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Posted By: Marty Today's Belize News: September 6, 2019 - 09/06/19 12:33 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

Heredia and Environmentalist weigh-in on the mangrove clearing south of San Pedro Town
Many island residents are concerned about the clearing of mangroves that is happening south of San Pedro Town as it plays a negative impact on the environment and the tourism industry. The area is west of the Mosquito Coast area, near the WASA Lagoon, and the mangrove clearing is being conducted because it is intended to be a new sub-division. Not only are residents concerned about the wildlife being dispersed in the area but are also concerned with the health hazards that come with the illegal dumping of trash as landfill that can affect the environment and people living nearby.

Paradise Guy and Professional American bodybuilder team up with local athletes to raise fitness awareness
With the aim to promote active and healthy living, a group of sports enthusiasts participated in a fitness challenge on Saturday, August 31st on the rooftop of French Kiss Restaurant. The activity was organized by American National and island resident, Real Estate veteran and former duathlete William Narod aka The Paradise Guy, along with US professional bodybuilder Melissa Pearo. The fun event challenged participants in a wide range of fitness obstacles, closing with an anticipated bodybuilder match between Paradise Guy Narod and Pearo.

Flag Raising kicks-off September celebrations in San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town welcomed the patriotic month of September by paying tribute to Belize with the annual flag-raising ceremony. Held on Sunday, September 1st at 6AM outside The San Pedro Town Council, the event saw the presence of many Belizeans, local authorities and a troop of cadets, who proudly sang the Belizean National Anthem while the flag was hoisted. The flag-raising officially launched the several patriotic activities planned for September throughout the country culminating with Independence Day on September 21st. During the event in San Pedro Town, Mayor Daniel Guerrero commended everyone who came out early to witness the patriotic event. He told them of the importance to honour and respect the Belizean flag and wished a safe and fun September celebrations to all Belizeans.

Belize to implement the REDD+ Project initiatives
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, and Immigration through the National Climate Change Office is implementing the Readiness Preparation Project (REDD+). REDD+ is a global initiative to combat climate change by reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation by fostering conservation, sustainable management of forests, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

Ambergris Today

Belize Minister Of Transport Signs New Statutory Instrument Regarding International Buses
On Wednesday, September 4, 2019, in Belmopan, Minister of Transport Honorable Edmond Castro signed a new Statutory Instrument to regulate international buses from neighboring countries (Guatemala and Mexico) entering Belize, in accordance with agreements reached among representatives from the Ministry and Department of Transport, the Belizean Bus Association and Taxi Federation, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Attorney General Office, and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce.

Caye Caulker To Get New Craft Market
A ground breaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, to officially mark the start of construction of the new Caye Caulker Craft Market. During the short ceremony, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, said "the project comes at a very opportune time. Caye Caulker, also known affectionately as La Isla Cari�osa, received approximately 143,539 tourism visits in 2017 and 178,133 visits in 2018.

Various Belizean Sources

mzz

Benque Neighborhood Watch Summer Camp
The Benque Viejo Zone 4 neighborhood Watch Program celebrates the 12th annual Children's Summer Camp benefiting the community children, at the traditional Venue Sam's Community Park, a multi-purpose facility centrally located in Benque Viejo on Mr. Sam Bruce's private property. Snack's & juices & Water; were handed out daily to all by the Zone Captain Mr. Bruce, then on graduation day a special rice & beans & chicken dinner was given out to all with a large cup of Cola, prepared by zone 4 volunteers Ms. Criselda Diaz & Vicenta Chay.

FFB Says National Team unable to participate in match at French Guina
The Football Federation of Belize regrets to inform the Belizean public that the National Team was unable to travel to French Guiana to participate in the Concacaf Nations League match against French Guiana scheduled for the 5'h of September 2019. The Federation takes this opportunity to inform the public that circumstance beyond the control of the FFB caused such. In order to play the away game in French Guiana and make it back home on time to play the home match on September Eilh, 2019, the Federation chartered a flight. On Wednesday August 251h. 2019, FFB officials were informed that the aircraft that had recently been contracted was damaged when being moved to safety from then TS Dorian. The following update received on Thursday morning was that said aircraft could not be repaired in time for the Jaguar's flight. Another private jet was chartered with the logistical help of Concacaf, however it was unable to get landing permits to land in French Guiana.

Belize Ma'alob k'iin
This will be cooked underground to create the Ch'ookob (Sopas). The Ch'ookob is blessed by the H-MEN (Maya priest) during the holy Ch'a Ch�ak ritual done in the Northern Maya community of San Jose .

South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch General Meeting September 11
We invite everyone to join us at Someplace South Cafe Bar for our regular monthly meeting. The menu for the evening includes meat lasagna with Caesar salad and garlic bread. Or if you prefer quesadilla or tacos. Please come early and support Someplace South and thank them for opening for dinner just for us!

Donation from Taiwan for broadcasting the proceedings of the Assembly
On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the National Assembly of Belize today received a contribution of BZ$40,000.00 from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The official handing over of the contribution was done by His Excellency Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), to the Honourable Laura Tucker-Longsworth, Speaker of the House of Representatives, during a handing over ceremony held at the foot of the National Assembly Building in Belmopan. The Honourable Laura Tucker indicated in her speech that the contribution will be used to acquire a new system that would improve the facilities used by the media houses who broadcast the proceedings of the Assembly.

MEETING TOWARDS FINALIZING PLANS FOR BOSTON WATER SYSTEM
This week, discussions took place in Belmopan towards finalizing plans to extend water services to the Village of Boston on the Old Northern Highway. Boston is one of only three small villages in Belize Rural North that do not enjoy adequate water services, the other two being Bomba and Maypen. When the current administration took office and Hon Edmond Castro became Area Representative for Belize Rural North in 2008, only 5 of the 23 villages in Belize Rural North had functioning water systems.

Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery
The Western Health Region will be providing cleft lip/palate repair surgeries during the first week of November of this year. Any patient country-wide can access this free service. For further information please call 804-2761.

CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) provides US$3.3M in concessional support to the Government of Belize to implement its Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), the Government of Belize (GOB) and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) this week executed a Loan Agreement to seal the approval of a US$3.0 million (BZE$6.0 million) Credit Line and two Grant Agreements totalling US$0.3million (BZE$0.6 million) under the CDF's Second Cycle Country Assistance Program (CAP) for Belize. The credit line will be used to provide financing at competitive interest rates to eligible projects in the productive sector including in agriculture, manufacturing, agro-industry, commercial fishing, cultural industries, tourism and related services, with emphasis on small and medium-sized businesses with gender equity, energy efficiency, and climate resilience focus.

Belize's first ever Tiki Festival
Courtesy Belize Tourism Board - Interested in the art that is mixology? Say hello to Belize's first ever Tiki Festival, a competition organized by Emir Sosa of Corozal Town, a.k.a the Belizean Artisan Mixologist. The event to be held from October 24th-26th at The Ramada Princess, Belize City, is featuring master classes from mixologists of Central and South America, giving Belizean bartenders innovative tools to complement the demands of the tourism industry. With local products and international flair, as well as a 'best bartender' competition, this event is uniquely Belizean of which BTB is a proud sponsor.

BEL Holiday Hours
BEL Offices will be opened from 8:00am to 2:00pm on Monday, September 9 and Friday, September 20, 2019.

Benque HoC Anniversary 18th Concert
Happy anniversary, Benque HoC! They're celebrating their 18th year this weekend. They'll have a concert on Saturday at Centennial Park, and a Social Day all day Friday at the HoC.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Jacob's Ladder, A Dog's Journey, The Dead Don't Die, Dark Phoenix.

"The history and evolution of the Belize Flag" Lecture Sept. 17th
When was the original emblem of the flag first used in Belize? Join us at the upcoming National Lecture on "The history and evolution of the Belize Flag" on Tuesday September 17, 2019 at 8:00 PM. The presentation will be delivered by our director, Nigel Encalada. This is an annual lecture carried out in collaboration with the Belize History Association and the National September Celebrations Committee. Join us at the Bliss Center in Belize City or tune in on Facebook and Radio for a Live Broadcast.

Channel 7

Contraband Confrontation in San Victor! - Cops Come Under Attack, Fire Back
San Victor village in the Corozal District is notorious as outlaw territory, where contraband smugglers hold their ground against Customs and Police.  In fact, in 2009, Customs shot and killed a man in San Victor - as they came under attack.   And, today, reports say the same thing happened.  It occurred at around 4:30 when Police from the Anti Narcotics Unit which had intercepted a truck full of contraband was stoned by the smugglers.  These exclusive photos show how the police mobile's windshield was shattered and two cops got significant head injuries.

