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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.


The San Pedro Sun

UDP to elect its new party leader this weekend
On Sunday July 12th, the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) will attempt for a second time to elect a new party leader to replace retiring and long-time head of the party and Prime Minister Right Honourable Dean Barrow. The leadership convention scheduled to take place at the ITVET Centre in Belize City will see three UDP Ministers, Former Minister of National Security, Honourable John Saldivar, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Honourable Patrick Faber and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Wilfred Elrington.

Three Ambergris Caye Fishermen arraigned and remanded for Attempted Kidnapping, Burglary and Wounding
On Monday, July 6th, fishermen Ruben Avalos Martinez, Mark Hernandez and David Lopez of the San Mateo Subdivision were arraigned at the San Pedro Magistrate Court after being charged for the crime of Attempted Kidnapping, along with Burglary and Wounding. They were remanded to the Belize Central Prison and are scheduled to return to court on October 7, 2020. The incident took place on Saturday, July 4th, at a residence in San Mateo.

Various Belizean Sources

mzz

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Wednesday July 8th Meal pick ups. Location: Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

La Isla Carinosa Academy Open for Registration
We welcome you to register for our new school year 2020-2021. Feel free to visit our office during any of the specified dates. You must wear a mask and be conscious of social distancing when visiting our office. Note: registration after 15th of July will incur a late registration fee.

School Re-opening at La Isla Carinosa Academy
On 10th August, we open LICA with a whole new way of living...face masks, face shields, social distancing, sanitizing very regularly, daily temperature screening, and SOP manual to follow. So, we bought a bunch of face masks, face shields, and infrared thermometers to ensure the safety, protection, and wellbeing of our LICA community. This week, we start measuring and marking for social distance. We must keep all members of our LICA community protected.

"Golitos" Football Marathon
Over the weekend, the San Pedro Sports Committee organized a "Golitos" Football Marathon for males and females. Over 16 male teams and 6 female teams signed but in the end, Las Piratas placed first and the Goal Strikers placed second in the female category. Placing first in the male category were the Malandros defeating Rony's Boys who placed second. Kudos to all the teams that participated and a great job to the organizers of the marathon for creating these events for the community to enjoy.

Ms. Velma Melendez Passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its sincere condolences to family and friends of Ms. Velma Melendez on her sad passing. Ms. Velma was dear to the community and we will miss her singing at the various Karaoke events, especially for the Dia de San Pedro Karaoke competition. We hope her family and friends find the strength in each other to overcome this great loss. May her soul rest in peace.

San Pedro Town Public Library Summer Program 2020
The San Pedro Town Public Library is hosting its annual summer program starting Monday July 13th ends July 17th from 9:00am to 11:30am. For further information you can call us at 206-2028

San Pedro Public Library Literacy Camp- Conservation
San Pedro Town Public Library is pleased to present this year's Literacy Camp.Children ages 6-14 are invited to join us on July 24th until July 28th from 9:00 am- 11:00am.This event is free of cost. This year the camp will focus on conservations. Children will learn practical ways to practice conservation at home and in their environment. This activity aims to foster an appreciation for our environment.

Think Positive and Shine
Interactive session to learn quick and effective ways on how to enhance your customer experience to boost sales.

COROZAL: 4 EMPTY BLUE PLASTIC BARRELS APPEAL/a>
If you or someone you know has four (4) spare empty barrels to donate or sell we would be truly grateful. The barrels are to be used for our decorated trash barrel project in Corozal. Either call 602-2126 or inbox us through this news blog.

Multiple United Airlines repatriation flights from Belize
United Airlines and the Government of Belize are providing a weekly repatriation flight from Belize City to Houston, TX every Friday until Philip Goldson International Airport opens on Saturday August 15, 2020. Flights are planned for the following dates (7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/07, and 8/14). United Airlines Flight UA 2421 departs Belize at 13:55 pm and arrives in Houston, TX at 17:32 pm. Please make a reservation directly with United Airlines at www.United.com.

Deep Dive Talks
This Thursday, Deep Dive Talks is back with our latest guest, local artist and fisherman, Ernest Garcia. We're excited to be talking to Mr. Garcia about not only his well-known marine life artistry, but also how he balances expressing his creativity with his long-time love of fishing. Join us on Instagram Live this Thursday, July 9th at 12:30PM CST as Oceana's Toledo Field Representative, Analee Chuc, chats with Ernest about his life, work and connection to the Caribbean Sea.

