 23, 2018, shortly after 5pm at the entrance of the San Pedrito Area where one person was fatally shot on the head and the other was injured.
Misc Belizean Sources
VOTE LIKE A BOSS CAMPAIGN
The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors and the National Youth Council of Belize having recognized the valuable role of youth in Belize and the efforts for active youth participation in civic engagement, hereby launch the VOTE LIKE A BOSS Campaign. The VOTE LIKE A BOSS campaign is a mechanism to encourage youth participation in civic engagement through the electoral process. Young people ages 15-29 are being encouraged to participate in the campaign by taking the online survey. This survey is a non-partisan initiative with the main objective to gather the opinions of young Belizeans on the issues and areas of concerns that they would like addressed by municipalities. The responses will be used to guide discussions with respective candidates for Municipal elections on their commitment to youth and community development.
Gateway Retreat's Open House!
Feb. 4th, Xaibe. Join us for the day and enjoy the beauty and serenity of this wonderful site.
Three job vacancies at LOLY'S CO. LTD. Corozal Free Zone
Vacancy exists for a hardworking warehouse keeper and sales clerk with experience.
Also a vacancy for an experience cashier. Must be bilingual (English/Spanish).
Bring along two letters of recommendation, one from previous employment.
Must have at least one year experience. Minimum qualification is a high school diploma.
Apply in person on the 26th of January, 2018 at Loly's Co. Ltd Corozal Free Zone.
Teaching our Youth about Wildlife Protection
Illegal wildlife trafficking poses a serious threat to the survival of many species particularly birds. FCD's environmental educator promotes wildlife protection among school students.
Human Jaguar Conflict Officer
Jaguars help keep Belize's forest ecosystem balanced. We can all contribute to the co-existence of jaguars and people in Belize. Help preserve them for our future generations.
If you have a problem with a jaguar at your farm in the Toledo District, contact our Human Jaguar Conflict Officer Marchilio Ack at 669-0919. We will visit your farm; provide you with guidance and technical assistance.
For the rest of the country, contact Jaguar Officer Shanelly Carillo (Belize Forest Department) at 664-4550.
If you see illegal activities being conducted with jaguars or any other wildlife report it to the Belize Forest Department.
Be the voice, See Something Say Something!
Maya Leaders Request Gruesome Images to be Removed from Social Media
Not all Belizeans are aware that there are responsibilities attached to social media use. In other countries, potential employers monitor social media activity. Social media identified members of the KKK who participated in a hate march in the USA. Social media use has consequences as it is a way to bully people. Juan Luis Lagunas Rosales, better known as "The Pirate of Culiac�n," was just 17 and was a Youtube star and he was killed in December 2017 after insulting a drug lord in Mexico.
Social media courses are offered at top Universities. It is a tool used by international news organizations to gather information at the time of disasters and events to correlate facts. By using data, news organizations can pinpoint photos and videos at the time of an accident, flood or hurricane on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Social Media is used to sell products, gather intelligence, and promote community development campaigns.
Ministry of Agriculture and Potato Producers Meet to Verify Estimated Production Figures
The Ministry of Agriculture convened a meeting today at the Agriculture Show Grounds Conference Room in Belmopan, where potato producers and importers gathered to verify potato production figures and estimated harvest dates.
Producers representing small, medium and large farms from production areas countrywide attended the meeting.
The discussion opened with a presentation and verification of the amount of potato in production by districts. The breakdown is as follows:
a. Cayo District representing the highest production with a total of 2.8 million lbs, followed by Corozal with 588,000 lbs
b. Orange Walk with a total of 286,000 lbs and Stann Creek producing a total 45,000 lbs
Government endorses use of Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART)
The Government of Belize today, January 24, officially endorsed the use of the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART). The SMART technology is already being used by several government and non-governmental organizations. SMART is the world's leading tool for conservation law enforcement monitoring. The software and training materials both extend and simplify existing technologies for monitoring efforts to tackle poaching and other illegal activities, making those technologies more effective, efficient and user-friendly.