La Inmaculada Classes May Have To Be Temporarily Moved
Classes have been cancelled for today and tomorrow at Orange Walk's biggest primary school, La Inmaculada.   Early this morning, the Ministry of Education sent out a release confirming the cancellation.  The release states, quote, "the foul smell coming from the New River has been causing both teachers and students to become ill it is the hope that the situation, with continued intervention from the Department of Environment, will be improved and classes can resume on Monday. If, however, the situation remains the same, the Ministry with the Catholic Management will provide an alternate location for classes to resume on Monday."  End quote.

DOE's Plan for The New River, How Soon?
But "As soon as possible" can't be now.  Today the Minister of State in environment and forestry Dr. Omar Figueroa weighed in on the New River. He acknowledged the severity of the problem and how it is aggravated by the rivers unique flow and positioning. He also stressed that the appropriate authorities are working on a long tern plan to try and restore the river's health. Hon. Omar Figueroa - Minister of State, Environment: "There is no two ways about it, what is happening at the new river is a cause of serious concern. It is extremely important for us to understand the problem that we face ...let me take a step back, New River is interesting for many reasons. If you look at the New River it starts up in the New River lagoon, at the point where it leaves the lagoon..."

Dredge The New River?
A long term strategy, but in the short term, the DOE is contemplating dredging the river.  Figueroa did not want to discuss it today, but 7news has learned that government is considering a plan to start pumping contaminated water out of the river in an effort to get the water moving.   Briceno said he and Orange Walk South Representative Jose Mai met with Figueroa earlier this week to talk about the possibility of dredging:.. Hon. John Briceno - OW Central Area Rep.: "Dr. Omar Figueroa, we met with him on Monday. Whilst he was getting his reports, he did not fully appreciate the crisis that is in front of us. Well the immediate plans they were talking about was one, start to clean out the river with all the dead fish but now since then, they're talking about the possibility of maybe dredging the river by San Estevan to see if we could dig a deeper channel...

Villagers Fight For Their Neighborhood Grocer, Catch Robbers
Changing gears now to the rare crime story with a happy ending. A Ladyville store was robbed last night, but, this time the bad guys got busted by some neighborhood heroes. Cherisse Halsall spoke to them today: It was business as usual at Mike's store after 7:00 last night when three males entered the store armed with knives, and demanded money. As this surveillance video shows, the store's security guard attempted to fight them off Voice of Security Guard Mike's store: "One of them pulled a knife to my throat, the big one,and the other two went to the side of the cash register and just took out money or whatever so I couldn't really understand what was going on behind me but I myself was struggling with the guy with the knife and I think when he was conscious that I was winning that battle of taking his knife that's when he bit me and he kept telling me to let go of the knife. I thought about my employer and it's a girl so I feared for her safety so that's when I eased of the knife and told the guy you know just take what you want and do what you have to do."

Kyron Coming Along
Last night, we told you how the doctors at Shriners Hospital for Children In Philadelphia were able to successfully remove the bullet that was lodged in Kyron Green's neck. 
He's the 11-year-old who has been having a very challenging recovery after being innocently shot in May of this year by a gunman who was aiming at his adult target.  But, things have improved drastically for him and his mother, Marsha Belisle, who's currently in Philadelphia with him, while he seeks specialized medical attention at Shriners.  Their trip to the US was made possible through a partnership between the World Pediatric Project Belize and Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia. Milagro Garel, the local representative for World Pediatric Project Belize, told us today that Kyron will be getting a full evaluation by the specialists at Shriners Hospital.

Bus Association Responds To Commuters' Complaints
Yesterday 7News interviewed commuters to ask them what they wanted from the bus operators - after those operators got what they wanted from Government.   And they had a busload of complaints!   Today Executive member of the Belize Bus Association, Darren Stuart, responded to those with his own perspective on why the system hasn't improved.  Darren Stuart - Executive Member, BBA: "When the bus system is expected to grow we cannot grow because we are limited to our resources yes the minister can get on the TV and argue and say that they had afforded us a dollar raise in some instances the other day. But at that time the price of fuel was $7.25 a gallon now it's almost 11 dollars a gallon so where did our dollar go we didn't get a dollar.  We lost a couple dollars when it comes to the stampede I understand that everybody wants to get home. What I don't understand is why we can't do things in an orderly fashion..."

Coming Up With A Cyber-Bullying Solution
There is no question that Facebook and other social media platforms are entertaining. They can certainly also be used in a positive way to springboard your career or to spread awareness on an issue. But of course, there is the dark side of cyberspace which unfortunately is very active and many who occupy that space have no rules or discretion anything goes. That is where cyberbullying comes in. Today the Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow along with the Ministry of Human Development held a forum at the Biltmore to discuss ways to bolster the laws regarding cyberbullying in Belize. We found out more from the Special Envoy and the consultant for the police department's IT unit.

All About Protecting Your Drinking Water
As you've seen in the headlines for the past few days, the prolonged drought and the pollution of the New River in Orange Walk has been front and center in the public discourse. These occurrences have hammered home the point that the valuable resource of water that Belizeans enjoy - and even take for granted - is at risk, and that if steps aren't taken to protect the country's water sources, it could become scarce. And, the Caribbean Public Health Authority has been contemplating this very same issue for the entire region, given that climate change could have a severe impact on the availability of water. So, they've embarked on an initiative in all the Caribbean states called Water Safety Planning. They want to make sure that the water sources for the CARICOM states are fully protected, and they're currently in Belize to discuss this topic.

Does New River Pollution Threaten Water Supply?
As you heard the Principal Public Health Inspector say, if the Belize River was polluted the way that the New River in Orange Walk currently is, thousands of Belizeans wouldn't have any access to drinking water from BWS. So, we wondered about safe drinking water for the Orange Walk District. We asked the Operations Manager for Belize Water Services about that, and he said that it is very fortunate that Orange Walk consumers don't get water from the New River. Here's the conversation on that topic: Reporter
"Moving on to the current situation happening to the New River in the Orange Walk District, is that particular pollution threat - can it have an immediate impact on the source of water that BWS has access to?"

Does Belize's Water Supply Have Long Term Security?
The press also wanted to know about whether or not climate change and the growing Belizean population could end up exhausting the country's apparently bountiful supply of water sometime in the future.  The BWS representative said that the drought this year has had an impact on their production capabilities to supply to Belizean customers, who consumed billions of gallons of water last year. Here's how he explained why: Dave Pascasio - Operations Manager, BWS: "We have surface water treatment plants, namely, Belize City, Dangriga, and Belmopan. And those, in last year, the extraction volume, the demand on those sources was 2.6 billion gallons. And then, we have 28 well fields; that is some 2.2 billion gallons of water that we got from those wells, with the difference being from reverse osmosis plants, which is also well water, but saline well water."

Macal Mercury and Your Food Safety
In other news related to the environment, Government officials are reporting that the results are in for tests on the levels of mercury in the fishes of the Macal River. That's an important public health issue because mercury is toxic to humans, and the chemical could be passed on to us via the food we eat.  When the topic came up today, John Bodden, the lead Public Health Inspector, told us that there are elevated levels of methyl mercury in only 2 out of the several species of fishes they had under surveillance. He gave us a brief overview on those test results:

Weed Pushing Through Estero
In our headline - we told you about the dangerous situation that unfolded in San Victor village in the Corozal district today when the Police Anti Narcotics Unit tried to intercept a shipment of contraband.   And the narcotics unit is active in the area because right now - Corozal is the main entry point for high grade marijuana from Mexico.   And another hot spot border crossing is Estero - just outside Patchakan.   Last night after 7:00 police in that area searched a green Chrysler van. The occupants of the van have been confirmed to be 33 Year old Jose Concha and 23 year old Elias Lopez. Both men and the vehicle were escorted to the police station where police found 16.6 kilos or 36 pounds of marijuana. Police told us more today.

Taiwan Donates to New Video System For National Assembly
For weeks we've been reporting on the major media upgrade planned for the National Assembly Building.  It's a new video camera and switching system to make House and Senate meetings be available to the public live via stream to the public and to the media.   Well, today it came one step closer to fruition when the Taiwanese Government donated $40,000.00 Belize dollars to the cause.  A ceremony was held outside the National assembly Building to say thanks:..

Examining Marine Litter In Wider, Regional Context
Last night we told you all about marine litter - what may be causing it and what can be done about it.   The discussion continued today at the Biltmore, except this time it was a regional dialogue where representatives from several Caribbean countries focused on drafting a unified plan to combat this global issue of marine litter.

The Wonders Of Wildlife
In early August, we told you about the poor tapir that was knocked down and killed in Ladyville and then later dismembered. Well, today Dr. Omar Figueroa, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Forestry expressed his distaste for such a cruel and inhumane act and underscored how important it is to protect our wildlife. Hon. Omar Figueroa - Minister of State, Environment: "For a country like Belize that is known across the planet for the way we protect and we manage our natural resources and our environment, to have something like this happen is a serious black eye that we as a country, as a people, as a government cannot allow, cannot allow these kinds of incidents to happen..."

Omar Cautious On Leadership Race
And while he supports the protection of wildlife - what we really wanted to know is who he supports for the next UDP leader. The Patrick Faber camp says it had representation from 25 of the 31 constituencies at his convention on Sunday.  While we only saw 9 reps and standard bearers, Faber's people say they had delegates from other constituencies there representing those constituencies.  Figueroa says he hasn't even spoken to his delegates in  Cayo northeast:

Mas De Mas Camps
Right now, Carnival Bands are in fever pitch preparations for Saturday's Road March.  Last night we went to four Mas Camps to gauge the energy and learn about the themes that they plan to take to the road on Saturday:

State of Siege Declared in 5 Guat Provinces
We may complain about those drug planes landing all across Belize - but, as the song says - "when the rain falls, it don't fall on one man house" - and it's even worse in Guatemala - where the Government yesterday declared a state of siege.  This, after three soldiers were killed by suspected drug traffickers.  It happened in el Estor, Izabal which is not far from Livingston Guatemala - and, thus, not far form Punta Gorda.  According to the Reuters news agency, in response, the state of siege has been declared for five northeastern provinces. 

DFC Gets Money For Productive Sector
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) has approved a loan of 6 million dollars for the government of Belize, along with 2 grants, totaling 600 thousand dollars.
The loan is a line of credit that the Development Finance Corporation will extend to improve access to developmental financing for Belize's productive sector. Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the Chief Executive Officer of the CDF signed the loan and grant agreements yesterday in Belmopan, and the Government Press Office was there to cover the event. The CEO of the CDF had high commendations for the Development Finance Corporation, whose name was synonymous with misuse of public funds, a decade ago.Here's what he and Prime Minister Barrow had to say about the loan and grants:

Que Bueno, Bunny T!
Aaron Wilson is trying to be both infamous and famous.  The infamy he gained was back in 2010 when he was strung up for being a fake cop.  But, he's gotten past that and now he's trying to gain fame by using his voice as a reggaeton singer. His first major release is an interesting track that combines the dancehall stylings of Mr. Program, and the Punta stylings of Supa-G in Wilson's reggaeton mix.

The Orellana Claim and Counterclaim
Yesterday we told you that Rosita Orellana, the mother of Brian Orellana, was refuting the accounts of the Teul family. They claim that her son pulled an unlicensed firearm with which he struck Christina Teul to the head before firing a gunshot at her son. Rosita Orellana explained that the Teul's are blood relatives of her son and that there is a problematic history there. Police now say that Orelleana may have filed his own report against the Teul's. 

Channel 5

Tourism sector In Orange Walk takes a hit
The dangerous level of contamination of the New River is taking a toll in many sectors.� Students from La Inmaculada School have had to be sent home because of the [...]

Classes Remains Closed for Students of La Inmaculada RC School
The Ministry of Education continues to monitor the situation as it pertains to La Inmaculada R.C. School. The school is located a few hundred feet away from the New River [...]

Time to Permanently Address New River Crisis
Minister of�Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development Omar Figueroa today commented on the declining health of the New River and the economic, health and social havoc it has been [...]

Potable water in Orange Walk safe from pollutants in the New River
There is heightened concern if the New River fails to improve. Those living along the river bank have been enduring for weeks with no relief in sight. While the smell [...]

Armed Thieves Target Store in Vista Del Mar
Mike's Store in Vista Del Mar, Belize District, was hit by robbers on Wednesday night. Sometime after seven p.m., Ladyville police were called out to Manta Ray Boulevard where area [...]

Pachakan Bust – "Eight Pound Ah Weed Eena Van Back"
Two men are in police custody pending charges of drug trafficking after being nabbed with ten pounds of compressed marijuana in the vicinity of Pachakan Village in the Corozal District. [...]

Belize City Man Survives Attack
Belize City resident, Oliver Rodriguez is lucky to be alive tonight. Rodriguez came under attack by a man on a bicycle. It happened at around seven o'clock on Wednesday night [...]

"Advancing Cyberbullying Amendments to Belize's Criminal Code"
Bullying or harassment using an electronic means is known as cyberbullying; these types of cyber crimes are known to be widespread due to easy access to the internet. Just about [...]

Assembly Building to Switch to New Audiovisual System
The National Assembly is to be upgraded with equipment for live coverage of house and senate meetings in the near future. The government of Taiwan has gifted the government forty [...]

Faber or Saldivar? Omar Figueroa Undecided
Five months from today, on February ninth, 2020, Patrick Faber and John Saldivar will go head to head for the leadership of the ruling United Democratic Party. The U.D.P.'s National [...]

He Claims He Stole Whiskey to Help his Sick Mother
The court sent a Caye Caulker resident behind bars since he was unable to pay an old fine; on Thursday he was back in court for stealing two bottles of [...]

Brian Orellano is Remanded for San Martin Ruckus
Brian Orellano has brought the Belize Coast Guard into disrepute by allegedly discharging a firearm in public during an altercation with Christina Teul in which she was also reportedly assaulted [...]

Bartolo Shish and the Case of the Alleged Abduction
While Orellano is cooling his heels on pre-trial detention, another man has been arrested and charged for an incident involving a minor. Bartolo Shish, a resident of San Antonio, Cayo [...]

Regional Stakeholder Meet to Discuss Solutions to Increased Marine Litter
The amount of plastic products that end up in our waters is staggering. Plastic, whether in the form of bags, bottles, caps or utensils cause severe pollution to the ocean. [...]

Mercury Levels in Macal River fish goes down
The Ministry of Health has received the results of the last set of tests taken on levels of mercury in fish in the Macal River in the west. Principal Public [...]

Hurricane Dorian's Devastation on The Bahamas
As the dust begins to settle, waters start receding, and the sky begins to clear, the level of devastation that Hurricane Dorian brought to The Bahamas is becoming clear. Hurricane [...]

Carnival vibes in day two of mas camps
Day two of this year's mas camps took place on Wednesday night in various neighbourhoods around the City and the Carnival vibe was contagious. The bands were in full gear [...]

Ministry of Health and BWS work on water safety plan
The Ministry of Health and the Belize Water Services are taking a closer look at one of the biggest water systems in the country to ensure that consumers have access [...]

The life of Dr, Jane Usher celebrated by family and friends
The life of the late beloved Jane Usher was celebrated today by family and friends at a symbolic laying of a wreath on her grave at her home on the [...]

To Fast or Not to Fast
We all know by now that doctors recommend an annual checkup. It involves making time to see the doctor, answer questions, and a series of tests. To test your cholesterol, [...]

The Reporter

Finally - They Are Realizing, We Are Killing Our Oceans
Almost a year ago, to the day, we at the REPORTER created 'The Environment' pages on this website in an effort to increase the awareness of the damage being done by plastic pollution, and also to highlight the 'sometimes" ingenious efforts...

LOVE FM

Legendary Belizeans "Miss Jane" remembered on what would have been her 102th birthday
Credit Union icon, Jane Usher, affectionately known as Miss Jane, would have celebrated her 102nd birthday today. The legendary Belizean passed away nine months ago, at her home on the Philip Goldson Highway. Today, her family and friends gathered at her grave for a small ceremony in her memory. Her grandson, Henry Usher, told us �

CARPHA assisting with designing a water safety plan for Belize
Water is fundamental to the survival of mankind, so it is essential that our water supplies remain potable. In this regard, representatives from the Public Health Department, Belize Water Services, BWS, and CARPHA, the Caribbean Public Health Agency, met today to develop a water safety plan for Belize. Shermaine Clauzel of CARPHA spoke to the �

PUP criticizes DOE on their response to the New River crisis
Although only La Inmaculada RC School was closed on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health, the complaints about the New River span the community. This morning, chairman of the People's United Party, Henry Usher, criticized the Department of Environment for its lax response to such a critical issue. Henry Usher, PUP Party Chairman: "First �

MOH to introduce grading system for restaurants
Last month, we told you that the Ministry of Health will be introducing a grading system for restaurants, where they will be rated according to their performance in various areas. Today, the Principal Public Health Inspector, John Bodden, explained how the system will work. John Bodden, Public Health Inspector, Ministry of Health: "We have drafted �

PUP urges Belizeans to assist victims of Hurricane Dorian
Reports on the widespread destruction caused by category five, hurricane Dorian, as it hit The Bahamas are still coming in. The Government of Belize has announced that it will be contributing financially to the relief efforts. Early this morning, the Opposition People's United Party also weighed in via a press release, asking Belizeans to contribute �

Opposition party weighs in on the National Gas Company proposal
The proposal of a monopoly butane company in Belize has dominated conversation since the last sitting of The House when the National Gas Company Limited was tabled. While there is no opposition to a local entity, so to speak, there is concern because monopoly does not always equal benefit to consumers. The People's United Party �

Opposition Party comments on Land Amnesty
While that certainly seems clear enough, and even makes perfect sense, the confusion is very real. Today, Love News spoke to Chairman of the PUP, Henry Usher who told us that what went to the House was a write-off, not an amnesty period. That's their story and they're sticking to it. Henry Usher, PUP Party �

Jose Augustine behind bars after failing to pay outstanding fine
34-year-old Jose Augustine is now serving time after he appeared before Magistrate Emmerson Banner, on a single charge of theft. In court Augustine, who was unrepresented, wasted no time and pleaded guilty to the charge. Augustine told Magistrate Banner that he stole whiskey to sell it for one hundred dollars each so he could help �

Robinson walks from charge
26-year-old Albert Dennis Robison walked off a charge of possession of a controlled drug. Robinson was arraigned before Magistrate Khadeen Palmer where he pleaded guilty for a single charge of possession of a controlled drug for 11 grams of weed. The weed found in his possession was one gram above the prescribed amount. Magistrate Palmer �

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Police detain two robbers and recover stolen cash
Sometime around 7 o'clock last night, there was an armed robbery in Ladyville. It occured [�]

Coast Guard jailed for Belmopan incident
Belize Coast Guard, Brian Orellana, has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison. At a [�]

CARICOM Development Fund provides US$3.3M in concessional support to GOB to implement its growth and sustainable development strategy
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), the Government of Belize (GOB) and the Development Finance Corporation [�]

Taiwan donates $40,000 to National Assembly for new media system
On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Government of Belize [�]

Boston Village in Belize Rural North to get new water system
This week, a meeting was held in Belmopan towards finalizing plans to extend water services [�]

San Ignacio residents busted with weed in Corozal
Corozal police made a drug bust last night. Shortly around 7 o'clock, the attention of [�]

Christmas Cup kicks off Sunday in Blackman Eddy
The Jaguars' match with Grenada will not be the only football in town on Sunday [�]

Belize starts with deficit in CONCACAF Nations League
Belize's Jaguars lost today's match versus French Guiana without stepping foot on the field at [�]

Caye Caulker resident fined for stealing whisky
A Caye Caulker resident is behind bars, charged with stealing two bottles of Black Label [�]

Forecasters watching new weather activity closely
Hurricane Dorian passed through the region last week, bringing massive devastation with it; however, weather [�]

Is Belize prepared for a Category 5 hurricane?
Is Belize prepared for a Category 5 Hurricane, considering climate change which brings rising sea levels, increased flooding [�]

The Polluted New River in Orange Walk district
By Wellington C. Ramos: When I was a Police Officer in Belize I was sent to Orange Walk District in 1974 to be stationed there. P.C. 308 Daniel Cacho who retired as an Inspector and myself, founded the Police Boys Club [�]

Transport Minister signs new Statutory Instrument regarding international buses
Yesterday, Minister of Transport Edmond Castro signed a new Statutory Instrument to regulate international buses [�]

BERT raises awareness on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
BERT Belize is raising awareness on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) by commemorating September as A CPR month. [�]

Legacy Global Development Shares How to Achieve 'Blue Mind' in Belize
Legacy Global Development, the developer of the luxurious Orchid Bay, Belize community, explores the concept and benefits of blue mind, [�]

Who will be the next Miss Universe Belize 2019?
The prestigious Miss Universe Belize pageant will take place tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. at the [�]

CARICOM Chairman leads delegation to the Bahamas
Today, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Chairman and Saint Lucia's Prime Minister Allen. M. Chastanet led a [�]

PUP encourages Belizeans to donate to Belize Red Cross for victims of Hurricane Dorian
The People's United Party (PUP) issued a statement today saying that it joins the Government [�]

Honduran family nabbed by police on illegal entry charges
A father and son are imprisoned, charged with offenses relating to illegal entry to Belize. [�]

Blogs

CATCH & RELEASE- Fishing in Belize
Belize is the perfect destination where you can find many options for sport fishing all year round. Whether fishing from shore, deep sea or on the flats, you are guaranteed a great time. No matter what time of the year you choose to visit, there are always fish around. The weather and moon cycle influences fishing and is also monitored by the guides to promise a successful getaway. The fishing day usually begins with a good breakfast in front of the beach and ends at sunset, although times are adjusted depending on the tides, weather and other factors.

International Sourcesizz

Former first lady of Honduras sentenced to 58 years in jail
The former first lady of Honduras Rosa Elena Bonilla, wife of ex-president Porfirio Lobo, was sentenced on Wednesday to 58 years in jail on charges of fraud and undue appropriation of funds, a spokesman for the nation's highest court said. Bonilla, 52, has been in custody since February 2018. Her defense attorney said Bonilla was innocent and an appeal would be filed with the Central American nation's Supreme Court. That would be Bonilla's last chance to avoid serving out the sentence.

Miss Universe Belize 2019 Top 3 Hot Picks
Angelopedia (Beauty Pageants Web Page) Announces Top Pics for Miss Universe Belize 2019. San Pedro's Vivianna Magdalen on Top 3 Picks!!! Miss Universe Belize 2019 is all set to host its grand coronation night on 6th September 2019 at the Belize City Civic Center where eight gorgeous ladies will compete for the national crown and the opportunity to represent Belize in Miss Universe 2019. The winner of the national crown will succeed and be crowned by Miss Universe Belize 2018 Jenelli Fraser.

Celebrate Crunch Gym's 30th Birthday With A Trip Of A Lifetime
In celebration of Crunch gym's 30th Birthday, the company is taking 15 lucky winners and guests on a once in a lifetime trip to a private Island in Belize. This amazing 4-day, 3-night #NoJudgments vacation will include: round trip flights, 3 nights accommodation on an island beach resort off the coast of Belize in beachfront villas & overwater bungalows, all-inclusive meals, daily optional CRUNCH-led group fitness classes, water sports & activities, traditional Belizean evening entertainment and more! The sweepstakes is open to members and non-members!

CNL: All Three Points Awarded To French Guiana
The Football Federation of Belize informed Concacaf that they "will not be able to report" for the Concacaf Nations League match vs French Guiana today, and as such the three points have been awarded to French Guiana. Concacaf said, "The Football Federation of Belize has informed Concacaf that they will not be able to report for the Concacaf Nations League group stage match versus the Ligue de Football de la Guyane [French Guiana]. The match was scheduled to take place today, Thursday, September 5 at the Stade Municipal Dr. Edmard Lama, in Cayenne, French Guiana. "As per the competition regulations, the Football Federation of Belize shall be considered to have lost the match 3-0 and three points have been awarded to French Guiana. Additionally, the matter will be referred to the Concacaf Disciplinary Committee for further review."

Videos

  • Cassiopea (upside-down jellyfish), 1/2min.

  • Climate Change in Belize and the Role of Local Students, 1.5min. Small but biodiverse, Belize is exceptionally vulnerable to the effects of climate change. As the nation becomes more affected by sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and coral bleaching, education programs like those offered by Ecology Project International (EPI) and field experience partner, Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) help empower the next generation to take action.

  • Adventure in Belize 2019, EF Tour, 12min.

  • THE GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE @ Ethno Port Poznan Festival 2019, 4.5min.

  • Winners of the 2019 National song competition, 22min. Meet two of four Winners of the 2019 National song competition. Jareth Cornejo won 1st place in the senior carnival song category and Cecil "Cocono Bwai" Jenkins along with his grandmother won 1st place in the Belize song senior category.

  • Miss Universe Belize 2019, 31min. Meet the lovely 8 delegates vying for the title of Miss Universe Belize 2019. Who will take the crown? Tune in live on Channel 5 to find out this Friday at 8:30 p.m.

  • Talk Ah Di Town September 5, 2019, 30min.

  • Spellings Pineapple House Inflation, 3min. Inflation of David and Mary Spelling's pineapple shaped Monolithic Dome in Belize.

  • Back In Belize! A Wildlife Biologist's First Night Back in the Jungle, 8min. Hello! My name is Dillon Jones. I am a wildlife biologist that specializes in reptiles and amphibians. Belize has always been a second home to me and this video shows my first night back! I filmed this, and many more videos, over the course of a 6 month research stay at the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society field station located in Central Belize. You can check them out at treesocietybelize.com While I was there I was lucky enough to be a part of several research projects and work with a ton of different animals!

  • Swimming with Sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, San Pedro, Belize, 7.5min. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a marine reserve close to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, off the coast of Belize. It covers approximately 18 km� of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forest. Hol Chan is Mayan for "little channel".

  • SCUBA Diving Belize - 2019 - Ramon's Village Diving, 4min.

  • FFB President : Sergio Chuc | French Guiana vs Belize statement., 8min.

  • Gotta love those 6am wake up calls!!, .5min. As the waste transfer station is surrounded by lagoon, once or twice a year we get a call about crocs that have become lost in the grounds of the station while trying to find their way to the next body of water, only to find their way impeded by the fence that surrounds the perimeter. We named this 3 footed fellow "Stig of the dump", and after a brief health inspection we escorted him back to the closest body of water. Don't forget to support your local waste transfer station by taking them all of your garbage and not dumping it by the side of the road or in the mangroves. Your planet will thank you.
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