Today's Belize News: August 31, 2018

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Today's Belize News: August 31, 2018 #532094 08/31/18 06:50 AM
Joined: Oct 1999 Posts: 84,398 oregon, spr Marty OP
OP Marty	FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report. Specials and Events Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials The San Pedro Sun Sixth week of Copa San Pedro 2018 sees four games Four matches were played during the sixth week of Copa San Pedro 2018 at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. On Thursday, August 23rd Island Warriors took on Golden Warriors at 7PM. At the end of the game time, it was a clear 3-0, victory for the Island Warriors. The next match saw G-Strikers defeating Vince Assassins with a 2-1 score. The last set of matches were played the following day, starting at 7PM with Ambergris Combined Force victorious over the Ocean Girls, with a 4-1 final score. The last match of the football weekend saw Young Strikers winning 5-4 against Ambergris Hopes. Copa San Pedro 2018 continues this weekend, starting on Thursday, September 6th at 7PM, at the Ambergris Stadium. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy a weekend of football. San Pedro Pirates lose another home game San Pedro Pirates F.C hosted the Belize Defense Force (BDF) for their third match in the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) 2018 Season at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town on Saturday, August 25th. Despite the inclement weather, the match took place, and at the final whistle, the visiting team managed to claim the victory with a 1-0 point score. The current standings have Belmopan Bandits at the top of the chart with 10 points, followed by Police United Verdes F.C with nine points and Wagiya F.C with six points. Following the top three teams is BDF with four points. San Pedro Pirates F.C and Altitude Assassins F.C have three points each, and yet to make it on the chart is Freedom Fighters. For their next match, the San Pedro Pirates will be playing another home game at the Ambergris Stadium on Saturday, September 1st against Verdes Football Club. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30PM. All islanders are invited to come out and support the home team. Food and drinks will be on sale during the game. San Pedro businessman remanded for discharging firearm in public Island businessman, 40-year-old William Mulligan has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison after he was charged for discharging a firearm on the beach. On Monday, August 27th, he was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where he pled not guilty. However, due to the nature of the offense, he was denied bail and remanded until his next court date on October 31, 2018. The police have not released an official report on the incident, however, close acquaintances of Mulligan have shared what happened on Saturday, August 25th at Secret Beach, one of San Pedro's popular beaches. According to unofficial reports, a pit bull reportedly attacked Mulligan's dog, and after several failed attempts to break up the fight, he fired a single warning shot in the air. The sound of the shot scared the pit bull, who then let go of Mulligan's dog. Ambergris Today Belizean Traveller Campaign Concludes With A Bang! The Belize Tourism Board's highly publicized Belizean Traveller Campaign, which encouraged Belizeans to be a traveller in their own country, came to a close on Saturday 25 August with a superb and dynamic grand finale at the BTL Park, which included numerous giveaways, live entertainment and the selection of winners of six vacation prizes worth $25,000.00. Belizeans Trained In Study Of Marine Litter The Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI) and the Belize Water Services (BWS) have partnered to conduct a workshop on the methodology for marine litter studies in Belize. The workshop entitled "Standardization of Methodology for Marine Little Sampling: A Citizen Scientist Approach", was held on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 in the CZMAI Training Room in Belize City. The objectives of the workshop were to 1) have participants be able to identify and quantify marine litter according to standard international methodology and 2) prepare participants for the upcoming Scouts Association of Belize annual National Coastal and River-ways Cleanup. The BTB Donates Kitchen Equipment And Food Supplies To Schools And NGO's In Belize City Belize's tourism is unique and diverse. Its excellent cuisine is among many of its special features. As part of its support to our school education sector and our community, the BTB recently donated stoves, gas tanks and pantry stock to 11 schools and 3 non-profit organizations in Belize City. The donations will assist the receiving institutions to strengthen and enhance their respective feeding programs. The institutions receiving gas stoves and gas tanks included St. Mary's Church, St. Joseph School, All Saints School, Trinity Methodist School, Divine Mercy Parish, St. Martin de Porress, Queen's Square Anglican School, St. John's Vianney RC School, Salvation Army School, Calvary Temple School and Wesley School. Misc Belizean Sources Free Training for Unemployed Youth in the Toldeo District Ages 14-29. Department of Youth Services in Punta Gorda. BELIZEAN TRAVELLER CAMPAIGN CONCLUDES WITH A BANG! The Belize Tourism Board's highly publicized Belizean Traveller Campaign, which encouraged Belizeans to be a traveller in their own country, came to a close on Saturday 25 August