Tourism Gold Standard Training Webinars
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is offering a series of Tourism Gold Standard Training Webinars for all accommodation stakeholders. The webmars. which you can attend from the comfort of your home/ office using a computer or mobile device, will be delivered online and include a lively question and answer segment. These sessions will feature specific topics from the Tourism Gold Standard Health and Safety Protocols for Accommodations and Restaurants, particularly to assist employees with implementation. All sessions are offered twice to provide more opportunities for all stakeholders to benefit.

COVID-19 Update | July 7, 2020
A further 63 samples were tested today for SARS-CoV2 and all have turned out to be negative. Please continue to listen to the official sources of information and we all should continue to take the necessary prevention measures as they become a part of our new norms. Changing our behaviour as we move along with this pandemic will prove to be a vital element in addressing any further cases of COVID-19.

Metal Haven Benque Double Header
Metal Haven is having a double header this Saturday in Benque. It starts at La Playa, where Jose and Romario will do an acoustic set, and then moves to El Bohemio, where Kumar Quiroz and As Moonlight Falls will perform.

Scholarship opportunity. Masters in Public Policy and Good Governance
The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme is designed to academically qualify future leaders in the fields of social & political science, law, economics, public policy and administration according to the principles of Good Governance and to prepare them in a praxis-oriented course for their professional life. The programme offers highly qualified graduates with a first university degree the chance to obtain a master's degree in disciplines that are of special relevance for the social, political and economic development of their home country.

Channel 7

Fast As Lightning, Hard As Thunder, Another Southside SOE
Two weekend murders and a rise in armed robberies has prompted the state to declare another Southside state of emergency. It went into effect this morning at 3:00 am. And while you were sleeping, all gang neighbourhoods on the Southside were roused from their sleep by as many as 300 hundred police officers conducting raids and sweeps. The Minister of National Security explained the reasoning at a press conference this evening at the Raccoon Street police station:

Police's Rapid No-nonsense Response
Now, the last Southside State of Emergency started on March 18th, and finished 30 days later. When it was done, the Police Commissioner Chester Williams wanted that another one would be put into effect at the sound of the first gunshot. And he has held true to that promise. Belize City had seen no gang murders since April - until last weekend. This evening, the Commissioner outlined a rapid and no nonsense response to a rising wave of crime:

Ops Commander Vidal: We Arrested 99
The cop coordinating the response on the ground was commander of operations ACP Marco Vidal. The former GSU creator and commander is known for his hard nosed approach, and he gave an outline of what was done in the city - and to those gangsters who fled the city to escape the police dragnet: "This morning between 3a.m. and 11a.m. we launched the operation that was mentioned earlier by the commissioner targeting ten gangs in the south side of Belize City. The primary focus, however, was two sections or two gangs; the Ghost Town gang and the South Side Gang and its immediate affiliates..."

Is SOE The Only Tool That Police Have?
So, while many in the public may applaud the police for the get-tough, rapid response. Others might ask, why such a drastic measure? A state of emergency suspends many of a citizen's fundamental rights - and infringes on the presumption of innocence and due judicial process. After all, many might say, shouldn't the police have other tools at their disposal? Rather than mass incarceration and suspension of citizens' right? The Commissioner explained that - as he sees it - convicting gangsters is difficult:

Kicking In Doors At Dawn
And while the Commissioner is receiving facebook praise for swift and decisive actions against gang members, as we told you earlier, he has his detractors. And in the wake of the new Southside state of emergency Cherisse Halsall found a trail of kicked in doors and shaken citizens. Here is that story. It was between 4:00 and 6:00 this morning when the Police and the GSU unleashed their own brand of violence on the southside of Belize City. This surveillance video from the home of Doris Grant in the Yabra area shows a mobile pulling up to her front yard and unloading a swarm of officers.

Cops Answer Complainers
AND, the press challenged those at the head-table about the complaints from the family members of these detained gang members. Some of the residents, as you saw in our story, was alleging police excess and damage to property.

COMPOL Scolds Parents of G's
And while Commissioner Williams was not entertaining those complaints, he also had harsh words for parents of those criminally involved young men who he has previously referred to as "animals." He said that it's no time to cry for hardened criminals: "And to the parents who continue to tolerate your children to behave like monsters among us..."

