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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials


The San Pedro Sun

Shooting in the San Mateo Area
The San Pedro Sun has confirmed a shooting in the San Mateo Area. According to reports, after Delson Paguada was shot at his home, he pursued his attacker who he shot in the back. Both men were transported to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II for primary treatment. Both were flown to the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital in Belize City for further treatment. Police are at the scene and investigations are on going.

Tiger Sharks fall to third place after loss to Belmopan Bandits
With only four weeks remaining in the Pepsi National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) regular season, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks are looking to advance to the playoffs. However, after a recent 69-71 loss to the Belmopan Bandits, they have dropped to third place with 12 accumulative points, while Cayo Western Ballaz is tied with the Belmopan Bandits with 13 points in the league. On Thursday, March 16th, the Tiger Sharks faced the Belmopan Bandits at the University of the Belize's (UB) gymnasium. The Tiger Sharks took a 13-10 lead in the first quarter. During an intense match in the second quarter, the Bandits went to halftime leading with three points. In the third quarter, the Tiger Sharks made a comeback, gaining a five-point lead, 56-51. In the last seconds of the game, the Tiger Sharks attempted to tie the game and head to overtime, but fell short of a two-pointer, causing the Bandits to win 71-69.

Disturbing cruelty towards crocodiles raise concerns for ACES
It's a normal routine for Chris Summers of the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) to rescue and remove crocodiles whenever reports are made. However, after two similar reports revealed crocodiles with their snouts intentionally bound, Summers is hoping that this is not a new trend. As a result, ACES is imploring the general public to stop animal cruelty, explaining that these reptiles are essential to the health of the world's ecosystems. According to Summers, one crocodile was found in horrific conditions. "Somebody called us at the Train Station Gym on Saturday, March 18th about a crocodile lying around, with its mouth shut with tape and wire. My team responded, and we caught him quite quickly. The croc looked weak, in distress, and seemed like it hadn't eaten for a few months. Somebody did this on purpose, its mouth was not only taped shut with a lot of tape, it was also tied with a lot of wire. It is disgusting to do this. The poor croc also suffered some very nasty wounds, inflicted by another croc, while it was unable to defend itself," said Summers. The crocodile is currently in an emergency holding pen, and Summers hopes that this seven-and a half foot animal can survive. According to him, it's too soon to tell.

Stakeholders believe proposed increase in departure fee threatens tourism industry
The decision by the Government of Belize (GOB) to increase the departure fee for non-Belizeans flying out of the country has raised concerns within the tourism sector. The introduction of the new fee is part of Government's move to raise an additional $80 million in tax revenues for the new fiscal year that commences in April 1st. Stakeholders believe proposed increase in departure fee threatens tourism industryOne of the tourism organizations strongly opposing to the new fee is the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA). They believe that this change in the departure tax will damage the tourism industry and claim that they were not consulted in such decision. They are asking the Government to withdraw the proposal. In a press release on Wednesday, March 15th, the BTIA stated that the potential negative impacts to the tourism industry through an increase in the departure tax has not been properly analysed nor have industry stakeholders been consulted. "Belize is already a tourist destination with high costs in comparison to the region. Belize must remain competitive, not more expensive as a destination."

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week: Makes You Want To Skydive San Pedro, Right?
WOW! With a spectaclar view like this everybody will want to skydive; right? NO? Well the offer stands at Skydive San Pedro if you every get the courage to take the giant leap. Many have taken the opportunity to experience the thrill of a lifetime since the skydiving company opened its doors on the island. DO YOU DARE? Amber sure did; watch her experience HERE!

Local Sanpedrano Guillermo Rodriguez Shoots For Musical Career
Born and raised in this beautiful island of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Guillermo Rodriguez found his love for music at the tender age of 12. He began singing at only 15 years old. After graduating high school he worked at the Christian Lighthouse Radio and in 2013 his passion towards music and love for God lead him to study Christian Ministry and music in the city of Guatemala; graduating in 2016. Guillermo explains that his love for music came when his mother became diagnosed with cancer. Their trust and faith in God was what got him through that hard time and then, as he calls it, "the miracle" happened - his mother was diagnosed cancer free. He tells Ambergris Today that his music journey began when he was in class one day and his teacher asked for a volunteer to record a song. He quickly rose to the occasion; Guillermo was to record one song but never imagined he would end up recording ten. He stated that he never thought he would ever record an album, but when the opportunity arose he was ready.

A Call To Protect Belize's Manatees
Belize is home to the largest population of Antillean Manatees in the world! But since the start of 2017 alone, a total of 7 manatees have been reported dead. "It is important for us as Belizeans to help protect this endangered species before it's too late. Listen to what you can do to be a "Hu-manatee-arian"! #ToLoveandProtectBelize." - Oceana Belize It is being asked of boaters on the Belize River and rivers across the country to be aware that as the dry season progresses into April and May and river levels get lower, saltwater pushes further upriver, especially at high tide; the manatees tend to travel further upriver in small and large groups to drink fresh water. They are air-breathing marine mammals and need to be at the surface periodically.

Misc Belizean Sources

mzz

Belmopan eradication program for dogs
March 27- April 9

Ministry of Health Wants You to "Unite to End TB" on World Tuberculosis Day
The Ministry of Health will once again join the global community in observing World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24th, 2017. This year's theme is "Unite to End TB". The focus is to increase awareness of the TB national response among patients and healthcare providers in order to strengthen the active surveillance of TB to improve diagnosis and treatment in Belize. This year, health regions across the country will be hosting various public information sessions including TB talks, 'Morning Show' appearances and booth displays to share information.

Central Park gets its annual facelift....here's a peek!

Protest outside House Meeting
Less than a hundred protesters from Toledo have gathered outside the The National Assembly where the House Meeting is ongoing. They are protesting their dissatisfaction with PUP Toledo representatives Oscar Requena and Mike Espat. According to the protesters' signs and posters, they are "demanding that Requena and Espat open their offices and to use the GOB community funds on the people of Toledo".

Fly In 2017
Pictures from the Fly In, which was in Spanish Lookout. "The Cayo Air Show had skydiving, aerial acrobatics, crop dusters showing off, and lots of great food, thanks to Miss Deb's. Lots of pictures of the sky..."

Operation Clean Up Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker Village Council Cordially invites all Community Members to Participate in our Beach Clean Up Campaign. Please come out and lend a helping hand. Bring your rake, bring you gloves and come out!

Caye Caulker Village Council Golden Citizen Property Tax Discount
Caye Caulker Village Council cares for our Golden Citizens and to show we care, we are now offering a Golden Citizen Tax Discount. Come into our office for details

Belize's Position on Tainted Corned Beef
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Health met today with all importers of Corned Beef to discuss the recent tainted Corned Beef issue in Brazil, and the adherence to measures that will be applied to ensure that Corned Beef in the Belizean market is safe for consumption. In an effort to safeguard public safety BAHA has decided to implement with immediate effect the following measures: For Importation: 1. Temporary suspension of the issuance of import permits for Corned Beef from Brazil until all due diligence have concluded and source declared safe. 2. All Corned Beef en-route to Belize will be retained to verify that they come from approved facilities for export and in addition undergo laboratory analysis by BAHA to determine the product's wholesomeness for human consumption. 3. All corned beef already imported and held in warehouse locally will be quarantined and undergo laboratory analysis by BAHA to determine the product's wholesomeness for human consumption.

Creole Culture Presentation
As a part of its mandate to create child and family friendly educational initiatives, the Child Advisory Body (CAB) of Belmopan is hosting its first cultural activity. This will be held on Sunday March 26th, 2017 from 3pm to 6 pm at the Independence Park. CAB will be showchasing the CREOLE CULTURE

San Pedro Town's Central Park gets a paint facelift!
We would like to thank the volunteers of Projects Abroad and our SPTC employees for a job well done on painting the benches and planters - all in one day! Great team work! Thank you guys!

Belize participates in Outsource2LAC 2017 - San Jose, Costa Rica
As technology continues to evolve globally, the demand for Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) simultaneously continues to escalate opening a gateway for Belize as a competitive nearshore and offshore services destination in fostering numerous investment opportunities in the Outsourcing industry. As Belize's national trade and investment promotion agency, the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), along with twenty (20) additional delegates from trade promotion agencies in Latin America and the Caribbean, participated in the 6th Latin American and Caribbean Outsourcing and Offshoring Summit, Outsource2LAC, held in San Jose, Costa Rica on March 15 - 16, 2017. This year's event was organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Costa Rica's Trade Promotion Agency, ProComer, which sought to foster this prominent sector through seminars on the latest trends in global outsourcing and Business to Business (B2B) meetings between buyers and service providers.

PROTEST OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT AGAINST HON. MIKE ESPAT & HON. OSCAR REQUENA
Constituents from the Toledo district were up in arms outside the House of Representatives protesting, not the budget, but the absence of their Area Representatives, Hon. Mike Espat and the Hon. Oscar Requena, in the division. Protests signs read "5 years and no sight of Mike" "do your job" "go to the office" "The people are being robbed by Mike Espat and Oscar Requana" Protestors claim Espat and Requena are no shows at the office and have not been doing anything to help the people in the division.

BSCAP CEO SHYNE BARROW SAYS MUSICIANS MUST BE PAID; COMES OUT AGAINST BUSINESSES VIOLATING COPYRIGHT ACT
Ambassador Shyne Barrow, who also serves as CEO of the Belizean Society of Composers Authors & Publishers, came out strong against copyright violators. Barrow says "the public should be outraged at the blatant violation of the law." In his quarterly letter to BSCAP members Barrow says "it's really a shame that musicians don't get the respect they deserve in this country" "Historically, copyright infringement has gone without penalty in Belize, thus the reason for resistance from some of these corporations." "Copyright acts around the world call for corporations who use music to pay and our tariffs and fees are guided by regional and international standards, so corporations in Belize need to comply with the law as do other corporation in the region and the world."

Sarteneja Nazarene Primary School's Field Trip
Educational Trip to Mountain Pine Ridge and Spanish Lookout.

Coastal Awareness Week
he Wildtracks Outreach Team is joining Belize's Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development and other partners today at the Corozal Community College in Corozal, as part of Coastal Awareness Week. Engaging and empowering youths through knowledge is critical if Belize is to meet its goals in maintaining the species, ecosystem services and livelihoods that are tightly linked to the coastal and marine environment. From knowledge of the watersheds to an understanding of the threats facing marine mammals such as the Antillean manatee. Knowledge builds good stewardship - and for some students, they may take their first steps towards being better stewards today, based on information they learn from the conservation organizations here today...

Beneath the Sea - Visit our Belize Booth!
Visit the BHA at booth 643 at the Beneath the Sea Show in Secaucus, New Jersey this weekend March 24, 25 and 26. Start planning your amazing Belize vacation with us!

Austrian Government requests removal of Belize's Ambassador to Austria
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sedi Elrington confirmed today that the Austrian Government requested the removal of Belize's Ambassador to Austria. Elrington, however, reported that no reason was given by Austria as to why they wanted Ambassador Joel Nagel removed. Foreign Minister Elrington was responding to a question from former Prime Minister of Belize, Said Musa during today's budget debate House meeting. Musa had earlier alleged that Belize's Ambassador to Austria had to be removed as "he was doing banking business there rather than ambassadorial duties". Joel Nagel was appointed by Elrington's Foreign Ministry as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Austria in September 2015. He was also appointed as Belize's Permanent Representative to United Nations offices in Vienna.

BTL interruption Sunday March 26 in Belize Districe
Belize Electricity Limited advises its customers in the Belize District that the supply of electricity will be interrupted on Sunday, March 26, 2017 as follows:

Belize Raptor Center Open for Tours
The BRC is doing tours of their bird sanctuary! They've been all over Cayo, and Belize, educating students all about raptors, and now you can go to their main campus. "Did you know there is a facility in Cayo that specializes in the care of hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, kites, vultures and Osprey? BRC focuses on educating the next generation of conservation superstars to protect these magnificent creatures as well as provide medical and rehabilitation care when one is found injured or orphaned. In order to reach a larger audience and make a BIGGER impact we now offer engaging and adventurous tours at our facility. Please contact us to set up a tour today, via email [email protected], phone 615-0226 or through our messenger.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Devil's Candy, 20th Century Women, Resident Evil.

Channel 7

Briceno Buries Budget
The Prime Minister presented the 2017/2018 budget on March 13th - and the debate started 10 days later. The two day event is the highlite of the annual parliamentary calendar because almost all of the 31 members present on the budget. They can speak for as long as they want, and many of the representatives go on for extended periods about all that's good or bad in the budget. The Leader of the Opposition always starts it off with his response to the budget. This year, he outdid the Prime Minister, with a presentation that lasted for one hour and eighteen minutes, about half an hour longer than the PM. Briceno keyed in on what he said are major omissions in the budget:.. Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "They present a budget that offers no plan to help the still struggling productive sector. They will not build one new school; they will not reduce poverty by even a fraction of a percent. No ordinary Belizean will benefit from anything contained in this budget."

Barrow Breaks Form to Correct Briceno
And so, that presentation got the ball rolling. The Prime Minister will wind up the debate sometime tomorrow. That's when he usually rebuts all the major points made by opposition members and puts it all into one compressed presentation. But, today he broke form right after the opposition leader was finished. He said there was just one thing that was so glaring, that he could not leave it to stand unchecked. IT was a very unusual point of order - and here's how it went:... Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "The Prime also told the media that the bond restructuring fees, now listen, to the bond holders local and foreign advisors added to around 12 million dollars. We have now come to learn from the budget estimate itself, in CAP 2 expenditures for the Ministry of Finance - that the bond restructuring fee will amount to 20 million dollars. 8 million more than he led us to believe."

Saldivar Swipes At Briceno
After that brief digression, the debate resumed, with John Saldivar giving his response to the Leader of the Opposition. He always gets the job of responding to the PUP Leader, and this year he said Briceno missed the boat completely:... Hon. John Saldivar: "And he spoke about, no ordinary Belizean is going to benefit from this budget, but yet he goes on to say that we have sustain our pro-poor programs at the end he even offered that if we wish to increase, if we want to bring a supplemental budget here to increase these programs, that he would be happy..."

PUP Deputy Leader Lathers Barrow Budget
The PUP Deputy Leader Cordel Hyde came up next, and he said that despite what Saldivar has put out there, there are difficult days ahead, particularly for the poor and vulnerable:... Hon. Cordel Hyde- Area Rep, Lake I: "If you listen to those on the other side of the house: we should be happy because there will be no retrenchment this year and no wage freeze and no business tax increase; and don't get us wrong, you know, we are happy for our public officers and our business persons for this little break, but just because we have averted these possible calamities doesn't mean a more enduring catastrophe isn't about to take place. The truth is madam speaker, we have some difficult days ahead.

He Killed Christie, Appeal Court Says He Was Provoked, Reduces Sentence
6 days ago, we told you about convicted killer Osmar Sabido who went to the Court of Appeal to get his conviction for murder reduced to manslaughter. Well, the Court of Appeal said yes to that today - sending shockwaves across Orange Walk town. The panel of judges found that Justice Herbert Lord did not factor in that Sabido was provoked into viciously stabbing his common-law wife, 21 year-old Christie Carrasco to death. As we told you, Justice Lord found him guilty of murder in a trial without jury last year April. But his attorneys, Leeroy Banner and Oscar Selgado, went to the Appeal Court to argue that Sabido wasn't in his right mind when he killed his common-law wife. You'll remember that Sabido testified in the trial last year that the fight started when Carrasco told him that she thinks that she is pregnant for another man.

The Tangled Case of Titan's Big Money
Another big case that went to the Court of Appeal this week is the Government's attempt to get a 8.8 million dollar award of damages set aside. As we told you, the Bahamians, Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach, have sued the Government and won a judgement at the Supreme Court. Justice Courtney Abel has determined that the September 2014 raid on their Titan Securities office was excessive and abusive, and that they were entitled to compensation. The Government disagrees with the court, and they believe that they should get no compensation, because their company was worthless after their criminal indictment for securities fraud and the ongoing suspension of their trade licenses by the US authorities. Titan disagrees, and they say that the Government is disregarding the damage they did with that police raid.

Well Known Sandhill Fisherman Disappears, Body Turns Up Drowned
A well-known Sandhill fisherman drowned at sea over the weekend. 51 year old Barry Rosales also known as "Jaxey" left home on Friday morning with his regular fishing partner. They went to their favorite spot near Alligator Caye but Rosales became ill on the trip. Rosales stayed back to rest while his partner went out fishing but when he came back Rosales wasn't around. We spoke to Rosales' father this morning and he told us what he knows.

Belize Ban Brazilian Corned Beef, Temporarily
Yesterday we told you about the corned beef crisis in the Caribbean. Several countries in the region have banned the importation and sale of corned beef from Brazil after reports came in claiming the certain processing facilities were selling rotten meat. Apparently, as many as 21 facilities were flagged by Brazilian authorities for the irregularities in their health certifications. Those factories are being re-audited and have been suspended from exportation in the mean time.

The Siltation Situation is Choking Yabra Fishers
Remember the silt that swallowed up the sea at southern foreshore last year February? Well while that problem was addressed, it's now plaguing residents in the Yabra area. That sticky funky stuff is clogging the Yabra Canal and spreading fast. The fisherfolk who live in that area are feeling it the hardest because they can't pull up their boats. Today we met City Councillor Phillip Willoughby along with personnel from the Department of the Environment at the scene. There were assessing the situation in the canal to see what can be done. Willoughby explained how they plan on cleaning out the silt and what residents need to do to help:

Elderly Woman Says She Self Medicates Fro Pain With Crack
Today another elderly woman was charged in court for an offense related to crack-cocaine. 67 year old Ida Simpson, a resident of Gan's Rest House, was busted this morning with 0.6 grams of crack-cocaine. According to Simpson, she bought the illicit drug off a boy on the street for $3. When she appeared in court today, Simpson immediately pled guilty to possession of controlled drugs. But, she told the Magistrate that she used the crack as a substitute for Advil or Anacin. Despite her guilty plea, Magistrate Carlon Mendoza was hesitant to send a woman of her age to prison, instead deciding to impose a non-custodial charge, fining her $100 plus a $5 court fee.

The Interrogation of Inez
Last night, we brought you coverage from the latest hearings on Immigration, where officer Inez Casanova finally gave the Senate Select Committee a positive identification on who this "Mr. Middleton" is. As you saw, he's Barton Middleton, and though very little is known about him, he's quickly gaining infamy due to the testimonies of persons who have gone before the Senate Committee. They have heard startling accounts that he was handsomely paid to act as an immigration agent, so that he could push through 6 visa applications for Chinese nationals.

Erwin Robinson, A History Of Hacking
We now show you another portion of the Senate hearing and the questions the Committee had for Erwin Robinson. He was the former Immigration Data Entry Clerk who - if you follow the hard evidence - took a picture of Won Hong Kim, a man who never entered Belize, and then assisted to print a Belize passport for this South Korean Fugitive, a document he never qualified for. But Robinson says he didn't do it. Here's the Senate showing him that picture and asking him to explain himself: Hon. Aldo Salazar: "You were the one who captured Wonhong Kim's data in the system?" Erwin Robinson: "Yes sir."

Hon. Hyde Says Early Immigration Appearances Are Just Previews
And while the testimony so far has been revealing, today, the PUP Member for Lake Independence said that all those who have appeared so far are just previews, he's waiting for the stars to make their showing!:... Hon. Cordel Hyde- Area Rep, Lake I: "It's under your watch, that's why we are watching week by week the dripping revelation of seedy corruption at the immigration department. But you know all the weekly testimonies are just previews of coming attractions you know. You know, when you used to go da Palace, they have a lot of previews before the real movie? Well the real movie ah be when the ministas turn to testify, that's when the real movie.

An Independent Eye On Superbond
Today the Legacy Fund and the Belize Chamber of Commerce held a presentation to discuss Superbond 3.0. The presenter, Ervin Perez, Managing Director of the Legacy Fund, ran through the history of the Bond and the implications of the latest version that government closed the deal on one week ago. Perez broke down his presentation down for us... Ervin Perez - Managing Director, Legacy Fund Ltd.: "So a brief overview was simply that we wanted to see how we got here with the superbond 3 and to show the comparisons between the different stages in the external debt. The other thing was to really emphasize that the challenges that we faced, even if given this opportunity in terms of a better cash profile with the debt, a lower interest rate, a shaving of the principal that we have a structural issue in the country and that has been the case for over the last 23 years where government administration after administration has spent more than they have taken in revenue and so they have to borrow and then as a country we have consumed more in imports than we have exported.

Ervin Weighs In On Budget
And while the politicians will be verbally jousting over the budget, Ervin Perez, who is an economist and financial advisor, gave us his clinical assessment of the UDP's plans for the next fiscal year... Ervin Perez - Managing Director, Legacy Fund Ltd.: "Well clearly the public servants have gotten their increments. So there's going to be no impact on their wages, in fact they're going to be a small increase in their wages but when we look at government expenditure cuts in capital expenditure, about 98 mil, whenever government slows down economic activity there's always a fall out. The question we were asking is if that cut would be replaced by private sector investing.

Wyndham Will Open Mega Resort In Belize
Belize has been chosen as the location for the Wyndham Hotel Group's newest resort. The hotel giant announced today that it is planning to open up a huge new resort in Ambergris Caye. The 242 room resort is scheduled to be completed in December of next year and will boast 5 towers, 11 waterfalls, Venetian canals and bridges, and the largest hotel pool in the country.

Belize Protectors On A Mission
The Belize Protectors, a team of athletes from different branches of Belize's national security forces, is heading to California tonight. The team is travelling to once again participate in the Baker to Vegas Competition: a 120 mile, 20 leg relay races from Baker, California to Las Vegas, Nevada. Last year the team participated in the mixed category, where they came in 1st. This year, after being unsuccessful in finding enough females to participate, an all male delegation is being sent to defend the title. We spoke to some of the athletes and one of their coaches about the competition and the preparation it took to get them ready to race...

A Soldier of Excellence
And while the Belize Protectors are defending their title, other members of BDF are distinguishing themselves in Guyana. Francisco Choc was recognized as one of the top graduates in the Guyana Defense Force's 49th Standard Officer Course. Choc received awards for Best Student, Military Knowledge and Best Fitness. Choc graduated alongside fellow BDF soldier, Caleb Rodriguez and 10 other members of the Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda Defense Forces.

Rt. Hon. Musa and Hon. Elrington Spar
Going back now to today's budget debate, after Cordel Hyde, it was unto Wilfred Elrington, and then to Said Musa. Musa used his presentation mostly to absolve himself and his administrations of any superbond wrongdoing, but when Musa got around to bashing the current state of Belize's Foreign affairs minister, well ...let's just say Foreign Minister Elrington didn't take that attack well at all. Here is how their exchange went. Rt. Hon. Said Musa: "On Tuesday March 17th on the visit of the OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, the minister pontificated again, that in his mind we do not have any agreed borders with our neighbor Guatemala. HE completely ignores the fact that in 1859 a treaty was signed in which our borders with Guatemala were defined. He completely ignores the historic fact that in the 1930s surveys were done for the western borderline and at which concrete monuments were put down at various points, at Gracias Adios and Garbutt's Falls."

LOO Briceno Asks Where's The Clinic For San Pedro
And while that would be categorized under just straight sparring, our next clips are from the Opposition Leader's official response to the Prime Minister's budget. He pointed out that the long promised upgrade San Pedro Clinic got no mention in the budget:... Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "In the last two budgets we were told about funding for the upgrade of the San Pedro Health Center to make it a full service 24-hour facility. This project first appeared in the 2015 budget; in fact it was on page 16. It was introduced a second time in the 2016 budget on page 18. This year it is gone, conspicuously absent from the 2017 budget. Is this because the task has been accomplished?"

A Festival Flurry
And that's all we have for you tonight. We leave you on an up-note with highlites of the adorable preschoolers festival of the arts. These are Tuesday night's performances. Enjoy. And join Courtney Weatherburne here tomorrow.

Wilfred's Words Against Cordel
The UDP Representative for Pickstock followed the PUP's Cordel Hyde and he basically said, how dare you talk about immigration or lands corruption: Hon. Wilfred Elrington: "I find it incredible that in fact the member would touch the issue of corruption, particularly as it relates to visas and to land. The book on corruption in relation to visas and passports was written by the PUP. All of them that are now wealthy got their wealth though the sale of passports and visas. And to call for a senate inquiry and listen to the senate inquiry and to have the "oohs" and "awes", these people are pass masters. They have made millions of dollars off it and none of them has been brought to book."

Hon. Hyde Singles Out UDP's Special Contractors
And PUP Deputy Leader Cordel Hyde used his hour long address to key in on some of the UDP Government's preferred contractors: Hon. Cordel Hyde- PUP Area Rep, Lake I: "IE, which is owned by the Arguelles brothers, has gotten contract after contract after contract from BIL. They built Battlefield park, they built Memorial park, they built BTL park, they built Falcon field in San Ignacio, they built the football field in San Pedro, they are building the Multipurpose center in Toledo and they got the mother of all contracts the Belize City Center for almost $35 or more million dollars; $42 million; without bidding�you hear?

Johnny Talking Like Tosh?
And - having the luxury of being in opposition - Briceno also took the marijuana issue head on. The Barrow administration seems to have more or less chickened out on it, but multiple PUP speakers went all Peter Tosh on the issue and said "legalize it": Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "It is time for us to stop locking up our young people for a stick of weed. The time has come for us decriminalize marijuana smoking and prepare the necessary research to move to legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes and in small quantities."

Hon. Briceno Says National Bank Tanking
And Briceno also used his response to key in on the National Bank which he says is racking up losses.


Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
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Channel 5

"Bogus" 2017 Budget Shredded by Opposition Leader
The House of Representatives met in Belmopan today with passions running high for the second reading of the General Revenue and Appropriation Bill, otherwise known as the Budget, which is [...]

Cordel Says Government Wants to Maintain Pretense
If the Leader of the Opposition's statements were broad and presented the macro picture of the so dubbed Barrow's bogus budget, then his deputy, Lake Independence's Cordel Hyde, was more [...]

Amid Warning on S.S.B., Cordel Zings John Saldivar
After castigating the Government for not providing less vague assurances about how it will address the repayment of the Superbond and Belize's other debts, Hyde turned his attention to the [...]

Were "Pro-Poor" Programs Actually Cut?
Hyde also went after what he called cuts to significant portions of the "pro-poor" programs initiated by the Barrow administration, including the food pantry, school feeding program and Apprenticeship Training. [...]

Said Defends Superbond Spending; Says Massive Development Took Place
Former Prime Minister Said Musa stood to make his contribution to the debate this afternoon. As he said at the outset, he wanted to defend his Government's decision to make [...]

Former and Current Foreign Ministers Clash over Borders Comment
"It is just like you are on a piece of land all your life, but you are a squatter. You can't do anything with that land until you get it [...]

Will Titan Collect on Judgment for Damages over Raid?
Bahamians Ron Knowles and Kelvin Leach were back in court today where a second round of litigation concluded this afternoon in an appeal filed by the Government of Belize.� The [...]

G.O.B. Was Acting for U.S. But Who is Responsible?
Knowles and Leach were initially claiming damages in excess of twenty million dollars.� That figure was considerably reduced and after taking into account a number of reasons, the final sum [...]

Blackman Eddy Remains are of a Woman Who Died Horribly
The recent murder of Keonia Ara was particularly gruesome, but body parts found in the river behind Blackman Eddy this week, tell the tale of a most gory murder.� On [...]

Court Releases Convicted Robber Who Appealed Due to Missing File
Is Leonel Daly a free man because of a missing file? Daly's case, an appeal to a robbery conviction, could not be heard today when he went before the Judges [...]

Court Rules that Killer Osmar Sabido was Provoked by His Victim
A conviction of murder in the case of Osmar Sabido, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2016 for brutally stabbing his girlfriend, has been reduced to manslaughter.� This [...]

Who Deliberately Set Houses on Fire in Santa Elena?
Members of the Vasquez family occupying two houses in Santa Elena, Cayo are picking up the pieces today after their property and belongings were gutted by arson on Wednesday.� The [...]

How Much are Consultants Being Paid for Superbond?
As expected, the matter of the Superbond came up during the first day of the Budget Debate. While repeating his claim that the revised package remains unsustainable without a clear [...]

New Crime Bills Introduced
In advance of a case at the Caribbean Court of Justice next week involving two accused murderers appealing their convictions and sentences, the Government today introduced four new bills amending [...]

Toledo U.D.P.'s Call Out Area Reps Outside House
Parliamentarians at the National Assembly must occasionally share the grand stage with their constituents - particularly those protesting against them. While 2005 certainly comes to mind, the handful of protestors [...]

Finally, Legalized Marijuana?
Could marijuana soon be legalized, or at least decriminalized? There is support in principle and the matter has been before Cabinet since a special committee released its findings in February [...]

Economist Says Numbers of Budget Do Not Tell Whole Story
The 2017 budget is being debated in the House of Representatives where parliamentarians are both criticizing and defending the fiscal plan.� But what are the economists thinking?� While there have [...]

Have You Seen Daniel Bennett, Missing 12 Days?
A mother in San Ignacio fears the worst since her son, who is now eighteen, has gone missing. According to Salustiana Jimenez, she last saw her son sleeping in his [...]

Get a New Body with High Intensity Interval Training
Routine can get a bit dull even with workouts. The latest trend in exercise is to use HIIT. Not H-I-T, but H-I-I-T which means High Intensity Interval Training. Tonight on [...]

CTV3

Sabido's Conviction Reduce To Manslaughter
First it was Daniel Ku and now 30 year old Osmar Sabido who was convicted of the murder of his common-law wife, 21 year old Christie Carrasco got his conviction reduced to manslaughter. The news that the Belize Court of Appeal upheld the appeal filed by Sabido's Lawyer Leeroy Banner today, shocked the family and friends of Carrasco who was brutally murdered on February 28th 2011 at the couple's home in San Lorenzo Housing Site in Orange Walk.

National Budget Debated At The House
Today it was day one of the Opposition members' turn to surgically break down the Barrow Administration's 2017-2018 budget estimates presented to the country by Prime Minister Dean Barrow last week Monday March 13. The Government is proposing to spend $1.18 billion in the next fiscal year, propped up by $88.1 million dollars which will be obtained directly from new tax measures. Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceno opened the debate repeating his charge that the financial numbers and economic projections are simply unreal.

Did Government Cook Up Figures?
Hon. Briceno also chastised the Government for presenting a budget with financial data that has not been verified by the Auditor General. But the truth is that none of the budgets since 2012 have been audited. Briceno committed that the next PUP Government will ensure proper auditing for each Ministry and that anyone caught in wrongdoing will be prosecuted.

LOVE FM

Anglican Archbishop Speaks on LGBT and Disintegration of Societies
There has been an ongoing debate about the LGBT agenda in Belize which has been met with complete rejection by some religious leaders. On Tuesday, Most Reverend Dr. John Holder spoke with the media on the issue which he says is one that has presented itself in the entire province he oversees. Reverend Dr. Holder [�]

Protestors Want Espat and Requena to Account for Monies
A small group of protestors gathered at the foot of the National Assembly in Belmopan, Cayo District to express their discontent with the reported absence of their Area Representatives for Toledo West and Toledo East, Oscar Requena and Mike Espat, respectively. Senator Macario Coy was among the protestors who told Love News that the two [�]

PUP Lashes Out at Sedi for Recent Remarks
The People's United Party says it is appalled and outraged at comments made by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington. In a recent interview with the media, Minister Elrington said quote, "Our maritime borders have never even been agreed upon. That has to be agreed upon. We don't have any maritime borders agreed upon in [�]

BDF Soldier Makes Country Proud in Guyana
News coming out of Guyana is that Belizean born twenty three year old Francisco Choc topped the Guyana Defense Force (GDF)'s Standard Officers Course Number 49. Choc is one of two Belizeans who graduated from the course yesterday. He received the awards for Best Student, Military Knowledge and Best Fitness. Earlier in the month the [�]

The Guardian

Bag of body parts found in Iguana Creek
Police authorities are canvassing the villages of Selena, Los Tambos and other nearby villages because they believe dismembered body parts that were found on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week belong to a female migrant who was in that area. On Tuesday March 21 sometime around 1p.m. two young men were on the Macal river hunting Iguanas when they came up on a crucus bag floating in the water. When they came closer to the bag they found the remains of a human body. They found hands and feet inside the bag and immediately notified their mother and authorities. Of note is that the young men were the sons of Sherlene Mai who is the mother of 18 year old Kerona Ara who had been found at a garbage dump 4 miles of Belmopan, burnt. Ara's mother, Shirlene Mai, said the find was unexpected and she called the police.

Brother chops sister to death
Police are have charged Elijah Burke, who is accused chopping his sister, 29 year-old Juliane Burke, to death. There is no clear reason why he attacked his family member, but his brother-in-law is suggesting a rather strange motive. Also, the attack happened in front of Juliane Burke's 6-year-old son, Elijah's nephew. The incident happened on Sunday evening, March 19, at around 6 o'clock at Juliane Burke's home in Kings Park, Belize City. Reports to the press are that she came to pick up her 6-year-old son, to take him for a walk, but Elijah Burke was allegedly hiding in the back yard. He reportedly chopped her several times, and they ran into the street, with Elijah chasing behind her. She reportedly fell into a drain, and that's when he continued to chop her ruthlessly, in plain view of her son, his nephew.

Hon. Tracy Panton Hands Over Houses to Albert's Hurricane Victims
Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton continues to work and lobby tirelessly for the people of the Alberts Constituency. On Monday, March 20, she was accompanied by the Minister of National Emergency Management, Hon. Edmond Castro, to the Conch Shell Bay area to hand over houses to victims of Hurricane Earl. While she had the eyes and ears of the Minister responsible to address disasters, Panton invited him on a visit to Miss Arileee Scott and her family on Prince Street who recently lost their home and belongings in a fire. They assured Miss Scott and her family that materials will be provided to them to assist with the reconstruction of their home.

Amateur Hour at the National Assembly
Belizeans at home and abroad can tune in to their favourite radio stations online or watch live on Wave Radio and TV's Facebook page at 10 a.m. on Thursday as the Leader of the Opposition brutally butchers a perfectly written speech prepared for his response to Prime Minister Barrow's 2017-2018 General Revenue Appropriation Bill. Johnny Briceno is less eloquent than the great Israelite hero, Moses. He has the oration skills of Looney Tunes' Porky Pig and is less charismatic than Liberia's Charles Taylor. The only thing worse than listening to a parliamentarian who is terrible at debating is listening to one who is both terrible and drop dead boring. If you are into that sort of thing, Johnny B goes live at 10 a.m. sharp!

Grant to provide equipment to MET service
On Tuesday, March 21, 2017, a grant agreement was signed between the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility(CCRIF) SPC and the Government of Belize. Invited guests included Catherine Cumberbatch and Derek Rudon from the Belize Meteorological Service, Isaac Anthony, CEO, CCRIF SPC; Yvette Alvarez, Senior Advisor, Ministry of Finance; Alma Gomez, Supervisor of Insurance, as well as other CCRIF Board and Team members. CCRI is an not for profit insurance group which focuses on providing coverage to countries in the aftermath of natural disasters. In welcoming the CCRIF, Alvarez informed the attendants that there are plans to renew and continue dialogue with the CCRIF. Already the organization has assisted with the purchase of new products for the MET Office under the Tropical Cyclone and Rainfall policies, which are policies that the Government of Belize have purchased in its USD $450- $600 thousand dollar coverage.

CITCO and Stakeholders Reach Agreement on Cinderella Plaza Layout
The Belize City Council, Cinderella Plaza Taxi Association, residents and other business houses in the Cinderella Plaza area have reached an agreement on the proposed layout for the rehabilitated space. Copies of the Cinderella Plaza Proposed Dimension Layout were handed out at a public consultation on Tuesday night, March 21. During the consultation exercise, Councilor Philip Willoughby provided an update on the Flood Mitigation Project, which has been integral to the development of the Cinderella Plaza community. The Belize City Council worked in close partnership with the Flood Mitigation Project Committee to concrete streets in the area simultaneously with their comprehensive drainage project. Willoughby explained that the Committee will officially hand over the area to the Belize City Council within a few weeks and it will once again be the Council's responsibility for upkeep and further development of the infrastructure.

Floyd Neal Elected President of NTUCB
The President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, an organization which represents thousands of workers, was elected with 45 votes in an Extraordinary General Meeting on Saturday, March 18. Marvin Mora was re-elected at the Annual General Meeting in December 2016 but he was stripped of the title since he had serve more time than an individual is allowed to be on the executive body. Veteran labour rights advocate and unionist Jaqueline Willoughby had been serving as Interim President since the post was made vacant in December. She submitted her name to vy for the post of President at the Extraordinary General Meeting on Saturday. She was challenged by Floyd Neal, who was brought into the union leadership by Audrey Matura-Shepherd when she assumed the presidency of the Christian Workers Union in December of 2013. Shepherd appointed Neal as Secretary General of the CWU and he has worked his way up the ladder since then.

Forest 4 Life launched Nationally
Over a thousand students filled the auditorium at the Sacred Heart High School and Junior College in San Ignacio Town on Tuesday in a National launch by the Forestry Department, to bring greater appreciation of our forests. The message filled displays by the students was one to behold as we commemorate this year's International Forest Day. Among the messages sent were that forests are an integral part of our sustenance. Forests also protect our watersheds and are important to a climate change solution.

BDF General Jones Inducted in US Army College's International Hall of Fame
Nearly 8,000 international officers who have graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College since 1894 and now 270 of those distinguished men and women from across the globe have been inducted into its International Hall of Fame. Belize's Brigadier General David Jones, Commandant of the Belize Defense Force is among the elites of the elites after he was inducted on March 16 at the Lewis and Clark Center in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Jones and three other military leaders were honoured by Major General John S. Kem, Provost of the Army University and Deputy Commandant of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, who officiated the ceremony. The other honorees were Major General Authur David Gawn of New Zealand, Lieutenant General Tadeusz Buk of Poland and General Alberto Jose Mejia Ferrero of Columbia. According to reports, Jones was accompanied by his two sons, David and Deron, as he spoke about his time studying at CGSC and how the course prepared him to lead the Belize Defense Force.

Insurance for natural disasters
The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) is one the Caribbean and Central American regions' primary mechanisms of response in the event of a natural disaster. Having just celebrated its 10th anniversary in February, it is the first of its kind in the world. The not-for-profit insurance facility which is headquartered in the Cayman Islands exists to aid in natural disaster mitigation and recovery to vulnerable countries, 16 Caribbean member countries and 1 Central American country. The facility works primarily with the governments of these countries and is looking to implement an agreement this year to work closely with individual farmers, fishermen, and other at risk groups. In essence, a country purchases coverage from CCIF based on what they can afford. A threshold is determined by the two parties and in the event of a disaster, where that threshold is met, the country is given funds to aid in disaster recovery. For example, the Government of Belize has purchased tropical cyclone and rainfall policies. Although the damages sustained by 2016's hurricane Earl were quite disastrous, the tropical cyclone threshold was not met. The country did however receive a sum of USD $261,073 on its rainfall policy after hurricane Earl.

Johnny needs to open his eyes
Ever since the Prime Minister presented his 2017/2018 Budget the PUP leadership have been making the media rounds. It seems as if though it was all comers that were making these rounds .Everyone from Johnny to Rodwell are making radio and television appearances. Yes you read it right, even Rodwell. Now knowing the type of interventions Rodwell has made in the House of Representatives, in the past, the things that he has said during these media appearances were very much expected to be very low on content and logic. Not that his Leader Johnny or any of the others, made any Einstein-like appearances. It has been like the Bozo Show with these clowns. Perhaps the reason they have been unable to demolish the budget, is because they were expecting a budget loaded with new taxes, budget cuts and even retrenchment.

OAS Secretary General urges for referendum on Guatemala
OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro Lemes was in Belize for his second visit since taking up the office. He has met with a number of high level Belizean officials, including Prime Minister Dean Barrow. It's all a part of the push to urge both Belize and Guatemala to push forward with the referendum on whether or not the territorial claim should be taken to the International Court of Justice. It has been 11 years of confidence building measures between Belize and Guatemala to peacefully resolve the territorial claim. The group of Friendly nations, mostly made of wealthy European nations, have been bearing the financial burden to fund confidence building and the OAS Adjacency Zone office at the Benque/Melchor border. This referendum is too long delayed, and the friendly nations are getting impatient about putting money into a venture that appears to be going nowhere fast.

Hon Saldivar Keynote Speaker at Opening of Quality Poultry Complex in Belmopan
Belmopan Area Representative Hon. John Saldivar was Keynote Speaker at a ceremony this morning marking the official opening of a brand new complex for Quality Poultry Products in the Capital City, which serves as a wholesale distribution and retail outlet, as well as a convenience store and restaurant. Also speaking at the ceremony was Belmopan Deputy Mayor Ralston Frazer and Quality Poultry Products General Manager Raymond Barkman who gave the Area Representative and Deputy Mayor a full tour of the facility after they cut the symbolic ribbon for the official opening.

Santa Elena Town brightens up with new sign
The Twin Town of San Ignacio-Santa Elena is laying down the welcoming mat, as it prepares for Belize's largest municipal fair, scheduled for April 15th, 16th and 17th. During that time the Town Council from the West will be launching its twin city tour as highlighted by Santa Elena now being spelt fully in fiber glass at the roundabout near the entrance to Santa Elena Town. Getting involved in typical fashion, Mayor Earl Trapp Junior displayed the full sign of Santa Elena on Sunday. Mayor Earl Trapp asserts that the Representative for the Cayo Central Division the Hon. Rene Montero had come up with the idea of a roundabout and had successfully sought finance for the project. The 'Santa Elena' sign at the entrance of a buzzing Town will serve many purposes such as improving the aesthetics, be a directional sign and give travelers a feeling of satisfaction. The sign itself has arts within it, mostly depicting the National Symbols of Belize.

GOB appeals 8.8 million dollar Titan judgment against it
The Barrow Administration is seeking to overturn the judgment which the Supreme Court granted against them which would cost taxpayers 8.8 million dollars. The Government believes that Bahamian business partners Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach are not entitled to any of the money from that award, because it did not wreck their company, Titan International Securities. From the Government's perspective, their downfall was due to them being named publicly for allegedly being involved in a 1-billion-dollar tax evasion scheme, money which should rightly belong to the US Government. The award against the Government was handed down by Justice Courtney Abel back in January of 2016. From the judge's perspective, the Financial Intelligence Unit and the police department's Anti-Drug Unit was excessive in their raid in September of 2014. That's when the Government of Belize was acceding to the request for mutual legal assistance against both men and their company. In an 8-hour search and seizure, the police department cleaned out their office of all documents, computer equipment, basically emptying it completely.

Belizeans shot in Champon
In less than two weeks, two Belizean have been killed while socializing near Melchor. On Friday 17th March, 2017 at 9:00 p.m., police visited the popular Larios Bar located at the Belize Adjacency Zone area (Champon) at the Belize Western Border where they saw the lifeless body of 40-year-old Carlos Manzanero, a Belizean tour operator of San Jose Succotz Village, Cayo. He was seated in a chair with multiple gunshot wounds to his stomach area, right hand and right knee. Manzanero was transported to the San Ignacio Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 9:20 p.m. The body of Manzanero now lies at the Western Regional Hospital Morgue awaiting a Postmortem Examination. Investigation revealed that on that Friday at about 8:50 p.m. while Manzanero was with his wife and brother socializing at Larios Bar, a Hispanic descent male person exited a car with a handgun and started to fire at him. The gunman thereafter re-entered his vehicle and drove off over to Melchor.

Brandon Taylor acquitted
After two weeks on trial, Brandon Taylor, 30, was acquitted of murder. Taylor was accused of shooting and killing Kaylon Matura on May 16, 2012 on Central American Boulevard. Matura was shot four times, once to the back of the head, once to the chest, and twice in his back. Taylor was brought before Justice Hon. Adolph Lucas in the Supreme Court where Justice Lucas presented his oral and written ruling, resulting in Taylor's acquittal. The ruling followed after the prosecution failed to support all 5 elements of murder. The prosecution, headed by Porsha Staine and assisted by Sherigne Rodriguez, had proven only 3 of those elements. According to the prosecution, Matura was murdered on May 16, 2012 by Taylor and the act was witnessed by Andrew Willoughby, Taylor's brother-in-law and the crown's only eyewitness.

Court of appeal sets man free due to errors in his trial!
46 year old, Santiago Cholom, is free after being convicted of carnal knowledge of a female child in June of 2016. His attorney, Oswald Twist, was successful in his arguing several grounds. He convinced the judges of the Court of Appeal, headed by President Manuel Sosa, Hon. Justice Blackman and Samuel L. Awich to set him free of the charges. The three judges of the court of appeal heard from the DPP's representation and from Cholom's attorney. Late on Thursday March 16, they sent him home free of the charge. That was as a result of the four to five grounds of appeal Twist argued for his client, of which the DPP's crown, represented by Sheneiza Smith and Javier Chan, both conceded to the errors occurring in the trial. There were some very grave inconsistencies with the DPP's case. For instance, the indictment said the incident occurred between September and October and in the trial the child said December.

Granny busted with a pipe- she does not smoke crack
On Wednesday March 22, 66 year old Majorie Pitts, was found with a pipe which is primarily used for the consumption of crack cocaine. Pitts was convicted of possession of a pipe. The charge was read before Magistrate Carlos Mendoza. The woman, who needed a piece of PVC pipe to walk, appeared before the magistrate where she pleaded guilty to the charge. Pitts was unrepresented before the magistrate where she made her case: "I don't smoke crack, I was fixing it for someone." Pitts, who is not a first time offender, was imposed a fine of $150 plus a court fee of $5 to be paid by April 28, 2017 in default she will serve a two months imprisonment. Apart from her $155 debt to the court, Pitts walked away a free women.

Fisherman fined $10,000 for drug trafficking
Belize City fisherman, 40 year old Rueben Heredia, is in debt to the court for $10,000 after pleading guilty to a drug trafficking charge. Heredia was accused of trafficking 7.1 grams of cocaine which he claims he spent $250.00 for. Heredia, better known as "Bird", of #82 B Victoria Street was accused of drug trafficking on Monday January 11, 2016. He was represented by attorney Bryan Neal before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser for his trial. Instead of dragging out the trial and serving time in prison as well as paying the mandatory fine, Heredia thought it best to plead guilty and was spared jail time. His attorney pleaded on his behalf as his client was a first time offender. Senior Magistrate Fraser accepted the plea and ordered him to pay a $10,000 fine as well as a court fine in full by July 31, 2017.

Two men charged for the murder of Kerona Ara
Belmopan Police have charged both Shalon Santos and Jaime Patnett for the gruesome murder of Kerona Ara, whose body was found burning at a dump site off mile four on the Hummingbird Highway on March 11, 2017. Both men were formally arraigned at the Belmopan Magistrate's Court last Friday morning and their case has been adjourned until May 15, 2017. The teenager had temporarily left her mom's house in Blackman Eddy on that Saturday morning for employment at her niece's house in Santa Elena. Her mom, Sherelen Mai had not been worried, because she believed that Ara's cellular had lost power.

Stephen Mejia sentenced to one year in jail
In September, 20 year-old Stephen Mejia was found with a loaded 9 mm firearm along with 9 live rounds of ammunition. At the time he was charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and on Wednesday, March 15 he was brought before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza where he was sentenced to one year in prison. Mejia, an unemployed resident of #18 Antelope Street extension, was caught on Thursday September 1, 2016 trying to dispose of the firearm. In his trial, he denied such allegations. Prosecutor Sgt. Claude Pitts called two police witnesses to testify against him. The two officers, DC Erwin Reid and DC Earl Hamilton, both testified that at 8:40 a.m., the team of officers both members of the Strike Team, North side, Belize City were on mobile patrol on Dunn Street, Belize City, when their attention was drawn to two male persons riding on separate bicycles.

Oscar Sabido appeals for murder conviction to be reduced
At about 4:50 on Friday March 17, three judges of the Court of Appeal concluded hearing the case of convicted prisoner, Oscar Sabido, of Orange Walk. Sabido was convicted in late April 2016 of stabbing and killing his 22 year old girlfiriend, Christie Carrasco. Sabido was sentenced to life and is appealing his sentence. His hope is that his conviction be reduced from murder to manslaughter on the grounds of an error in law by the trial judge who failed to consider provocation in his sum up of his case. Upon leaving the Court of Appeal, Sabido appeared much happier than he did 11 months ago, when on April 26, 2016, Judge Herbert Lord, in a trial by judge found him guilty of Carrasco's murder. He was sentenced to life and after 11 months of incarceration, he presented his case to the court of appeal.

Shopkeeper accused of beating 9 year old boy
On Monday March 20, business man, 31 year old Zhuo Feng Luo, appeared in Magistrate's court before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer where he was charged with harming a minor. Luo, who was unrepresented, was read a single charge of harm. According to the mother of the minor, 34 year old Darlene Morris, on Thurday March 16, 2017 at mile 13 on the Phillip Goldson Highway at the property and business of Luo, her son was beat up by said owner. Morris claims that her son became aware that his ball was in Luo's yard. He asked Luo permission to retrieve the ball but was told that Luo was busy. The minor proceeded to ask Luo's wife and was supposedly given permission.

Shoplifter caught stealing cheese in Public's Supermarket
Carlos Vasquez, 32 year old resident of King's park, was brought before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Monday March 20 where he was arraigned for theft of a ball of Dutch cheese. Vasquez claims that he wanted to feed his two children. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 18th, 2017 when the manager of Public's Supermarket called the police after his security guard made him aware of the possible theft. Vasquez, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the charge of theft of a $49.00 ball of cheese. Senior Magistrate Fraser, in court, asked Vasquez why he stole the cheese and his response was simply that he wanted to feed his children. After Magistrate Fraser asked Vasquez why not just ask for help, he made it known that he had asked the manager of the supermarket for help but was denied any and that is when he decided to steal the cheese.

Three men acquitted of murder are back in court
In 2015, Judge Troadio Gonzalez ruled in the case of the murder of BDF soldier James Noralez. The murder, which occurred on November 23, 2012, was committed execution style. Noralez was shot numerous times to the body and was left for dead at the intersection of George Price Highway and Faber's Road Extension, Belize City. In 2015, the three men appeared before the judge who ruled that the prosecution's evidence was merely circumstantial and insufficient and had to rule out the case. The men walked away from the court free men. There may be a turn of events in the fate of the three men as the crown's DPP representative, Sheneiza Smith, has appealed for the men to return to court. Smith highlighted evidence that were adduced in the 2015 trial. The evidence, she maintains, directly points the murder to the three men.

Two men injured one another in public fight
Two Belize City men who were engaged in a fight where both were badly injured decided to put their differences aside after being detained at the Queen Street Police Station in Belize City. They were later brought to court on those charges. The two men, 23 year-old Robert Orellano of #9060 Locario Street, Belize City and Amador Patt, particulars unknown, appeared before Magistrate Norman Rodriguez in court #4 to be read a single charge each of wounding. It was a case of a cross complaint in which Orellano, after being injured in a fight, pressed charges against the man he is accused of injuring. Both men were before the court to answer to the charges of wounding. The first defendant, Orellano, pleaded guilty to wounding Patt on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Upon listening to the case, Magistrate Rodriguez realized that the two men were charged for wounding each other.

Wandering child costs hardworking father $200 in court
On Wednesday, March 22, Simon August was brought to Magistrate's on the charge of allowing his child to suffer in a public place. In court, August, a fisherman, recalls that his son, one of his three children, was to arrive home from school at 4:00 p.m. but didn't. His son, who usually visits his mother, was very late and did not return home until after 9:00 p.m. August informed the court that he recalled that he set out to look for his son on Mahogany Street. After his efforts proved to be futile, he searched BBQ's shop house which also proved futile. After this, he says he visited a police station where he asked the officers if they had seen his son but they had not. He returned to the owner's home and saw his bicycle, which his son was using, he then headed home.

Elijah Burke, 26, is arraigned for the murder of his sister, Julian Burke
Elijah Burke was brought before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on Wednesday, March 22, 2017. Burke was charged with the chopping death of his sister Julian Burke which occurred at their residence at the corner of First and Peter Streets in the King's Park area of Belize City. The incident occurred on March 19, 2017. Jullian, the mother of a six year old boy, had gone with her son to visit her sister. Upon her return, it is alleged that her brother, Elijah, awaited her behind a coconut tree. Elijah attacked his sibling with a machete and the sight soon turned gruesome. Burke's common-law-husband, JD Funes, described one of her hands was almost severed and hanging after he met her in the hospital. Julian soon succumbed to her injuries. Her brother was apprehended by police on Monday, March 20, 2017. The motive for the murder is still unknown.


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Edward P. Yorke High Schools girls and San Pedro High School boys are national high schools softball champions
The National Secondary Schools Sports Association held its National Secondary Schools Softball championship on Friday 17th March and Saturday 18th March, 2017, at Rogers Stadium in Belize. On Saturday 18th March, in the female championship game, Edward P. Yorke High School the Central Region representative edged out Belmopan Comprehensive High School the Western Region representative by the score of 8-6 to capture its very first national title. The winning pitcher was Jasany Westby while the loss was charged to Renisha Richards. In the consolation game, tournament favourite Independence High School representing the Southern Region defeated Belize Rural High School representing the Northern Region by the score of 12-4 to take the bronze medals. The winning pitcher was Shelby Linares and the losing pitcher was Keena Pott. On Friday 17th March, in the first game played, Belmopan Comprehensive School edged out Belize Rural High School by the score of 10-9. The winning pitcher was Renisha Richards and the losing pitcher was Reena Pott.

Athletics Association to hold Junior and Senior Time Trial
The Belize Athletics Association invites all athletes and track enthusiasts once again to be a part of a track and field extravaganza. This event will be hosted at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on Saturday 25th March, 2017. All athletes 15 years and older can participate in the events. Registration forms can be obtained from and returned to the BAA via email ( [email protected]) or from our Facebook page (Belize Athletics Association). Registration can also be done on the day of the event.

Cayo Western Ballaz humble Smart Belize Hurricanes
The National Elite Basketball League competition continued on Saturday 18th march, 2017, with two more games on the schedule. At the Sacred Heart College Auditorium in San Ignacio Town, the defending champions continue on its downward spiral when it loss to the host team the Cayo Western Ballaz by the score of 82-78. The top scorers for the Cayo Western Ballaz were Richard Troyer with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals; Darwin Leslie with 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists and a steal and Brandon Flowers who scored 9 points to go along with 7 rebounds and an assist towards the win. Meanwhile, the top scorers for the defending champions Smart Belize Hurricanes were Akeem Watters with 15 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals; Andrew Ortiz who contributed 12 points to go along with his 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals; Glency Lopez who scored 11 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, dished out 5 assists and a steal and Brian White who also scored 11 points, to go along with his 12 rebounds and an assist in a losing effort.

Verdes FC and Freedom Fighters play to a draw in Premier League action
The Premier League of Belize Closing Season Competition continued over the last weekend with four games on the schedule. On Sunday 19th March, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, the visiting Freedom Fighters and the host team Verdes FC played to a 1-1 draw. The host team Verdes FC made it onto the scoreboard first when Carlos Vasquez scored the 1st goal of the game in the 44th minute of play to give his team a short-lived lead. However, the Freedom Fighters was able to penetrate the Verdes FC defence when Myron Cadle scored the equalising goal in the 49th minute of play to tie the score at 1-1. At the end of the long whistle it was a 1-1 draw.

Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Competition opens
The 2016-2017 Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball competition opened on Monday 20th March, 2017, at the Stars Gymnasium on Princess Margaret Drive in Belize City. The schools that are participating in this year's competition in the girls' category includes Belize Elementary School, St. Joseph Primary School, All Saints Primary School, Queen Street Baptist School, Hummingbird Elementary School, St. Ignatius School, Wesley Upper School and Holy Redeemer School. The schools in the boys category includes Belize Elementary School, St. Joseph Primary School, All Saints School, Queen Street Baptist School, Hummingbird Elementary School, St. John Vianney School, Wesley Upper School and Holy Redeemer School.

Softball Federation names National Women's Team Pool
The Belize Softball Federation has named the female softballers that will form the National Women's Team Pool from where the final 17 players will be selected to represent Belze at IX Pan American Women's Softball Championship scheduled for Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from August 3-14, 2017. The players selected to the pool are: The Head Coach is Mr. Nelberth Flowers and the Assistant Coaches are Floyd Flowers and Keith Madrill. The federation will be meeting with the pool of players on Saturday 18th March at 10:30 am at Rogers Stadium. All players must bring a copy of their Passport Bio date page to the meeting.

Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
The attention of all our youth is drawn to this announcement! I was travelling home on the bus one Saturday afternoon, when six young men in their early twenties got on at the terminal. Their conversation was loud, and they seemed to compete with each other to see who could use the "f" word the most. Maybe talking like this makes you "de man!" They had no respect for the older passengers, and there were parents with young children on board. However, the most disturbing thing was the topic of conversation. They were talking about who could drink the most! One said he could drink twice as much whiskey as any of them, and another said he could drink a liter of rum all by himself. I thought, "Is life so boring and meaningless that you have to blot it out with alcohol?"

States, lies, courts, armed forces & the misuse of power
We are reading people like Palin, Manafort and Drumphall wrong. I do not laugh at their blubbering buffoonery; rather I enter their mind through the doors that they so carelessly leave open. Former New Jersey Superior Court Judge Andrew P. Napolitano offered the WORLD a very good view into the mind of the unscrupulous supremacists. Napolitano claimed that in Mr. Obama's case, he may have gone to a British intelligence agency to seek external help, so as not to leave any evidence that a wiretap took place. The former Superior Court Judge was purposefully disingenuous. He displayed a total disregard for honesty, integrity and truth. We ought not to put our confidence in flawed, corrupt systems - Injustice Systems, Bogus Systems.

The fight for OW North
Last week, channel 7 asked Hon. Finnegan to reflect on good Belizean politicians to which the Minister responded," Dean Russell Lindo and Said Wilbert Musa". Now I would never challenge Honorable Finnegan's observations since he definitely possesses more sagacity and experience than I will ever have. But with due respect, the Honorable does not have much exposure to electoral politics in OW, which is the home-ground of party politics all seasons in the Year, election time or not. Here I have to tip my hat to the PUP for their tenacity and doggedness in never letting up. And it's not just via their radio and TV outlets that we see them. They have a standing committee of educated PUP die-hards who meet frequently to strategize to advise the hierarchy of the Pary. In addition, the secretariat in town has a database on all electors and soon to be electors. Birthday cards are frequently delivered by PUP foot soldiers whether one is Red or Blue. Each senior citizen in OW Central receives a small bag of groceries each month to help with expenses. Johnny rarely refuses a solicitation for medical assistance, Red or Blue.

Desperation Squared
I make it a point to steer clear from commenting on the different practices and traditions of the several religious denominations that exist in Belize today. This is because many scholars hold firm the opinion that religious intolerance between differing faiths has sparked the most appalling conflicts in our world's civilized history; several of these deadly conflicts continue without abate even to this day. That said, and I say this tongue in cheek, I will risk one comment here on a ritual which I thought was pretty uncommon and bizarre, especially coming from a nationally recognized organization who participated in this ceremony. Last week Wednesday January 15 the leadership of the People's United Party went to sing "happy birthday" songs at the tombstone of the late Rt. Hon. George C. Price, and then later went on to sponsor a press conference at Independence Hall, evoking the former PUP leader's name several times during the in-house political rally.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Man shot in Belize City
A man was shot on the south side of Belize City last night. The victim has been identified as Ron Myvett.

Body parts found in Iguana Creek are those of a female
On Tuesday, BBN reported that police were called to a location near the Iguana Creek bridge in the Cayo District where a group of young men hunting iguanas found what appeared to be parts of a human body.

Burglar gets 7 years in prison
Alton Carr was yesterday sentenced to 7 years for burglary. According to Belmopan police, the burglary occurred between the 18th to the 21st of April 2014.

Man convicted of killing girlfriend gets sentence reduced
Last April, Osmar Sabido,30, was sentenced to life in prison for the 2011 murder of his girlfriend, 21 year old Christie Carrasco. However, today Sabido had his conviction reduced after his attorney...

Media leaves Belize Police Department hanging
Last week BBN reported that the media in the country joined together to unanimously boycott the police department. The media's frustration was because the new media policy allowed for only police press officers to respond and to issue ...

Barry Rosales died of drowning
Barry Rosales who went missing at sea earlier this month died of drowning, according to a postmortem examination conducted by medical officers today. Rosales was found around 4:30 p.m. on March 22nd 2017 on the southern section of Alligator Caye.

PUP calls for Elrington’s removal
Last Friday, Foreign Minister, Wilfred Elrington told the nation that our maritime borders were never agreed upon and that we were all squatting on land for which we did not have the title. As a result, the Opposition People's United Party (PUP) issued a press release calling for his removal.

Austrian Government requested removal of Belize’s Ambassador
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sedi Elrington confirmed today that the Austrian Government requested the removal of Belize's Ambassador to Austria. Elrington, however, reported that no reason was given by Austria as to why they wanted Ambassador Joel Nagel removed.

Fatal accident on Philip Goldson Highway claims one life
Yesterday at 8:15 a.m., police visited an accident scene between miles 57and 58 on the Phillip Goldson Highway where a pickup truck and a motor cycle collided injuring the motorcycle driver. On the scene was a White 4-door 2001 Ford Ranger Pickup driven at [�]

Man missing at sea found dead
Reports to our newsroom are that last night the body of Mr Barry Rosales, aka Jaxey, was found. He was reportedly found near a mangrove area outside of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. A post mortem is scheduled for today to determine the cause [�]

President Trump's campaign manager laundered money through Belize
Paul Manafort, campaign manager for US President Donald Trump is in the middle of a money laundering scandal which was allegedly facilitated through a company in Belize. This week, Ukrainian lawmaker Sergii Leshchenko claimed that he has documents proving that Manafort helped former Ukrainian President [�]

Mid-afternoon fire guts two buildings in Santa Elena, Cayo
Yesterday around 1:45pm, San Ignacio Police received information of a house fire at # 25 George Price Boulevard, Santa Elena Town. Police saw a two story building measuring about 20 feet by 30 feet engulfed in flames. George Vasquez reported that yesterday while at [�]

Fair weather to prevail
The 24 hour forecast is for partly cloudy skies with some isolated showers today. The wind will blow from the east to northeast at 5-15 knots and the sea state will be choppy. High temperatures are expected as follows: In the coast - 84 [�]

Belmopan businesses donate new vehicle to police
The Belmopan police formation today received a new vehicle. The vehicle was donated by the Belmopan business community. Officer commanding Belmopan police, Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett thanked the people of Belmopan for the generous donation. " I promise that it will be used solely [�]

51 year old Sand Hill fisherman remains missing at sea
On Monday, March 20, around 2:05 p.m., police received information of a missing person. Police visited Alligator Caye located about 20 miles south east of Belize City and spoke with Percival Flowers, 63, fisherman of Sandhill Village. Flowers reported that on Sunday sometime between [�]

"Mr. Middleton" finally identified- he has a first name!
The Senate Special Select Committee finally has a name for the infamous "Mr. Middleton" whom several witnesses have said is an integral part of the visa fraud, currently under investigation. During the testimony of Immigration Officer Inez casanova, she positively identified "Mr. Middleton" as [�]

Blogs

Gone with the Wind - Parasail over the water!
The winds have been delicious, and coupled with the sunshine, spotless blue skies and crystal clear waters, there is truly no better way to enjoy it all than dangling from a smiley faced chute as a boat sails you around. Imagine our surprise when Jimmy says, "Okay, let's go right now!" I mean, all you can say is "Okay!" This is living the moment, and all thoughts of deadlines, computer screens and really, life, slip away as we get on the boat for our spontaneous little adventure. Do we let the boss know? Nahhhh�she'll figure it out when we come back to office MUCH later than the 15 minutes we promised! Teehee�and knowing her, she'd have joined in had she come with us too! Jimmy and his right-hand man Eli and assistant Ahmad took care of us on the quick little boat ride out to sea from their dock, and within moments, Eli has me strapped in to a life vest and harness. I had a flashback to my previous skydiving adventure, and oh my how my excitement grew! Back in the air I go, but this time from the 'ground' up.

Snake Cayes in Southern Belize
The Snake Cayes are four islands that are situated approximately 20 miles off the coast of southern Belize. Named West Middle, East, and South Snake Caye respectively, the islands were given their scary moniker due to the large number of boa constrictor snakes that once lived on the islands. The Snake Cayes are unusual because they are not part of the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The Snake Cayes are officially inside the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and have their own separate coral growing on a ledge of limestone. East Snake Caye was once known as Lighthouse Caye due to the presence of a lighthouse on the island which is still standing (along with a second one built later). Middle Snake Caye is most popular with bird watchers as there are huge nesting sites for Bridled Terns and Brown Noddies. South Snake Caye is less popular with tourists but is used by fishermen in pursuit of lobster and barracuda.

15 Photos that will inspire you to travel to Belize
Today we have beach on the brain. It's still cold, grey and rainy here in Vancouver, so we thought we'd share some photos from our last trip to Belize. Belize still ranks high on our list of 'countries we will revisit again in the future'. We love the laid back vibe of Caye Caulker and Placencia, the silky white sand beaches of Ambergris Caye and Laughing Bird Caye, and the diverse eco-system found in the Cayo District. For such a small country, Belize is fantastically diverse.

Best Beaches In Belize To Visit In 2017
Belize is a tropical paradise situated just south of Mexico's popular Yucatan Peninsula. It's just a quick flight away from the USA, and the best beaches in Belize will blow you away. You can hop on a flight from most USA major hubs in the morning and be on the beach in Belize before lunch time. Belize has been blessed with 240 miles of coastline and more than 450 islands which they call "Cayes." Our first trip to Belize was in 2011 and it is there that the idea to quit our jobs to travel the world was born. Fast forward 2 years later we quit our jobs and boarded a one-way flight to Belize. We've spent over a month in Belize, it's our favorite country in Central America. On our last trip, we rode the chicken buses in Belize all across the country (and even killed a chicken on a chicken bus on accident). Here are our personal favorite beaches in Belize and they are in order of our favorites.

Where to go in Placencia, Belize - for whatever you are in the mood for!
This is a hard question to research or google when you are on vacation.....if you are looking for a tranquil afternoon, you might head to a pool bar, but then find it is a crazy loud place. Maybe you are a vegetarian and you head to a place that specializes in stewed chicken. Here are some helpful hints past guests have reported on, to help you find your perfect vacation spot! EAT THE BEST LOCAL FOOD: This is an arguable one. However, based on guest feedback, these are not the fanciest places, but the places where people have found the best local dishes....Dawn's Grill and Wende's Creole Resaurant. HAVE THE BEST AUTHENTIC, CHEAP LUNCH: Mim's! This is not online, and is very modest looking - you'll find it on main street if you walk right to the street from CBC, on the right. They have the best authentic stewed chicken, rice and beans, for $5usd. (If you are not staying at CBC, it is located north of the village, just south of Top Value). HAVE LOCAL BBQ: John's BBQ in the area right by the fields, where you will see three wood houses, a great place to hang out!

Bird Watching in Belize is Now Trendy
A recent article published in the Telegraph described how bird watching is now a popular and trendy activity for young people. Although birding has often been deemed an activity for middle age people, a new survey in Britain discovered that an astonishing 32% of men aged 16-25 have been birding. The Telegraph article comes on the heels of a Traveller magazine article that labeled bird watching as 2017's "unlikeliest" trendy activity. Traveller magazine described how popular musicians such as the former lead singer of Blur are avid enthusiasts of bird watching, although astute observers may counter that he is not exactly in the Millenial demographic. It's not just young men who have recently taken to bird watching. Growing numbers of younger women are now organizing online, setting up group discussions such as the one named "Next Generation Birders", proof positive that birding is increasingly becoming a popular activity for both genders. The Telegraph reported on these statistics with their trademark sarcasm, quipping that young "hipsters" wearing high-waisted pants will soon be posting photographs on popular social media platforms of the birds they've recorded.

6 Amazing Belize Island Resorts For Your Summer Vacation
Summer is right around the corner, but you don't have to be a Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg in order to enjoy a fabulous island resort vacation in Belize. Whether you prefer to relax in a hammock and sip on a cocktail or get out there on the water and enjoy fabulous adventures like sailing, snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving, there's a great island resort for you. Here are six amazing island resorts in Belize:

Visiting Belize in May? Do not miss the Chocolate Festival
In 2017, the Chocolate Festival will be held from May 19-21. Friday, May 19, 2017, will begin with the festival's signature event, pairing live music, Belizean chocolate, and a selection of excellent wines. Held at the Lodge at Big Falls in the village of Big Falls about 18 miles from Punta Gorda, the night will include a performance from the Garifuna Collectives.

Dear Teenage Girls�.by: Kiah Pastor
Dear Teenage Girls of Belize, There are a couple tragedies currently in the media that has hit close to home therefore I'd like to speak on one. There was a situation that occurred where a 13 year old female sent nude photos to a man and he then threatened to expose them if she did not have sex with him. Well she ended up having sex with him twice. We live in a Society where men glorify women and their bodies but there is a very fine line between being human and appreciating a woman's natural physique and then just being out right disrespectful. In Belize, most cases it's being disrespectful. But as a child having your body go through changes, you're left some what confused. Why should I as a teenager not show off my newly developed breasts if they're so many older and more developed women on social media also showing off their bodies and getting glorified by not only men but other females as well. Do you see my point? Nudity has become a part of pop culture. Nudity has become art. Nudity has been accepted in every case EXCEPT when it has been shared against your will. The amount of guys I've seen preaching about "having self respect" and telling girls to stop sending nudes to young boys are the same guys I recall have asked me to send them a nude when I was between the ages of 12-16.

42 Interesting Facts About Belize That You Need to Know
Do you know Belize? Here are some surprises facts about the country: The official language is English. In 1893, Mexico renounced its claim to Belizean Territory. The country changed its name from British Honduras to Belize in 1973. A peaceful country, Belize is tolerant to different races and religions.

International Sourcesizz

Belizean Tops Guyana Defence Force Cadet Officers' Course
Francisco Choc of Belize has topped the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)'s Standard Officers Course Number 49. Choc is one of two Belizeans who graduated from the course yesterday along with nine Guyanese and one officer from Antigua and Barbuda. Choc received the awards for Best Student, Military Knowledge and Best Fitness. The award for Best Shot went to Gerald Gomes; Best Drill to Travis Marcellino, and Runner up Student to the lone female cadet, Brandi Johnson.

Wyndham Grand Ambergris Caye to open December 2018
Wyndham Hotel Group will manage the 242-key Wyndham Grand Ambergris Caye, the first resort in Belize to fly the Wyndham Grand flag. The five-star oceanfront resort is scheduled to open in December 2018. The resort's five towers, housing one-, two-, and three-bedroom hotel and residential suites, feature 11 waterfalls and rise up from pools connected by bridges and canals. Wyndham Grand Ambergris Caye will offer a spa, fitness centre, multiple restaurants, 7,000 square feet of meeting space and an onsite excursion centre. It puts guests within steps of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world's second largest coral reef system which runs the length of the country, and is just five kilometres from San Pedro, the island's only town.

Wyndham Grand Ambergris Caye Announced for Belize
Wyndham today unveiled plans to manage the 242-key Wyndham Grand Ambergris Caye, the first resort in Belize to fly the Wyndham Grand flag. Caribbean tranquillity meets Venetian romance and charm at this five-star oceanfront resort, scheduled to open in December 2018. Situated along the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, the resort's five towers - housing elegantly designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom hotel and residential suites - feature eleven cascading waterfalls and rise up from sparkling pools connected by bridges and canals reminiscent of Venice. The various waterways create the largest pool of its kind in all of Belize for guests and residents to enjoy. Wyndham Grand Ambergris Caye - owned by Venezia del Caribe, LTD, and developed by Sandy Point Developments, LTD - will offer a signature spa, a fitness center, multiple restaurants, 7,000 square feet of meeting space, and an onsite excursion center. It puts guests within just yards of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world's second largest coral reef system, which runs the length of the country and is just three miles from San Pedro, the island's only town.

S&P - Belize long-term foreign currency rating raised to 'B-'
* S&P - Belize long-term foreign currency rating raised to 'B-' following completion of debt restructuring; outlook is stable * S&P on Belize - Raised the short-term foreign currency rating to 'B' from 'D' * S&P - Raised its long-term foreign currency rating on Belize to 'B-' from 'SD' (selective default) * S&P on Belize - Raised the long-term local currency rating to 'B-' from 'CC' and the short-term local currency rating to 'B' from 'C'

These 21 Caribbean Nations Have Been Named Major Money Laundering Countries
The US has named 21 Caribbean countries among a wider global list of Major Money Laundering Countries of 2016. The US State Department this week released the countries in its 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report on Money Laundering and Financial Crimes. Belize, was slammed by the US State Department as being "vulnerable to money laundering due to the lack of enforcement of its laws and regulations, strong bank secrecy protections, geographic location, and weak investigatory and prosecutorial capacity." The report added that the sources of money laundering in Belize are drug trafficking, tax evasion, securities fraud, and conventional structuring schemes.

Videos

  • Ll�name - Guillermo Rodr�guez, 4min.

  • "Our" fox showed up today and I got some good video. Cheers Restaurant & Cabanas., 2.5min.

  • Watch today's live feed of the 2017 Budget Debate, 1hr. Meeting of The House of Representatives from The National Assembly Chamber, Belmopan.

  • High School Subsidy Programme, 2min. The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture is currently carrying out the survey for the High School Subsidy Programme. Get informed and share the information. We want to ensure that we reach those who really need it!

  • It's that time of the year Maya Day 2017. Long live the Mayan Culture, 1min.

  • Beer Diaries in Belize - The Maya,16 min. The Beer Diaries did an episode on the Maya, with Xunantunich and Cahal Pech being the Maya sites they featured in the episode. Looks like Andy Bahadur showed them around, and schooled them on everything Maya. "In this episode, host Mike Mann and his team visit the Maya ruins, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, in the heart of San Ignacio. Andy Bahadur, Maya expert, explains the prominence and decline of these sites, along with the significance of the various ceremonies of the people who lived there."

  • Belize Snorkeling and Scuba Diving, 2.5min.

  • DOCUMEMORIES: Belize ´11, 2min. "Seeking Sustainability One Shrimp at a Time" Alumni looking back at their trip to Belize, where their story took a turn for the better.

  • Mayas of San Jose Palmer video by Arturo Cantun, 2.5min. This is a video of the Mayas of San Jose Palmer of Orange Walk . The Yucatec Maya(Maya Mestizo) is a dying culture in northern Belize but the people are struggling to preserve their history,culture,language and traditions. The Yucatec Mayas are found in Corozal,Orange Walk and Cayo. The Yucatec Maya may also identify as "Maya,Masewal,Maya Masewal,Maya Mestizo or indio" Documentary of the Yucatec Mayas of northern Belize.

  • Zenaida Moya Show Episode 15, 1.5hr.

  • Large shark's sudden close approach scares divers, 1/2min. Divers in Belize were conducting a 3 minute safety stop, a necessary step before returning to the boat. This is crucial for expelling nitrogen in the diver's blood which can cause serious injury. They were surprised by the sudden appearance of a nine foot long reef shark who took a sudden interest in one diver's feet. The shark abruptly turned and came up right under the diver. His shock and fear is obvious as he tries to pull his feet up and away from the shark. The animal makes a few more passes, moving quickly among the nervous divers. Most encounters like this are due to curiosity and not aggression, but when it was so unexpected, these divers were very happy to see the shark swim away!

  • Belize Dance Party, 4min.

  • Budget Analysis - People's United Party, 52min.

  • Anglican Diocese of Belize - The women in Church / Province in the West Indies Annual Meeting, 33min.

  • Credit Masters System promote CMS Complaint System, 22min.

  • BELIZE'S CYCLING "DAREDEVIL" RUDY MIGUEL & THE HOLY SATURDAY CROSS COUNTRY CYCLING RACE!, 18min. Two years ago this feature on the two times Belize Cross Country Cycling Champion, Rudy Miguel, should have been done. But it appears that at this late a date, after the 2015 Belize Cross Country victory of Miguel's American born grand nephew, Justin Williams, that the story of triumph of the Miguel brothers cycling dynasty was worth the wait.

  • CAPTAIN ROBY ISLAND GIRL, 3min.

  • Belize on the fly, 4min.

  • Purposefully Lost - Ambergris Caye, Belize, 6.5min. In search of tarpon, bonefish, and good times. El Pescador Lodge, Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, Belize. 2016.

  • Blacktip Reef Sharks Belize, 3min. Our Divemaster 'Flip' was chumming for sharks and snagged a big Blacktip Reef Shark. I think he got a bit more than he had planned for and had to cut him loose!!

  • Spying on a Fly Fisherman in San Pedro Belize - Ocean Fly Fishing Practice - 2017, 1.5min. We were chilling out having beers by the pool and watched a gentleman practice his Fly Fishing casting and retrieval from the dock. It was windy but he seemed to have the hang of it.

  • Little monkeys in Belize, 2min.


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