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Posted By: Marty Today's Belize News: May 31, 2018 - 05/31/18 12:37 PM


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Specials and Events

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

BGFA holds another successful Frenchie's Offshore Open fishing tournament
Team Stir It Up, captained by Allan Duncker of Independence Village, Stann Creek District, was awarded the top prize in this year's Frenchie's Offshore Open. The annual event hosted by the Belize Game Fish Association (BGFA) was held over the Commonwealth Day weekend on Saturday, May 19th and Sunday, May 20th out of the popular Lazy Lizard Bar and Grill in Caye Caulker. A total of 15 boats, including 60 anglers, five junior anglers under the age of 16 and four female anglers participated in the tournament competing for over $15,000 in cash and prizes. The first place trophy went to Captain Duncker and his team Stir It Up, and they also raked in a cash prize of $7,000. In second place was Team Boca del Toro, winning $3,000 and a trophy. Capturing third place was Team Reef Shark III winning a cash prize of $1,500 and a trophy. In fourth place, winning $600 was Team Out on Bail, followed by Team Jolly Mon who took home the fifth place with a cash prize of $400.

Belize Volleyball Association hosts tournament in Caye Caulker
The Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) held a beach volleyball tournament at the Lazy Lizard Bar and Grill in Caye Caulker on May 19th and 20th. The tournament saw the participation of 12 male teams and six female teams from all across the country, including Punta Gorda, Hopkins Village, Corozal Town, Belize City, San Pedro Town, Caye Caulker, Orange Walk Town, and even one international team from Cancun, Mexico. After a long weekend of intense matches, San Pedro's athletes Ricky Luna and Gaby Nu�ez took the third place in the male category after defeating islanders Jason Cabral and Baydr Sajia (21-17, 13-21, 15-12). The male championship match saw Bryton Codd and Francis Hauze from Belize City coming out victorious over the Mexican team, Eduardo Osorio and Eric Canche by winning both sets (21-19, 21-14). Codd and Hauze claimed the grand prize of $1,200, while Osorio and Canche settled for the sub-champions title $800.

Rotaract Club of Ambergris Caye is officially launched
A dynamic new club of volunteers was formed on Saturday, May 26th, when 16 young islanders were acknowledged as the charter members of the Rotaract Club of Ambergris Caye. The special event took place on the beach at Banyan Bay Suites, where the president of the Rotary Club of Ambergris, Andrew Ashcroft along with Rotaract Advisor Kate Corrigan pinned the new club members. The new island club is ninth in the country, and the newly inducted members have joined the 150 club members countrywide. Witnessing the historic event were Rotaract members from Belize City, Corozal Town, and San Ignacio Town. President Ashcroft started the induction ceremony with a few remarks. He stated that being a Rotaract is one of the best ways to give back to the community.

San Pedro Lions Host the Belize Lions International Zone 59's 40th Annual Convention
The San Pedro Lions Club hosted the 40th Annual Belize Lions Zone 59 National Convention under the theme: "Lions Promoting Peace, We Continue Serving" from Friday, May 25th to Sunday, May 27th. Throughout the three-day events, attendees and conventioneers took the opportunity to reflect on the goals and objectives of Lionism, as well as methods on how to improve their work in their communities. The convention saw the participation of Lions and Leo members from Belmopan City, Belize City, San Estevan in Orange Walk District, San Pedro Town and Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Ambergris Today

Sixth National Climate Outlook Forum
Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management (with responsibility for the National Metrological Services of Belize), Hon Edmond Castro, delivered the keynote address at the official opening ceremony this morning for the Sixth National Climate Outlook Forum. The forum is organized by the Climatology and Climate Services unit of the National Meteorological Service of Belize, with participation by over 60 persons from various sectors of the community, including farmers.

Belize To Be Featured In National Geographic's Dive Travel Guidebook
Carrie Miller and Chris Taylor, two world renowned National Geographic writers, are currently on a one-week working visit to Belize gathering information for National Geographic's first dive travel guidebook, which will cover the world's 50 best dive travel destinations, including Belize. The guide will highlight marine conservation in Belize; feature itineraries on land and at sea; include a wide variety of individual and shared experiences; share expert tips on where to go, what to see and where to stay.

Misc Belizean Sources

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Analysis of the sea cucumber fishery in Belize
An analysis of the sea cucumber fishery in Belize was conducted from observations and surveys. While sea cucumbers have been fished in Belizean waters for 20 years for trade through Guatemala and the local Asian market in Belize, harvesting for export to international markets only started with the establishment of the sea cucumber fishery regulations in 2009. The fishery included two main species, Holothuria mexicana and Isostichopus badionotus but only the former was legally managed by the Belize Fisheries Department through a closed season and catch reporting. By 2016, H. mexicana was considered overfished and in 2017, the entire fishery was closed.

