AmbergrisCaye.com Home
Posted By: Marty Today's Belize News: November 27, 2019 - 11/27/19 12:06 PM


FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

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.


Ambergris Today

Oceana Belize Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Oceana came to Belize 10 years ago determined to support Belizeans in their advocacy for the national policies necessary to enhance and increase our collective protection of the Caribbean Sea. Since then Oceana has helped Belize make significant strides in ocean conservation, accomplishing two momentous laws to safeguard its marine resources. Belize's commitment to ocean stewardship was solidified with a ban on all forms of trawling and also the indefinite moratorium on offshore oil activities.

BELTRAIDE Hosts 5th Annual National Entrepreneurship Convention
On Friday, November 29th, 2019, the Belize Trade & Investment Development Services (BELTRAIDE) through its Small Business Development Center, Belize (SBDCBelize) unit will host its 5th Annual National Entrepreneurship Convention (EntreCon) under the team "Engage, Exchange, Empower". Since its inception, EntreCon which was designed to bring key stakeholders and experts from our international, national and local Entrepreneurial ecosystem, has welcomed over 1,000 participants to share knowledge, best practices, and expertise. The event promotes an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports engagement, exchange and empowerment in the ever-changing globalized market place.

Various Belizean Sources

mzz

San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero meets the Mayor of Clear Lakes Shores, Texas
Mayor Daniel Guerrero had the pleasure of meeting with the Mayor of Clear Lakes Shores, Texas, USA, Mayor Kurt Otten, as he made a courtesy visit and spoke about opportunities that Clear Lakes Shores and San Pedro Town could share; such as, cultural exchanges, student exchanges and even the possibility for research in marine biology. Thank you for the visit Mayor Otten, we look forward for your next visit!

Belize Tourism Board's guest registration books have been updated
To all Hoteliers : - Please note that the Belize Tourism Board's guest registration books have been updated. Please bring in whatever unused books you have to be exchanged for new.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: NOVEMBER 17, 2019 THROUGH NOVEMBER 24, 2019
Sight fishing was tough with clouds and a few rain days, making it hard to see fish. That did not stop one angler from a Grand Slam, and a few others almost achieved it as well. Bones were receptive and available regardless. Anglers had no trouble getting into them. Those seeking Permit had their work cut out for them, but three landed. Tarpon available on the flats, and the back lagoon enticed and rewarded anglers. A good number landed, and more jumped as always the case. Lots of smiles during the dock walk at the end of the day.

BELIZEAN PATRIOT: Eva Middleton
Eva Middleton, who was born in Punta Gorda, was a career teacher, a Girl-Guide leader, and one of the founders of the NGO, Breast is Best. She was active in the church, and in her community in Lake Independence, Belize City. In her later life she impacted lives throughout the country, through her efforts at BAPDA, an organization that is governed by the Constitution of Belize and also by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She was a driving force in the effort to get assistance for people with disabilities, and she was very passionate and bold in the endeavor. She formed national and international collaborations to secure help for people with disabilities.

Chan Pine Ridge Government School Cultural Day
The Institute of Archaeology was honored to have been invited to the Chan Pine Ridge Government School Cultural Day on Friday November 22 2019. This day was filled with presentations on the various cultures in our country. The IA had an artifact display that was a hit among the students from all classes. Even the little ones were intrigued by the ancient culture.

5% discount on Trade License Fees for 2020 in San Pedro today
Don't forget today we are having the 5% discount on Trade License Fees for 2020. In honor of San Pedro's 36th Township Anniversary!

MEXICAN DANCERS TO PERFORM AT THE DANCE X BELIZE 2019
Belmopan, November 25th 2019; The Embassy of Mexico in Belize, has the pleasure to announce that the original contemporary dance project ORIGEN created by Laura Garcia and Alexandra Pereda will be presented at Dance X Belize 2019, cultural event that will take place from 27th to the 30th of November in Belize. ORIGEN is an unpublished scenic work integrated by dance and costume design, that represents the Mexican clothing grand Bosque Bonita´s essence, through dance movement and garments created specifically for this piece. Sound design will consist of nature sounds and atmospheres. Choreography will be staged by Alexandra Pereda and costume will be designed by Laura Garc�a.


Mark your calendars for Ocean Academy High School's Annual Christmas Gala, Friday December 6. Don't miss this as we showcase our many talented students. CALL 226-0321 OR MESSAGE HERE TO BECOME A SPONSOR

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Annually, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is launched on November 25th, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs until December 10th, International Human Rights Day. This year's theme is "From Awareness to Accountability; Unmasking the Many Faces of Violence." At the event, Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow reminded us that while these 16 days focus on eliminating gender-based violence, the need to be vigilant never ends. Powerful testimonials gave responsibility to the public to believe victims and support survivors.

Speaker of the House Attends Sessions of the African Caribbean Pacific Group of States (ACP) Parliamentary Assembly and ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Laura Tucker Longsworth represented Belize at the 54th Session of the African Caribbean Pacific Group of States (ACP) Parliamentary Assembly and the 38th Session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly held in Kigali, Rwanda from the 14-21 November 2019. The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly was created to bring together the elected representatives of the European Union and those of the ACP States that have signed the Cotonou Partnership Agreement. On 15 November, in her capacity as Chair, the Honourable Madam Speaker participated in the ACP meeting of the Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment. The Honourable Speaker additionally co-Chaired the Joint ACP-EU Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment on 18 November 2019.

