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Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
Gladstone Bucknor is new officer in charge of San Pedro Fire Department sub-office
As of Monday July 2nd Gladstone Bucknor is the new sub-station officer in charge of the San Pedro Fire Department. Bucknor took over the position held by Newton Lennan, who was transferred to Belize City. Originally from Belize City, Bucknor comes to San Pedro with over 22 years of experience as a fire officer. He has been a fire officer in Dangriga Town, Toledo, Belize City and Belmopan City.
According to the new officer in charge one of his main goals is to raise awareness of the best practices to prevent fire incidents. "My goal is to educate island residents and businesses through public meetings and presentations on ways fire incidents can be prevented, as well as how to react in case there is a fire happening," he said.
Coconut Leo's house burns down in San Pedrito
On Sunday, July 8th, another fire in San Pedro Town left an islander without a home. The fire victim is Leo Martinez, popularly known as Coconut Leo of the San Pedrito Area, who is admired on the island for his Bob Marley interpretations, acrobatic skills, and coconut tree climbing exhibitions. His house had no electricity and Martinez suspects arson, however, police have no information suggesting it was deliberately set on fire.
Coconut Leo lost everything in the fire, which reportedly started shortly after 11PM. Leo said he left home around 8PM and a few hours later he received a call that his house was burning. He indicated that there was nothing inside the house that could cause a fire and believes that someone is responsible. Coconut Leo said that he does not have enemies and cannot tell of anyone who would want to harm him.
Ambergris Today
Tourism Arrivals To Belize Continue On Upward Trend
The latest statistics for the middle of 2018 shows that tourism arrivals to Belize continue to register groundbreaking levels and moving on a steady upward trend. Overnight tourism arrivals in June registered double digit increases for the past three consecutive years while the first half of the year registered a 17.1% cumulative increase.
Belize Hotel Association Hosts 2018 Annual General Meeting
The Belize Hotel Association held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 from 1:00 PM- 5:30 PM at the Black Orchid Resort in Burrell Boom, Belize. In attendance were the Board of the BHA, Association Members, other Tourism Stakeholders and guests.
Misc Belizean Sources
GLOW Camp 2018
GLOW Camp has finished. A huge thanks to the Peace Corps volunteers and everyone else that made this happen again this year!
"Peace Corps Belize extends our heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to our Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) Camp 2018! 80 girls (ages 10 - 13), 14 Belizean Counterparts and 12 Peace Corps Volunteers, from all over Belize, gathered for a week of learning and fun. The girls made friends from all over the country! They learned about cultures different from their own and developed their leadership skills by building their self-esteem, self-expression, and self-reliance. They also made crafts, danced, laughed and learned about self-defense! We are so proud of these girls for their full engagement in such a new experience. These girls worked so hard throughout the school year to prepare for the camp. Some engaged in fundraising activities for the trip while some even wrote application essays to attend.
Renovations at St. John the Baptist Anglican Cathedral
Renovations continue at the St. John the Baptist Anglican Cathedral in Belize City. The renovations is part of the hard components of the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project. Funds provided by Taiwan ICDF and the Government of Belize.
Re-opening of the Consulate of Belize in Chicago
It is with great joy that the Government of Belize announces that the re-opening of the Passport Station and Consulate in the City of Chicago at Evanston is scheduled for August/September of 2018.
We thank members of the Belizean Community in Chicago for their input in providing feedback as to location and accessibility. The Government of Belize also underscores its gratitude for the community's patience during the time of interrupted services. The intent of the closure was to improve the services provided to the community.
Impersonation of Staff - Elections and Boundaries Department
It has come to the attention of the Elections and Boundaries Department that there are individuals impersonating Staff of Elections and Boundaries Department who are visiting residents to obtain information.
The public is advised that all staff of the Elections and Boundaries Department is issued with valid Staff Identification Cards. The public does have a right to request such an identification card prior to providing any information.
Celebrity Spotting
Tim Duncan of the San Antonio's Spurs spotted arriving in Belize.
Ministry of National Security Statistics Point to Decrease in Major Crimes
Statistics compiled by the Ministry of National Security show that major crimes in Belize are on a downward trend. The figures were released and analyzed at the Ministry's monthly meeting with the high command of law enforcement agencies in Belmopan on Monday, 9th July 2018.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the Ministry to review the current crime situation in Belize where it was noted that there is an observable downward trend in major crimes. This updated information incidentally came after a meeting with the business sector including the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Belize Chinese Association, the Indian Association, and the Belize Teachers Union; where they reportedly were of the view that crimes were spiraling out of control.