Two New Publications from UB ERI's Marine Research Fellow
The University of Belize Environmental Research Institute (UB ERI) would like to proudly share Marine Research Fellow Dr. Arlenie Rogers' two recent scientific publications in peer reviewed journals. 1. The 2009-2016 Belize sea cucumber fishery: Resource use patterns, management strategies and socioeconomic impacts published in Regional Studies in Marine Science. 2. Pearlfish Carapus bermudensis from the sea cucumber Holothuria mexicana in Belize (Central America) published in SPC Beche-de-mer Information Bulletin.

Summer Camp 2018 at La Isla Carinosa Academy
Nothing plan for July? Want your child/ren to learn and enjoy during the summer? Reading, Math, Art, Sport, Swimming, Nature Walks, Trips, and Fun!! Sign up today for our July 2018 Summer Camp at LICA.

BTEC Child Care Training
Do you have a passion for working with children? Become certified childcare provider through this 6-week crash course offered by the Belize Training and Employment Centre ( BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE. Improve you childcare skills and become certified in CPR and First Aid! Limited spaces available. Sign up today!

SIXTH NATIONAL CLIMATE OUTLOOK FORUM
The forum is organized by the Climatology and Climate Services unit of the National Meteorological Service of Belize, with participation by over 60 persons from various sectors of the community, including farmers. The National Meteorological Service of Belize produces seasonal climate outlooks which can be utilized for addressing climate-related risks at national, local and community levels; and the main objective of the National Climate Outlook Forum is to present the seasonal outlook for the wet/hurricane season (June to November 2018) and Six to Twelve Months Drought Outlook, and to investigate pathways to integrate this product into sector planning based on its applicability.

San Pedro Lobsterfest Schedule of Events
Lobster Festival 2018 is right around the corner! Check out all the great events you can attend this year1

Careful removal of an Ocarina from a vitrine
Careful removal of an Ocarina from the vitrine, where it was on display. This object, along with others from National Institute of Culture and History will be carefully removed and packed for their next venue, in Salt Lake for Maya: Hidden World Revealed exhibition

Discussions on Community Forest Concessions
Ya'axch� is participating in discussions on community forest concessions implemented in Latin America and the Caribbean at Peten, Guatemala. So far, our team presented our work in Belize's first agroforestry concession within Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve. As we share our experiences working with farmers in this unique model, we are gaining a wealth of knowledge from other participants from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras and Peru. Effective community concessions within reserves are working towards the sustainable development goals.

April 2018 External Trade & Consumer Price Index
CONSUMER PRICES DOWN 0.5% IN APRIL 2018. The latest statistics released by the Statistical Institute of Belize show that for the month of April 2018, the All-Items Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 104.7, a decrease from 105.3 in April 2017 (see Figure 1 ). This means that Belizean households experienced a 0.5 percent drop, on average, in the cost of regularly purchased good and services when compared to the cost of those same goods and services during April of last year. For the first four months of the year 2018, the country saw a slight decline in consumer prices compared to the same period in 2017, recording a year to date inflation rate of negative 0.2 percent.
APRIL 2018 SEES IMPORTS UP 6.5%, EXPORTS DOWN 21.9%. Belize's total imports for the month of April 2018 were valued at $156.2 million. This was an increase of 6.5 percent or $9.5 million from imports for April 2017, which totaled $146.7 million. The 'Machinery and Transport Equipment' category recorded the largest increase for the month, growing $8.6 million from $29.1 million in April 2017 to $37.7 million in April 2018.

COLA CONDEMNS GOVERNMENT'S GRAB FOR POWER FROM OUR TEACHERS
On the surface it appears harmless, but after consultation with our colleagues in the teaching profession we must bring to light and condemn what appears to be a Machiavellian move for power by the Government with respect to our teachers. We speak of the ongoing transition ordered by the Ministry of Finance, with acquiescence from the Ministry of Education, to begin directly paying teachers from the SmartStream payroll program instead of through school managements. As of the end of May, teachers in primary schools were to submit a five-page Employee Information Form containing all their personal and banking information to school managements who would compile it for the Government and the Teaching Services Commission. Currently the forms are printed and include any necessary deductions for Social Security, income tax, etc.

Attorney General's Ministry Clarifies Concerns on Justices of the Peace Verification
The Attorney General's Ministry informs the public, particularly all Justices of the Peace (JP), that the Ministry is the only regulatory body for JPs. Verification is to be done directly and only with the Attorney General's Ministry. In reference to the re-verification process being carried out, JPs are reminded that the deadline to verify your status is on July 31, 2018. Persons who do not do so by the deadline will no longer be able to exercise their authority as a Justice of the Peace.

Walking For Fitness With Diabetes
Sunday, June 17 at 6:30 AM - 8 AM, Corozal District. Stop inside Belize Diabetes Association office for registration before June 15, 2018.

