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Posted By: Marty Today's Belize News: August 31, 2019 - 08/31/19 12:15 PM


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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.


The San Pedro Sun

Belizean conservationist Rafael Manzanero weighs in on environmental challenges affecting Ambergris Caye
The San Pedro Sun had the opportunity for a one on one interview with Executive Director of Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), Rafael Manzanero. The FCD manages the Chiquibul Rainforest Reserve in western Belize, and its Chief shared his views on sustainability, weighed in the challenges Belize's marine and terrestrial eco-systems are going through and what Belizeans as a whole nation can do to better manage these sensitive resources.

Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation launches Job Portal
With tourism experiencing continues growth and becoming one of the leading industries in Belize, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has launched a Job Portal. This free, fully managed, interactive, and user-friendly web application is designed to connect tourism supported employers and job seekers. With this Job Portal employers can create and post tourism related vacancies and can easily make edits to any job submissions. Job seekers can upload their resumes and search for jobs by using key words. They can also remain in the loop by creating job alerts on feature that sends new jobs straight to their email.

Police remove drugs and ammunition from San Pedro streets
The Special Operations Team along with officers from the San Pedro Police Formation found drugs and ammunition during an operation in the San Juan Sub-division on Thursday, August 29th. According to the police report, around 11:45AM they conducted the operation in the said division, where they found a black plastic bag containing 30 5.56 live rounds of ammunition that were marked with the initials (FC). Police also found 222.8 grams of suspected cannabis. No one was found around the area of the finding, thus, the drugs and ammunition were labelled and deposited as found property.

2019 September Celebration activities announced!
With the month of September well on its way, the 2019 National Celebration Calendar has been released along with this year's September celebration theme: "From Maya Grandeur to Modern Glory, Together let's Shape the Belizean Story". The calendar of events lists the Queen of the Bay Pageant, Carnival King and Queen Competition, and the anticipated Carnival Road March and the other various activities taking place at the different municipalities across the country. It is also a guide to the many national events that showcase our patriotism, our appreciation of our historical achievements, and our love for Belize.

Various Belizean Sources

mzz

Special presentation of the Mexican documentary film: Maize in time of war
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize invites you to the special presentation of the Mexican documentary film: Maize in time of war From director: Alberto Cortes. Friday, August 30th - 6:30 p.m. Mexican Cultural Institute - Belize Special screening on the occasion of National Day of Mexican Cinema 2019. Trailer.

"Corozal" sign is being built right next to Children's Park
Hey, Corozal, here is something definitely you want to visit in the future. A brand new "Corozal" sign is being built for the public right here in Corozal. This will attract hundreds of locals, even, tourists from all across the globe to visit Corozal even more. This "Corozal" sign is being built right next to Children's Park in Corozal. The sign will have Colorful painting as it finishes. And, it will be completed by next week. This sign is being built by the Corozal Town Council.

Marine Litter Beach Clean-Up with Head of British Diplomatic Service
A beach marine litter survey and clean-up will be held on Sunday, September 1st, 2019 starting at 7:30 a.m. at Belizean Beach (just outside of Belize City). The survey/clean-up will be conducted by local participants, including the Belize Defence Force Cadets, Belize Audubon Society and Belize High School, as well as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry responsible for Environment and the Chief Environmental Officer. As part of his official visit to Belize, the Permanent Under-Secretary of State (PUS) at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, Sir Simon McDonald will participate in the beach clean-up/survey along with the British High Commissioner for Belize.


Sunday, September 1, 2019 at 12 PM - 6 PM, at The Split. Society! Leashed pets are also invited! Where: The Split, Caye Caulker between Aria Kat Art - Gallery, Boutique & Coffee Bar and Pizza Al Taglio We have more than $1,600 in raffle prizes donated by our awesome business community! Raffle tickets for sale for $10 at Aria Kat Art and Pizza Al Taglio all week! In addition, we will have a "Dog Dip" for a small charge, and a portion of the proceeds from Art Print and Coffee purchases at Aria Kat Art, and Pizza purchases at Pizza Al Taglio will be donated to the Caye Caulker Humane Society!


The Conservation issue of Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle was released this week at the Eco Expo. It's free online. The theme of the entire issue is conservation and Belize's journey towards becoming completely eco-friendly. Timely indeed, and worth a read. "Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle (CC+L) is a creatively designed publication that caters to those curious in nature and those with a passion for travel. With the world moving at a fast pace, and with publications traditionally static, Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle blends print and digital with multimedia platforms.

540 trees planted along the Mopan River in Peten
Today members of Todos Por Un Mundo Verde (TPUMV) of Melchor, alongside more than 125 persons from the Environmental Police (DIPRONA), Military Unit, FCD, Canada Fund, Institute of Forestry (INAB), Science and Technology College, Ministry of the Environment, DESPENSA store and the Town Council of Melchor planted 540 trees along the Mopan River in Peten. The arduous task of watering these plants will be done by youth members of TPUMV and DESPENSA. This activity is funded through the Canada Fund for Local Initiative.

New River community petition
The New River community petition sheets can be found at each of the following locations for persons who want to sign. Only persons with IDs (Passport, Social Security, Driver's License or Voter's ID) should sign. Tomorrow Saturday, August 31st, we will hit the streets, from Central Park starting at 7:30 a.m.