Second Cross-Border Meeting on Migration Between Belize and Mexico
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration of the Government of Belize and the United Nations Migration Agency (IOM), in coordination with the Embassy of Mexico in Belize, hosted the second edition of the cross-border meeting on migration between stakeholders from Belize and Mexico.
The Second Edition of the Cross-Border Meeting was held on July 12th and 13th by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration of the Government of Belize and the United Nations Migration Agency (IOM), in coordination with the Embassy of Mexico in Belize at the Mexican Institute in Belize City.
The Cross-Border Meeting is part of the Mesoamerica Program, which seeks to contribute to the development and implementation of strategies for regular, orderly, and safe migration.
San Pedro Pirates vs. BDF FC
Our 3rd pre season game will be vs BDF FC ! Which are the Sub Champions of the season!
Boat leaves at 1:00pm from front Gas Station (cholo's)
Just $30! Round Trip!
Book your Spot now!
2018 Spartan Classic Bodybuilding Competition
Corozal, 14 July 2018. CCC Auditorium, 7pm.
Coconut Frond Art Workshop
August 20-23, Corozal House of Culture, $50 per person.
Activities this weekend in Corozal and Orange Walk
Here is a call out to our brothers and sisters from Orange Walk and all surrounding villages in Corozal. Visit Corozal Town this weekend. Featured Events:-
Friday, July 13 - 15 - BIKE RALLY (All Weekend)
Saturday, July 14 - 2018 SPARTAN CLASSIC BODY BUILDING COMPETITION
Saturday, July 14 - Art In The Park (Special Performances)
JULY 2018 EDITION of ArT In ThE ParK
Special feature will be a wonderful performance by the participants of the Carnival Around the World Summer Program taking place at the Corozal House of Culture which has been on since July 2nd. Don't miss it.
Cayo Wellness Seminar
Today, from 9:00am through 1:00pm, there will be a Wellness seminar at the SISE House of Culture. They'll have ideas for healthy cooking, along with exercise routines.
"HERE IS INVITING ONE AND ALL TO THE SAN IGNACIO/SANTA ELENA HOUSE OF CULTURE THIS FRIDAY JULY 13TH, 2018 TO A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS WORKSHOP FROM
9 A.M. TO 1 P.M."
Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Overboard, Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis, Traffik, Gotti
Wooden Phone covers benefit CZMAI
Get your beautiful limited edition wooden phone case today for only $60 from our friends at A&S Covers. All proceeds go to the Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute Scholarship Program.
Phone cases come in 3 designs, each representing
a different partner. Be sure to check out the CZMAI and Oceana Belize design too! Collect all 3!
The WWF #Mangrove design highlights a huge conservation win in Belize as new legislation was passed supporting the preservation of Mangrove forests. This was one of the key factors involved in getting our #Belize #BarrierReef #WorldHeritage site OFF the #UNESCO In Danger list.
Channel 7
Man Who Survived Explosion Flown To Burn Center
Burn Victim, 21 year old Grayson Cadle survived a terrible explosion at his Mahogany Street apartment on Monday. He was left with burns to 70% of his body. And that's why tonight, he's being taken via air ambulance to the Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia where
he will spend the next 3 to 4 months.
He will be getting free treatment through the Burn Victim Mercy Fund. We were at the hospital when Cadle was taken from the KHMH to the waiting air ambulance. Courtney Weatherburne has the story.
Chopping Victim Got Shot, Tesecum Tempts Fate With Another Near Fatal Injury
41 year-old Michael Tesecum, a resident of Tibruce Street, is in intensive care at the KHMH tonight, after he was shot multiple times last night.
It's the second attempt on his life in 7 months, and it comes at a time that he is struggling to recover from the last time someone tried to kill him. He suffered a severe eye injury when his co-worker, Dennis Bowden chopped him in the head with a machete, and the road to recovery has been very difficult. He was at risk of losing that eye to complications, and now, he must recover from gunshot wounds to the back, the stomach and the left foot.
So, how can one man be so unlucky? That's what our news team attempted to find out today. Daniel Ortiz has that story:
Police Snatch A Plethora of Painkillers
The cops are reporting tonight that they've made a significant bust of oxycodone, a highly addictive painkiller that has caused many deaths by overdose in the US. It's in the category of drugs known as an opioid, and in Belize, it is listed on the schedule of controlled drugs that is illegal - unless you have a prescription.
