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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
Papo Alamilla Art Exhibition at Belizean Arts
Belizean Arts, in collaboration with the extremely talented Eduardo "Papo" Alamilla, held an art from February 14th through the 16th. People had the opportunity to visit Belizean Arts and browse Papo's latest works. He was not present at the exhibition but his art spoke for itself. Milton Chan who is Papo's nephew (and an artist himself), shared the goal of the exhibition with The San Pedro Sun. He said his uncle wanted to showcase his interpretation of the Belizean lifestyle. He did this by painting what he sees daily and what he grew up with. There were paintings showing off gorgeous marine life, the lush jungles, and scenes of San Pedro in its early days.
San Pedro Pirates record 2-1 victory over BDF
On Sunday, February 16th, the San Pedro Pirates landed a 2-1 win over the BDF Football Club at the MCC Grounds in Belize City. The island boys broke their winless streak and are now among the top five teams in the Premier League of Belize's (PLB) standings, while BDF slides to last place. Week 7 of the closing season continues this weekend and San Pedro Pirates will be hosting the Belmopan Bandits on Saturday, February 22nd starting at 7:30PM at the Ambergris Stadium.
Another big home win for the San Pedro Tiger Sharks!
With a 93-56 blowout over Dangriga Dream Ballers, San Pedro Tiger Sharks once again defended their home turf and are 4-1 in the 2020 season of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL). The defending champions will fight for the top spot against 4-1 Belize City Defenders, who along with Orange Walk Running Rebels emerged victorious during the fifth week of basketball action. Friday, February 21 at 8:45 PM - Belize City Defenders vs. San Pedro Tiger Sharks at the Belize Civic Center
Various Belizean Sources
Boca del Rio Beach rehabilitation project
As part of the San Pedro Town Council's Beach Reclamation Project, the SPTC introduces Phase 1 to the general public which will take effect on Monday, March 15th, 2020.
PHASE 1 of the project will include new traffic regulations for Boca del Rio Drive between the sections from Sand Piper Street and Spider Lily Street. A portion of the beach has been reserved for ONE-WAY golf cart traffic passage and parallel parking for one golf cart on the east side of the street.
Corozal Community Public Meeting by the Belize Police Department
Important Corozal Community Public Meeting by the Belize Police Department will be held this Friday, February 21st, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. at the Corozal Town Hall on 1st Street South.
The Belize Police Department and the Commissioner of Police Mr. Chester Williams invite all members of our Corozal Community to this very important meeting.
U.S. Citizens: Passport and Notary Services in San Pedro!
Message to U.S. Citizens: Passport and Notary Services in San Pedro!
Representatives from U.S. Embassy Belmopan will be offering passport renewal and notary services in San Pedro, Belize.
Date: Tuesday, February 27th, 2020
Place: Blue Water Grill, Sunbreeze Hotel, San Pedro Town
Time: 10:30 am to Noon
We will provide the following passport services on a first-come, first-served basis.
2020 Chocolate Festival of Belize
14th annual Chocolate festival of Belize, kicking off with Wine and Chocolate Friday May 22nd followed by Taste of Toledo street fair Saturday May 23rd.
Belmopan Humane Society Cleanup & Paint Party
The Belmopan Humane Society is having a Cleanup and Paint party this Saturday. Anyone wanting to help them out is welcome, and appreciated.
Belize Raptor Center Music for the Birds 2 Benefit
The Belize Raptor Center's Music for the Birds 2 benefit is Sunday at 3:00pm at The Bluffs. Come out and enjoy an afternoon full of music with Captain Coconut and the Sand Crab Blues Band Featuring Mr. Downchild on harmonica plus special surprise guest. This is a Band of world class musicians that you'll be kicking yourself if you miss ~ mark my words, this is 100% worth the trip!
$20 cover per person and ALL proceeds go towards the Raptor Centers none releasable Common Black Hawk, Zion's, new enclosure building. Additionally there will be auction items and a door prize raffle! It will be a fun filled afternoon all the while supporting the Belize Raptor Center.
Corozal Graffiti Festival 2020
Our final post highlighting the incredible skills of the main attraction- graffiti artists from Belize, Mexico and Cuba at Corozal Graffiti Festival 2020. This year's theme was "Ancient Chactemal" as we honoured our ancestors. We graciously thank all of the graffiti artists who participated; simply for the joy of creating art! In order, beginning from the south end of Miami Beach, each artwork has the artist's name/tag name, you are kindly invited to follow their work on facebook. Mark the date for the last Sunday in January, (Sunday, January 31) for Corozal Graffiti Festival 2021!!
Corozal Town Historical Walk FEb. 24
Join us for a day of celebration as we mark our 8th anniversary with tours of the Corozal Town Historical Walk. We are delighted to partner with Corozal Junior College's 2nd year Tourism students who are excited about giving you a tour! Tours begin at 9am.
February 2020's Art in the Park
Wonderful turn out for February 2020's edition of Art in the Park! Thanking all of our artists, artisans, culinary artists and singers who came together once again, offering our beloved community a place to congregate with family and friends. A gracious thank you to this month's sponsor - Serenity Sands Bed & Breakfast for supporting this community initiative. See you all on March 14th for the next edition of Art in the Park!
BHA at the 16th Annual Chicago Travel & Adventure Show
The Belize Hotel Association, represented by President Teodoro Tejada and Director Sherry Constantino attended the 16th Annual Chicago Travel and Adventure Show, on February 8 and 9, 2020 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.
The BHA booth, which was conveniently located near one of the main theaters, remained constantly busy throughout the two-day exhibition. Many of the visitors to our booth had a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker or other family members who were from Belize and were therefore seeking more information about all the amazing activities and recommendations on places to stay.
Cabinet Announces New UDP Senator
The Prime Minister will advise the Governor General that Ms. Payal Ghanwani, Attorney-at-Law, be appointed as the new senator for the United Democratic Party. This is consequent to Senator Steve Duncan who, for personal reasons, recently resigned as senator.
Ministry of Health Clarifies Rumored Case of COVID-19 in Dangriga
The Ministry of Health hereby clarifies the rumors circulating on social media of a 'suspected case of Coronavirus COVID-19 in Dangriga Town.'
Belize remains free of any case of COVID-19 (formerly known as novel coronavirus) and there is no suspected case at this time in the country. As part of our routine investigation, three Belizeans were investigated based on specific epidemiological information shared upon re-entry into Belize and they are being checked on by the Health Department on a daily basis. One of the individuals was swabbed and the laboratory test was positive for a specific strain of the common flu viruses (rhinovirus) that is currently in circulation in Belize.
Belize is removed from the EU List of Harmful Preferential Tax Regimes
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) of the European Union released the results of its recently concluded meeting held in Brussels on February 18, 2020. The Government of Belize has been informed that the recent amendments to both the Income and Business Tax Act and Tax Administrative and Procedure Act on December 23rd have been positively assessed and the ECOFIN Council has agreed to remove Belize from the EU list of harmful preferential tax regimes (Annex II).
This is a significant outcome as Belize is now deemed to be compliant with all the recent regulatory changes set out by the EU over the last two years. For many months the Ministry of Finance has been working closely with the European Union to meet its requirements regarding both economic substance and its assessment as harmful preferential tax regime.
Office the Prime Minister Announces Changes to the Cabinet
Cabinet at its meeting today, February 18th, announced that the Prime Minister will advise the Governor General that:
(a) The Attorney General Senator Hon. Michael Peyrefitte be appointed as the substantive Minister of National Security to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. John Saldivar as Minister of National Security.
The Minister of State for the Ministry of National Security, the Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr. be responsible for the supervision of the Ministry's day-to-day management.
Leader of the Opposition Responds to PM
Dear Prime Minister:
I refer to your letter dated the 17th February 2020.
Most of your letter was, as usual, full of personal attacks and big words which by now I would have thought you would have realized impresses no one but the person you see in the mirror. Your response for a man who holds the office of Prime Minister is a disservice to the people of Belize.
In your letter, you deliberately sought to paint a picture that is divorced from reality. Let me remind you of historical facts rather than fantasy.
First, the People's United Party did not support your 21 Supplementary Appropriation Bills. They were passed with the votes of the Government side only.
KOKO KING OUTDOOR CINEMA MOVIES FOR THIS WEEK
ADULT WEDNESDAYS:
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (Rated PG) - Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Lloyd Vogel.
Actors: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper.
FAMILY FRIDAYS:
JUMANJI 2: THE NEXT LEVEL (Rated PG-13) - In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to rescue one of their own, the players will have to brave parts unknown from arid deserts to snowy mountains, to escape the world's most dangerous game.
Free snacks for the kids!
Cleanup and Paint party hosted by Belmopan Humane Society
The Belmopan Humane Society is having a Cleanup and Paint party this Saturday. Anyone wanting to help them out is welcome, and appreciated. Volunteers needed to spruce up the Belmopan Humane Society
food and beverages available.
Donations toward paint, food and beverages appreciated.
Caye Caulker Water Outage Today
Belize Water Services informs its customers in Caye Caulker that there will be low pressure in the water supply which will affect the entire Caye Caulker distribution system as follows:
� Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 11:00 pm to Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 5:00 am
This low pressure is necessary to build storage after repairing the leak and to accommodate planned maintenance of the Water Treatment Plant. Customers may experience discoloration when water is restored.
HUAY POOP
Huay poop or Uay poop: black butcher bird in whose body is the spirit of Kakasbal. He falls on his victims and takes them away forever.
This being of the Mayab we refer to the Huay Poop, a sorcerer who on certain nights takes the form of a horrible and gigantic black bird, but there are also many more who claim that this evil creature is one more the transmutations of the Genius of Evil, the "Kakasbal".
Channel 7
Saldivar's Pop-Up Interview Fail
Finally today, embattled UDP area rep John Saldivar appeared for an extended media interview. He chose to do so on the LOVE FM Morning Show - and we'll have highlights of that shortly.
But, while Saldivar was on air for over two hours fielding all questions from the hosts and callers, the wider media was gathering outside. Every media house saw his appearance as the first opportunity in months to ask their questions - questions which are burning hotter than ever after the revelation of text messages last week.
Saldivar Speaks Boldly
So, while he wouldn't answer our questions, as we said, Saldivar did speak at length on the Morning Show - in a no holds barred interview that covered the entire scandal ending in his double resignation as party leader and cabinet minister.
The politician who has gone from a powerful minister to an area representative without portfolio clearly is not throwing in the towel.
Saldivar spoke like a man eager to get his story out - and he made clear that he's in the mix of whatever the future holds for the UDP.
Mike P, UDP's Super Minister?
And while Saldivar is trying to clear his name - he's been replaced in Cabinet.
It was rumored a week ago and confirmed today: Michael Peyrefitte is the new Minister of National Security - taking Saldivar's place after he resigned under pressure last week. That new portfolio for Peyrefitte is now combined with his existing portfolio of Attorney General - making Peyrefitte the government's head of all security forces and the chief legal officer - a double serving of powerful portfolios not jointly held since Dean Barrow did so in the 90's.
But Peyrefitte won't be handling it alone. A release from the Office of the Prime Minister say the Minister of State for the Ministry of National Security, Elodio Aragon Jr. be responsible for the supervision of the Ministry's day-to-day management.
New Face For The Senate
And there are also changes in the senate lineup. And this one introduces a new face.
Attorney Payal Ghanwani, will be appointed as the new UDP senator, taking the place of Steve Duncan - who resigned immediately after the UDP convention. It is somewhat of a surprise because Ghanwani is not well known in UDP circles, but is a talented new face.
Ashcroft Edges Into Redistricting Suit
Last night, we told you about the Supreme Court application from Michael Ashcroft to join in the redistricting lawsuit that the Belize Peace Movement brought against the Government of Belize.
The Peace Movement is seeking to trigger a redistricting exercise because Belize's 31 electoral constituencies are not proportional - some are way too big, other way too small. The effect of this is that a vote in the Fort George division in Belize City, for example, carries more weight than a vote in Belmopan or Stann Creek West. That's not what the constitution dictates and the Peace Movement says that it undermines the spirit of true democracy and equal representation.
Teachers will Join NTUCB March
Last night, we told you how National Trade Union Congress of Belize and its 10 member unions announced that on Thursday, they are going to protest in Belize City against corruption and in the name of good governance.
Well, the Belize National Trade Union has out a memo to the Ministry of Education, and the management of schools countrywide informing them that they will be participating.
The memo is dated February 18th, and it is directed to the Minister of Education; the Ministry of Education officials; and Boards of Managements, managers and principals of primary, secondary and tertiary schools.
Seine Byte Barracks Up In Smoke
30 people are homeless after a long barracks burnt down today in Seine Byte village.
The long barracks which had 14 low income units caught on fire at around 2:15 this afternoon.
Villagers rushed to put out the flames creating a bucket brigade to assist the fire truck. In the thick of the crowd was Village vice Chairman Kirwin Ramirez. We spoke to him by phone and he told us that the destruction of the 14 rooms has left a number of villagers homeless.
Kirwin Ramirez - Vice Chairman, Seine Bight Village:
"I was coming from Placencia when I saw a little bit of smoke in the air. I ran over there as fast as I could and we started to use bucket and we started to break the pipe to see in the fire was gonna out and we ran over there we have a lot of young people that were around at that time and everybody getting buckets and trying to out the fire and stuff and so I was trying my best and my people were trying their best to out the fire..."
The Boots Challenge
Campaign finance reform is one of the hot button issues right now - we're hearing it almost nightly from the opposition and the social partners. But, here at 7News we've been trying to push our head behind the red and blue curtains to get to the mystery of politicians money for many years now.
Jules Vasquez has a short history of broken bank dates and introduces the Boots Challenge:
A politician's bank account, it's the stuff of a journalist's dreams - and once upon a time, back in October of 2008, I got to see one:
UDP Personality: Thursday Protest is Cause for Anxiety
And while that's our faint stab at campaign finance reform - the social partners seems much more serious about it. The NTUCB has included it as the very first demand in its six point list of demands.
They will take that message to the city streets on Thursday and we asked one UDP senior personality if this heightened pressure is a cause for anxiety:
UDP Will Have a Convention
And while the ruling UDP tries to remain in control of the political timeline - the movements by social partners could create some discomfort in Belmopan. That would accelerate the timeline for finding a new leader, and, quietly, we are told Patrick Faber has been canvassing support of colleagues he has alienated in the past.
Yesterday, Tracey Taegar Panton told us Faber called her - and so did Boots Martinez. He says the UDP has got go through a new convention process:..
Three Alleged Killers Free and Clear
And, turning now from politics.to court news, 3 accused killers are free of charges after many years on remand.
For just over 7 years, 30-year-old Cassian Bennett/Gentle, 33-year-old Jermaine "Horse" Garnett, and 43-year-old Kenneth Barrow have all been jointly charged for the 2012 murder of 19-year-old Raheem Requena. But tonight, all 3 men are home free because the DPP's Office has decided to discontinue its prosecution against them.
Viewers may remember the tragic and senseless murder of Raheem Requena. On the night of December 19th, 2012. The 4th form student who was attended Excelsior High School, was riding his bicycle on Kut Avenue. He was on the way to his grandmother's house when a gunman ambushed him and shot him 8 times.
Restore Belize Streamlining All Anti-crime Initiatives
As viewers are aware, crime continues to be a major challenge for successive government administrations to address in a meaningful way. Last year's murder rate caused Belize be ranked as the 6th deadliest country in Latin American and the Caribbean.
But, things go in cycles. You'll have noticed the over the years, violent crime spikes. Then, there is a period of uneasy calm, before the nation is jolted back to reality with yet another crime wave. And no matter which color is at the helm in Belmopan, they are only able to take short-term measures against this complex problem.
The Real Deal Tells Cops To Keep It Real
Last week we told you how Dijon Dawson's Grandma, Carolette "Real Deal" Gideon, started an impassioned campaign to ensure that the 8-year-old boy got all the help he needed after he was knocked down while crossing the road.
Those efforts resulted in her case being taken on by attorney Steve Perrera who invoked the underutilized "no fault' clause to get the driver's insurance company to pay up to five thousand dollars worth of Dijon's medical bills.
It seemed that The Real Deal's story would have ended there but, this afternoon there is an update in the case. Wanting justice, Carolette's lawyer advised her to visit the DPP's office to follow up on criminal charges.
COVID-19 Story in Dangriga Bogus
A rumoured case of COVID-19 in Dangriga Town, is just that, a rumour. And this afternoon the Ministry of Health made the clarification that Belize remains free of COVID19 formerly known as novel Coronavirus.
Three Belizeans who had recently re-entered the country were indeed checked on by the Health Department.
EU Removes Belize From List
After months of special house sittings and shuttle diplomacy between Brussels and Belmopan, the European Union has removed Belize from the EU List of Harmful Preferential Tax Regimes.