Channel 7

The Coral Killer Comes to Belize, What Can Be Done About It?
In July, the Fisheries Department sent out a release alerting the country to a new disease affecting corals in this region. It's called Stoney Coral Tissue Loss Disease and it's killing corals in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve -which is the only area where it has been detected so far in Belize. Well, the Fisheries Department along with its NGO partners have been busy trying to get a hold of this disease by researching and testing different treatment options. Cameraman Codie Norales and I tagged along with the coral reef monitoring task force on an expedition to Bacalar Chico Marine reserve to see first-hand the damage this disease is causing, and what the team is doing to try and prevent it from spreading. Here is that special feature on what can only be described as the most detrimental coral disease this region has seen:

Florida's Fight Against Stoney Coral Tissue Loss Disease
So as you heard in the story, the disease was first detected in Florida in 2014 and since then, marine experts there have been researching and conducting lab tests, among many other interventions. But, still, they don't have any concrete answers either.  We got an interview with the Director of the Smithsonian Marine Station in Florida, Valerie Paul. She also manages the Carrie Bow Cay field station which is located on an island on the reef in Belize. Paul discussed some of the efforts that have been tried in Florida to better understand this disease, but also underscored how little is still known about this outbreak.

What Can You Do to Contain The Coral Killer?
Although not much is known about stony coral tissue loss disease, it is still important to monitor it and prevent it from spreading. Nunez from the fisheries department discussed how you can help in this effort. Alicia Eck-Nunez - Marine Reserves Operations Manager, Fisheries Department: "We contacted our partners at the Ministry of Tourism who then contacted BTB and other partners with the education and outreach materials asking all our stakeholders that come in contact with the reef environment to please if you see the disease go the AGRRA.org website, report the disease, if you can take pictures of it to send to us we need to know if it is already spreading to the rest of the country so we could respond..."

Mob Deals With Man Who Injured Common-Law
Police were called out to the corner of Vernon street and Lindo's Alley at 5:30 this evening where this Ford Escape was left abandoned on the sidewalk.  Reports say the driver had to flee after he came under attack. Eyewitnesses in the area tell us that the driver had allegedly injured his common law wife, and was trying to speed off, when, bystanders, who saw what he did, attacked the SUV, punctured the tire, broke the back windshield and caused various other damages.

Man Dies After Night of Birthday Celebration
27 year old Rasheed Pollard - celebrated his birthday yesterday - but lived less than three hours into his 28th year; the father of two died in an accident just before 3:00 this morning.   It happened at mile 4 on the Phillip Goldson highway. He was driving back into the city after a night out celebrating his birthday with family and friends in Ladyville.   But something went wrong and he slammed into a lamp-post which caused his vehicle to flip.  A postmortem later revealed that Pollard died from traumatic shock due to multiple blunt force trauma. Earlier today his aunt told us how terribly this sudden death has devastated his family. 

Man Dies After Ninja Bike Flips On Southern Highway
And there was another fatal accident that claimed the life of another man - this one in Southern Belize.   At about 2:00 this afternoon, 37 year old Greg Perez was riding a Ninja style motorbike when he lost control and crashed near Medina Bank village between miles 63 and 64 on the Southern Highway.

Business Senator Praises Government For Tax Admin. Loan
A series of 3 loan motions were passed in the Senate today, which authorizes the Barrow Administration to borrow a total of 148 million Belize dollars, to execute important government projects.  The first motion for a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank for a project to strengthen the country's tax administration. The Government will borrow 28 million dollars to improve the abilities of the newly amalgamated income and GST departments, which is now known as the Belize Tax Service. The goal is to improve the capacities of these tax administrators so that the way they conduct business is more efficient, and therefore results in increased revenue collection. During the Senate debate on this loan motion, Business Senator Mark Lizarraga had a rare congratulation for the Government:

Disaster Loan Not A Debt Disaster
The second loan motion that was debated in the Senate today was another from the IDB for 20 million Belize dollars.  It's called the Contingent Loan for Natural Disaster Emergencies, and it is supposed to be used in times of natural disasters to, quote, "enhance the comprehensive disaster risk management of Belize by fostering improvements in five main areas disaster risk governance, risk identification, risk reduction, disaster preparedness, and financial protection." End quote. Here's what the NGO and Business Senators had to say about this one: Hon. Osmany Salas - NGO Senator: "I rise to give my strong support to this loan motion. It goes without saying that being in the middle of the hurricane belt..."

Senate on Substantial Sarteneja Loan
But, the biggest loan motion of the day was the one for 100 million Belize dollars. The Government of Taiwan has agreed to lend the Belize Government that entire sum at concessionary rates to upgrade the Corozal-Sarteneja Road and to build the Pueblo Nuevo and Laguna Seca Bridges.  For this one, several senators complained loudly that for the large sum of money that the Senate was being asked to give permission to the Government to borrow, there were hardly any detailed breakdowns about how the funds would actually be spent. That triggered a lengthy back-and-forth, and here are a few excerpts of the debate:

AG Calls Out Fellow Senators on Support for Municipal Bond Bill
From there, the Senate moved on to bills brought from the House of Representatives, and among those was the Belize City Council (Municipal Paper) Bill.  AS we told you, this one will allow Mayor Bernard Wagner and the current PUP Administration to sell bonds commercially, which will give them more cash flow at rates cheaper than commercial borrowing. You'll have noticed that several of the Senators kept returning back to the fact that they knew very little due to the lack of background information provided by the Government on the 3 previous loan motions. It was during the Senate's debate on the Municipal Paper that Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte suggested that the complaining senators were only doing so because they were taking a partisan, anti-government approach. Here's how he made that point this afternoon:

The War of the Worlds Over LPG Private Public Partnership
Another Bill that sparked quite a bit of back and forth at the Senate today is the National Liquified Petroleum Gas Project Bill. It was tabled at the last House meeting 2 weeks ago, and the model being proposed in this bill is a public-private partnership, where the state would protect a monopoly on the supply of LPG, which we know better as butane.  The project proposes that a new entity, which is called the National Gas Company, will take over the responsibility to supply the entire country with butane.