Not All Detained will Be Jailed
So, to recap, the Police have detained 99 gang members. These are persons who, according to their intelligence gathered, are either involved in some way with the two gang-related murders this weekend in the City, or the plans for retaliation against family members and friends of the deceased men. Finally, some of these detained individuals were picked up because police linked them to the recent spike in crimes such as armed robberies and the extortion of business owners. The press challenged the police on the possibility that the State of Emergency operations this morning led to the detention of gang members who are trying to stay out of trouble.

Stevedores Upset: Institute Go-Slow At The Port
Last week we took you to the Port of Belize where full-time staff hd commence a lunchtime protest of their 10% pay cuts. Those measures were escalated today when a go-slow was put into effect. The idea is to hit their employer where it hurts: on the bottom line. Now, PBL already claims that its bottom line was hurting due to COVID, and that's why these pay cuts were made. Now, the workers want the Port to feel deeper pain. This afternoon, as his colleagues chanted and hoisted signs in the air, Staff Rep Will Lambey told us that the go-slow is a completely separate action from a 21-day notice to strike.

PSE Settles Hilltop Fight
Tonight, the fight between the Belmopan City Council and the Public Service Union over the union's Hilltop Headquarters is over. The Union has entered an out-of-court settlement with the Council and the Government, and sometime next month, it will vacate that land, and leave it to the private company which the Council sold it to. You probably remember that very public dispute that the PSU had with the Belmopan City Council. In 2018, the Council sold the Union's Hilltop Property to the private company, Simplex Designs Limited. The union complained bitterly about this transaction because this property had been their base of operations for almost 20 years. They were claiming that the Council ought to have given them the first opportunity to purchase the land.

Man Escaped Kidnappers, They Cleaned Out His House
Tonight, we report on a very usual kidnapping attempt that occurred on the island town of San Pedro. 34-year-old Virgilio Gomez Alverto, a Honduran laborer from the island, has reported to police that 3 men attacked him at his home, and tried to force him onto a boat. When he escaped, the culprits burglarized his home and stole several of his appliances. Alverto says it all started at 11:00 on Saturday morning, he was at home in the San Mateo Area of San Pedro when 3 familiar men entered his home. One carried a machete, another had a knife, and, the other, a piece of stick.

PUP Asks Court to Injunct PM
For the past few weeks, we've been reporting on the PUP and the UDP's fight over a January judgement given by the former Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. He found that the Prime Minister, as Minister of Finance and the Financial Secretary violated the constitution when they spent public funds without first getting parliamentary approval. And while that is what he said in court, Benjamin never delivered his formal judgement in writing, and so the government is calling it a non decision and carrying on like it never happened.

PUP Blasts Brad's "Boledo" Contract Renewal
Last week we told you that Brad's gaming company had been granted another ten-year contract for Boledo/Lottery. Well, the PUP is not impressed. The Opposition says, quote: "Even in times of crisis, and cuts in critical sectors, it is business as usual for the UDP."

Min. Nat. Sec. Renting From PM's Law Firm, Barrow and Williams
Today's police press conference announcing the State of Emergency for Southside Belize City gave the press an opportunity to ask Police Minister Michael Peyrefitte about the plan for the Scenes Of Crime Personnel. Reports are the Government is entertaining the possibility of renting office spaces from Barrow and Williams, the Prime Minister's law firm building, which is located on Albert Street. The media asked Peyrefitte about that today, and he said that Gian Cho, the Director of the National Forensic Science Service, made the informed choice:

Wilfred Waffles
He's offering himself for leader of the UDP in 5 days, but Wilfred Elrington does not sound like a man on a mission. In a wholly mystifying interview with LOVE TV yesterday, he said he's in it, but not necessarily to win it: "My name is still in the race and it will remain there until after the procedure is finished on Sunday. I have had the opportunity to meet with most of the delegates. For one reason or the other I can't tell you that my support has been strong, I can't tell you that. Really, I was of two minds. One mind told me, don't get involved..."

Thinking Beyond a Southside SOE
As we showed you at the top of the news, 99 suspected gangsters are off the jail, and more are being sought. But, while the Southside state of emergency is a quick fix to create peace, it is not and could never be a long term solution for Southside crime - which is caused by structural poverty and violence. Today the Commissioner and the AG spoke about some alleged gangsters who were locked up the first time around and seemed to have gotten the message - so were spared this time. But, then there is the issue of long term containment of crime and lawlessness. Here's that:

US Court Says Belizean has to Pay 138 Million in 30 Days
A US District Court in Maryland says a Belizean man has 30 days to find 138.7 million US dollars to pay the Federal Trade Commission or risk jail time. John Usher, the Stann Creek resident who was allegedly the point man for the Sanctuary Belize scam has been found individually liable for multiple violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Federal court found that Usher has formulated, directed, controlled, various fraudulent activities related to the Sanctuary Bay scam. It concludes that Usher willfully controlled and participated in the fraudulent scheme.