Indian Creek Maya Arts Women's Group
The sisters of the Coc family are proud Q'eqchi' Maya women that provide transformative experiences to visitors in southern Belize through their micro-enterprise the Indian Creek Maya Arts Women's Group. In addition, the business-minded, indigenous Q'eqchi' Maya women are important forest keepers and are contributing to community development in collaboration with Ya'axch� and EcoTourism Belize in the Maya Golden Landscape. The women are continuously finding ways to build internal capacity, improve operations and inspire community members of Indian Creek.

Channel 7

Man Charged For Murder Says He Didn't Pull Trigger
A 24 year old Neal's Pen Road man has been charged for Zheng Liu's murder. He is Joseph Vacarro. But Vacarro says he did not kill Zheng. In court today, Vacarro admitted that he was at the scene of the crime but says he did not pull the trigger. He says that the two other men lied on him which landed him with the murder charge. As Vacarro was being escorted out of court he made a statement to defend his innocence. The media also spoke to Vacarro's mother who shared similar sentiments and demanded that the police properly investigate the other two suspects. Joseph Vacarro, Claims Innocense: "They are chancing me, but at the end of the day I will leave it to the courts."

Another Girl Shot In Her Bed
Another girl has been shot in her bed. Yesterday, we told you about the shooting of a 16 year old - who is still critical - and a one year old infant - who was only shot in the hand, thankfully. Well, last night it was a 14 year old - making it the third female minor to be shot in their Southside home in 24 hours. This one happened on Boots Crescent at around 11:00 - when shots were fired at the home where the 14 year old and her 7 year old sister were sleeping. The victim is Trishell Tillett and she was shot in the arm. Today, the second form student underwent surgery on that arm.

Shot 7 Times, Chanteuse Martinez Remains Critical
Last night we told you about the Sunday night shooting on Antelope street where two females were hit: a one year old was shot to the hand as she slept, and a 16 year old was shot 7 times. Tonight, the teenager, Chanteuse Martinez remains critical but her family says that she is showing slight improvements. As for baby Melanie, she remains in a stable condition but she yet to be released from the KHMH.

Still No Clue On Missing Men
The families of two fishermen and one teenaged boy remain gravely concerned for their loved ones who went fishing off Mapp Caye Friday morning and have disappeared. They should have come back in on Friday evening, and the fishermen 22 year old Sheldon Gibson and 21 year old Elijah Usher, and 14 year old Kevin Roches are the subject of an active search by police and Coast Guard. They were aboard Gibson's skiff-The LORRAINE, which has also not been found. Up to this evening, there is no new information, and the families remain frantic and desperate tonight.


The Curse of Mapp Caye?
And, a large part of that is because they know very well that so far this year alone 8 men have gone missing from Mapp Caye - 5 were found murdered, while three are still missing. Mark Neal knows their pain and terror all too well. In January of this year, his brother, lobster fisherman Evan Neal and two of his workers disappeared on that very same Caye. Almost a year later, they still don't have closure. But the search for these latest missing men has given the Neal family one sliver of hope - and that's because the bullet-riddled boat police found on Sunday appears to be one of the two stolen from Evan Neal all those months ago.

American Fugitive Caught In Cayo
An American fugitive was caught in Belize over the weekend. He is 37 year old Aaron Deon Seymour- a fugitive wanted for multiple counts of second degree robbery in Los Angeles. Special Branch - working with US authorities - found him hiding out at a home on Stanton Street in San Ignacio. We are told he was with a Belizean woman who had also lived in the US.

What Can BDF Do About the Barrio?
For the past 2 weeks, we've been closely following the plight of the Belizean Jorge Emiliano Espat. He's the landowner who inherited several parcels of land from his father and grandfather, located at the Western edge of Benque Viejo Town, in the area known as the Barrio El Juda. Espat says that he has a recurrent problem that whenever there are elections in Melchor de Mencos, the Guatemalan politicians try to use land leverage the support of the Guatemalan voters. These politicians, he says, encourage the Campesinos in need of land to seek parcels of it near the border. He has clearly outlined that these Guatemalans inch more and more into Belizean territory until the authorities of both nations have to step in.

A Security Strategy For Cyberspace
And from protecting Belize's territorial integrity, we turn now cybersecurity, and the emerging problems come with being connected to the rest of the world. Over the past few years, as high speed internet and data have become more affordable, we're almost all online, but few of us stop to consider cyber threats. The reality is that owning a computer, tablet or smartphone is like creating a front door into your personal lives. There are many predators and hackers on the internet who would seek to kick down that door and exploit your personal information for illicit reasons. So, to help protect Belizeans against internet crimes such as identity theft and phishing scams, the Ministry of National Security has begun to explore ways in which they can increase the country's cybersecurity.