Bush Fires Encircling City Dump
Belize City residents - especially those on the Southside - woke up this morning to a blanket of thick smog and the filthy smell of burning garbage.  And that's likely because the wind shifted overnight to blow in from the west. What you were smelling was a bushfire that has been touching at the edge of the city dump for two weeks.  Everyone only learned of it this morning when the wind blew the smoke into the City's population center.  This fire is being caused primarily by the persistent hot and dry weather conditions, as well as moderate winds, but the situation is worsened by overgrown bushes on the properties surrounding those sites.

Belize's Boy and Girl Footballers Phenomenal In Regional Competitions
On Monday we told you how Belize's Female Under 17 National Selection did Belize proud by coming out on top of their group in the CONCACAF 2020 qualifier.   The games were played in Barbados - but their return was delayed by hurricane Dorian.   So, they just returned today, and were whisked to the Marion Jones Stadium for a congratulator press conference and luncheon. 

Mexican Cyclist Banned for Belize Race
And while those teenaged phenoms light the way to a stellar football future, the news continues to be bad in cycling.    Last night we told you how Belize's National Road Champion, elite cyclist Nissan Arana has been suspended for four years for use of a banned substance.   Well, tonight, there is news that another top rider, this one a Mexican who's always a contender in Belizean races - has also been suspended.  

Arte Cubano At Image Factory
Tonight, at this hour, the Image Factory is opening a new art exhibition by Cuban artist Carlos Rafael.  Rafael's show in Belize is part of the Image Factory's ongoing efforts to strengthen ties of friendship and solidarity with Cuba.This morning we were invited to a viewing of the exhibition and got to speak to the artist about his eclectic inspirations and how he came to exhibit in Belize. Carlo Rafael  - Artist: "This exhibition that I've brought now in August 2019 is an exhibition that is made up of  more than fifty paintings, I've brought landscapes, I've  brought  some portraits, and I've also brought some fans, I bring things from Cuba, Belizean things, and Caribbean things..." Carlos Rafael along with other artists and professionals from Panama, Belize, and Mexico are among this year's carnival judges.  

Another New Carnival Route
And the route has just been finalized for the carnival which those international judges will oversee.   This year's Carnival - which starts at 1:00 next week Saturday afternoon - will have another new route this year. It will start as usual on Central America Boulevard at the corner with Faber's Road.  And from there it will go, as usual unto Central American Boulevard.  But after it crosses the Belcan Bridge, it will turn right unto Freetown Road, and then left unto St. Thomas Street, and head straight to the Marion Jones sporting complex.

Channel 5

Rasheed Pollard Perishes in RTA After Celebrating His 27th Birthday
There has been outpouring of grief following the untimely death of Rasheed Pollard. Pollard, who by all accounts was loved by many, perished this morning after celebrating his twenty-seventh birthday. [...]

Gregory Perez loses his life in an RTA in the South
There was another fatality; this time in southern Belize. As seen in this video, a motorcyclist reportedly lost control of his red Ninja motorcycle in the area of Golden Stream, [...]

Nissan Arana is Banned from Cycling for Four Years
Popular Belizean cyclist Nissan Arana has been banned from participating in any officially sanctioned sporting event after testing positive for performance enhancement drugs. The decision was handed down by the [...]

Nissan Arana Tests Positive for Performance Enhancement Drug
Under Arana's suspension, the U.C.I. has requested that the Cycling Federation of Belize withdraws his license for the duration of the ban in accordance with specific articles related to the [...]

Newly Appointed PUP Senators Make Debut
Doctor Louis Zabaneh and Isabel Bennett were today sworn in as Senators for the Opposition, People's United Party. Doctor Zabaneh and Bennett replace former Senators Paul Thompson and Valerie Woods. [...]

Senators Express Concerns over Liquefied Petroleum Gas Project Bill
The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Project Bill was today debated in the Senate. The Government and the National Gas Company have entered into an agreement which the Prime Minister has labelled [...]

Sarteneja Road Loan Motion Sparks Heated Debate in Senate
Today the Senate approved three loan motions totalling one hundred and forty eight million Belize dollars. The government borrowed fifty million U.S. dollars from the Taiwanese Government for the upgrading [...]

A US$14 Million Dollars Loan for Strengthening Tax Administration Project
The Senate also approved a fourteen million U.S. dollar loan from the Inter-American Development Bank. This chunk of money has been earmarked for the strengthening tax administration project. Monies will [...]

Senators Get Feisty over US10M Loan Motion
The Government also borrowed ten million U.S. dollars from the Inter-American Development Bank for natural disaster emergency contingencies. G.O.B. approached the bank for financial assistance to facilitate the execution of [...]

Senate Debates the Belize City Municipal Paper Bill
The Belize City Council during this time of the year faces�cash flow problems caused by the 'seasonal nature of tax collections'. Earlier this year, instead of resorting to high-cost traditional [...]

Two men acquitted of Drug Trafficking Offense
After awaiting trial for two years for a drug trafficking offense, Pastor Mark Humes and Michael Nugen were acquitted of trafficking over ten pounds of weed. The ruling was handed [...]