PUP Rep Blasts Former BAHA Exec Director
PUP shadow minister of agriculture, Orange Walk South's Jose Mai is on the attack against former Executive Director for BAHA, Emir Cruz. Cruz retired at the end of March after 7 years at BAHA. As part of his exit package, he got to take home his Director's vehicle, a 2016 Isuzu D-Max for a few thousand dollars. And while far form ideal, from our long observation of party politics in government, this kind of four-wheeled sendoff is not unusual; in fact, it's pretty standard. But, for Jose Mai, it sends the worst message - especially when Baha is facing budget cute. We spoke to him about it via zoom yesterday:

Channel 5

Another S.O.E. for South Side Belize City Amid Spike in Gang Violence
At three o'clock this morning, another state of emergency came into effect in certain parts of Southside Belize City.� Police believe that the S.O.E. will abate gang activity and other [...]

Are There Any Signs of S.O.E. Fatigue on Belizeans?
The anti-gang state of emergency bookends the national state of emergency that expired on June thirtieth to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.� Effectively, the south side of Belize City has [...]

Innocent Citizens Need not Worry About Dragnet
Concerns from residents from the neighbourhoods that were swept by police this morning are centered around innocent citizens being corralled into the roundup.� While several persons complained loudly about damage [...]

Families Want Justice for Slain Men
The state of emergency for the south side of the city is a temporary measure of thirty days to prevent further bloodshed and other violence in the streets of the [...]

5 Suspects in Both Murders are Detained
Late this evening, the Commissioner of Police confirmed that a number of persons were taken into custody and questioned on their possible involvement in the murders of Faber and Miles. [...]

Scenes of Crime Moves to Former Barrow and Williams Building
The Attorney General also addressed today another issue that is bubbling. The Scenes of Crime team is being relocated from the Queen Street Police Station to a new home in [...]

Quarter Billion-Dollar Judgment Handed Down Against John Usher
A U.S. District Court in Maryland has handed down one of the biggest judgements against a local businessman in a case which has been described as one of the biggest [...]

P.U.P. Asks Courts to Formalized Judgment against PM Barrow
In the local courts, Opposition Leader John Brice�o and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Julius Espat have made an application seeking that the Chief Justice's ruling against Prime Minister [...]

A Peaceful End to the Hilltop Property Dispute
The Public Service Union saga on the Hilltop property has come to a peaceful conclusion. In what was to have been a case management in a counter-claim made by Simplex [...]

P.U.P. Says Boledo Contract to Brads Stinks of Cronyism
The ten-year contract for the administration of the lottery is coming under fire from the People's United Party. Brads Gaming Company was awarded the contract by the government last week; [...]

M.O.H. Calls on Public to Adhere to Healthy and Safety Measures
Last week, Belize confirmed six new cases of COVID-19. The most recent patients were two Belizeans who entered the country illegally, but were placed under quarantine upon their entry.� They [...]

Chetumal Placed Under Quarantine - Again!
Chetumal has been placed under quarantine, again. That's the news coming from our neighbours in the north. Televisa Quintana Roo, a Mexican news outlet, reports that the Secretary of Public [...]

Sedi Opines on COVID-19 and the Economy
COVID-19 continues to ravage countries around the world, including our Central and North American neighbors.� With Belize heavily reliant on the economies of Mexico and the United States, any downward [...]

Prolonged Pantry and Unemployment Relief is Unsustainable
While government's relief initiatives, including the pantry and unemployment relief programmes, have gone a long way in helping families in need amid these COVID times, the granting of monies, as [...]

CARICOM is Watching Guyana's Political Impasse Closely
While we spoke to the Foreign Minister on Monday, we also asked him about the situation in Guyana. Guyana is entering its fifth month of political deadlock since the results [...]

San Pedro Man Claims Police Brutality
There is another report tonight of the police abuse.� A man in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is claiming that two police officers barged into his house at around eight-thirty on [...]

Off Duty Cops are Off Duty at Non-Compliance Establishments
The Commissioner of Police has complained about patrons of bars and nightclubs who are not complying with the measures in place to battle the pandemic. Chester Williams also says that [...]