Rehabilitation of a Portion of the George Price Highway
he Government of Belize, through the Ministry of works, signed a contract today, January 24, with Tiechroeb and Sons Ltd., in the amount of BZ$20,540,823.19, to carry out the rehabilitation works for Section II of the George Price Highway.
The George Price Highway Rehabilitation Project will substantially improve road connectivity within Belize's main districts through the upgrading of road infrastructure between Belmopan and Santa Elena. Section I of the project includes the replacement of the Roaring Creek Bridge, while Section II of the project involves rehabilitation of 15.335 km commencing at Roaring Creek Village to Blackman Eddie Village, Cayo District. The scope of the rehabilitation work includes horizontal and vertical realignment of the roadway to meet international safety standards, as well as the upgrading of drainage and construction of runoff channels to improve climate resilience of the road.
Water problems in Big Falls
The Department of Rural Development and the Big Falls Water Board, hereby informs residents of Big Falls, Toledo District that we are currently experiencing mechanical problems, therefore there is limited water supply. The Departments' personnel have been deployed and are working towards having water restored.
Do you love Chamoyadas?
Here is a sneak peak of Chamoyadas in Corozal District To all Corozale�os here is a new thing to try in town. Do you know where it is? More information coming soon.
SACD OFFERING A GREAT OPPORTUNITY: - Are you from Sarteneja, Chunox or Copperbank Village?
Are you interested in learning about the local environment? Do you want to learn new skills and build your experience? Do you want to actively contribute to management
efforts in Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary?
Then become SACD's community researcher!
Apply Now! Limited Spaces Available-dateline Friday, 2nd February 2018!
Lunar Rising Art Exhibit
The Wildfire Artzmosphere is launching the Lunar Rising art exhibt this Saturday at 7:00pm. They'll have chocolate and sangria, along with other treats.
"Join us this Saturday. Meet the Artist and celebrate art, the lunar new year and listen to great music. 7pm! Come check out the extensive collection that includes portraits, nudes and still life paintings. We will serve sangria and other treats."
Exhibition on "Rastafari: Roots & Culture"
The San Pedro House of Culture in collaboration with Errol Gibson will showcase an exhibition on "Rastafari: Roots & Culture." Opening of the exhibition will be on Feb 1st at 4pm. The exhibition will be on exhibit from Feb. 1st to February 6th. One Love...Nuff Respect.
Reserves closed today
The Institute of Archaeology, National Institute of Culture and History would like to advise all Tour Operators, Hoteliers, Tour Guides and members of the General Public that as of 06 AM THURSDAY January 25, 2018:
The NOHOCH CHE'EN, BARTON CREEK and ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES are all CLOSED due to rise in water levels.
Blue Moon & Eclipse Jan 31
There will be a blue moon on January 31st. Whenever there are 2 full moons in one calendar month, the second moon is known as a blue moon. This month, the blue moon will be accompanied by a lunar eclipse!
Channel 7
Father of Three Killed in Roaring Creek
4 persons were murdered and 4 others shot in the Belize and Cayo Districts between 5:00 and 10:30 pm yesterday.
A deadly five and half hours, and we begin in Roaring Creek where 3 kids are without a father tonight after a late night murder in that village.
Around 10:20, 31 year old Thomas Henry was asleep with his girlfriend, Kimberly Smith and their 3 kids in their Another World home. Smith's brother went to visit her but he was followed by two other un-welcomed visitors to the house. These armed men didn't execute their target - instead, they killed Henry. Courtney Weatherburne has more on this chilling killing.
Capital Cops About To Charge Alleged Killer
And Belmopan police are moving with characteristic quickness in this case. We are told tonight that they have two persons detained and could bring charges as early as tomorrow. But police still need all the help they can get from the public. Here is more from the police press briefing.
ACP Joseph Myvette, OC. - NCIB:
"Police have since launched intensive investigation and operations in the Roaring Creek area which have resulting in the detention of 2 persons pending this investigation. We also want to take this opportunity to appeal to the general public that if they may have any information relating this case that such information relayed to the police in order to assist us in our investigation of this matter."
San Pedro Killing Gang Related
And yesterday's killing spree started at 5:20 pm in San Pedro. That's when 32 year old Paul Jex and his cousin Dion Neal were gunned down in San Pedro.