Channel 7

Man Killed in Living Room
There was another murder last night in Belize City - when 30 year-old Erbin Enrique Garrido was killed inside his home.   It happened at around 8:00 in the CET Site area, which is just off Holy Emmanuel Street.  It’s a neighborhood that has seen a number of incidents of gun violence, and residents from this area say that at night, they close up and go to bed early. Garrido was inside his house, but that didn’t stop a gunman from ruthlessly executing him in his living room.  Our news team has been following the story today, and Daniel Ortiz reports: Police found 30 year-old Erbin Enrique Garrido inside his house, here in the CET Site Area of Belize City.

Alleged Teenaged Killer Caught
In another high profile murder case, police have finally managed to re-capture 18 year-old Jordan Burns, the accused murderer who escaped from custody 5 days ago. Burns was arrested and charged with the murder of 34 year-old Carlton Moreira last week Friday. But, while police were escorting him without handcuffs to the main police station, he slipped them and skipped through the main gate of the station’s compound.  Well, this morning, they tracked him down, and this time, they made sure to keep him in secure detention.  We asked Deputy Commissioner Chester Williams about his re-capture:

Police Investigating Robinson's Claims
We also asked Deputy Commissioner Williams about the case of Lincoln Robinson Jr. You’ll remember him from last night’s newscast. He told 7News that officers from a specialized police unit set upon him in the early morning hours of Saturday, and they put a severe beating on him. The extent of the brutality was captured in a photograph of his right eye, where his eyelid was almost completely torn off. He says that it was done by one of the officers who repeatedly kicked him in the face.

Santander Says "Sorry"
Santander has apologized and said it will pull its plantation white sugar off the local market.  That’s the essence of a “mea-culpa” press release the company issued this evening.  
It says, quote, “Santander Sugar Ltd regrets the actions that led to the cease and desist letter issued by CEO of Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce…and hereby apologizes for this regrettable situation on behalf of our entire company…”

Cop Pulls Gun On Cop At Station: Police Brass Hesitate To Bring Charges
A police constable in San Ignacio has requested court action against another constable who pulled a gun on him.  It happened on Thursday evening - in broad daylight right in front of the station - and was captured on the station’s surveillance cameras.   The dispute - it appears is over a woman constable - who is the partner of the constable who pulled the gun.  It seems, the other constable had innocently given her number to a young man in the cadet corps - and when her partner found out - he had hard words with the constable who gave out the number.

Two PUP's DQ'd From Convention Claim Bias By The Blue
There’s mounting discontent amongst PUP in Belmopan tonight after two prominent candidates: Arthur Saldivar and Jason Patrick Andrews were disqualified from running in the convention.  The party’s vetting committee made the decision which has rankled Andrews - who was the PUP’s Belmopan candidate in the 2015 general election. He asked to do an interview today to clear his name - because of the unfavorable perception that might be attached to someone  who is not allowed to run for a mass party:…

Arthur Saldivar Will Sue PUP?
And while Andrews had a few biting words for his leader, he won’t challenge the party’s decision.  Not so for the other disqualified candidate for the Belmopan convention, Arthur Saldivar.  He plans to take his party to court.  He said as much in a two hour Facebook town meeting last night:… Arthur Saldivar - Candidacy Disqualified by PUP
"A disqualification at the executive is not the end by no means. I will be seeking an order of mandamus because the process that started back on April 17th 2018 has been maud with biased and prejudiced. As a result of that I believe that these is a need to have the court look at these things especially as it relates to the constitution of the PUP.

A New Face For The PUP - But Does Michelle Have Blue Bonafides?
One of the newcomers who Andrews and Saldivar are criticizing as a token candidate is Michelle Rodriguez.  She’s Belmopan born and bred, but in political circles is probably best known for being Melvin Hulse’s significant other, and not much known at all as a frontline PUP.  Today we met her on the campaign trail in Salvapan and asked her about her candidacy:… Jules Vasquez
"I've not known you to be involved in politics. What are you doing in a political contest?"

Keeping Up With Climate Change
The 6th National Climate Outlook forum was held today in Belmopan. There were a number of topics discussed and a number of presentations related to weather patterns, interpreting the climate, and about the very important and useful products that the Met service provides. We dropped by and found out more. Ronald Gordon - Climatologist: "It is a consultation between us, the met service who are the climate providers and the users which are many stakeholders, agricultural sector, the health sector, disaster management, tourism and so on. The purpose of this forum is actually for us to consult with these, our users so we can enhance products that we offer. It all comes as part of the global framework for climate services which is being promoted by the World Met Organization."

The Smothering Heat Soon Done
And, of course, one of the topics discussed at the climate outlook forum is the dry season. It certainly has been a very dry and smouldering season which started from April and should be finishing up this month. Climatologist Ronald Gordon told us what the outlook says about all this heat. Ronald Gordon - Climatologist: "Like I mentioned one of our products is producing the monthly temperature forecast and it is very important for us because we have different stakeholders in agriculture and tourism that want to know how hot it is going to be, it is useful for their sector and we know it is actually hot and as I mentioned the projection is showing a little lower than normal but it doesn’t mean it will be cool. If you are looking at 35 Celsius and you have 34.5 that is not much of a relief so when I say cooler than normal it doesn’t mean it will be a lot cooler than normal."