with a superb and dynamic grand finale at the BTL Park, which included numerous giveaways, live entertainment and the selection of winners of six grand vacation prizes worth $25,000.00. Heavy dark clouds and the drizzle could not dampen the festive spirit during the grand finale with the crowd becoming highly euphoric as Belizean superstar entertainer, Supa G hit the stage. Hosts Raphael Martinez and Ted Tejada kept the crowd's eyes glued to their tickets as they announced the winners of the numerous prizes. The event also included cultural presentations and entertainment by Kenny G and the New Creation Band, the Belize National Dance Company and the Barranco Garifuna Group. DigiNet also held a Party at the Park with numerous promotions and giveaways. Government of Belize Responds to Brodies Pharmaceutical Imports Issue The Ministry of Health notes that a press release was recently issued by James Brodie & Company Ltd. (Brodies) on a shipment of pharmaceutical products being denied entry into Belize. The Ministry reminds the public that in July 2017 a Statutory Instrument (SI) was enacted that made provisions for the importation of pharmaceuticals to Belize. That SI required that all labelling and relevant documentation of all pharmaceutical products being imported to Belize must be in English and/or Spanish. The process started in November 2016, with all relevant stakeholders being duly informed of the regulations. The Ministry had identified five pharmaceutical companies out of 37 that were previously importing products with labels other than English and/or Spanish. Four of those companies had discontinued importation of these products except James Brodie and Company Ltd. Orange Walk Teen Wins Anti-Trafficking in Persons Video Competition The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council of Belize (A-TIPS) is pleased to announce that 17-year-old Vince Villatoro of Orange-Walk is the winner of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons video competition. Villatoro won for his submission entitled "The Traffick", which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/kUpnkoRh-y0. For his efforts, Villatoro received prizes valued at $700.00. Mike Hernandez Jr., Communication and Public Relations Officer at Belize Tourism Board (BTB), presented Villatoro with $500.00 courtesy of the BTB, while Margaret Nicholas, Executive Director of the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC), awarded the teen with two $100 savings accounts at the National Bank of Belize. Fraudulent Social Media Accounts of Past and Current Ministers It has been brought to the attention of the Government of Belize that there have been an overwhelming number of fake social media accounts using the identities of past and current Government Ministers. The public is hereby advised that the following Instagram accounts do not belong to the mentioned officials and are in no way associated with their Ministries: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Labour, Local Government, Rural Development, Energy, Public Utilities, Public Service, and Elections and Boundaries. Hon. Hugo Patt, Minister of Natural Resources. Hon. Rene Montero, Minister of Works. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Hon. Frank Mena, Minister of State in the Ministries of Public Utilities, Public Service, and Elections and Boundaries Jennie Staines to represent Belize at Coconut Festival The San Pedro Town Council is proud to announce that Elvis Kitchen's world renowned Chef, Jennie Staines, will be representing Belize at the Gastronomical forum and cooking expo at the annual Coconut Festival organized by the municipality of Othon P. Blanco in Calideritas, Quintana Roo. The festival is on the 1st and 2nd of September but the pre-festival activities commenced on Friday August 24th. Chef Jennie will be displaying her culinary skills and sharing some technics on the use of the coconut in Belize's rich gastronomy. Culinary display forum will be broadcast live on Friday August 31st on Quintana Roo State run media outlets - Sistena Quintanarroense de Communicacion Social (SQCS). Award winning Chef Jennie, is the Executive Chef at Elvi's Kitchen and while she has received training in the USA, her Maya and Caribbean cuisine has captivated food lovers from around the world, including Prince Harry. Corozal's Miss Independence Queen Meet Miss Adriana Villegas, Corozal's Miss Independence Queen since Saturday August 25th. She is Corozal's newest Ambassador as the community prepares for the most celebrated month in Belize...Independence Celebrations. Vacancy available at Corozal ITVET Caye Caulker Fire engine and Uniform Parade All are invited to the fire engine parade at 6:00 p.m. this Saturday, September 1st, 2018 . The Caye Caulker Village Council has launched its calendar of events for this year's September Celebration on the island. We have several activities scheduled that are not only fun, but also family oriented and patriotic. This year, the Caye Caulker Village Council is planning our third annual, "fire Engine and. Uniform Parade" on September 1", 2018 commencing at 6:00 p.m. at the Central Park. Queen of the West 2018 The 2018 Queen of the West pageant is this Saturday, September 1st, at the Octavia Waight auditorium. The pageant contestants will have a meet and greet at Shell Santa Elena tomorrow between 3:00pm and 5:00pm. Rotary Wine and Paint Night Rotary had a great first Wine and Paint Night at the Cahal Pech Resort. A week ago our club hosted our very first Wine and Paint Night. It was a great success