We found out more about the island's second murder in one week.
Sahar Vasquez reporting:
One week after San Pedro's first murder of the year another one was added to the list yesterday.
After a long day of court hearings Paul Jex and his cousin, Deon Neal were walking on Crocodile Street - not far from the airstrip - when they were gunned down right here. Neal survived but Jex didn't - police processed the scene, covering his body on the ground in this tourist town.
Double Murder In Ladyville
And the biggest murder story is the one coming out of Ladyville. That's where two men were murdered and two other persons shot in a long simmering rivalry. Daniel Ortiz has been following that story last night and he found out that it could be retaliation - and that there could be aftershocks because the rivals live less than half a mile from each other:
Daniel Ortiz reporting:
Last night, Marage Road, a main street in Ladyville, was shut down for hours because it was once again the scene of a murder. Residents who needed to use it to get home were stuck behind police caution tape while police investigators scanned the crime scene in the dark.
This time, it was a double murder: 24 year-old Casey Lozano and 25 year-old Marlon Spain.
Cops Try To Contain Retaliations
And the eruption of violence in the Belize and Cayo Districts caused the police to call a mid-week press conference. No doubt under pressure from a 2017 that saw what our numbers show is a record number of murders, Police Commissioner Allen Whylie said that his officers are doing all they can to contain retaliations:
Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police:
"Today is a very somber occasion. Regrettably, I need to inform you that yesterday we had three different shooting incidents across the country which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and also four other persons were injured as a result of those three incidents. We had an incident in San Pedro where two persons were shot yesterday evening. We also had an incident last night in Ladyville where again four persons were shot, two succumbed to their injuries..."
Body Found in Dangriga Drain
A body was found on the outskirts of Dangriga town today, but police do not suspect foul play.
The man was found dead in a drain with his bicycle - in an advanced state of decomposition.
A post mortem conducted on - site today found no signs of foul play and certified cause of death to be undetermined. Police suspect that he most likely was intoxicated, fell into the drain and broke his neck. They don't believe he was knocked down because his bicycle had no damages. They say he was probably in the drain for two days without anyone noticing him. He was found at mile 3 on the Stann Creek Valley Road entering Dangriga town.
The person was learnt to be Jose Romulo Cornejo 42 year old Salvadoran Farmer of Sarawee Village.
Nelson Henry, Free After Ex Cop Witness Refuses To Cooperate
Nelson Henry has gotten off a 2011 broad daylight murder in a trial without jury. The prosecution's case fell apart because the main witness - a former woman police constable was hostile and refused to cooperate with the prosecutor, Janelle Tillett.
When the murder happened she gave police a statement saying it was Henry who opened fire on Edward Lord Jr., killing him on the spot. This morning, she took the stand for a second time, but every time a question was put to her, she said she did not remember. She denied ever giving her statement, ever signing a statement, and denied also that a signature seen on the statement was hers.
Prosecutor Tillett then tried to make an application to get a dock identification of the accused, but Judge Lucas rejected that.
PSU Alleges PACT Firings, PACT Says Not
One week after the Protected Area Conservation Trust's embarked on an unusual and dramatic re-structuring - The Public Service Union has spoken up. As we told you - all the employees - who number fewer than 10 - were sent home on January 16th - and told to come back and accept or reject new terms of employment. Sounded to us like a downsizing and pay-cutting exercise, but the Ministry's CEO Percival Cho assured us it was not.
But the PSU sent out a release today saying, quote, "despite assertions to the contrary by (the) CEO, the PSU has been reliably informed that staff members of PACT have been terminated as a direct result of an ongoing exercise," end quote. The release adds, quote, "the union has also learnt that the remaining staff were summoned to the office to sign contracts by the close of workday, yesterday�or to risk continued employment with the organization," end quote. The PSU also speaks about, quote, "shoddy and completely unlawful treatment of workers," and says that there was "coercion" to sign contracts.
Potato Producers, Importers And Ministry Meet
Last week we showed you how the farmers in San Carlos are preparing a bumper crop of potatoes - and hope they don't get squeezed out of the local market by imports and contraband. Well, the Ministry of Agriculture heard their cry and convened a meeting today in Belmopan with farmers and importers.