On Tuesday, cops from Spanish Lookout busted 3 people who they believe were attempting to smuggle 8.4k kilos of the drug in a tablet form stuffed inside a knapsack.
Today, the Head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch gave the press a briefing on the seizure and arrests:
Was OW Murder Product of Drug Buy Gone Wrong?
Yesterday we told you that police were looking for a known suspect from Belize City for the shooting death of Albert Vargas Jr. in Orange Walk town. Well, today police have charged that suspect.
He is 24 year old Nisani Daniel Garcia, a construction worker of Belize City, and this evening, he was formally arrested and charged for the murder of the 21 year old Vargas. At the police press briefing earlier today, investigators discussed the possibilities of this latest homicide being related to a drug-buy gone wrong between the men in the vehicle:
Cliff Kirk's (Alleged) Killers Will Soon Face Upgraded Charges
2 days ago American Cliff Kirk died at the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland, while receiving treatment for a gunshot to the head.
The US Army Veteran was shot at his home on Northern Ambergris Caye a week ago. 4 assailants shot him and then went to steal his firearms, a briefcase, and a jet ski.
As we reported, 3 San Pedro residents: Nigel Williams, Christian Espat, and a 16 year-old were remanded on charges of robbery, attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, use of deadly means of harm, and dangerous harm. Well, police told the press today that the attempted murder charge against the defendants will be upgraded to murder, shortly:
Beware, The E & B Imposters
It's re-registration time, and that means staff from Elections and Boundaries could be coming around to your house to confirm that the persons who are registered there, actually live there. But, apparently, some fraudsters have been using the exercise as a way to get into homes.
The E & B office issued a notice today saying that "there are individuals impersonating Staff of Elections and Boundaries Department who are visiting residents to obtain information."
Guest Turned Gunman, He Robbed Radisson
Today, twenty-seven year old Phillip Maclaren, pleaded guilty to a daring robbery of the Radisson front desk.
Maclaren quickly changed his plea from not guilty to guilty after and the first witness, Radisson receptionist, Shakira Brown testified.
Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser sentenced him to 5 years for robbery and 5 years for attempted robbery. The sentences are to run concurrently, so he will only serve 5 years.
Philloughby Not The Only UDP Hopeful Forced To Resign
It turns out Phillip Willloughby is not the only government employee being forced to resign before running in a UDP convention. The UDP's so called ground commander Anthony Boots Martinez told 7News today that at least three others, including labour commissioner Ivan Williams, NEMO employee Kent Parham, Finance Employee Robert Pennill, Works Employee Dean Samuels, and the Youth Apprentice-ship program's Dianne Finnegan will all be required to resign. And indeed, that's the rule: you can't be paid from the public purse while running in a political convention. Martinez says the Barrow administration has gotten a legal opinion on it to confirm that it must be so.
Man Found For Barroom Killing
Police say that they have solved a murder which happened 3 months ago in the Corozal Village of Ranchito.
On Sunday morning, April 15th, 38 year-old Emmanuel Evan Sosa was at Pasadina Bar. The female owner was attempting to close up for the night when a masked man with a sawed off shotgun showed up at the door. Sosa intervened on her behalf, and they started to argue. The owner got her door closed, and a short while after that, the robber shot him to death.
For several weeks the cops investigated, and today, they announced that they've arrested and charged one man for his killing.
Police Need Eyewitnesses For Woman's Shooting
But, the cops aren't having the same kind of luck, just yet, with the Belize City shooting of 34 year-old Ambrosa Bernardez. The innocent bystander's shoulder was shattered by a gunshot on Tuesday night while she was sitting with some friends near the Queen Square Primary School.
She was in the company of a group of people, including several women and children. But, that didn't stop a gunman from riding up on a bicycle and opening fire on the group, completely disregarding the danger to those who were also present at the time.
Today, the cops shared some details with the press:
GOB Claims No Fault In Jalacte Upgrades
Last night, we told you about day 1 of the lawsuit that the Maya of Jalacte, Toledo have brought against the Government of Belize.
They say that the Government made a major misstep when it upgraded the Jalacte Road, and built the BAHA substation and a Medfly Inspection Center on their village's communal lands.
As we told you, those were constructed back in November 2014, and the Government was attempting to raise the standard of living for Belizeans in the most remote part of the country. Before it was properly paved, the Jalacte road was in terrible condition.
What About the CCJ's Consent Order?
We also got a chance to to ask the Sol Gen for the Government's perspective on how far they've come in the implementation of the the consent order from the Caribbean Court of Justice. Government committed to make Maya Communal Land rights a real thing, and not just a judgment of the highest court.
If you ask the Maya, they say that the Government has utterly failed in its commitments to do right by the Maya. We asked Hawke if he agrees:
Is GOB Ignoring The Rule Of Law?
You'll also remember that Cristina Coc, the spokesperson for the Maya Leaders Alliance, and the Toledo Alcalde's Association, accused the Government of ignoring a court order, and failing to uphold the rule of law.
It's not the first time that we've heard a litigant accuse the government of flouting its responsibility. We asked the Solicitor General about that charge:
Agro-Tourism?
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration is hosting the 54th annual meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society. It is the first time that Belize is the host country for this important regional forum that brings together researchers, scientists, professors and other experts in agriculture. This year's meeting was centered around the topic of linking the agricultural sector to the tourism industry. Yesterday we showed you the growing numbers of tourist arrivals in Belize for the year 2018. Well the Ministry of Agriculture is attempting to capitalize on those figures.
Is Belize Climate Smart?
Another critical element of today's forum was what is known as the Climate Smart Country Profile, which is both a regional and global initiative with the ultimate aim of equipping countries with the latest techniques and general know-how as it relates to climate change resilience and sustainable practices in the agricultural sector.
In line with the objectives of the forum, the Ministry of Agriculture launched its Agriculture Census and a campaign to digitize all current data relative to the sector- from the amount of farms in the country, to the types of crops that are being grown and when they are being grown.
Can The Primary Sector Rebound?
Now, while the forum focused on increased productivity for the growing demand of the international market, the reality for Belize is that the export revenue for the primary industries of Belize recently have taken a sharp dip this year. According to data from the Statistical Institute of Belize, the total domestic exports for the month of April 2018 amounted to $27.2 million, registering a decrease of 21.9% or $7.6 less than exports for April of last year.
In the month of May the steep down turn continued. According to SIB, export revenue for that month was just under $58 million, representing a decrease of 20.2% or $14.6 million dollars less.
A Safe Trip Down Sarstoon As BDF Faces Down The GAF
There was some tense action on the Sarstoon today as Wil Maheia and the Belize Territorial Volunteers were going on a humanitarian mission to Graham Creek in remote southwestern Belize.
To get there, they have to go via the Sarstoon river, but Maheia says they got an unexpected welcome party. First, the BDF told them to wait for permission, and then the GAF showed up on the Belize side, just watching the action.
The Science and Art of Proper Childcare
Every now and then parents need a babysitter to hold over while they work or maybe they just want a night out without the kids. Well, the Belize Training and Employment Center is training a group to become certified childcare providers so parents don't have to worry if these 'sitters' are properly taking care of their kids. We dropped by the ITVET to find out more about the workshop.
In the final week, the participants will complete an internship at one of the child care providers agencies.
Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
Beltraide along with its Central American partners are developing a project to empower female entrepreneurs. It is just in its initial stages but the project will provide guidance and important tools that will help improve their business. Today all the partners met to share ideas and try to come up with a solid framework for this new project. Here's more from the meeting.
The pilot project will cater to 20 female entrepreneurs. Beltraide will keep us posted as to when the project has been finalized.
Marketing Intelligently
And finally from Beltraide, their 3rd training today was for private sector firms such as poultry, rum and pepper producers. The theme was market intelligence. We dropped by to find out how important this tool is in the success of a business especially when exporting.
There were 35 participants. It is a two day workshop.
Mysterious San Pedro Stabbing
Police from San Pedro don't know what to make yet of stabbing injury that the island resident, 26 year-old Adrian Suarez, showed up at the Poly Clinic with.
At around 3 a.m., on Monday, Suarez was taken to the clinic, and he was suffering from a very serious injury to the left side of the chest.
He had to be airlifted to the KHMH for medical treatment, where he is in a critical condition. The cops discussed the case with the press today:
Major Crime Sharply Up For 2018, Trending Down Since Command Changes
And, indeed, major crime for the first half of 2018 is up significantly over 2017. Figures through to June show 593 major crimes, 114 more than the same period last year.
Murders are up by 12, robberies by 58 and burglaries are up by 50.
But, if there's any sliver living on that very dark cloud, it's that since John Saldivar and a new command structure took over in April, major crime has been trending sharply down - but it's still above last year's mark.
The Alliance, Finding Another Way To Skin The 90 Million Dollar Cat
The Ashcroft Alliance failed to convince the Caribbean Court of Justice to force Belize to pay that 90+ million-dollar-award for the UHS debacle, but they aren't backing down.
On June 1st, the CCJ rendered a judgment dismissing the Belize Bank's application for enforcement against the Attorney General and Prime Minister Barrow, as the Minister of Finance. They were trying to do an end run around the Belize Parliament, where a bill for payment is currently lying on the table.
Kate Cas, La Reina Del Xunan
La Reina Del Sur, Kate Del Castillo was Le Reina Del Xunantunich last night as filming of her telenovela continues at the mayan site. Pictures snapped by a fan show them using the towering El Castillo temple as a backdrop - and fog machines creating an eerie ambience.
Her shooting wraps today and she flies out tomorrow.
Also arriving in Belize today was NBA hall of famer Tim Duncan and his family for vacation.
Channel 5
Michael Tesecum Survives a Second Attempt on His Life
A forty-one-year-old resident of Belize City narrowly escaped death on Wednesday night after a second attempt was made on his life. Michael Tesecum was on Tiburce Street when a gunman [...]
Nisani Garcia Charged for Orange Walk Murder of Alberto Vargas Jr.
Police have moved swiftly to crack the murder of Alberto Vargas Junior in Orange Walk. �A Belize City construction worker was arrested and charged; twenty-four-year-old Nisani Daniel Garcia is believed [...]
1 Man Charged for Murder of Emmanuel Sosa
Thirty-eight-year-old Emmanuel Ivan Sosa was fatally shot back in April at the Pasadita Bar in Ranchito Village. Three months later, twenty-one-year-old George Bednarik has been charged for the murder which [...]
Murder Charges to Come for Cliff Kirk Killers
The expectation is that the charges will be upgraded to murder for Christian Espat, Nigel Williams and a sixteen-year-old minor following the death of Clifford Kirk, an American expat. �The [...]
Man Critical after He Was Stabbed in San Pedro
A man was stabbed in San Pedro Town sometime on Thursday. He is now in a critical condition at the K.H.M.H. and police say they are now questioning a woman [...]
Cops Make Oxycodone Bust in Spanish Lookout; More Tablets Seized in San Pedro
Police made two separate drug busts. The first seizure was made about a week ago in a warehouse in San Pedro but the contents of the packets were tablets and [...]
Police Weigh in on Shooting of Ambrosa Bernardez
One man has been detained for Tuesday night's shooting of thirty-four-year-old Ambrosa Bernadez.� Bernardez was shot in the vicinity of West Canal and Armadillo Street when a man rode up [...]
Grayson Cadle is Off to Burn Center in the U.S.A.
Tonight, twenty-one-year-old Grayson Cadle is on his way to Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia in the U.S., to get specialized treatment at the Burn Center. It will be a long [...]
Opposition Leader Says G.O.B. Can Afford to Reduce Fuel Tax
The price of premium gasoline decreased by eleven cents at midnight on Tuesday; it now sells for eleven dollars and sixty cents per gallon. It is a small reduction for [...]
John Brice�o says Government Needs to Invest More
In June, the government said that if it reduces fuel tax by two dollars per gallon, it would mean a seventy million dollars hole in government revenue. �That reduction would [...]
SolGen's Advice is Sought on Public Officers' Eligibility to Run in Elections
The notice of resignation tendered by NEMO's Operations Officer Phillip Willoughby on July eleventh, paving the way for him to contest an upcoming U.D.P. convention in Port Loyola, was preceded [...]
SolGen Says Jalacte Claim is Way Out of Time
A lawsuit involving the Government of Belize, brought against the Office of the Attorney General by residents of Jalacte Village, is being heard before Justice Michelle Arana.� On Wednesday, submissions [...]
Jalacte Village Sues for Millions in Compensation for Loss of Lands
During the trial, expert testimony was provided by a number of individuals, including engineering consultant Avondale Moody, for the Ministry of Works.� Among the reasons given for the placement of [...]
Will Prime Minister Barrow be Compelled to Pay UHS Debt Via a Writ of Mandamus?
On Monday, an application was filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Belize Bank seeking permission for a judicial review to be conducted to compel Prime Minister Dean [...]
Opposition Leader: "It's in the D.N.A. of the U.D.P. That They Fight over Everything"
The People's United Party is joining the Belize Territorial Volunteers in condemning the comments made by Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington. Elrington recently told the press that people have to be [...]
BTV's Humanitarian Mission Disrupted by Guatemalan Armed Forces
A humanitarian mission embarked by the Belize Territorial Volunteers this morning got off on a bad start. According to Leader Wil Maheia, the group was intercepted by Guatemalan Armed Forces. [...]
P.U.P. Leader Says Arthur Saldivar Has Not Won Anything
The P.U.P.'s Vetting Committee has accepted Arthur Saldivar's application to contest the party's Belmopan Standard Bearer convention. Whether his application will be approved is another matter. The P.U.P. decided to [...]
B.T.B. Boasts 'Groundbreaking' Tourism Arrivals Figures
The Belize Tourism Board is boasting 'groundbreaking' figures as it relates to tourism arrivals. B.T.B.'s latest stats show that for the first six months of 2018, overnight tourism arrivals and [...]
Be on the Lookout for Persons Passing Off as Elections and Boundaries Staff
There are persons impersonating staff members of the Elections and Boundaries Department visiting residents and obtaining information. The public is advised that all employees of the department have staff identification [...]
Belizean Exporters Learn the Tricks of the Trade for New Markets
A two-day marketing intelligence training workshop for local business owners began today at the ITVET Compound in Belize City. It is being held through a partnership between the Caribbean Export [...]
CEDA Training to Assist Export Capacity of Belize & the Region
The two days will feature presentations from the Belize Bureau of Standards, the Belize Intellectual Property Office as well as BELTRAIDE and CEDA. Marketing Intelligence and Caribbean Export Advisor, Zamani [...]
Babysitters Train to Become Certified Childcare Providers
A four-week childcare training is ongoing at the Belize Training and Employment Centre at the ITVET compound in Belize City. Some eleven participants, all from the childcare sector-primarily pop-up babysitters- [...]
SBDC Belize Working with SICA to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
A national entrepreneurship workshop was held at the BTEC office in Belize City. The workshop brought together key stakeholders to the discussion table on integration of synergies and transferring of [...]
LOVE FM
San Pedro resident critical after being stabbed in chest
A construction worker is stabbed on San Pedro Ambergris Caye on Tuesday and is today listed in critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Police say 26-year-old Adrian Suarez was stabbed in his chest but they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. ASP Cowo spoke on the case. ASP Alejandro Cowo, CIB: �
Taiwan's Foreign Minister to visit Belize
Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu is expected to arrive in Belize on July 16, for a two-day visit. Wu will meet with Prime Minister Dean Barrow as well as visit the Taiwanese Embassy. He is also expected to visit El Salvador. The trip is in an effort to strengthen Taiwan's ties with its allies. China's �
One detained for Tuesday shooting in Belize City
One man is detained in the shooting of Ambrosia Bernardez and are asking the public to assist them in collecting evidence to further close the case. The shooting happened on Tuesday, July 10 in Belize City shortly before eight o'clock at the corner of west canal and Armadillo Streets. Bernardez was shot in her right �
BDF to BTV's rescue
The Belize Territorial Volunteers is reporting once again of Guatemalan incursions on the Belize side of the Sarstoon River. Wil Maheia of the BTV said they were on a humanitarian mission to Graham Creek this morning when they encountered Guatemalan Armed Forces. Wil Maheia - Belize Territorial Volunteers: "As we were going up the Sarstoon River �
Agriculture sector hopes to supply the tourism industry
The Statistical Institute of Belize and the Belize Tourism Board's latest statistics show that tourism was responsible for driving the economy. However, the question is how much of that money earned actually stays in the country? Research has shown that for each dollar that tourists spend in the Caribbean, at least 60% of it goes �
Belize City man charged with murder of Albert Vargas Jr in Orange walk
Orange Walk Police have charged one man for the murder of Albert Vargas Junior. The 21-year-old was fatally wounded in Orange Walk Town on Tuesday night while he was along with a friend, Jose Medina in a Ford Escape. Police say they have evidence to show that both were accompanied by a third person, who �
Chopping victim is shot several times in Belize City but survives
An early night shooting on Wednesday in Belize City has left Michael Tesecum hospitalized. The 41-year old was walking on Tibruce Street shortly after seven o'clock when he was shot several times. Assistant Superintendent of Police Alejandro Cowo says that the department has not uncovered a motive for the attack on Tesecum. ASP Alejandro Cowo, �
Villager charged with April murder of Ivan Sosa in Corozal
Almost three months after he was killed in Ranchito Village, Corozal District, one man has been charged for the murder of 38-year-old Ivan Emanuel Sosa. Police say they have charged George Bednarik, a 21-year old resident of the same village with murder. Sosa was killed on April 15 as he and the owner of Pasadina �
Three arrested and charged for large stash of Illegal pills
A police patrol in Spanish Lookout intercepted three persons with a substantial amount of illegal pills on Tuesday. The officers were on patrol on River Side Street in Spanish Lookout when they came across a taxi with three occupants. Officers searched the vehicle but did not find anything incriminating. However, when they searched in immediate �
Breaking Belize News
Belize and Mexico hold second cross border migration meeting
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Immigration; and [�]
American fugitive using Belizean passport nabbed in Philippines
An American fugitive, wanted for burglary in Oregon, USA; was recently caught at the Ninoy Aquino [�]
Belize Passport Station and Consulate to re-open in Chicago
The government of Belize has announced that the passport station and consulate in the city of [�]
Belize city man shot while walking on Tibruce street
A Belize city man, Michael Tesecum, was shot last after 7:00 last night as he was walking along [�]
Woman shot in Belize city was not intended target
Police have issued an update on a shooting which occurred on the south side of Belize [�]
Elections and Boundaries Department warns of impersonators
Today, the Elections and Boundaries Department issued a warning informing the public that there are [�]
George Benarik arrested and charged for the murder of Ranchito resident
According to police, George Bednarik, 21, from Ranchito village, Corozal, has been arrested and charged for [�]
Fire destroys home in San Pedro Town
San Pedro police are investigating a fire that completely destroyed a home. According to reports, [�]
San Pedro police investigate stabbing incident
San Pedro police are investigating the stabbing of a construction worker that occurred on Monday, [�]
Belize City man charged for murder of Alberto Vargas
Today, police charged twenty-four-year old Belize City resident, Nisani Daniel Garcia for the murder of [�]
Three arrested in large prescription drug bust in Spanish Lookout
Three people in Spanish Lookout were arrested and charged on Tuesday after police found them [�]
Minor, 14, raped and 10-weeks pregnant
Belmopan police are investigating a report of rape in their jurisdiction. A 14-year-old Belizean minor [�]
Man shot in Punta Gorda town
Punta Gorda police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred yesterday. Kenworth Jackson, 29, was [�]
Tim Duncan vacations in Belize
Legendary NBA power forward and five time champion with the San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan [�]
Man killed by passenger picked up on highway
Orange Walk police are investigating the murder of Alberto Vargas, 21, who was shot around [�]
Ministry of National Security reports decrease in major crimes
Statistics compiled by the Ministry of National Security shows that major crimes in Belize are [�]
Marie Sharp wins "Superior Taste" award in Brussels, Belgium
Two of Marie Sharp's products, the Fiery Hot and Exotic Steak sauces, recently won international [�]
Belize to host Central American Basketball Championship
Belize will be hosting the regional Central American Basketball Championship next weekend at the Civic [�]
Belize Audubon Society awards $15,000 in small grants to deserving fisher folk in Northern Belize
On Wednesday, July 4, the Belize Audubon Society awarded six small grants valued at $3,000 [�]
Heritage Bank opens new sub-branch in Santa Elena
The grand opening of the new Heritage Bank sub-branch in Santa Elena town was held [�]
Belize Police Department honors officers for years of service
The Belize Police Department, yesterday, held its Long Service Awards Ceremony at the Birds Isle [�]
Belmopan Civic Center to host first ever "Tek Time Fi Read" Book Festival
The Belmopan Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program (BJYSEP) under their new project, "Tek Time Fi Read" [�]
Belize Territorial Volunteers condemn Sedi's Pro ICJ Statements
Yesterday, the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) issued a release condemning the statements made by Belize's [�]
Orange Walk man killed by passenger
Orange Walk police are investigating a murder that occurred on Tuesday night. Alberto Vargas Jr.,21, [�]
Premium gas sees a slight decrease
Yesterday, the Belize Bureau of Standards informed the public of a decrease in the price of [�]
Man shot in Belize City last night
Belize City police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night. According to reports, forty-one-year-old [�]
Blogs
A Profitable Beach Bar Business In The Caribbean Haven Of Belize
Tricia Koba and her husband, Charlie, have a lifestyle that most only dream about�They live in a beachfront condo with a pool in Ambergris Caye, Belize, where they are just steps away from their successful beachfront bar business.