thanks to the wonderful Keion Griffith, his team, Priscilla Quiroz and our club members; we cannot thank you all enough!A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out and supported us and congratulations to the winners of the evening Keisha Garbutt and especially Debbie Alfaro, who won 'Best Art of the night. Vote for Melvin - a birding guide at the Coppola Resorts (Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn) To win a big international award as an unsung hero. And let the world know that Belize IS AWESOME for wildlife and birding. Melvin is an accredited ornithologist and shares his deep knowledge of the birds of Belize with guests. Guests have varied levels of interest in the experience, from avid to novice, yet each rave about the authenticity of the exploration with Melvin and the passion he exudes. As well as guiding guests on the properties birds, he also spearheads the beach clean up teams, volunteers for every conservation protect, partnered with local Belize researchers to do a bird count and was invited by Cornell Ornithology department invited him to share his knowledge of the Birds of Belize. His passion for birds is huge, in his own words: 'When I am watching them, when I am lost in being with them, I forget about myself and I am happy.' The BTB donates kitchen equipment and food items to schools & N.G.O's in Belize City Belize's tourism is unique and diverse. Its excellent cuisine is among many of its special features. As part of its support to our school education sector and our community, the BTB recently donated stoves, gas tanks and pantry stock to 11 schools and 3 non-profit organizations in Belize City. The donations will assist the receiving institutions to strengthen and enhance their respective feeding programmes. The institutions receiving gas stoves and gas tanks included St. Mary's Church, St. Joseph School, All Saints School, Trinity Methodist School, Divine Mercy Parish, St. Martin de Porres, Queen's Square Anglican School, St. John's Vianney RC School, Salvation Army School, Calvary Temple School and Wesley School. Those receiving pantry stock included Dorothy Menzies Children's Home, Sister Cecilia's Home for the Elderly and the Salvation Army. US Embassy Looking for Foreign Service Officer The Embassy of the United States of America announces that applications for the position of Foreign Service Officer (FSO) are now being accepted from U.S. citizens by the Department of State. One of the first steps in becoming an FSO is to take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), which is administered worldwide at various locations, including Belize. The FSOT, which only U.S. citizens are eligible to take, will be offered this year in Belize at the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan on Tuesday, October 2 and Wednesday, October 3, 2018. The registration deadline for candidates intending to test overseas is September 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Paradise Theater playing this weekend Ocean's 8, Superfly, Upgrade, Hereditary Reduce clashes between jaguars & farmers in Belize Jaguars are increasingly losing critical habitat and coming into conflict with livestock farmers due to expanding agricultural areas, including livestock farms. Ya'axch�'s previous collaborative work with farmers has yielded positive results to addressing this conflict. Help us reduce the clashes between jaguars and humans in southern Belize by donating! Share our fundraising campaign with your family, friends and colleagues. "Orgullosamente Descendiente Maya" The Jaguar temple in Lamanai(from Lama'anayin, "submerged crocodile" in Yucatec Maya).In 625 CE, "Stele 9" was erected there in the Yucatec Maya Language. Enjoy this Poem name "Orgullosamente Descendiente Maya" written by Andy Chuc a Belizean Yucatec Maya. Channel 7 President Sapnah Speaks, Still Not On Suspension It’s been an interesting week for NICH President Sapnah Budhrani. She was ordered to go on administrative leave by Cabinet over concerns about an internal audit - which pointed to many irregularities under her brief tenure. It was a putdown for Culture Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber - who personally vouched for Budhrani and even equated her integrity with his own - which, apparently, didn’t amount to much more than a hill of beans for his Cabinet colleagues. But things have taken an unexpected turn; it seems Budhrani hasn’t gone on any leave - she was front row at a press conference today - as NICH President with her board and Directors dutifully falling in line. 7News was at the event - and Jules Vasquez has the story:… For a woman who's supposedly been suspended by Cabinet directive, NICH President Sapna Budhrani looked relatively at ease today, sitting - perhaps defiantly- as NICH President backed by her full NICH board - and all the directors. Ambassador Barrow Vs. President Budhrani But who we haven’t heard from is Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow. He’s the first one who publicly challenged Budhrani on August 21st, questioning her competence and integrity. The timing is interesting because in a letter dated 20th August Budhrani wrote Barrow asking him to provide invoices for 35 thousand dollars spent on music week. It was dated the 20th, but Shyne said he got that letter hand delivered at 5:30 pm - on the 21st - hours after the spoke to the press. So, are the two things related - did President Budhrani send the letter to harass Ambassador Shyne after his outspoken interview? That’s what we asked today:… Another Audit Appears And while all these counter allegations swirl in the political and administrative ether, another audit has appeared. This one for the NatIonal Sports Council. We won’t bore you with the details, but it is complied by staff from the Ministry of Education Youth Sports and Culture and covers the period September to November 2017. The three person team found that what they say are a number of irregularities with the issuance of checks and other discrepancies. That was 13 pages, and we note that Director Ian Jones struck back with a 46 page management response basically disproving the conclusions of that audit. But, we’re sure the battle over this one will rage on for a while. We’re still parsing through the dense paperwork. Concerns Mount For Missing American After Vehicle Found There are still no clues about the whereabouts of US retiree and Hopkins resident Sherris Stringham. But police found her green NISSAN Xterra last night on a feeder road off the bypass in Orange Walk – a long way from Hopkins. Police did not address this matter on camera today at the bi-weekly press briefing just said they will continue to investigate and hopefully Stringham's vehicle can lead them a step closer to finding her. Also our information is that police have a male person of interest from Silk Grass who has been detained. Stringham had only been living in Belize for a little over a year. Which Way Will the Big Vote Go? So…tomorrow’s going to be a big one at the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister as Minister of Finance will table the appropriations bill to pay the 95 million dollar compensation award for the Universal Health Services debt. The vote will surely go to a division - where each member will have to state their vote: do they vote to pay, or not to pay? It is widely felt that the UDP majority will vote “no”, while up to yesterday, the PUP were still hemming and hawing - and the party may take a position to simply abstain form the vote. It’s a tough spot for the blue side, because as we have reported, the genesis of the problem was a secret guarantee signed during the Musa Administration. What Did Police See In Friesen's Scope? Police say that there is nothing behind Abraham Friesen’s detention and charge. Friesen is the Mennonite from Shipyard who was charged with tampering with a firearm without the authorization of the commissioner of police. This is after police searched his home and found his licensed .223 rifle with a scope attached to it – which, apparently, is illegal to have on your gun without an “ok” from the Compol. Who knew, right? Indeed, it is a minor offense- and an unusual arrest. Today the police told us it was just part of standard search operation. Indians Gone, But Police Still Investigating Them For Theft Keyur Barot and Jitendra Kumar are back in India. They were repatriated to their home country amidst an ongoing criminal investigation. Their former employer, Jack Charles is accusing them of stealing $60,000 Belize dollars from him last year. The pair crossed the border to Guatemala with Charles’s money and vehicle. They were later captured in Mexico and brought back to Belize. Now Barot and Kumar have their own claim against Charles. They say Charles held them against their will and that they are human trafficking victims. Charles completely denies this allegation and shared these pictures of the men living it up with co workers friends in Belize at Goff’s Caye. Charles says that these pictures taken fro their social media accounts show just how free the men were. Police told us more about their side of this case. Cop Was In Right Place, Right time With A 9 As we told you there was a shooting at the corner of Johnson Street and Cemetery Road on Tuesday night. Matthew Smith was shot to the shoulder with a .45 pistol. Now it could have been worse, or even fatal for Smith if it weren’t for Corporal Keith Cruz stepping in as he did to scare the gunmen off. Police told us more at the press briefing. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB, Belize City: "Police responded to shots being fired somewhere on Johnson Street as a result upon police visiting at that location police observed a male person who identified himself as Matthew Smith, 30 year old Belizean from number 20 Johnson Street..." Man Critical After Island Beatdown A mob of angry bar goers attacked a pair of Caye Caulker residents. It happened on the island on Tuesday. Residents Amado Watson and American national Kathleen Perry were at a sports bar when they got into an argument with others. One thing led to another and the disagreement spilled outside and a group of people attacked Watson and Perry. Here is more. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB, Belize City: "That same Tuesday just about minutes after 11:00, Caye Caulker police visited Pasero Street where they observed a male person who identified himself as Amado Watson, 47 year old Belizean of Avenida Hicaco. He was seen with a large cut wound in the back of his head and he was in an unconscious state. Also seen in the area was a US national Kathleen Perry, a 33 year old Belizean who is visiting Caye Caulker she was seen with a cut wound to her nose..." Ministry Doubles Down On Blocking Turkish Meds Brodies has gone public in its war with the Ministry of Health - and tonight, the Ministry is snapping back. The Ministry says that after it implemented new regulations requiring labelling only in English or Spanish for all medicines, it identified five pharmaceutical companies out of 37 that were importing products