A Tourist is Convicted while on Vacation in Belize
A visitor on Carnival Cruise Lines from Yonkers, New York was convicted while on vacation with his family in Belize. Thirty-nine year old Brian Keith Gibbs assaulted a police officer [...]

Decision on Transportation Industry Woes Postponed Yet Again
There are tensions bubbling in the transportation industry. The Belize Bus Association and representatives of the Government were scheduled to meet on Thursday morning to finalize the way forward regarding [...]

FFB and National Sports Council celebrate young athletes who excelled at the CODICADER and CONCACAF Women's U-17 championship games
At the Marion Jones Sporting Complex this afternoon, there was a gathering of Belize's finest athletes. The Football Federation of Belize and the National Sports Council held "A celebration of [...]

Young athletes and team leader say discipline and focus has lead to excellence
The athletes and coaches were all in a celebratory mood. Kate Jones, a striker for the national U-17 team and Cayshaun Meighan, who participated in the U-15 CODICADER games, spoke [...]

Dominque Noralez to represent Belize at UN Youth Climate Change Summit
Belizean, Dominique Noralez, is among five hundred youths selected to attend the U.N. Youth Climate Change Summit to be held in September at the United Nations in New York. The [...]

YWCA embraces technology integrating tablets into its preschool program
Over at the Y.W.C.A., a group of pre-schoolers are being introduced to technology at an early age. The "Y" successfully secured a set of forty tablets which is now at [...]

Titans Kicks of Mas Camp with “Showtime”
As the carnival date draws near, one of the most prestigious bands brought out its a-game on Thursday night. Even though they will not be competing this year, the current, [...]

New route Revealed for Carnival Road March 2019
The Carnival Committee has released the route for the 2019 Road March. And there is a difference over last year's route. The spectacular event takes place next Saturday, September seventh [...]

Posted By: Marty Re: Today's Belize News: August 31, 2019 - 08/31/19 12:15 PM

Amandala

Orange Walk environmental crisis
In the Orange Walk District, there are two major environmental issues that pose long-term heath risks to area residents, but the Department of the Environment appears to have fallen asleep at the helm, and is not leading the charge to address these two critical issues. The New River that has been a source of sustenance and economic activity for many Orange Walk families is dangerously polluted, and water in the New River continues to change its color, as the river seems to be struggling to stay alive.

NICH to standardize the Belizean flag
One of the leading and oldest and most important symbols of Belize's Independence has been our national flag. However, after its conception, it would appear that the flag's design has undergone just as many changes as the country since the proclamation of our independence thirty-eight years ago. The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) decided that the inconsistency should be addressed and held a press conference at the Marion Jones Sports Complex to discuss their plans to standardize the Belizean Flag.


Allison Cuthkelvin, 34, a laborer of Tibruce Street, has been given a 3-year jail sentence for burglary and handling stolen goods. Police found him in the ceiling of a house with a microwave oven valued at about $250, and they arrested him and charged him for the offenses. Cuthkelvin was taken yesterday to the Belize City Magistrate's Court, where he pleaded guilty. Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser accepted the guilty plea. According to court reports, Cuthkelvin, who was unrepresented at his trial, told the Chief Magistrate that he is a good man who made a mistake and he believed he deserved a second chance.

Tourism lifts Belize's sagging economy
The Statistical Institute (SIB) of Belize reported that the total goods and services produced by our country between April and June 2019 was down 0.8% compared to the same period last year; the numbers show that the main engines of our economy were down significantly more than that. Sugarcane deliveries were down, 4.7%; citrus production was down, 33.8%; marine exports were down, 5.3% ; electricity generation was down, 22.4% ; manufacturing was down, 3%; and construction was down, 21.9%, during the period. The big driver of the economy at this time, tourism, did not slow down during the period, however. A significant 5.5% increase in tourist arrivals helped offset the less than stellar performances in the areas mentioned.

PUP urges House Speaker to sanction macebearer, Brian "Yellow Man" Audinette
On Friday, August 16, the House of Representatives Sergeant at Arms (Macebearer), Brian "Yellow Man" Audinette, was openly aggressive in his speech and behavior toward the People's United Party Dangriga standard bearer and newly designated Senator, Dr. Louis Zabaneh, inside the House of Representatives, which was in session, but had taken a brief recess. Additionally, when the session of the House resumed, from his seat, Sergeant at Arms Audinette was videotaped making certain gestures at Dr. Zabaneh, who was in the public gallery of the House. During the initial contact, Audinette had accused Zabaneh's family of being land thieves.

Domestic exports for July 2019 up 44.1% over July 2018
Belize's domestic exports for July 2019 increased by 44.1% over July 2018, thanks to a significant jump in earnings from sugar, a doubling in revenues from RK beans exports, and a small boost in earnings from marine products. Earnings from sugar in July 2018 was $12.1 million and that bumped up to $22.4 million in July 2019, an increase of $10.3 million; there was an increase in exports of lobster tails, and this pushed earnings from marine exports up, from $3.6 million in July of 2018 to $4.3 million in July 2019, and earnings from RK beans was $1.8 million, up from $0.9 million.

Cricket Corner - Wicked 11 tied the match series and told BDF, "Give us back the slice of cake. We will play for the whole one next week."
Wonderful time of the day to all! Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA), the Barry Bowen/ Harrison Parks 2019 Cricket Competition continued on Saturday with game 2 of the finals at Flowers Bank, where the home team Wicked 11 defeated BDF and tied the match series at 1 game apiece. It was a do-or-die, for the Wicked boys. But, as I have stated earlier, these boys know how to defend their turf; and they did it with ease. BDF won the toss and gave Wicked 11 the opportunity to bat first.