Rainy Season Downpours Won't Be Devastating
And hopefully the rainy season which picks up in June will ease temperatures a bit. But too much rain can cause flooding and loss of life and property - as the epic floods of 2008 showed. Gordon says that based on the projections we shouldn’t have to worry about devastating downpours. Ronald Gordon - Climatologist
"In terms of the rainfall our projections for June, July, August is showing below normal rainfall for most of the region including Belize. We are also doing a projection for September, October, November but there are a lot of uncertainties so even though we are projecting normal rainfall we have to tell our users that there is a lot of uncertainty in that product but for the next 3 months most of the global modules, including the modules from the American and even the Europeans are showing that region is going to be below normal rainfall for June, July, August."

Hurricane Season Will Be Normal, Slightly Above
But whether the rains are heavy or light, one thing that all of us across these 8,867 square miles have to worry about is the hurricane season. June 1st marks the start of the season and today Chief Meteorologist Catherine Cumberbatch told us that although it looks to be normal or slightly above normal, you should always be prepared. Catherine Cumberbatch - Chief Meteorologist: "The activity for our region in the Atlantic basin is for a normal for slightly above normal activity in term of tropical cyclone formation in our area. The norm Courtney and Paul is for 12 name storms to form and 6 of these becoming hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes.

A Place Of Greater Safety
Bouncy houses, trampolines, sports and fun games. On Saturday May 19th, the kids from the Faber’s Road community enjoyed all that and more at what’s called the “Walls Down event”. Restore Belize partnered with Youth Advocacy through Art among other partners to create a safe space for the kids and the broader community - because often times kids who live in war zones feel very unsafe going to school, or even the corner store. Here’s more about the initiative. At the end the mural was completed, it says, “in peace we rise, in fighting we wither”.

Belize Nat'l Football Selection Will Play B'dos Friendly
Belize’s National Football selection will be traveling to Barbados for a friendly match on Sunday in Bridgetown. The FFB’s technical director says this is where the road to the Gold Cup begins:… The game is set for Sunday at 7:00.

Meet and Greet in Martins
Earlier in the news, you saw Deputy Police Commissioner Chester Williams speaking on a number of important police cases making the news. We met him and other officers from Belize City while out on a meet and greet session with residents of Jasmine Street, and surrounding areas. That’s the heart of the St. Martins area of the Southside, which can be a war zone - though, thankfully, violence is on a downswing right now.  The Operations Commander told us that police have to keep focus in this part of the city, if they want to keep things calm here:

Kids N' Culture
Today instead of normal classes, the students at the Our Lady of Guadalupe R. C. School in Belmopan held a cultural day – a celebration that is a very much a part of a child’s educational experience. We dropped by and teacher Corlan Galvez told us more about the event. This is the 3rd year the school hosted this cultural fair.

NEMO Busy With Disaster Scenarios
Earlier we told you about the national climate outlook forum at the George Price Center. Well, over at the NEMO building the National Emergency Management Organization was holding a planning meetings for the hurricane season. This morning, there was a Fuel Managers' meeting to plan the most efficient way, in the event that coastal communities must be evacuated, to provide fuel to the general public, public transport, essential government vehicles, water taxis and private vessels. And, this afternoon, there was a meeting of the Transport and Evacuation Committee to discuss transportation and evacuation procedures in the event that NEMO has to execute a coordinated evacuation of coastal communities.  These types of sessions will continue throughout the Hurricane Season.

Channel 5

Erbin Garrido Shot Dead at Home
A soaring number of murders have taken place in the five months of this year, most which have occurred in Belize City.� So far, our archives show a record number [...]

Jordan Burns Recaptured, Taken to Court
Jordan Burns had been on the lam since escaping from lawful custody on Friday.� That was until this morning when he was recaptured by police and slapped with an additional [...]

A Week after Murder, Father's Other Son Hurt in Accident
A motorcycle collision this morning on Lakeview Street, Belize City, has resulted in serious injury to Jason Moreira.� According to reports, he was riding out onto the nearby carriageway when [...]

Santander to Pull Back on Sugar Sales, Seek Government Approval
Santander Sugar Limited has broken its silence on the debacle it is facing, accepting that it did not comply with the conditions of the Export Processing Zone Certificate. �That violation [...]

The Belmopan P.U.P. Race in Turmoil: Arthur Saldivar, Patrick Andrews Out
A series of contested conventions for the People's United Party standard bearers are turning out to be thorny.� Of five persons, two candidates have been disqualified from putting their names [...]

Saldivar Says He Will See P.U.P. in Court
In the case of the suspension of the former Belize Rural North standard bearer, Arthur Saldivar remains on probation of two years which prohibits him from applying to contest for [...]

An Investigation into High Fuel Prices
Belizeans have endured seven price hikes in transport fuels since the start of the year and the government has warned that more may come as the world price market fluctuates. [...]