Men's & Domestic Violence: Are They the Hurt People Who Hurt People?
There was another important event happening at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel. Today, the Spouses of the CARICOM Leaders Action Network, of which Special Envoy Kim Simplis-Barrow is a member, teamed up with the British High Commission, the National Women's Commission, and the United Nations Gender Theme Group to host the first-ever Men's Barbershop Forum. The purpose of the forum is to discuss gender-based violence, and today, in a first, men from all parts of society were leading this discussion, instead of the women advocates who are pushing to end this social ill in Belize. The event is a part of the 16 Days of Activism, and so, since men are often the perpetrators of gender-based violence against women and girls, we wondered what these male participants had to say on the topic.

Aggravated Burglars In Belama Came Across River
There is another home invasion to report tonight - and again, the target is a woman who was at home alone. But, this one happened this afternoon in broad daylight in Belama Phase One. A 66 year old babysitter told police she was inside a house on Samuel Haynes Street when two men who appeared to have just come out of the river behind the house, stormed in through the back door. One of them carried a firearm, and forced her inside the bedroom where he tied her up, demanding to know where the money is.

A Holdup On Hydro Road
And, another older woman was targeted for a home invasion - but this time it was deep inside the Mountain Pine Ridge, at mile ten and a half on the Hydro Road. It's an area called the Better Belize Community, where criminals held up a 75 year old American naturalist.

Caught With a Glock At The Border
A man from Ranchito village in the Corozal district is in jail tonight after he allegedly tried to pass through the border with a gun. Yesterday at 2:30, 46 year old taxi driver Jorge Sanchez was attempting to cross the Northern Border in his taxi van. A routine vehicle check by customs resulted in the discovery of a Glock pistol loaded with 13 rounds. Customs handed him over to police where he was charged for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition .

Dangerous Shooting Dangriga
A man was shot in Dangriga yesterday morning at 11:10. The report is that 25 year old Ramon Bernardez was standing at an area when he saw a man he knew riding a bike. That man approached Bernardez and an argument ensued which resulted in the man shooting Bermudez to the neck. Police have a suspect form Belize City and are investigating.

Taking Persistent Organic Pollutants Out of Circulation
There are chemicals in almost every product we use on a daily basis but there are some acutely toxic ones that affect the environment and your health, those chemicals are called persistent organic pollutants or POPs. They can be found in pesticides, oils, sprays and household cleaning products among other items. The Department of the Environment along with the Basel Convention Regional Center for Training and Technology in the Caribbean are working on finalizing fresh communication strategies that will be used to educate the public about these harmful chemicals.

Local Bio-Degradable Products For After The Plastic Ban
And one major move to eliminating those pollutants is the long delayed ban on single use plastics. When it does come into effect in 2020, all those plastic straws, styrofoam containers and single use plastics will have to be removed from the consumer market. However, the eco alternatives that could replace those plastics are more expensive than their industry standard counterparts. Could the stark juxtaposition between the costs of disposable containers before and after the ban drive up the price of fried chicken and a plate from your rice and beans lady?

New River Returning To Its Old Ways
As we told you earlier this month, the New River is regaining its health again as the conditions have improved significantly. But the Department of the Environment isn't stepping back and rejoicing just yet, they plan on meeting with their partners in December to discuss the development of the New River Watershed Management Plan. Here's more from the deputy chief environmental officer.

Channel 5

1 Man is Charge for Murder of Zheng Liu
The execution style murder of prominent businessman Zheng Liu continues to rock the Chinese community and the thousands who knew and liked one of the owners of the Eighty Eight [...]

All Indications Are Missing Trio of Fishermen May Be Victims of Foul Play
Three fisher folks have not been located and their families are coming to terms with the notion that they may not be alive.� The trio embarked on a fishing trip [...]

Coast Guard Says Murders at Sea are Fisheries-related
While coast guard personnel were out combing the area of Drowned Caye, several miles away from where Gibson and two other fishermen went missing, they happened upon a vessel that [...]

Pine Street Preschool Closes Its Doors after 35 Years of Service
In a developing story, after thirty-five years of service in the Collet Division of Belize City, the Pine Street Preschool off Vernon Street has closed its doors. Today, police officers [...]

Former Teachers Lawyer Up; Ministry to Meet with Parents/Guardians
The duo says that they were soon to become pensionable and would have retired in 2021. They have met with the Chief Education Officer, Doctor Carol Babb, and an emergency [...]

Accused Rapist Godman Nithyananda Could be Hiding in Belize
A developing scandal in India is being linked to Belize. In the centre of the storm is Godman Nithyananda, a spiritual leader, who fled India, even though his passport had [...]

2 Guatemalan Families Have Settled Illegally on Belize's Side of the Border
Commander of the Belize Defense Force, Brigadier General Steven Ortega confirmed that two Guatemalan families have illegally settled on Belize's side of the border in Benque.� The Barrio el Juda [...]

B.D.F. Patrols Barrio el Juda Area Daily
The B.D.F. Commander says that since the Barrio el Juda situation has re-emerged, B.D.F. soldiers are daily patrolling the area with the hopes that other Guatemalans will desist from squatting [...]

Another Minor Injured in Shooting
A one-year-old girl Melanie Martin was shot as she slept with her grandmother on Sunday night. Sixteen-year-old Chantuse Martinez was also shot in the same incident and remains in critical [...]

Man Shot in Dangriga
A Dangriga resident was shot on Monday morning in that southern municipality which has been plagued by a rash of violence. Police say that twenty-five-year-old Ramon Bernardez was standing when [...]

Weapon and Ammunition Discovered in the South and West
Police took a firearm and some ammunition off the streets during searches in the west and south. �On Monday morning around eleven-thirty, police conducted a search in an abandoned lot [...]

Taxi Driver Detained for Unlicensed Firearm
Today, forty-six-year-old taxi driver Jorge Sanchez of Ranchito Village was formally arrested and charged for firearm offences. Sanchez appeared before the Corozal Magistrate Court where he was arraigned for possession [...]

'Engaging Men and Boys to Help Combat Gender Based Violence'
A forum encouraging men and boys to end violence against women was held today as events take place within the launch of Sixteen Days of Activism.� Participants were encouraged to [...]

"Protect to Connect"
With the critical assistance from the Organization of American States, Belize is getting closer in finalizing its Cyber Security Strategy.� A draft strategy was presented to stakeholders today at an [...]

Julian Cho: Still No Principal at the Toledo High School
There are new developments at Julian Cho Technical High School in Toledo District where the board of directors met this evening at four o'clock to determine who will be the [...]

Cho, Racism in the Hiring Process at Julian Cho?
Is there racism and employment discrimination playing out in the hiring of Kent Arzu at Julian Cho?� He says that his predecessors are both of Maya descent and that the [...]

UB Students Host Benefit Event
A group of U.B. students is hosting a benefit fashion show later this week and they would like your support. The six students are undertaking their undergraduate studies and as [...]

Belize's Jalyssa Arthurs is Miss Centro America 2019
Belize captured the title of the fifth annual Miss Centro America 2019 pageant held in Nicaragua on Monday night.� Belize's contestant, nineteen-year-old Jalyssa Arthurs, won the crown after a several [...]

Amandala

Chinese businessman executed on George Price Highway
Last Saturday night, gunshots blasted away the quiet in the area of Old Belize, between Miles 4 and 5 on the George Price Highway. By the time police were dispatched to the area, they had a homicide on their hands which had all the hallmarks of an execution. The body of Zheng Liu, 28, one of the principals of the 88 chain of stores, was dumped on the side of the highway, and his shooters had disappeared in his vehicle. The narrative leading to the execution of the Chinese businessman who has been living in Belize since he was four years old, was that on Saturday night, he was at one of the four 88 chain of stores on Central American Boulevard when he got a call from an associate.

Infant injured in Antelope Street Extension shooting
A family living on Antelope Street Extension came under gunfire last night that resulted in injuries to a woman and her infant child. Marvin Martin, 23, was at his Antelope Street Extension home last night. He was sitting outside, along with his girlfriend, Chantuse Martinez, 16, when a man who was passing by opened fire on the family. The couple's one-year-old daughter was inside the house and was grazed by one of the bullets fired by the shooter. In a press briefing today, police told the media that they received information about a shooting on Antelope Street Extension sometime after 8:00 p.m.

Three fishermen missing at sea
Last Friday morning, November 22, three young men went fishing in the Mapp Caye area, and by Saturday, a relative of one of the men filed a missing person report with the police and was seeking the assistance of the authorities to search the general area where the three young men had gone fishing. Around midday today, Monday, a search party came upon a boat which was said to be riddled with bullets. Initially, it was believed that the boat, found in the area of Drowned Caye, was that of the missing fishermen. The missing men's family members, however, confirmed to 7News that the boat found today was not that of the missing fishermen. The fishermen left in a relatively new white skiff with the name "Lorraine" boldly displayed.

Colin Francis, 29, remanded for the murder of Nestor Vasquez, 60
This morning, Colin Nathaniel Francis, Jr., arrived at the Belize City Magistrate's Court from the Queen Street Police Station, where he has been held since Friday after police had put out an All-Points Bulletin (APB) following his release on an $8,000 bail for attempted murder of a nurse. The bail was offered to Francis by Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts-Anderson after Francis had spent the requisite 90 days on remand for the attempted murder charge.

24% decrease in net revenue for BTL
This year, Belize Telemedia Limited celebrated its thirtieth anniversary as a private institution. Over the past three decades there have been a myriad changes - from the name of the company in 2007 to a total rebranding to DiGi in 2018. Recently, the company has been the subject of intense public scrutiny, given the appointment of a new CEO following a General Sales Tax (GST) tax scandal earlier this year. On Thursday night, the company held its 13th AGM (Annual General Meeting) at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza, and the findings could be considered bittersweet for their shareholders.

Paslow Building now named Belize Heritage Plaza
Paslow Building, named after a documented slaveowner, Thomas Paslow, who resided in Belize and committed many acts of atrocities on his unpaid laborers in his time, was destroyed by fire in 2002. The building, located at the northern foot of the Swing Bridge, at the corner of North Front Street and Queen Street, housed a number of government departments, including the magistrate courts and the Post Office. A new building is planned to be erected in its place, to be constructed under the House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project funded by the Government of Belize and the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF).

Jury finds Anthony Crawford guilty of shooting minor in 2016
A jury of 9 women and 3 men deliberated for a little over three hours in the Supreme Court of Justice Colin Williams today before they returned to the courtroom to say that they had arrived at a unanimous guilty verdict in respect of the indictment of "use of deadly means of harm with intent to cause grievous harm" against Anthony Crawford. Justice Williams has set Friday, November 29, as the sentencing date, and it is expected that the court will hear mitigation pleas on behalf of Crawford, who was out on bail and taken into custody after the jury's guilty verdict.

Belize is not on the "Safe Third Country" List
Recently, an international news article gained the attention of Belize government officials, as it alleged that Belize is now a "Safe Third Country". Countries that are listed as such are reserved as an asylum for immigrants seeking refuge in the United States. In order to reduce the number of undocumented immigrants in the US, the Donald Trump administration has convinced Latin American countries neighboring Belize, such as El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, to sign "Safe Third Country" agreements, and is still pressuring Mexico to join the list. Under this agreement, migrants on their way to the US must apply for protection by a safe third country first.

Carlos Gibson, 28, fined $25,000 for cocaine possession
In August 2010, Carlos Jonathan Gibson, 28, a businessman of Alta Mira, Corozal, was busted with 45 pounds of cocaine in Santa Elena, Cayo District. He was traveling from the western border to Corozal Town when he was intercepted. His vehicle was searched and the cocaine was found concealed in a manufactured compartment under the vehicle. Gibson was charged with drug trafficking and today, at his Supreme Court trial, he pleaded guilty to the offense.

Body found floating in Haulover Creek identified as that of Omar Gomez, 37
At about 8:00 yesterday morning, the corpse of an unknown man was seen floating in the Haulover Creek, behind the Belize Flour Mill Ltd. at Mile 1 on the Philip Goldson Highway. The corpse was recovered and taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital's morgue, so that an autopsy could be conducted to certify the cause of the man's death. Police took photos of the tattoos on the unidentified man's arm and broadcast them on Facebook and local television stations, in an effort to identify him.

Two women face charges for 15 pounds of weed
Two Belize City women appeared in the number 1 court of Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser to answer to two counts of drug trafficking this morning. Rivree Dawn Flores, 28 a call center agent of number 2 Dunn Street and Tavor Santos, 18, a student of the same address, both pleaded not guilty to possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply to another for the purpose of drug trafficking. The two accused women are being represented by attorney Anthony Sylvestre. In addition to the two counts of drug trafficking, police also reportedly found an empty magazine.

Maskall farmer remanded on two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with girl, 14
Vicente Adan Cerraras, a farmer of Maskall Village, was remanded to the Belize Central Prison this afternoon after he was arraigned on two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl. Cerraras appeared before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts-Anderson, who arraigned him on the two counts of the indictable offence. The Senior Magistrate explained to Carraras that the court would not take a plea from him, because after a preliminary inquiry is held, if there is sufficient evidence against him, his case will be submitted to the Supreme Court, where he can enter a plea.

The UDP could get their wrists spanked
On Wednesday last week a lawsuit lodged by the PUP against the UDP government on March 5, 2019, was heard by the Chief Justice, Hon. Kenneth Benjamin, in the Supreme Court. The lawsuit contends that the government has repeatedly violated the Finance and Audit Reform Act and the Constitution, and the stated aim of the claimants is to have the Supreme Court stop the Minister of Finance and the Financial Secretary from spending any more money from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without proper authorization. The Chief Justice has reserved judgment until early next year. The PUP doesn't appear to be asking the court to look at the spending as criminal wrongdoing, as they did in a case they brought before the court in 2014.

From the Publisher
In last Friday's column, out of the blue, so to speak, I started writing about Creole leadership during my lifetime, and for whatever the reason(s), I focused on a man unknown to Belize's post-independence generations - Hon. Albert Cattouse, Sr. Strictly speaking, if you are going to talk about Creole leadership in the twentieth century, you probably have to begin with Sir Woldrich Harrison "W. H." Courtenay, who established his prestigious, still-going-strong, law firm in 1937. Can you imagine that, two years before Hitler invaded Poland? What this means to me is that he sailed (steam ship) from British Honduras to England to study law in the early/middle 1930s, because there was no University of the West Indies until 1948 or so.

Team Belize wins Silver at U-18 Central American Female Volleyball Championship
The Belize Volleyball Association is pleased to announce that Team Belize came home yesterday with Silver medals after ranking second in the XIII U-18 Central American Female Volleyball Championship held in Ciudad Quesada, San Carlos, Costa Rica from November 19 - 23. Belize also claimed 7 of the 12 Individual Awards: Gareth Bruce - Best Scorer and Best Attacker; Sofia Solano - Best Libero and Best Defensive Player; Iman Safa - Best Setter; Olivia McKenzie - Best Blocker 2; Jayda Smith - Best Receiver. The undefeated Costa Rica team placed first; Belize, second; and Honduras, third.

Future FC U-10 & U-13 Football Tournament 1st round ends; playoffs on Saturday
The Future Football Club U-10 & U-13 Little League Football Tournament, which kicked off on Saturday, October 5, with six U-10 and seven U-13 teams, at the ITVET (Old Technical) Football Field in Belize City, has completed its regular season round-robin competition with 4 games played today, two U-10 and two U-13. In the opener, (U-10) Reality Youths dropped Poor & Famous, 4-0, with 2 goals from Shakeem King and 1 each from Dennis Nunez and Gilyjon Nunez. Game 2 (U-10) saw Belize United with the 2-0 win over Future FC, courtesy of a goal each from Antwan Latchman and Barrack Morey.

Corozal F.A. Opening Season Week 10 report
Another successful week of our ongoing Corozal Football Association (CFA) Opening Season Youth Tournament 2019-2020. This week marks the 10th week of the tournament. As we are coming to a closure, the tension in the games is rising, as everyone is giving their utmost best in wanting to be part of the move to the semifinals. We are grateful to the Almighty Father for His continued blessings upon our office and participating teams.

The economy and independence
In late 19th century, two countries, Germany and Japan, turned to the United States for help in establishing the American System. E. Peshine Smith went to Japan and Fredrick List went to Germany. By the year 1905 both countries had become major industrial world powers. In the 1950's and 1960's South Korea and Taiwan used the American System to develop their countries into major industrial countries. And today, the Chinese are using the American System to turn China from one of the poorest and backward nations into the second largest industrial nation-state in just 40 years.

Children, no; pikni, no; YOUTH, yes!
It is amazing that the same people who would debunk Tata Duhende, Xtabai, and Santa Claus, become like the emperor's tailors (who deceived him into thinking they were weaving magical clothes for him out of nothing) when they describe certain technically underage persons (teenagers) who are capable of providing for their food, clothing, and shelter, and continuing our species too. Of course people who live in the modern world have to change, adapt some to the times, but what's with pinning make-believe names to make a truth that anyone can see through?

Pauline and Eric become engaged: his mother disapproves!
It was inevitable that Pauline Atkins and Eric Coburn, now both the same age, would meet. Pauline, outgoing, lively and energetic was in her element organizing work-related, as well as extra-curricular, activities in her home community. Eric, on the other hand, was studious and introverted, although just as enthusiastic. All he needed was someone to pull him out of his shell, and who better than Pauline! It was only natural that they formed an effective alliance to bring new life into their quiet little town and only natural, too, that their association eventually developed into a love relationship.

Florida: 145 graves of an African-American cemetery found under school
The graves of 145 people have been discovered under a high school in Tampa, in the US state of Florida. They are part of Ridgewood Cemetery, a mid-20th Century cemetery for the poor. The coffins - buried 3-5ft (1-1.5m) deep - were discovered using ground-penetrating radar after the school was alerted about the possible location of the cemetery. Records indicate more than 250 people were buried there, most of them African Americans, the school district said.

The Reporter

Investigative Reporting Pays Off - Boat Is For Evan Neal
Yesterday a photo of a boat was presented to the REPORTER with the caveat (suggesting) that it was the boat of the 3 males, (2 fishermen and 1 minor) that was reported missing on Saturday, November 23rd. We consulted with several seamen who all commented that the boat in the photo was under water much longer than 4 days.

Chaos At Pine Street Pre-School - M.O.E Intervention
This was the scene at Pine Street Pre School this morning. Police officers dispatched to keep the peace while Ministry of Education-appointed teachers removed teaching supplies after a dispute between the Ministry and the owners of the property - the original teachers of the pre-school led to classes being interrupted there and the children sent to other pre-schools.

IDB Study Finds Greater Opportunity In Latin American and Caribbean Economies
Latin America and the Caribbean region saw faster economic and wage growth thanks to a lowering of trade barriers, a new report by the Inter-American Development Bank shows. The study also provides policy recommendations to ensure the region is better positioned to take advantage of trade liberalization and make its benefits more tangible to citizens.

Revero Street Shooting - 14yr. Old Injured
A 14-year-old female minor from Rivero Street in Belize City was shot on Monday night at her home, while sleeping in her bed.

LOVE FM

Yoga festival set to take place on Sunday
The Yoga Festival takes place on Sunday, December 1, 2019 in Belize City. It is the fourth annual event of its kind.

16 days of activism
Yesterday marked the launch of 16 days of activism at the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET). The goal of the sixteen days of activism is to highlight the importance of eliminating all forms of gender-based violence.

Boat belonging to missing Evan Neal found
Three men remain missing after they had left home on Friday, November 22 enroute to Mapp Caye. Investigators and the Belize Coast Guard have been combing the area and today they encountered a vessel bearing bullet holes.

Toledo District Police Officers working hard
Punta Gorda officers made a discovery of a number of live ammunition. Toledo Correspondent Paul Mahung has the story.

Chief Justice lags in supplying judgements
Over two years ago Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin was in the hot seat when the Belize Bar Association called him out on the delayed delivery of judgements. The matter was a serious one as over thirty cases were left undone due to pending judgements.

Chief Justice speaks on Transparency in the Judicial Commission
The complaint of delayed judgements is not the only issue facing the Chief Justice. In the latter part of October, an application was filed in the courts opposing the removal of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lyn Vidal from the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.

Minor Shot while sleeping in her home
teenage girl is hospitalized after she was shot just before eleven o'clock last night. The 14-year-old resident of Rivero Street, Belize City was asleep in her bedroom when shots fired from the street side penetrated the walls of her home and injured her.

Teachers and Students locked out of school
Teachers and students from the Pine Street Preschool were restricted from entering the campus yesterday. We understand that the teachers were locked out by the proprietors, Felicia Anthony and Sherlette Slusher.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Belize City Council gets more time to deal with Candice Miller's crowfoot attempt
Justice Courtney Abel has granted the Belize City Council a stay of execution with regard [�]

Ramon Bernardez shot in Dangriga
Twenty-five-year-old Ramon Bernardez was shot yesterday morning in Dangriga. Police investigations revealed that Bernardez was [�]

Joseph Vaccaro charged with Zheng Liu murder; says he didn't do it
Police have charged one of the men detained over the weekend in connection with the [�]

Driver Jose Rodriguez avoids jail in traffic mishap
Honduran Jose Rodriguez, 58, must only pay a fine after pleading guilty last week to [�]

Family receives $31,000 for fatal accident in Cayo
"If you drink, don't drive." Despite the truism, so many defy it, with varying degrees [�]

Fourteen year old shot while sleeping at home
A fourteen-year-old minor was shot while sleeping on her bed last night. It happened shortly [�]

Police find revolver in Roaring Creek
Just before midday, yesterday police conducted a search of an abandoned lot in the Hattieville [�]

Ministry of Education hosting a meeting with parents to discuss Pine Street preschool situation
The Ministry of Education (MOE), today, issued a call for parents and guardians to attend an [�]

Miss Belize wins Miss Central America
Belizean beauty ambassador, Jalyssa Arthurs, has won the title of Miss Central America. The 19-year-old [�]

"Dengue numbers declining, not time to relax," says Ministry of Health
The latest epidemiological report on the current dengue outbreak, produced by the Ministry of Health [�]

Robbers steal car and almost $30,000 from Scratch and Win employee
An employee of the hottest game in town, Scratch and Win, reported that he was [�]

Atlantic Bank to host Christmas Loan fair
Christmas is only 29 days away and Atlantic Bank San Ignacio Branch is brining you [�]

Police makes arrest in murder of Zheng Liu
Belize City police have made an arrest in the murder of Zheng Liu. The accused [�]

Whitehouse lockdown lifted after 'unresponsive aircraft' violated restricted airspace in Washington D.C.
Whitehouse lockdown lifted after 'unresponsive aircraft' violated restricted airspace in Washington D.C. This morning, the White House and [�]

Frank Young beats murder charge
Supreme Court Justice Colin Williams acquitted Frank Young, 23, of all charges against him on [�]

Family of Nestor Vasquez Jr. expresses "relief" at Colin Francis remand
It is good riddance to 29-year-old Colin Francis, at least for now, from the family [�]

Blogs

Caribeville introduces Executive Chef Samuel Gonzalez
There are many great restaurants across Belize, each with its own unique flavors and cooking styles. If you ask many restaurateurs, the success of their kitchen strongly depends on a good leader who has a passion for the culinary arts. That is the case at Caribeville's two restaurants, Rain Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace and Aqua Seafood/Sushi Restaurant and Steakhouse, whose aim is to offer the best of Belize with a proudly Belizean team. Leading their culinary team is born and raised San Pedrano, Samuel Gonzalez Jr. If you ask him, he never once thought he would one day run a kitchen, much less in two restaurants at one of the top resorts of his island home!

Easy Vegan in Belize
It's no surprise that the number of people turning vegan, especially young adults in their early or late twenties, is on the up. While some reasons for individuals making the switch are because it makes them feel better, it helps their skin, they feel healthier, or they're on the movement to environmental sustainability claims, or animal conservation, it's quite astonishing how becoming vegan is the new trend. Veganism is one of the fastest-growing lifestyle choices of the moment, yet there's still an idea that vegan food can be bland and tasteless. Well, that's certainly not true. In fact, it's all about how you cook your food - all about the flavors!

Caracol Maya Ruins in Belize
The Maya ruins of Caracol are the largest in Belize, and visiting them gives insight into the lives of the people that once populated this thriving ancient city. Caracol is about 25 miles south of San Ignacio in the Cayo District. In the midst of dense, tropical forest, Caracol sits at the foot of the Maya Mountains. The surrounding area is part of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. The Maya named the city Oxwitz�, meaning "water and three hills." Archaeologists who excavated in the 1950s named it Caracol which means "snail," because of the many snail shells they found at the site. The original city was huge, spreading over 75 thousand acres and housing more than 200,000 people. People began living in Caracol around 700 BC. Historians estimate that the Maya built the first temple there, the Temple of the Wooden Lintel, in 70 AD.

Belizean Johnny Cakes
Johnny cake is to Belize what a croissant is to France. It is a delicious and relatively easy to make breakfast bread roll prepared and served hot every morning. Belizeans sometimes also have johnny cakes for tea. It wouldn't be a complete surprise to know that 80% of the Belizean population was having johnny cakes for breakfast on a daily. One can enjoy these small cakes with butter, jelly, cheese whiz, and cream cheese, but a Belizean favorite is with egg, ham, and cheese (what you would call your Egg McMuffin). You can sometimes add a twist to it and put beans or stew chicken - however you use bread! Johhny cakes originated in North American, with Native Americans making them with cornmeal instead of flour.

International Sourcesizz

CARIBBEAN TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP- NOV. 27, 2019
Here are the top stories making news on the Caribbean travel scene for Nov. 27, 2019: On the heels of the murder of two French nationals in Haiti, Canada is again warning its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to the Caribbean nation as violent protests continue there. Jamaica is seeing more airlift to the island from the U.S. From New York (JFK), American Airlines will reintroduce service to Montego Bay while From Newark, United Airlines has increased frequency to Montego Bay. and from Philadelphia, American Airlines has increased service to Montego Bay.

Videos

  • 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, 6min. Hon. Anthony Martinez, Minister of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, shares a special message as Belize participates in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

  • Destination Belize Beyond the Pages takes you to Victoria House,1.5 min. Spectacular, private, and located on a breathtaking Caribbean island, the award-winning Victoria House beach resort features 42 rooms offering a variety of world-class accommodations.

  • 7 Days in 7 Mins - Family Sailing Belize Barrier Reef, 7min. Belizean family of 6 sail along the entire Belize Barrier Reef for 7 Days aboard Palometa (Belize Sailing Vacations). From Ambergris Caye to Lime Caye of the Sapodilla Cayes. We had the most amazing time, fishing, swimming, going to see the bioluminescent lagoon, visiting Ella's in Hopkins, eating the best food, swimming with dolphins, exploring the cayes and the seas of Belize.

  • Snorkeling Caye Caulker with stingrays and nurse sharks in Belize 2019, 11min. We loved the clear Caribbean waters and sea life!! This was part of our sunset cruise which also included a stop at the reef.

  • Snorkeling Belize Reef 2019, 7min. from Caye Caulker Belize 2019 trip, we loved the people, beautiful waters, and the sea life of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System

  • OCEANA Celebrates 10 Years in Belize!, 1min. Oceana came to Belize 10 years ago determined to support Belizeans in their advocacy for the national policies necessary to enhance and increase our collective dependence on the Caribbean Sea. Since then Oceana has helped Belize make significant strides in ocean conservation, accomplishing two momentous laws to safeguard its marine resources. Belize's commitment to ocean stewardship was solidified with a ban on all forms of trawling and also the indefinite moratorium on offshore oil activities.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - JOSSLYN KENNETH LORD, 2.5min.

  • Channel 5 Daily Obituaries - WENDY CONSTANCE MILLS NEE GRIFFITH, 1.5min.

  • Channel 5 Daily Obituaries - CATALINA VERONICA BUTCHER, 3min.

  • The Police Link Up Show, 58min.

  • WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF BELIZEAN OLYMPIAN ALTHEA MOSES!, 33min. The 1996 Belizean olympian, Althea Moses, comes to us here at "Belizean Legends" with much excitement for the remarkable story of athletic success turned personal trainer and motivational speaker for the advancement of health and wellness among a community that once molded her in the 1980s and 90s to become one of the best student athletes of her time.

  • Drone shots of Long Caye Belize - Itza Resort on Long Caye, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, 3min. Long Caye is one of the most remote and pristine islands in Belize and offers extraordinary opportunities for appreciating terrestrial and aquatic life. Located about 45 miles from the mainland, Long Caye is isolated from civilization, yet easy to get to and enjoy.

  • Look at the new Bridge in Belize, 4min. Bridge under construction Roaring Creek, Cayo District, Belize

  • BEAUTIFUL Caye Caulker, Belize, 5min. BEAUTIFUL Caye Caulker, Belize A 7 day visit to Caye Caulker was just what we needed to relax, scuba dive, and explore.

  • Belize International Yoga Festival WUB Segment, 38min. RHYTHM OF CHANGE BELIZE (ROC) is a non- profit organization dedicated to promoting and implementing activities that bring forth individual, social and environmental changes in our country. ROC is proud to be using innovative approaches such as yoga, mindfulness and other forms of wellness to promote peace-building & equality and to mend broken families, in order to create better communities in Belize.

  • The Belize Kriol imperative Why Belizean writers should produce contemporary literature using the S,29 min. Although Kriol is Belize's lingua franca and a standardized lexicon and dictionary have been available since 2007, so far only a paltry amount of serious literary works has been published in Kriol. In this paper I outline some of the compelling reasons why Belizeans should produce contemporary literature in Kriol and why Kriol should be elevated to a written national language.

  • Management of the Belize River watershed A Bi national challenge and oppurtunity by Ed Boles, 17min. Driven by deterioration of the Belize River Watershed, largely through loss of riparian forests and wetlands due to inappropriate and unsustainable agricultural development, several watershed-scale efforts have occurred through the past few decades to assess these impacts and ultimately develop a consensus management plan to guide development and land use.

  • Happiest girl on this planet - Catch & Belize ep. 2, 19min. Welcome to Catch & Belize - serie where you get to follow me, Matilda, who tries to catch fish on fly, anywhere anytime. My final destination is where you can read in the title - Belize. In the beginning of 2020 I'll go together with the amazing photographer Hannes Ribbner to Tobacco Caye and Reefs End Lodge targeting everything, on the fly. A method I'm not familiar with. This is my story about how to I go from the spin fishing rod to the flats of Belize. Welcome!

  • Belize Krismus Brukdong Bram Festival, 1.5min. Biggest Gathering of Brukdong Musicians in Belize

  • S.P.H.S. representing the Yucatec Maya ethnic group of Belize . Jach ma'alob, 1.5min.
  • © Ambergris Caye Belize Message Board