Kulture Yabra, back-to-back National Over-40 Football Champions
San Pedro Veterans came to play, but Kulture Yabra was just too much for the visitors from San Pedro, adding a 4-nil win to last week's 6-0 score at the island, for an aggregate 10-0 in the championship finals of the 2019 National Over-40 Football Tournament. The game was competitive for the first half hour, but then Kulture star strikers took control, with goal coming from Kevin Rowland (31' & 61'), David "Manu" McCaulay (38') and Albert "Chicken" Arnold (56'), for the 4-nil final score. FFB President Sergio Chuc was on hand for the post-game award ceremony, where he was accompanied by special guest, 1975-76 Belize City MVP, Michael "Suffudge" Rushford, who is visiting from New York.

Corozal Basketball Quadrangular
On Saturday, August 24, we hosted a Basketball Quadrangular in Corozal Town at the Civic Center, starting at 10:00 a.m. and finishing at 4:30 p.m. Participating teams were: Cayo Sacred Heart, Orange Walk Rebels, Corozal, and University of Uqroo (Chetumal). In game one, Sacred Heart Cayo defeated Orange Walk, 37-27.

Dangriga sports stats - PLB Week 6, Stann Creek District Southern Derby at Carl Ramos Stadium - Wagiya vs Placencia Assassins
Here are the results from Week 5 games in the Dangriga Basketball Association (DBA) U-23 Summer Bounce Tournament, which were played at the Russell Chiste Garcia Auditorium on Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24. Hopkins Assassins remains the tournament's top-ranked team, and is followed by Harlem Shockers, with Independence Young Generals, New Site Raiders and Ghans Vipers rounding out the Top Five.

Editorial: Little rain; stagnant, polluted rivers; dengue
On the environment and health fronts, it has not been a good year. We are a little past halfway through 2019 and we are in a drought that's beginning to compare with 1975: at least two of our rivers have never been this unhealthy, and we are in the middle of a frightening dengue outbreak. We are also in the midst of making final preparations for that time of year, our nervous annual storm watching season. We normally don't look favorably at weather systems coming off the west coast of Africa, but this year we might welcome a storm, if it doesn't reach Category 1, and if it throws some, not too much, water our way. The big drought of 1975 drove a lot of small farmers backward because, at the encouragement of the Marketing Board and the Ministry of Agriculture, they had taken loans from the DFC to expand their farms using improved technology.

From The Publisher
I guess I always thought that Vance Vernon, like his younger brother, Lennox, had gone on to St. John's College Sixth Form with our class in January of 1964, but not so. Vance and Lennox had come from Punta Gorda to join our S.J.C. high school class of '63 when the 1962/63 school year began, June or July of '62. This is a long, long time ago, and it was just before the Government of Belize suddenly and arbitrarily changed the Belize school year so that it coincided with that of the United States. Hence, beginning in 1964, Belize's summer holidays became what they are today - July, August, whereas it had always been April/May.

Amandala still got soul!
Dear Editor, Roberta Flack's "The first time ever I saw your face" sailed up to #1 on America's Billboard Top 100 hits in 1972. This song, along with the hits of many other Black artists of that time, helped to define the "Soul Era". This was a time when wars, oppression, discrimination and mental barriers around the world were still rife and had to be torn down through music, arts and the written word. In fact, many of the human rights and privileges this present generation enjoys were fought for during that era; sometimes in bloody riots. No matter how you chose to fight the establishment back then, it was done with heart and "soul".

Fires in Amazon forest "under control," says Brazil's Ambassador to Belize
Dear Editor, With reference to the article of BBC reproduced by Amandala last 23rd August, entitled "Amazon fires: 'Our house is burning', Macron warns ahead of G7″, may I update you and the readers of your newspaper on the evolution of the situation and on the measures that are being undertaken by the Brazilian government to tackle the challenge of the fires in the Amazon region. According to satellite images from the Amazon Protection System (Sipam) of the Ministry of Defense, from Saturday (24th) to Monday (26th) there has been a reduction in the number of areas affected by fires in the Legal Amazon. The Sipam satellite identifies the most critical areas affected by fire spots. The system helps to guide teams on the ground.

All politicians really want is power
Dear Editor, According to Niccol� Machavelli, a 16th century political philosopher (scientist), "the primary object of a politician or any member of the ruling elite, is always the same - to cement, to augment and to increase their power". It is not that politicians don't do good, but they take action mainly to gain power. All the sociological and historical evidence support my hypothesis. Politicians address poverty not to necessarily decrease or increase it, but to get power and privilege.

Romel Cuello writes on his trip to the West
Dear Editor, I left my turf in the northern districts the past weekend of August 18, and took a peep at the West. Man, it's gorgeous out there. From Belmopan to Benque you can see the development in infrastructure. Only thing bothersome, whenever you make a modern road you have to allow for paved shoulders with traffic lanes' lines properly painted, or cyclists and pedestrians are in serious trouble. This is one of the reasons, along with alcohol consumption, for the carnage on the highways.

Joshua Perdomo's write-off indicative of cronyism and poor governance
I would like to think that I learnt a lot of principles and ethics and good things from my teachers, and having gone to mostly Catholic schools enabled me to meet those who piously professed the faith and who were persons I believed I could trust and look up to. There are people I never forget and teachers I will always remember, and for sure there are "religious" leaders that I hold at a Biblical standard. Carlos Perdomo and his wife Michelle Perdomo are two such people. It is important to me to tell this story because I met both these persons in my formative years at St. John's Sixth Form and I also interacted with them tremendously through Saint Joseph Church, Belize City, which I then attended.