A Youth Summer Basketball Camp in the City
Summer camps have been late to start this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, in fact, a number of organizations will not be conducting the popular programmes. But over [...]

Amandala

Drug plane, bound for Belize, crashes in Chetumal
On Saturday night, a suspected drug plane that was being tracked from South America and appeared to be headed toward Belize's airspace, made police scramble and deploy to a likely area where they believed it would land, and on their arrival at Chunox, they saw a road that was lighted with lanterns - in order to make it function as a runway. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said that police took up a position and awaited the landing of the plane on the road, but the plane appeared, then circled the area, but it did not land. The plane then went across to an area in a nearby Mexican town, where it crash-landed, and not long after it burst into flames.

Police charge 4 men for Scotiabank robbery
Suspected bank robber, Gasman Henry Young, Jr., 24, of Belize City, who was one of five men who reportedly robbed a Scotiabank customer who was making a deposit at the bank's Belama branch at about 3:00 yesterday afternoon, died after he was shot by police while trying to escape. The thieves, who stole a money bag from a depositor at the bank, which contained over $20,000 in cash and over $11,000 in checks, were confronted by police in the parking lot of the bank as they were getting away, and police fired at them. There was then a high-speed chase as the robbers drove from the parking lot into Henderson Street and towards Seashore Drive.

Shaquille Raheem Myles, 23, executed by brazen gunman
Shaquille Raheem Myles, 23, a laborer of Los Lagos, Belize District, was shot to death at about 7:00 Saturday evening. Myles and his friends were socializing at the corner of Waight Street and Fabers Road when a man, whose identity is not yet known, came up and shot Myles. The shooter then escaped. Myles ran into Fabers Road, where he collapsed. He had been shot in the head and chest.

Raheem Faber, 20, shot and killed on Mayflower
Raheem Faber, 20, a stevedore of the Yarborough area who foretold his death in April 2018, was shot and killed at about 11:30 Friday night in a yard on Mayflower Street. Police said that Faber was in the yard socializing with friends when a gunman rode up on a bicycle and shot him in the head and body, then rode away. All the persons in the yard scrambled for cover, and Faber ran out of the yard and toward Pine Street to escape, but he collapsed on the street.

29th and 30th cases of COVID-19
On March 23, 2020, Belize identified its first case of COVID-19, an unidentified woman of San Pedro, and ever since then, the nation's government and health services have been on full alert. The island of San Pedro was put under quarantine, and when other cases were found in the Belize, Cayo, and Corozal Districts, the entire nation was put under near total lockdown for the entire month of April. The efforts were successful; in the first wave of the disease in Belize, there were only 18 cases, and 2 unfortunate deaths.

Chon Saan goes after City Hall for old UDP bill
The United Democratic Party Belize City Council that was led by Mayor Darrell Bradley left a paper trail of unpaid bills and other questionable financial transactions. The latest unpaid tab left by the previous council resurfaced on June 12, 2020, when attorney Mikhail Arguelles wrote the Belize City Council's Senior Financial Manager, Rosalie Perez, on behalf of his client, Lee Mark Chang, owner of Chon Saan Restaurant. The subject of the letter was "re property tax arrangement."

Corporal accused of gun license fraud is released on bail
Corporal Donald Pinelo of the Belmopan police was charged yesterday in the Belmopan Magistrate's Court with 6 counts of forging official documents. No plea was taken and he was offered bail of $10,000 with 2 sureties of $5,000 each. Pinelo was able to meet bail and was ordered to return to court on Wednesday, October 28. He was prohibited from leaving the country without getting permission from the court.

Court acquits Ontario laborer accused of stabbing caretaker
Glenford Patterson, 27, a laborer of Ontario, who had been remanded since October 2018 on charges of attempted murder, aggravated burglary and use of deadly means of harm, was taken today to the Belmopan Magistrate's Court, where he appeared in front of Magistrate Johnelle Villanueva for the committal of the case against him to a trial in the Supreme Court. But after examining the evidence produced by the defense and the prosecution, the trial magistrate found that the accused had not been properly identified. Patterson's attorney, Hurl Hamilton, made a no-case submission, and the magistrate agreed, and Patterson was acquitted.