Hurricane Season Should Be Quiet
June first marks the opening of the Tropical Atlantic Hurricane Season. An early forecast was issued in April and the most recent forecast issued this month shows that the season [...]

Weather Bureau is Ready
And to be prepared, it means the public needs timely and accurate information. According to Cumberbatch, that is what the Belize Weather Bureau will provide. We asked her how prepared [...]

What's the Weather Like? Hot and Dry
The National Meteorological Service, through its Climatology and Climate Services unit, hosted more than fifty representatives across a number of sectors at the annual climate outlook forum. The organization produces [...]

C.D.B. Pulls Region Together on Resilience
The Caribbean Development Bank's Board of Governors is holding its annual two-day meeting in Grenada, in the Eastern Caribbean. The meetings and seminars that began today and continue through Thursday [...]

Police to March Back into Martin's
There has been additional manpower deployed into the Saint Martin's area, including the presence of the Special Patrol Unit.� The team has been conducting mobile and foot patrols in the [...]

Bringing "Peace in the Valley"
This week, the police department deployed a handful of officers into the area of Saint Martin's infamously known as PIV.� They weren't there to make any arrests, instead they were [...]

Kids Talk Tough on Ending Violence in Port
RESTORE Belize hosted an event called "Walls Down" in the Port Loyola area during the extended weekend.� Residents were invited to enjoy a community day on a closed-off section of [...]

COLA Tells Teachers Beware of SmartStream
Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action says it has uncovered what it calls a "Machiavellian move for power by the Government." Ahead of the new school year, government plans to [...]

PAC Report Coming, Doesn't Look Good
The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives has been making moves after a stuttering start due to several meetings being canceled. A report on the most recent Auditor [...]

Integrating Sustainable Development in Education in Belize
The Ministry of Education, in partnership with UNESCO, hosted a workshop to look at how to integrate sustainable development in education in Belize. Several education sector stakeholders reviewed what is [...]

CTV3

SIB Issues Figures ON Consumer Price Index
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) issued its latest figures on consumer prices index for the month of April 2018 which reflects that the cost of living saw a decrease falling from 105.3 to 104.3 marking a difference of 0.5 percent in comparison to last year. For the first four months, there was a slight decline in consumer prices compared to 2017, recording a year to date inflation rate of negative 0.2 percent.

LOVE FM

COLA 'condemns Government's grab of power from our teachers'
Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) is speaking out what it describes as a strategic injustice being done on teachers. According to COLA, the Government has begun a process to use the Smart Stream System to pay teachers, instead of transactions being conducted by school managements. President of COLA, Geovanni Brackett says that at �

Santander Sugar apologizes but still wants waiver
Santander Sugar Limited has responded to the Government of Belize. In a press statement issued this evening, the sugar producing company apologizes and regrets the actions that led to the cease and desist letter issued by the Government. In the release, Santander explains an amendment to the EPZ was filed in February and whilst waiting �

Said Musa says he will not be force to step aside or step down
There is major upset and tension emanating from within the People's United Party tonight. With the resignation of Thea Garcia-Ramirez from the Northern Caucus after a crushing defeat this past Sunday, tensions increased after the Party's National Executive decided to reject applications submitted by Arthur Saldivar and Patrick Jason Andrews to run in the Belmopan �

Conventions create unnecessary tensions, says former PUP Leader
Holding conventions is a natural process employed by political parties before a major election. The People's United Party is going through that process currently and from what we have seen, some candidates are not happy with how the process is unfolding. According to former PUP Leader, Said Musa, this creates unnecessary tensions within the PUP. �

Jordan Burns charged with Moreira's murder
At today's Meet & Greet, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams informed the media that eighteen-year-old Jordan Burns, has been re-captured. Burns was charged with the murder of 34-year-old-Carlton Moreira, which occurred last Wednesday in an alley between Lakeview and Mayflower Street. Chester Williams - Deputy Commissioner of Police: "Yes Mr. Burns was recaptured this �

Resolution calls for vote of no confidence against PSU President Dareth Obermayer
The Public Service Union held its Annual General Meeting over the past weekend. The event proceeded as planned for the most part. That is until a resolution was presented and called for a vote of no confidence against the President Dareth Obermayer, the secretary General and the Second Vice President. Today, President Obermayer told Love �

Santander Sugar Ltd. should not be granted the waiver, says former Prime Minister
Santander Sugar Limited says that 204 metric tons of white sugar and 12.5 metric tons of brown sugar were given to a local distributor in order to quote, "explore the local markets to determine if the new products produced could capture markets based on colour and quality alone." End of quote. According to Santander, the �

Police strengthen ties with community thru its Meet & Greet
This afternoon, police held another meet and greet this time in the Martin's de Porres area of Belize City, where they were well received. Chester Williams, Deputy Commissioner of Police, spoke to the media about the initiative. Chester Williams - Deputy Commissioner of Police: "There is no specific reason why we are in this area �

Arthur Saldivar lashes out at PUP over rejected application
As we mentioned, the PUP vetting committee rejected the applications of Patrick Jason Andrews and Arthur Saldivar to participate in the Standard Bearer Convention for Belmopan. The decision was made yesterday during the PUP's National Executive meeting. With respect to Saldivar's rejection, PUP Chairman Henry Charles Usher told Love News that while Saldivar's suspension has �

6th National Climate Outlook Forum held in Belmopan
The sixth National Climate Outlook Forum, NCOF-6, was held today in Belmopan. The NCOF-6, a stakeholders meeting for enhancing the utility of seasonal climate forecasts, provides a national platform for promoting a regular dialogue and inter-agency coordination in responding to natural hazards, climate variability, extremes and changes between the National Meteorological Service of Belize and stakeholders. �

Patrick Andrews' application for Belmopan Division rejected, he calls it PUP victimization
Also speaking out against the party which rejected his application was Patrick Jason Andrews. Andrews was among the five applicants who placed their bid for the standard bearer in Belmopan. Today he told Love News that he was given two reasons why, which he rejects �

Santander's request for waiver being considered
Santander Sugar Limited has not been granted permission to sell white sugar on the local market. In fact, the Government of Belize issued a cease and desist letter to the company after receiving confirmation that plantation white sugar was being distributed. According to the Ministry of Investment, on May 10 the Ministry was alerted that Santander was distributing plantation white sugar on the local market. The following day, the Ministry wrote to the company, informing that it must first seek a waiver �

April saw a decrease in consumer prices, for the most part
Consumer prices are down according to the Statistical Institute of Belize. Well, that was what the numbers showed for the month of April. The decrease is recorded at five percent on average compared to the same month last year. That is for the cost of regularly purchased good �

Business owners held up inside their store, losing $31,000 in heist
Three men break into a store and held up the proprietors, taking over thirty thousand dollars' worth of money and items, including a firearm. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details.

PUP Area Rep. supports BCCI's request for fuel tax reform
Last week, fuel prices took another jump at the pumps. Prior to the recent increase, at a press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow warned that Belize is in for a rough ride with regards to fuel prices which are being affected by external factors; factors that the Government cannot control. However, the Belize Chamber of �

Thea Garcia-Ramirez resigns from PUP Northern Caucus
Thea Garcia Ramirez has resigned as the Chairperson of the PUP's Northern Caucus. She also stepped down from the post of Chairperson for the PUP's Corozal Bay Committee. Her resignation was submitted and accepted today, two days after she lost her political bid to become the party's Standard Bearer for Corozal Bay. She along with �

Minister wants to replace water board members, says PUP Area Rep.
Julius Espat is also the PUP's Area Representative for Cayo South which includes Valley of Peace Village. According to Espat, the villagers are not happy that Minister Hugo Patt wants to replace the members of the village's water board. He says that the current water board has done well and has saved about one hundred �

Police arrest 19 illegal immigrants
Forty-two-year-old Richard McDonald, a tour guide of Hattieville Village, appeared today at the Benque Viejo Magistrate Court. He was arraigned on the charges of aiding and facilitating in committing an offense. This is in relation to nineteen illegal immigrants who were detained this past Sunday by police officers who were on mobile patrol in Bullet �

YWCA launches project focused on Human Rights
The Young Women's Christian Association of Belize, YWCA, has launched a project focused on Human Rights and More Equitable Development. The projected, titled Addressing Human Rights for More Equitable Development, AHRMED, is being implemented in the Belize, Cayo and Stann Creek Districts. President of the Board, Dr. Sheree Smiling Craig said the work falls directly �

How will the re-registration exercise affect Belizeans living abroad?
Belizeans United for Equal Rights at Home and the Diaspora (BUFERHD) has written an open letter to the Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai. In the letter, BUFERHD's President, Derek Aikman, points out to Tamai that all Belizeans living in the diaspora will quote "lose their voting status once the current list becomes obsolete at the �

YWCA showcases work of students in the HELP program for Education Month
The Young Women's Christian Association of Belize, YWCA, showcased the work of the students in the Helping Early Leavers Program, HELP. The event was held as part of education week. Alicia Bent, Principal of the HELP program told us more about the event. Alicia Bent, Principal of HELP Program, YWCA: "Today we have the students in �

The Reporter

Man shot multiple times in Esperanza
Police are investigating a shooting in Esperanza village, Cayo, which has left a man with multiple gunshot wounds. The incident happened sometime before 11:00 p.m., Wednesday and the victim is said to be receiving treatment at the Western Regional Hospital. The Reporter will have the [�]

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Construction Worker Allegedly killed by Electrician
Thirty seven year old Belizean Electrician, Anthony Bennett, of Mahogany Street in Belize City, was arrested [�]

Attempted arson of newly opened corn tortilla factory in Santa Elena, Cayo
An arsonist/s targeted Popular tortilla mill, Rony's Tortilla in Santa Elena Town this morning. Reports to [�]

Cost of living went down in April says SIB
The latest statistics released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) said that goods and [�]

Attorney General Ministry issues release on JPs verification process
The Attorney General's Ministry today informed all Justices of the Peace and the public that [�]

A letter from Thea Garcia to PUP national executive
Thea Garcia, was badly defeated last Sunday in the convention to elect a standard bearer [�]

Home-builders/contractors to feel the pinch, Cement prices going up!
The list of goods and items increasing in price seemingly goes up by the day [�]

BBN Person of the Week - Patrick Scott Sr.
Patrick Scott Sr. is an accomplished farmer, teacher, businessman, manager and father. In his field [�]

National climate outlook forum hosted in Belize
Minister of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Edmond Castro, delivered the keynote address at [�]

Lucky Dangriga teen gets Machel Montano for prom entrance
Machel Montano, Trinidadian soca singer, actor, record producer and song writer is in Belize to [�]

Orbin Garido, 30, shot dead in Belize City last night
The latest victim of gun violence in the old capital is Orbin Enrique Garido, 30. [�]

We Got Net
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize [�]

Arthur Saldivar: "I've come to the end of the road with the PUP"
Yesterday we reported that the People's United Party (PUP) had rejected an application by Arthur [�]

The demographics of migration and graduation in Belize
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize News. [�]

Alfonso Noble to stand trial in the death of Gilbert Myers
Alfonso Noble, editor of the Guardian Newspaper, and co-host of Wave Radio & TV thought [�]

Will there be a re-election in San Pedro town?
In the next two weeks, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin will make a ruling on the March [�]

Blogs

The Best Birding Spots in Belize
Belize is the perfect destination for birding. From the over 590 birds that call Belize home, approximately 80 percent of these birds are local and the rest are migrant species that fly down from North America every winter. This means that if you're into bird watching, a variety of colorful and exotic birds can be spotted year-round all over Belize. Hopefully this news entices you to plan your next trip to Belize. If that's the case, follow this guide to visit the top spots to go birding in Belize.

Punta Gorda, Belize
Punta Gorda, in the southernmost part of Belize, is best known for a robust Maya influence, great fishing, laidback lifestyle, and lush landscaping. Referred to throughout Belize as "PG" there are only a handful of tourist hotels in Punta Gorda, so it is still quite untouched by tourism. Typically, expats that settle here are looking for an authentic experience where they can truly live and connect with local people. With only about 5,000 people, and only a few hundred of these being expats, you will a small-town atmosphere here.

"Lovely Day" off the coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Every year in Belize a Reef Week is held. Reef Week promotes , and has as its goal, sustainability within the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef . Events are held throughout Belize including one that for the last few years I have wanted to attend. The Lionfish Tournament and Cook Off. Actually I attended part of it last year - when the divers come ashore with their catches - as a guest for the Cook Off at Estel's Dine By the Sea. But I've really wanted to accompany a team of spear divers and last Friday I got my wish when Dylan (Rose's nephew who is staying with us for a couple of weeks ) and I were kindly allowed to go out with the team representing Ramon's Village Divers . It meant an early start but , as longtime readers will know , I'm an early riser and I still had time to enjoy a mug of coffee - instant, black and unsweetened- on the veranda - the western, lagoon facing one - before Dylan and I set off for 'Town for our 05.45 hours 'appointment ' at Ramon's Village Resort's dock.

Big Belize Travel Deal and Even Bigger News
Belize is the only country that I am aware of that allows you the option to purchase your duty-free items upon arrival. Some people even use it to help move through customs faster if the "nothing to declare" line is too long. It is super easy to pop into duty-free and purchase a bottle; then declare, and you can enjoy making yourself a welcome cocktail when you arrive at your destination. Another reason to stop and shop before you clear customs is a Big Belize Discount, Premier Tax and Duty Free Store has reached out to team up and give tacogirl readers 15% off their already great prices. Premier is located right beside baggage claim at Philip Goldson International Airport and offers travelers a large assortment of tax-free products. Liquor, tobacco, fragrances, watches, jewelry, and other gift items are available.

Soon You Can Stay On One of the Most Gorgeous Properties on Ambergris Caye: Tuto Belize
Just north of where I live�just north of X'tan Ha Resort at 7 miles, Ambergris Caye�there is an ENORMOUS property. If you are driving on the road, you will notice that it turns to go around this huge block of land. Beautifully cleared - with a huge vegetable and melon garden that you can see if you peep over the hedges that surround the land - this 30+ acres property is called Tuto. And belongs to one of San Pedro's "original families". Tuto. Named after Mr. Apolonio "Tuto" Alamilla is 2000 feet of gorgeous beachfront, 7 miles north. A huge property with rows and rows of coconut palms, some of the most beautiful beach on the island and, until very recently, one gorgeous, modest wooden house.

International Sourcesizz

QRP: Carry On As Normal Government Tells Worried Expats
A recent move to renew papers held under the qualified retired persons program has triggered concerns for expats in Belize. The government withdrew all licences under the scheme granting tax incentives to retired expats at the turn of the year. Many feared that the qualified retired persons scheme would fold - but the government had decided to reissue residence documents under the program. "The government is very supportive of the initiative to attract retirees to Belize and has no intention of discontinuing the programme," said a spokesman for the Belize Tourism Board, which runs the program.

Maralyn Gill: HIV/AIDS Survivors Kick ASS
Maralyn Gill has been living with HIV/AIDS since 2004. And as the executive director of Let's Kick ASS - Eugene, she wants to call attention to the experiences of long-term AIDS survivors and wants people to know more about what it means to live with HIV/AIDS. The ASS in Let's Kick ASS stands for AIDS Survivor Syndrome, Gill says, and she tells Eugene Weekly that symptoms of the syndrome include isolation, depression, survivor guilt and more. Gill is a 62-year-old mother of three and grandmother of 10 and was diagnosed with HIV in 2004 while living in Belize. She says got the disease from her husband, who is now deceased, and the stigma cost her the restaurant she ran there, Rasta Pasta.

Honoring the architects of independence
What inspires the few that can soar beyond ordinary mortals, think and act beyond the institutional barriers of social, political and economic injustice that seek to confine them, conceive ideas beyond their time, and dare to implement the vision of changes others can only dream about? Do lesser mortals each owe these champions an attempt to walk a mile in their shoes at the very least? How do you calculate the debt owed to these liberators and freedom fighters? In the Caribbean and wider global context, breaking the entrenched shackles of imperialism and colonialism are a great lesson history has provided as a blue print for the world, because we were forced to fight as insulated independent political units to gain independence. World renowned Guyanese historian Dr. Walter Rodney, examined similar enduring injustices, trademark evil and perverse methods the British utilized in his seminal work, 'How Europe Underdeveloped Africa" (1972).

Boats, Cars, Taxies, Buses, And Planes: Getting Around Belize
When people ask about getting around Belize, it's one of those 'depends' questions. It depends on where you want to go and where you'll be. On your need for comfort and luxury. On your independence. Oh - and it depends on your budget. You see, it really does depend. So, let's look at the most common ways of getting around Belize and who they'll suit best. On the mainland, you have five main options for travel. These are plane, car, taxi, shuttle, and bus. Boat, helicopter, and ferry options are also available.

Videos

  • NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS GOLDEN SHOWCASE IN CAYO AND DANGRIGA!, 7min.

  • Opening Ceremony of National Festival of Arts 2018, 7min. At the Opening Ceremony of National Festival of Arts 2018 teachers from Stann Creek Ecumenical High School delivered this outstanding performance!

  • A corky ride on a Tillet's Bus to visit Ziggy at the Green Iguana Conservation Project in San Ignacio, 6min. ith our Standard II Students of St. Francis Xavier Primary School. Ziggy is a 6 year old green iguana that was rescued and cannot be put back in the wild and makes the Green Iguana Project a major attraction to students and tourists from all over the world. This is a very eduational trip that we recommend for each parent whose child attends SFXPS or any other school in Corozal. We extend a million thanks to our tour guide and the San Ignacio Hotel. The journey began around 5:00 in the morning and was back in Corozal at approximately 8:00 p.m. Please note to take plenty of water to re-hydrate your body.

  • Huay Miis (Belizean Legend) by Felicita Cantun, 14min. Felicita Cantun is a Yucatec Maya from Yo Creek village Orange Walk.

  • Belize by Drone, 3min.

  • De-installation of Belize National Collection by Antonio Beardall from Institute of Archaeology, 1min.

  • More history of the Yucatec Maya people of Corozal,Orange Walk and Cayo, 8min. For so many years our history have been ignored in schools . Our history of resistance against Colonialism . We are still here . Enjoy part 2 of Simply Belize:The Yucatec Maya Simply Belize: The Yucatec Maya Part 2 The Myth of the Empty Land and the Caste War This is a documentary about the Maya of Northern Belize who belong to the group known as the Yucatec Maya . The Yucatec Maya are mostly found in Corozal,Orange Walk and Cayo . This part speaks about the Myth of the Empty land created by the British and the Caste War when the Yucatec Maya grandparents stood up to fight against the British and Spanish . With interviews to a Maya elder Benjamina Catch from Xaibe(Corozal) ,Dr Angel Cal a Maya of Yo creek(Orange Walk),John Morrison etc Note when they speak about the central Maya they mean the Yucatec Maya group known as the Cruzoob Maya and when they talk about the southern Maya they mean the Yucatec Maya group known as Iciache Maya.

  • Media And Evangelism - Eternal World Television Network, 33min.

  • Wildlife Conservation Society - Fisherfolk Month, 28min.

  • Gayla's Art Gallery Opening - Shared Exhibition, 27min.

  • Morning Matters with Drew, 60min.

  • Sports Talk Show May 30, 70min.
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