The idea was to determine how many pounds of potatoes will be harvested and when, so that the Ministry can know how to manage the local supply to avoid shortages.
Potato Producers representing small, medium and large farms from all across the country attended. First off, they verified production figures: the Cayo District has the highest production with a total of 2.8 million pounds, followed by Corozal with half a million pounds, and Orange Walk with a quarter million pounds. With Stann creek producing another 45,000 pounds, the total estimated domestic production for this year is 3.7 million pounds, with harvests starting in the first week of February.
Getting SMART With Harnessing Data
Spatial Monitoring Interactive Tool - "SMART" for short - is a groundbreaking tool for those in the marine and forestry department. It presents a more efficient and modern way to collected, shared, and analyze data.
Today was the launching ceremony not just for the SMART technology but also for the Sustainable Forest Management and Fire Management Communication Strategies for the Forestry Department.
We found out more at the launch of both programs today.
Nicole Auil Gomez, Wildlife Conservation Society's Country Director:
"Smart technology is actually a technology that is used around the world and it has been predominantly used in the terrestrial landscape looking at protected areas. It is heavily used in Africa for instance..."
An All Time-Low For Apex Predator
A few weeks ago we told you about the gruesome death of two jaguars. The senseless killings sparked outrage in many concerned Belizeans including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, and the Environment.
They sent out a release shortly after offered a ten thousand dollars reward to anyone who could lead them to the killers.
According to Minister of State and Jaguar expert Omar Figueroa, they have gotten some leads but still haven't found the perpetrator.
Hon. Dr. Omar Figueroa, Minister of State
"I think for the most part the country was alarmed and outraged when they saw an iconic species like the Jaguar not only being killed but being decapitated. In my mind when I saw those pictures I was immediately concerned because I thought that perhaps there was an element here that was involved in trafficking jaguar parts..."
Will Cops Let Alcaldes Help In Toledo Double Murder?
At the top of the news, we brought you coverage of last night's 3 shootings in the Belize and Cayo Districts which left 4 persons dead and 4 persons injured.
Police called an impromptu press conference to address the spike, and it also gave us an opportunity to ask them about their investigations into 3 cases of urgent national interest.
We start first with police's comments on the Toledo double murders of the sisters, Josephina and Crecencia Oh.
We told you how the Toledo Alcaldes Association has offered to help the cops investigate the case, realizing that the remoteness of the location could prove difficult. When the press asked the Head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch about possible updates, he said that they are still investigating:
More Charges For Mexican Scammers?
Police also discussed their ongoing case against the 3 Mexicans who have been charged with theft from Atlantic Bank. Police believe that from November up to last week, Leonel Isaac Rodriguez Peralta, Joscan Jafet Hernandez, and Belen Hernandez had been visiting Atlantic Bank ATM's in the Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize and Cayo Districts and that they withdrew huge sums of money with over 60 international credit cards which are all believed to be stolen.
But, they've only been charged with theft of a thousand dollars, when the cops have reason to believe that they stole in the vicinity of a Hundred Thousand dollars from the bank. Today, police say that they are working with the bank, and if they are able to, additional charges will be brought against the trio:
Police Still Mum On Planted Gun Theory
We also asked the Police head table about their internal investigation into the controversial shooting of PG resident Mario Vernon the Third.
Now, as you will remember, the initial police version on the case was that Police Constable Tevin Aranda, who is facing a manslaughter charge, had to shoot Vernon because he was armed. A weapon was found on the scene, but Vernon's family and friends insist that it was planted in an attempt to justify the deadly use of force.
So, we asked the head of NCIB about it, and his response was brief:
Reporter:
"The account was that this gentleman Mr. Mario Vernon had a weapon on him, that's an element that the family disputes strenuously and so we are trying to find out if your investigators handling the case had been able to determine if that is indeed factual or fiction?"