Light & Peace Basketball Summer Camp 2020 under way
With the lifting of the State of Emergency at the end of June, activity has immediately picked up in the sporting community, although the major competitive sports like football and basketball will take some time to get their new competitions under way. One area of activity that has quickly surged forward is the traditional "summer camps" for boys and girls during their school holidays, which have been much longer than usual this year, most schools having been closed from late March on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Never forget the horrific Destruction of Libya"!
In March of 2011, the "black" president of the United State Barack Obama, his VP Joe Biden and his warmonger Secretary of state Hillary Clinton green-lighted one of the most genocidal military attacks in modern history upon the independent and sovereign African nation of Libya. Not only was this a premeditated attack on Libya, but indeed an armada of the entire Western military alliance of NATO led the terror of a violent invasion. It was an arrogant and paternalistic show of white supremacy on a global scale.

BPP leader says GOB must keep the PGIA closed to Americans, Mexicans and Guatemalans
Ever since Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) will be open for commercial flights to jumpstart the tourism industry, many Belizeans have taken to social media to object to the opening of the airport. The objections were made by concerned individuals, however, and none of those objections had come from any organized group until now.

Police to escort depositors to the banks
Police will now escort representatives of businesses who are making bank deposits. The announcement was made today by Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams. The initiative is being undertaken to prevent the robbery of bank depositors, who have become a target of criminals. Commissioner Williams said that business owners can now call the Police Department to arrange for officers to escort depositors to the bank.

Editorial: 10-year Boledo contract for Brads - 4 months before election
It is not impossible that privatizing the Boledo, handing it to Brads Gaming Company Ltd. to run for ten years, was an extremely wise decision by the UDP government in 2009. Our national treasury was gaining less than $1 million from the game, and the contract reportedly called for $2 million annually as a licensing fee, and business tax. It is generally accepted that private businesses are run more efficiently than public ones, and it was common knowledge that the big vendors were skimming the profits of the Boledo; however, many felt that if government kept the game and put in a little effort to arrest the larceny, the gains for the national treasury would be greater than what we would get, have gotten, from privatizing it.

Belizean Justin Williams No. 8 in Top 50 of Cycling News' most influential people in cycling
Thanks to a phone call to the Krem WUB this morning from another former Cross Country champion, Matthew Smiling, we entered a Google search and confirmed what Smiling shared, that two-time Belize Holy Saturday Cross Country Champion, Justin Williams had been named the No. 8 most influential person in cycling by the prestigious Cycling News international publication. Only two active cyclists are included in the seven individuals higher on the list than Justin.

Sedi playing at leader maker
I already told you that Sedi is no longer ready, for if he was, he wouldn't be losing all these cases. In his youth, Sedi was invincible, and in his old age he is being battered, kicked around like ball on field. If I come over mean, forgive me, it's only an effort to be truthful about what has happened to the gentleman's cerebral powers, how it has eroded, naturally, because of inexorable Father Time. Oh no, I absolutely don't like to see him being pummeled in the courts by foreigners. Atta dehn noh smaata than we!

Dr. Jerome celebrates his 59th: March 7, 1987 �
For the next few years all our affairs progressed at a timely pace, with no exceptional challenges facing either our country or the members of the extended family. In time the staffing of the hospital reached a comfortable stage, where Jerome and all members of the Surgery section, particularly, could be allowed to take their annual two weeks' vacation, at least, while accumulating days towards their eventual long leave, without serious disruption to the work of the department.

Hundreds of elephants are mysteriously dying in Botswana - a conservationist explains what we know
Worrying news has recently come to light: hundreds of elephants have been found dead in Botswana, and as yet, there is no clear cause of death. But as an expert in elephants and their conservation, I believe we can at least rule out a few possible answers. Here's what we do know: the first deaths were reported in March, but significant numbers were only recorded from May onwards. To date, it's thought that the death toll stands at nearly 400 elephants of both sexes and all ages. Most of the deaths have occurred near the village of Seronga on the northern fringes of the Okavango Delta, a vast swampy inland region that hosts huge wildlife populations. Many of the carcasses have been found near to water.

The Reporter

Assistant Police Commissioner Marco Vidal Hospitalized
There is a report that Assistant Commissioner of Police, Marco Vidal, is being hospitalized at a private hospital in Belize City after preliminary reports indicate he experienced breathing difficulties and "stroke-like" symptoms. The Head of Operations is said to have experienced the health difficulties after a late evening Police press conference on Tuesday, during which he and Police Commissioner, Chester Williams informed the nation of a State of Emergency imposed on the south side of Belize City.