with labels in other languages. Four of those companies discontinued importation of these foreign language medicines, except for Brodies. The Ministry says that - in spite of the regs - it has still found foreign language medicines on pharmaceutical shelves supplied by Brodies up to May, 2018. And then in June 2018, Brodies went to the Ministry with a list of over 160 products that did not have the required english-spanish labels. Key Lee Cook Sent Home He had been flipping breasts and thighs at one of Belize City’s busiest fried chicken joints, Key Lee for 8 years, but, it turns out, 40 year old Chinese national Yingyi Liang, was in Belize working illegally. Yesterday in court, he was charged with failure to comply with the conditions of his temporary work permit, and was fined $1,000 plus $5 court cost. Liang was ordered to pay forthwith and the Immigration Department applied for and was granted an order for Liang to be deported to China either after he has paid the fine. Laing was given a temporary work permit for the June 17, 2010 to June 15, 2011. On August 27, he was picked up and detained by Immigration Officers who were on an operation in Belize City. The Pageant Of Pre-Nationalist Patriotism The Queen of the Bay Pageant will be held tomorrow night at the Civic. While other pageants might be all about beauty, this one has that historical element, where pre-natIonalist colonial loyalists figured you couldn’t really go wrong with mixing pretty girls and patriotic sentiment. The tradition continues for the 73rd year tomorrow and we found out more during rehearsals at the Bliss:.. Shari Williams - Coordinator, Queen of the Bay: "For 73 years in an unbroken line the pageant has occurred. So there have been 72 past queens of the bay, this year we're selecting the 73rd." Report: CTICO's Financial Controller Went Home The City Council’s Financial has reportedly resigned. Marilyn Ordonez reportedly gave notice of her resignation yesterday - and was told she didn’t have to give notice and could head on home. Ordonez was given a four year contract in 2017 - around the same time as City Administrator Candice Miller. But, unlike Miller, she did not seem to have an adversarial relationship with the incoming council - and we heard the Mayor speaking praisingly of her - especially when he was presenting figures exposing abuses by the previous UDP council. But, it seems something must have been awry - and Ordonez - who was a veteran public officer - has now reportedly left the council’s employ. A Video With A Message Human trafficking is a very weighty issue but Belizean teens were challenged to simplify it in a 1 to 3 minute video as part of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons video competition. The competition was held in honor of World Day against trafficking which was observed on July 30th. 17 year old Orange Walk resident Vince Villatoro came out on top in the competition with an interesting, well produced video which shows the plight of trafficked females. Villatoro got $500 courtesy BTB and the NCFC opened (2) $100 savings accounts for the teen at the National Bank of Belize. Channel 5 NICH Board Comes Out in Defense of President Sapna Budhrani The controversy at the National Institute of Culture and History continues to unravel with President Sapna Budhrani is in the hot seat. �Since details began to emerge on the state [...] NICH President's Vehicle was Purchased in Chetumal The purchase of a compact crossover vehicle for use by NICH President Sapna Budhrani, as well as fuel consumption for the 2018 Honda CR-V raised eyebrows in the memo sent [...] Fuel Consumption for NICH Vehicles Comfortably Below Budget The gas bill for NICH during April and July was also queried by the internal auditor.� According to his report, which was described as a draft audit, fuel consumption sprang [...] Missing Altun Ha Funds Were Found and Deposited into NICH Account On the issue of missing monies, Matus' report indicates that funds collected from archaeological sites, including Altun Ha, have been unaccounted since March eighth.� Heading the Institute of Archaeology since [...] Sherris Stringham is Still Missing; Her Vehicle is Found in Orange Walk Sixty-seven-year-old Sherris Stringham is still missing. It has been five days since the American woman has last been seen. And tonight concerns for her whereabouts are growing after police found [...] Was Dr. Carlos Itza Fired for Speaking Out? Chairman of the Sugar Control Production Committee, Doctor Carlos Itza has finally heard from the Chairman of the Sugar Industry Control Board, Gabriel Martinez. But the letter gave him his [...] Audit Report Raises Questions at National Sports Council In another government department under the responsibility of Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, questions are being raised in respect of an internal audit conducted at the National Sports Council for [...] G.O.B. Hits Back At Brodies for Importing Medicine without Proper Labeling G.O.B. has promptly responded to statements made by James Brodie and Company Limited, an importer of pharmaceuticals. On Wednesday, Brodies claimed that it stands to lose some ninety thousand dollars [...] Police Officer Fires at Gunman Who Attempted to Kill a Belize City Resident Police say neither they nor Matthew Smith know why he was shot on Tuesday night at the corner of Johnson Street and Cemetery Road. On Wednesday we told you that [...] Cocaine Case Fell apart After Arresting Officers Showed Up Late for Trial On Monday we reported on the case in which two men were charged with drug trafficking of five kilos of cocaine and possession of firearm and ammunition without a gun [...] Barot and Kumar in India - What's Next? Tonight, Keyur Barot and Jitendra Kumar are back in India. The duo was under protective custody in Belize because of a human trafficking allegation they made against their former boss [...] Shipyard Villager Charged for Interfering with a Firearm On Tuesday around nine-thirty, police conducted a search at the home of twenty-four-year-old Abram Friesen's in Shipyard. That search led to the discovery of a licensed semi-automatic assault type rifle. [...] Beat Down in Caye Caulker Leaves 1 Hospitalized A Caye Caulker resident is hospitalized after he and a friend were attacked on Caye Caulker on Tuesday night.� Forty-seven-year-old Amado Watson and an American national, thirty-three-year-old Kathleen Perry, were [...] British High Commissioner Says Nothing to Fear with 'Yes' Vote to I.C.J. Taking the territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice will be decided on April tenth, 2019 when Belizeans vote in a referendum.� In one of his final interviews as [...] Belize Faces International Pressure to take Dispute to the I.C.J. One of the questions that has been continuously raised is whether the country is being pressured into taking the territorial claim to the I.C.J.� As a member of the Group [...] U.K. to donate $1Million for I.C.J. Referendum Campaign The U.S. and others have come out in support of the education campaign, providing either technical or financial support to the process that will cost the country millions of dollars. [...] Mike Espat Explains Why P.U.P.'s Southern Caucus Will Vote 'No' to the I.C.J. The People's United Party's Southern Caucus has decided that it will vote against taking the Belize/Guatemala dispute for resolution to the International Court of Justice. The caucus met earlier in [...] Machikilha's Plea to G.O.B. Goes Unanswered On Wednesday, News Five featured a story on the ordeal of students from Machikilha, a Mayan village hidden deep in the jungles of southern Belize. These students have to trek [...] Meet the Delegates of the 73rd Queen of the Bay The Queen of the Bay pageant is seeped in tradition; there is the famous curtsy that will clinch the crown, the sceptre and the cape that have to be worn. [...] Healthy Living: Starting the School Year Healthy Free paper bun� the summer holidays are over and classes resume at primary schools this coming week.� Parents are busy with getting books and uniforms, but there are other activities [...] LOVE FM Research shows many adolescent experienced poor health Research shows that the country's health programmes are not reaching the adolescent population. As a result, there is a high rate of teen pregnancy, sexual-transmitted disease, and obesity. These are causes for concern since it hinders their ability to attain their full potential. Last week, the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, PAHO and UNFPA met to � Coronation of a king to take place in Belize A special coronation will take place in Belize this weekend. The leader of the Moskitia Nation, which is located in Nicaragua, will be crowned at St. John's cathedral. The Moskitia Indians had a good relationship with Belize to the point of defending Belize against the Majatehas of Mexico. Love News spoke with Pedro Moore Ricardo, � Man arrested and charged in Orange Walk after police finds scope on gun After searches were conducted on his property on Tuesday, an Orange Walk resident has since been charged after police discovered a scope attached to his licensed gun. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvett provided the details. ACP Joseph Myvette: "Police acting on information visited the residence of Abraham Friesen at camp # 23 Shipyard Village � Mental health plays a huge role in a child's well-being Mental health is as essential as physical health and it plays a huge role in a child's well-being. Studies have shown that suicide is a leading cause of death among children under nineteen. Dr. Susan Kasedde, the UNICEF Representative for Belize said parents play a crucial role to ensure that their children are in good � Sanker: Budhrani brings a fresh perspective While there are those who might want Sapnah Budhrani out as President of NICH, there are others who support her. James Sanker, the Vice President of the Music Industry Association of Belize told Love News that Budhrani brings a refreshing perspective to NICH. James Sanker - Vice President of Music Industry Association of Belize: "Since she � NICH Board says it is not Defiant NICH appears to be more financially sound in this review period compared to last year and that prompted the Board to mention one of its plans to use the savings to repair or replace the air condition system at the Institute of Creative Arts. But since it was clear that Cabinet had weighed in on � US Native from Hopkins still missing Police have no new leads into the disappearance of 67-year-old US national, Sherris Stringham. As we reported earlier this week, Stringham who is a retiree was living in Hopkins Village. On Sunday she was to join friends for a get-together but never showed up. After not hearing from her for a few days, they became � Keyur Barot and Jitendra Kumar returned to India after being accused of theft Keyur Barot and Jitendra Kumar were accused of stealing over sixty thousand dollars in Belizean currency and stealing a vehicle valuing over fifteen thousand dollars from theirn employer Jitendra Chawla. The men have both returned to India despite facing robbery allegations here in Belize. ACP Joseph Myvett spoke about the case at a press briefing � NICH Vehicle was purchased by Interim President The in-house auditor Roberto Matus refused to show up at the press conference to address the errors that he made, which left the Associate Director of Finance to review NICH's finances. One of the allegations made by the draft audit was that the President was perhaps illicitly taking more fuel than allowed, and for vehicles � NICH President and Board United Against flawed draft document Cabinet has made a decision to suspend National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) President Sapna Budhrani based on a leaked internal audit. But it turns out that not only was the leaked document an incomplete draft, it had glaring errors that painted a false narrative about the finances, alleged misappropriation of fuel; and missing � Fight in Caye Caulker leaves two people injured Shortly after eleven o'clock on Tuesday night, Caye Caulker police responded to reports of a fight on Paseros Street, where they saw two persons suffering from lacerations to the head and face. The victims were identified as forty-seven year old island resident Amado Watson, who was found unconscious along with thirty-seven year old, US national, Kathleen Perry, a visitor to the island. Assistant Superintendent of Police, Alejandro Cowo explained what happened to the pair. FCD hosts first ever Junior Ranger Summer Camp in Chiquibul Forst Twelve children ages ten to twelve years old, from all over the country are attending the first ever Junior Ranger Summer Camp at Las Cuevas Research Station in the Chiquibul Forest. (VO STARTS) The camp's main purpose is to encourage the children towards discovering, learning and caring about nature as well as the ecological process, beauty and importance of the Chiquibul Forest, while also teaching them various skills. Shooting on Johnson Street leaves man injured Thirty year old Mathew Smith was injured when he was shot on Tuesday night on Johnson Street in Belize City. ASP Alejandro Cowo explained what happened. ASP Alejandro Cowo: "He was observed suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right side of his shoulder. What he had indicated to the police is that he was at the Fibbers Restaurant located on Cemetery Rd. purchasing some food when he observed two male persons coming from Johnson St. towards Cemetery Rd..." Is the Music Ambassador at odds with NICH President? Though it wasn't a topic that the Board would discuss, it was clear that all these leaked documents and allegations came after the NICH President had interacted with the Prime Minister's son and Music Ambassador Jamal Shyne Barrow. On August 20th, the NICH President sent a letter to Shyne regarding lack of proper accounting about $35,000 donated to the Office of the Music Ambassador for Music Week. Queen of the Bay to commence tomorrow Pageants in Belize have been around for decades and this year marks the seventy-third Queen of the Bay competition, where six ladies will be vying for the title. What's different from the past years however, is that for the first time, the pageant has been entrusted in the care of the "Association of Former Queens". Last Year's Queen of the Bay, Aaliyah Ysaguirre, shares her views on the pageant. Ministry of Health says Brodies Knew the Rules The Ministry of Health has responded to James Brodie & Company Ltd.'s press release about a shipment of pharmaceutical products being denied entry into Belize. The Ministry pointed out it informed stakeholders in November 2016 that in 2017 there would be a Statutory Instrument that required labeling and documentation of all pharmaceutical products to be in English and/or Spanish. Cuba and Belize held migration talks The first round of migratory talks between Cuba and Belize ended yesterday. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Bruno Rodr�guez Parrilla headed his country's delegation while CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pat Andrews headed the Belize delegation. Talks focused on topics of bilateral and international issues. 67 Year Old US National Still Missing It's been five days since Sherris Stringham, a US National, was last seen. The 67-year-old was reported missing on Monday after friends became worried when she didn't show up to a planned get together on Sunday. According to Police, a contractor working at her residence had called for Sherris but she did not answer. Police visited her residence where they observed that the house had been ransacked. Breaking Belize News Ministry of Health clarifies Brodies Pharmaceutical Imports issue The Ministry of Health today issued a press release in response to a statement by James [�] Orange Walk teen wins Anti-Trafficking in Persons Video Competition The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council of Belize (A-TIPS) today announced that 17-year-old Vince Villatoro of Orange [�] Abraham Friesen gets bail for firearm related offence Shipyard resident, Abraham Friesen, 24, remains out on bail after he was charged with a [�] FCD hosts Chiquibul junior rangers camp The first of its kind Chiquibul Junior Ranger Summer Camp is well underway at Las [�] One man detained for violent attack in Caye Caulker Police have detained one man and are seeking another in a violent attack in Caye [�] Police make no charges in Tuesday night shooting Police are yet to make any arrests in the Tuesday night shooting of Matthew Smith, [�] Absent police officer reprimanded for letting accused drug traffickers walk free A police officer has been subjected to internal disciplinary action after two accused drug-traffickers walked [�] Shipyard man charged for 'tampering' with firearm Police have arrested and charged Abram Friesen, 24, for tampering with a firearm. According to [�] GOB warns of Fraudulent Social Media accounts of ministers The Government of Belize today informed that it is aware of an overwhelming number of [�] Vote for Melvin Arevalo for unsung hero award in Morocco Melvin Arevalo, a Belizean ornithologist and tour guide working with Coppola Family Hideaways has been shortlisted [�] Accused child molester walks free An accused child abuser is back on the streets of Belize. He is Franz Hamilton, 60. [�] Muy'Ono Hospitality assumes management of duPlooy's Jungle Lodge Muy'Ono Hospitality, a pioneering management firm for resorts and tour operators in Belize, announced today [�] San Ignacio and Santa Elena House of Culture director abruptly terminated The situation at Belize's National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) has been extensively covered [�] Neighborhood Watches and Special Constables recognized by the Belize Police Department Yesterday, the Belize Police department held a ceremony at Old Belize to recognize outstanding officers, [�] International Sources Family fearful yet hopeful after Blue Springs native goes missing in Belize A metro family is fearing the worst as a week approaches since their loved one was last seen alive in Central America. The family of Sherris Stringham said the 67-year-old was last seen Aug. 28 heading to her rental home in the coastal village of Hopkins in eastern Belize. "I don't have any answers right now," her son Matthew Hall said. "It's just really painful. This waiting game to find out." The Blue Springs native was enjoying retirement after decades of working as a school bus driver and cashier at a grocery store. Hall said she wanted to retire somewhere tropical and, a year ago, chose Belize after researching and visiting the country. "She was very happy over there, sending me pictures every day of her hiking the waterfalls and enjoying the village," Hall said. Caribbean Companies Are Finalists in Awards in Contest at World's Largest Food Innovation Exhibition The dynamic and creative product offerings of two Caribbean companies have seen them being selected as finalists in the Innovation Awards 2018, hosted by SIAL, the world's largest food innovation exhibition. They are Caribbean Cure Ltd of Trinidad and Tobago and Naledo Belize Ltd. Naledo Belize Ltd is one of the world's first manufacturers of fresh turmeric paste. Tumeric is a healthy root often found in a powdered or capsule form, but the company has created a turmeric paste, making it a niche product within the global market. SlightEdge Supports Liberty Children's Home SlightEdge, a privately owned sales and marketing firm, recently held a fundraiser to support Liberty Children's Home, a nonprofit that provides assistance for impoverished children in Belize. The team at SlightEdge gathered before a Phillies game in the parking lot of Citizens Bank Park to hold a cornhole tournament to benefit the nonprofit, enjoying music, food, and games. More than 30 employees, family members, and friends participated in the tournament, raising over $500 for the cause and donating more than 100 hours of time. 300 RARE TURTLES HAVE DIED OFF THE COAST OF MEXICO Marine reptiles entangled in nets off the Pacific coast. In Mexico are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of nearly 300 rare olive Ridley turtles. Animals caught in a fishing net near the town of Puerto ESCONDIDO on the Pacific coast of the country. Network with dead animals was discovered in Barra-de-Colotepec a few kilometers from the city. According to preliminary data, turtles were trapped about three weeks ago. Olive Ridley turtles, the carapace of which is shaped like a heart, live in warm tropical waters the Pacific and Indian oceans. Their population is extremely vulnerable because of slow growth of individuals and of human intervention in their habitat. Videos Reef & Rainforest Experience With Hamanasi, 1min. BELIZE IN 4K, 4min. Clandestine Drug Airstrips, poor medication Rise and Shine, 1hr42min. I Got The Voice Season 3, 2hr. Maldives? NO, This is Belize!, 2min. I told my Dad I was showing him a video of paradise. He thought it was the Maldives, but it is in fact....beautiful Belize! Thanks to Shane Mc Grath Photography for use of his drone clips! This is day 21 of my 30-day video challenge! Lamanai Belize Tour !, 9min. Ciao a Tutti e Benvenuti nel mio Canale! Siamo stati due settimane in crociera ai Caraibi con MSC e voglio condividere tutti i video vlog con voi. In questo video vedrai la nostra escursione alle rovine Maya di Lamanai con il tour Lamanai Belize Tour con Elio (trovato su trip advisor) , per non perdere i prossimi iscriviti al mio canale ! Sunrise Dive Belize, 2min. A sunrise dive at Half Moon Caye in Belize with the Belize Aggressor IV. Let's Go Belizing with San Pedro Belize Express!, 1min. Ride with the best, San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi! They will take you to Caye Caulker, San Pedro, Belize City, and even to Chetumal! They offer excellent customer service - You will arrive in class and comfort! Belizean gorgeous SUNrise, 2min. This is 15 minutes of footage in 2 minute hope you like this video it mite not be my best video but hay i just give enough thanks that i get to experience this beautiful sun rise is not every day that you got the chance to see it.