Fisherman To Jail For Outstanding Fines
All the time on the news we report on fishermen who have been caught with out of season or undersized conch and lobster. And, invariably they are made to pay a fine and go about their business. But, tonight, one of them is in jail - and that's because he got fined today - but already had a large pending fine which he hadn't paid.
Trial Farm resident, 37-year-old Samir Dario Rodriguez is the third Fisherman in the history of the court record to go to jail on Fisheries offenses.
Rodriguez already owed the court $13,260 dollars and was today read two more Fisheries offenses when he appeared before Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser.
On December 21, 2017 he was found in possession of 61 undersized conch and 35 undersized lobster.
Major Upgrade For Western Highway From Belmopan To Blackman
The Government today signed a multi-million dollar contract to pave 10 miles of the George Price Highway from Roaring Creek to Blackman Eddie. Minister of Works, Rene Montero had details at the signing:
Hon. Rene Montero, Minister of Works:
"Section 2 commences just a few meters before the gas station in Roaring Creek Village and goes about 100 meters pass the community center in Blackman Eddy Village. This contract is being signed between the Ministry of Works and Ticrobs and Sons Limited in the amount of $20,540,823.19. It is expected that this project will create over 100 jobs and it will commence immediately and will take approximately 18 months for completion."
This is section 2 of the project. Section I includes the replacement of the Roaring Creek Bridge.
Ann-Marie Leaves NWC for Major Regional Post
She pioneered the post as the first Executive Director of the National Women's Commission - but now Ann-Marie Williams is moving on. The expert in gender issues has gotten a major regional job. She resigned at the end of last month and as she finishes up at the Commission she told us what she's doing next:...
Anne Marie Williams:
"I have been appointed the deputy program manager for gender and development at the CARICOM Secretariat- so taking a regional perspective on gender and development. I am humbled, it is an extreme honor, I never really thought it would happen truly but it is something that I always wanted. It is really difficult to say goodbye to Belize for a while because as you know I am very rooted in my community and the National Women's Committee is very dear to me. This is big for Belize. I can't see myself being there and Belize is not figured prominently."
Channel 5
4 Murders in 5 Hours: Paul Jex, Once Accused, Now Deceased
The overnight carnage began in San Pedro and within a span of five hours, four persons were murdered and four injured in the madness making Tuesday night, one of the [...]
In Ladyville, 2 Shot Dead; 2 More Injured
Within hours of the execution of Paul Jex, a double murder around seven p.m. rocked the Ladyville community. Casey Lozano and Marlon Spain were gunned down on Marage Road in [...]
Intended Target Speaks as Couple Shot in Roaring Creek; Thomas Henry Succumbs
The fourth murder on Tuesday night occurred in Roaring Creek Village at about ten-thirty. Thomas Henry was gunned down inside his house less than a month after relocating to the [...]
Police Detain 2 after Incident
Just now you heard about the tragic killing of Thomas Henry in Roaring Creek Village. He was murdered in the presence of his common-law-wife and their three children. The family [...]
Body Found Decomposing in Dangriga
An unidentified body, reportedly in an advanced state of decomposition, was discovered in Dangriga earlier today.� News Five understands that the corpse was found in an area off the highway [...]
Police Activate Mediation; Need Your Help in Investigation
This morning, prior to the press brief at the Raccoon Street Police Station in Belize City, the top brass of the police department including, ACP Chester Williams, the Commissioner of [...]
Murder Count Rising; Police Awaken to Meet the Challenge
It's only twenty-four days into the New Year and already there are ten murders; two are double murders and that number does not including the shooting death of Mario Vernon [...]
At Senate, Opposition Demands Answers on Hurricane Earl Spending
There was a single bill brought from the House of Representatives for passage through today's meeting of the Senate, the first for 2018. The General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation 2016-2017 Bill [...]
G.O.B. Senators: Much Ado About Nothing
Senator Courtenay requested that Financial Secretary Joseph Waight be called into the Committee of the whole Senate after debate on the second reading of the Bill, which he was. But [...]
Lead Government Senator Says Quality is Key
Wrapping up the debate, Senate leader of government business Godwin Hulse conceded that the bill was perhaps out of time, but he pointed out that there are other means of [...]
Nelson Henry Walks from Murder Charge; Witness Recants on Stand
Six and a half years after the execution of Edward Lord, Junior on Mahogany Street, murder accused twenty-eight year old Nelson Henry was today found not guilty by Supreme Court [...]
Police Investigate Extent of 3-Month, 4-District Bank Theft Spree
Three Mexican nationals are behind bars at the Hattieville prison for scamming the Atlantic Bank of more than a hundred thousand dollars.� The three residents from Cancun, including a couple, [...]
Mario Vernon Death Investigation Still Open
An internal investigation continues into the shooting death of Mario Vernon Junior, which occurred in Punta Gorda on the night of January thirteenth. Vernon was shot by Police Constable Tevin [...]
Did P.A.C.T. Mistreat P.S.U. Members? 2 Employees Made Redundant
There is a back and forth tonight between the Protected Areas Conservation Trust and the Public Service Union over the fate of six PACT employees who are also members of [...]
What Will Be in Final Special Select Committee Report on Immigration?
The public hearings of the Senate Special Select Committee on Immigration concluded last December after thirteen months of witness testimony interspersed with lots of drama and theatre. Now, the hard [...]
Technology to Manage Sustainability of Forests
This morning at the Radisson in the city, a pair of strategies was formally introduced by the Forest Department for sustainable forest and forest fire management.� The launch coincided with [...]
Women Conference on Inclusion in History
The Building People Movement and Belize Women's Political Movement held their first annual policy conference. The two organizations brought women leaders together from a number of schools and organizations to [...]
Upgrade Coming for George Price Highway
Back in December, the Ministry of Works and M and M Engineering signed a contract for eleven million dollars to rehabilitate the Roaring Creek Bridge connecting the village to the [...]
San Estevan Ferry Needs Another Week to Re-Open
Residents of the north, particularly the villages of San Estevan, Chunox, Copper Bank and Progresso, can expect further delays as the ferries connecting the villages are still down for repair. [...]
LOVE FM
Four shot in Ladyville, Two are killed
The second shooting happened about two hours later in Ladyville. Sometime around seven in the night shots were fired at a group of persons who were socializing at a house on Marage Road in that Village and it resulted in the death of two men. Two others were injured, one of them a passerby. Dalila �
Belizean Ann Marie Williams to take up post at CARICOM Secretariat
Former Executive Director of the National Women's Commission, Ann Marie Williams will soon be taking up her new post at the CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana. Williams told Love News she has mixed emotions at this time, however, she is confident that she will meet the challenges of her new position. Ann Marie Williams, Former Executive �
Vernon family in Punta Gorda to hold protest this weekend
Paul Mahung reporting � Since the fatal shooting of Mario Vernon also known as Jun; grieving family members and friends have publicly expressed strong concerns and will continue to do so in a planned protest march and rally. One of the event coordinators, Mario Vernon's aunt, Juliet Austin spoke to Love News. Juliet Austin "We're �
Small stores robbed in southern Belize
Harry Arzu reporting� There were two separate robberies in Hope Creek Village earlier this week where two families were held up at gunpoint. Love News spoke with one of the victims who gave us an account of one of the incidents. Voice of Robbery Victim: "On Monday morning at about 9:30 AM or 10:00 AM I �
Couple shot while at home, Common-law Husband fatally wounded
The third fatal shooting incident happened in Roaring Creek Village shortly before midnight. A man was killed and his common-law wife injured. ACP Joseph Myvett, head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch shared what their investigations have revealed so far. ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, National CIB "Last night police were called to the residence �
Controversy surrounds body at PG morgue
Paul Mahung reporting� "Maria Flores's aunt of the lady who died spoke to Love News of her problem in getting the body of her niece as she urgently needs to take the body to Honduras for a funeral." Maria Flores - Aunt : "I've been trying for the past week to get her remains to Honduras �
Authorities Fear Retaliation, Precautions Taken
Police believe there may be retaliation following at least two of the fatal shooting incidents on Tuesday night. Commissioner of Police says, as a result, they have hiked up police presence in the areas of interest and pled the public's assistance in solving these latest murders. Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police "I would like �
Five Detained in Connection with the Toledo Double Murder
The police department has also been actively investigating the double homicide of sisters, Josephina and Crecencia Oh. Today ACP Joseph Myvett says they have made several detentions. ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, National CIB "The police have launched intensive operations and up to this morning there are five individuals that are detained and are currently �
Decomposed Body of Hispanic Male Found in Dangriga
The body of a man was discovered this morning around 11:30 along the Hummingbird Highway. According to reports, the unidentified Hispanic man was found approximately three miles on the Hummingbird highway after exiting Dangriga. He was lying face down in a drain next to a bicycle. Reports also indicate that the body was in an �
First Senate Sitting of 2018; PUP objects to Appropriation Bill (No.3), 2017
The first sitting of the Senate for the year occurred today in Belmopan where Senators debated one bill. That bill is the General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2017. The bill seeks to appropriate millions of dollars spent during 2016 and 2017. Senators were asked to approve thirteen point five million dollars which were spent after �
Breaking Belize News
Family of slain sisters calls for public to remove graphic images
The Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA) and the Oh family of San Antonio are demanding that [�]
Bill Gates, IDB and Carlos Slim team up to end malaria in Central America
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Carlos Slim Foundation [�]
Canadian firefighters to offer training in Belize
Three volunteer firefighters from Alberta, Canada will travel to Belize this month to share their [�]
Toledo alcaldes condemn brutal murder of sisters
On Sunday evening, two young women were brutally killed on the San Jose Road in [�]
Belize, on the brink of moral bankruptcy
By Richard Harrison: In a democracy the people get the government they deserve�.and the government is a reflection [�]
'Vote like a Boss' campaign launched
The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors and the National Youth Council of Belize, having recognized the valuable [�]
Two persons shot in Roaring Creek Village; One dies
According to reports, a man and a woman were shot just before midnight last night in Roaring [�]
International Sources
Dominican Republic and Belize to Benefit From Initiative to End Malaria
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Carlos Slim Foundation today announced an initiative to support eight countries, including the Dominican Republic and Belize, in taking the final steps necessary to eliminate malaria. The Regional Malaria Elimination Initiative (RMEI) will bring US$83.6 million in new funds, and is expected to leverage over US$100 million in domestic financing and US$39 million of existing donor resources across the region by 2022, to ensure malaria remains a top health and development priority despite dwindling numbers of cases.
The funding will serve to close the technical and financing gaps to support and execute country elimination plans in Belize, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
'Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed' coming to The Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) will host the Wisconsin engagement of Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, the largest exhibition about the ancient Maya ever to be displayed in the United States, on Saturday, February 10.
This special exhibit uses authentic artifacts, immersive environments and hands-on activities to explore the rise and fall of the Maya civilization.
Its Classic Period (250-900 AD) rivaled any European society; the Maya built elaborate cities without the use of the wheel, communicated using a sophisticated written language, measured time accurately with detailed calendar systems and had an advanced understanding of astronomy and agriculture. Its decline remains a hotly debated topic today among researchers.
CRFM leads 7-country initiative to support management of four-wing flyingfish
Seven Caribbean countries are participating in a recently launched series of subprojects which the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is leading under a sustainable management initiative for the flyingfish fishery.
In highlighting the importance of the initiative, CRFM Executive Director, Milton Haughton, said: "We in the region are utilizing a common space and common living marine resource; therefore, we need to cooperatively manage these common interests. One of these common interests is the flyingfish fishery, and the governance framework developed for the flyingfish fishery could be scaled up and applied to other fisheries in the region."
CARICOM marijuana commission submits status report
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government's mandate to investigate the issue of marijuana use in the Community has resulted in national consultations in nine countries of the Community, over the past two years.
A status report issued by the CARICOM Regional Marijuana Commission, appointed by CARICOM heads of government, indicates that the subject has emerged as an issue of social significance across the region.
"It embraces several complex dimensions, including the scientific, economic, social, religious and legal� and there [are] many commonalities in the discourse�" These include "� vital information and strong opinions about marijuana and its use, including strong lobbying for use for medical reasons from a group of persons living with disabilities and in wheelchairs�" the report states.