LOVE FM

Hilltop Headquarters Saga comes to an end
The saga involving the Public Service Union's (PSU) Hilltop Headquarters in Belmopan has come to an end - and a happy one at that. This morning, the matter was settled in court at no cost to either of the three parties.

Operations of the Belize Coast Guard during covid-19
The three arms of the Ministry of National Security have had to work closer than every during the covid-19 endemic in order to ensure the safety of Belizeans. The Belize Coast Guard has been going above and beyond to assist in maintaining the State of Emergency regulations on sea as well as on land.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Tests return negative; Belize monitors 9 active cases of COVID-19
Today, a further 63 samples were tested for COVID-19 and all have turned out to [�]

Police Eastern Division steps up presence in wake of recent murders
Belize City residents have been greeted since Monday with regular checkpoints, stop-and-search operations and more mobile [�]

Five accused men held for weekend murders
The Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed to us that three persons are detained for [�]

State of Emergency: 'The best weapon'
According to Minister Michael Peyrefitte, law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear from another state of [�]

PUP calls out Government for renewal of national lottery contract for Brads
Brads Gaming Group Limited (formerly Brads Gaming Company) will continue to administer the national lottery [�]

Marco Vidal: 99 arrested, more to come
Ten gangs are under target in Belize City, according to ACP for Operations Marco Vidal. [�]

Commissioner to city criminals: You have been warned
The Commissioner of Police, as he promised yesterday, has responded swiftly to the increased level [�]

Minister of National Security announces return to State of Emergency for parts of Belize City
Minister of National Security Michael Peyrefitte has announced that as a temporary measure, the Governor [�]

China leads race for global COVID-19 vaccine
China, the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, is leading the global race in finding a [�]

Belizean Defence Force Soldier graduates from U.S. Academy
The Belize Defence Force (BDF) has announced with hearty congratulations the graduation of Warrant Officer [�]

Five years later, still no justice for Kareem Clarke
It has been five years since Amandala journalist Kareem "Reemo" Clarke, 27, was murdered, but [�]

Reward out for Raheem Faber's killer
Police are offering a reward of up to $2,000 for the capture of the person/persons [�]

San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Council, stakeholders host 'Fireball' business meeting
Today, the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council is hosting a meeting for the [�]

Brazilian President Bolsonaro tests positive for Covid-19
CNN reports that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro personally announced on Brazilian TV channels today, Tuesday [�]

Ambassadors to discuss re-opening of Caribbean At Zoom Town Hall
The ambassadors of multiple Caribbean countries including Belize have been invited to discuss how their [�]

$2,000 reward offered in Raheem Myles murder investigation
Authorities are offering a reward for information regarding the murder of Raheem Myles, 23. Police [�]

University of Belize outlines cost-saving measures for surviving COVID-19 pandemic
The University of Belize (UB) has issued a memo sharing some of its proposed action [�]

Wrong is Wrong
By Lisa Shaman: I look at my UNIBAM rubber bracelet from 12 years ago. It says WE ARE ONE IN DIGNITY AND RIGHTS. Here we go. None of us is free from discrimination and injustice until we are all free. When I was Counsel to UNIBAM there were a few times [�]

Blogs

Answers to MANY Questions About the August 15th Re-Opening
Yesterday I wrote a post about what the Caribbean and Central Americas countries re-opening or not re-opening. Two weeks ago, we got a set date - August 15th. But there are LOTS of restrictions and safety measures - and last night, we got the answer to many of our questions. In an effort to keep all travellers to Belize informed, we are providing the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 below. We do invite you to consider postponing, rather than cancelling your vacation, and visiting our beautiful jewel in the near future when these restrictions are reduced. Kindly take note of our Frequently Asked Questions and all official updates from our Ministry of Health below to keep updated.

Nine Places to See During your Belize Vacation
Often times, visitors want to know the local hotspots for the must-do adventures to have when vacationing in Belize. If we had to choose some of the must-see sights and excursions in Belize, these nine places would undoubtedly make the list. Belize Barrier Reef, The Great Blue Hole, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, The mystical ATM Cave, Xunantunich Maya Ruins, Caracol Maya Ruins, Monkey River, The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center, & Mountain Pine Ridge.

Driving Times between Belize Destinations
Belize is a small country, but some of our major destinations are still at least a half day's road trip away from one another. Here's what to expect when driving between major towns and cities in Belize. Plus, road and weather conditions can add to your travel time, especially if you drive at night. Driving is a good way to see Belize on your schedule. Belize has some incredibly scenic roads and highways. They rarely have a lot of traffic, and they're fun to drive on. Stay safe by using common sense, obeying the speed limit and keeping an eye out for other drivers. Some side roads may not be lit at night, so bear that in mind when planning a road trip.