MSG hell, it's RD (rat droppings)
The way the story goes, there was a wild alarm out last weekend that, if interpreted right, meant for us to immediately desist, stop eating at Chinese restaurants. The expos� was that our public health officials had gone to enjoy some fabulous food, where the nicest food is made, and while there they decided to kill two birds with one stone, satisfy the belly and do their jobs too, and while on the second purpose they found the carcasses of puss and dogs in freezers, and rat droppings about. They immediately sent out the alert. Many people were shocked about the report, and very surprised by the blanket condemnation, the call for all the establishments to be avoided, so they waited for the weekend to pass before acting on the information.

MORE TOMORROW VILLAGE, LAND REFORM & FOOD SECURITY INITIATIVES IN BELIZE!
The 1980s and 1990s Belize Rural Economic Development of Agriculture through Alliance (BREDAA) work in the More Tomorrow village of Belize Cayo District was aimed to implement youth agricultural development programs as a means of establishing a food security program for Belize's marginalized and disenfranchised young people across the country, particularly Belize City's black young men who were being displaced by an insidious so-called war on drugs and an expansive, United Nations-sponsored, Central American refugee land grab that had made them second-class citizens in their own country; that had no land and therefore no birthright to the country as natural born Belizean citizens.

Woman bites off portion of would-be rapist's lip
A would-be rapist is now without a portion of his lip after the woman, 46, whom he was trying to rape bit his lip when he tried to kiss her. The would-be rapist quickly released her and she ran into her house, escaping from him. The woman's son, 18, who was at home, quickly called police, and the would-be rapist was found and arrested.

Jorge Galindo, 33, arrested for shooting Nelson Flores, 42, and his daughter, 12
Police said that they have charged Jorge Galindo, 33, a laborer of Perez Street, Santa Elena, with the murder of Nelson Flores, 42, and attempted murder of his daughter, 12. At about 9:00 Sunday night, Flores, a laborer of Trapiche, Santa Elena, was at home with his family, who were in different areas of the house, when a man drove up on a motorcycle, ran through the back of the yard and into the house, and shot Flores in his chest and head.

Canadian weed grower to pay $13,000 fine, or spend 4 years in jail
Fifty-two cannabis seedlings, a number of cannabis plants in pots, and cannabis plants ranging from 1 foot to 6 feet tall were found by police officers who carried out an anti-drug operation at the home of Martin Meredith, 64, a Canadian now living in Sarteneja, on Monday. All the plants were taken and deposited as exhibits, and Meredith was arrested and charged with drug cultivation and possession of a drug with intent to distribute to others.

Serial arsonist on the rampage again in Punta Gorda
Two vehicles and a thatched building were destroyed by fire in Punta Gorda recently, and the Punta Gorda Fire Service and police who are investigating the incidents have declared that arson was the cause of those fires. The PG Fire Service said that at about 12:30 Friday morning they were called to Periwinkle Street, where they saw a yellow two-door car engulfed in flames.

The Reporter

Another Serious Accident - RTA On The George Price Hwy.
There was a serious accident on the George Price Hwy. in which at least 5 people were injured. Details about those injured were not available at the time of this news posting.

Is Local Butane Monopoly Really Local?
Among several motions passed in the last sitting of the House of Representatives, a controversial bill to establish a new national butane company was introduced, causing many in civil society and the private sector to issue harsh criticism on the decision and question the circumstances of the new company...

RTA On The Southern Hwy. - Motorcyclist Dead
A mechanic from Punta Gorda Town is dead after he lost control of his motorcycle on the Southern Highway. This afternoon around 2:00 Police were called to an area between miles 63 and 64 on the Southern Hwy...

Cayo Cops Catch Flores' Alleged Killer
San Ignacio Police have made an arrest for the weekend murder of Santa Elena resident Nelson Flores and the near-fatal shooting of his twelve-year-old daughter inside their home...

Editorial - Friday August 30th. 2019
The Belize New River is a precious Belizean heritage, special in many ways. It is a slow-moving stream whose headwaters do not come from a mountain source like most rivers, but from a large fresh water lake known as the New River Lagoon, the largest inland concentration of fresh water in the country...

Forgiveness Is Not For Everyone !
By: Dr. Abigail Joseph. As a child growing up I always felt as if everyone was rooting for the other team. I was always in the wrong. It felt as if there was nothing that I did that was ever good enough...

Attorney's Legal Maneuvers To Avoid Prosecution
The Reporter has confirmed that attorney Oscar Selgado has applied for a variation of his bail conditions. On July 15 Selgado was arriagned for Abetment of Murder, based on allegations that he paid a man to kill somebody...

Accident At Haulover Bridge, Man Dead
A early morning accident at the Haulover Bridge has claimed the The Reporter has confirmed that the accident occurred sometime around 3:00am, this morning (August 30th) at the approach to the Haulover Bridge...

LOVE FM

Senators debate the Natural Disaster Loan Motion
Once the swearing-in and formalities were over, the Senate got down to business. In today's session, among the different motions discussed was the contingent loan for natural disasters emergencies from the Inter-American Development Bank. The loan would be for ten million US dollars earmarked for the execution of a project to alleviate the impact of �

Shyne Barrow Distributes Schoolbags to less Fortunate
Shyne Barrow, Mesopotamia's UDP Standard Bearer, held a school bag distribution event this morning for the constituents. This is the fifth annual school bag distribution being done by Barrow. Shyne Barrow, UDP Mesopotamia Standard Bearer: "This is my fifth annual Mesopotamia Schoolbag distribution. When I started working in the community with my aspirations to represent �

YWCA receives Tablet Donations for Preschoolers
The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) pre-school received forty brand new tablets from the Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce located in Houston, Texas. The tablets will advance the pre-schoolers into digital learning. Nicole Curette, member of Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce shared how YWCA connected with the organization to make the donation possible. Nicole Curette, �

Two acquitted for drug trafficking
After 2 years of awaiting trial for drug trafficking, Pastor Mark Humes and 18-year-old Michael Nugen were acquitted of the charge of drug trafficking over 10 pounds of weed. The trial, which was part-heard continued yesterday in the late evening and this morning, a ruling was handed down by Magistrate Michelle Trapp in which she outlined �

Man finds himself in trouble with the law while on holiday
A Carnival cruiser from Yonkers, New York was convicted for assaulting a police officer whilst on vacation with his family in Belize. Late yesterday evening, 39-year-old, Brian Keith Gibbs pleaded guilty to assault. The assault stems from a misunderstanding at Terminal 1 located at the Tourism Police Unit, Fort Street in Belize City. Gibbs begged �

Importance of Diabetes awareness
Diabetes Awareness needs to remain constant and that is what the association is working towards. Cayo Correspondent, Fem Cruz has the story. Fem Cruz, Reporter: The Belize Diabetes Association and the Belize National Diabetes Selfcare program along with a medical group from Columbus University School of Medicine are presently on a two week outreach called �

Belmopan receives garbage truck donation
The Government of Japan has granted the request of a compact garbage truck to the Belmopan City Council. The process began over two years ago when Mayor Khalid Belisle submitted the request. Cayo Correspondent, Pauline Soberanis-Tillett was at the handing over this morning at Belmopan's City Hall. Here is her report. Mayor Khalid Belisle was �

Ministry of Natural Resources launches BNSDI website and geoportal
The Ministry of Natural Resources has launched a platform that will make land information accessible on a national level. Reporter Johnelle McKenzie has the story. This morning the Ministry of Natural Resources launched a platform to make geographic information more readily accessible. The Belize National Spatial Data Infrastructure website and geoportal will be used as �

Will $40K Write off hurt UDP at the polls?
Yesterday, the Public Service Union expressed its outrage at the write off of over forty thousand dollars owed by Joshua Perdomo, the son of Cabinet Secretary, Carlos Perdomo to the government. Tonight, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize spoke on the situation and how they feel the matter can be handled. Marvin Mora, President, �

Imports up 15.6%, Domestic Exports up 44.1% for July
During the month of July 2019, imported goods were up by 15.6 percent, a total value of $191.4 million from $165.6 million imported in July 2018. For the first seven months of 2019, merchandise imports amounted to $1.1 billion, increasing by 3.9 percent or $43 million from the same period last year. Tiffany Vasquez, Statistician �

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Cyclist Nissan Arana suspended for 4 years for anti-doping violation
The Cycling Federation of Belize today issued a statement saying that it received official information [�]

Who will benefit from gas nationalization?
The future National LPG Company (NLPGC) will be Government-owned in a quarter century. That is [�]

Belize among hardest hit by drought in the region; Here are 10 helpful tips to conserve water
Belize is experiencing warm weather and with the on-going drought, our crops are suffering. Farmers [�]

Dorian, now a major Hurricane poses threat to Florida and Bahamas
Hurricane Dorian is now a Category 3 Hurricane and is headed for Florida and the [�]

2 Belizean Youth Leaders to attend UN Youth Climate Summit in New York
Belizean youth leader, Dominique Noralez was recently accepted to attend the first ever United Nations (UN) [�]

Belize Brain Awareness Society offering free screening for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
The Belize Brain Awareness Society (BBAS) is offering free screening for autism and attention deficit [�]

Debate continues on Sarteneja Road
The battle lines are drawn as to the Corozal-Sarteneja road to be funded by the [�]

Orange Walk 'Chatta's' win National Belikin 8 ball finals
The 22nd Annual National Belikin 8 ball billiards tournament concluded over the weekend at the [�]

Head of British Diplomatic Service to engage in Marine Litter Beach Clean-Up
A beach marine litter survey and clean-up will be held on Sunday, September 1, 2019 [�]

Senate welcomes three new members and debates various motions and bills
The Upper House is currently meeting in the National Assembly, Belmopan, with three new members. [�]

Head of British Diplomatic Service arrives in Belize
The Head of British Diplomatic Service, Sir Simon McDonald has arrived in Belize as part [�]

Taiwan's Transportation Minister makes call to support Taiwan at International Aviation Assembly
Taiwan is seeking international support for its participation in the 40th Triennial Assembly being hosted [�]

Hot day, little wind expected
The weather forecast, prepared by the National Meteorological Service of Belize, says that today is [�]

Azael Sansores, 27, missing in Corozal
The family of Louisville resident, Azael Sansores, 27, are concerned about his whereabouts. Sansores was [�]

One dead in accident near Haulover bridge
Rasheed Pollard, better known as, 'Fresh' was heading home in the wee hours this morning. [�]

Blogs

The Eco-Marketplace Expo and Conservation Issue Launch
On August 28, 2019, Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle held a magazine launch at the Best Western Plus, Belize Biltmore Plaza for the release of its 7th Issue: The Conservation Issue. This new issue takes readers on an Eco-friendly Adventure around Belize. The magazine, highlighting conservation, sustainability and eco-trends throughout Belize, became available in both print and online. The day started off with the reveal of the Conservation Issue which took place at 10 am at the Belize Biltmore Plaza. The seats were filled with invited guests anticipating the reveal of the cover. Kyle Montero, an outreach program assistant at Oceana, was the master of ceremonies who introduced the first speaker, Mrs. Tanya McNab Fields, creative director of McNab Visual Strategies.

BURNING OF GARBAGE IS PROHIBITED
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has been receiving increased reports of the burning of household garbage in both urban and rural areas. This prevalent but harmful practice greatly reduces the air quality for residents and threatens life and property from fires, especially around this time of the year due to the dry season. The burning of garbage emits invisible but harmful substances into the air that is breathed in by people, including vulnerable persons, such as the elderly, babies and those suffering from respiratory diseases. The DOE is calling on all persons to cease from burning garbage, whether in towns, cities or villages, in order to maintain air quality for all residents.

FOOTBALL ACTION - CFA invites you for tomorrows game. Corozal All Stars vs Belmopan Selection U17 Male
It all happens at the Ricalde Stadium @ 3:00 pm. Come and support our selection.

International Sourcesizz

Simone Biles' brother has been charged in a Cleveland triple slaying
The brother of Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has been arrested and charged in a New Year's Eve shooting in Ohio that killed three people. Tevin Biles-Thomas is charged with murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault and perjury in a December 31, 2018, fatal shooting in Cleveland. The charges were announced in a joint statement from Cleveland Police and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office.

Copal Tree Lodgewins Agro-Tourism award
Congratulations to Copal Tree Lodge, a Muy'Ono Resort, for winning the Agro-Tourism award at this year's CTO's Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development! The award recognises a business that offers an agro-tourism product incorporating elements of food/agriculture production, culinary output and visitor experience.

THE 5 BEST LUXURY FISHING VACATIONS
For an activity that involves worms, hours of waiting and trying to grab a slimy fish with your hands, it may not seem likely that anyone could connect luxury and fishing together, but alas, it is quite possible indeed. Whether you're a pro angler or someone who is just getting into it as a hobby, many people have made fishing part of their adventure vacations or destination vacations. Not only is it a great way to see the world, but also a way to catch a bunch of fish you may not have had the chance of fishing for earlier. Head down to warm waters and check out Belize. This tiny Central American country is home to some of the best fishing in the area. Visitors often head to Belize in search of bonefish, who are often found paroling the waters away from the white-sand beaches.

Two tries and counting for debutants Nauru
Belize has just been added to Rugby America North, becoming only the fourth non-Caribbean member of the association after Canada, the US and Mexico. A nation of just 360,000, Belize is situated right at the base of Mexico and its southern neighbor, Guatemala, is part of the South American federation.

Why It Matters That Brunch Has Come To Belize
Belize is a country at a crossroads as a result of the recent rise in tourism that seems to demand the tiny Central American country adopt one identity or another. Is it meant to continue the development seen further north on the Yucatan Peninsula, or be an eco-haven in the way Costa Rica is portrayed? Perhaps it's an undiscovered jewel thirsty for investors that will turn it into the hot new luxury destination, despite the fact that it's currently lacking in things like chain businesses. Fortunately the answer to this query is simple: Belize is Belize. As much as developers want to slice through the mangrove and erect hotels in marine reserves to attract an Instagram-friendly audience, that doesn't change what's at the heart of this country: a conservation culture, a sixth sense for swindlers, and extraordinarily delicious food.

Videos

  • Ana Cruz Rundraiser, min.

  • Trailer for the Mexican documentary film: Maize in time of war, 2min. El ma�z en tiempos de guerra sigue el curso anual de cuatro milpas ind�genas en distintas regiones de M�xico. El largometraje ilustra el excepcional proceso del ma�z, la delicadeza para seleccionar la semilla y preparar la tierra que va a recibirla, la tenacidad de sus cuidados, la cosecha al cabo de los meses y los usos vitales de sus frutos.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - ANSELMA OBANDO, 2min.

  • New River in Orange Walk, 1/4min. The videos were taken around noon time. The first and second videos are at the second bridge on the by-pass Corozal/Orange Walk road. The other video is at the toll bridge. The stench at the second bridge was unbearable. Noticeably were some cattle grazing on the river bank and a lurking crocodile. The river is a dark chocolate brown with a layer of grease or foamy substance on top. The contamination problem still persists.

  • New River today at the toll bridge in Orange Walk, .5min.

  • NIM LI PUNIT ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE PUNTA GORDA , BELIZE, 10min.

  • Ya'axch� utilize camera traps, 12min. Our Science team at Ya'axch� utilize camera traps (field cameras) to monitor mammals within wild places managed by Ya'axch� and agroforestry farms located within the Maya Golden Landscape. We have photographed jagaurs, pumas, ocelots, jaguarundis, margays, tapirs, tayras, and even birds. On set to chat with Sayuri Tzul was Oscar Requena Jr. In the background was Maximiliano Caal. Feel free to share with a wildlife lover.

  • PKG Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, 8min.

  • Belize 2019 30th Wedding Anniversary, 12min.

  • Day 1 | XXIX Women's National Softball Tournament, 3hr.

  • Day 1 | XXIX Women's National Softball Tournament, 66min.
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