Coco's Loco Beach Bar is one of those places you imagine when you close your eyes and picture the Caribbean. It has a swim-up bar with stools inside the pool, a great island vibe, and a beautiful view of the sea. Exotic food trucks come by daily, so patrons can sample local food, and almost every night, there are fun activities going on, such as trivia or game nights.
"We grew up in the Midwest; me in Illinois, Charlie in Wisconsin. We lived in Wisconsin for 20 years before moving to Phoenix for nine years and then to Belize," says Tricia. "I was a nurse, working in the pediatric ER, and Charlie was the sanitation foreman for the city of Mesa. I had never been to Belize before. After only six months here we bought the bar.
Are There Any Security Measures Expats Should Take When Living Overseas?
In general, the overseas destinations we cover at IL are safer than where you probably live back home!
I've lived in Mexico for the last 10 years. Mexico gets a bad rap for security, but in fact most of the country is very safe�and at IL we don't cover the areas that are dangerous. I have never felt threatened at any time during my years in Mexico, and in fact have found people to be warm, caring, and concerned about their own and their neighbors' security.
But petty crime can happen anywhere. For instance, I would advise looking for a home or accommodation on a well-lit street. Many homes where I live are up narrow, poorly lit, pedestrian-only streets-and, if there's ever a problem with muggings, that's where they'll take place. Likewise, use ordinary precautions when out at night: be aware of the people around you, and don't flash huge wads of cash or fancy jewelry if you expect to be walking home by yourself.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The quirky and small, but mighty, bird.
Scientific Name: Archilochus colubris.
In recent years the birding community has become increasingly more inclusive of all people: young or old, adventurous or relaxed, fast-paced or leisurely. Belize has world-class birding with over 600 species of birds and enthusiastic birding tour guides. Among the hundreds of species is one particularly quirky and small, but mighty, bird-- the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird; a small hummingbird found in Eastern North America during the summer, and Florida, Mexico, and Central America during the winter. Hummingbirds are unique little birds with many hidden talents. For example, did you know that hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly forward, backward, side to side, upside down, and hover in mid-air? This is because their wings only connect to their bodies at the shoulder socket, allowing them to rotate their wings 180 degrees.
International Sources
How to Take Your Next Trip Without Single-Use Plastics
AVOIDING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS like bottles and bags is hard enough at home, and can be especially difficult while traveling. When you're on the go and trying to pack light, it's easy to grab a plastic-wrapped sandwich and bottle of water. But eliminating single-use plastics on a trip might be easier than you think-even in a foreign country without potable water.
I took on this challenge in Belize, a country that is no stranger to ecotourism. Its government recently announced a ban on major single-use plastics like bags and straws to go into effect by Earth Day 2019. And UNESCO has removed the Belize Barrier Reef from its list of World Heritage in Danger, after years of efforts to restore the reef's long-term health.
The green mindset reaches local scales, too: I loved visiting smaller cities like Punta Gorda, where a glass soda bottle is cheaper than a plastic one, because the glass bottles can be sanitized and reused.
Belize's IFSC Issues Five Warnings Against Unlicensed Entities
The International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC) issued five warnings against unlicenced entities on Thursday. The companies in question are Sigma-market, B.O Tradefinancials Ltd, FONDA BRANCH, Ultimate Trade Option Ltd. and Height-Option Broker.
According to the collection of warnings from the regulator, all companies are unlicensed in Belize and are therefore not permitted to provide, carry on, transact financial services to residents of Belize.
Cave-diving experts feel the ripples of the Thailand rescue - a rise in demand
Summer is usually the slow season for scuba diving at Bonne Terre Mine in Missouri, about an hour south of St. Louis. But not this year. Not since 12 young soccer players and their coach were rescued from a flooded cave in Mae Sai, Thailand, captivating the world and thrusting diving into the spotlight.
"My gosh our phone's been blowing up, it's been great," said Douglas Goergens, who owns the mine with his wife, Catherine.
He said the calls started coming in one week into the two-week ordeal and continued through the rescue, with people inquiring about diving and diving certification - and wanting to talk about what they were seeing in Northern Thailand. "It's shown how diving can actually save people's lives who are not divers," Goergens said. "Had it turned out bad, I don't know, but my gosh, the way it turned out, it's a miracle."