What to know about coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel to Belize
As the coronavirus situation evolves around the world, we will provide regular updates to help you make informed decisions about your Belize travel plans.

International Sourcesizz

WHO acknowledges 'evidence emerging' of airborne spread of COVID-19
The World Health Organization on Tuesday acknowledged "evidence emerging" of the airborne spread of the novel coronavirus, after a group of scientists urged the global body to update its guidance on how the respiratory disease passes between people. "We have been talking about the possibility of airborne transmission and aerosol transmission as one of the modes of transmission of COVID-19," Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at the WHO, told a news briefing.

The 7 colors of the Bacalar Lagoon begin to disappear due to excessive tourism: UNAM
Just half an hour from Chetumal, the Bacalar Lagoon is considered an emerging national destination, driven largely by the excess of sargassum in the Mexican Caribbean and the tourist developments that are increasingly expanding from the extreme north of Quintana Roo, to the border with Belize. The increase in its popularity as an alternative destination in the southeast of Mexico thanks to its unique lagoon and its strategic location on the way to Chetumal, have caused in less than five years that the number of travelers has increased exponentially.

Your Sunscreen Is Probably Hurting the Ocean. Here's What to Do About It.
I was at a surf competition on Oahu's North Shore in early February, watching a crew of Brazilians do battle with Banzai Pipeline, when the heat's live commentary was interrupted by a PSA. With a banal, "I know you've heard this a thousand times before" intonation, a voice reminded the thousands of spectators gathered along the beach to only use reef-safe sunscreens while enjoying the Volcom Pipe Pro. The broadcaster listed a couple chemicals that seemed difficult to pronounce, thanked a brand or two and then promptly transitioned to talking about a�a� bowls. That, apparently, was that.

Videos

  • Stone Kraab Grill & Bar, 24min. Tim August is the Chef at Stone Kraab Grill & Bar. The lobster season is now open and so today he shared a recipe to add to your repertoire.

  • University of Belize - Update Segment 1, 24min. University of Belize officials were our guests to discuss the current crisis at the National University. They outlined the plans to adjust to the impact of COVID-19 and preparation underway for the new academic year. They also clarified the University's position on student fees and proposed salary cuts. Professor Emeritus Dr. Clement Sankat - President, University of Belize. G.A. Harrison Pilgrim - Chairman, University of Belize Board of Trustees.

  • University of Belize - Update Segment 2, 40min.

  • Belize Chamber & Commerce & Industry - Introduction to Digital Marketing, 14min.

  • University of Belize Faculty & Staff Union - State of Affairs, 44min.

  • Belize Network of NGOs - National Recovery Strategy, 41min.

  • BELIZE snorkeling with sharks in Belize, 2min. Belize - the second largest coral reef in the world. Marine Reserve Hol Chan, SharkAley and Coral Garden, snorkeling with sharks, turtles, stingrays on coral reefs accompanied by local guides Carlos and Salvador. A real travel experience.

  • Cave World Adventures Bats in Belize, 1min. The Curtain Room inside Actun Chapat cave in Belize Largest Cave in Central America

  • Launch of the Belize Open Government Plan Development: Public Discussion, 82min. In advancing open government in Belize through a multi-stakeholder co-creation approach, the Trust for the Americas and the Organization of the American States (OAS), are supporting during 2020 the process for developing Belize's first open government action plan. The Action Plan is intended to serve as the instrument to orient the actions of stakeholders in Belize to accomplish certain open government commitments that are identified and agreed by government and non-government in different topics and/or sectors.

  • "Couch Potato Sharks" Snorkeling with Nurse Sharks Caye Caulker Belize - Our Fly Ocean, 1min. Nurse sharks are known as the "Couch Potato" of Sharks in the Shark world. They are able to stay still in contrast to bigger sharks like the Great White who need to keep swimming in order to breathe. This video was filmed off the coast of Caye Caulker, Belize.

  • Ministry of Human Development Downtown Rejuvenation Project, 3.5min. Here is a short video on the history of the new Women and Family Support Department Building that will be open this month. The new building located on Albert Street is a collaboration between the Ministry to Tourism and Civil Aviation (Downtown Rejuvenation Project) and the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation.