November 19, 2016

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, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

People walk out on preliminary consultation for Laguna de Cayo Frances development
A preliminary public consultation for the proposed development at Laguna De Cayo Frances came to an abrupt halt when attendees walked out of the consultation. Approximately 25 stakeholders showed up eager to learn more about the proposed tourism project to be constructed about 13 miles north of San Pedro Town. Fabro admitted that while their presentation was based on a 7-year-old EIA, they were gathering new information to re-do it. “This is the reason why we came here, to listen to everyone’s concerns and suggestions so we can apply for the new EIA we are working on,” said Fabro. “This was a very important moment for them to have given us their guidance, so when we present the EIA, it would include all of their input. Sadly that did not happen.” Fabro said that they will continue moving forward with the EIA for Laguna de Cayo Frances. He reiterated that they will now have to work with the little information they were able to obtain and prepare the new EIA.

San Pedro House of Culture celebrates El Dia de Los Finados
As a large crowd gathered to start the celebration, Director of the SPHC Mito Paz welcomed everyone and explained the importance of the occasion. “El Dia de los Finados is a tradition of our people. In Pre-Hispanic times, the dead were buried close to family homes and there was great emphasis on maintaining ties with deceased ancestors, who were believed to continue to exist in a different place. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America honored the dead and made peace with the celebration,” said Paz. Paz further explained that the altar represents a recognition of the cycle of life and death, which is a part of human existence. “People die three deaths. The first death is when our bodies cease to function. The second death comes when the body is lowered into the ground, returning to Mother Earth. The third death, the most definitive death, is when there is no one left alive to remember us,” said Paz.

Ambergris Caye sailors shine at international regatta
Two young Belizean sailors from Ambergris Caye competed in the 2016 National Optimist Sailing Dinghy Championship Regatta competition held in Bermuda. 12 year old Caroline Sersland and 15 year old Kevin Velasquez once again excelled in the international competition which took place from November 10th to the 13th at the Royal Naval Dockyard in the said island. The competition saw 75 sailors from different countries, including Barbados, Canada, Belize, The Cayman Islands, Italy, Poland, and the UStA. This was Velasquez’ last participation in the Optimist division, since 15 is the age limit for such category. The 2015 Optimist Sailing Dinghy National Champion managed to finish in 10th, 12th, and 13th place in three of the 11 races he competed. Overall he placed 25th.

GOB attempts to restructure Superbond to avoid economic hardship
In an effort to avoid a chaotic default early in 2017, the Government of Belize (GOB) is urgently trying to restructure its billion-dollar debt arrangement, a Superbond that expires on 2038. A three-man team comprised of Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Right Honorable Dean Barrow, Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, and Economic Ambassador Mark Espat travelled to New York City, USA where they met with GOB’s legal and financial advisors. From Monday November, 7th to the 12th, the group met with key personnel from Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton LLP, in order to work on a new round of negotiations to ease payments on the debt. The Belizean Government urged bondholders to form a creditor committee before the end of November to agree to a restructuring of the debt. This amendment on the Bond, sought the reduction of Belize’s public debt expense through lower interest rates. Another suggestion tabled to the advisors was the possibility of extending the life of the Superbond beyond the expiration date of 2038.

Ambergris Today

A Look at Garifuna Settlement Day Preparations and its History
Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations have already commenced in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, as the big day and national holiday is observed on November 19. The celebrations highlight the arrival of the Garinagu people to Belize, but there is one business on Ambergris Caye that celebrates the Garinagu culture all year round. Black and White Restaurant and Cultural Center provides Garifuna food, dance and experience to visitors from around the world who visit Ambergris Caye. Here is a look at Black and White Restaurant as they prepare for the Garifuna celebrations of this year. Ms. Julia Martinez, proprietor, has set up a room full of information and artifacts that depicts the history of the ethnic group. She is a proud Garifuna who says she will continue to preserve her culture for as long as she can. Black and White also honors past Garinagu legends who played vital roles to their heritage and to Belize. We cant forget that they also offer us with the best Garinagu desserts such as the coconut tableta and fudge; every Garinagu dress is sewed personally by her.

Harvest Caye Cruise Shipping Port NOW OPEN for Business in Belize
Harvest Caye Cruise Shipping Port, Belize, November 17, 2016, welcomed the first guests from the Norwegian Cruise Line to experience the beautiful southern Belize. An estimated 2000 guests inaugurated an abundant set of activities on the island and adventurous tours in Belize. An official ribbon cutting ceremony was held to commemorate the result of a four year undertaking between the Government of Belize and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. in working together to develop a unique cruise destination. Colin Murphy, senior vice-president of destination and strategic development for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation for Belize, Hon. Edmund Castro, Minister of Transport and NEMO, along with Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, wife of Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow took the honor to cut the ribbon and officially open the Port for operations.

Misc Belizean Sources

Employment Opportunity, Rain Restaurant in San Pedro
Taking applications

Cultural day at La Isla Carinosa Academy

LICA's Sports Day Nov 18th, 2016!

CG Esthetic Raises $2,500.00 for Charity
CG Esthetic/Carole Goudreau Glamour Photo Shoot Fundraiser was a success, managing to raise $2,5000 for the San Pedro Food Bank and Belize Red Cross. Carole extends gratitude to everyone who supported the cause: Save-on Grocery Store , LC Liquor Store , Sandie Bezt- Eisenberg for her big help. From Red Cross: Aimee Fearneyhough & Laurie Norton; From Food Bank: Kaitlin Mc Whorter; For Donations: Mary & Suzie Troup, Karen Larko, Ann Richards, Judy Allen, Rose La rose, Tracy Ginger Couture, Greg Lamb; From the shop: hair, nails and make up: Eliz Miranda, Kathy Vellos, Teresa Nicholson and Photographer Micheal Davis.

Entrepreneurship Convention 2016 (EntreCon)- Unlocking ICT Innovation In Belize
International speakers and experts in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), along with members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and entrepreneurs will meet at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Friday, 18th November to participate in the second annual National Entrepreneurship Convention, (ENTRECON). On November 20th, 2015 the Small Business Development Centre, Belize (SBDCBelize), a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), launched its National Entrepreneurship Strategy at its First National Entrepreneurship Convention, branded as ENTRECON. ENTRECON is now an annual event that is designed to create a platform for bringing together key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem with the purpose of sharing ideas, creating awareness of existing and new business and investment opportunities, promoting innovation and building an entrepreneurship culture.

SELVANA AND FRIENDS FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT SIGN MAYA 2020 PROJECT AGREEMENT
The Belize High Commission in London is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement between SELVANA Ltd, a UK-based company and Friends for Conservation and Development, a Belizean NGO, setting out the delivery of activity on the Maya 2020 project. The Maya 2020 Project is a collaboration between FCD and Selvana Ltd with the aim of supporting the sustainable forest conservation objectives of FCD as the only non–governmental organization with an assertive management presence in the park. Chris Minty MBE, Managing Director of Selvana said: “This rainforest is particularly important as it provides critical habitat for countless rare and endangered species, including tapir, scarlet macaw, howler monkey and the elusive jaguar. It also regulates local and regional climates and soaks up carbon gases from the atmosphere, an essential process to help combat global warming.” According to The Nature Conservancy, a leading US conservation charity, the forest also harbours up to 400 species of resident birds, with several million individuals resting whilst migrating through the area during the North American winter periods. However, like so many areas around the world, the forest is coming under increasing pressure from illegal deforestation, particularly and along its western border with Guatemala.

San Pedro Traffic restrictions
Barrier Reef Drive is closed to vehicular traffic at central park, please use Angel Coral street instead.

FCD meets the Lady on the Money
According to a statement from FCD's Rafael Manzanero "The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy launched at Buckingham Palace is a rare opportunity to unite the whole Commonwealth family and save one of the world’s most important natural habitats – forests. For Belize, Friends for Conservation and Development is proud to inform that the Chiquibul Forest has been accepted to be an integral part of this endeavour. We are grateful to the Government of Belize for this endorsement."

Another great day at the Valley of Peace School
Mr Rolando and his students decided this year to start their own nursery. As always, all the students are excited and eager to participate. We work with this school for number of years now, and it is a pleasure to share with them our knowledge and skills. And as always, we bring books with us- thanks to the donation from the Zoo.

2016 Feria Internacional - San Salvador
Belize Tourism Board Exhibition

Gulisi Garifuna Museum
Yesterday, Ambassador Moreno launched an Ocean Photography Exhibit, first of its kind in Belize, featuring photographs by 40 Dangriga kids at the Gulisi Garifuna Museum. As part of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program, the students participated in two photography workshops taught by Belize's renowned photographer, Tony Rath, and coordinated by the Dangriga Community Policing Unit and Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. The student learned not only the basics of photography, but much about the environment, the ocean, their own community and are now better prepared to make a difference in Dangriga or wherever they may go. Huge thanks to the National Garifuna Council Of Belize for supporting this project!

The entire staff of the Museum of Belize (NICH) would like to wish everyone a Happy Garifuna Settlement Day!
This year's theme is: Garifuna: Risiti, pantati, gabafuti lunrahowa meme la Which Translates to- Garifuna: Rich, proud, and powerful. Let us continue to preserve it!

ACCESSION OF BELIZE AS A FULL MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL AMERICAN BANK FOR ECONOMIC INTEGRATION (CABEI)
Belize joined the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) on November 2, 2006 under the status of beneficiary country. Since then, Belize has benefited from financing from CABEI for four projects: Belize Rural Finance Programme, Improvement and Rehabilitation of the Southern Highway – Dump to Jalacte section, Improvement and Rehabilitation of the Santa Elena Border in Corozal, and the Belize Integral Security Programme. Belize is now incorporated as a full member of the Bank as a Non-Founding Regional country with effect from November 9, 2016. The amendments to the CABEI Constitutive Agreement are aimed at consolidating the Bank’s preferential creditor status, supporting its member countries, strengthening its capital base and promoting a greater diversification of its loan portfolio. Belize new status as a non-founding regional member will allow it to expand its financing for new approvals aimed at economic and social infrastructure projects that are in line with the CABEI 2015-2019 Institutional Strategy “Integrating Sustainable Development and Competitiveness.”

Vigil for 7 year old Tyler Savery
RIP Baby..

Two youths from Corozal participate with the Belize under 17 national football team in Costa Rica
Two youth from Corozal to participate with the Belize under 17 national football team in Costa Rica and will be returning home on November 26th, 2016. The two football stars from Corozal are 16 year old Rayjan Jones from Hall's Layout who plays forward position and 16 year old Abner Howard from Libertad Village. These two players were selected from several youth nation wide. We wish the team the best of luck, and if Belize wins in Costa Rica, then they will advance on to play for the under 17 world cup to be held in Greece in 2017.

Sancas Realty announces the opening of its new office across from Tropic Air on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
The building will host Belize Fitness, Belize Caye Investments Ltd, Work Space Belize, Caye Coffee, Mahogany Bay Village, Sancas Realty, etc. Congratulations and we wish you all the best of luck.

Car Club Shoot Out
Sunday November 27th - Calcutta, Xaibe Road - Driver's or participants $50 Admission - Parking Available - Food and Drinks on Sale. Categories:- 1) 1.6 2) Turbo 3) V8 Admission is FREE for on-lookers.Don't Miss Out. Bring out the entire family!

Santa Elena Sports Complex Inauguration
The newly refurbished Santa Elena Sports Complex is having its inauguration on Sunday, November 27th. The Verdes will be playing the Bandits a 3:30pm. The festivities are free. Miss Deb's will be there too.

THE DAY OF TRIUMPH: A GLIMPSE IN THE LIFE OF A WORLD CULTURAL ICON!
"The true heroes behind our music are really those first Garifuna fighters who in the 18th. Century on the island of Yurume, St. Vincent, stood up against slavery, colonization, and cultural domination." (Andy Palacio) Those were the passionate words that a spiritually uplifted Andy Palacio uttered at the World Music Expo, WOMEX, in reception of the internationally acclaimed music prize in Spain in October 2007. He had finally culminated his cultural and musical crusade for the Garifuna people, and laid the seal to the mission to which he was called. The work of this incredible personality in Belizean history was a life that was lived and not preached. His was the life of a splendid character, whom if you had got to know him and the beliefs that embodied and drove his way of life, was the epitome of a humble cultural revolutionary. He was a man from the inception of his career who had a vision to change the present status quo of what today we call Belizean culture and music. He was the quiet warrior, sometimes quite unpredictable, who sacrificed most of his life for a cause that he truly believed in, the liberation of the Garinagu.

Channel 7

Strike Teachers Case Argued Before Chief Justice - Will He Stop GOB?
Two days ago, we told you about the lawsuit which Eamon Courtenay filed on behalf of the Belize National Teachers Union. They're suing the Ministry of Education to stop the Government from docking the pay of the strike teachers. Well, that case went before the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin, today, and we'll tell you all about how it went, but first to the big news. BNTU's investigations say that almost 1,500 teachers went on strike, and are at risk of having their November paycheck docked. The problem is that the Ministry has already put in the paysheets with the pay-cuts, and as of today, the calculations have already been made, and the deductions are finalized. So, that means when those strike teachers go to the bank next Friday, they may very well find their pay - their last salary before Christmas - docked for the number of days they were on strike.

Land Dispute Leads To Mass Fire In Trio Village
Tonight, 6 families in the village of Trio, in the Toledo District are homeless after 5 of their homes were intentionally burnt down by a group of arsonists, who then hauled down a 6th home. It's believed to be the result of a property dispute, which we told you about back in February. That's when a large number of villagers who were at risk of losing their homes and their farms because they had settled on large tracts of land which formerly belonged to the Thurton Estate, but which had been acquired by a Chinese business man. They claimed that they lived there for decades, cultivating the land and building their homes on it. They say that successive governments had promised to regularize the situation by acquiring it from the private landowners, and giving them the opportunity to own it legally, but that never happened. The Chinese businessman showed up, reportedly demanding 20 thousand dollars as payment in compensation, or they would have to move.

Harvest Caye Coming In From The Cold
In last night's headline, we showed you how Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye island getaway welcomed its first cruise visitors. It's a multi-million dollar investment in Southern Belize, and it comes with the only berthing facility for cruise ships in the country. As we told you, we were refused an invitation to cover the opening ceremony, and the Government Press Office was the only local media entity there. So, while we were only able to show you how the island looked from the distance on the sea, with the Press Office video from the island, we get to see all the pageantry that Norwegian refused to let us capture for Belizean viewing audiences. And if Colin Murphy, NCL's Senior Vice President of Destinations and Strategic Planning, looked to be fighting back tears at during his speech - it's not because he was missing us!:

Bart, the "Babylon" Barrister
We all know about the police-attorney Chester Williams - but he's not the only one in the Department. The unassuming Bart Jones who takes a much lower profile than the ubiquitous Chester finished his law degree at the same time as the southside commander - but just got called to the bar today. The media was at the Supreme Court for the event:... Sr. Supt. Bart Jones, Police Legal Officer: "Certainly it took a lot of sacrifice and all of us who embarked on this study. You leave your home behind to pursue in other countries so it was financial and personal sacrifices." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "Was there any point at which you said 'man I can just abandon this and return to Belize and I will still be a senior police officer and get my pension and life will be good'?" Sr. Supt. Bart Jones, Police Legal Officer: "There were many times when that was in fact the case, but I was blessed with the encouragement of my contemporaries at the law school and as well police officers back home in Belize who continued to encourage with words of encouragement. That was the reason why, but there were many occasions when I questioned 'why am I doing this?'."

FCD Signs An Agreement For The Ages
Viewers know very well how hard Rafael Manzanero and his team from the Friends for Conservation and Development work to try and protect the Chiqiubul National Park from deforestation and illegal encroachments. FCD is always looking to form useful partnerships, and on Tuesday, the conservation NGO officially teamed up with the UK-based company, Selvana Limited, for what is being called the Maya 2020 Project. A press release from the Government says that Maya 2020 is a project in which FCD and Selvana will collaborate to meet the sustainable forest conservation objectives of FCD. On Tuesday in London, FCD's Rafael Manzanero and Selvana's Chris Minty, signed an agreement making the partnership official, and Belize's High Commissioner to the UK, Perla Perdomo London, witnessed the event.

Armstrong Strong-armed By Strike Team
Last night we told you about the police CHARM week planned for next week. But, Eastern Division cops will have to do a lot of charming to win over Brian Armstrong. The 29-year-old Rocky Road resident says the Southside Strike Team chanced and charged him for doing nothing more than hanging out at his house. Here's how he put it today:... Brian Armstrong, Accused of Assault & Loitering: "I was in the building of my apartment downstairs when this guy just came, punched me in my mouth for no reason." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "Unprovoked? No reason?" Brian Armstrong: "No reason." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "The guy is a police officer?" Brian Armstrong: "He's on Strike Team. I asked him 'What's your deal, that's how you start your morning?', then he punched me two more times. He damaged me and did a lot of things to me. So I grabbed his two hands and he said that's assault." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "Then he's also accusing you of loitering." Brian Armstrong: "Yes in my own apartment."

Capital Cops Catch More Cannabis
Last night we told you how Belmopan police made a 25 pound weed bust . Well the drug seizures continue in that area and police found 2 pounds of weed in the HATTIEVILLE area of Roaring Creek today. No one was around, so the drugs were deposited as found property. Police also confiscated contraband goods and cigarettes in the Maya Mopan area.

BNTU, A Case Correction
And, before we go to break, a correction. We reported that the Chief Justice heard the substantive case from the teachers about why their salaries should not be docked. Well, we got that from persons who were allowed inside the closed hearing, and it was inaccurate. What he actually heard from the attorneys for the Union and the Ministry of Education is the urgent application for injunction. As we told you, we couldn't witness the hearing ourselves because the session was private. That means that only the attorneys and the parties to the case were allowed inside.

Defence Minister Goes To Belize-Guat Border Hotspots
Defence Minister of John Saldivar's tour of the BDF's Western military installations ended yesterday along the Belize - Guatemala border. Saldivar was flown out from Camp Belizario via BDF helicopter to assess the preparedness of the installations closer to border. He visited CARACOL which is where lawman Danny Conorquie was killed by Guatemalan bandits. He then flew unto military outposts in Ceibo Chico and Rio Blanco, which is less than a mile from the border. In two weeks, Saldivar will begin a tour of BDF's Southern camps. According to a release, "the purpose of the Minister's tour is to evaluate the BDF's ability to execute various functions, and determine whether the instillations need to be better equipped to carry out those functions."

Anwar Is Still Around
Last night, we told you about BTL advertising a vacancy for the post of Chief Executive Officer. That's because Anwar Barrow is leaving the post. But, not quite yet. A release from Telemedia today stresses that Barrow will stay on going into next year, when a new CEO has been identified. After that, there will be what a company release calls "an orderly transition" to the new CEO. Barrow will remain on the BTL Board of Directors.

Entrecon Is For Everyone
ENTRECON, is an annual event that brings key stakeholders in the entrepreneurial community to share ideas about how to develop and innovate Belize's business culture. Today, everyone from business owners to academics and even government agencies gathered in Belize City to listen to experts and discuss how information and communication technologies can be used to take business in Belize to the next level. We spoke to Lejia Gideon, the General Manager of Enterprise and Innovation at BELTRAIDE, and David Ahuja, Senior Director of Enterprise Information Management at Walmart, who told us why Belizean entrepreneurs need to put a greater emphasis on technology when growing their businesses. Lejia Melanie Gideon - General Manager, Enterprise & Innovation, BELTRAIDE: "The goal of today's event is how to use ICT to make business better. How you use ICT to bring that innovative thought to commercialization. That is the theme for today, but overall, BELTRADE along with its other partners, in the last 5 year have systematically been trying to expose, celebrate, expand the consciousness of what is entrepreneurship, why is it important, why do we need more and more players and participants in the field of entrepreneurship. It takes the business idea to a new level."

Come Een, Cabei!
When you hear the name "CABEI", it may not have a familiar ring, but the Central American Bank For Economic Integration has funded the paving of portions of the Southern Highway, upgrading the Santa Elena border and right now has loaned Belize 30 million dollars for upgrading security infrastructure. And that's why it is worth mentioning that - ten years after joining CABEI - Belize has now been incorporated as a full member of the Bank as a Non-Founding Regional country. This new status will allow Belize to expand its financing for new loan approvals. Belize joins Panama and the Dominican Republic as the three newest full members of the bank.

Settlement Day In South
Tomorrow is Garifuna Settlement Day - and in Southern, Central and Western Belize, Belizeans will celebrate the roots and the rhythms of this vibrant culture. In 2014 I travelled to Dangriga to witness the Yurumein Ceremony - which is the re-enactment of the arrival. Now, re-enactments of the arrival are staged all over the country, but the ones in PG and Dangriga are the most celebrated. Two years ago, I found out why:... Courtney Weatherburne reporting The history of the Garifuna tells us that they arrived in Belize on November 19th, 1823. 91 years later the re-enactment of the arrival of the ancestors still continues. With the Garifuna flag hoisted proudly, swaying in the early morning wind, the participants of the YURUMEIN paddled in. Their chants and songs reverberating like the infectious beat of the drums. Alice Sabal, Onlooker "We are celebrating our heritage. We are celebrating our music. We are celebrating our language. We are celebrating the way we dress - that's what we are celebrating today and that is what we should be depicting as Garifuna youths today."

Channel 5

Supreme Court Decision Monday on Injunction to Stop Salaries Deducted for Teachers
The monthly salaries of almost two thousand primary and secondary school teachers hang in the balance tonight, as they anxiously await a decision to be handed down by the Supreme [...]

B.N.T.U.: By Slashing Salaries of 1,500, G.O.B. Wants to “Rule”, Not “Govern”
According to Palacio, government insists on punishing teachers who took part in industrial action last month.  While there is currently no figure to determine the overall deduction, government has began [...]

Senior Officer Bart Jones Called to the Bar; He is Legal Advisor to Police Department
The Belize Police Department welcomes another attorney into its ranks.  This morning, well-known officer Bart Jones was officially called to the bar.  Jones, who has diligently worked his way up [...]

Minister Says Police Must Put Educated Officers to Better Use
On hand for the induction of attorney Bart Jones was Minister of Police Elodio Aragon Junior.  He spoke about the role of the police department and the relationship it shares [...]

B.T.L. Begins Search for Successor to Anwar Barrow as C.E.O.
Chief Executive Officer of the state-owned Belize Telemedia Limited, Anwar Barrow, is on his way out of that post. But he has not yet formally stepped down, according to a [...]

Bondholders’ Committee Formed, Will They Drive a Hard Bargain?
As requested by the Government of Belize, representatives of key holders of the U.S. Dollar 2038 Bonds, the Superbond, have agreed to form a committee to discuss the restructuring of [...]

Community Holds Vigil for Murder Victim Tyler Savery
Hundreds of residents—youths and adults—including the grieving mothers from the Hamilton family and other concerned Belize City residents, gathered at the B.T.L. Park for a candle light vigil organized by [...]

W.H.O. Declares Zika “Global Emergency” Over
In health news, international reports say that the World Health Organization earlier today declared an end to its global health emergency over the spread of the Zika virus, prompting dismay [...]

Dangriga Fisherman Still Missing at Sea After 2 Days
Day-two of a search for a fisherman lost in a capsized vessel has turned up no sign of him. As we reported Thursday, a private skiff carrying five adults and [...]

Colin Murphy Makes Official Welcome to Harvest Caye
The exclusive, privately-owned tourist destination on Harvest Caye welcomed its first cruise arrival on Thursday with a grand inauguration of its multimillion dollar investment.  The Norwegian Dawn called to port [...]

Tourism Minister Speaks About Harvest Caye Investment
Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia was on hand for the ribbon cutting and represented the Government of Belize.  According to Heredia, the project falls within the sustainable tourism master plan. [...]

Taiwanese-Belizean and Mexican Artists in Latest Exhibit
In the next few minutes, a painting and digital art exhibition will open at the Institute of Mexico on Newtown Barracks in Belize City. Punto de Encuentro, La Humanidad – [...]

EntreCon 2016: Unlocking ICT Innovation in Belize
Competitiveness in this digital age is to understand the virtue of ICT – information and communications technology…That’s what the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) is providing entrepreneurs and [...]

Culture Capital Hosts B.T.I.A.’s Tourism Expo
Garifuna Settlement Day is being celebrated across the country, primarily in Dangriga. Apart from the annual parade and street parties, there will be a tourism expo. The event, hosted by [...]

Zone Winners Chosen in Primary School Social Studies Quiz
Earlier this year, we told you about the downtown rejuvenation project that is being undertaken by the Belize City Council and the National Institute of Culture and History with support [...]

F.C.D. Gets “Big Up” in London
It has been a while since we’ve heard from the Friends of Conservation and Development, but just this week, Executive Director Raphael Manzanero was in London on official FCD business. [...]

Amandala

KREM Radio celebrates its 27th birthday
On November 17, 1989, KREM Radio emerged as the provider of musical programming and commentary that were an alternative to what was being aired on the government-owned, heavily-censored, now-defunct Broadcasting Corporation of Belize/Radio Belize and British Armed Forces Network, then based in Ladyville. The two former stations no longer exist, but KREM has continued to offer a culturally authentic, grassroots voice as an alternative for the nation of Belize. Today, Thursday, on its 27th birthday, the radio station continues to lead the way by broadcasting the Morning Stew, which airs five days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and features a mix of music and breaking news updates from the station’s news center as well as live broadcasts of major happenings.

Accused murderer of Chinese grocer walks
The dismal record of failed prosecutions in murder trials continues unabated in the present session of the Supreme Court, as the Crown was forced to abandon its indictment against yet another person accused of murder this morning. Jordan Cayetano, 23, was accused of the Saturday, April 2, 2011 murder of Chinese grocer Yan Ying Chen, 32, who was gunned down around 1:00 p.m.in her shop, Rose Grocery, located at 78 King Street. On November 1, Cayetano’s trial began in the Supreme Court of Justice John “Troadio” Gonzalez, who was sitting without a jury. The trial went into a voir dire which lasted for several days, during which defense attorneys Dickie Bradley and Anthony Sylvestre battled with Crown Counsel Rene Montero, Jr., over the admissibility of an oral statement that police had extracted from their client.

Many shed tears for slain 7-year-old, Tyler Savery
The heartbreaking murder of Tyler Savery, 7, who is the fourth of five Belizean children to be killed in the last 6 weeks, has forced the Belizean community to take a closer look at the ever-intensifying gun violence amongst us, which has gotten to the point where not even children are safe anymore. It has also given Savery’s mother, Shakera Young, a platform on which to speak, as an agent of change. Today, Wednesday, the life of young Savery was celebrated at his favorite place, the BTL Park. His family, friends and classmates, as well as distinguished public figures, all attended a short church service held at the park and later marched through the streets of Belize City – stopping along the way at the specific location where a gunman shot Tyler once in the chest while he was on his way to buying a milkshake.

Goodbye, Empress!
There is now another lifeless Belizean child whose body awaits transportation to Belize from the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Galveston, Texas. On October 4, a crazed arsonist stormed the Hamilton’s family home on Aloe Vera Street, doused it with gasoline, and set it afire. Aaron Gabourel, 11, was burnt alive in that fire. His cousins, Ian Sambula, 4, and Empress Hamilton, 9, were also burnt in that fire. They both suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns, which covered 95 percent of their bodies. Days later they were both transported by an air ambulance to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Galveston, Texas, for treatment.

Corozal resident shot dead in Libertad
Sherman MacFarlane, 22, of Corozal Town, who was unemployed, died after a gunman ambushed and shot him in the head at about 9:30 last night on Cemetery Road in Libertad. MacFarlane was found near his vehicle bleeding from gunshot wounds in the head. Police said that MacFarlane was hanging out with five friends in Libertad yesterday, and afterwards, he was crossing the road to get into his vehicle when four men came out of the bushes. They were all wearing masks on their faces and one of them walked up to MacFarlane and shot him in the head. Police say that when the killer went up to MacFarlane, the other three men stood back. After shooting MacFarlane, the gunman and his accomplices then escaped.

BNTU takes Ministry of Education to court
Friday, November 25, is the last pay day for teachers before the Christmas holidays. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Education has indicated that it will withhold salary contributions to teachers who spent eleven days away from their schools in protest against the government. In an effort to prevent this from taking place, the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has retained the legal services of attorney Eamon Courtenay. Courtenay wrote the Ministry on Friday demanding that it desists from withholding the salary contributions it ought to give to school managers. Monday had been the deadline that had been set for the Ministry to respond to the letter, but it never did. On Wednesday, Courtenay formally filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Education and by extension, the Government of Belize.

BzSA holds Optimist Championship Battle Regatta
The Belize Sailing Association (BzSA) held their 7th National Optimist Championship Regatta in Corozal Bay (Jam Rock) on the 12th and 13th November. The event, which was sponsored by NICH, was originally scheduled to take place at St. George’s Caye as part of the National September Celebrations, but was unfortunately cancelled due to Hurricane Earl. After several unsuccessful attempts to reschedule for St. George’s Caye, the Corozal Bay Sailing Club graciously stepped in and offered to host, providing their wonderful hospitality and seaside Bay. The winds were light, as is often the case at this time of year, causing a slight delay for the start on Saturday, and stepping in with a steady, light breeze on Sunday. Notwithstanding the wind, the regatta was completed, with the full repertoire of races being six (6) Optimist races and six (6) Laser races.

2016 National Primary Schools Track & Field Championship results
The National Primary Schools Track & Field Championship was held on Thursday, November 10, at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City. Primary schools from all six districts were represented in different age/sex categories: Infant “B” Female (9-11 years), Infant “B” Male (9-11 years), Junior “C” Female (12-14 years), and Junior “C” Male (12-14 years). For the Infant “B” Female and Infant “B” Male, events included: 60m, 100m, 800m, Shot Put (3kg), and Long Jump; the Relay 4 x 50m Mix – combined male and female runners in each team. Both the Junior “C” Female and Junior “C” Male participated in the 100m, 400m, 1200m, Shot Put (3kg), Long Jump, Baseball Throw, as well as the Relay 4 x 100m. The organizers also selected MVP athletes for each category as follows: MVP Infant “B” Female (9-11 years) – Terrylee Arana of Stann Creek. MVP Infant “B” Male (9-11 years) – Jace Garcia of Belize District. MVP Junior “C” Female (12-14 years) – Eden Nunez of Stann Creek. MVP Junior “C” Male (12-14 years) – Ornell Reyes of Stann Creek.

Celebrating the Garinagu
The ancestors of the people we now know as the Garifuna people, the people referred to before the 1970’s as “Black Caribs,” survived three near-death experiences within a matter of a few years more than two centuries ago. First, they were exiled from their native St. Vincent to a barren island called Balliceaux, where many perished; then they were deported to Roatan, an island off the republic of Honduras, and many perished on the British sailing ship taking them from Balliceaux to Roatan. In Roatan itself, many began to die, hence the decision to strike out for the Central American mainland. These three near-death experiences must be considered within the context of the thousands of actual deaths. In other words, those who came near to dying themselves were constantly involved in the process of burying those of their brothers and sisters who were perishing – on Balliceaux, on the ship from Balliceaux to Roatan, and on Roatan itself. It is our understanding that near-death experiences enhance the spirituality of an individual or a people. The ancestors of the people of African descent we now refer to as the “Creole” people of Belize, themselves survived near-death experiences after being enslaved and while being shipped as slaves from West Africa to North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean.

From the Publisher
My understanding of the terrible gun violence on Daly Street last Friday evening, so terrible because the gunman almost deliberately claimed the life of an innocent 7- year-old boy, is that it was a case of civil war inside of the larger Belize City civil war. In other words, a neighborhood which would ordinarily be in conflict with other neighborhoods, began to “beef” inside its own organization. We saw this happen on Mayflower Street, which is just a few small blocks east of Partridge Street, a year or two ago, and it was very bad. The police had to establish a presence on Mayflower which has become practically permanent. Young blood relatives had become enraged with each other to the point where they were willing to kill each other. When you see this type of internal neighborhood violence taking place, it is because the struggle for human survival has become so desperate that food, and issues ultimately related to food, are taking absolute precedence over peace and love and other cherished human values. It’s sad. We’ll never get to know how gifted some of these young Belizeans may be, because they are killed or crippled “before their time,” as the Creole saying goes.

Life after Trump’s election and what it might mean for Belize!
Dear Editor, There are many more questions raised than answered after the US Presidential election and what they will mean for Belize, the Belizean Diaspora and our neighbors in Central-America. Most of us in Belize have family over there. Many are there as “illegal aliens” and many legal immigrants are considering to move back home because of the racism. At least one of my sons is talking about that. One of his best friends born in the US of “illegal immigrant” parents is going through the nightmare of having to see his parents being shipped off back to Mexico who have-not been back there for 25 years. They were even trying to find out if they could legally adopt his father and mother to be able to stay together as a family. That sad reality is probably very real too for a lot of our Belizean family all over the USA.

“Tithing” for our children, for our teachers
Christmas is coming. A season of love and giving and sharing. It is no time for fighting. Our beloved teachers have done their part already; standing up for all of us, to bring back good governance to our precious Jewel, and thus to improve the lives and safety of all our children. We are all proud of their brave and gallant stand, and appreciate the tremendous sacrifice and risk they have taken on all our behalf. Now back in the classroom, our teachers are committed to help our children catch up with the lost days from their time of striking for the good of the nation. They need our love and support now, more than ever. Now is certainly not the time for our teachers to be distracted and disheartened in their task of teaching our children, for them to be worrying about making ends meet, and trying to see their Christmas. We citizens who pledged our support, we now have to put our money where our mouths were.

SCA girls and San Pedro HS boys win NSSSA Volleyball Champions
The National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) held its 2016 national volleyball championships over the weekend at the Sacred Heart College auditorium in San Ignacio, where the four high school zone champions for females and males competed for the respective national titles. The tournament followed a simple knockout format, with St. Catherine Academy girls emerging as champions in the female category, and San Pedro High School boys in the male category. At the end of the tournament, in addition to individual awards for best individual performances, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners received team trophies and individual medals from tournament sponsors, SOL Belize.

BNTU takes Ministry of Education to court
Friday, November 25, is the last pay day for teachers before the Christmas holidays. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Education has indicated that it will withhold salary contributions to teachers who spent eleven days away from their schools in protest against the government. In an effort to prevent this from taking place, the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has retained the legal services of attorney Eamon Courtenay. Courtenay wrote the Ministry on Friday demanding that it desists from withholding the salary contributions it ought to give to school managers. Monday had been the deadline that had been set for the Ministry to respond to the letter, but it never did. On Wednesday, Courtenay formally filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Education and by extension, the Government of Belize.

The Reporter

Belize City resident alleges police brutality
One day after a police officer was charged with brutality, a Belize City resident is alleging that police beat him up “for nothing.” Brian Armstrong, resident of Rocky Road, said that he was on the veranda of his apartment building on Thursday when an officer, […]

Senior police officer called to the bar
Senior Superintendent of Police, Bart Jones can officially practice law in Belize after being called to the bar, today. Jones got called to the bar this morning at Supreme Court room number one, the Chief Justice’s court, after completing five years of study in the […]

BNTU files for injunction
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) has filed for a Supreme Court order to prevent the Ministry of Education from withholding salary payment for teachers who participated in the 11-day strike in October. The BNTU’s attorney, Eamon Courtneay, filed the necessary documents on Wednesday, after […]

Sherman McFarlane shot & killed in Libertad
Twenty-two-year-old Sherman McFarlane, a resident of Corozal Town, was shot dead on Tuesday night in Libertad village, Corozal. McFarlane was reportedly ambushed by four gunmen. According to reports, McFarlane went to visit some friends in the village and at around 9:45, he stopped on Cemetery […]

Counterfeit $20 bills circulating around Belmopan City
There are reports of $20 counterfeit bills circulating around Belmopan City. Residents in the area are being advised to be vigilant of their money. According to Officer Commanding Belmopan Police Station Supt. Howell Gillette, on Monday a resident within the area went to make a bank […]

Briceno says Trump had the right message
People’s United Party (PUP) Leader, John Briceno says US President-elect, Donald Trump had the right message and was voted in because Americans felt abandoned and hopeless. Briceno told reporters on Tuesday afternoon at PUP headquarters on Queen Street that the PUP is using the US […]

Health and Local Government ministries sign MOU
The Ministries of Health and Local government, signed a memorandum of understanding this week, geared towards greater regulation for businesses which offer medical services. Minister of Health Pablo Marin, along with Minister of Local Government Hugo Patt, signed the MOU on Tuesday in Belmopan. The Mayor’s Association […]

Briceno blames Belize’s dismal credit rating on UDP mismanagement
Belize received a less than impressive sovereign credit rating from Standard and Poor’s international rating agency this week, and Leader of the Opposition John Briceno says the blame lies squarely at the foot of the current government. The rating fell from a B-minus to CCC+ […]

Briceño says GOB should not dock teachers’ salaries
People’s United Party Leader John Briceño called on the Government of Belize this week, to reverse its decision to dock the pay of teachers who went on strike. On Tuesday Briceño condemned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Patrick Faber, for preparing to dock the teachers salaries, for taking […]

Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presents credentials to Belize
The Ambassador of the republic of China and Taiwan presented his letters of credence to the Governor General Of Belize at the Belize House in Belmopan City on Wednesday. According to a press release, H.E. Mr Charles Keh-yue Liu, expressed his pleasure in representing his country […]

BPP criticizes GOB’s efforts at solving Guatemalan dispute
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP), this week, condemned the Government of Belize for making strides toward amending the Referendum Act to lower the required 60 percent threshold. BPP spokesman, Paco Smith, said the party finds it unacceptable that GOB would amend Belizean laws at the behest of […]

Youths kill elderly aunt for money
Police say robbery was the motive of the murder of 63 year-old Victoria Castillo, who was first reported missing, before her grave was discovered in her back yard sometime over the weekend in Dangriga. Castillo’s sister, Gloria, found the grave in which the dismembered parts […]

Prison escapee, caught by GSU in Cotton Tree
After being on the run for over a month, an escapee of the Belize Central Prison has been caught by the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) after he was found hiding out at a farm in Cotton Tree Village. Around midday on Tuesday November 15, acting upon […]

Cousins gunned down while heading to ice cream parlour
By Marion Ali, Assistant The families of seven-year-old Tyler Savery and his older cousin, 21year-old Porshan Pipersburg are trying to cope with their loss after the two were shot dead while on their way to buying ice cream last Friday. Savery, a standard one student of Saint Joseph’s primary, lived […]

Editorial
There has been push back against a proposal by the Ministry of Health in Belmopan to vaccinate some 4,400 pre-teen and teenage schoolgirls across Belize with a drug called Gardasil to protect them from the papiloma virus which causes cervical cancer. Health officials say the vaccination programme is necessary because […]

Harvest Caye quietly opens
The controversial Harvest Caye cruise port officially opened on Thursday and accepted its first cruise ship call. The $50 million port, which has raised the ire of the conservation community and tourism industry stakeholders for several years, received more than 2,000 passengers from Norwegian Cruise […]

Cops recover 25 lbs of weed in high speed chase
Belmopan police seized 25 pounds of marijuana on Wednesday night after a high speed chase which started in Roaring Creek and ended in St. Margaret’s village. Police officers were conducting patrols on the George Price Highway when they became suspicious of a taxi vehicle lurking […]

Third fire victim dies of burn injuries abroad
Baby Empress Hamilton, 8, who sustained burn injuries in a disturbing case of arson on Aloe Vera Street has died of complications while receiving treatment in Galveston, Texas. Empress died on Wednesday, he third child to die in the fire. LittleEmpress received burns to 90 […]

Garifuna community pushes for land rights
The issue of indigenous land rights has been exhaustively discussed within the public sphere and within the Supreme Court of Belize by the Maya people. However, the issue of indigenous land rights may extend beyond the Maya community and includes the Garifuna people as well. […]

Breaking Belize News

Candle Light Vigil held in rememberance of slain children
Tonight a candle light vigil was held in memory of Tyler Slavery, 7, and all other children who lost their lives to violence. The theme, “Young lives matter,” has brought out not only the mother of Savery, Shakera Young; but also Melissa Hamilton. Hamilton […]

New bus fares cripple commuters
Beginning on Monday of this week, new bus fares are being implemented by many operators on the western and northern routes and commuters are complaining bitterly that the new fares are crippling them and will send them further into poverty. In an interview with […]

Defense Minister wraps up Tour of BDF Installations in the West
Minister of Defense John Saldivar has just completed a tour of BDF installations in the West, which is part of a countrywide tour. Yesterday, Saldivar was joined by CEO in the Ministry of Defence and former Commander of the BDF Volunteer Battalion Lieutenant Colonel […]

Police find weed in Roaring Creek
Belmopan police discovered a black plastic bag with what appeared to be cannabis in the Hattieville area of Roaring Creek today. No one was in the area at the time of the discovery. The drug was weighed at 1lb and was labeled as found […]

BTL clarifies CEO status
Belize Telemedia Ltd (BTL) offered clarity on a report that Chairman of the Executive Committee, Anwar Barrow, who functions as CEO at BTL, had resigned. “He remains in this role today and will continue to remain as such per his commitment to the company […]

FCD and SELVANA sign Maya 2020 project agreement
The Belize High Commission in London issued a press release to announce the signing of an agreement between SELVANA Ltd, a UK-based company and Friends for Conservation and Development, a Belizean NGO, setting out the delivery of activity on the Maya 2020 project. The […]

Empress Hamilton dead at 9
Three children burnt in the Aloe Vera Street fire several weeks ago have all died. The last to die was Empress Hamilton, 9. According to her mother, she died at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston Texas sometime near midnight on Tuesday. Her […]

Man lost at sea apparently dead
A man is currently missing at sea after a boat he was in capsized off the coast of Dangriga. According to preliminary reports, two police officers, three adults and an infant were on a vessel heading to Tobacco Caye. The officers were reportedly heading […]

Police officer accused of brutality gets bail
A drunken Orange Walk police officer who badly beat a Guinea Grass resident with his police issued firearm went to court on Wednesday. Police Constable Jamie Gongora appeared in the Orange Walk magistrates court for “wounding” Hugo Noh, 21. On November 6, Noh was […]

Bondholders bring in heavy hitter
Holders of the 2038 Bond, based on a request from the Government of Belize, have agreed to form a committee to discuss a restructuring of the bond as Belize’s economic and financial conditions have deteriorated putting the country at risk of a default. Prime Minister […]

Man charged for OW murder
Elroy Arnold, 23, has been arrested and charged for murder in connection with the death of Manuel Toloza, 28. Toloza, a resident of Trial Farm was allegedly beaten and stabbed to death almost three weeks ago by five men. When Arnold appeared in court […]

Accused murderer walks free
Another accused murderer is back on the streets of Belize City after his trial fell apart based on technicalities. Jordan Cayetano, 23, was charged in connection with the April 2, 2011 murder of Chinese grocer Yan Ying Chen, 32. Chen was gunned down in […]

BNTU injunction case against GOB goes to court today
Last Friday, attorney Eamon Courtenay sent a letter to education minister Patrick Faber, on behalf of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU). The union is demanding that Faber repeal the decision to dock teacher’s pay end of this month. The union gave him until […]

DiCaprio’s Blackadore Caye good to go
Academy Award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s Blackadore Caye eco-resort project is all set to begin construction. The resort is expected to be completed by 2018. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project was recently approved by the Department of the Environment (DOE). DiCaprio bought the 104-acre […]

Anwar Barrow resigns as BTL CEO
Anwar Barrow, son of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, has resigned from his post of Chief Executive Officer of Belize Telemedia Limited. In Barrow’s two and a half year tenure as Chairman of BTL’s Executive committee, and working as the CEO of the state owned […]

Blogs

The blonde hair, blue eyes of Belize
Belize is known for her vast diversity of landscapes. From misty mountains, to pine forests, savannahs and rainforests, to gorgeous beaches, isolated cayes and of course the Meso-American Barrier Reef. Equally diverse are her people, ranging from the Mestizo, Maya, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Chinese and yes, Mennonites. You may think that’s an unlikely add to our mix, and indeed their history here is an interesting one. Initially, some 3,500 Canadian Mennonites arrived in Belize, and today form communities on the upper reaches of the Belize River: Blue Creek on the Mexican border; Shipyard, Indian Creek, Richmond Hill in the Orange Walk District; Spanish Lookout and Barton Creek in the Cayo District and Little Belize in the Corozal District. In 2014 their population was estimated to be around 12,000, with 10,000 of those being ethnic “Russian” Mennonites. Not only do they speak English, but also their first language of Plautdietsch, a Low German dialect. In addition to this, there are an estimated 2,000 mostly Kriol and Mestizo Belizeans who have converted to Mennonitism.

Whole Lotta Love
As I started writing this special post in advance, I could not help but think about the happiness in the sadness of the event that was about to happen. A large group about 25 of us from near and far making the pilgrimage to honor the loss of a smart, funny, inspired, man – Colin Gage. That number is small compared to the amount of people who would be here to raise their glass if they could. Our celebration of life; the well loved destination YOLO – party boat. There was definitely a ‘Whole Lotta Love’ on the boat that night. Everyone shared such amazing memories of a great man and how he had touched them in one way or another. We were all sad he is gone but happy to have known him – few tears and a whole lotta smiling. You know you have lived a good life when 98% of the people on the sunset cruise have more than one great story to tell about you. Many had double digits.

International Sources

Harvest Caye Open for Cruise Ship Calls in Belize
Harvest Caye, the new destination built by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in Southern Belize, has welcomed its first guests. It is the only port in Belize with a cruise ship pier, according to Norwegian. "Located just one mile offshore, Harvest Caye offers Caribbean travelers an authentic Belizean experience that highlights the country’s beauty and nature, along with resort-style amenities including a sprawling pool and private luxury beach villas; a variety of eco-activities and interactive wildlife programs; and an exhilarating cross-island zip line. With its close proximity to the mainland, Harvest Caye also offers guests easy access to a wide variety of adventure excursions," said a statement from Norwegian. “Harvest Caye is truly the ultimate Belizean experience and we are delighted to welcome our first guests today,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We have worked closely with the government of Belize to ensure that that this spectacular destination was authentic for our guests, provided economic opportunities for the local community and preserved and protected Belize’s incredible natural beauty. We’re overjoyed with the results of this four year development project, and we look forward to seeing Harvest Caye and Southern Belize grow as we delight the many guests that will call on the destination.”

Into the Great Blue
I’m floating 70 kilometres offshore in the Great Blue Hole, a 125-metre deep sinkhole in Lighthouse Reef. And although aerial photos show a circular sapphire set in turquoise, it’s high tide, so it feels like we’re swimming in an oversized infinity pool. It’s a surreal shade of blue that beckons with untold treasure. Measuring 300 metres across, this natural phenomenon became synonymous with Jacques-Yves Cousteau who popularized this Belize dive site in the early 1970s. At our basecamp on Half Moon Caye park ranger Bill from the Belize Audubon Society tells us that Cousteau “blew a piece of the crater out of the Blue Hole using dynamite” to gain better access to the heart of this adventure playground. All of Belize seems primed for amusement or escape. Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are still sun-drenched hotspots, and new properties promising exclusivity are also under development. Like the Itz’ana Belize Resort & Residences (opening in March 2017) with its luxury lagoon villas, solar cottages and private island (not to mention a library inspired by Ernest Hemingway). Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio’s passion project, Blackadore Caye, is taking sustainability to a utopian level, perhaps an homage to his movie, The Beach. The actor-activist’s offshore idyll will welcome residents and guests in 2018.

Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee review – proto-Trump figure chills the blood
This documentary about the software whizz who fled to Central America before running for president is a timely tale of ego, malevolence and fanatacism. ight now it is tempting to find parables and parallels everywhere for the current US situation. With this documentary from Nanette Burstein, the zeitgeist-paranoia is justified. Her film is about a man who, in political terms, was John the Baptist to the non-Jesus that is the president-elect. One of the candidates running for the US presidency in the early stages this year was a very rich, entitled and arrogant businessman with a huge social media presence, what this film suggests is a troubling attitude to women, a strong “eccentricity” (rather than the simple madness of lesser, poorer people) and a tendency to get riled by the media. This was John McAfee, the 1980s antivirus software tycoon who had retired in the noughties to run a yoga retreat on his vast Colorado estate. After apparently losing a bundle in the crash of 2008, he emigrated to Belize where he jokingly told reporters he was going to be like Kurtz in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. According to this documentary, he proceeded to pay off the cops, put dozens of local gangsters on the payroll as armed bodyguards, nurse crazy schemes to develop new-age medicines from indigenous plant life and cultivated psychopathic levels of paranoia about being kidnapped – he appeared to become a would-be king of the Central American jungle.

After making his first NFL start, Chiefs’ Rakeem Nunez-Roches is ready for more
As they sat down for dinner last Saturday, Rakeem Nunez-Roches felt the need to preface the message he was about to deliver to his mother. “I’m going to tell you something, but I don’t want you to go crazy,” Nunez-Roches told Nancy. “Then I told her. “She went crazy, and started crying.” They were tears of joy. Nunez-Roches, the Chiefs’ second-year defensive lineman, had just told her he was about to make his first NFL start. Nunez-Roches made the most of the opportunity, recording four tackles, one solo, in the Chiefs’ 20-17 victory at Carolina. He played 32 of 73 snaps and was typically energetic on all of them. His best moment came when he nearly recorded a sack of Cam Newton, who got off the throw about the time Nunez-Roches arrived. The effort reflected what the Chiefs have seen in practices. Nunez-Roches, a native of Belize, moved to the United States with his mom when he was 8. The Chiefs made him their sixth-round pick out of Southern Mississippi in 2015. He appeared in seven games with four tackles last season. “When he was a rookie, we said you just can’t cut him,” Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson said. “He has more energy than anybody on the field, even (defensive backs). Teams throw it downfield and he’s chasing guys.

Drilling Into the Chicxulub Crater, Ground Zero of the Dinosaur Extinction
Some 66 million years ago an asteroid crashed into the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, triggering the extinction event that obliterated the dinosaurs and nearly extinguished all life on Earth. It struck with the same energy as 100 million atomic bombs, and left behind a 100-mile-wide scar known today as the Chicxulub crater. Now, a team of geophysicists has drilled into the gigantic cavity under the Gulf of Mexico, targeting a circular series of hills called a peak ring located at its center. What they discovered illustrates that powerful impacts can catapult materials buried deep in a planet’s crust much closer to its surface. “Chicxulub is the only crater on Earth with an intact peak ring that we can go sample, the next intact peak ring would be on the moon,” said Sean P. S. Gulick, a marine geophysicist from the University of Texas at Austin. “It’s ground zero of the Cretaceous extinction event.”

Videos

November 18, 2016

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, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro BTIA holds Annual General Meeting; Elects New Board
On Wednesday evening, November 16th, the San Pedro chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) held their annual general meeting at Fido’s Courtyard. In attendance were San Pedro BTIA Chairwoman Melanie Paz, BTIA National President John Burgos, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Belize Tourism Expo (BTEX), and members of the local chapter. The San Pedro chapter was reformed in July 2015 after a couple years of inactivity, and since then has been working to represent the tourism stakeholders on the island. Of recent, efforts have been made to standardize taxi services in San Pedro, as they are considered island ‘ambassadors’; often giving the first impression to guests when arriving to the Caye. Finalizing the meeting involved the election of new board members for the San Pedro chapter. Tamara Sniffin was elected the Chairwoman, Melanie Paz the Vice-Chair, along with Delsie Graniel and a representative from the San Pedro Tour Operator Association, to be appointed at a later date.

San Pedro’s Melvin Rolando Rauldares wins Gold at primary schools athletics championships
San Pedro Roman Catholic School’s Melvin Rolando Rauldares leapt 4.90 meters to win gold for the Belize district in the Junior C boys’ long jump at the annual national championship. The competition for primary school track and field championships is organized by the National Sports Council and was held at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City last Thursday, November 10. Rauldares’ gold helped the Belize District win the most gold medals: 14, as well as six silver and five bronze. Stann Creek won eight gold, five silver and five bronze. The Cayo district won one gold, six silver and none bronze. Corozal won four silvers and four bronze; while Toledo won a gold and a silver. Orange Walk won a silver and a bronze.

Health screenings to improve MOH standards
In an effort to gather important health related information in San Pedro, a team of medical students from California, USA have coordinated with Dr. Javier Zuniga, Regional Manager of the Central Health Region and the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to conduct health screenings through a “Community Needs Assessment”. The Community Needs Assessment is also being done in partnership with the San Pedro Red Cross and the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, who support this initiative to improve population health. From Saturday, November 19th and over the span of the next five weeks, NanoMed Corp—the students’ healthcare—will be offering free health screenings at the polyclinic. Health research is a long term investment in human health and well-being. The assessment will include a health questionnaire and a basic physical checkup. After being evaluated, and if anything is abnormal, NanoMed Corp will be able to refer the patients to the polyclinic. The benefits to the community are great, and it makes good sense to support a health screening initiative to empower the residents of the island.

Restrictions on the importation of ham and turkey supports local economy
Although Thanksgiving is not widely celebrated throughout Belize, a portion of the population still indulges in eating turkey and/or ham for the occasion. However, the demand for both turkey and ham products usually becomes high during the Christmas holidays. As both local and imported products are supplied in select stores, some individuals prefer imported products, while others purchase local products to help support Belize’s economy. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Sustainable Development and Immigration, Godwin Hulse, is looking to change that by restricting the amount of future importations. He explained that the issuance of current importation permits were given before he took over the Ministry. “Before I took the Ministry, permits were already issued for hams to various operators who annually and traditionally get permits to bring in certain amounts of ham. What I understand the Ministry did was, to balance that along with the domestic production so that the domestic production is not disenfranchised. That was done just before I took the Ministry,” said Minister Hulse in an interview with Love FM News.

Ambergris Today

BHA promoting Belize Tourism in Montreal and Toronto!
Following the recent addition of the twice weekly Westjet flight direct between Toronto and Belize City, the Belize Hotel Association was excited to participate in the Canadian Road show that was organized by the Belize Tourism Board and included the participation of several private stakeholders in the Tourism Industry of Belize. The BHA Marketing Director, Tessie Duran Tonaco attended the event to represent BHA members. The intense two day marketing event, was hosted in Toronto, on Tuesday November 8, 2016, and in Montreal, on Wednesday November 9, 2016. The BHA, the BTB and attending industry stakeholders, each had a tabletop presentation at both venues, where they were able to have one-on-one meetings with a total of more than 100 Canadian travel agents.

Misc Belizean Sources

HARVEST CAYE: THE NEW TOURIST MECCA IN SOUTHERN BELIZE
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), under the auspices of the Ministry responsible for Investment, Trade and Commerce, is mandated to facilitate and promote investment in Belize. The massive investment happening at Harvest Caye in the southern part of the country is yet another vivid example of BELTRAIDE’s efforts to foster investments. On Tuesday November 15, 2016 Belize Island Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, held a soft opening for its Eco/Adventure Cruise Port at Harvest Caye. Harvest Caye sits a few miles south from the Placencia mainland and it takes only eighteen minutes to get there by boat. Upon arrival, the visitor cannot help but to enter in a state of wonderment as the vast beauty of the island unfolds.

MINISTER OF DEFENCE TOURS BDF INSTALLATIONS IN THE WEST
Minister of Defence Hon John Saldivar is this week visiting BDF installations in the West as part of his countrywide tour. Yesterday, November 16, 2016, Hon Saldivar, accompanied by BDF Deputy Commander Colonel Steven Ortega and personnel from the Ministry of Defence, visited Camp Belizario in the Central Farm area of the Cayo District where he was briefed on security functions and given a full tour of the facilities. The Minister was also briefed on international military training being carried out under Exercise Tropical Dagger 16 which includes security forces from Jamaica, Canada, United States and Belize, and is being conducted in Belize for the first time. The Minister and his team were then taken on a fly over along the Belize- Guatemalan border where BDF personnel man a number of posts, such as Xunantunich, Arenal and El Pilar located in the Bullet Tree area. Returning to the ground, Hon Saldivar was then given a full tour of those posts. The Minister of Defence continues his tour in the West today and tomorrow. His countrywide tour will take him next to the southern part of the Country. The purpose of the Defence Minister’s countrywide tour is to assess the state of readiness and the level of efficiency of the force in executing its various functions.

CHIQUI'S BIG DEBUT!
After many months living behind the scenes, Chiqui the jaguar has finally moved into her new home on-site at the Zoo! We have been fundraising tirelessly since we received her in early June to create a comfortable living space for this special cat. Thanks to the generous support of friends and donors both in Belize and abroad, this became a reality and was celebrated yesterday with a wonderful ceremony. Zoo Director Sharon Matola opened the celebration with a energetic performance of "Chiqui's Song," with the help of our little friends from KLIC Preschool. Representatives from Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic and Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize were present to say a few words and carry out the official ribbon cutting for the exhibit. Belize Tourism Board representatives unveiled the plaque to honour donors who contributed significantly to the Chiquibul Exhibit Project. Also present was "Miss Belize Universe” who helped us launch a stunning new poster aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of the Chiquibul and all of Belize’s forests. Finally, officials from Belize Forest Department rounded off the ceremony with the unveiling of two life sized “mother and cub” jaguar statues, highlighting the celebration of this magnificent species, and the pride our country has in being able to declare that they still roam our forests.

Chiquibul Park Manager, Derric Chan
Was present for the inauguration of the newest enclosure at the Belize Zoo. FCD is grateful to The Belize Zoo and their supporters for the nice home now given to “Chiqui”, the rescued Jaguar. We are certain “Chiqui” will highlight the importance of maintaining wild cats in the wild.

Ribon cutting for Chiqui's new home
Derric Chan of Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize and Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand of Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic carried out the official ribbon cutting ceremony for Chiqui's new home. FCD and BWRC, along with Belize Forest Department, were the first responders and primary care givers who got Chiqui through her tough first post-rescue days before she came to live at the Zoo.

Celebrating the Garifuna culture at the FSTV Kiosk

Lue proclaimed Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year for the Caribbean
The director of a programme that helps under-privileged Belizean youth has been named Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year for the Caribbean. Manuela Lue of the Energy for Life programme received the accolade at the 2016 Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards last week, which coincided with Youth Work Week 2016. She was one of five outstanding youth workers celebrated for using sport and the creative arts to inspire and support young people. Energy for Life mentors and tutors under-privileged Belizean youth in handicraft production, connecting them with their culture and enabling them to earn a living. “Youth workers do an extremely important job, which is moulding the minds and shaping the hearts of all these young people. It is very important as there’s a lot of work that goes into making these young people productive and responsible citizens,” Lue said.

The Belize Training & Employment Centre (BTEC) Trains 60 persons in the Independence/ Placencia Area
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE, one of the leading industry specific training centers in Belize, today held a certificate ceremony at the Independence High School in Independence Village. Sixty participants received certificates in areas of Lifeguard training; Gardening and Landscaping; Hospitality and wait staff; Introduction to Bartending and Housekeeping and Janitorial services. The training was geared towards persons who are employed or seeking employment in the various fields. Also at the event, a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) was also signed between BELTRAIDE and the Independence High School (IHS) . The MOC entails BELTRAIDE doing more job – preparedness training of students and out of school residents in the area, while IHS will provide classrooms for such trainings and assist with recruitment of participants in the area. Signing on behalf of IHS was principal Mr. Omar Longsworth and on behalf of BELTRAIDE was General Manager, Ms. Leijia Melanie Gideon.

Mr. Adolfo Ayuso passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Ayuso family & friends on the passing of Mr. Adolfo Ayuso. Mr. Ayuso was a true pioneer as a fisherman of San Pedro when it was once a fishing village and into its transition to a town. May his soul rest in peace.

Vacancy at BEL
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Accounting Clerk III in the Finance Department.

Harvest Caye Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
30 or so photos

Channel 7

Hola! Harvest Caye, 7News Forced To Take In The View From The Sea
Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye Cruise Port was opened today, and their first ship docked at their island getaway. That first vessel, the "Norwegian Dawn" brought approximately 2,000 guests for this opening day at the island which is just off the cost of the Placencia Peninsula. And so, four years after it got off to a rocky start in 2013, the south is now opened to mass cruise tourism, after a long and bumpy journey for Norwegian Cruise Line. According to the BTB, the opening ceremony was a gala event attended by Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Transport and NEMO, Edmon Castro, and the Special Envoy for Women and Children. But, we only have second hand information on that because none of the local media was invited. That's despite our repeated requests to the Tourism Ministry, the BTB, and Norwegian.

Accused Killer Of Chinese Grocer Jordan Cayetano
On the first Saturday in April of 2011, when Belize City gunmen killed two female Chinese grocers in one afternoon, it sparked an angry street protest and shutdown by the Chinese community. The women seem to have been killed for no reason - other than as a retaliation against the state by a prominent gang. Tonight the man accused of one of those murders is free after more than 5 years on remand. 23 year old Jordan Cayetano, who was caught with a weapon and charged with the murder of 32 year old Chinese shopkeeper, Yan Ying Chen, walked out of court a free man after the Crown made a "nolle pros" motion. Prosecutor Rene Montero Jr was forced to do so after the confession statement he was relying on was ruled inadmissible by Justice John Gonzalez. In the trial without jury, Gonzalez ruled that he cannot accept the oral confession because it was given under "oppressive circumstances." Cayetano had testified that he was punched to his ribs several times, he was threatened and he was choked and shocked with an electrical cord by members of the GSU.

Gales Point Aggravated Burglary Has Evidence, But No Report
This morning Belize Rural police received a report of a European couple allegedly tied up and robbed by four armed men in Gales Point, Manatee. Now Manatee falls within Dangriga jurisdiction but their vehicle, a Jeep Patriot with Stann Creek License plates was also stolen, and that was found abandoned this morning in Belize Rural on the Boom-Hattieville road near the Kolbe Prison. Hattieville police told us more:... Cpl. Ian Geban, Hattieville Police: "We were waiting for the vehicle to the transported and processed by the Hattieville Police Station and information was relayed via WhatsApp, the police communication network and shortly afterwards the owner visited the station after he was informed that his vehicle was located. He made a verbal report to the station that he was kidnapped." "Information is sketchy at this time and we are in the process of transporting the vehicle to be processed and we are working on the investigation at this time. There is not lot of information in relation to this report."

That Guy, Albert Caught With Conch, Contraband And Cannabis
Yesterday the GSU searched a car belonging to Orange Walk businessman Albert Guy - and they say he was carrying contraband, conch and cannabis. They found two ounces of cannabis, six cartons of contraband cigarettes and forty-eight undersized conch. Guy, who was charged with drug trafficking and possession of undersized conch, appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith yesterday, where he pled guilty possession instead of drug trafficking. He was fined $1000 and was told that he would serve 1 year in jail if he defaulted. He appeared in court again today, where be pled guilty the possession of 48 undersized conch. He was fined $500 for the offence and $20 for each conch, which brought the fine up to $1460. If he does not pay that fine by May 17, 2017 he will serve six months in prison. Guy is no stranger to court - and has been accused many times, but not convicted.

Cop Charged For Pistol Whipping Villager
An Orange Walk cop accused of beating up a Guinea Grass resident has been criminally charged. Yesterday Police Constable Jaime Gongora was arraigned on a charge of wounding at the Orange Walk Magistrate's Court. It took police one week to come up with charges after Gongora allegedly pistol whipped Hugo Noh in guinea Grass Village on Sunday November 6th. According to reports both men had been drinking and Gongora stopped Noh who was speeding within the village. They had an angry exchange of words, and Gongora allegedly pistol whipped Noh with his service weapon. Noh ended up with six wounds to the head. 9 days later Gongora was taken to court where he pleaded not guilty and was offered bail of $4,000 plus one surety of the same amount. The case was adjourned for the 21st of February, 2017.

Capital Cops Caught 25 Pounds of Weed
Belmopan police caught a sack of weed coming down from Benque Viejo last night. The Capital's Quick Response Team chased the vehicle with Benque plates from the Roaring Creek junction to St. Margaret's village. In the process, the passengers threw out the sack of marijuana. While police stopped to pick up the weed, the men in the car dashed off. Police are seeking two suspects but have the car and the weed - which weighed in at 25 pounds. Arenal is a known transit point for marijuana coming from Guatemala into Belize.

Police Turn Up The Charm
Next week, the Eastern Division police department plans to turn up the charm on Belize District residents. It's called CHARM week - and ACP Edward Broaster explained the meaning at a press conference today:... ACP Edward Broaster, People's Committee Ex Officio: "CHARM is the acronym for "Changing Heats And Renewing Minds." For the week we will be doing a host of community activities to benefit the community and to try and build that relationship with the police and the community." ACP Chester Williams, People's Committee Ex Officio: "Many members of the community feel comfortable speaking to us as commanders, because they see the effort that we are doing. They report to us what they see our officers are doings on the ground. These are things that never use to happen in the past. So we are seeing that the public have become more receptive to us as police officers and we want to continue to build on that relationship. Yes we know it is a tough sell at times, because like you rightly said, police have done wrong to many people out there, but we want those people to understand that whatever has been done to them in the past, we can still dialogue and find common grounds in areas and those areas where we find common ground, we work on them."

Why Is Murder On The Rise?
We also got the three Assistant Commissioners to talk about the alarming murder statistics. There have already been 130 murders up to Mid November 2016, which is already 11 more than last year's total, and 7 more than 2014's total. But, as the senior officer's explain, Belize City is not driving the murder totals higher:.. ACP Chester Williams - Commander, Southside: "Well I will tell you that it is up in deed, but in the past Belize District use to be that have the murder count so high. But I will tell you that from all the different regions the Belize region is the only region that has the murder count below where it was last year." ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural: "While in Belize City, the murders are mixed between gangs and sometime alcohol and other disputes. In the Cayo District it's mostly alcohol and domestic."

Are New Bus Fares Fair?
In early September, we told you about the proposed increase in bus fares. Minister of Transport Edmond Castro had been meeting with several bus companies to try and come up with a new cost structure, but from what we understood, they were still in the consultation stage. Well, that period is over and the increase has been in effect since October 29th. Now for those commuters who are scratching your heads because you haven't been paying any extra, it seems not all bus companies have started implementing this price hike - not yet, but it is official and the Transport Department has authorized it. A representative from the department told us that this raise was needed to pay for high price fuels especially for those runs down south. The new cost structure is set between 12 cents and 14 cents per mile within 100 miles - that is how the new fares are calculated. So, for instance express from Belmopan to Belize is now $7.00 dollars and regular is $6.00 dollars - both up from five dollars. Now how will the commuters benefit from this increase...Shouldn't commuters demand better service as well? The Transport Representative told us that they will be moving towards a ticketing system, and will try to eliminate the standees situation. We won't hold our breath...

Guatemalan Congress Approves Amendment to Special Agreement, Makes Way For Referendum
One and a half years after the amendment to the special agreement was signed, Guatemala's congress has finally approved the document. According to an article in today's Prensa Libre, 88 of 158 members of Congress voted yesterday to approve the decree. It allows Guatemala to hold a referendum on whether its Citizens want to take the territorial dispute to the ICJ. Under the terms of the amended agreement, the referendum can be held "simultaneously or separately," on dates most convenient for each country. Guatemala usually holds elections on Sunday, while Belize usually holds it on Wednesday's or Thursday's. With this passage by congress, Guatemala will now look to Belize to amend its referendum law to allow a simple majority to carry the vote. There's no certainty yet whether the Barrow administration will agree to this.

"Don't Call Me Baby!"
If you were wondering what a bunch of women in orange shirts were doing on University Drive today, they were marching against street harassment. It's called the "Don't call me baby" movement and it addresses the constant pestering that women and even school girls have to deal every day from men. Counselor at the University of Belize Renee Wentz told us this evening that this is a form gender based violence and that men need to be more aware of the effect their words and actions have on a woman's everyday life. Renee Wentz, Cunselor - UB Belize: "Street harassment, all women experienced it. In fact most of the women I've spoken to started to experience when they were little girls in primary school and if people don't know what street harassment is, its basically "psst" and the rude comments and the "hey sexy" and the "hey baby" kinds of comments that women get on the street every day."

Anwar Says Adios, BTL Looking For New CEO
The Prime Minister's son Anwar Barrow has attracted a storm of controversy in his two and a half years as Chairman of BTL's Executive Committee, effective working as the CEO of the state owned phone company. Well, just as he said he would, Anwar Barrow is leaving that office and said as much in a letter to staff a week ago. And there's no successor in place. This morning, BTL started advertising for the post of a new CEO, for a company, quote "with the goal of becoming one of the leading telecoms operators in the region by 2020." The deadline for submissions is the end of this month, and on his departure from the top post, Barrow told employees that a candidate should be selected by year's end. Barrow will stay on as a member of the Board of Directors.

Defence Minister Saldivar Keeps Touring
Last month, Defence Minister John Saldivar, was put on a one week suspension while the Prime Minister received legal advice about Saldivar's alleged business relationship with William Danny Mason. Saldivar was reinstated at the end of October, and since then, he's been busy touring the country, and visiting various BDF instillations. Yesterday, Saldivar visited Camp Belizario in the Cayo District, where he was briefed on the security functions of the base. He was also updated about Exercise Tropical Dagger 16, a military training exercise involving the BDF and security forces from Jamaica, Canada and the US. He also went on a fly-over of the Belize - Guatemala border. The Minister has been assessing the state of readiness and level of efficiency of the BDF instillations, especially along the Belize/Guatemala border.

Mexicans And Guatemalans Shine In Table Tennis
The 2016 Central American Senior Table Tennis Championships continued today with the team competition. After a morning full of action the Mexican Men's and Guatemalan Women's teams came out in the top spot for their categories. But the tournament is still far from over. The Belize Table Tennis Association's President, Arturo Vasquez, told us about how the young Belize team fared against their more experienced opponents and what we can expect to see from them going forward. Belize is being represented by athletes between the ages of eleven and fifteen in a tournament with much older competitors. The championship tournament will continue on to Saturday.

Mexico Celebrates Garifuna
If you want to start off your Garifuna Settlement Day celebration early then you should head over to the Mexican Institute in Belize City where, as per tradition, the Mexicans are celebrating the garifuna. Its all about celebrating Garifuna culture. Cultural Attache Diego Sapien told us why everyone should attend. It started at 6:00 at the Mexican Institute.

Channel 5

Jordan Cayetano is Free of Murder Charge in 2011 Death of Chinese Grocer
For the second time this week, a man accused of murder has been set free. Again, it is due to police coercing a confession out of a suspect without supporting [...]

European Couple Loses Vehicle to Home Invaders; Were They Threatened?
During a meeting with the press this morning in Ladyville, Belize District,  reports started coming in to Police that a foreign-born couple living in Belize had been kidnapped. Police recovered [...]

Orange Walk Cop Charged in Police Brutality Case
An Orange Walk cop is tonight out on bail after he was charged and arraigned for the wounding of a Guinea Grass resident. In a most recent allegation of police [...]

Harvest Caye Opened in Closed Ceremony
After four years, Belize’s first cruise ship port, Harvest Caye in southern Belize, was formally opened for business today. It is not known why the press was not invited to [...]

European Cruise Line Makes First Appearance in Belize
And while NCL opened its port down south and will no longer be calling at the Fort Street Tourist Village here in the City, tour operators here are getting ready [...]

Police Searching for Missing Fisherman in Capsized Boat
A fisherman remains lost at sea tonight after a vessel he was traveling in capsized near Tobacco Caye.  The Dangriga resident has been identified only as Mister Locario.  According to [...]

Northern Businessmen Fingered for Drugs & Undersized Conch
Businessman Albert Jerry Guy appeared in court on two separate this week where he pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and undersized conch. GSU were on patrol on Water Lane [...]

No More Street Harassment for Belizean Women
Hissing and making lewd remarks to women is considered a form of violence and in some cases these actions escalate to attacks. Well today, a group of students—particularly females from [...]

Anti-Harassment March Encourages Women’s Empowerment
According to Wentz, the initiative is to empower women, who are victims of street harassment. She says that the students are learning how to respond—keeping themselves safe while getting men [...]

Police Get Ready to CHARM Belize District Residents
From November twentieth to the twenty-sixth, residents of Eastern Division will be CHARMed by the division’s Police contingent. In this case, it’s not just hearts and flowers, but Changing Hearts [...]

CHARM Activities Intended to Unite Police and Citizens
The documentaries will be produced by a local production company and run for twenty to thirty minutes in primetime. Assistant Commissioner Deziree Phillips of Eastern Division North explains some of [...]

DiCaprio’s Blackadore Caye Looking Good!
British newspaper The Telegraph, among other international media sources, has shown renderings of the plans for actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s planned eco-tourism report on Blacakdore Caye, west of San Pedro. With [...]

Belize Hosts Regional Table Tennis Tournament
There is an ongoing table tennis competition in Belize. Players from neighboring countries in Central America except for Nicaragua are competing in the 2016 Central American Senior Table Tennis Championships. [...]

The Drones are Coming for Ministry of Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture just got some brand new tech to help them gather data and do other work that is critical to the ministry. Drones have been used primarily [...]

How You Can Spend the 19th in Belize City
Festivities in commemoration of Garifuna Settlement Day have begun across the country.  In Belize City, there is a full itinerary of events leading up to the Nineteenth of November.  The [...]

Mexican Embassy Honors Garifuna Culture
Every year, the Mexican Embassy through its Institute of Culture celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day along with the local Garifuna communities in Belize. In 2016, an exhibition by Pen Cayetano, entitled [...]

Healthy Living: Exercising for Your Mental Health
If you’ve been putting off getting into an exercise routine; then maybe the next segment of Healthy Living will give you the added push. Exercise – we all know by [...]

CTV3

Family Request Stiffer Charges for COP Who Attacked Their Love One
On Tuesday Orange Walk police arrested and charged one of their own, Police Constable Jaime Gongora, after a report of police brutality was made against him by twenty one year old Hugo Noh, a Guinea Grass resident. As previously reported, during his arraignment, Gongora plead not guilty and was offered bail in the sum of $4,000 plus one surety of the same amount. Today we contacted Noh’s younger sister, who informed our news team that the family is not at all happy with how the case was handled. According to Liela Noh, the officer should have been imposed a stiffer punishment for having inflicting severe injuries to her brother.

Transport Officers Discusses Bus Fare
Bus commuters have been hit with the bad news that bus rates will be going up. The Ministry of Transport made changes to the bus fares about two weeks ago, without holding any public consultation. This has led to some frustration in the transport sector, at least here in the north, as there are some bus owners that are already charging the new rates while others aren’t yet. So what are those rates? Well, from Belize City to Orange Walk commuters will now pay $6.50 on a regular bus instead of $4.00. Express buses will charge $7.00 instead of the previous $5.00. From Belize City to Corozal, the new fare is $10.00 on regular bus, and $11.00 on express bus. The first 12 miles of any trip will cost $2. From there, the fares go up at a rate of 12 to 14 cents per mile for buses travelling in the north.

BNTU Injunction Case Against Government Goes To Court Tomorrow
In an effort to halt the Ministry of Education’s plan to dock the salaries of those teachers who took part in their 11 day strike in October, the BNTU applied for an injunction on the Ministry of Education in the Supreme Court. That injunction will be heard tomorrow at the Supreme Court in Belize City, where the faith of the Teacher’s salary will be determined. Today we spoke to President of BNTU Orange Walk, Otilio Munoz, who encouraged all Orange Walk teachers to wear their Green “Teechaz gat yuh back” t-shirt to show solidarity for the BNTU during the very decisive time for all educators.

Businesses Come Together To Assist BNTU Orange Walk
While it will be decided tomorrow if the teachers who participated in the 11 day strike back in October, will be paid at the end of November, residents of Orange Walk are still currently raising funds to assist BNTU Orange Walk with expenses incurred during their strike action. As previously reported, there are two raffles currently being organized to raise funds for the teachers here in Orange Walk, the first which is being organized by the Restaurateurs of town, will be raffled on Monday. Otilio Munoz- President BNTU Orange Walk Branch: “I’m very excited and overwhelmed with the support that the Orange Walk Business community is giving especially the four restaurants that came together; we have Nahil Mayab, Cosina Sabor, Maracas and Tanz Pizza, these are the four restaurants that got together and they decided that they will be helping the teachers who are on strike from the Belize National Teachers Union...”

Criminals On The Loose, They Targeted Chinese Business Store
It has barely been a month since Happy Family Store opened in San Joaquin Village and it has already fallen victim to an armed robbery. Reports are that around 9:30 this morning, two masked armed men entered the store located at Mile 79 on the Phillip Goldson Highway and held up the Chinese store-owner’s wife who was behind the cashier, the store assistant and a customer inside the store. The men pointed guns at them and demanded money. The cashier showed no resistance and fearing for her life, she handed over money. Unconfirmed reports are that the men took about $4,000 plus valuable items before running towards the back streets in the community.

LOVE FM

Man Goes Missing After Boat Capsized in Southern Belize
A private skiff carrying five adults and a toddler capsized this afternoon at around two o’clock just outside Dangriga. As a result, one man is missing at sea and officials from the Belize Coast Guard and the Fisheries Department are looking for the individual. Reports reaching Love News are that the boat was heading to […]

Norwegian Dawn – 1st Call to Harvest Caye in Southern Belize
The much talked about Harvest Caye Cruise Shipping Port was officially opened today as it welcomed the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship as the first vessel to call to its port. The media was not invited to witness its first cruise call but the Belize Tourism Board did issue a press release in which it stated […]

Seafood Plant – A Plus for the Fishermen and Economy
The Rainforest Seafood Belize Processing Plant was officially opened today in southern Belize. The plant is a CARICOM project that will benefit local fishermen whilst giving a boost to Belize’s export market. Attending the official opening was Agriculture Minister, Godwin Hulse who spoke with Love News. GODWIN HULSE “There was also the opening of the […]

Belize Getting a Banana Boost
Minister of Agriculture, Godwin Hulse met today with the Banana Growers Association in the Stann Creek District. The banana industry is one that saw several challenges in recent history but things may be looking up according to Minister Hulse. GODWIN HULSE “Well first of all I met with the Banana Growers Association that was an […]

A Couple Kidnapped? Police Left Clueless
Police have gotten word of an apparent kidnapping that occurred last night in Gales Point Manatee in the Belize District. According to police, a foreign couple escaped unhurt from kidnappers sometime last night. A complaint was made early this morning to Hattieville Police and investigator, Corporal Ian Geban shared with the media some preliminary information. […]

Police Officer Charged for Assaulting Civilian
An officer attached to the Orange Walk Police Station was arraigned in court yesterday after a resident of Guinea Grass Village reported a case of police brutality. The incident occurred on November 6 in the said village against Hugo Noh. According to reports Police Constable Jaime Gongora assaulted Noh with a pistol following an altercation […]

The Gunman’s Bullet with No Name
One common sentiment that has been noted on social media or heard on the streets over the last few days is one regarding the state of mind of the gunmen and the criminal elements that are able to kill and shoot others. For one who has no affiliation with anyone in the criminal world, it […]

Police Commanders Tackling Crime
Even though the country is divided into different police jurisdictions, each commanding officer has his or her own preventative methods in fighting crimes. With the recent spike in crimes, the media had an opportunity to ask ACP Chester Williams, ACP Edward Broaster and ACP Dezerie Phillips, all commanders for Eastern Division, how they plan to […]

National Forensics Loses Evidence in Murder Trial
Twenty-three year old Jordan Cayetano, charged with the murder of 32 year old Chinese shopkeeper, Yan Ying Chen, walked out of the court of Justice John Gonzalez a free man today when a nolle prosequi was entered, indicating that the prosecution does not wish to proceed. Chen was shot three times at around 1:30 p.m. on April […]

Defence Minister Tours Bases and Camps Out West
Minister of Defence, John Saldivar is in the western part of the country on his familiarization tour of the bases for the Belize Defence Force. Yesterday, Minister Saldivar was accompanied by BDF’s Deputy Commander, Colonel Steven Ortega at the Belizario Camp in Central Farm, Cayo District. He took a full tour of the facility there […]

The Guardian

Superbond renegotiations commence
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Economic Ambassador Mark Espat, and Financial Secretary Joseph Waight were in New York City from Monday, November 7 to Saturday, November 12. They went there to meet with Belize’s financial and legal advisors to discuss a restructuring effort of the Superbond. Foreseeing that financial hard times could beset the country, the Barrow Government is trying to renegotiate relief for the country’s finances from the Superbond. All this is important so that the repayment for the PUP’s misuse of public funds during the 1998 to 2008 era doesn’t strain the pockets of Belizeans to breaking point. Readers will never forget that the Musa Government squandered over a billion dollars which they borrowed on behalf of the Belizean people, which never benefited anyone but the elected politicians of that time and their cronies. That 530 Million-US-Dollar ball and chain is what the Barrow Government has been dragging around for the past 8 years and 9 months, while trying to stir economic growth and development for the people of Belize. The Government very rarely acknowledges the burden of the PUP’s Superbond, but it does come up very infrequently, when the Barrow Administration is unable to make adjustments to the country’s finances as managers to ensure that Belize can meet all its obligations.

Anthony Crawford arraigned for attempting to kill 13 year old girl
Anthony Crawford, 33, is back behind bars at the Belize Central Prison for attempting to kill a 13-year-old girl. Crawford was out on Supreme Court bail for a charge of attempted murder and is now facing his second such charge in less than five months. Police initial investigation revealed that at about 10 p.m. on Sunday, November 13, the minor was outside her neighbour’s house on Racoon Street Extension when they heard about 5 loud bangs from somewhere close by. She managed to run into the house before realizing that she was bleeding from the left side of her face. That was when she heard several more shots and looked to see where the shots were coming from. The girl told police she saw a man dressed in a white under shirt and ¾ pants who she recognized as Anthony Crawford with what appeared to be a firearm in his right hand still firing shots in the air. The girl was later taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where she was treated for a graze to the face.

October 5 fire claims last victim
Despite best efforts by doctors at Shriners Hospital in Galveston Texas, 8 year old Empress Hamilton the last surviving child who was burnt during a fire on Aloe Vera Street on October 5 died while undergoing treatment. Empress along with 4 year old Ian Carr had been flown out of the country to Shriners on October 7 for medical treatment. They were there receiving treatment but on October 9, Ian succumbed to the burns he sustained. Now one week later Empress has passed away. During the blaze 11 year old Aaron Gabourel died inside the house at the time of the fire.

Karim spits into the sky
PUP politics it seems has no bounds . On Tuesday it was the PUP Leader who played politics with the death of young Tyler Savery. Tyler, a seven year old boy who was a student of St Joseph Primary School was ruthlessly murdered last week Friday around 4:30 pm, as he was being carried by an adult cousin Porshan Pipersburg, to a shop on Daly Street to buy a milkshake, as he usually does. The cousin Porshan Pipersburg with whom Tyler was with was also shot in the same incident and died a day later. John Briceno’s comments were political, but at least he did not make them at the child’s funeral. Kareem Musa was not as measured when he went on an all out POLITICAL DIATRIBE on Wednesday at the child’s funeral. Kareem did not spare any words to launch a vile political attack on the government. We will not go into all the things Kareem said because we think he already had his five minutes in the sun. However we will address only one issue he raised. He spoke about the giving people land that they be able to move out of the overcrowded and impoverished conditions. He needs to speak to his father. He unlike any other person has benefitted from persons living in those conditions. It was not the UDP that built those LONGBARRACK to stock voters.

More Development for Belize Rural North Villages
With the Hurricane Season almost officially over, Minister of National Emergency Management and Area Representative for Belize Rural North, Hon. Edmond Castro, has embarked on a flood mitigation program in conjunction with the upgrading of streets in villages throughout his constituency. Currently, a number of streets in the community of Maxborro in Sandhill Village, which have been prone to seasonal flooding, are being elevated, graded and rolled, while drains are also being dug and cleared. The same is occurring in the Horse Racing Track area of Burrell Boom Village. Similar street upgrade and flood mitigation measures will be carried out throughout the constituency of Belize Rural North between now and the start of the next Hurricane Season on June 1, 2017. Hon. Edmond Castro says his Ministry and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) are looking at a number of other areas countrywide to execute similar projects to mitigate seasonal flooding.

Killer of 7 year old boy charged with murder
Police have arrested and charged 18 year-old Jayear Flores, a Curassow Street resident for the double murder of 7 year-old Tyler Savery, and 22 year-old Porshan Pipersburgh. He is at the Belize Central Prison after being arraigned in Magistrate’s Court. On Tuesday, evening, November 15, Flores was arraigned before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on two counts of murder, and due to the nature of the offenses, no plea was taken from him, and he couldn’t be granted bail. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January 24, 2017. The incident happened on Friday evening at around 4:30 p.m. on Daly Street. Little Tyler was in the company of his older cousin, Porshan Pipersburgh, who was taking him on bicycle to Moon Clusters Cafe. According to his grieving grandmother, Victoria Avilez, and heartbroken mother, Shakera Young, Tyler went with his cousin, so that he could get his favorite Friday evening treat, a milkshake. He was to have gone with his grandmother, but Porshan came by on his bike, and volunteered to take him. That’s how he ended up in the care of his older cousin. They were only a short distance away from Moon Clusters when they were ambushed by several men in a white 4-door car.

BNTU sues GOB
The Belize National Teachers Union has retained PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay to sue Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber for his and the Education Ministry’s decision to dock the salary of all those teachers who participated in that 11-day strike which now has the nation’s students behind on work, for which they need to sacrifice a portion of their holidays to make up. On behalf of the BNTU, Courtenay has filed an urgent application for injunction, seeking to restrain the Ministry from moving forward with the November docking of the teachers pay. The claimants are the BNTU and Adelaida Guerra, a member of the Union. The respondents are Education Minister Patrick Faber and the Attorney General. The reason for the injunction, the claimants say, is that the teachers are scheduled to be paid on Friday, February 25, and while the dispute remains unresolved, the least harm will be done to the teachers, who are reportedly looking forward to their November paycheck to prepare for the Christmas Holidays.

Johnny Briceno - deflect on Superbond, Criticize Rt. Hon. Musa and Praise Trump
The most common criticism of Hon. Johnny Briceno is that he is an empty vessel. He is not the type of orator that Belizeans expect a Prime Minister to be. Some have linked his inability to articulate at an elite level to being less intelligent than the other men we have seen in leadership position in the two mass parties. Everyone is quick to point out how nice and straight forward of a guy he is. This caricature of a charismatic dimwit has limited his ability to inspire any meaningful social movement. He probably knows it too. This is what prompts an individual to rely on accomplished speech writers and dedicate ears to the lips of eloquent legal experts. Therefore, no one can accuse Briceno of not putting in the effort to get an intimate grasp on national issues. Briceno’s weakness is not his dedication or lack of. The content in his conversations about complex national and regional issues combined with his successful business and political career should nullify questions about his level of intelligence. Where Johnny struggles are in the areas of delivery and rebuttal. Every time he speaks publicly he puts his foot in his mouth and he drives his leg deep down into the throat when he is challenged on his statements. Well, (Shaking My Darn Head) Johnny done did it again!

BWS - awarding 140 combined years of dedicated service
The Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) today held a Long Service Awards Ceremony honoring seven employees who have given a combined total of 140 years of dedicated service to the company. The program of events, guided by the company’s Public Relations Officer Lisa McFadzean, included the singing of our National Anthem by Tara Williams followed by the welcome address by the company’s Human Resources/Public Relations Officer, Haydon Brown. The opening remarks was delivered by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alberto August while reflections were delivered by the Deputy Chairman of the Board, Winston Michael and by the company’s Operations Manager, Dave Pascascio. The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the seven awardees as follows: For 10 Years of Service each: Andrea Diane Pacheco and Gerardo Castaneda, For 15 Years of Service: Alvan Haynes, Chief Executive Officer, For 20 Years of Service: Paul Lino, For 25 Years of Service: George Roches and For 30 Years of Service each: Kent Nunez and Robert Ramsey.

Cayo schedule for Garifuna Celebrations released
A calendar of events for the Cayo District, leading to the Garifuna Settlement Day celebration on the 19th of November has been released. On hand at the announcements and informational displays at the Cayo Welcome Center on Saturday, were members of the National Garifuna Council as well as the Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena Earl Trapp Junior, who all urged everyone to come out and partake in the celebrations. Mayor Trapp has written that it is just appropriate that we celebrate this year’s Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations under the theme: Risiti, Pantati, Gabafuti lunrahowa meme la Garifuna; rich proud and powerful, let us continue to preserve it. He was joined in that call by Cynthia Ellis, President of the National Garifuna Council for the San Ignacio Branch.

Belize City Mayor says trade license reform will cost CITCO $900,000
Over the past few months the Belize City Council has been undergoing a trade license reform process where it is looking at lessening the tax burden on businesses across the city. The Guardian spoke to Mayor Bradley and he explained that the process is stalled at this point in time because the new trade license proposal has to have legal amendments which will affect all 9 municipalities across the country. Those municipalities says Bradley have great concerns of loss of revenue as a result of the trade license restructuring. For it’s part, Citco stands to lose some 900 thousand dollars in revenue. This revenue loss says the mayor will be offset by an increase in businesses who will take on to do business legitimately in Belize city as a result of cheaper trade fees. This added to the fact that Citco has been working at revenue replacement will cause the council to have a minimum financial shock.

Citco prepares for 12 days of service to Belize City residents
The Belize City Council is embarking on a program called ‘12 Days of Charity.’ Mayor Darrell Bradley says the program is modeled off the 12 days of Christmas where the City Council will embark on non-cash social programs to make life better for residents of the city. He says the 12 days will be between the 1st and the 16th of December and will include the various departments within the council having community outreach programs for 12 working days in that time span. He says that there will be numerous activities including the distribution of school bags and books to school children and having the sanitation department clean up yards and paint homes for various residents. Bradley says that it is in the spirit of being a blessing on other people and sharing that during the Christmas Season and beyond. He concluded that it is all about citizen involvement to make Belize City and its people be a better place through service.

Climate change focused innovators
Climate Change may be the number one national security threat to low-lying Belize. Data shows that over the past 40 years there has been a warming of between 1.6 to 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit along the coast and interior of Belize. Experts say this is extremely alarming, considering the fact that the globe warmed by only 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit over this period of time. Meaning, Belize is warming faster than the globe. What is even more concerning is that Belize is not really a huge ozone polluter. Therefore, this country that has very little impact on the degradation of the global environment is feeling the effects at an above average level. It is disheartening for even the most optimistic environmentalists but the work must continue. Belize continues to do its part to promote environmentally friendly initiatives and build climate change resiliency. The most recent initiative is a partnership with the Caribbean Climate Innovation Center (CCIC) aimed at encouraging environmentally friendly innovation.

Locally based film screened in Cayo
A 25 minute film, produced in Belize was screened at the Cayo Welcome Center in San Ignacio on Friday night. Forming part of the presentation by the Belize International Film Festival, the screening of Yochi had the presence of both the film director and main actor. Film Director of Yochi, Ilana Lapid, told her audience that her film attempts to bring across a message that the Yellow Headed Parrot faces extinction as a result of poaching. Our viewing of the entire film revealed that the main actor, played by Cayo resident Evan Martinez, was indebted to someone else and needed some quick money by selling the parrots. But his little brother --in real life as nine year old Kerry Landero--was able to dissuade him from selling the parrots and the birds were taken back to their nesting site.

Ministry of Health improves monitoring of safety in health care providers
Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin and Minister of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Hugo Patt on Wednesday November 16, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purposes of improving the monitoring and control of peddling activities in Belize. Recognizing that there are concerns over products that are made available to the public through peddling activities, the Ministry of Health is being proactive where prior to granting of trade licenses, facilities which include clinics, pharmacies, imaging services, nutrient stores etc.; should hold a Ministry of Health permit/license to ensure it meets minimal Public Health Standards and other safety standards. The issuing body for such a permit will be the Licensing and Accreditation Unit of the Ministry of Health.

San Ignacio Police Formation gets new vehicle
The Spanish Lookout community on Tuesday evening handed over a brand new vehicle to the San Ignacio police formation in the form of a Foton Pickup Truck. This was possible after months of negotiations between the police department’s Cayo Formation and the Spanish Lookout Community in conjunction with the Spanish Lookout Business Bureau. The vehicle will be assigned to the Cayo Rural West Formation which is responsible for some 17 villages around the San Ignacio Area. This vehicle comes at an opportune time as the formation is the largest in the country with over 38 communities spread over a vast area. A release from the Ministry of Home Affairs states that this is an excellent example of the Community and the Police working in partnership for a safer Belize.

Mark Lizarraga attempts to double dip from government
Last week the Senate Select Committee to investigate wrongdoings at the Immigration and Nationality department got underway. While the proceedings were carried live on at least one television station, what was not carried live and was never made public was what took place behind the scenes during the preparation of the meeting. The Guardian Newspaper has confirmed that just before the meeting got underway there were two strange requests made by Senator Markhelm Lizarraga. One of those requests was that his brother be paid to carry the proceedings on television. While that may not be out of the ordinary, after all resources were used up to do the work, what was is another request he made. Apparently Lizarraga minced no words when he point blankly asked that he needed to be paid extra for being a part of the Committee. He was very brave and even justified the request stating that this time of the year was the busiest for him and he needed to be in his office instead of at the Senate Meetings. He however said that the dilemma could be overcome if he were to be compensated for the time that he was at the meeting.

Hecto Silva finally shuts up
On Friday we saw a very strange Facebook post , the post was from Belize’s number 1 SERIAL CALLER ,DON HECTO SILVA . For clarity we will share the entire post, so that the essence of what he said is not lost in our editorializing. The following is the post that we have lifted from his Facebook page. “IN RESPONSE TO A MANY CALLS, I HAVE RECEIVED from some of my many Fans of my Radio/TV participation, over the many years, especially on the Morning Shows, - I wish to inform them, that regrettably, because of the HIGH COST of Telephone Calls, I HAVE DECIDED TO CALL IT QUITS on this Medium. - - Thank you all for your support. and appreciation over the years. - I will continue sending my messages on FACE BOOK. - THANK YOU ALL.”

New Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize presents credentials
H.E. Mr. Charles Keh-yue Liu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), today presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. Ambassador Liu expressed his pleasure in being a representative of his country in Belize and conveyed his country’s pleasure in continuing the strong diplomatic relationship and friendship between the two countries. The Governor General warmly welcomed and received the Ambassador’s credentials. Ambassador Liu was accompanied by members of the ROC Taiwan Embassy in Belize.

Tilapia farming workshop held in Cayo
Tilapia producers in Belize, students and other technicians continue to receive training to advance their knowledge on freshwater tilapia fish cultivation and processing. The second workshop for this year was held on Wednesday of this week at the Tilapia Hatchery Center on the Baking Pot Road in Central Farm, Cayo. Run by Taiwan’s Aquaculture Project in collaboration with the Government of Belize, the Tilapia Hatchery Center is also producing tilapia fingerlings to meet the demand of tilapia farming in the whole country. The five year Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund ICDF sponsored project-- worth US$2,500,000--began in February 2012 and comes to an end in the next three months. But Pablo Hong, Project Manager of the Government of Belize and Republic of China Aquaculture Project told participants this morning that “…this is not the ending, this is beginning.”

Jordan Cayetano on trial for Chinese grocer’s murder
Jordan Jamar Cayetano, 23, will soon learn his fate in trial for the murder of Chinese grocer, Yan Ying Chen, 32. A very distraught and frustrated Chinese community took to the streets over the killing of two Chinese businesswomen in April of 2011. Yan Ying Chen and Fei Lan Wu were shot and killed over the span of less than two hours on Saturday, April 2, 2011 in apparently random shootings. Word on the street is that the shootings were a message to the police from angry gang leaders. The reaction to those senseless killings was a business shutdown sparked by the Chinese community. Police investigation led to the arrest and charge of Jordan Jamar Cayetano, 18, for one count of murder, one count of keeping an unlicensed firearm and one count of keeping unlicensed ammunition.

Another charged for violent reaction to baby Kaylee’s death
Police have arrested a fourth person in connection with the almost deadly beat down that Richie Jones, 20, suffered at the hands of an angry mob following the death of 2-year-old Kaylee Alvarez. Kaylee’s father, Glenford Alvarez, 23, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was arraigned for use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm upon Jones. Kaylee Alvarez perished in a fire that destroyed the home of Phyllis Rhaburn on Thursday, October 27. Later that evening, someone produced a video recorded by phone showing a man fleeing Rhaburn’s yard shortly after the fire started. That individual was identified by Conch Shell Bay residents as Richie Jones, 20, also of Conch Shell Bay. Richie left his house early the following morning, October 28, to start his day and take a circle around the block. It was around 8 o’ clock when relatives and friends of the grieving family spotted Jones near the Vernon Street Bridge. An angry mob went immediately after the unsuspecting youth and unleashed a brutal beating. “Fortunately” for Jones, he was knocked out in the early stage of the attack with a piece of two by four lumber.

Grandmother robbed, killed and buried by family members
Dangriga Police are investigating the very gruesome murder of 63 year-old Salvadoran Victoria Castillo. The family members of this grandmother found her body buried in the backyard of her Dangriga Town home. Her friends realized that they hadn’t seen her around for a few days, all the way up to Wednesday, November 9. So, when her husband returned from Guatemala, they alerted him to her unusual absence. He immediately reported her missing to the police, and the family and friends formed search parties to try to find her themselves. Their worst fears were confirmed on Saturday, November 12, when Victoria Castillo’s daughter, Gloria, found her body in a shallow grave in the yard. The Police dug up the area and that’s when they found her wrapped in a tarp; she had suffered multiple chop wounds to the chest, and her neck was almost completely severed.

PIV’s “Flash” remanded for Andrew Williams’ murder
Kareem “Flash” Smith, 28, a Peace in the Village (PIV) associate of Holy Emmanuel Street, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison again. This time he has been charged for the murder of taxi driver Andrew Williams, 41, who was shot and killed just after midnight on Saturday. Police say Williams was driving up Mahogany Street with a passenger and as he reached the intersection with Periwinkle Street two males walked out from Tibruce Street and fired several shots at the vehicle. The vehicle turned and crashed into a small wooden structure on the side of the road. Police arrived at the scene shortly after and found Williams’ lifeless body inside the car. Police investigation led to the arrest of Kareem Smith. Smith was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Monday, November 14, 2016. He was unrepresented as a single charge of murder was read to him. Due to the nature of the offense, no plea was taken and Smith was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January 25, 2017.

Belizean killed in Guatemala
Funeral services were held on Tuesday November 15 for Wilber Abriel Sanchez in the village of Arenal in the Cayo district. Sanchez, also known as Jimmy crossed over into Melchor at around 8:56 on Sunday morning and he was reportedly killed between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on that same day. His body was found in a farm in Melchor and it had massive trauma to the head where his skull had been peeled back from his head and inside his right forearm he had what appeared to be the initials M and U written on it apparently with a blade. Police in Guatemala are investigating this murder and they may be looking at the possibility of any connection his murder may have with the killing of his brother, Mario Sanchez and another man which also took place in Melchor, Guatemala a few months ago.

Shelly Meighan forgives Roger Anthony and Kendis Flowers
Two notorious Ghost Town figures are free of attempted murder charges after the woman they allegedly tried to kill said she has forgiven them and wants no further court action against them. In October of 2014, Shelly Meighan, mother of Tyrone and Ellis Meighan Jr., reported to police that on Saturday, October 26, she was inside her house on Banak Street when she saw Roger Anthony wearing a camouflage outfit and a warm cap. They allegedly exchanged harsh words and immediately after Anthony allegedly opened fire on the Meighan’s residence; breaking four window louvers, piercing a bedroom door and the cement walls with the spray of bullets. Fortunately, no one was injured and quick police response led to the detention of Anthony and Kendis Flowers, 23, who were hiding in a lot next to the Meighan residence. The officers reportedly seized a chrome 9 mm pistol which had 6 live rounds of ammunition. Both Anthony and Flowers were charged with attempted murder, damage to property, and aggravated assault. Anthony was also charged separately with keeping an unlicensed firearm and keeping unlicensed ammunition. Both men were later released on Supreme Court bail.

Sherman Mcfarlane shot and killed in Libertad village
Police in Corozal are investigating the murder of Sherman Mcfarlane who was shot and killed in Libertad village on Tuesday night. Police investigations so far have determined that Mcfarlane, 22, was found in a slouched position near to a vehicle. He had a single gunshot wound to the right cheek. Reports are that 4 men laid wait on Mcfarlane in some bushy area near to where he was executed. When Mcfarlane made his way to the area one of the assailants, a dark skinned man wearing a camouflage jacket and a red rag over his face snuck up on him and fired a single gunshot killing him on the spot. Police report that Mcfarlane had an argument with some men in the village the day before his death during which he was threatened. Police have detained one individual on this latest murder.

Drunk thief steals bike from in front of police station
Samson Teck, 25, of a Mahogany Street address in Belize City is lucky to be out in the general population after he pleaded guilty to stealing a security guard’s bicycle that was parked in front of a police station. Security guard Deon Brackett, 55, reported to police that he was buying food at a stall in front of Queen Street Police Station at about 9:30 p.m. on Monday, November 14, when a Hispanic man took off on his green 26 inch frame beach cruiser valued at $325. Brackett shouted, “weh yuh gwen with mih bike? “ but the thief just rode faster. Fortunately for Brackett, the thief rode straight into police at the corner of Hyde’s Lane and New Road. Police stopped and detained the culprit. He was taken back to the police station where he was identified as Samson Teck.

Belize to participate in UNCAF U-17 World Cup Qualifier
The National U-17 Football Team of Belize will participate in the UNCAF U-17 Elimination round for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualifier that will be taking place in San Jose, Costa Rica. The delegation left the country on Avianca at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, 15th November, 2016. The elimination round is scheduled to take place from November 17th to the 26th. All matches will be played on artificial turf at the Estadio Ernesto Rohrmoser in San Jose, Costa Rica. Team Belize will be playing its first match against the host country Costa Rica on November 17th, against Honduras on November 19th, El Salvador on November 21st and Nicaragua on November 24th. The delegation will return to Belize on November 25th, 2016.

Belize District wins National Primary Schools Athletics meet
The National Sports Council held the National Primary Schools Track and Field Meet on Thursday 10th November, 2016, at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City. At the end of the meet, it was the Belize District that captured first place in the championship. Infant “B” Female (9-11) Years

East Coast Ballerz and Jumanji won Sugar City Hoops Competition
The 2016 Sugar City Hoops Competition came to an end on Saturday 12th November, 2016 at the East Sports Centre in Orange Walk Town with the third and final game in the two categories. In the U- 17 championship game, East Coast Ballerz captured the title when it upended Ever Ballaz by the score of 48-43. The top scorers for East Coast Ballerz were Kristan Puerto with 18 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block; Javier Rosado with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals and Norris Fisher with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block. For Ever Ballaz, the top scorers were Tyrique Dawson with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals; Rasheed Reneau with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal and Shane Pollard with 6 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 assist.

Belmopan Bandits maintain lead in Premier League Opening Season
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season competition continued over the last weekend with a number of games on the schedule. On Saturday 12th November, 2016, at the Louisiana Football Field in Orange Walk Town, the visiting FC Belize edged out Orange Walk United FC by the score of 4-3. FC Belize made it onto the scoreboard first when Andrew Estelle scored the 1st goal of the game in the 15th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The lead was further increase when Jordi Lopez scored his team 2nd goal of the game via a penalty kick in the 19th minute of play for a 2-0 lead.

Same old dead horse
This time I have a valid excuse for being AWOL for three weeks. My father who resides in Chicago had invited me to visit him after he heard of my condition. In my mind I assumed he wanted to take me to see a top neurologist in the state of Illinois, so I consulted my BELIZEAN doctor, Dr. John Sosa, if it was safe for me to fly the FRIENDLY SKIES and he gave me the green light, so off I went for two weeks to the windy city during the period of the world series in baseball. Of course I only managed to pass by Wrigley’s since the price of admission was in the thousands of US currency for the seats from where one can actually see. I was not treated to any top Ranking specialist since my dad subscribes to the late MR. George Burn’s philosophy that 90% of illnesses are healed by the body’s auto immune system so why waste good money on doctors. From Chicago I flew to Kingston, Jamaica, where I attended commencement ceremonies for my son at the University of Technology ( UTECH), I will tell you that no matter where I was I made sure I caught a talk show or two in the mornings and the evening news via the internet every day.

Learning, showing, and embodying respect
Our country has been the arena of some of the most heartless and violent activities. Just recently, two young persons have become yet two more statistics of the gun violence that plagues us. One of them, an acquaintance of mine, and his seven year old cousin were shot, in broad daylight. I cannot comment on what was going through the mind of the shooter and what pushed him to make the horrid decision that he made, but I am still in utter disbelief that he would completely ignore and disregard the presence of a seven year old baby boy to eliminate a foe. Watching the news on Monday night and hearing this minor’s mother speak, I could not manage to hold back my tears. Her strength, courage, and faith, despite her harsh reality, were inspiring. I made it a point to express my concern to all those around me, despite not having any relation to the young boy. I have a seven year old cousin whom I love dearly and if it were him, I’d be vocal in saying this:

WORDS OF LIFE
As I was reading from the book of Psalms recently, I came across these interesting sentences: Psalm 71:17-18 reads, “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Now those are statements that I can identify with! My hair is now white, and I am 70 years old. In Bermuda I preached to relatively large congregations, but now my audience is smaller. In the past, the objective was to spread the word to as many listeners as possible. That’s one reason I went into the radio ministry, to teach the good news of the Kingdom of God.

Long standing contributors to the aged awarded
Seven Belizeans who have wholeheartedly contributed to the aged in Belize for over 15 years have been awarded. These hard working Belizeans, Sonia Swaso, Opehlia Pinelo, Dalia Chan, Javier Lopez, Susana Lopez, Clair Valerio and Marisha Zetina were jointly awarded by both Help Age Belize and the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly on Saturday night in the Cayo District. Representing Help Age Belize during a brief ceremony at the Orange Gallery at number 60 George Price Highway was its Chairman Evan Dakers. Joining in the award ceremony was Bernard Adolfus from the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly. Both representatives thanked all the awardees for their services rendered. Also present for the awards was Ivorine Bulwer, the Executive Director of Help Age Belize (former Director of Health Services), who in her address said that she had observed all the branch membership having great love for their work despite low remuneration.

Belizean named Commonwealth Caribbean and Americas Youth Worker of the Year 2016
On November 10, 2016, Ms. Manuela Lue, one of the Directors of the BNE Energy for Life Program, received the Commonwealth Youth Worker Award for the Caribbean and Americas regions. Ceremonies took place in London England at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s offices. The Energy for Life Program is a charity that is funded by the employees of BNE. Through the program employees of BNE sponsor, mentors and tutors underprivileged youth; these youth are actively engaged in various community projects nationwide. Several of these youth have won international awards and scholarships from Canada and the United Kingdom.

Breaking Belize News

The life of Tyler Savery, Celebrated
The body of Tyler Savery, 7, was cremated yesterday following a celebration of his life at the BTL park in Belize City. Friends, family, schoolmates and the community at large showed up to pay their respect to the child who was mercilessly shot and […]

Harvest Caye quietly calls to port
Without much publicity, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has quietly launched operations at Harvest Caye with its first calling to the new port. The opening of Harvest Caye had been pushed back for months and for NCL, the road to the launch was not without its […]

Entrepreneurship Convention 2016 (EntreCon) to be held tomorrow in Belize City
International speakers and experts in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), along with members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, will meet at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City tomorrow to participate in the second annual National Entrepreneurship Convention (ENTRECON). Last year, […]

BTB employs new marketing strategy in Canada
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has engaged in a new marketing strategy in Canada to promote Belize as a destination through music and dance. According to a Canadian report, the BTB’s latest marketing pitch involves a custom-made drum in Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square where passersby can […]

Ministry of Health to improve monitoring of health facilities
The Ministry of Health is moving towards improving the monitoring of health facilities to maintain the highest standards for clients who access the health services they offer. On Tuesday, November 15, Minister of Health Pablo Marin and Minister of State in the Ministry of […]

Fair weekend conditions ahead
The 24-hour forecast is for cloudy and mild weather with a few showers or periods of light rain mainly over the sea and coast. The wind will blow from the north to northeast at 10 to 20 knots and the sea state will be […]

Minister of Defense tours BDF Installations in the West
This week, Minister of Defense John Saldivar is visiting BDF installations in the West as part of his countrywide tour. Yesterday Saldivar was accompanied by BDF Deputy Commander Colonel Steven Ortega and personnel from the Ministry of Defense. They visited Camp Belizario in the Central […]

Belmopan Police meet with Mennonite Community
Today Officer Commanding Belmopan police Howell Gillett, his deputy and other police officers from Belmopan met with the Mennonites of Barton creek to discuss ways on making their community safer from Cattle Theft and other crimes of dishonesty. Two chairmen of lower Barton Creek […]

4th Annual Entrepreneurship Symposium held in Belmopan
On Monday, November 14, the 4th Annual Entrepreneurship Symposium was held at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan. The building was packed with students from the University of Belize and Belizean entrepreneurs. The event was a partnership between the Small […]

Blogs

BEING LGBT IN BELIZE
I wish I could say that being an LGBT individual was a walk on a golden brick road. However, being LGBT in Belize is comparable to climbing Doyle’s Delight with 150 pounds on your back. At the base of the mountain of equality, LGBT individuals are burdened with the weight of stigma, discrimination, and fear- of being outted, humiliating your family, and losing your life. Recently, the courts declared that Section 53 of the Criminal Code of Belize violated several fundamental human rights for the LGBT population. Despite this victory, we keep trekking uphill. We sweat, we cry, we yearn for nourishment as we stand against the winds of oppression cast on us by our families, friends, colleagues, classmates and government. Every time we fall, we look for someone to motivate us, to remind us that there will be fresh air at the top of this mountain. There is a ray of hope, a promised sunshine. But for now, we are alone on this journey to equality. We watch as people who have been on this path before have given up, because the winds of oppression have become so strong. They have scars and bruises, but they decided – “this journey asks for too much sacrifice”. We watch those on this mountain who have lost partners and have never gotten the opportunity to attend their funerals because legally they were just ‘roommates’. We keep trekking. We watch those who have lost their jobs and all they have worked for because of malicious stories around their sexualities and being compared to pedophiles. We keep digging in. We watch the lovers who want to have a family but are worried that their child might not be strong enough to withstand the rains of bullying.

Sneak Peek At Norwegian Cruise Line’s Exclusive Harvest Caye Port
Harvest Caye is the only Belize port that features a cruise ship pier, so guests can walk from the boat right to the resort. Like we pretty much did, they can spend their time under the sun in lounge chairs that have been spread out on seven acres of beach. You can also frolic on the white sandy beach or soak in the 15,000 square-foot pool. It’s an impressive pool, one of the largest in the Caribbean according to them. It has a swim up bar!!! Local business man, Dustin Bowen, has his hands full with a staff of over 120 people who work at Landshark Bar and Grill. All his employees have been receiving training to meet international standards, even those of Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. The food, local beer (Belikin) and cocktails were amazing and the staff at attention. There will be a total of five dining options and bars including the two-story indoor/outdoor Landshark Bar and Grill.

Why December on Ambergris Caye, Belize is Fantastic: Your Calendar
Everyone loves Christmas as a child. But as an adult, it’s beautiful but MAN it seems like lots of work. Add in cold weather, the 40 minute search for a parking spot at the mall and super creepy Santas and the fun festivities can quickly become EXHAUSTING. Belize in December is such a fun, beautiful WARM, laid back build up to the holidays…I wouldn’t think of being anywhere else. Here are some of the reasons why December in Belize is a great idea. High Season, For Many Hotels, Doesn’t Start Until the Actual Christmas Week: Many resorts in Belize break down rates into Low Season, High Season and Christmas/New Years. Low season provides the lowest rates and, for many, continues until mid to late December. So…if you are coming for a bit of holiday spirit and a break from the craze, the first few weeks of December are fabulous. Airfare is usually lower as well. Note: The Christmas to New Year’s week is often the most expensive week of the year and books up quickly! So plan your trip for what fits you and your family best. The Weather Starts to Get Cooler and Clearer: And by cooler, I do NOT mean “cool” by your standards. Humidity goes down from 90% to the 70% range and temperature drop to the low 70s at night. A light jacket, shorts and flip flops in the evening will do you just fine.

International Sources

Drilling of dinosaur-killing impact crater explains buried circular hills
Today, scientists published their first results from a drilling expedition into Chicxulub crater, the buried remnants of an asteroid impact off the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico that killed off the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Their discovery of shocked, granite rocks from deep in the crust placed “out of order” on top of sedimentary rocks validates the dynamic collapse theory of formation for Chicxulub’s peak ring, the scientists says. Chicxulub is the only well-preserved crater on Earth with a peak ring, but they abound elsewhere in the inner solar system. Last month, scientists using instruments on a NASA lunar mission showed that the peak rings within the Orientale impact basin were likely to have formed in a similar way as at Chicxulub.

Second Mayan Pyramid Discovered Inside Famous Temple Of Kukulkan Like A ‘Nesting Doll’
A second pyramid has been discovered at the famed Mayan Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza in Mexico, archaeologists have announced. Described as being like “nesting dolls,” the pyramids are set one within the other. And there could be more. The Daily Mail reported this week that a non-invasive study using electrical imaging techniques revealed yet another Mayan pyramid inside the Temple of Kulkulkan, which is located at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. According to the study, the smaller pyramid stands 32.8 feet (10 meters) high but is not in perfect alignment with the two outermost pyramids that rest atop it. Archaeologists have known for quite some time that the ancient Temple of Kulkulcan was built on top of a smaller version of itself. The second, or intermediate, pyramid is believed to have been constructed in the 800 and 1000 C.E. The last pyramid, the structure visible to over a million tourists each year, was added sometime between 1050 and 1300 C.E. The newest find is believed to have been built, according to archaeologist Denisse Lorenia Argote of Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History, in the “pure Maya” style from between 500 and 800 C.E. The scientists used “tri-dimensional electric resistivity tomography” to look inside the Temple of Kukulkan. The process involved using electric current, passed through electrodes placed along the outside of the pyramid into the structure, to measure resistance in the current flow to digitally map any existing structural formations inside.

Belize bondholders ready talks with government
Holders of Belize bonds announced this week that they had formed a committee in response to the government's desire to open debt talks this month. The Central American nation said earlier in the month that it would need to discuss ways to amend its outstanding 2038 bonds at a time of rising fiscal deficits. The 2038s were issued in 2013 in what was then the country's second restructuring in a matter of years. The bonds carry a step-up coupon that climbs from 5% to 6.767% in August 2017. While creditors note that the restructuring has provided Belize with US$100m in debt service relief to date, the government said circumstances have changed since then. "Belize's economy has significantly underperformed in comparison with projections used at the time in setting the terms of the 2038 bonds," the government said this month.

Beyond Hollywood: Belize Film Festival Showcases Local Indie Film Talent
As the U.S. faces bitter divisiveness, other countries are inspiring a path toward inclusiveness through the medium of film. I was fortunate enough to have scheduled a flight to attend the 11th Annual Belize International Film Festival just hours after the surprising results of the U.S. election. While Belize is fighting the many battles that accompany extreme poverty, the country provides its artists with a platform to highlight social issues in a constructive environment. The festival’s intent is to call attention to emerging Caribbean filmmakers who struggle to get their stories seen even in their own island nations. The four-day event highlighted the triumphs and challenges of Caribbean talent.

Videos

November 17, 2016

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, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedranos participate in Caye Caulker’s dart competition
Six darts players represented Ambergris Caye at a recent competition hosted by the Caye Caulker Darts Team in Caye Caulker. San Pedro’s team included Yolanda Rivero, Ricky Manzano, Melanie Paz, Omar and Dimas Guerrero, and Luis ‘Libra’ Rivero. During the two- day competition at Roses Grill Bar, the island competitors faced players from the Belize and Cayo District in both male and female divisions. At the end of the tournament, Manzano captured third place in the male category, followed by Ubladimir Alfaro in second place and Theodore McLennan in first place, both from the Cayo District. During the tournament, the male competition was dominated by the visiting players. However, in the female category, all top three prizes stayed on La Isla Cariñosa. Taking third place was Cecilia Jacobs, followed Emerita Marin in second place, and Marie Osmon took home the first place.

Accused of murder, Mason returns to court for the second time
William ‘Danny’ Mason along with his four accomplices who is serving time at the Belize Central Prison for the murder of Pastor Lewellyn Lucas, appeared in court for the second time on Wednesday November 9th. Under heavy security escort, Mason and his group were taken to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court around 9AM. Inside the court room, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie read a single charge of murder and then adjourned their case to January 18, 2017. Also present in court was Mason’s girlfriend, Melissa Ferguson who is a person of interest to the police and has been out on bail. She has not been directly link to the murder, but because she was Mason’s partner, police believes that she can assist them in their investigation to solve the case. As a result, Ferguson will be incarcerated and ineligible for bail due to the capital charge she has been associated with. Belizeans across the country were shocked by the news of the heinous murder, which was revealed in July of this year. It is believed that Pastor Lucas met his death after visiting Mason’s residence in Belmopan. According to investigations, Lucas was kidnapped by his henchmen (Ashton Vanegas, Keron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Henry Castillo), and taken to Mason’s farm at Mile 31 of the George Price Highway, where he was beheaded.

Combating crime through Fatherhood Workshop
In an effort to address the crime situation of both Ambergris Caye and Belize, the Belize Police Department (BPD) and the Community Policing Unit partnered up with the Evangelical Alliance to host their first fatherhood workshop: “Concerned Fathers Against Crime; Helping to Change Headline News”. The intent of the workshop was to get fathers to help their children fight against crime and to spread awareness by forming a committee that will make a change within their home and community. Held at Living Word Church from 2PM to 5PM on Sunday, November 13th, the workshop was attended by concerned parents, police officers, pastors, teachers, and the media. After an invocation from Pastor Ian Zaldivar, Retired Superintendent and National Coordinator of the BPD, Rudolph Orio, gave the official welcome, and explained to the audience that the rise in juvenile crime as both perpetrators and victims is of grave concern for fathers, leaders, educators and the entire community. From 2011 to 2015, Orio has collected observations indicating that youths are: peddling firearms, selling illegal drugs, involved in gang activity, engaging in alcohol and drug abuse, becoming pregnant, dropping out of schools, and disrespecting authority.

Letter to the Editor: Caribbean Developers Ltd. building on Maya Sites
I’m writing you because of reading another article on what this corporation proposes to do to our delicate island. Not only do I see the threat to natural habitat, wildlife, mangrove affected nurseries and its babies who will no longer thrive and grow up to become a tourist attraction somewhere on the reef, I’m also seeing it from a history aspect. The article defines the 3,000 acres as being “partially in the Bacalar Chico World Heritage Site area”, taking in the western locations of Laguna de Frances and Santa Clara. Can you say Maya sites? REGISTERED Maya Sites? Then to the center of the development map lies Basil Jones, very close to the proposed reconstructed airport. Another REGISTERED Maya Site. I’m attaching a map from the Dr. Thomas Guderjan book “Ancient Maya Traders of Ambergris Caye”. (An archaeological team came to AC in the early ’80’s, sought out the Maya presence and Dr. Graham registered them with GOB.) See a pattern of dots? #17 – Santa Cruz; #16 (to the south and perhaps out of the proposed development) Laguna Frances; #18 (again not on the proposed development map) is Punta Limon; #8 – Basil Jones. A route and home sites of the Coastal Maya Traders on Ambergris Caye. I have been on walk abouts’ in the area of Basil Jones and there are more sites which have NOT been registered back in the 1980’s.

Energy from Waste is a go for Belize
Belizean businesses and industry can achieve large energy cost savings, become more environmentally friendly and sustainable, and less dependent on fossil fuels, by investing in biogas/biomass energy systems and/or solar energy. This was the message communicated by the experts from the Dutch think-tank TNO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek), the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, at an energy seminar and expo held at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Wednesday, November 9th. The Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCC) commissioned the study with funding from the United Nations Development Programme, to help Belize become more resilient and to adapt to climate change and to reduce the country’s carbon footprint. TNO’s Johan van Groenestijn, Robert de Kler and Marco Linders presented the findings of their study of Belize’s potential for energy from waste. Their study had considered various sources of waste: citrus waste, shrimp shells, fisheries waste, Sargassum, banana stems left over after harvesting, sewer waste, roadside and yard waste, manure from agricultural livestock, cohune palms and nuts, and liquid waste after distillation of rum.

Ambergris Today

Fatherhood Workshop Forms Committee to Assist At Risk Island Teens
The community of San Pedro, especially fathers and single mothers, were invited to attend the first ever fatherhood workshop held at the Living World Church on Sunday, October 13, 2016. The workshop was hosted by the Police Department with assistance from Pastors on Ambergris Caye, Belize. The main goal of the workshop is to create a group of people who will work together in assisting the island community with ideas, efforts and programs to prevent juvenile crime, decrease the amount of drugs being consumed by teenagers, decrease the amount of school dropouts, prevent teen pregnancy and most importantly prevent young domestic violence. The workshop and group is also interested in providing help to the youth who show signs of social, emotional and behavioral problems. Speakers from the different schools, Pastors, and OC Police officer gave their view and experience that they have had working along young teenagers and what they believe can be done to help improve the situation they are in. One of the most important messages brought out is that fathers need to re-capture a strong sense of values and beliefs in order to discipline and teach their child the good principles of life in order for them to succeed and become productive citizens in the next generation. After all children tend to learn by example.

Belize Woman Wins Commonwealth Caribbean Youth Worker of the Year
The Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year for the Caribbean has been announced as Manuela Lue, from Belize. Ms Lue is director of the Energy for Life program, which mentors and tutors under-privileged Belizean youth in handicraft production, connecting them with their culture and enabling them to earn a living. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who presented the awards at a ceremony on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters, Marlborough House, in London, stated: “I salute the hugely impressive recipients of these 2016 Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards. They represent thousands of youth workers across the Commonwealth whose work to empower and engage our young people too often goes unsung and unrecognized. It is of immense and enduring value in building resilient communities and overcoming the economic and social divisions that create vulnerability – locally, national and globally.”

NGO Process to Select Belize’s 13th Senator Commences
Representatives of Belize’s non-governmental organizations (NGOs) met on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan to define the process to be followed to elect Belize’s 13th Senator. Of the 143 NGOs registered under the NGO Act, twenty-two have thus far been deemed to be in good standing under the law. The NGOs in good standing represented at the meeting have committed to ensuring that the way forward is as inclusive as possible. Within that context, among the decisions made was the election of a Steering Committee that will facilitate the process for the 13th Senator. That Steering Committee is comprised as follows: Janelle Chanona (Oceana Belize) as Chairman, Osmany Salas (Belize Tourism Industry Association) as Vice Chairman, Amanda Acosta (Belize Audubon Society) as Secretary, Armando Aban (The Scout Association of Belize) as Treasurer, and Froyla Tzalam (Sarstoon Temash Institute of Indigenous Management) as Media Relations Officer.

Misc Belizean Sources

SBDC Workshop: INTRODUCTION TO EXPORT
Presented by: Ms. Diana Hernandez, Export Development Officer, Beltraide. Location: Belize Training & Employment Center (BTEC) Training Room. ITVET Compound, Freetown Road. Workshop Date: November 24th, 2016. Time: 9:00 am to 12 noon. The Introduction to Exporting training covers the basics of exporting, highlighting key factors that should be considered when venturing into regional or international markets and introducing participants to key export terms. The session also includes the completion of a cost sheet for the export process and an export readiness assessment that allows participants to evaluate key aspects of their operation to determine the level of readiness for the export market. This workshop will provide participants with requirements for export including general procedures and documentations, a brief overview of trade agreements and an overview of key export factors.

Presentation of Credentials by Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize
H.E. Mr. Charles Keh-yue Liu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), today presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. Ambassador Liu expressed his pleasure in being a representative of his country in Belize and conveyed his country’s pleasure in continuing the strong diplomatic relationship and friendship between the two countries. The Governor General warmly welcomed and received the Ambassador’s credentials. Ambassador Liu was accompanied by members of the ROC Taiwan Embassy in Belize.

Entrepreneurship Symposium 2016
SBDC and UB had the Entrepreneurship Symposium at the GPC. Global Entrepreneurship Week has kicked off. EntreCon is Friday, and the winners of the Business Hackathon will be announced. "The George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan was filled to maximum capacity on Monday, 14th November as students from the University of Belize and Belizean entreprenuers converged to participate in the 4th annual Entrepreneurship Symposium. The symposium was a joint venture between The Small Business Development Centre, Belize (SBDCBelize), a unit of Beltraide, and the University of Belize, Belmopan campus as part of activities in connection with Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)."

Protravel Long Island Autumn Event.
Belize Tourism Board

Punta Gorda knows how to throw a party!
On Friday, Punta Gorda hosted a Food Fete showcasing Garifuna food including delicious hudut and tapou and filled with lots of fantastic cultural performances. Deputy Chief of Mission Adrienne Galanek joined in the fun.

Entrepreneurship Convention 2016 (EntreCon)- Unlocking ICT Innovation In Belize
International speakers and experts in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), along with members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, will meet at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Friday, 18th November to participate in the second annual National Entrepreneurship Convention (ENTRECON). On November 20th, 2015 the Small Business Development Centre, Belize (SBDCBelize), a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), launched its National Entrepreneurship Strategy at its First National Entrepreneurship Convention, branded as ENTRECON. ENTRECON is now an annual event that is designed to create a platform for bringing together key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem with the purpose of sharing ideas, creating awareness of existing and new business and investment opportunities, promoting innovation, and building an entrepreneurship culture.

Poets Corner: Deja vu
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. People are more familiar With ‘firing’ than restructure The word 'retrenchment' became a political curse After Esquivel agreed with an IMF scheme 21 years later Barrow has joined the team In 1995 to trim GOB's wage bill Nearly 800 public servants gone home from Independence Hill The R word was the nail in the coffin Resulting in UDP 1998's thrashing Trying to save $11 million dollars on its wage bill This time dah half billion plus still After squandering PetroCaribe pan Pibil Cutting contract officers and a wage freeze Some contract officers had gone on increment cease Government had turned to open vote workers to retrench Stagger terminations over a period to soften the blow Back then it was “cost containment” Or cost cutting by this UDP government Government workers were retrenched.

Manuela Lue Wins Commonwealth Caribbean Youth Worker Of The Year
Congratulations, Manuela Lue! Manuela is a Director of the Energy for Life Program, which mentors and tutors under-privileged youths in handicraft production, connecting them with their culture and enabling them to earn a living. Keep up the amazing work!

WOMEX Delegation Network Meeting
MUSICIANS AND PERFORMERS: Have you ever wondered how you can represent Belize at WOMEX and other international festivals? Join Shyne Barrow, Belize's Music Ambassador for this important meeting on Monday!

Maya 2020 Project
FCD signed a Letter of Agreement with Selvana Ltd marking the launching of Maya 2020 Project. The project seeks to strengthen FCD’s capability and capacity for park management and conservation. Serving as witness to the signing was High Commissioner of Belize in London, Mrs. Perla Perdomo.

Celebrating the Garifuna culture at the Western Border

Chiqui, the six-month old jaguar, has a new home!
Today, the Embassy representatives participated in an exciting event at the Belize Zoo, including a ribbon cutting ceremony for Chiqui's new home and unveiling of the donor plaque (thanks to the individual members of the Embassy community for your generous support)! Local preschool students' performance made the festivities memorable!

Free Oral History Workshop
Free Oral History Workshop to be held on Nov 17 and Nov 29 in Belmopan

Channel 7

Third Child Dies From Burns Received In October 4th Fire
Six weeks ago, three children were severely burnt in a house fire on Aloe Vera street in the Lake Independence area. One of them, 11 year old Aaron Gabourel died in the house, while his two cousins, 8-year-old Empress Hamilton and 4 year old Ian Carr received third degree burns to 90% of their bodies. Through the efforts of the Burn Victims Mercy Fund they were flown out to Shriners Hospital in Galveston Texas but even at a premier burn center, their injuries were too severe for their small bodies to survive: Ian Carr died on November ninth while receiving treatment, and early this morning, one week later, his big sister passed away, also from complications due to her massive burn injuries. Their mother who returned from Texas on Monday to deal with funeral arrangements for Ian, now has to prepare to bury her two children. She passed out when she got the news early this morning, and told us this afternoon that the Doctors tried their best but Empress's heart just stopped:

Farewell, Tyler
And 7 year-old Tyler Savery's murder is, of course, the most resonant loss right now. His funeral was held this afternoon at the BTL park. That's where the family was joined by friends, well-wishers and community members who joined to celebrate the life of a promising child whose life was cut short by gun violence. It's most likely the first funeral in memory to be held at a park, but Tyler's mother, Shakera Young, wanted to give everyone a chance to say good-bye to her son before she cremated his body. His murder has shocked the nation, and today, we spoke to a few persons who attended the funeral. They told us that his grieving mother's message of peace is something that everyone can identify with:

Killers Lay In Wait In Libertad
And, tonight there's one more violent execution style murder to report. It happened last night in Libertad Village in the Corozal District. That's not often the scene of murders, but last night, four men lay in wait for 22 year old Sherman McFarlane. Corozal cops told our colleagues at CTV-3 more: Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold - OC, Corozal: "Upon arrival we saw a male person slouched beside a vehicle, Hispanic with what appears to be one single bullet wound to the right side of his cheek apparently dead. Initial police investigation reveals that four men came from the nearby bushes. 3 of them stood back, whilst a dark skinned male person step forward. He was wearing a camouflage jacket, a black hat, with a red rag covering his face. He stepped up to the deceased, Mr. Sherman McFarlane, 22 years of a Corozal Town address. He fired one single shot which caught Mr. McFarlane subsequently causing his demise."

BNTU Attorney Eamon Courtenay Files Suit
On Friday, we told you about the letter that attorney Eamon Courtenay sent to Education Minister Patrick Faber, on behalf of the Belize National Teachers Union. The BNTU is demanding that the Deputy Prime Minister rescind the decision to dock the teacher's pay at the end of November, and they gave him until Monday to give a favourable response, or else they were going to sue him. As we told you, Faber told us that neither he nor the Attorney General intended to respond, and so, Courtenay filed the lawsuit in court today. The first part of the claim is an application for injunction against the Government of Belize to stop them from withholding any contributions to the managing authorities of the different schools. This is the money used for teachers' salaries. This month's payday for teachers is November 25, which is next week Friday.

Boots Takes On Briceno In Family Attack
Politics is a dirty business, but we live in a small society – and usually politicians try not to mash each other's personal corns when they're outside of the House of Representatives. But the UDP's Port Loyola Representative Boos Martinez says the PUP Leader crossed that line last night when he said this: Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "A daughter I don't know that she has been working for a year. So, if it's the name of a daughter, where did she get the money? Has the FIU done an investigation? Maybe the FIU needs to investigate where his daughter got the money to build that mansion if that is the case." So today, Anthony Boots Martinez called his own press conference to defend his daughter, who he says Briceno has baselessly maligned. But Boots didn't just defend; he went on the offensive to blast Briceno's family – extending even to the PUP leader's deceased father – Eligio Joe Briceno, who Martinez eulogized just a few months ago. Today, all the niceties were put aside and it was about getting out the hurt, and putting a hurting on Briceno:..

Drones For Agriculture
In the last few years, drones have become popular, even in the media - when we want those magnificent aerial shots for our stories. But these drones can do a lot more than just take footage. They are used for monitoring, surveillance and delivering mapping information. And that's how the Ministry of Agriculture will use the 3 drones they got from the Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. There was a short handing over ceremony yesterday in Belmopan and both the IICA Representative and the CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture discussed how these drones will enhance the Ministry's work. Dr. Dowlath Budram - IICA Representative: "At a request from the ministry we agree to collaborate in the ministry in the post hurricane event by providing this kind of technology here that will help in data gathering and verification of information in the field. So we went ahead and got some resources from headquarters, we were able to purchase 3 drones and so we have these here today and we will be handing over these to the ministry."

New Taiwan Ambassador Presents And Represents
As we told you, the Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, Benjamin Ho has retired after 35 years of service. Now, the partnership between both countries will definitely continue, but just with another friendly face leading the Taiwanese mission. The new ambassador ,Charles Liu presented his credentials to the Governor General today at the Belize House. In a release it states "Ambassador Liu expressed his pleasure in being a representative of his country in Belize and conveyed his country’s pleasure in continuing the strong diplomatic relationship and friendship between the two countries. The Governor General warmly welcomed and received the Ambassador’s credentials. " Liu is a career diplomat.

A Jaguar Named Like A Bird
The Belize Zoo has a new addition to its family. Her name is Chiqui the Jaguar. She was found abandoned in the Chiquibul forest but FCD rangers came to her rescue in May. Now as we told you, the Zoo recently lost its beautiful black Jaguar named Lucky Boy and they are still heartbroken about his death. While no other Jaguar can replace him, the zoo managers can preserve Lucky Boy's memory by keeping Chiqui happy and healthy. Well, the founding Director Sharon Matola and her team plan to do that and more. Today, the zoo crew officially welcomed Chiqui to her new home with a short ceremony and viewing. Matola told us more about how Chiqui overcame all odds and what her story represents. Sharon Matola: "She was drowning, literally drowning and crying and the FCD forest rangers heard this strange sound and went to this sound and saw a baby cub trying to crawl out of the stream bed and literally dying

The Many Uses Of GIS Revealed
Today, students from all over the country gathered in Belize City for World GIS Day. GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, is a way to record, interpret and analyze data using satellite imagery. GIS uses maps to present information and show patterns in a way that text cannot. In order to introduce students to this technology, Total Business Solutions Ltd. along with several members of the business and technology sectors held its annual expo to showcase the ways GIS can be used to enhance their education and how they can turn it into a career. We spoke to Loretta Palacio, the Managing Director of Total Business Solutions Ltd., and she told how GIS can be used for development purposes…

Ping-Pong Perfection With Central American Senior Table Tennis Championship
Today was the first day of the 2016 Central American Senior Table Tennis Championship which is being held in Belize for the first time. Athletes from Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize converged on the multi-purpose centre at SCA to match speed and skills. President of the Belize Table Tennis Association, Arturo Vasquez told us more about the tournament… As Vasquez mentioned, there isn’t an age limit for competitors, but among the all the teams, Belize stands out. That’s because the home team has the youngest players in the tournament, with the oldest being 15, and the youngest being 11 – competing against men in a senior tournament. Now, Belize has many talented adult players, but Vasquez told us that the BTTA deliberately chose their youngest to compete…

Spanish Lookout Looking Out , Not In
Yesterday afternoon, the Spanish Lookout business community handed over a new pickup truck to Cayo Police. Now, one pickup isn't all that big a story, but it is in this case, because it marks a Sea Change for the usually insular and self-sufficient Spanish Lookout community. They accept that in a changing criminal landscape, where their open way of life makes them vulnerable, they do need the police:.. Norman Dueck - Spanish Lookout Chamber: "And I am proud to say that when the idea was presented at our meeting, 100% of the people supported the idea of partnering with the police department. I think that shows that we believe that this is a partnership. I think we know that policing only works when police and the community works together."

Channel 5

Empress Hamilton Dies, Family Plunged Into Grief Again
It’s a sad week when the loss of innocent children in a vicious crime wave continues to shatter families. The Hamiltons of south side Belize City have lost a third [...]

Mourners Remember Tyler Savery as Mom Vows Fight for Justice
An already bruised nation continues to reel from the double murder of seven year old Tyler Savery and twenty-one year old Porshan Pipersburgh last Friday afternoon. There is a growing [...]

In Libertad, a Corozal Man Ambushed and Shot to Death
There is further loss of life. Up north in the village of Libertad, Sherman McFarlane, was ambushed by one of four gunmen who lay-waited him in the dark of the [...]

Teachers’ Union Officially Goes to Court Over Salary Deductions
The Belize National Teachers Union is proceeding to court on the matter of the deduction in salaries of teachers who went strike for eleven days in October when the union [...]

Minister “Boots” Martinez Hits Back at John Briceño
On Tuesday, Leader of the People’s United Party John Briceño lashed out at fellow parliamentarian and Minister of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, Anthony “Boots” Martinez, over allegations [...]

“Boots” Throws in the Towel; Leaving Politics After Current Term
A political career started in the 1990s has reached its endpoint. According to Minister of Human Development and four-term area representative for Port Loyola, Anthony “Boots” Martinez, he is stepping [...]

Stevedore Charged Again with Attempted Murder, This Time of 13-Year-Old Girl
A Belize City stevedore has been placed on remand again; this time accused of another attempted murder on the life of a minor. Anthony Crawford was arraigned this morning before [...]

Police Announce Plans for Continued Patrols During Weekly Community Meeting
Eastern Division police were back on the streets of south side Belize City this afternoon where they conducted their weekly Meet and Greet initiative.  North Creek is of particular interest [...]

Operations Ramp Up for 19th and Christmas; Motorcycles a Target
A recent increase in firearm offenses committed by culprits on motorcycles has forced the Belize Police Department to crackdown on motorists in the Old Capital.  A spike in drive-by shootings [...]

Police Prepare to Keep the Peace on Holiday Weekend
With weekend Garifuna Settlement Day festivities commencing in Belize City on Thursday, additional boots on the ground are being deployed onto the streets in various hotspots.  ACP Williams says it’s [...]

Is Belize’s Dollar Under Threat from Economic Issues?
For as long as Belizeans can remember, the exchange rate peg has been at two Belize dollars to one U.S. dollar. The Government has tried mightily to keep it that [...]

Why Nationalization Due to Accommodation Agreement was Drastic
The People’s United Party has gone on record as describing the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited and subsequent settlement with former owners as, in one statement, “the greatest con of [...]

Police Officers Recognized for Hard Work at Special Ceremony
The Police Department’s regular recognition and award ceremonies in Eastern Division have become as much a staple of the news as the crime they try to stop and solve. It [...]

CTV3

Opposition Leader Weighs In On Crime Issue
Today 7 year old Tyler Savery was laid to rest in Belize City after he was mercilessly gunned down in the street-style execution of his older cousin, 22 year-old Porshan Pipersburg. Tyler who was on his way to purchase his favorite treat was shot once to the chest and died almost instantly. The death of the young boy has the nation in shock and grappling from the reality that crime is out of control. As you heard earlier in the newscast a 22 year old Corozal resident also lost his life to gun violence in an execution that occurred last night. There is no denying that the increscent crime rate has certainly caught the nation's attention and yesterday Leader of the opposition, Hon. Jon Briceño, made a call for national unity to fight violence in our beloved country. Honorable John Briceno – Opposition Leader People’s United Party: “Tyler Savery was murdered in the streets and make me wonder what country and where we are getting to, where a man can just go on the street and just shoot at somebody else without regards to if there is women or children around and in here we have a seven year old that was killed, I think that it is not only an issue of the government but we as a people need to be outrage what is wrong with us...”

BNTU Takes GOB To Court
The Belize National Teacher’s Union has taken its defence of teachers from the streets to the Court room as today the Union’s attorney applied for leave in the Supreme Court to hear their case for an injunction on the Ministry. The BNTU wants to halt the Ministry of Education’s plan to dock the salaries of those teachers who took part in their 11 day strike in October. The BNTU took their case to Court today, after a letter to Minister Patrick Faber went ignored. In that letter, attorney Eamon Courtenay pointed out that the Government’s decision to withhold salaries in November is ultra vires, unlawful and unconstitutional.

Recall For Gaspar Vega
Over the weekend, the PUP’s Northern Caucus met in Ranchito Village and decided that it was prepared to launch a focused political campaign to remove former UDP Minister Gaspar Vega. This would be done using the ballot – no not yet elections, but a constitutional petition to recall the Minister for wrongdoing, in particular the land scandals involving his family and political friends. There is a recall mechanism in our laws which has only been tested once, that was against disgraced former UDP politician Elvin Penner in Cayo North East. The PUP Northern Caucus has said it stands ready to get its machinery going to get Vega out, but PUP Leader Hon. John Briceno said Vega shouldn’t wait for the PUP to mobilize. He believes Vega should do the conscious thing and resign. Honorable John Briceno – Opposition Leader People’s United Party" “We believe in the Northern Caucus after a long discussion that what the Honourable Gaspar Vega did was a betrayal of the trust of the people of Orange Walk Central...”

US Elections Can Teach Us A Thing Or Two
Real estate tycoon Donald J. Trump shocked the entire world on November 8th when he was elected as the next President of the United States of America. Yesterday Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceño spoke of Trump’s stunning victory saying that he did not expect it in the very least but stated the Belize can learn a lot from the American election. Honorable John Briceno – Opposition Leader People’s United Party: “He won simply because there were these marginalized people that felt that they have been forgotten for so long and the same thing has to apply in Belize that we are having more and more people that are marginalized that feel that they have been forgotten, that feel that they have been abandoned and we as a PUP we also have to take a closer look with the lessons of the American election and to make sure that policies that we have to put forward will be able to be inclusive of everyone especially the people...”

Trial Farm Resident Charged For Murder In Case Of Manuel Alejandro Toloza
A resident of Trial Farm Village here in the Orange Walk District is sitting behind bars tonight at the Central Prison after he was formally arrested and charged this morning for the murder of twenty six year old Manuel Alejandro Toloza which occurred last month. After several weeks of intensive investigations, Orange Walk police managed to detain twenty three year old Elroy Arnold who appeared in court today for his arraignment. Since the case is an indictable one, no plea was taken from Arnold and as a result he was immediately remanded to the Hattieville Prison. Viewers may recall that on the night of Saturday October 29th, Toloza was socializing in front of a Chinese establishment in the village of Trial Farm when an altercation reportedly ensued between him and another individual. Further reports indicate that after Toloza and the said individual parted ways, Toloza was attacked by a group of male persons just a few yards away from where he stood prior to the incident. Sometime in the middle of the assault, Toloza received two stab wounds one of which proved to be fatal.

Breaking Belize News

Vehicle with drugs abandoned in St. Margaret’s village following police chase
Officers from the Belmopan Quick Response Team set chase after a vehicle when they saw marijuana being thrown from the car. The vehicle was pursued by police from the Roaring Creek junction to St Margaret’s village. The […]

Baby Empress dies from burn wounds
There are reports that Empress Hamilton, 8, died last night while receiving treatment at Shriner’s Hospital for kids in Texas. Her brother, Ian Sambula, 4, had also passed away last week from injuries while receiving treatment. Their cousin, Aaron Gabourel, 11, had died the […]

Bikers beware, cycle crackdown commences
The Belize Police Department will be enforcing all motorcycle violations with immediate effect. According to a statement released yesterday, the department claims that, “…we have been noticing an increase in crimes particularly shootings being committed by persons on motorcycles.” “With a view to curb […]

Corozal resident gunned down
Sherman McFarlane was gunned down last night in Corozal. According to preliminary police information, sometime after 9:00 p.m. McFarlane was in Libertad village, walking to his vehicle when he was ambushed. A man rose from behind some bushes and fired several shots at him. […]

Belize’s credit rating cut as country looks to restructure $530 M in bonds
Belize’s credit rating has been downgraded by S&P Global Ratings. Prime Minister Dean Barrow attempted for the second time in four years to renegotiate the country’s debt. The agency has now lowered the rating from B- to CCC+ with a negative outlook. PM Barrow […]

Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize presents credentials to Governor General
“H.E. Mr. Charles Keh-yue Liu, The Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), today presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan,” according to a Government of Belize press release. The […]

Belizean Young Leaders to meet President Obama
Karryn Dawson and Hernan Urbina have been selected to meet outgoing US President Barack Obama in Peru this month. Their selection comes after their success at the Young Leaders of the Americas initiative. Belize sent six representatives to compete among 250 fellows from Latin […]

Belmopan police snag three for drug trafficking
Belmopan police have arrested three persons for three separate instances of drug trafficking charges between Monday and Tuesday. The men were all fined for a total of BZ $13,000. Ronals Gill of Roaring Creek village was fined $6,000; Gilroy Blancaneaux of Cotton Tree was […]

Blogs

Palapa Bar Phoenix Rising from the Caribbean Sea
The Palapa Bar and Grill has risen from the ashes a few times over the years. With each renewal and resurrection owners Scott and Jodie Harnish manage to bring it back stronger and better than ever. Hurricane Earl was monumental when their entire building was decimated by the storm. With ample open air seating with unobstructed views of the reef and cool breezes for patrons, featuring a completely rebuilt bar, brand new kitchen, and new GIANT Palapa roof, The Palapa Bar and Grill with hand cut timbers is more beautiful than ever before. So many people stepped up to help the dynamic duo through this challenging time and keep them on track for success. Local Belizean contractor Isael Juchim dedicated himself along with his crew and has been on the job sight everyday seven days a week. Scott and Jodie maintained all the staff since the hurricane, preserving local jobs for many families. Staff were given an opportunity by Isael to become tradesman and help in the reconstruction. Marcial Flores stepped up and held the team together of bartenders, cooks, and dish washers in the rebuild process. All employees will continue as invaluable staff.

Moving to Belize After US Elections Made Easy
For some reason, many of us in Belize have recently been inundated with requests for information about moving or retiring to Belize, our little piece of tropical paradise. We won’t get into the whys of this sudden increase, but we will say, as we always have, that yes, Belize is a great place to live – a wonderful country filled with wonderful people enjoying great weather and an endless amount of things to do. Fresh air oxygenated by huge tracts of pristine rainforests, clean rivers, a stunning Caribbean coastline and scores of tiny islands sheltered by the world’s second largest barrier reef, ancient Maya ruins, and exotic wildlife to explore, and lots of fresh seafood and healthy organic fruits and veggies contributing to an increasingly sophisticated foodie culture. Oh yes, there’s the vibrant arts and music scene as well, with opportunities to participate in sports, theatre and pretty much whatever interests you. What’s not to love? Come on down and see for yourself what makes Belize so awesome! Top 10 Reasons to Move To Belize: - Belize Real Estate Prices - Stable Exchange Rate - Strategic Location Of Belize - English Spoken In Belize - Strong Belize Tourism Trends - Attractive Belize Taxation Incentives - Belize Real Estate Laws - Belize Real Estate Opportunities. - Political And Economic Stability Of Belize - Belizean Lifestyle.

“Happy Anniversary” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
One of the most pleasing things for Rose and I since relocating to Ambergris Caye are the friendships we have made. Many of them with Belizeans. Some of these friendships started to form when we visited (usually twice a year) from our (then) home in the UK for holidays. Amongst those embryonic friendships were the relationships we began with Carlo and Ernie (they of Carlo & Ernie’s Runway Bar fame) when they both worked at BC’s. Since moving here the friendships we already had have strengthened and we have made new ones. And, unless you are a recluse, the friendly nature of Belizeans (amongst the friendliest I have witnessed on our travels over the years) have made it nigh on impossible not to. One of the real joys for us is to be included when events are organised to celebrate special occasions and the latest of these was yesterday when Rose and I were invited to join Alma and Carlo on a day trip to Mahahual to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Obviously the day held significant importance for Alma and Carlo but it had some significance for us too. Why? Well Rose and I were invited to their wedding 8 years ago but I worked for a living back then and was in the middle of a major project and just couldn’t take the time off for a holiday.

Some rare and breathtaking images of Placencia, Belize village!
Thanks Breeanna! A good "friend/family" of CBC is http://www.breeannakayphotography.com, and when she comes into town, she loves to get (National Geographic quality!) images of the village through her eyes. When I saw her latest, I had to share...more coming in the future, as they are so good, they are hard to take in all at once! Enjoy!!

Experience the phenomenon: Magnetic Hill in Belize
Imagine stopping at the bottom of a hill and then being pulled back up the hill involuntarily. It may seem crazy, but for many tourists, this is a phenomenon they look forward to experiencing on their trip to Belize. The reason why this magnetic hill is popular is because it defeats the Laws of Physics. Afterall, stopping your car downhill but seeing your car being pulled uphill instead is a bit bizarre. Many people speculate that it’s a magnetic force that is beneath the ground that pulls metal objects in another direction. Others say that the magnetic hill is just an illusion, that the end -or top- of the hill is actually lower in elevation than the start – or the bottom- of the hill and that the ” position of trees and slopes of nearby scenery, or a curvy horizon line, can trick the eye so that what looks uphill is actually downhill”. They concluded that the mind is a powerful thing, but it can still be fooled.

International Sources

NOAA Outlook for Central America November November 17 – 23, 2016
Enhanced rain forecast along the Atlantic basin and portions of northern Central America. From November 8-14, suppressed rain prevailed over Central America. The heaviest (> 50 mm) rain fell in southwestern Guatemala, central El Salvador, the Atlantic Basin of Nicaragua and southern Caribbean. Since mid-August to date, rain has been poorly-distributed throughout western and central Guatemala to western and central Honduras. The largest ninety-day rainfall deficits have been observed over portions of central Guatemala and north-central Honduras, where accumulated rain have accounted for only between 25-50 percent of the average. Although rain is expected to gradually subside across the interior of Central America during this time of the year, rain has diminished significantly over the dry portions of the region since late September. An analysis of vegetation conditions from remote sensing techniques has indicated degrading conditions in western and central Guatemala and western Honduras as a response to the lack of rain.

United Will Start Charging Some Passengers To Use Overhead Bins
United will become the first big U.S. airline to limit low-fare customers to one carry-on bag that fits under a seat. The announcement on Tuesday could frustrate flyers who already feel burdened with airline travel restrictions and fees. United, the No. 3 U.S. airline by passengers carried, said customers who bought its cheapest fares would not be assigned seats until the day of departure, meaning people on the same ticket may be split apart. United will also prohibit these travelers from carrying on bags that can only fit in overhead bins, and they will not accrue miles toward elite status. The company expects the moves to add $4.8 billion to its annual operating income by 2020.

FAO to help combat illegal fishing in Latin America and the Caribbean
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) this week presented a cooperation project to support eleven Latin American and Caribbean countries to put an end to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. "Illegal fishing threatens not only food security and fishery resource sustainability and conservation but also the economic well-being of two million people who depend on fishing for their livelihood," explained Tito Díaz, FAO subregional coordinator for Mesoamerica. The project, which was presented to fishing organisations of the countries of the region during a high-level meeting in Panama, will allow Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and the Dominican Republic to take coordinated steps towards the elimination of illegal fishing, strengthening their control mechanisms and institutions in the sector. It will also strengthen fishing monitoring, surveillance and control procedures, thus contributing to better sustainable management of fishery resources.

Mayan 'nesting doll' pyramid is found in Mexico
Archaeologists have discovered a second structure within the famous pyramid of Kukulkan at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Last year, archaeologists used electrical imaging techniques to find that the pyramid, which is also known as El Castillo, was built atop a subterranean river, or a cenote. Experts have long known that a smaller pyramid is encapsulated underneath the visible temple. Today they said they had detected an even smaller structure inside the outer two layers. Using what is called 'tri-dimensional electric resistivity tomography', or 'ERT-3D,' they found a 32.8-feet (10-metre) tall structure within the 65.6-feet (20-metre) tall 'intermediate' pyramid that was covered over by the last construction stage, perhaps around 900 A.D. The process involved scanning the pyramid using a series of electrodes placed around the site. These sent electrical currents that were used to measure resistance in electrical current flow in order to digitally map any existing structures. Archaeologist Denisse Lorenia Argote said: 'If we can research this structure in the future it could be important, because it could tell us about the first-period inhabitants' of the site'.

Videos

November 16, 2016

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, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

SPTC holds Basketball Marathon
In an attempt to ignite basketball fever on La Isla Bonita, The San Pedro Town Council held an all-day marathon on Sunday, November 13th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. Four teams competed in hopes of capturing the top prize: Caye Caulker, Tuff E Nuff, Healthy Police, and Boca Boyz. After several exciting matches Boca Boyz triumphed and took home the championship. In second place was Tuff E Nuff receiving a cash prize of $250. Both teams had such great players that two MVPs were recognized. The MVP for Tuff E Nuff was Rico Black, while Boca Boyz’, Michael Guan took the prize for top player of his team.

SPHS Male Volleyball Team: 2016 National Volleyball Champions!
After claiming the victory over the male division of the Northern Regional Secondary Volleyball Tournament, the San Pedro High School (SPHS) Male Volleyball Team once again captured the National Championship on Saturday, November 5th. The SPHS boys travelled to San Ignacio in the Cayo District over the weekend, where they represented the northern region of the country very well. After two days of competition, they emerged as the 2016 National Volleyball Champions! On Monday, November 14th, the team along with the school staff and entire student body paraded through the streets of San Pedro Town. In honour of their grand victory, many residents greeted them on the streets and applauded their achievement. The San Pedro Sun joins the entire community in congratulating the SPHS male volleyball team on a great win; you have made San Pedro Town proud! Keep up the hard work and continue to achieve greatness in sports!

National Garifuna Council San Pedro Branch begins Settlement activities
Garifuna Settlement Day is slated for Saturday, November 19th, and the National Garifuna Council San Pedro Branch (NGCSPB) began their celebratory activities on Saturday, November 12th and Sunday, November 13th. The last three clothing segments of the fashion show represented the three colors of the Garifuna flag: yellow, black, and white. Eduardo Aguilar, organizer of the fashion show, stated that he thought it was a great idea to incorporate the colors of the Garifuna flag into the fashion show. Although each color has various meanings, in this case, the black representing the hardship and struggle, yellow signifying hope and prosperity, and white indicating peace. Models showcased crisp white outfits first followed by sunny yellow outfits. Lastly, models sashayed in stunning black outfits that had the crowd cheering widely. All outfits can be purchased at Foreva Fancy Boutique on the corner of Coconut Drive and Tarpon Street in San Pedro Town.

CG Esthetics hosts Glamour Shots Fundraiser
On Sunday, November 13th, CG Esthetics hosted a very successful ‘Glamour Shots’ fundraiser. Benefiting from the raised funds for the two most important organizations that greatly assist the community in San Pedro Town—the San Pedro Red Cross and the San Pedro Food Bank. From 9AM to 4PM, participants arrived at the salon to receive being pampered with hair styling and makeup application. Several pampered individuals went to take their glamour shots with many props available for them to choose. In an effort to raise more funds, the salon also held a clothing and accessories swap. For a donation of $5, guests had the opportunity to choose from a couple of gently used items. Juanece Messervy also contributed to the fundraiser by donating 10% of her ‘Clay Creations’ sales to both charities.

Ambergris Today

Belize Government Stops All Offshore Surveys for Now
Postponement of the Completion of the Multibeam and Sea Seep Survey - The Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum has issued a press release informing the general public that the completion of the offshore multibeam and sea seep survey will be postponed until public consultations on the survey are conducted. The Ministry will inform the general public of the schedule of the public consultations so that interested persons may attend. The Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum, through the Geology and Petroleum Department stated that they will continue to ensure that the petroleum sector is developed in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner which can contribute to the sustainable development of Belize.

Misc Belizean Sources

Karaoke Friday on Caye Caulker
Ring in Garifuna Settlement Day onNovember 18th at Central Park from 6pm. Sing your heart out from 6pm til 10pm. Garifuna Dancers at 10pm followed by a dance til 2am. Music by Thundah Vibez Sounds

Assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Belize Health Information System
The Ministry of Health is working along with PAHO Health Information consultants this week to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the Belize Health Information System (BHIS)

Incident with GAF Naval Patrol and SATIIM Patrol Vessel on the Sarstoon River
he Belize Defence Force (BDF) received a report on an incident that occurred on November 10th 2016, in which the Sarstoon-Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) was interrupted by Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) while operating on the Sarstoon River. On the said date at about 7:30 a.m., SATIIM personnel along with village leaders of Crique Sarco and Graham Creek carried out a routine community forest patrol along the Sarstoon River. The patrol was organized by SATIIM to monitor deforestation and illegal activities in Southern Belize. The Belize Forward Operating Base (FOB) reported that around 7:30 a.m. the vessel docked at the FOB and that SATIIM would be conducting a routine patrol. The FOB reported that the vessel then proceeded to the Sarstoon River through the northern channel. At about 2:30 p.m. on that same day, the SATIIM vessel returned and reported to the FOB that a GAF patrol vessel had stopped them as they were traversing the Sarstoon.

Power interruption 6:00am to 11:00am, Saturday, Nov 19, San Pedro
North San Pedro, from Boca Del Rio to Tranquillity Bay Resort. Portion Pescador Dr to Boca Del Rio will also experience power interruption from 6:00am to 8:30am. BEL to replace transformer at Boca Del Rio Substation and energize new lines in the area.

PACT 2016 Environmental Fellowship
The Protected Areas Conservatin Trust is calling for applications for their 2016 Environmental Fellowship. They are awarding one fellowship valued at $50,000. The deadline is November 28th. "The PACT was formally established in January 1996 with the passing of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act, No. 15 of 1995, creating the institution as a Statutory Board. The functions of the PACT are to encourage and promote, for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations of the people of Belize, the provision, protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural resources of Belize. The PACT Environmental Fellowship is designed to provide financial assistance to dynamic and successful mid-career and/or senior professional Belizeans who already possess a graduate degree and are entering a new post-grad programme or professional development in an area of study that will contribute to the sustainable development of Belize’s National Protected Areas System."

Tacos Festival, Orange Walk
No, it's not too soon to start thinking about TACOS FESTIVAL! Mark the date: Nov. 27, Orange Walk Town. Thanks for the reminder Belize Tourism Board!

Garifuna Expo
Venezuelan Embassy Belmopan.

COMMUNITY PITCHES IN TO SPRUCE UP STANN CREEK HOUSE AND CULTURE AND GULISI COMPOUND IN THE SPIRIT OF UWARADAGUNI*
Artists, students and community members joined forces in October and November to spruce up the location that houses the Gulisi Museum and School and the Stann Creek House of Culture (SCHC). *Uwaradaguni means unity in Garifuna. It all started in September, when DEC & Sons Construction helped SCHC start rehabilitating the artist boxes at the monument site. Assessing the scale of the project, SCHC Coordinator Joshua Arana quickly realized he would need help and assembled a committee. The project got a financial contribution from Stonetree Records for the repair of some boxes. To get the word out, the committee planned an Artist Service Day for the 29th of October, in collaboration with the BDF and the Dangriga Town Council. The public was invited to assist in the cleaning and was also a part of the discussion of how to maintain the site going forward.

Super photo of the super moon!Unique Belize at Belize Chamber of Commerce Christmas Expo
Come and see what Unique Belize is all about. A collection of crafts for home, office and gift-giving--handmade by Belizean artisans. Dec 3 at 10 AM to Dec 4 at 6 PM, The Ramada Belize City Princess, Newtown Barracks, Kings Park, 50 Belize City, Belize

The Institute of Archaeology hosting it's second training for site staff in Professional Development

Young Belizean Sailors Compete in Bermuda's 2016 National Optimist Dinghy Championship Regatta
"They were the best in the World, pops." Interviewer: "Better than in Canada, this summer?" (He'd placed 7 out of 127 up there.} "Oh yeah!" These are the words of San Pedro's Kevin Velasquez, age 15 and Belize's 2015 Optimist Sailing Dinghy National Champion, after placing 25th out of 75 in the 2016 Bermuda National Championship Optimist Regatta, November 10 - 13 at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda. Perhaps they weren't all of the World's best, but among the 75 were sailors visiting from Barbados, Canada, The Caymans, Italy, Poland, and the US. Staying in the top third of that fleet and finishing 10th, 12th, and 13th in 3 of the 11 races, are what Kevin accomplished in the final regatta of his Optimist career. The year you turn 15 is the last year you can enter formal Optimist regattas.

BHA promoting Belize Tourism in Montreal and Toronto!
Following the recent addition of the twice weekly Westjet flight direct between Toronto and Belize City, the Belize Hotel Association was excited to participate in the Canadian Road show that was organized by the Belize Tourism Board ,and included the participation of several private stakeholders in theTourism Industry of Belize. The BHA Marketing Director, Tessie Duran Tonaco attended the event to represent our members. The intense two day marketing event, was hosted in Toronto, on Tuesday November 8, 2016, and in Montreal, on Wednesday November 9, 2016. The BHA, the BTB and attending industry stakeholders, each had a tabletop presentation at both venues, where they were able to have one-on-one meetings with a total of more than 100 Canadian travel agents. After the meetings and business exchange, dinner was served to the agents while, Ms. Deborah Gilharry and Ms. Althea Sebastian, Travel Trade Officers of the Belize Tourism Board, gave a video and slideshow presentation about Belize, the areas of interest and the culture of the different destinations within the country. This was followed by a Q&A segment, and then a raffle of vacation packages to Belize, that was greeted with much enthusiasm from the agents.

BHA BI-ANNUAL MEETING
DATE: December 7, 2016 VENUE: San Ignacio Resort Hotel. We hope you will join us, to hear about the exciting new activities that the BHA is planning and what we have accomplished in the recent months. If you are not a member of the BHA as yet, we would still love to have you join us !! Invitations will be emailed this week. Complimentary Ground Transfers will be provided from Belize City to San Ignacio. Kindly RSVP your attendance to Lourdes or Tessie Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Telephone- 223-0669

AGM Invite
Nov. 22, Caye Caulker Community Center, 7pm

Paint N Splash
Calling all Pirate Splashers! Join us this Thursday at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar.

Inauguration of Ambergris Stadium
The San Pedro Town Council, Minisitry of Tourism & Civil Aviation and the San Pedro Sports Committee are excited to announce the official inauguration of the newly constructed Ambergris Stadium on November 26, 2016. After the Inaugural ceremony there will be two matches for everyone to enjoy! Come witness the matches between San Pedro's teams versus the teams from Mexico and USA! Tickets are on sale at the San Pedro Town Council for only $10. Entertainment by Yaka's Elite Dancers in collaboration with the San Pedro Dance Academy and music by San Pedro's very own, Rompe Raja!

Power interruption 5:00am to 6:00am, Sunday, November 20: entire Belize City inclusive of all areas up to Mile 1 Philip Goldson Highway and Mile 1 George Price Highway
BEL to repair hotspots on transformer at the Belize City Substation.

Garfiuna Exhibit on display for students and the community at Mount Hope, Unitedville
We are always happy to support! Numasa Wellness Resource Center

Citizen Science GIS team
Check out the exciting work of the Citizen Science GIS team that focuses on mapping open data around Belize with community partners around the country! They have funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) #REU program to complete marine debris and disaster management work in Hopkins, Belize. They are also creating a new project, Open Reef Mapping Society, that builds on this work.

"Dia de los Finados" in San Pedro
The opening of "Dia de los Finados" exhibition has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, November 16th at 7 pm. Kindly join us as we honor our dearly departed. Kindly share with family and friends.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Suicide Squad, The BFG, The Monster, Snowden. See Ya at the Movies

Channel 7

Alleged Child Killer Charged
Last night, we brought you extensive coverage of the tragic story of 7 year-old Tyler Savery. He's the child who was gunned down in the street-style execution of his older cousin, 22 year-old Porshan Pipersburg. Both of them were killed, and the loss to this family was even more grievous because a child was killed in an adults' street war. Well, the man who police believe was the gunman is 20 year-old Jayear Flores, a resident of Curassow Street, and tonight, he's at the Belize Central Prison. You'll notice Flores in this footage as the man in the striped red shirt who tried his best to hide his face from the cameras while he was being escorted to the Magistrates Court a few hours ago. He was arraigned this evening before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on two counts of murder, and because those are capital offences, no plea was taken from him, and neither could he be granted bail. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January 16, 2017.

Looking Into The Face Of Your Son's (Alleged) Killer
Tyler Savery's mother, Shakera Young, no doubt had viewers transfixed with her very powerful interview, displaying vulnerability, strength, and fortitude in the face of such loss, which normally overcomes other grief stricken mothers. Today, she dutifully attended court, and observed Jayear Flores, the man who is accused of killing her son. After the arraignment, she told us that putting a face to the alleged killer only aroused sorrow for this young man and his family. Here's what she had to say: Shakera Young - Mother of Tyler Savery: "I'm still a bit lost for words because to me that young man is still a child himself for him to have don't something like that to my little boy. I'm still a bit disgruntle about it because I only see one person in there and I do believe that was somebody driving and if he's the shooter then somebody else is involved in that. At this point right now what the police are telling me, I am holding on to that and hoping that justice will be served the right way."

PUP Leader Calls For Unity In Wake Of Child's Death
And Shakera Young's surprising even tempered-ness in the face of such great loss, has certainly caught the nation's attention. Today, it inspired the Leader of the Opposition to make a call for national unity around the cause of violence:... Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "Tyler Savery was murdered on the streets and it makes you wonder what kind of country, where we are getting to where a man could just go on the street and just shoot at somebody else without regards if there are women or children around. Then here we have a 7-year-old that was killed, I think that is not only an issue of the government but we as a people need to be outraged. What is wrong with us? It is a child that all of us have lost and until we start to feel that way, that the loss of this child is not only of the mother Shakera, but even us lost a child. Now for me as a Politian it would be so easy to lash out at UDP, at the incompetence of the government and because of the poverty. We have to stop for a minute and think, both political parties need to get together and put their best minds to see how we can solve this matter and we need to get the churches, private sector and NGO communities, everybody together to be able to address this matter. We need to follow that wonderful example, the courage and the grace that Shakera has demonstrated. But I'm appealing for everyone to join us, let us work together, let's forget our differences. If I'm PUP and you are UDP and if you are Spanish and I am Creole, let's think as a community and as Belizeans to try and find an end to this senseless, endless cycle of violence."

GSU Caught Cruz, Escapee
Two escaped prisoners, David Cruz Jr and Lincoln Bejerano have been on the run since October 12th - after escaping from Belmopan police, but tonight Cruz is back in custody. The alleged robber - who was charged as part of the heist at the Belmopan Income Tax Office - was found today hiding out on a farm in Cotton Tree. The GSU led the search base don information they had received. The unit reports that when they arrived at the farm, the house was locked and so the team started to search the area. They found a pump action 12 gauge shotgun about 300 meters from the house along with nine (9) live 12 gauge cartridges. They continued to search, and about 20 minutes later, found CRUZ Jr cowering in some bushes. He was taken to the Belmopan Police Station where he was charged for Escape from Lawful Custody. He returns to the remand section at the Hattieville prison where he is on remand for Robbery and Firearm offences.

A Juvenile Horse Theft Ring?
On Sunday, residents of the Los Lagos community contacted the Smith family, who run the Bacab Ecopark, telling them that riders were galloping away on their horses down the Philip Goldson Highway. And it wasn't employees riding those horses; the horsemen were actually boys the youngest, an eleven year old. Police chased down the young horse wranglers, and arrested all three. We spoke to Lourdes Smith, Bacab's Sales and Marketing Director about the incident. Lourdes Smith, Sales & Marketing Dir., Bacab: "On Sunday we were alerted by a resident of the Los Lagos area that they had seen 3 kids on horses and they thought that they may be for Bacab. We were just leaving from home when we came out and started looking to see if we see the horses to make sure that they were ours or not. We ended up finding them all the way into Ladyville nearly by the supermarkets. We caught one there and we caught the other 2 horses further down going almost by Williamson Industries old site."

Alleged Girl Shooter To Court for Attempted Murder
Last night we told you about the two teenaged girls who were shot on Sunday night in separate incidents. Well, police have charged one suspect for shooting the 13 year old on Raccoon street extension. She came within millimeters of losing her life when the bullet grazed her cheek. The alleged shooter is Anthony Crawford, who appeared in court today where he was charged for attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. There's no bail for that, and Magistrate Norman Rodriguez remanded him into custody until January 16, 2017.

John B Says Blame Superbond 3 On The UDP
The international rating agency Standard and Poors today downgraded Belize's sovereign credit rating to CCC+ with a negative outlook, after it was announced that government was going for another restructuring of the half a billion dollar superbond. The Government of Belize is telling its bondholders that there are "serious economic and financial challenges currently facing the country" and that it can't afford to make the bullet payments in 2017. And while the Superbond is all commercial debt that was accumulated during the last PUP government - today opposition leader John Briceno held a press conference to say that the public should blame Superbond 3 on the UDP:... Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "The facts are that we are in this position because of the UDP incompetence and the UDP messed and this is the UDP superbond. They made certain promises to the bond holders that they were going to reduce the level from 60% and here we are at 81% - that they were going to have fiscal discipline."

PM Cagey On Tax Question
And so you heard Briceno say that taxpayers will have to share in the pain with bondholders in the form of increased taxes. That’s what we asked the Prime Minister on Saturday and he was cagey in answering the question:

PUP Meets With BNTU, Pledges Salary Solidarity
And today the PUP met with the teachers to say that the opposition would back them up to try and force government to make the payment. Today, Briceno said a the nation owes teachers a debt, and they should at least be paid for their sacrifice: Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "We need to be thankful to the teachers of this country who stood up and forced the government to do the right thing. The chamber has been crying out about transparency and accountability and they did nothing. All they were doing was just talking. The PSU and the other people, they've done nothing but here we have the BNTU that stood up and said no, they drew the line. Now we fight out now that no other than the deputy Prime Minister who was a former teacher, has decided that he's going to punish the teachers and that he's going to teach them a lesson. Just imagine the month before Christmas, this government is threatening to take away almost a third of the salaries of the teachers just before Christmas."

Hon. Briceno Calls Sarstoon State of Affairs Very Worrying
And speaking also on the situation on the Sarstoon where a SATIIM Patrol was stopped by the Guatemalan military last week, Opposition Leader Briceno said there is reason for grave concern over the deteriorated state of Belize Guatemala relations:... Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "I did not find that only shocking, but frightening. It scares me to hear our foreign minister to speak in such terms, basically just throwing up his hands and there is nothing we can do. We in the PUP have been saying it from the time I became leader, that we need to have a plan to be able to address this issue. That we need once again embarked into an international campaign. Now here we have the no other than the foreign minister who considers himself a very good friend of Carlos Raul Morales, the Foreign Minister from Guatemala. You see them hugging and smiling and every minute very touchy-touchy and now announcing that his very best friend refuses to take his call and that we now have the Guatemalans coming into our river, preventing our people to go up the Sarstoon River, putting aside decades of understanding as to how we use the Sarstoon River - you on your side and we on our side respecting one another. But this is happening because we have no plan."

Defence Ministry Asking Guats About Sarstoon Aggression
As we have reported, according to the SATIIM reports, the Guatemalan military personnel stopped them and warned them that the Sarstoon River is a military zone, and that according to some still mysterious protocol, anyone who needed to travel the river had to get permission from the Guatemalan military, which is based at the mouth of the Sarstoon. Well, the Belize Defence Force has confirmed that SATIIM made the very same report to them, and they will seek clarification from their Guatemalan counterparts. A press release from the Ministry of Defense says, quote, "The Belize Defence Force (BDF) received a report on an incident that occurred on November 10th 2016, in which… (SATIIM) was interrupted by Guatemalan Armed Forces while operating on the Sarstoon River… Belizean authorities are following up with Guatemalan counterparts to get clarification on this recent incident in the Sarstoon."

Annual Medical Congress Considers Wellness
Today was day one of the Ministry of Health's annual Medical Congress. Over 50 health professionals from across the country attended the session at the Biltmore and they discussed a cross section of topics including the effects of Zika, cervical cancer prevention, and tuberculosis diagnosis, among many others. We stopped by for the afternoon session that focused on prenatal care and pregnancy and Dr. Jose Moguel explained why it's important for medical professionals to participate. Dr. Jose Moguel, Surgeon: "It is an activity where the maternal and child health wing of the Ministry of Health hosts an educational activity geared towards physicians. Mostly if you notice BMDS stands for Medical and Dental, today's mostly addressed to physicians. The physicians are the ones that mostly do everyday doctor to patient care, manage diseases. We also have to include all health care providers. We welcome nurses and other health care providers. It is both a training, discussion, to sum it all, it's educational. The Belize Medical and Dental Association facilitates medical sessions for all doctors. Today is the first day of the event November 15th. The congress itself being the magnum event for physicians and dentist in the country is to be held the 16th and 17th on Wednesday and Thursday."

US Volunteer Organization Puts Deeds To Words
And while the Ministry is focusing on a more theoretical approach in this year's Congress, the doctors and nurses from the Caribbean American Medical Education Organization are putting it all into practice. 6 doctors and nurses from the US are in Belize offering free medical services. The team arrived on Monday and have their check up space set up at Area Representative Patrick Faber's Collet Office. The president of CAMEO Yvonne Keen told us more about the services they are providing and the director Dr. David Keen discussed the trends he has been observing in Belizean patients. The team will be at the collet office tomorrow from 9 to 4 and they move over to the LADYVILLE. Health center on Thursday, so make sure you go for your free checkup. A gynecologist is also along with the team.

Samson Teck Wah Bike
He had the gall to steal a bike form in front of the biggest police station in the country, and for that Samson Teck was lucky to get away with a fine in court today. According to Dean Brackett he was buying food on the corner of Queen Street and New Road, when Teck jumped on his bike and rode off down New Road. Brackett said he called for Teck to stop, but was ignored. A police mobile patrol was on Hyde's Lane at the time and easily intercepted and apprehended Teck. Teck, who said he was intoxicated at the time of the theft, was only fined $500 because it was his first offense. Magistrate Carlon Mendoza also stipulated that if the fine is not paid by February 15th, 2017, Teck will have to serve 5 months in prison.

Southside Cops Cracking Down On Motorbike Crimes
Southside police say that part of the city crime wave has to do with criminals on motorbikes, so they are cracking down. Southside police say they will be launching a number of traffic operations, targeting criminals on motorbikes. They're activating little used fines that are on the books and say that insurance and registration violations will be stringently enforced. Operations start immediately.

Duffel Bag With 17.5 Lbs of Weed
The South Side Strike Team made two cannabis busts yesterday. The first was on Iguana Street where police found several small, plastic bags containing one and a half ounces of cannabis in an open lot. That same afternoon, the strike team conducted a search in the Faber's Road Extension area where they found a black duffel bag containing seventeen and a half pounds of weed. No one was in the area, so they were taken in and labeled as found property.

PUP Say They Want Vega Recalled
Gaspar Vega was elected for his third term of office just one year ago - but already the PUP northern caucus is talking about a recall. At a meeting on Saturday the Caucus decided to endorse a recall of Gaspar Vega, while also calling for criminal charges to be brought. Bow Vega is already on his way out - and has said he will not run again, but today John Briceno said he needs to leave now:... Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "I think that he needs to do the right thing. I think that he needs to do the honorable thing. I think he needs to resign now. If he refuses to resign now at the appropriate time, I think which is going to be 18 months after the election, which is going to be in May of 2017. The people of Orange Walk North have said, through the northern caucus that they are going to mount a recall against the Hon. Gaspar Vega." A recall cannot be invoked until the 18th month of a representative's term.

Briceno says His Former PM's Signature on Accommodation Agreement Questionable
But there's no recalling of the Accommodation Agreement - which was signed in secret during the last PUP Government when John Briceno was Deputy Prime Minister. But it was so secret that he never knew about it, and up to a few months ago said he still hadn't seen it - which is interesting since his family's phone company got a special carve out in there. But, speaking today, Mr. Briceno said that the Accommodation Agreement - which has cost government hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation to the Ashcroft Alliance - could have been very easily overturned in court - even though his Prime Minister Said Musa signed it:... Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "There are compelling arguments as to why certain parts of the accommodation agreement would not have been enforceable. One of them is that the prime minister cannot sign off on taxes without the acquiescence of the commissioner of income tax, secondly that the prime minister cannot sign off on certain ahm task privileges to a company, that has been, that is the sole responsibility of the public utilities commission. Those two alone that if the government would have gone to court, they could have gotten, they could have overturned that."

Boots And The Big Yellow Building
Briceno also discussed his parliamentary colleague Boots Martinez and that big yellow building which now houses the department of social services within his own ministry. He says Martinez should be investigated:.. Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader "Wasn't there a story on some local channel that were talking about pool tables? That that was what he was doing for a living and that he had $35,000 in the bank. From pool tables, now his daughter is building a huge mansion. A daughter I don't know that she has been working for a year. So, if it's the name of a daughter, where did she get the money? Has the FIU done an investigation? Maybe the FIU needs to investigate where his daughter got the money to build that mansion if that is the case."

Briceno says Trump Had The Right Message
And Briceno also spoke about the stunning rise of Donald Trump to the US Presidency. He says he didn't expect it in the least - but he did catch Trump's message:...

Sewing The Smart Way
Courts TODAY held a ceremony for the 20 participants who completed their 8 week sewing course. Now this is the first initiative of its kind for Courts and the Marketing officer told us why they decided to start the class. We also spoke to 2 participants about their sewing experiences. There was also a competition in which the bedding spreads were judged and the first place winner got a Brother sewing machine and a few gift certificates.

Channel 5

Police Make Arrest in Double Murder; Tyler Savery’s Mom Shares Deep Pain
There is an arrest in the double murder of seven-year-old Tyler Savery and twenty-one-year old Porshan Pipersburgh. Police have charged a Curassow street resident for the double murder. When Jayear [...]

Leader of the Opposition Repeats Call for National Unity on Crime
The murder of seven-year-old Tyler Savery and his twenty-one-year-old cousin, Porshan Pipersburgh, has broken many Belizean hearts. A simple outing to get a milkshake at a neighbourhood establishment on Friday [...]

Superbond 3.0 is All U.D.P. Legacy, Says P.U.P.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow; Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, and Economic Ambassador Mark Espat returned from New York City over the weekend having laid the groundwork for the possible negotiations for [...]

Get Ready for Higher Taxes and Retrenchment, Opposition Warns
Batting away reminders that his party, when in Government, packaged seventeen original loans to form the Superbond and that much of that debt has still not been paid, P.U.P. leader [...]

P.U.P. Meets B.N.T.U.; Can Government Be Convinced on Salary Deductions?
The People’s United Party met earlier today with the executive of the Belize National Teacher’s Union. Many of the Union’s members who went on an eleven-day strike that led to [...]

Do You Believe G.O.B. Will Raise Taxes?
And our question for tonight is: Do you believe G.O.B. will raise taxes as a result of Superbond restructuring? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 [...]

Without Guatemala, Can Belize Hold on to Sarstoon?
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington appears to have thrown his hands up in the air in relation to getting a Sarstoon Protocol, admitting that he has been unable to [...]

Guatemala Controls Southern Boundary; Infringing into Belizean Territory
A report of the latest military encounter on the Sarstoon River, involving village leaders, as well as a team of and park rangers attached to SATIIM, has been filed with [...]

SATIIM Says Oversight of National Park Needs G.O.B. Intervention
Since losing its co-management agreement in July 2013, SATIIM has been virtually on its own as far as monitoring illegal activities within the expansive broadleaf, wetland and mangrove forest.  The [...]

N.G.O. Reps Promise “Inclusive” Process for 13th Senator
The process of officially selecting a thirteenth senator is finally underway, eight years after being introduced as a manifesto promise by the United Democratic Party.   Twenty-two non-government organizations considered to [...]

13th Senator Means Business!
Critics of the appointment of a thirteenth senator, including Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, have dismissed the addition of one more parliamentarian as merely another stumbling block in government’s move to [...]

Shelly Meighan Forgives Attackers; Roger Anthony, Kendis Flowers Walk from Attempted Murder Charge
Two notorious figures of the Ghost Town area also known as “Mayflower Street” walked from the charge of attempted murder after the woman they allegedly attempted to murder in a [...]

Will Gaspar Vega Face Recall in Orange Walk North?
The Northern Caucus of the People’s United Party has called for the resignation of Gaspar Vega. The Orange Walk North area representative and former Deputy Prime Minister resigned from cabinet [...]

“Boots” Martinez and Daughter’s Finances Questioned
Last week, Minister of Human Development Anthony “Boots” Martinez denied conflict of interest in the decision by the Department of Social Services, which used to be on Regent Street, to [...]

The Lesson of Donald Trump for Belizean Politics
Donald Trump is set to take office in January as the forty-fifth President of the United States of America. He surprised the world with an unexpectedly comprehensive victory over Democratic [...]

Promoting the Use of G.I.S. in Schools
Geospatial information systems may be introduced in the classrooms through the curriculum starting from primary schools. On Tuesday, primary school teachers participated in a workshop where they were introduced to [...]

Medics and Dentists Discuss Advances in Health Profession
The Belize Medical and Dental Association is hosting its thirty-fifth annual congress this week. The three-day event kicked off with a conference today sponsored by the Ministry of Health through [...]

Courts Belize Completes Sewing Circle Project
Courts has embarked on an initiative to empower primarily single mothers and women who have retired and are seeking a means to earn an income. Using their Brother Sewing product, [...]

Dangriga Will Be Safe for Garifuna Settlement Weekend, Say Police
The murder of Victoria Castillo, the sixty-three year old churchgoing Christian mother and grandmother, who was nearly decapitated by attackers who wanted her money—about three thousand dollars in cash—for their [...]

Belize Steps Up in International Film Festival
Yochi, Manna and Soca Mode are some of the productions that made it to the top in this year’s Belize International Film Festival. These local productions competed against thirty others [...]

CTV3

Police Charged One Of Their Own For Wounding
Last night we reported that after an entire week of investigation carried out by the Orange Walk Police Formation against one of their own after a report of police brutality was made against him by twenty one year old Hugo Noh, a Guinea Grass resident, the case file was sent to the DPP for further instructions. Tonight we can tell you that Police Constable Jaime Gongora was formally arrested and charged this afternoon at the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court. During his arraignment, Gongora plead not guilty and was offered bail in the sum of $4,000 plus one surety of the same amount. The case was adjourned for the 21st of February, 2017.

GOB Investigates Encounter Between SATIM And GAF
Over the past month there have been two very alarming incidents at the Sarstoon involving the Guatemalan Armed Forces, and the BDF as well as Belizean citizens, where the GAF have denied access of the area to Belizeans. The latest encounter was recorded on Thursday November 10th when the Sarstoon-Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) was interrupted by Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) while operating in the Sarstoon River. Today the Ministry of Defense issued a press release informing that the Belize Defense Force (BDF) received a report of an incident that occurred last Thursday, involving SATIIM.

Standard And Poor Lowers Belize's Credit Rating
There is bad economic news to report tonight. Standard and Poors credit rating agency has lowered their long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings for Belize’s from B minus to CCC plus. The agency also indicated that they were lowering their short-term foreign and local currency sovereign ratings from B to C. The lowered ratings takes Belize’s credit ratings, from the perspective of Standard and Poors, to junk status and it can have wide impacts on how financial creditors and investors view Belize’s financial capacity.

OWTC Puts Taxpayers Money To Good Use
As promised by the Orange Walk Town Council, there has been major investment in infrastructure and the target has been and continues to be the renovation of various streets across town which is considered heavily trafficked areas. Continuing with their commitment, the council is now upgrading Munoz Lane, Cinderella Street and Santa Ana Street providing residents a smooth ride to their specific destinations.

Opposition Leader Says New Super bond Crisis Is The UDP Creation
Belize’s depressed economy has taken center stage in national discussions as the Barrow administration prepares to make another attempt to re-negotiate the over $500m Superbond debt. Prime Minister Dean Barrow explained in interviews yesterday that the Superbond renegotiations have become necessary because the economy has not performed as expected under the terms of the 2013 negotiations with bondholders. Today, Leader of the Opposition Hon. John Briceno called on the media to address the issue squarely. He explained why in his view the situation could have been avoided and called the looming debt crisis, a UDP-made economic disaster.

LOVE FM

Belize Gets Downgraded by Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings
It is no secret that Belize’s economy has seen a downward trend in its growth performance and that austerity measures announced earlier by Government will create some challenges in both the private and public sectors. But, there is more to Belize’s economic performance than just the local effects. Just yesterday Standard and Poors lowered Belize’s […]

BELIZE: CABEI’s Newest Non-Founding Member
With Belize being downgraded by Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings and with the International Monetary Fund recently providing a bleak outlook for Belize as well as Moody’s Financial Services, one good thing coming out of the financial front is the fact that Belize recently joined the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). It may […]

Guatemala Insists on Sarstoon Protocol; Belize Says There Is None
With the absence of a written mutual agreement between Belize and Guatemala surrounding the Sarstoon, it continues to leave the window open for confrontations to occur at the Sarstoon as what transpired on Thursday, November 10, between the Guatemalan Armed Forces and the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM). While SATIIM was given access […]

Opposition Leader Says There’s No Plan to Defend the Sarstoon
Today, Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, held a press briefing in which he spoke of the latest incident in the Sarstoon. As we have been reporting, Maya Leaders were traversing up the Sarstoon River last week when they were stopped by members of the Guatemalan Armed Forces. According to the Guatemalan Military, the Maya […]

Briceno Says the Bond Is For and From Dean Barrow
Prime Minister Dean Barrow along with his legal team is looking to restructure Belize’s 2038 Bonds that were issued in 2013. The government is citing that the country’s economy has significantly underperformed in comparison with the projections used at the time of setting the terms of the bonds. PM Barrow is looking to get out […]

PUP Lead Senator to File Court Application against GOB on Behalf of Teachers
On Wednesday, November 9, 2016 attorney for the Belize National Teachers Union, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay wrote to Education Minister, Patrick Faber requesting that the order to have deductions made to teachers’ salaries be rescinded. While the letter is no surprise, as Minister Faber had told the media about it last Friday when we met […]

PUP and BNTU Meet
This morning the Opposition Leader, John Briceno met with the leaders of the Belize National Teachers Union, BNTU. Briceno shared what was discussed. JOHN BRICENO “

PUP Prepare to Engage in Recall of Gaspar Vega
Over the weekend, the Northern Caucus of the People’s United Party met in Ranchito Village. The focus of the meeting was to discuss the process, procedures and requirements for the recall of a Member of the House of Representatives. In this case, the subject was UDP’s Area Representative, Gaspar Vega. The PUP’s Northern Caucus is […]

Opposition Leader Blames Government and Community for Tyler’s Death
An 18-year-old Belizean laborer has been charged for the murders of 7-year-old, Tyler Savery and 21-year-old, Porshan Pipersburgh. The accused murderer, Jayear Flores of a Currasow Street address in Belize City is now facing two counts of murder following the death of Savery on Friday evening and Piperburgh’s passing on Saturday evening. The two cousins […]

A City of Violence and An Appeal for the Public’s Help
The past weekend saw a spike in murders and shootings after the gunmen seem to have taken somewhat of a sabbatical. Seven shooting incidents with three persons losing their lives and one person critical in the hospital were reported for the Belize District alone. It is a case where the outcry for justice is becoming […]

Amandala

Chopped up for US$3,000
The body of a Dangriga resident, Victoria Castillo, 63, who had been reported missing, was discovered, chopped into pieces, with her head almost cut off, in a crocus sac buried inside a shallow grave at around midday on Saturday. She was found near her home on Melinda Road in Dangriga Town. A police investigation revealed that US $3,000 and her passport were missing from her residence. The Officer Commanding the Dangriga Police formation, Senior Superintendent Ralph Moody, told our newspaper that some nephews of Castillo’s spouse are wanted in connection with her murder. Moody believes that the men have since fled to El Salvador.

Ruthless gunman murders child, 7
John Avilez, 26, lost his life on Angel Lane in 2014 after a gunman exited a vehicle and fired several shots towards him while he was socializing with friends and relatives. His nephew, Leon Savery, 28, was also shot multiple times in that same incident and lost his life just days later. On Friday, Savery’s only child, Tyler Savery, was gunned down not too far away from where he, Leon Savery, had been shot. Tyler, just 7 years old, was with his cousin, Porshan Pipersburgh, 21, on Daly Street when they came under fire. Tyler and Porshan were on a bicycle around 4:30 p.m. on their way to buy a milkshake when occupants inside a white four-door car opened fire at them.

Manna: A Hyde film showcased at BIFF
Today, the 11th annual Belize International Film Festival premiered a number of films in its Short Narratives category, and among the many films created by filmmakers from many countries was Manna, a film produced by some members of the Hyde family. The executive producer of Manna is Ronald Hyde and the film producers are Blackhorse Lowe, Colin Hyde, Daniel Edward Hyde and Jonathan Vellos (Manifest Multimedia). Manna is based on an original script written and produced by Daniel Hyde, who teamed up with Blackhorse Lowe and Jonathan Vellos as directors of photography. It is of note that Manna received Special Mention (Short Film Category) and won Most Notable Belizean Film.

Guat military stops SATIIM – again!
In a press release issued last night, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) decried the latest incursion and attack by the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) at the Sarstoon River, in which the army again tried to exert power over Belizean territory, claiming that a protocol must be observed—this despite assertions by Belize Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington last Friday that talks with Guatemala to agree on a protocol for the Sarstoon, Belize’s southern border with Guatemala, had been at a standstill because the Guatemalans stopped engaging when relations soured over the fatal shooting of a Guatemalan minor in the Chiquibul in April. That was the same month a SATIIM patrol was stopped, and they were stopped again on Wednesday, November 10, 2016. The SATIIM patrol, which had been mounted to monitor ancestral lands in the area, was met by a GAF team, which told them that they need to understand the protocol in place. “While SATIIM forest patrols have previously been accosted by the Guatemalan military in this historically contested border area, this is the first time the Mayans were informed they could only enter under Guatemalan military escort,” SATIIM’s release said.

Ladyville resident in coma after 9 p.m. ambush
Within an hour, two Ladyville residents survived two separate attempts on their lives. The first to survive was Golda Martinez, 35, of #3 Bracket Farm in Ladyville. She was reportedly inside her home with her children at around 8 o’clock Sunday night when someone began to throw stones at her house. She peeped through a window to see who the culprit was, and saw a man near some bushes. The man, Martinez said, was dressed in black, with a white hoodie. He was holding an object and pointed it towards her. However, she quickly moved away from the window, and then heard a loud bang. The gunman had blasted a hole in the front door of her home, and he then fled the area. Police were immediately called to the scene, and are investigating the shooting.

Only 59 incarcerated and remanded for murder
The murder count for this year, 2016, is approaching 130—significantly higher than the count for 2015, but a bigger concern is the fact that murder convictions and arrests are substantially low at 59 as of the end of October 2016, with another 52 persons in prison for attempted murder and 9 for manslaughter. This is according to information supplied to us by the Belize Central Prison, pointing to a probably decline in the prison population by at least 10% for 2016. In some cases, multiple persons are remanded for single murder cases, as is the case with the murder and beheading of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, for which the man known as Danny Mason/Rajesh Ouelette has been remanded with three other persons. We were also advised the murder conviction rate is lamentably still in the single digits. In 2015, there were 74 murder convicts or remanded suspects behind bars, so the figure has dropped by 20%, even as the murder rate is increasing.

National U-17 posts 4-1 win over City selection at MCC, leaves Tuesday for Costa Rica
On Saturday night at the MCC Grounds, the National U-17 team played its last practice match before leaving on Tuesday of this week for World Cup 2018 qualifiers in Costa Rica. They played a U-17 team comprised of players from the two top teams in the recently completed Belize District U-17 tournament, namely Warriors FC and Hattieville Riverside Boys. As expected, the National U-17 prevailed, 4-1; but the game was very competitive, as there are still a number of talented City players that did not make the selection. Golden Boot winner in the Belize District U-17 competition, Kenroy Linares (82’) scored the only goal for the City selection; while the National U-17 got goals from #4 Jesse August (12’), #19 Rayjan Jones (49’), #9 Gabriel Ramos (70’) and #18 Christian Bush (85’). Coach Charlie Slusher said the team is short of their two best midfielders, Zerrick Cabral and Joseph Ramirez, who were not given permission by their high schools to make the 10-day trip.

CYDP Peace Cup reg. season ends, playoffs under way
The regular season for the CYDP Peace Cup was completed on Saturday, November 12, at the MCC Grounds with the last two games in Group B, which would determine the final Group B spot in the playoffs. In the opener on Saturday, Kelly Street clipped Stars Academy, 3-2, with a hat trick (3 goals) from Steven “Breds” Baizer, while Kendis Williams got both goals for Stars Academy. And in the nightcap, Adgar Adderley struck twice and Irvin Wade got another, as Coast Guard defeated Tut Bay, 3-1. Brian Martinez got the only goal for Tut Bay. With those results, the stage was set for the 8-team playoffs, which feature the top four teams from each group, Group A and Group B, being matched in best-of-two games quarterfinal series. Playoff teams from Group A are: Ebony Lake, Ladyville FC, Yabra/City Boys FC and Hattieville United; and from Group B: Survivors FC, Coast Guard, Kelly Street FC and Tut Bay FC.

BDFA Inter-Office Week 1 results, schedule
The Belize District Football Association (BDFA) kicked off its 2016 Inter-Office football competition with Week 1 games at the MCC Grounds on Wednesday and Thursday, November 9 & 10, of last week. As reported in our weekend issue, Wednesday’s games saw RF& G Insurance playing to a 2-2 draw with KHMH; while a battle of the phone companies saw Smart and BTL also playing to a 2-2 stalemate. In the opener on Thursday night, Tourist Village blanked Belize Bank, 5-0, with goals from John Castro (13’ & 51’), Carlos Leno (20’ & 41’) and Anthony Arnold (63’). And in the nightcap, it was Belize City Council, 1-nil, over BWS, on a goal by Darren Leal (55’). Ground rules: According to tournament rules, teams can have (i) no semi-pro player; (ii) may include 3 First Division (CYDP Peace Cup is considered 1st Division) players, but only 2 are allowed on the field at one time; and (iii) 1 female player must be on the field at all times.

SSBA basketball regular season ends this weekend
On Friday night, Sergeant Peppers Savages came up with a huge win against Benque Power, 63-52, to claim the fourth and final playoff spot in the Under 23 division of the San Ignacio/Santa Elena (SSBA) basketball competition. Sergeant Peppers Savages was led by Robert Jeffries, who had the game high with 29 pts, while Joel Montejo netted 19 pts. Kevin Brown was the top scorer for Benque Power with 16 pts, while Anfernee Young and Jamie Carbajal tallied 12 and 11 pts, respectively. In game 2, Belize Pet World, who was initially named Special Effects, blew out Cayo, 55-22, in the Over 35 division. Darrel Williams was the top scorer with 13 pts, while Arthan Tucker sank 12 pts, and Karon “Civic” Neal scored 11 pts. Roberto “Mosho” Castellanos was the high man for the Cayo squad with 12 pts. In the nightcap, Belmopan defeated Maria Chang/4G Lyte, 62-52, in the Over 35 category. Earl “Bolo” Johnson sank 24 pts, while Mark “Diesel” Wagner netted 15 pts, and Rupert Brown chipped in with 13 pts. Maria Chang/4G Lyte was led by Vince “Post” Estrada with the game high of 27 pts, while Kevin Domingo scored 9 pts. The last game of the night was not played, as Benque Riders was a no-show, giving the win to Maraton Mambas in the Senior Division.

America as Europe
In a sense, in last week Tuesday’s presidential election the citizens of the United States of America asserted, or re-asserted, their European-ness. There was a white nationalism backlash being expressed in their Donald Trump vote by many of America’s majority white citizens. There are areas of the United States, most notably the so-called Confederate Southern states, where the notion of a black American President was viewed with great skepticism, and sometimes downright scorn. The United States, of course, elected a black President, Barack Obama, in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. Hillary Rodham Clinton, whom Obama defeated to win the 2008 presidential nomination for the Democratic Party, and who became the Democratic Party candidate for last Tuesday’s presidential election, was viewed by white nationalists as someone who would be continuing the Barack Obama legacy and policies, a legacy and policies viewed as odious and contemptible by Confederate-thinking Americans. The continental United States was a territory inhabited by Indigenous Native American tribes when the first Europeans, perhaps the Spanish and the French, landed on its shores in the sixteenth century. European settlers of British origin came to the northeastern coast of the United States in the ship named the Mayflower in 1620, but their explorers and pirates, such as Sir Francis Drake, landed on the West Coast of America decades earlier.

From the Publisher
Sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning, my God, east from Addis Ababa to the Black Hills of the Lakota Sioux, “dreamed” to me, and I saw that we Belizeans were now going back in time to those days when our masters spoke to us from far away, and in this land by the sea we had to answer soft, and say “Sir,” and “Madam.” When the struggle for self-rule and Belizean dignity began, I was a little child, and we had no running water and no sewerage systems in Belize. We were a poor people, but we could endure our pain because this was all we saw around us. “We didn’t know no better.” The days would come when we Belizeans began to see comfort and riches. We saw comfort and riches in America, and afterwards we saw such comfort and riches in Belize itself. The riches we saw were material things, and we began to desire such things. Our desire became so great that we were willing to sacrifice our very souls, some of us even our lives.

Adolphus A. Rosales writes on the 13th Senator
Dear Editor, Kindly allow me space in your valuable newspaper to draw attention to the Governor General, Minister Dean O. Barrow and those advocating a 13th Senator. I personally opined that the stipulation is repetitive and redundant. Section 61 of the Constitution stipulates that the Senate composition shall be as follows: 1. 6 to be nominated by the Government 2. 3 by the Opposition Party in Parliament 3. 1 by the Belize Council of Churches 4. 1 by the Chamber of Commerce & Industry 5. 1 by the National Trade Union Congress 6. 1 by non-governmental organizations In analyzing the definition of government, I opined that the opposition, listed in Item 2, is “technically” non-governmental and legally those in Items 3, 4 and 5 are non-governmental; therefore, alluding to the nomination of a 13th Senator by non-governmental organizations is not only repetitive but, redundant.

PUP want Hon. Gaspar Vega recalled
The People’s United Party (PUP) is seeking to recall former Cabinet Minister and Orange Walk North area representative, Gaspar Vega. The recall mechanism was introduced into law by the United Democratic Party during the first of its three successive terms in government. This law allows for the removal from office of any elected area representative who the public feels is not acting in its best interest. Thirty percent of voters must sign on to a petition for recall to be successful. During the UDP’s second of its three successive terms in office, an effort by the PUP was made to recall embattled Immigration Minister and Cayo Northeast Representative, Elvin Penner, but the effort failed. The PUP’s northern caucus met on Saturday in Ranchito Village, Corozal District, where it was updated on the process, procedures and requirements for the recall of a sitting Member of the House of Representatives.

Breaking Belize News

Man charged for shooting little girl
Anthony Crawford has been charged in connection with the shooting of a female minor on Sunday night. Crawford has been charged with ‘attempted murder’, ‘wounding’ and ‘deadly means of harm’. Police are yet to make any arrests in the shooting of the other female […]

Teen charged for Friday’s double murder
Police have charged one man in connection with the recent murder of Tyler Savery, 7, and Porshan Pipersbugh, 21. Jayear Flores, 18, a Belizean laborer, has been arrsted and charged for two counts of murder. Flores was arraigned today in the Belize City Magistrate […]

House goes up in flames in PG
A wooden house and items inside belonging to John Ortega and Aura Lemus went up in flames last night. The incident occurred around midnight on Govel Morgan Street in the Indianville area of Punta Gorda town in the Toledo district. The value of the […]

Ministry of Defense reports on GAF stopping SATIIM Patrol Vessel on the Sarstoon River
Today, the Ministry of Defense issued a press release informing that the Belize Defense Force (BDF) received a report of an incident that occurred last Thursday, November 10, in which the Sarstoon-Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) was interrupted by Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) […]

Would a devaluation be good for Belize?
It would seem that the Government of Belize is convinced that a devaluation and/or revaluation of the Belize currency would be good for Belize….as they have done everything they possibly can to increase the risk of losing the Belize dollar peg at […]

Alert! Fake money circulating
Officer Commanding Belmopan police, Supt. Howell Gillett is advising the public to be alert because there are reports of fake Belizean money circulating, in particular the $20 bill. Gillett mentioned some tips that would be helpful to recognize the fake currency. “The public can […]

Blogs

A super moon over Ambergris Caye
There is something about the moon that tugs at our hearts. Whether it be a full or waning moon, we are mesmerized by its beauty. The sight of the glowing orb rising over the horizon tends to slow us down, connecting us as we realize just how tiny we are in the universe. That feeling was magnified on Monday November 14th, when the glow of the Super Moon bathed our island. The term Super Moon was coined by scientists as the moon appeared 14% bigger and up to 30% brighter. Those lucky to find themselves in an area with clear skies got to enjoy this natural phenomenon.

Has Secret Beach, West Ambergris Caye, Jumped the Shark?
Things are getting BUSY! It’s not longer a hidden paradise…a spot for only locals on Sunday afternoon. Has Secret Beach, with the gaudy sign and sudden upwelling of new businesses, jumped the shark? So…with 4 eateries, 3 places to buy drink (one with a license to stay open until MIDNIGHT), a beach club and room for many many more people. Is it the end of an era at SECRET Beach? My opinion: It is DEFINITELY no secret…and many have been mourning that. But I think it’s bigger and BETTER. Especially during the week…

International Sources

S&P cuts Belize as country looks to restructure $530m in bonds
S&P Global Ratings has cut Belize’s sovereign credit rating deeper into junk territory as the Central American country looks to restructure its debt for the second time in five years. The ratings agency lowered the rating to CCC+ from B- with a negative outlook. Last week, Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow traveled to New York to meet its financial advisors and holders of the country’s 2038 bonds after the government said it is confronting "serious economic and financial challenges." Ahead of the meeting, the government urged bondholders to form a committee before the end of November, or roughly two months before the country faces its next coupon payment. A government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Belize joins CABEI as a non-founding regional member country
Belize joined the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) as a full member, as a result of the recent amendments to the Bank's Constitutive Agreement, which allows the region's countries to enjoy full participation and integrate the CABEI Board of Directors and Board of Governors. The above was made known by means of a formal note addressed to the CABEI Executive President, Dr. Nick Rischbieth, from Belize's Finance Minister, Honorable Dean O. Barrow, who confirmed that Belize had completed the terms and conditions to become a non-founding regional member. The amendments to the CABEI Constitutive Agreement that made these changes possible came into effect on June 9, 2016, and are aimed at consolidating the Bank's preferential creditor status, supporting its member countries, strengthening its capital base and promoting a greater diversification of its loan portfolio.

The Caribbean PPP Landscape from A to P
THE Caribbean has pressing investment challenges, it needs more than US$21 billion in infrastructure investment by 2025 in order to close the infrastructure services gap in the region. According to S Brian Samuel, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Coordinator at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), this provides an impetus for PPP projects across the Region. From 1990 to 2013, apart from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica has led the way with respect to implementing almost five times the total value of PPP projects, as compared to the next highest contributor, Belize. There are still a few notable Caribbean PPP successes including Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport at Montego Bay, Haiti’s Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Jamaica’s Renewable Energy Auctions. Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago also have dedicated PPP Units and Policies, and Grenada and St Lucia have put policies in place.

Videos

November 15, 2016

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, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Family seeks assistance after child is electrocuted
The family of a 13-year-old Antoney Acosta are desperately asking the community for help after their son was electrocuted. The young boy survived, but suffered severe injuries that resulted in the loss of both hands. He has been flown out of the country and is presently receiving treatment at a hospital in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Acosta is a student at the San Pedro High School who, due to financial difficulties, was only taking classes at night in order to help his parents during the day. His father, Winston Castellanos describes him as a well-behaved child who was dedicated to his school work. He and the family are devastated by this tragedy. It was a rainy day on Monday, October 17th when Castellanos’ son visited him at a construction site to deliver his lunch. He never imagined what he would find when he descended from the second level of the building where he works. Apparently, young Acosta came in contact with a live electrical wire, and when Castellanos found him on the ground, he was trembling and foaming at the mouth. Acosta was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, and from there he was immediately flown to Belize City. Despite the efforts of the doctors, they could not save his hands which were greatly damaged due to the high electrical voltage he received.

Traffic Accident on Pescador Drive leaves one in critical condition
The San Pedro Traffic Department, along with the San Pedro Police Formation are investigating a traffic accident which took place shortly after 1PM on Pescador Drive in downtown San Pedro. In the incident, 40-year-old Hector Espat was badly injured after he was knocked down and ran over by a Polaris cart. He has since been taken to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II where he is being treated. Preliminary, unofficial reports are that Espat was riding his bicycle heading north on Pescador Drive and upon approaching the San Juan roundabout he was hit by a Polaris vehicle. Eye witnesses reported that Espat ended up under the vehicle, badly hurt. He received severe injury to the right side of his face, head and upper jaw. The driver of the Polaris has been detained and is in police custody awaiting the results of the investigation regarding the accident.

Ambergris Today

SATIIM Community Forest Patrols Stopped by Guatemalan Military
The Guatemalan military stopped a community forest patrol organized by the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management to monitor deforestation and illegal activity on their ancestral lands in southern Belize. “Only if you are military, no fishing, no protected areas,nothing,”said a Guatemalan military representative to the patrol team. “Once you ask permission, we will accompany you,” he added. This incident is the latest in military confrontations with civilians on both sides of the border. In April, Belize soldiers shot and killed a 13-year-old Guatemalan boy. In response, Guatemalan Defense Minister William Mansilla announced the deployment of 3,000 troops on the border. While SATIIM forest patrols have previously been accosted by the Guatemalan military in this historical contested border area, this is the first time the Mayans were informed they could only enter under Guatemalan military escort.

Belize in Scuba Diving Magazine's 2017 Readers Choice Awards
Each year Scuba Diving Magazine asks its readers to vote for their favorite dive operators, liveaboards, dive sites and more to produce its list of the Best of the Best. Needless to say, Belizean businesses have made their way into the list as top choices from people all around the globe. When you're scuba diving at a new destination, the experience is only as good as the dive operation, instructor or divemaster who is guiding you through the ocean and liveaboard cruise ships are the ultimate getaway for scuba divers. The winners below were chosen by popular vote (regardless of location) and ranked based on their category. Most Unusual Dive Sites (1. Great Blue Hole, Belize). Best Dive Operators (#16. Amigos del Mar, Ambergris Caye.) Best Liveaboards (#2. Belize Aggressor III). Best Dive Resorts (#19. Turneffe Island Resort, Belize).

Inauguration of New and Improved Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport
Friday, October 11th, 2016 Belizeans gathered at the municipal airport of Belize to witness the new and improved now named Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport. General Manager of the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) Mr. Nicholas Ruiz, Minister of Tourism Mr. Manuel Heredia, BAA Board of Directors Mr. Severo Guerrero along with Tropic Air and Maya Island Air presidents expressed how they hope this project serves as an example to the other airports in Belize. With brief descriptions on how this project was accomplished and while sharing memories of Sir Barry, Mr. Barry’s wife, Dixie Bowen and Hon. Manuel Heredia had the distinct honor in cutting the ribbon. Dixie Bowen stated that ever since Barry first landed foot in Belize his dream was to have his own airport. With humor she said that she even believed that he might have loved his airplanes more than he did his family.

The San Pedro Town Council and CARILED Strategic Plan to Make San Pedro a Green Environment
On Thursday, October 10th, 2016 residents gathered at the Lions Den as the San Pedro Town Council held a pubic consolation based on a local economic development strategic plan for San Pedro Town. This program falls under CARILED- Caribbean Local Economic Development Project that is coordinated by Leidi Urbina here in Belize. Mayor Daniel Guerrero along with Leidi Urbina gave an overview on what this project is and how they plan to accomplish it. Mayor Danny stated, “With the help and support of the local business anything can be accomplished, we will do our part as long as they do theirs.” Many business owners and locals who were present gave their opinion on the projects overview to reduce Styrofoam, Plastic, and other materials that are harmful to the environment and replace those with green products such as Eco showers, Solar powered hotels and vehicles, Eco Friendly paint, begin recycling and much more. The main goal is to become a Green Friendly Environment.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belmopan screening of the short film ‘Yochi’
The Pig & Parrot Club at the British High Commission Residence Compound has very kindly offered to host a special evening Belmopan screening of the short film ‘Yochi’, recently premiered at the Belize International Film Festival and just today announced as the WINNER in its category. Those who couldn’t make the premier have the perfect opportunity to see the movie this Wednesday evening 16 November. The clubhouse opens as usual at 7.30pm and we will be screening the 25 minute film outside on the patio at 8.30pm prompt. You MUST submit full names of all guests by email to me at [email protected] by 12:00 on Wednesday 16th in order to be on the list to gain access to the clubhouse (unless you are on the regular P&P email distribution, in which case just respond in the normal way). There is a cap on the number of people who can gain access, so first come, first served! You should ensure you get a response from me to confirm your names have been added to the list for the evening! We all look forward to seeing you there and would like to take this opportunity to thank the British High Commission and David and Grace Chun for helping to bring Yochi to Belmopan this week. Please do not turn up at the Clubhouse without first confirming with me that you have been added to the list!

TROPIC AIR ANNOUNCES SERVICE TO CHETUMAL, MEXICO
Tropic Air announced today that on January 16, 2017, and subject to final Governmental approval, it will inaugurate non-stop service between Belize City International Airport (BZE) and Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico (CTM). Chetumal becomes Tropic's third destination in Mexico and its 6th international route, and it will be the only airline to operate non-stop scheduled flights between these two historically close cities. Initially, Tropic will fly to Chetumal three times weekly, with a schedule that will allow for fast, convenient connections to/from InterJet flights to Mexico City. In April, the frequency is planned to increase to five time a week. In Belize City, Tropic Air will offer easy connections to/from domestic destinations such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Dangriga and Placencia. “Our customers have been asking for this for years, so we have been working closely with our partners in Chetumal to finally make it a reality. We are excited!" said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air.

Yochi Tour dates
Yochi Film is the winning Short Film of the 2016 Belize International Film Festival, and you still have a chance to see it! Filmed in Cayo, Yochi is the story of a 9-year-old selectively mute Mayan boy who guards a nest of endangered Yellow-Headed Parrots in Belize’s pine savannah. When his beloved older brother, Itza, returns from the city, Yochi learns that he’s in debt and has turned to poaching – setting the brothers on a collision course. Yochi is a film about connection, finding your voice, and protecting that which is most sacred to you. November 15 - Orange Walk Central Park at 7:00 pm November 16 - National Heritage Library, Belmopan at 12:00 pm November 17 - Cayo Welcome Center, San Ignacio at 7:00 pm

San Pedro High School Celebrates. Boys take National Volleyball Championship
Congratulations!!

BELIZE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SHINES ITS SPOTLIGHT ON THE WINNERS
The 11th Edition of the Belize International Film Festival wrapped up on Sunday night with the DigiCell 4G LTE Closing Night Awards Concert presented by the Music Ambassador of Belize at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts. Winners were announced in seven categories: 1. Best Narrative Feature SABINA K (Bosnia/USA) Director - Cristobal Krusen Special Jury Mention IXCANUL (Guatemala/Fance) Director - Jayro Bustamante 2. Best Documentary Feature HEXA: GRANDSON OF THE RULERS OF BRAZIL (Brazil) Director - Washington CarvalhoSpecial Jury Mention I AM FROM WHERE A RIVER RUNS/YO SOY DE DONDE HAY UN RIO (Nicaragua) Director - Rossana Lacayo...

BELIZE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL closing awards ceremony
Talent across the generatons! Great photos Shyne Barrow

Dance X BZ 2016
Dance X BZ 2016 is coming to BELIZE CITY, ORANGE WALK and SAN IGNACIO!

Remembrance Day Ceremony in Corozal
A wonderful morning at the official Remembrance Day Ceremony at Memorial/Soldiers Park. Corozal's BDF soldiers, BDF Cadets, Police Cadets, Scouts, Government Officials and the community attended in honour of WW 1 and WW 2 soldiers who died in the name of freedom. It's inspiring to see all ages carrying on this Commonwealth tradition.

See you Tuesday at the Embassy's Artisan Fair!

POSTPONEMENT OF THE COMPLETION OF THE MULTIBEAM AND SEA SEEP SURVEY
The Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum would like to inform the general public that the completion of the offshore multibeam and sea seep survey will be postponed until public consultations on the survey are conducted. The Ministry will inform the general public of the schedule of the public consultations so that interested persons may attend. The Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum, through the Geology and Petroleum Department, will continue to ensure that the petroleum sector is developed in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner which can contribute to the sustainable development of Belize. Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum

The major political parties in Belize will not give us the right to vote unless we demand it
Commentary by Wellington Ramos. I have been involved in advocating for the rights of my Belizean people since I arrived in the United States in 1978. We who live in this country will not get the government of Belize to give us our rights to vote by proxy and other rights that we deserve, unless we organize ourselves and demand these rights. Belizeans living in the United States and abroad need to conduct public forums in all their communities to determine what are our priority needs. Then approach the government with our demands as citizens of Belize. From the conversations I have been conducting over the years, some of the issues that have been surfacing are the Belize-Guatemala dispute, the neglect of our citizens by the government of Belize, lack of representation in the Belize government, land issues, lot issues, housing issues, services by our government representatives abroad, corruption in government, crimes at home, the length of time in processing and receiving a passport and investment opportunities that are available.

Live performance of The Wabagari Dance Group
The Embassy of Mexico in collaboration with the Luba Garifuna Cultural Museum cordially invites the general public of Belize to come and celebrate the Garifuna Culture and enjoy a live performance of The Wabagari Dance Group On Thursday November 17th, 2016 At 6:00 pm At the Mexican Cultural Institute

Caye Caulker Liquor License Renewal Notice
Deadline December 8, 2016

BTIA Cayo November Meeting
Now is the time to get involved with the BTIA. The last big meeting of the year is Thursday, November 17th, at 5:00pm, at the Cahal Pech Resort. You can meet the new board. "BTIA Cayo Chapter invites ALL tourism stakeholders (Hotels, Tour Operators, Restaurants, Bars, Individuals, and Students) to our first chapter meeting to discuss some important events including the tourism destination branding for San Ignacio/Santa Elena and the greater Cayo district, new official Cayo Tourism Festival, introduction of BTIA CAYO new board members, discussion on Guatemalan tour busses and the impact it has on our local industry, among other things. TOURISM IS OUR BIGGEST RESOURCE, LET'S WORK TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE IT!! The future depends on what we do today! Meeting venue: Cahal Pech Village Resort, San Ignacio Belize, see you there!! Thursday November 17th, 2016 at 5pm."

Yesterdays amazing super moon covered by a bit of clouds in Dangriga.
Photo by Eagle Eyes Photography

Channel 7

Devastating Weekend Leaves Four Dead Including Grandmother and 7 Year Old
It's been three days of devastating violence: In the 8 hours between Friday afternoon at 4:30 and Saturday morning at 12:15 AM, three people were killed in the Belize district, including a 7 year old boy, while three others were shot including two female minors. And in Dangriga, nephews allegedly chopped off a grandmother's head so that they could steal a few thousand dollars. Indeed, a dizzying panorama of violence, and we begin in the city with the murder of 7 year old Tyler Savery - which is where we left off on Friday. Tyler died on Daly Street from a single gunshot to the chest, while his cousin, Porshan Pipersburgh, died the next day from two gunshots to his chest. Today, Tyler's mom, Shakera Young, gathered up tremendous courage and composure to speak to the media to make a plea on her son's behalf to stop the violence. Daniel Ortiz has that story:

Police Have Four Suspects For Child Killer
Today the officer commanding northside, ACP Dezerie Phillips was asked to respond to this mother's plea that police do more to arrest and interdict ruthless killers. Here's how ACP Castillo responded this morning at a press conference featuring the three Belize District Commanders:... Reporter: "She lost her only child and so she basically sent a message to you all asking please do more because she is not the first mother who lost a child." ACP Dezerie Phillips, OC, Eastern Division North: "I clearly understand her cry, her pain, the anger that she feels, but I have personally assured her at the visit that I made to her and I am also doing this publicly in providing an assurance that we are doing the best that we can. Yesterday we had two persons in custody, this morning we have four persons in custody..."

Did Internal Gang War Lead To Child Killing?
And while police are calling on the public to help, the fact is that whenever the murder is gang related, witnesses are reluctant to cooperate for fear of retaliation. Street information suggests that there is an internal war, which has been flaring up within Pink's Alley - and that's what led to Friday's double murder. Today police would not comment on this - even when the media pressed them for answers:... Jules Vasquez, 7News: "Are you able to speak at all on the gang dimension?" ACP Dezerie Phillips, OC, Eastern Division North: "Sadly not at this time, simply because we have not been able to establish a motive and until you establish a motive then you know exactly where it's coming from or where it came from."

Mechanic Murdered A Block From Home, "Stamma" Charged
And, eight hours after that murder there was another killing in Belize City. 41 year old mechanic Andrew Williams was killed a block from his home. At 12:20 AM, He was driving a Toyota car with Taxi license plates when he came under fire from two men walking in the opposite direction. Williams barreled across the sidewalk, ran over a food stall, and ended up smashing a zinc fence. He was dead - while police were quick to respond and detain one man at the scene. The cops told us more at today's big press conference: Sgt. Gladmir Cu, CIB, Southside: "Police responded to a shooting incident which occurred at the corner of Periwinkle Street and Mahogany Street where upon arrival, police saw the motionless body of a dark male person inside a dark green taxi car. Initial investigation reveals that whilst the driver, who was later identified as Andrew Williams, was driving down Mahogany Street heading towards Vernon Street. When passing the passing the junction of Tibruce Street he was followed by a male person who fired several shots towards the vehicle which lead to the death of Andrew Williams. An investigation was carried out into this incident. Several persons were interviewed and statements recorded where at the conclusion it leads to the arrest of a male person whose name is Kareem Smith for the crime of murder."

Family Heard When They Killed Loved One
As you just heard, Williams was killed only a block from his home. That means his family heard the gunshot that killed him - but they couldn't have known that it was their own loved one lying dead behind the wheel of his brother's taxi. Today, his sister told us how they got the news. Fearing for her safety because threats have been received, she asked to appear off camera:... Voice of: Family Member: "When I heard the gunshots my gentleman asked me 'Terry did you hear that?' I said 'yes I hear it'. After that I couldn't go back to sleep, I just felt my heart got full. My phone rang about 15 minutes after. My little sister called me in tears and said 'Ter, they just killed Andrew'. Right there I started to cry, I just came out of bed, put on my clothes and went to Mahogany Street. I saw the ambulance out there and a lot of people. When I arrived, I just saw my brother's head hanging down in the car in the passenger side and his feet are by the driver's side."

Teenaged Girl Grazed On Cheek
And so those are the murders - but the weekend's death toll in the Belize District could have been even greater because four other persons were shot - two of them female minors - and one of the girls was shot in the cheek, while one man was shot in the head, but they all survived. Three of the shootings happened on Sunday night in the city. The most serious is a 13 year old who was grazed by a bullet across the cheek on Raccoon Street Extension. A written police report says it happened while she sat inside her house watching television at 10:30 last night. But, today at a press conference, the lead investigator says it happened closer to ten, and she wasn't inside; she was outside on the stairs. They both agree she was grazed to the cheek: Sgt. Gladmir Cu, CIB, Southside: "Whilst the minor was outside by the stairs of the house, shots were fired whereby she received the injury to the left side of her cheek. Several persons were interviewed. This investigation is still at a young stage, persons are being sought for this investigation and persons are being detained for questioning."

14 Year Old Girl Shot To Both Legs
The other female minor who was shot is only 14. She was shot to both legs at the corner of North Creek and Curasow Street - in the same general area of the first shooting. This also happened on Sunday night but about two hours before the 13 year old was shot. Police say in this case, the child was in the company of an adult male. If you hear the audio go blank, it's because we have blocked out the child's name from the police account:... Sgt. Isaias Sanchez, Precinct 1 - CIB: "The information is that Anjalee Flores who are friends, were standing right at the corner of Curassow Street and North creek when a vehicle drove pass them and fired one single shot causing the injury to Hilda. So far the police have a recording statement from a witness and have positively identified a gunman. We are seeking one person."

Man On Bike Shot By Motorbike Gunman
The third city shooting victim is an adult male, Davaney Flowers. He was also shot on Sunday night between the time when the two female minors were hit. And, he was also hit in the thigh. He was riding on King street when two men on a motorbike opened fire on him. Police said it's a mystery because 33 year old Flowers is a working man:.. Sgt. Isaias Sanchez, Precinct 1 - CIB: "The motive of that incident is still unknown. We are working on the case and Davaney Flowers is a known person who works at the Sexy Chicken food on Barrack Road as no gang member, no gang associate. He is a workman. So the motive of that is still unknown at this time."

What Is The Southside Solution?
So, three shootings and one murder happened between Friday at midnight and Sunday night on the Southside. The commander says they are launching patrols and entering into mediation to contain and quell the violence:... ACP Chester Williams - Commander, Southside: "We have stepped up our patrols particularly in the affected areas and the residents of the extensions as well as those in the North Creek area will see increase operations in those areas and those operations are geared at curbing the current situation. We know that the problem existed before. We have dealt with it before and it manifest itself again. So, we are in the area currently. Where both shooting are concerns we have good leads and we expect arrest in both of them hopefully today or by tomorrow the latest. And we are hoping that with that, we will see some calm in the area."

Stann Creek Grandmother Hacked To Death For A Few Thousand Dollars, Nephews Suspected
A 63 year old Salvadoran woman was found buried in her back yard in Dangriga. Victoria Castillo went missing on Wednesday evening. The family thought she had traveled to Guatemala to see her daughter because her passport, and other personal belongings were not in the house. But when they called her family in Guatemala, she wasn't there. Well relatives and friends teamed up to go look for her and today they told us about this weekend's horrific discovery. Courtney Weatherburne has more: Victoria Castillo was a devoted Christian. She would always arrive early to open and clean the church for evening meetings and Sunday service. But the pastor's wife got concerned when Castillo didn't come to church for the Wednesday gathering. Armede Padilla, Family Friend: "When I didn't see her show up , it was like 6:30 when I passed by, the place was closed so I called her phone and it went to voice mail, yes Wednesday like around 6:30 in the evening yes." When she couldn't get Castillo on her cell, Padilla called Castillo's husband who had just returned home from Guatemala, but he had no idea where she was either.

Shot To Head, Likely To Survive
And in one last gasp of violence from the Belize District - a man was shot in the head last night in Ladyville, but he is expected to survive. Rural commander Edward Broaster told us about Anthony Vansen's unlikely survival:... Broaster says that the bullet did not penetrate his skull but fractured it and caused a huge swelling. For this reason, he is in an induced coma and is in a critical condition, but is expected to survive.

Reloading The Bond
Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned the country on Saturday afternoon after traveling to New York City on official business. He was there along with Economic Ambassador Mark Espat and Financial Secretary Joseph Waight to speak with Belize's financial advisors. They are finalizing the country's plan approach bondholders to convince them restructure the Superbond, for the second time in less than 4 years. The Government needs immediate relief from the crippling bullet payments which start next year. When the PM landed at the PGIA on Saturday, we spoke to him to discuss what the strategy will look like to get buy-in from bond holders. Here's what he told us: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize: "I went together with Ambassador Espat and the Financial Secretary. We went to finalize matters with our legal and financial advisors prior to officially notifying bond holders and the public that we are going to be seeking to restructure. We have agreed our strategy and now it is a matter of actually engaging the bond holders in the face to face negotiations which Ambassador Espat will lead together with the city group which is the sort of financial intermediary advisories."

Will Bondholders Lose Patience with "Malpago" Belize?
The Government's press release from last Wednesday said that this restructuring effort is due to, quote, "The serious economic and financial challenges currently facing the country…" End quote. That statement also said, "Belize's economy has significantly underperformed in comparison with the projections used at the time in setting the terms of the 2038 Bonds." As we said, this is 3 years and 8 months after the Superbond 2.0 was floated. That was a refinancing of the original Superbond, which in itself was a re-financing and consolidation of a bunch of high interest bonds that the Musa Administration had racked up. So, this is the third time government is going to bondholders to re-finance. We asked the Prime Minister about the effect it could have on the confidence of bondholders:

PM Dean On President Donald
And, as we told you last week, Prime Minister Barrow was in New York when Donald Trump was elected in the 2016 Presidential Elections. We asked the PM for his thoughts on the election outcome, and he spoke very cautiously: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize: "Cleary their democracy worked. The elections obviously were not rigged and the fact that Mr. Trump was able to confound all the pundits and posters is something of which he is no doubt extraordinarily and justifiably proud. We as a fellow democracy certainly congratulate the people of the United States on what was a peaceful election and we congratulate Mr. Trump as the president-elect." Daniel Ortiz, 7News: "What are your impressions of the man? He is currently in his country facing a show of no confidence from thousands of Americans?"

SATIIM Stopped By GAF
The Sarstoon River is once again ground zero for Belize/Guatemala relations after the conservation NGO, SATIIM, was stopped for a second time this year by the Guatemalan Armed Forces. It happened last Thursday when a forest patrol was on the way to monitor deforestation and illegal activities on their ancestral lands in Southern Belize. The last time this happened was in April of this year, and this time, SATIIM made sure to capture the entire encounter on video. They've posted it on youtube with English Subtitles so that non-Spanish speakers can understand what the Guatemalan soldiers said. Here's that video unedited: Today, we caught up with SATIIM's Executive Director, and she told us that she will seek clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

On Motorbike With Loaded 9
City Police making a routine traffic stop last night found a 24 year old with a loaded gun. Officers who were patrolling Central American Boulevard searched Kent Moss after they saw him riding a motorcycle without license. They found a Black 9 millimeter Glock pistol with (8) live rounds of ammunition in his right front pocket. Kent Moss was arrested and charged for "Kept unlicensed firearm and Kept unlicensed ammunition". Notably, one of last night's shooting victims was shot by two men on a motorbike.

Herrera On How It Feels To Be Free
In 2014, Charles Herrera was charged for the murder of Ezekiel Hernandez Medina. He claims he stabbed Medina after he caught him trying to break into his car. The case concluded today in a trial without jury before Justice John Gonzalez who acquitted Herrera. We spoke to Herrera's lawyer, Christelle Wilson, who told us why the judge decided the evidence did not prove that he was guilty. Christelle Wilson - Herrera's Attorney: "The judge said that after listening to all the evidence that was presented by the prosecution, he's of the opinion that it was merely a suspicious accusation that he was guilty of murder. The prosecution evidence was not solid enough to prove to him beyond a reasonable doubt that he could conclusively say that Mr. Herrera had anything to do with the murder of Mr. Medina. And the defense has always maintained its case that Mr. Herrera was innocent, you know." One of the reasons the case went on for so long was because of a confession statement Herrera made where he admitted to defending his property because he thought that's what the police wanted to hear, and that it would prevent him from being charged with murder. At the time of the confession, however it was revealed that police had withheld food and water from him for over 5 hours. His lawyer explained how this forced statement factored in to the decision.

Hope For Heart Surgery Patient
Almost three weeks ago, Tyron Coleman was flown to the Cayman Islands to undergo a cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Coleman was diagnosed with coronary artery disease, which restricts blood flow to the heart. This left Coleman in urgent need of a complicated and expensive open heart surgery, which could not be done in Belize. After, getting support from the public, Coleman's family was able to gather enough funds to send him to Grand Cayman for the surgery. When he left Belize he was in critical condition, but after a successful surgery and recovering enough to travel, Coleman returned home. We spoke to him today and he told us how fortunate he was. Tyron Coleman - James Bus Driver: "It's like a miracle. It's really amazing and it is really a miracle, because when I was thanking the doctors for what they have done for me the doctors told me, they said it's not them that brought me back, they said it's God that brought me back, so it's really like a miracle."

SATIIM Speaks On 13th Senator
Last week we told you about how the NGO community formed a steering committee to help the other 143 registered NGO's to become compliant with the NGO Act, so that they can participate in electing the 13th Senator. There are only 22 NGO'S in "good standing", and the other 121 have until December 16 to do so, or else they will not be able to participate in the January 2017 appointment of that new parliamentarian. Today, while we had the opportunity, we spoke with Froyla Tzalam, who's the new steering committee's media relations officer. Here's what she had to say on their attempts to make the selection process more inclusive: The new list of NGO's who are compliant under the NGO Act will be submitted on December 19.

Don't Fall For Funny Money
Belmopan police are reporting the discovery counterfeit twenty dollar bills in their jurisdiction - and they say they could be going around all over the country. The public is reminded to look carefully for the security features so that they don't get stuck with this funny money.

The Envelope Please!
The Belize International Film Festival came to a close yesterday. After several movie screenings and panel discussions with the filmmakers, the event closed with an awards ceremony. A winner was chosen for each of the seven categories. SABINA K won best narrative film, while HEXA: GRANDSON OF THE RULERS OF BRAZIL took the prize for Best Documentary. The Best Short Film was YOCHI, and WINGS OF HOPE won best short documentary. VOICES OF LATIN AMERICA/VOCES DE LATINOAMERICA was selected as the Best Environmental Film, and Melonie Gillet's SOCA MODE was the Best Music Video. Daniel E. Hyde's MANNA won the Most Notable Belizean Film. The winners were selected from a pool of 34 films and 17 music videos from 20 countries.

Tropic Flies To Chetumal
Chetumal, a popular get away destination for many Belizeans, is now easier to get to than ever. Starting in January of next year, Tropic Air will begin nonstop flights from the Philip Goldson International Airport to the border city. Now, while you mightn't fly to Chetumal when it's easy and quick to get there by road, the idea is that the connection will be a springboard to Mexico City which is a huge international hub.

Channel 5

Double Murder Rocks Northside; Mother Heartbroken By Only Child’s Death
As many as four Belizeans died violently in a sweeping crime wave while four others were shot and injured over the weekend. Belize City was hardest hit by a double [...]

A Fight for Peace and Humanity in Blood-Soaked Belize City
According to Savery’s mother, a celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday. In an extended interview with the media, Shakira Young is appealing to the community to stand [...]

Drugs Behind Midnight Murder of Andrew Williams in Southside
Hours later on Friday, a Belize City man was murdered around midnight. Forty-one-year-old Andrew Williams was driving a taxi on Mahogany Street when a man fired several shots at his [...]

In Dangriga, Senior Citizen Savaged by Nephews for Money
The Stann Creek District has not seen a murder for months, so news of the weekend’s gruesome murder has rocked the community.  The victim and the apparent reason for her [...]

Belizean Shot and Killed near Melchor
Another Belizean lost his life, but across the western border.  The body of Wilber Gabriel Sanchez from the Belize side of Arenal was found by minors on Sunday at a [...]

Superbond 3.0 – Prime Minister Speaks of Guaranteed Sustainability
Prime Minister Barrow, accompanied by Financial Secretary Joseph Waight and Economic Ambassador Mark Espat, returned from a working visit to New York on Saturday, following a series of meetings with [...]

Belize Makes Preparations to Face Committee of Bondholders
Ambassador Mark Espat, who will meet with bondholders directly, outlines three possible outcomes.  While it is too early to determine any figures and dollar amounts, Espat says that the formation [...]

Taxpayers Must Prepare for “Restructuring”
The government said last week that the economy is in dire straits and is severely underperforming. With the proposed restructuring of the existing debt, there is anticipation that a tax [...]

Standards & Poors to Downgrade Belize’s Credit Rating
Meanwhile Standards and Poors is expected to downgrade Belize in its credit rating from a ‘B’ to a C.C.C. plus. The downgrade is due to government’s inability to meet financing [...]

Guatemalan Forces Stop SATIIM Again; Secret Protocol in Place?
Following a period of relative calm and somewhat downplayed encounters, activities by the Guatemalan armed forces in the Sarstoon, are sparking up again in southern Belize.  A few days ago, [...]

Pair of Shootings on Southside Sunday Night
So far, we’ve reported on four Belizeans who were murdered over the weekend. But there was other violence. On Sunday night, there were two separate shootings on the south side. [...]

2 Escape Serious Injury in Ladyville Gunfire
There were two shootings on Sunday in the Rural Eastern Division area. The first occurred in Ladyville where a woman was shot at. While police discovered a bullet hole on [...]

Minor Grazed by Shot on Racoon Street Extension
Later that night in the city, a minor was grazed on the cheek by a bullet. She was standing in front of her home on Raccoon Street Extension when shots [...]

Belize District Police Commanders Show United Front, Ask Residents for Same
Between Friday evening and Sunday night, the city saw three people killed and three injured in separate shootings –  the Daly Street double murder and the Mahogany Street midnight homicide [...]

Charles Herrera Acquitted of 2014 Murder
Supreme Court Justice Troadio Gonzalez today ruled that Charles Herrera, also known as Bundy, was not guilty of the murder – by stabbing – of Ezekiel Nicholas Medina in May [...]

The Rise of Donald Trump is Democratic, Says P.M. Barrow
As we said earlier, Prime Minister Barrow was in New York last week when elections were held for the forty-fifth president of the U.S.  As you know, Donald Trump’s victory [...]

Tyron Coleman Survives Quintuple Bypass Surgery in Cayman Islands
Tyron Coleman is back in Belize after completing several successful rounds of open heart surgeries at Health City Hospital in the Cayman Islands. The popular James Bus driver was diagnosed [...]

Sports Monday Reviews the World of Sports
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   {Feature on Weekend Sporting Activities…}

CTV3

PUP Northern Caucus Calls For Gapi Vega Complete Resignation
There is major political tonight coming out of the People’s United Party Northern Caucus. At a meeting held on Saturday November 12th, the Caucus agreed to undertake a recall of Orange Walk North UDP area representative Gaspar Vega. A release from the Caucus indicates that Vega should be removed for the clear evidence of dishonest acts. But the release also says they should need to get rid of Vega through the ballot, and instead Vega should resign immediately because many land scandals under his administration as the Minister of Lands, point to blatant nepotism, cronyism and egregious cases of conflict of interest. The Northern Caucus also called for the immediate disclosure of the compensation list which the CEO in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Sharon Ramclam, indicated was being compiled at a press conference on October 17th. The PM also demands that Ramclam and former CEO, now Minister Beverly Castillo, be investigated, following the revelation of questionable documents bearing their signatures.

Prime Minister Barrow Discusses Possible Restructuring Of Super-Bond
As we indicated at the top of the newscast, Prime Minister Barrow returned from a series of meetings in New York. He was accompanied by economic advisor Mark Espat and the Financial Secretary Joseph Waight. The Government senior-level team is trying to find the most convincing way of getting Belize’s bondholders to meet and negotiate an adjustment in the terms of the Superbond. In 2013, the Government had already re-negotiated with bondholders, pushing the final payment of the Superbond seven years later to 2038. We’re not certain what terms are being proposed now by the Barrow Administration, but like in 2013, they are already advising that Belize could have difficulty meeting its debt obligations under the current terms. The Prime Minister was met by the media at the airport and he spoke on what were their expectations at this early stage of another round of possible Superbond negotiations.

Prime Minister Discusses Tax Restructuring For Next Fiscal Year
Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned to the country on Saturday following nearly week-long meetings with the Government’s foreign financial and legal advisors over the nation’s economic situation and a proposed re-structuring of the superbond. We’ll have comments from the Prime Minister and his local economic advisor Mark Espat, but first to some news that will likely have you at the edge of your seats. The meeting in New York was held urgently as the Government of Belize has indicated that it hopes to complete renegotiations with bondholders before next year’s budget. It appears that Belizeans might also want to be consulted because according to the Prime Minister, you can expect changes in the taxes and considering the state of our economy and projections, we won’t be getting relief or tax cuts. Hear how the PM explains what you can expect early next year.

LOVE FM

Tyler Savery and Porshan Pipersburgh Killed in Cold Blood on Daly Street
An arrest in the double homicide that occurred on Friday evening is yet to be made. Meanwhile the families of both Tyler Savery and Porshon Pipersburgh are preparing to put their loved ones to rest. The media met with the mother of the 7-year-old earlier today. Here is that story. 7-year-old, Tyler Savery was the […]

Preparatory Stage Complete for Upcoming Meeting with Bondholders
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, along with Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight and Ambassador for Economic Affairs, Mark Espat, returned to the country on Saturday after meeting with Government’s legal advisors. The preparatory meeting was held in New York and was focused on restructuring Belize’s bonds due 2038. Government asserts that the country’s economy has significantly underperformed […]

Fiscal Consolidation Is a Must, Says PM Barrow
The International Monetary Fund projected that Belize’s Gross Domestic Project will decline by one point five percent in 2016, in part due to the damage inflicted by hurricane Earl. According to the IMF, in the absence of a radical change in policies, rigid current fiscal spending, particularly the public sector wage bill, would fuel high […]

Taxi Driver Murder; Police Suspect Drug War
Today the Police Commanders for the three areas of the Belize District along with investigators of the Crimes Investigative Branch addressed the media on three murders and five shootings that occurred over the weekend. Earlier we told you of the double murder involving Porshan Pipersburgh and Tyler Savery on Daly Street. Some hours after that […]

Elderly Woman Found Murdered in Shallow Grave
An elderly woman from the Stann Creek District was reported missing last week, this past weekend,the family’s worst fears were realized when her body was found in a shallow grave. Correspondent Harry Arzu has the story. HARRY ARZU “After 63 year old Victoria Castillo, a Salvadoran National was reported missing on Wednesday November 9 friends […]

Five Weekend Shootings in the Belize District
Aside from the murders in the Belize District, there were also multiple shooting incidents that are currently under investigation in the south side of the city. Sergeant Gladimir Cu and Sergeant Isaias Sanchez spoke to the media on those incidents both on the north and south side of Belize City. GLADIMIR CU “On Sunday acting […]

Prime Minister Speaks on Trump’s Victory
Donald John Trump will be the 45th president of the United States of America, capping a historic and boisterous run by an outsider who captured a loyal following across America. His success was only part of a larger, crushing victory for the Republican Party, which retained the House and maintained control of the Senate. The brash New […]

Belize Says Farewell to Ambassador Benjamin Ho
Ambassador Benjamin Ho and his wife, Jennifer departed Belize yesterday as his term has come to an end. Ambassador Ho has been very active during his term and has never shied away from the public or media interviews. Last Friday as the Government of Belize dedicated the Villa Fiore to the late Ambassador Edward Laing, […]

Breaking Belize News

Spanish Lookout Community gives new vehicle to San Ignacio Police
The San Ignacio Police Formation will receive a brand new Foton Pickup Truck. This has become possible after months of negotiations between the Cayo Police Formation and the Spanish Lookout Community in conjunction with the Spanish Lookout Business Bureau. The vehicle will be assigned […]

Police reveal identity of corpse found in Dangriga
On Saturday we received reports of a corpse found in a crocus bag in Dangriga Town. Police have since confirmed to BBN that the corpse is that of Victoria Castillo, 63. She was reportedly chopped up and disposed of. However, the foul smell of […]

Three young horse thieves caught
Three minors are in trouble after they were busted riding three stolen horses. According to police reports, the horses were stolen from the Bacab resort sometime yesterday. Quick response from Ladyville police led to the interception of the minors at around mile 7 of […]

Man shot to the head on Old Northern Road
Acting on information, Ladyville police visited the Old Northern Road sometime around 9 p.m. lastnight. Upon arrival police found, Anthony Vansen, 34, bleeding from the head. According to police reports, Vansen, who is a Belizean security guard of Lake Garden area of Ladyville, was […]

Ladyville woman survives scary home attack
A Ladyville woman opened her window to a gun man sometime around 8:00 p.m. last night. According to police reports, Golda Martinez, 35, was at home with her children when she heard rocks falling on her roof. She then opened her window when she […]

Police issue official formal report on murder of Porshan Pipersburgh and Tyler Savery
Last week Friday around 4:40 p.m. police visited the KHMH where officers observed the lifeless body of 7-year-old Tyler Savery, a Belizean student of Belize City with gunshot wounds to the lower right side of chest. Also 21 year-old Porshan Pipersburgh, unemployed, suffering from […]

Kent Moss charged for keeping unlicensed firearm and ammunition
Last night around 10:30 p.m., while officers were conducting patrol on Central American Boulevard officers conducted a search on 24-year-old Kent Moss, a Belizean laborer who was riding a motorcycle without license. Police found a black 9mm Glock pistol and a magazine containing eight […]

Woman shot in Belize City
Last night at around 9:22 p.m. police visited the KHMH where officers observed 33-year-old Davaney Flowers, a Belizean cook of a Belize City address suffering from a gunshot wound to the left thigh. Initial investigation reveals that Flowers was riding her bicycle on King […]

Two minors shot in Belize City last night
Last night at around 8:30 p.m. police visited the KHMH where officers observed a 14 year-old minor with a gunshot wound which entered her left thigh and exited the right thigh. Initial investigations revealed that while the minor was at the corner of North […]

NEMO Minister hands over houses in Belize River Valley
This weekend, NEMO Minister Edmond Castro, delivered a number of houses to victims of Hurricane Earl in the Belize River Valley area located in his constituency of Belize Rural North. Yesterday, Castro handed over houses to residents in Burrell Boom, Butter Cup, Bermudian Landing […]

Completion of the multi beam and sea seep survey postponed
The Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum issued a release today informing the public that the completion of the offshore multibeam and sea seep survey will be postponed until public consultations on the survey are conducted. The Ministry will further inform the public of […]

Belize International Film Festival shines spotlight on Winners
The 11th edition of the Belize International Film Festival wrapped up on Sunday night with the DigiCell 4G LTE closing night awards concert presented […]

Tropic Air announces flights to Chetumal
Tropic Air has announced that it will soon be offering flights to and from Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico from the Philip Goldson International Airport three times a week. The flights will depart three times a week from the PGIA. Tropic said it is currently […]

Fair weather expected to prevail
The 24 hour forecast is for sunny skies and partly cloudy skies tonight. A few showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected. The wind will blow from the north to northeast at 5 to 15 knots and the sea state will be light chop to […]

Flood Mitigation and Street Upgrade in Belize Rural North Villages
NEMO minister and Area Representative for Belize Rural North, Edmond Castro, has embarked on a flood mitigation program in conjunction with the upgrading of streets in villages throughout his constituency. Currently, a number streets in the community of Maxborro in Sandhill Village, which have […]

SATIM Community Forest Patrol stopped by GAF
Yesterday the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIM) issued a press release informing that the Guatemalan military stopped a community forest patrol organized by SATIM to monitor deforestation and illegal activity on their ancestral lands in Southern Belize. The release states “ Mayans […]

Three shootings, 3 injured last night
Last night Belize City resembled a war zone as three separate shooting incidents were recorded on its south-side. According to ACP Chester Williams, a girl was grazed by a bullet to her cheek, while another woman and man were both shot to the foot. […]

Blogs

The Belizean radio soap opera: Puenta Fuego
An insightful, award-winning Belizean radio soap opera, Punta Fuego is aired every Wednesday at 7:15PM on Belize’s local radio station Love FM (98.1FM). The drama promotes sustainable fishing via the lives of fisher folk in the fictional town of ‘Punta Fuego’ located ‘somewhere’ south of Belize. The show addresses issues affecting the Belizean fishing industry and aims to bring awareness about the benefits and importance of sustainable practices, as well as the consequences of not following regulations, which can have negative impacts on both the community and its resources. The show also emphasizes the need to allow endangered ecosystems to naturally restore their environment. Catch the second season, which comes with 20 exciting episodes, and learn more about the lives of the people in Punta Fuego! Follow them on Facebook: PuntaFuegoBelize

What kind of person are you - manatee or monkey?
If someone was to tell me five years ago that, at age 18, I would be spending three months in the Belize jungle rehabilitating spider monkeys, I would have simply laughed and maybe said a quick, ‘I wish’. Now that I am here- I could not imagine being anywhere else in the world. I have had a passion and love for the health and welfare of animals since a young age. I have always dreamt of one day being a part of a rehabilitation center. For the most part, I thought it was a pretty far-fetched idea to travel to a foreign country to work for one. I assumed I was to do what all recent high school graduates do - jump straight into college. But, thanks to Laura, a past volunteer who now lives and works in Sarteneja, I found Wildtracks. Wildtracks has been a home to me for almost three months and there has never been day when I have regretted my decision to join the volunteer team. Coming to Wildtracks I kept an open mind but I really wanted to work specifically with the manatees. I started immediately working with them and loved every minute I was able to spend on the ‘Mana-team’. Alysha (Primate Programme Manager) kindly asked me one day if I would be willing to meet some of the monkeys to potentially work with them. I said yes, obviously (but really, who says no to Alysha?), and that day met Casanova and Kamal, two baby spider monkeys. I can honestly say I have never worked harder for anyone or anything’s attention than I did for Cas. Once he finally accepted me, it was one of the greatest days and fondest memories I have here. Turns out, I am totally a monkey person - specifically a spider monkey person. I now currently work with Ellie, the most recent young spider monkey brought into Wildtracks who, because of her young age requires intensive hands-on care, along with Cas and Kam. They each have such unique and incredible personalities. I am thankful I have had the opportunity to work with not only the manatees, but also the three most incredible spider monkeys.

The Placencia Casino & Sports Bar in Southern Belize
Internationally known for its perfect beaches and beautiful resorts, Placencia has unveiled a new unique entertainment venue with the opening of the The Placencia Casino & Sportsbar. Located at The Placencia Hotel , the Casino has everything you’re looking for to enjoy the ultimate entertainment experience. The casino is available to host special, private parties and offers a unique,all –inclusive-fun place to celebrate family or corporate events. A complimentary shuttle is available to pick-up Casino visitors anywhere on the Penisula. It runs regularly every day to and from the village but a quick call to the casino and their driver can be dispatched right to your door. Visitors can call to arrange airport pickups from the Placencia airstrip as well. This casual, beautifully designed space welcomes guests as soon as they step inside. The warm tones of the casino floor transition smoothly to the stylish bar area featuring quite literally one of the coolest bars in Belize. The glass wall and colourful lighted liquor shelves will draw your eye just as much as the 6 big screen HD TV’s. The casino’s 17 TV’s will ensure you won’t miss out on the latest sporting events anywhere on property. The 4 TV cluster next to table games and the cage displays odds for the Casino’s Sports Book.

Halloween in Placencia 2016!!!
Yes, I am a week late. But these pics are sooo good, it will make you start planning your costume for next year. We JUST finished up the most intense build of our lives.....we completed 2 villas, renovations of 3 other cabanas, and an addition of a pool and tiki area to CBC - all since Aug 22nd!! What this build took away was ANY free time to post blogs, so I have a lot in the hopper that will be coming soon, including AMAZING pics of the new build, to get you excited about your trip here!! Oh and did I mention we already had a beach wedding since opening on Nov 1st??? We are LOVING having our guests back here!!!

Belize to Chetumal Mexico Flights
For many of us the following announcement has been a long awaited thing as it will make Belize Mexico travel that much easier in 2017. The new Chetumal Mexico flights from Belize will also open up new routes for those that want cheap flights to Belize as in addition to Cancun, Mexico City.

International Sources

S&P revises Belize sovereign credit outlook down to negative from stable; current rating is CCC+
* Negative outlook reflects view of potential further deterioration in government's ability or willingness to service its debt * Expect net general government debt to rise to 81% of GDP this year, up from 76% in 2015 * We anticipate slow progress in lowering the fiscal deficit over the coming years * Although risks to political stability will remain low in the coming four years, we find Belize's governmental institutions weak * S&P revises belize sovereign credit outlook down to negative from stable; current rating is ccc+ Source text: [bit.ly/2fQPO9q]

Belize Electricity Limited - Power Plants and SWOT Analysis And Forecast Report 2016
The report contains a detailed description of the power generation companys business operations, history, corporate strategy, and business structure. This report contains a detailed SWOT analysis, information on key employees (executives), and major products and services.

IMF Agrees That Withdrawal Of Correspondent Banks Poses Significant Risk To Caribbean
A significant threat to Caribbean economies has emerged as global banks withdraw their correspondent banking relationships in these countries, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed. A significant threat to Caribbean economies has emerged as global banks withdraw their correspondent banking relationships in these countries, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed. Correspondent banking with global banks allows smaller banks access to the international payments system, facilitating money transfers through transactions such as wire transfers, check clearing, and currency exchange. Without these banking relationships, businesses are cut off from international trade and financing, families are unable to collect remittances from relatives working abroad, and foreign investors may be unwilling to invest if there is a risk they will be unable to repatriate their profits. The threat to Caribbean economies from large-scale withdrawal of correspondent banks was high on the agenda of policymakers attending the 2016 High Level Caribbean Forum in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on November 2, 2016.

Behind the Scenes, a Quiet “Ocean Hero” Protects Belize’s Marine Wonders
Glover’s Reef, a coral atoll in the south of Belize’s 300-kilometer (190-mile) barrier reef, is Janet Gibson’s favorite among the marine riches she’s helped to protect in her four-decade career. “I still remember the day that I went out there,” she said, speaking about her first trip in 1986. “It took my breath away.” “You go into this sort of turquoise atoll expanse with all these patch reefs studded in front of you,” Gibson said. Glover’s Reef is one of a handful of true atolls in the Western Hemisphere. Roughly 45 kilometers (27 miles) from mainland Belize, the atoll’s islands and reefs are host to a profusion of sharks, dolphins, turtles and endangered Nassau grouper. Gibson added: “It really is a spectacularly beautiful place.”

Videos

November 14, 2016

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, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Southern Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch meets to address road and safety concerns

Wolfe’s Woofer: Big Family
“I’m still in San Ignacio,” I said, when Sherry answered the phone. “I’ll be back later tomorrow evening. I ran into Marcos, who used to be our neighbor when we lived at the old Barefoot Iguana. He wants me to come by his family reunion tomorrow.” “Where is it?” “It’s a little village over near Teakettle off the Northern Highway.” “Have fun,” she said. The next day I arrived at the village around noon and the reunion was in full swing. Marcos took me around to greet the family, some of which I already knew. “Granny, do you remember Mr. Wolfe?” Marco asked. “When we lived in San Pedro he was our neighbor.” “Hee-hee-hee!” the old lady laughed. “Of course, I remember him.”

Offshore seismic survey officially cancelled; multi-beam testing still on the table
On Monday, November 17th, the Government of Belize (GOB) officially announced the cancellation of regional offshore seismic survey on Belizean waters. The survey, which was already in progress, was suspended on October 19th following public outcry from tourism stakeholders on Ambergris Caye and the Non-Government Organization community. However, in the official document from GOB, there was no mention about the multi-beam survey, which apparently might still happen in mid- November. When word got out on the clandestine approval for multi-beam and seismic testing in Cabinet, locals and visitors of Ambergris Caye were enraged. Island residents then became aware that two vessels, MV Northern Explorer and MV Campeche, had started seismic testing. The rapid movement by Oceana in Belize and other environmental organizations began mobilizing the community, educating them on the harm that such surveys could cause to the natural resources around Ambergris Caye. With the support of all residents, including from Caye Caulker and other coastal areas of Belize, GOB was forced to suspend the testing that same day.

Doctor Love: Bereaved
Dear Doctor Love, Last month my father passed away and my mother is at a loss as to how to proceed with the legal and personal issues. As the oldest daughter, she asked me to begin the task of going through all of his papers. Some family members are trying to help but they are only confusing me and nobody agrees on anything. Some have already made clear about things they want have from the estate. Where do we start taking care of his affairs? /s/ Bereaved.

Misc Belizean Sources

"To the Mountain"
The Belizean Literature Series invites you to read, and share with your children, this beautifully written, exquisitely illustrated children's book in English, Spanish and Yucatec Maya. To the Mountain! (Fajina Archaeology Outreach, 2016. 46 pages)* is written by archaeologists Sylvia Batty, Belizean; Rebecca Friedel; and Leah McCurdy and illustrated by Belizean artist Frederic Wierum. The text is laid out very conveniently with all three languages presented on the same page. Set during the Late Classic period of the Maya (600-900 CE), To the Mountain! follows Little Moon and Running Jaguar on an exciting journey to find out for themselves what’s going on at the big construction project at the temple of Clay Mountain (Katyaatz Witz), which we know today as Xunantunich. According to the authors, “To the Mountain! is an archaeologically accurate story based on evidence of ancient Maya life.” A free digital copy of the book is available at the website listed below; however, it can be purchased in hard copy as well and would make a great Christmas gift not only for children but for book-loving adults as well.

BELIZE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Hard to believe it's our last day! These are some images from Opening Night by Emaun Hyde...

One of the key tourism stakeholders in the Mountain Pine Ridge/Chiquibul complex is Blancaneaux Lodge
FCD’s educator visited and presented to their staff. As we mobilize our tourism ventures, our partnership looks promising with Blx Lodge.

Battle of the Drums 2016
Lots of excellent photos!

Battle of the Drums 2016 Motorcade.

The Reporter

Boy, 7, shot dead in Belize City
A boy, aged seven, was shot dead in Belize City Friday afternoon as he was riding a bicycle to a shop. Tyler Savery was along with Porshan Pipersburg on a bicycle on their way to a shop near the Insurance Corporation of Belize (ICB) on Daly Street at around 4:30 p.m., when someone opened fire. Savory was struck in the heart and died while being transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Doctors tried to resuscitate the child, but his injuries were too severe. Pipersburg, who was shot several times, is in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Police do not have any suspects or motive for the fatal shooting. They have recovered six expended shells from the scene, and a vehicle that was parked on the street was also damaged.

Taxi driver shot dead on Mahogany Street
A taxi driver was shot dead on Saturday morning in Belize City. The incident happened shortly after 12:00 a.m., while Andrew Williams was sitting inside his taxi on Mahogany Street, just a stone’s throw away from the Mahogany Street police station. Williams reportedly tried to escape the attack when he sped off and ran over the sidewalk, but died in his car before help could reach him. Another man who was in the vicinity was shot in the foot. Police have not provided further details as yet.

Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle appeal underway
The annual Salvation Army Christmas Appeal for 2016 was launched on Friday in front of Scotiabank on Albert Street in Belize City. The initiative is to raise funds to assist Belize’s neediest families at Christmas time, and this year, Scotiabank teamed up with the church for the launch and donated the first $1,500 towards the effort. Socitabank’s Managing Director, Michael Shaw said the bank looks for partners like the Salvation Army who want to give back to the community in a meaningful way. He made a commitment on behalf of Scotiabank to partner with the Salvation Army each year in this fundraising drive. It was a gesture that Commander of the Salvation Army, Major Joliker Leandre, said is a meaningful one. This year, the church’ target is $100,000, since it also plana to help the elderly and the youths.

Elderly woman found murdered
Victoria Castillo, 64, a Salvadoran woman living on the Melinda Road in the 9Wagierale area of Dangriga, was found in a grave a day after she was reported missing. The elderly woman’s common-law husband, Felipe Martinez, was reportedly attending a church crusade near their home for a number of days. Because her passport and bible were also missing, police thought she had also traveled abroad. Neighbours, however, reported two suspicious persons with whom Castillo was last seen with – two relatives of Martinez, and upon checks, police found her grave in the area. Police have since detained the two suspects.

Quakes rattle parts of Caribbean
There were no reports of death or injury either after Haiti was rattled by a 4.4 magnitude earthquake, or when a 4.0 tremor was recorded off Trinidad and Tobago yesterday. The Haiti quake occurred around 1 p.m. local time, about five kilometres north of Les Anglais, 51 km northwest of Les Cayes, and 35 km southwest of Jérémie and was also felt in the capital, Port-au-Prince. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck at a depth of 12.3 km. Later in the day, around 4:57 p.m., a 4.0 magnitude tremor was recorded 86 km west north west of Trinidad and Tobago’s capital, Port of Spain, 111 km west north west of Arima, and the same distance east north east of Carúpano, Venezuela.

Man dies from gunshot wound
Porshan Pipersburg, who was shot in Friday afternoon while riding a bicycle on Daly Street, has died of his wounds. Pipersburg died this morning at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) from severe ruptures caused by a number of bullet wounds he suffered. Police say he was attacked by someone who drove a white car and sped off after firing at least six shots. The motive is still undetermined. Meanwhile, there are reports that a young female was shot tonight, and that several other shootings have taken place in Belize City.

Breaking Belize News

Supermoon not seen in almost 70 years, rises tomorrow
Belizean stargazers are preparing their telescopes to spy the closest and brightest supermoon visible to the earth in almost 70 years. This is a supermoon of supermoons — a moon so plump and rare it hasn’t been seen in nearly 70 years. It will […]

Voluntary Special Constables graduate in Santa Familia
Today, seven residents from Santa Familia village completed training and graduated from the Volunteer Special Constables program. Present at today’s event were National Coordinator for Citizens on Patrol Program and Voluntary Special Constables, Rudolph Orio and Deputy Officer Commanding San Ignacio Police, Daniel Iche. […]

Police officer to be charged for assaulting and beating Guinea Grass resident
On Monday, we reported that Hugo Noh a villager from Guinea Grass was badly beaten by a police officer. The two men got into an altercation after Noh appeared to be intoxicated while driving his vehicle and the officer who was socializing at Zhen […]

Kareem Smith charged for the murder of Belize City taxi driver
Kareem Smith has been charged with the murder of Andrew Williams, the taxi driver that was murdered on Friday night. Williams, a taxi driver from the Lake Independence area, reportedly stopped at a store in the area when a gunman pounced on him. He […]

Blogs

No Rest for the Well Rested
During a couple of weeks away on vacation I was lucky to have a visiting vet as well as technician Ingrid holding down the fort. This meant that I returned to only a minimal number of disasters, which was great. My visiting sister departed on a Sunday morning and then the calls began. My first day "back" was Sunday on call for emergency. It started in the morning with a dog who just wasn't acting right. Often times these cases with strange behavior and undetermined pain relate to a back problem. I treated this dog with some non steroidal anti-inflammatories (x-rays are not even an option on a Sunday) and sent him home to rest. After returning home I was called back again in the afternoon for emergency number two. This was a senior aged chihuahua who had never been spayed. She had not been feeling well earlier in the week when I was away and was on antibiotics. I quickly determined that this dog likely had pyometra, a life threatening infection of the uterus. She would soon die without intervention. We proceeded to an emergency surgery (the only effective treatment) and were able to send her home alive, happy, and spayed.

A Day Trip from the Island: In the Heart of the Maya Mountains, Climbing Waterfalls
One of most incredible traits of Belize is that there are so many different ecosystems and climates (from savannah to rainforest to coral reef and white sand cayes) all within a country smaller than the state of Massachusetts. Yesterday, I passed over and through quite a few after snagging a sweet invite from Balaam Eco Tours. Beach to jungle and back. The itinerary: a Tropic Air flight to Belize City – a drive across Belize to the heart of the BEAUTIFUL Maya Mountains, a pontoon ride on the Macal River, waterfalls and a trip back. After about 3 hours, lots of swimming, climbing, EATING and lounging in the sun, our tour was over. We headed back to land, thanked Robert for the amazing tour and headed back to Belize City…the three of us dozing off in the back seat.

International Sources

Belize Fest entry 'The Beginning of Time' is a moving portrait of impoverished elderly
Films about the very old among us are a rare thing, perhaps because of society’s bias toward youthfulness and its desire not to gaze too long on weathered faces and bodies, or perhaps because spending too much screen time with the elderly reminds us all of our inevitable mortality. The most we can usually expect is a “geezer” comedy like Grumpy Old Men or A Walk in the Woods, which find humor in people well past their prime not acting their age. Saturday night at the Belize International Film Festival brought a film that not only respects the elderly, but is downright political about the way societies often treat them. The Beginning of Time (El Comienzo del Tiempo), by the young Mexican director Bernardo Arellano, is a lovely drama using nonprofessional actors to illustrate how sometimes the late stages of a life can consist of unimaginable and heartbreaking struggle. Strongly reminiscent of the poignant 1937 Leo McCarey classic Make Way for Tomorrow (which the director didn’t profess to know during a Q&A), it centers on a couple in their early 90s, Toño and Bertha, who suddenly find themselves in desperate straits when the failing government opts to suspend their social-security pensions.

New report shares details about Belize Electricity Limited - power plants and SWOT analysis, 2016 update
Identify potential customers and suppliers with this report’s analysis of the company’s business structure, operations, major products and services and business strategy. The report contains a detailed description of the power generation company’s business operations, history, corporate strategy, and business structure. This report contains a detailed SWOT analysis, information on key employees (executives), and major products and services.

Late season tropical system possible later this week
A late-season tropical system may brew up later this week as a broad area of low pressure forms over the southwestern Caribbean Sea. The National Hurricane Center says there is a 60 percent chance of a tropical depression or cyclone forming in the next five days. Only two hurricanes have made landfall in Florida during November. The lack of landfalls during the 11th month of the year is a reminder that the atmosphere is winding down its hurricane machine. But experts caution against writing the season off altogether, especially during a year with eight consecutive record-warm months. September was second warmest, according to NOAA. “Even though you have these arbitrary dates, you can get storms outside of that and with a warming climate you would expect more storms on the fringes,” said Carl Parker, a hurricane specialist with The Weather Channel. “Sometimes systems can be sneaky and pop up quickly.”

How to Photograph the Supermoon: NASA Pro Shares His Tips
Are you ready for the biggest and brightest supermoon in recent history? Check out these tips from a NASA photographer on how to capture tomorrow's supermoon and post your best pics here! Don't miss your chance tonight, or you might have to wait until 2034! The biggest, brightest full moon of 2016 is just around the corner. If you'd like to capture the memory of Monday's supermoon on camera, a pro photographer at NASA has some tips for you. A so-called supermoon takes place when the moon, in its full phase, is at the closest point to Earth in the 27-day lunar orbit. The Nov. 14 supermoon will appear about 15 percent larger than average and is the closest full moon in 68 years. Bill Ingalls, a NASA photographer for more than 25 years, shared his tips for supermoon hunting in a statement from the agency.

Videos

November 13, 2016

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, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

SPTC and CARILED holds consultation to draft local economic profile of San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), in partnership with the Caribbean Local Economic Development (CARILED) Project in Belize, hosted a two-day consultation on Wednesday, November 9th and Thursday, November 10th to discuss the drafting of the local economic strategic plan for San Pedro Town. On November 9th, the consultation took place at the San Pedro Town Council’s Conference Room, with CARILED Local Resource Consultant Keisha Rodriguez, CARILED Consultant from Canada, Chris Fields, Jorge Aldana of the SPTC, along with various business stakeholders in attendance. Fields led the presentation, and identified the ultimate vision of San Pedro Town. He explained that local economic development is a process by which public sector, business and civil society work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation. Its purpose is also to build up the economic capacity of a local area to improve its economic future and the quality for the island. According to Jorge Aldana of the SPTC, San Pedro is one of five municipalities that is benefiting from CARILED, and is under the second phase-draft of the plan of action. “This is our island, and we know what’s best for us. What better way than those who are from the island, and work on the island, to be a part of the decision making process?” said Aldana.

Blackadore Caye releases images of its future eco-resort
The final plans and new renderings have been released for Leonardo DiCaprio’s ambitious eco-resort just off the coast of Ambergris Caye. DiCaprio’s aim is to turn the island of Blackadore into the world’s leading example of green hospitality. The designs for the construction were unveiled on Friday, November 4th following the approval of their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and they feature what the structures will look like once the project is fully completed by 2018. According to lead design architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the island buildings design are inspired by Belize’s ancient Maya temples, and the final work will feature minimalist designs connecting it to the prehistoric Maya architecture, while remaining modern. The 36 residential estate homes and 36 bookable bungalows spread across the island’s 104 acres will count with thatched roofs over plenty of natural materials such as wood and marble.

Residents want better street conditions; SPTC to make improvements
A parent of Holy Cross Anglican Primary School student also noted that most students of the school have to walk. “The students are challenged when they walk to school because of the flooded streets. Some of them cannot afford rubber boots, and they get their feet soaked in water, which can make them get sick. Also, there are children whose parents cannot afford to pay taxi fares every day or afford to buy them a bicycle. I know some children who come out of their homes neat and tidy to only arrive to school wet and muddy. Some of these students complain that their peers tease them because of their appearance, and this behavior might lead to bullying,” said the parent. Mayor Guerrero stated that the SPTC is trying, and asks the general public to have patience. He stated that the SPTC will be working rigorously to fix all streets across San Pedro. “We are getting 1,600 square cubic yards of materials from the mainland. We are planning to fix the southern roads first, then go to the DFC and Escalante areas. Then we will work in San Pablo and San Marcos areas. Next, we will be moving towards town, and work in the Esmeralda area. Afterwards, we will go to San Pedrito, the Elliot Subdivision, and the airstrip area. However, before we start there, we are going to fix all the main entrances from the bridge to the roundabout north of town,” stated the Mayor.

Ambergris Stadium nears completion
Many concerned individuals have questioned what caused the delay of the $2.3 million dollar project, and Mastry says that the project has been in accordance to their timeline frame. “There hasn’t been many delays. The real setback was caused by the decision to install synthetic turf. The team had to do a lot more civil work such as filling, grading, trenching, and installing the underground drainage system. So the team dedicated two months to installing the turf, which is a lot more labor intensive. After we got the turf in place, the workers were able to get back to construction,” said Mastry. However, Mastry stated that that powering up a new site is always a challenge with utility companies. She says that the biggest task to achieve in the upcoming weeks is to install lighting at the stadium. “We want to power up those big lights, and Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has committed to try and assist us. We have our electrical supplies, but BEL needs to bring in transformers. However, they need to be present to inspect the trenching, but they somehow cannot find the time to go out there. I understand them, and I realize that utility companies are helpful where they could be. Unfortunately, times were coordinated for us to meet, but sudden urgencies has made them unavailable,” said Mastry. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has worked alongside with Mastry, playing an active role in the progress of the stadium. Councilor and Sports Coordinator, Hector Alamilla, in charge of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Leisure activities, is more than ecstatic for the council to inaugurate the building, and is hoping for it to be a memorable experience.

Misc Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Children Fun Drive
Care package

Fatherhood Workshop on Ambergris Caye
The Evangelical Alliance and the Belize Police Department and the Community Policing Unit will be hosting the first fatherhood workshop at the Living Word Church on Tropical Wave street. Time: 2.00p.m. to 5.00p.m on Sunday 13.11.16. The intent is to get fathers organized against crime and give their children the necessary insulation to protect themselves to be healthy productive citizens. You are cordially invited to attend.

Cayo Punta Fest
The SISE Town Council will be having Punta Fest next Friday at the Cayo Welcome Center. Tapprick and the New Creation Band will be playing.

Full Moon Concert, Stann Creek House of Culture
Sunday night in the South!

Breaking Belize News

Adult who was shot along with child yesterday succumbs to injuries
Porshan Pipersburgh, 22, has reportedly succumbed to gunshot injuries received yesterday. Pipersburgh was with his cousin, Tyler Savery, 7, riding on a bicycle on Daly Street when a gunman in a vehicle fired several shots injuring the two. Savery succumbed minutes later while Pipersburgh […]

Body found in Dangriga
Reports from Dangriga is that a corpse was found buried in a crocus bag. Police were called to the scene at around midday today by residents who complained of a foul smell. Police are yet to release the identity of the victim. © […]

PUP votes to recall Vega
Gaspar Vega is about to face more “political heat” despite his resignation from Cabinet in October. The Opposition People’s United Party held a meeting of its northern caucus today in Ranchito, Corozal. At the meeting it was voted that the party should attempt to […]

Hector Silva hangs it up, the phone that is
Hector Silva has undoubtedly become a staple on the morning show circuits as a popular and opinionated caller. His modus operandi was to call each and every radio show to add to the national conversation. However, his voice will be no more, well at […]

Ministry of Defense holds two-day Budgetary Exercise
Senior staff members within the Ministry of Defense are currently engaged in a two-day retreat and workshop that focuses on a budgetary exercise in preparation for the upcoming fiscal year 2017-2018. The workshop is being held at the Belize Coastguard Headquarters located just outside […]

Another murder in Belize City
Less than 24 hours after a child was killed and his cousin injured in a shooting, another person has lost his life in the old capital. The incident occurred last night and according to confirmed reports, the victim was Andrew Williams, a taxi driver […]

Blogs

Dogs of Caye Caulker: Toy: Half Puppy, Half Manatee?

Dogs of Caye Caulker: MARIO & HOMEY

International Sources

Why Belize is absolutely breathtaking
“Fishing” for a tarantula - using a twig to tease it out of the hole in the ground it calls home - is cool by me, at least after I pull the thick sleeve of my rain jacket over my hand. But I draw the line at holding the scorpion spider that my guide, Alex Guzman, offers me. He had nonchalantly plucked it off its perch and it now rests in his palm, looking as sedate and nonvenomous as a spider the size of an adult's palm can look. It's still a spider, though. The size of my palm. Except it's not a spider. Alex tells me this in an attempt to convince me that holding it isn't such a bad idea. “So it's a scorpion?” I ask. I'd rather hold a spider. But it's not a scorpion, either. A scorpion spider is related to both spiders and scorpions, but is its own thing, which Alex assures me is not venomous. Whatever it is or isn't, there's no question it's the size of my palm. I'm not sold. My attention returns to the main attraction. We're in the front cavern of a cave in the limestone-rich Cayo District in west-central Belize. The undulating walls, ceiling and floor are cartoonish and otherworldly - “The Snorks” on Mars - and glisten with mineral-rich water. It's impossible to see the entirety of the chamber we're in at once; sight is limited to the areas that our headlamps illuminate. As amazing as the features illuminated by our lights is the utter darkness surrounding us when we switch them off. Belize has thousands of caves, and the country's antiquities laws ensure that most of them are under governmental control. The laws give the government jurisdiction over all archaeological sites, underground or above.

Videos

November 12, 2016

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, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport inaugurated
The official ceremony was attended by the Late Sir Barry Bowen’s widow Lady Dixie Bowen and family, Minister Heredia and his wife, Mayor Daniel Guerrero of San Pedro Town, Tropic Air President John Greif and family, board of directors and staff of BAA, Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) Edmond Castro, partners in the aviation sector, representatives of the Jesuit Society of Belize, the Belize Police Department, elected officials, the media, and many other invited guests. After a brief introduction by Master of Ceremonies Dale McDougall, the National Anthem was performed instrumentally by Carlos Perrote, followed by Arthur Hoy of Caribbe Air offering the benediction. Severo Guerrero Jr., Chair of the BAA Board of Directors, established protocol and gave the welcome address. “The previous airport served its function, but it had many inconsistencies. One of those problems came with high tides and limited parking. The Belize Municipal Airport was not adequate to sustain the continuous development of the country. It served its purpose, but now has received a major upgrade,” said Guerrero.

San Pedro Police Formation and Eastern Division Command holds meet and greet initiative
In an attempt to strengthen the relationship between the community and the police, a large contingent of police officers from Belize City, Caye Caulker and San Pedro Town held a meet and greet session in San Pedro Town. The activity took place on Wednesday, November 9th in the key areas San Mateo and San Pedrito, where officers interacted with residents. Nearly 40 police officers spread out through the said subdivisions from 10AM to 3PM speaking to hundreds of residents who expressed their discomforts following the recent murders, especially in the San Mateo Area. According to Officer Commanding of Eastern Division North, Dezerie Phillips the reason for the meet and greet was to find out how residents are living in the areas considered ‘hot zones,’ and how the police can assist. “We are sending officers to visit as many households to get valuable information from the different people living those areas,” said Phillips. “We want to know if they feel safe, and if they are satisfied with the work the police are currently doing. At the same time we want them to know that we are here for them.”

Mayor imposes new ban on two-story over the water buildings
Mayor Daniel Guerrero has disclosed the implementation of a new building policy that bans the construction of over the water two-story buildings. The specifications of this policy state that no new two-story buildings can be erected on docks, and all existing second story buildings will not receive approval to rebuild should they be impacted by a natural disaster in the future. According to Mayor Guerrero, two story buildings, as well as numerous docks take away from the charm of the island. “For one, the impact of these structures goes directly on the ground. Two, it takes away from the view. If people are putting big buildings side by side, it is taking away the view of the reef. Plus, these buildings send a negative message, where if one starts to build two-stories, the other will want to follow the trend. I also want to remove some of the existing docks and piers on the beachfront. I believe the excessive amount of docks and piers are negatively impacting the environment by inducing erosion, and pollution,” explained Mayor Guerrero. Mayor Guerrero stated that his new policy came after complaints were received regarding two-story buildings over the water. One such example is the current rebuilding of The Palapa Bar, after it was destroyed by Hurricane Earl in August.

Saga’s Trap, Neuter and Return program returns to reduce stray cat population
In an effort to address the overpopulation of feral cats on Ambergris Caye, Saga Humane Society hosts the ‘Trap, Neuter and Return’ (TNR) program every year. TNR is widely recognized as the most humane and effective strategy for reducing wild cat populations. The process requires to set out traps either during the day or night until cats are trapped, and then transport to the veterinary clinic to be spayed/neutered. Once the cats go through the surgical procedure, they are released back into the community. Lima stated that in 2015 Saga caught 115 cats through the TNR program, and remains committed to reducing the overpopulation of domesticated animals on the island. Traps will be set out in different subdivisions this week to start spaying/neutering.

ACBA ensuring that new buildings are in compliance
The demolition and re-construction of a commercial building near the Boca del Rio Park has raised concerns regarding possible irregularities. The size of the building being erected has residents wondering if the project is following proper building regulations, as it appears to be right on the edge of the street. Furthermore, the improper disposal of construction waste has raised such concern. In April of this year, the Ambergris Caye Building Authority (ACBA) introduced strict construction regulations and demanded that any new commercial buildings must allocate parking areas. According to Fidel Ancona, in charge of the ACBA, the building regulations demand that any construction leave a space of five feet on two sides of a structure, with a minimum of ten feet at the back and eight feet for parking in the front.

Ambergris Today

Minister of Defence Resumes Countrywide Tour of BDF Installations
Minister of Defence Hon John Saldivar this week has resumed his countrywide tour of Belize Defence Force (BDF) installations. Accompanied by Deputy BDF Commander Colonel Steven Ortega and key personnel from the Ministry of Defence, Hon. Saldivar toured BDF bases in Corozal and Orange Walk. In Corozal, those included, Consejo, Free Zone Area, 4 Miles Lagoon, Patchakan, San Victor and Eyles Camp; and in Orange Walk, Douglas, San Roman, Campechito, Santa Cruz and Blue Creek. The Minister began his nationwide tour back in early September, before the National Celebrations, when he visited BDF Headquarters at Price Barracks, the Air Wing at Phillip Goldson International Airport, and Militia Hall in Belize City. The next leg of his tour will take him to installations in the Cayo District. The purpose of the Minister’s tour is to assess the state of readiness and the level of efficiency of the force in executing its various functions.

Belize Properties Receive Awards of Excellence
Ambergris Today congratulates three gorgeous Belizean properties that have been acknowledged by Conde Nast Johansens Awards of Excellence 2017. The Phoenix Resort, Victoria House from Ambergris Caye and Belcampo Lodge Belize from Toledo winners in the Central & South America Category. Best Service - The Phoenix Resort, Ambergris Caye. Best Green Hotel - Belcampo Lodge Belize, Toledo. Best for Weddings, Parties or Special Events - Victoria House, Ambergris Caye. The awards have been created by Conde Nast to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across our recommended properties. The world-renowned Awards for Excellence are a trusted mark of quality recognized by consumers and travel professionals alike. (Viewership votes helped determine the winners.)

Misc Belizean Sources

First consultation on regional model guidelines for sexual offence cases
The JURIST project in collaboration with the Judiciary of Belize today hosted stakeholders in family violence and human development to a national consultation intended as a contribution to a regional model guideline for sexual assault cases. Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin, opening the meeting at the Radisson Hotel, encouraged participants to bring all of their knowledge and experience to the event. He noted that there still exists a backlog of cases in Belize, especially in the Supreme Court's Southern Division, that has resulted in years of waiting for victims to tell their story. Newly introduced criminal procedure rules are aimed to shorten that timeline. Other reform measures are being considered, including changes in legislation, but all of it is nothing without an "attitudinal change," he said. Consultant and attorney Diana Shaw told reporters that in addition to fairly telling stories of sex victims, media houses should do their best to present a full picture of the situation, including encouraging victims to make formal reports to the authorities in a timely manner.

The official opening of the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the Belize Airports Authority (BAA), is pleased to announce the inauguration of the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport, formerly the Belize City Municipal Airstrip.

2016 Rainfall Statistics
Belize, or in this case Belmopan, has a general pattern. A Wet season starting in the last week of May or early June, tailing off by November, with the Dry season from around February to May. Yet every year is different. Statistics can play tricks, look at this year, mathematically, that is the statistical average for August was by far the wettest month. Yet, in practice, we had a surprisingly long dry period in August. So statistics can play tricks. Some people play with us with statistics, to try to prove their point of view, such as the Climate people. In the below graph, the actual, factual daily RAIN is shown by the blue vertical lines. Even those can play tricks, because I record from about midnight, through the full 24 hours to the next midnight, yet some rains run over the midnight period, so sometimes total a lot, but if shown over 2 days, may look smaller than what we experience.

Veterans Day Ceremony
Members of the U.S. Military, Belize Defence Force, and British Army Training Support Unit-Belize (BATSUB) stationed in Belize participated in a Wreath Laying Ceremony to commemorate Remembrance Day in Belize and Veterans Day in the United States today. Wreaths were laid by all three militaries represented and honor fallen soldiers and all who put themselves in harm's way in defending freedom of each of the respective nations.

Belize Fishing Report Oct 30th - Nov 5th, 2016
Some of the fall Orvis bonefish Bonanza arrived early to get a head start on the rest of the group, only about 4-5 boats went out each day, so pretty quiet week overall! Returning guest (and friend) Frank got his dream permit this week after several encounters with less than enthusiastic fish. A nice 10 pounder that got Frank’s adrenaline flowing. This was his first permit of his fly-fishing life ~ but surely not his last. Tom and Pam have visited us for many years; and this week Tom celebrated another permit to the delight of Pam and all of the staff here.

Please join UB students in our Anti-Street Harassment campaign
We encourage all to make your own shirts and wear them to your school or job and join us for the road march. See details on the flyer and message me if you have any questions. I'll also be on Open Your Eyes this coming Tuesday, 16 Nov around 7:30am (last segment) to discuss this campaign and other UB activities for the 16 Days of Activities Against Gender Based Violence.

Re-organizing of the Watershed Alliance
Belizean Community Leaders located along the Mopan and Macal Rivers met today to discuss the re-organizing of the Watershed Alliance. The next session will bring both the leaders from Belize and Guatemala to review the binational watershed protection effort.

Food & Fete 2016!
To wrap up the night from our live feed, here's some photos of tonight's event! Enjoy Foodies!

Grading in the Mountain Pine Ridge
Much-needed Relief!! Just be cautious when driving in the area. *if only we could get him to grade between San Antonio and the junction.

Channel 7

Late Evening Shooting Ends In Tragedy
There was a shooting just before 5 o'clock this evening in Belize City, which has hospitalized an adult and a minor in who are cousins. It happened on Daily Street when the two were reportedly heading to the shop to purchase some items. They were on bike, and as they rode by they were gunned down by still unknown assailants. Our news team was on the scene shortly after the incident, and that's where we managed to get an interview with Assistant Superintendent Alejandro Cowo, the Officer Commanding Eastern Division's Criminal Investigation Branch. He shared what information he was able to with us: Reporter: "Can you begin by sharing with us some details with regards to the alleged shooting incident that happened here on Daly Street?" ASP Alejandro Cowo, Officer Commanding CIB: "Sometime after 4:30pm, CIB personnel received information of shots fired on Daly Street. So they proceeded to the KHMH where they observed 2 persons suffering with apparent gunshot wounds; an adult and a minor. Present at the scene here we found 6 expended shells and a vehicle that was parked on the road was also damaged."

BNTU Sends Lawyer Letter To Hon. Faber
On Tuesday,, we told you how the Ministry will extend the school year by cutting into holiday days. That's because the Minister of Education, and the BNTU are unable to even sit down and talk to each other about other possible chances to make up the time lost during the 11-day strike. The Ministry has said that the pay cut is coming at the end of the Month, but the BNTU is trying to get him to pump the brakes on that course of action. They have hired attorney Eamon Courtenay, who wrote a letter to the Minister dated Wednesday, November 9. It reads, quote, "…The Government announced that it will be withholding from its November contributions the amounts corresponding to the salaries for the days when teachers were on strike in October. Therefore, the Government intends that the deductions from teachers' salary will be made at the end of November 2016. We are of the view that the decisions taken by the Government are… unlawful, and unconstitutional, as they contravene the Education and Training Act, the Education Rules and sections 3b and 13 (1) of the Belize Constitution." End quote.

What's Up With the 3rd Superbond Restructuring
Prime Minister Dean Barrow returns to the country tomorrow after making a trip for official business. Big business, actually - try the half a billion dollar super bond 3.0. He's trying to get it re-finances so that government does;t have to make crippling bullet payments next year. But all we've seen so far is a press release, and today we asked Minister Elrington what he knew about Superbond 3.0. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "I imagine he is seeking to negotiate terms to make it more favorable for us to discharge our obligations under the contract. It's exceedingly important when one has loans for want to be very careful not to give the impression that one does not want to repay it in accordance with the terms and conditions under which it was granted. Tradition has been for lenders to be reluctant to renegotiate loans. But Prime Minister is prudent and personal. He is doing all in his power to what extent we can in fact reduce the lenders to agree to have a renegotiation of the payment plan."

Hon. Heredia Has High Hope For Superbond 3.0 Restructuring
We also got a chance to catch up with Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Jr., and we asked him about what he knew of these renegotiation efforts. He couldn't say much, but he told us that he strongly believes that the Prime Minister will be successful: Daniel Ortiz, 7News: "Did the cabinet have any kind of input on the Prime Minister's decision to go to New York to renegotiate the super bond to reshape it into 3.0?" Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism: "Well all I can tell you is that the Prime Minister is abroad trying to negotiate for the best intention of Belize. The details of that will be revealed probably Tuesday, but I am sure that every time our Prime Minister tries to accomplish something he succeeds. This time I believe that whatever the details will be Tuesday, it will be good news for Belize and for everyone."

Handling Sex Crimes Better In the Court
At the end of June, we told you about the JURIST project which the Heads of Judiciaries all across the CARICOM Member States have been participating in. They are trying to draw on the collective wisdom of all officers of the court from these countries, to come up with a regional approach on what works, and what needs fixing. They've been quietly working for during that time to address different areas, and today, they engaged in dialog about all that goes wrong when the court tries to administer justice when dealing with sex crimes. Today, the stakeholders sat down to figure out how to better address sexual offences, in a society where such crimes are on the rise. Here's what the Chief justice had to say: Dr. Penny Reedie, Director. JURIST Project: "The Jurist Project is funded under a 19 million Canadian dollar arrangement with what we now call 'Global Affairs Canada' which was the former foreign affairs and international trade department. The project, as was said, is being executed by the Caribbean Court of Justice on behalf of the conference of head of judiciary of CARICOM. The jurist project has been working with judiciaries in the Caribbean to support their respective efforts to improve court administration and strengthen the ability of the courts and the judiciary to solve cases efficiently and fairly."

The Sir Barry Bowen Airport
17 million dollars, that how much the Government spent to renovate the Belize City Municipal Airport over the past few months, and if you're wondering who paid for it, you can breathe easier. None of that money came out of the public purse. It was raised by the two airline companies who operate out of that airport, namely Tropic Air, and Maya Island Air. Today, after all the bells and whistles were installed, and all the ribbons were tied, they invited the press in for an unveiling event. The airport now has a new name; it now called the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport, named after the prominent Belizean multi-millionaire who was known for his love of flying. Our news team was there for the ceremony, and here's what the Tourism Minister had to say about the upgrades:

Foreign Minister Doubtful Of Sarstoon Protocol
Earlier this month BDF Commander Brigadier General David Jones expressed how optimistic he is about the swift implementation of the Sarstoon protocol. Jones had told us that the BDF are in constant contact with the Commander of the Guatemalan armed forces and that they plan on reaching an agreement as early as next month. Well, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington doesn't seem to share that same optimism. He told us that the fatal shooting of the 13 year old Guatemalan boy really fractured the already volatile relationship between Belize and Guatemala. Elrington says, since that incident, Guatemala has been giving us the cold shoulder and that has stagnated the Sarstoon protocol process. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "We are not any further than we were the last time we discussed this matter. It is necessary for the Guatemalans to in fact agree to sit with us and to negotiate it. They were very upset about the last incident on the border with the youth who died and in consequence of that, they have really backed off - gone quite. I have tried to engage the foreign minister, but he is not dispose to sit with us yet and neither is he dispose to cause his technical people to sit with our technical people to work. And so we haven't made any head way on that front."

Hon. Elrington: OAS Adjacency Zone Operating On Skeleton Staff
And amidst all this tension, the only place that you could seem to find a sense of harmony between Belize and Guatemala is at the OAS Adjacency Zone. But as we have reported, they have run into some financial hard times and are struggling to remain open. In fact, a few of the cultural programs have been scrapped because the office simply can't afford it. But Minister Elrington told us that they are finding a way to get by: Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "That office is not funded through the regular funds that are utilized by the OAS. It's supported by special funds. Funds which have been donated over the years by the group of friends. A major donor has been the European Union. We do have official word from the European Union that they would be shortly transmitting funds to the OAS - bridging funds to make up for the shortfall and that they fully intend to allocate funds for next year as well. But they are still going through the process. In consequence of the shortfall in the funding, I know that some of the programs has been discontinued. And I think we probably have mostly a skeleton staff who are there and that is what the situation is as far as I am aware up to this point in time."

Belize Contemplating Referendum Law Changes
So at this point, while things might look unfavourable for Belize / Guatemala relations, Belize is at least trying to do its part as it relates to the Referendum Act and the Maritime areas Act. Minister Elrington told us that there will be some adjustments to these acts. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "The contemplation is that we would now introduce into our national assembly proposals, legislation to amend both the referendum act and the maritime areas act. We had passed amendment to the maritime areas act to facilitate negotiations at that time way back in 1992 and we have been advised by our legal advisors that it would be prudent for us to seek to amend that act. So we are looking into it. It's not a done deal yet, but we are looking into it. The matter would have to be discussed thoroughly by cabinet and we will determine how we will move forward with respect to that. And then of course under the terms now of the referendum act, we will have to get 60% of the voters to support the measure to go or not to go. We want to bring it to the regular 50% plus 1%, so that it's just like a general election, first pass the post will be the winning verdict. So if we get 50% plus 1% of the voters then we will be able to go."

Hon. Heredia Wants Off-Shore Oil Drilling Referendum
So, while that referendum is a ways off, one man who is hoping that an off-shore oil drilling referendum may be a bit closer is Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Jr. As viewers will remember, the Government announced on Tuesday that those controversial seismic surveys, which they had to cancel when they came under pressure, are now canceled indefinitely. That was a decision from Cabinet on that day, and today, when we spoke to Heredia, he explained why the surveys went from being put on ice, to being thrown in the trash. Here's that conversation: Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism: "There was a lack of consultation. I must admit that there was not proper consulting and based on that, and based on what happened in San Pedro a few weeks ago with people crying that they do not want the seismic test to be done and they do not believe in off-shore drilling, which I believe at this point I can say there is nothing about off-shore drilling in the minds of our government and in the minds of cabinet. Nothing has been discussed about the possibility of anybody getting a PSA for any particular thing. I think it was announced after that meeting in San Pedro that yes we will call it off and the company that was doing that test."

UNFPA, Youths & The Future
The future of Belizean youth depends on our 10 year old girls: That's a lot of responsibility to put on a child, but the United Nations Population Fund says that they along with their partners will help and guide these girls through the many obstacles that are ahead. And the UNFPA's State of the World Population Report outlines those specific challenges. At the launch of the report, Liason Officer for UNFPA Tisa Grant told us more about why it is important to invest in these young girls. UNFPA hopes that this report can be turned into policy and used to implement practical solutions and projects to help these girls.

A New Office In Casa De Fiori
The new office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was officially inaugurated today. The lavish $3 million building is located at #10 St. Mark's Street not far from the Municipal airstrip. It is a major upgrade compared to the office space they shared with NEMO in Belmopan. Today at a short ceremony, Minister Elrington told us they have been long awaiting an office of their own. He also expressed how important this building will be in the Ministry's operations. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is perhaps the most important ministry in the country in terms of the safety and security of our country, because to a very large extent the frontline force for dealing with security matters internationally is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You have to talk, you have to settle matters peacefully and by discussion and agreement in writing and in the 35 years of our independence, we have not have a building dedicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The building which we use in Belmopan now we are borrowing it from NEMO ministry and the most deplorable aspect of it is that Taiwanese have been giving us monies for years for the purposes of strengthening our ministry of foreign affairs and the money was not in fact used to build a building. So we were very happy to take this opportunity to in fact utilize the funds that they have been making available for years."

Taiwanese Ambassador Ho Leaving
Like many other projects, the Ministry's new office was funded by the ever generous Taiwanese Government. And of course, Ambassador Benjamin Ho was celebrating with Minister Elrington. But this will be the last time we see Ambassador Ho at these events, that's because he is retiring after 35 years of service. But don't be alarmed! We will still enjoy the favourable relations with Taiwan. Ambassador Ho told us more about his future plans and assured us that the very amicable relationship between Belize and Taiwan will surely continue without him. Ambassador Ho leaves the country on Sunday. The new Ambassador will start working next week Wednesday.

Why Veterans Should Be Remembered
If you haven't bought a poppy today you should try and get one tomorrow, because that money goes a long way for those war veterans. National Rep. For the Ex-servicemens league told us why it is important to honor and donate to these veterans who served in World War 1 and 2. Today was also celebrated as a Remembrance Day for those war vets from Belize. There are 15 war veterans still living in the country. But 9 are in desperate need of help. If you want to give back you can buy a poppy or you can contribute to the ex-service man's league office in the city.

The Ringing Of the Salvation Army Kettle Bells
The ringing of the the Salvation Army kettle bells have become sort of the signal that the Christmas season is here. Every year, red kettles appear all over the city while volunteers ask passerbys for a small donations. The proceeds are used to make sure that less fortunate children can enjoy their Christmas too. Today was the launch of this year's annual kettle drive and Belize City Mayor, Darrell Bradley, told us how significant the drive is for raising the spirits of the city's residents.. This year, the Salvation Army joined with Scotia Bank to make the kettle drive possible. We spoke with Major Joliker Leandre, the Regional Commander of the Salvation Army and Michael Shaw, Scotia Bank Belize's Managing Director about the even and their new partnership.. The kettle bells will be out in the city throughout the Christmas season.

BIFF's Red Carpet Opening
The Belize Film Festival had its official red carpet launch last night. Today, the public was invited to come into the Bliss Centre and engage with the participating filmmakers. NICH's Holly Edgell told us more about the event, and what the festival is doing for Belize's growing film community. We also got the opportunity to speak with one of the festival's jurors, as well as two filmmakers, one of whom is Belize's very own, Wil Maheia... The festival's feature films and documentaries will be playing all through this weekend, and up and coming filmmakers can look forward to panel discussions with the experts as the event progresses.

Channel 5

Minor Killed; Adult Male Severely Hurt in “Drive-by” Shooting
A minor is dead following a shooting incident on Daly Street this evening. The minor was accompanied by an adult who remains hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.  Sometime [...]

B.N.T.U. Offers Last Chance to Government to Stop Deductions Before Court Action
Belize National Teachers Union has been silent in the past few days. That is because we have learned that the union has decided to challenge the government in respect of [...]

Crooked Tree Mom Dies Suddenly in Hospital; Family Demands Answers
A family from Crooked Tree, Belize District is mourning the unexplained death of one of their own. Thirty year old Deonnie Robinson, a mother of three children, was admitted to [...]

Family Asks for Closure with Delayed Post-Mortem Examination
It’s been almost two weeks since Robinson died and a postmortem is yet to be performed to determine the cause of death. Her body remains in the morgue and Crawford [...]

Tourism Minister Says Prime Minister Will Get “Best Deal” for Belize
Belize awaits the return of Prime Minister Dean Barrow on Saturday from New York City, where he urged bondholders tied to the 2038 Bond or “Superbond Three point O” to [...]

Foreign Affairs Minister Expresses Support for Superbond Renegotiation
Both Heredia and Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington concede that the issue of the Super Bond restructuring did not come up during the last meeting of the Cabinet.  While Elrington admits [...]

Harvest Caye Opens Next Week; Will Opponents Relent?
After extensive debate and more than a few hurt feelings, Norwegian Cruise Line is finally ready to get its cruise port at Harvest Caye in the Stann Creek District off [...]

Tourism Minister Issues Fresh Apology for Seismic Testing Debacle
The Government has completely backtracked, for now at least, on the issue of seismic testing, cancelling the visit of one ship scheduled to do testing but allowing another that will [...]

Sexual Assault Under the Microscope; Courts Consult on Regional Guidelines
Sexual assault is a continuing terror to our societies. Unlike murder which is final for the victim if not for those left behind, and robbery, burglary and theft which assault [...]

Chief Justice Laments Delay in Tackling Sexual Assault Cases
During today’s Jurist Project meeting in Belize City, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin acknowledged a severe backlog in criminal cases and especially sexual assault cases in certain parts of the country. [...]

What Will It Take to Implement Sex Offenders’ Registry?
Another aspect of criminal justice as it relates to sexual assault cases is the continued care to ensure that not only victims, but all of society are aware of the [...]

“Sedi” Elrington Still Waiting for Guatemala to Agree on Sarstoon Protocol
The Sarstoon Protocol; it’s been several months since the governments of Belize and Guatemala discussed formalizing a proposed set of guidelines that would govern access to the southernmost reach of [...]

Sir Barry Bowen’s Name Now on Belize City Municipal Airport
He was lost in a plane crash above the San Pedro Airport in February of 2010. But Sir Barry Bowen probably wouldn’t have minded, considering that he regularly made flights [...]

The Green Tech Boot Camp Begins
Green Tech Belize a fifty-four hour intense boot camp geared at fostering entrepreneurship through the use of green technology was officially launched today. Belize Training and Employment Center and the [...]

The World’s Population and Gender Equality Discussed in Report
According to the UNFPA, what the world looks like in fifteen years will depend on what we do today to help a ten-year-old girl realize her potential. In its 2016 [...]

CitCo Addresses Development of Fort George Tourism Zone
On Thursday evening, a consultation was held at the Memorial Park in Belize City on the proposed development of the Fort George Tourism Zone. The master plan looks at specific [...]

Christmas Bells Are Ringing for Salvation Army Kettle Appeal
The Kettle Appeal by the Salvation Army is a given at this time of the year. Every year the Salvation Army pulls out the red pot indicating that generosity is [...]

LOVE FM

Heredia Says PM Will Succeed with Bondholders
The Prime Minister is expected to be back in the country tomorrow after meeting with the Government’s legal advisors in New York City. Earlier in the week, the Government announced that it intends to hold discussions with bondholders regarding the serious economic and financial challenges currently facing the country. According to the Government, the Prime […]

Tourism Minister Says Seismic Activity Lacked Consultations
Earlier this week the Government announced that it has indefinitely cancelled the regional offshore seismic survey. Cabinet has originally given the green light for the survey but later reversed its decision after public outcry, especially from the environmental community. According to Cabinet Minister, Manuel Heredia Jr., the reason GOB decided to cancel the survey was […]

The Guardian

Holidays shortened for students because of strike
Minister of Education Hon. Patrick Faber announced on Tuesday November 8 that his ministry will be amending the school year’s calendar in order for students to receive the number of contact hours as prescribed by law. Minister Faber explained that after consultation with the pre-primary, primary and secondary schools a decision was taken to add 6 days to the school days. Minister Faber and members of his ministry had first met with the pre-primary and primary school managers last week and on Tuesday they met with representatives of 42 of the 56 secondary school administrators. In that meeting a vote was taken to add the 6 school days for which 40 administrators agreed to add the days while 1 voted against and another abstained. The days to be added will be the 3rd to the 6th of January 2017 and the 10th and 11th of April. The January sessions would have ordinarily started on January 9th the change will see 4 days taken from school holiday to compensate for the strike. The other two days will come at the beginning of the Easter holidays.

Auditor General publicly apologizes to House Speaker
The work of the Special Select Committee that will investigate the irregularities at the Immigration and Nationality department held its first public meeting on Wednesday November 9. After the Committee’s chairman read out the terms of reference for the body, he called the first witness, the Auditor General, Dorothy Bradley. Her first order of business was to apologize to the Speaker of the House, Michael Peyrefitte. In a prepared statement, Bradley explained that while during her work she found irregularities some of which included persons who signed as recommenders for passports when they were not authorized to do so. In doing so, the report stated that Hon. Michael Peyrefitte was one of those who was not authorized to do as he was not an elected member of the House of Representatives. She would admit later however that the Constitution of Belize allows or him to be a member of the House of Representatives by virtue of him being the Speaker of the House.

Micah Goodin slapped around at PUP headquarters
On Saturday last the PUP held it’s BYM election in Belize City at it’s PUP Headquarters on Queen street. And as expected there was carnage, like at any other PUP event. This time the carnage was provided by Kareem Adle Sr and Micah Gooding. According to the reports we received Adle’ s son was running to become Vice President of the BYM while Micah was supporting the slate that opposed Adle’s son, Karim Adle Jr. Micah as we have become to know him is a very antagonistic NUGGET. We don’t know if what occurred on Saturday had anything to do with Micah’s behavior, perhaps it did or perhaps it did not. Micah was allegedly accosted and assaulted on the steps of the PUP Headquarters. The following is what Micah reported that whilst taking a delegate upstairs of the PUP headquarters on Queen Street for the PUP Youth Arm Election, a tall stocky fair complexion male person whom he has known for about 4 years as Kareem Adle came up to him and pushed him in his chest, choked him with his two hands then pinned him against the wall.

Is Eamon Courtenay in conflict of interest at the Senate Investigation?
On Wednesday of this week the much talked about Special Select Committee hearing got started and during it several things that are of note took place. One was that all the members of the committee were in attendance. Even Senators Eamon Courtenay and Mark Lizarraga were in attendance. The first order of business was for the Chairman Senator Aldo Salazar to call the session to order. Chairman Salazar then proceeded to read into the records the terms of reference and rules of engagement of the committee. The first witness in the person of the Auditor General, Dorothy Bradley was then called. She appeared in the company of two attorneys namely Sr. Counsel, Derrick Courtenay and Phillip Palacio. The presence of one of her attorneys is something we will get back to later on. Bradley was then administered the oath. The Chairman at that point said that he had been informed that Bradley had a statement to make and he directed her to make her statement, at the same time informing her that since she had been sworn in, her statement would be on record. In her statement she sort of, for a lack of a better term, fell on her sword.

Charity at home – more houses for Belize Rural North
As Minister of National Emergency Management, Hon. Edmond Castro has been delivering houses to victims of Hurricane Earl in all the areas that were severely affected. His own constituency of Belize Rural North is one of those areas, and this week Castro has been handing over a number of houses to residents in villages throughout the division. The houses delivered are mainly in Sand Hill, Maxborro and Gardenia. In addition, he visited a number of families who have been helping themselves with assistance provided by the Government of Belize through the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in the form of materials to repair their homes. The Minister was accompanied by officials from NEMO, namely Belize and Cayo District Regional Coordinator Al Westby, and Belize District Rural Coordinators Alphius Gillett and Lionel Tillett. Last month, Hon. Castro handed over houses to residents in the villages of Maskall, St. Ann’s and Crooked Tree, which are also in the Belize Rural North Constituency.

Raymond Rivers allegedly threatens to kill Councilor Willoughby
Extremely unstable firebrand activists, Raymond Rivers, who was destroyed at the polls by Hon. Patrick Faber a year ago is now in serious trouble with the law for allegedly threatening to kill Belize City Councilor Philip Willoughby. The incident took place at the Independence eve ceremony this year. Rivers was agitating public officials as they arrived for the ceremony and Willoughby took offense. He allegedly told Rivers to relax himself and that was when he said to Willoughby, “Yoh wah dead bwai”. Willoughby took the threat seriously and reported the matter to police. When Rivers was finally set for arraignment on Monday, November 7, he was told that the charge sheet needs to be amended. This frustrated Rivers and his attorney, Kareem Musa, who claims they are being turned around for a trivial matter. In his defense, Rivers claims that all he was saying to the officials was “sign the anti-corruption convention”. He says Willoughby took exception and said, “Watch wat wah ketch yoh”. Rivers point to that statement and other outlandish allegations to claim that he is the one under threat.

Attackers of falsely accused arsonist are remanded
When toddler Kaylee Alvarez, 2, died as a result of a fire in Belize City on Thursday, October 27, relatives and neighbours were emotional wrecks. They were forced to look on helplessly as all their belongings went up in smoke but property was of no concern to the Conch Shell Bay community. Their hearts burned as the fire devoured the home of Phyllis Rhaburn and word spread that baby Kaylee was somewhere inside. Firefighters later found the lifeless infant’s body inside the bathroom. It was a devastating blow for Rhaburn and everyone in the area. Later that evening, someone produced a video recorded by phone showing a man fleeing Rhaburn’s yard shortly after the fire started. That individual was identified as Conch Shell Bay resident Richie Jones, 20, also of Conch Shell Bay. Richie left his house early the following morning, October 28, to start his day and take a circle around the block. It was around 8 o’ clock when relatives and friends of the grieving family spotted Jones near the Vernon Street Bridge. An angry mob went immediately after the unsuspecting youth and unleashed a brutal beating.

Brandon Baptist, John and Sheldon Grinage indicted for murder
Brandon Baptist, 30, John Grinage, 27, and Sheldon Grinage, 25, will stand trial for murder in the January 2017 session of the Supreme Court for allegedly killing 32-year-old George Town Village resident, Mariano Castillo. The accused appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser for a Preliminary Inquiry on Tuesday, November 8. Prosecutor in the case, Cpl. Christopher Smith, presented a total of 11 statements and documentary evidence, including a recorded interview given by the three accused men. The men were unrepresented in court and did not challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Senior Magistrate Fraser then ruled that there is a prema facie case against the men and committed them to stand trial in January 2017. When asked if they have any alibi witnesses to declare only John Grinage gave a name.

Sixty hours community service for wannabe Customs Officer
Miguel Angel Manzanilla, 21, must serve sixty hours of community service after he pleaded guilty to committing a mischievous act. Manzanilla is a mechanic of Corozal Town and on Monday, October 31, he dressed as the scariest thing known to him, a Customs Department officer. The only problem with this dress up session was that he claimed to actually be one when stopped and questioned by police. However, officers at a checkpoint in Ladyville were suspicious when they saw him in short pants with the custom officer’s top. This caused them to do a quick investigation and it turned out that the uniform belongs to Manzanilla’s neighbour. He was then arrested and charged for committing a mischievous act. Manzanilla appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Norman Rodriguez and pleaded guilty to the offense of committing a mischievous act. The offense is minor; therefore, Magistrate Rodriguez sentenced Manzanilla to community service. Manzanilla must serve sixty hours of community service at his home town in Corozal.

He chopped a teenager in the head
Hilberto Keb, 27, is serving the first nights of an 18 months sentence at the Belize Central Prison for wounding 19-year-old Modesto Choc on Sunday, November 6. According to Choc, a shopkeeper from Louise Bevans Street, he was walking with a friend from Gibnut Street towards Racoon Street on Sunday when a man of Hispanic descent and a dark complexion man with dreadlocks approached them. The Hispanic male asked, “Wat deh go ahn with unu?” The man then pulled out a machete from his pants waist and chop Choc to the back of his head. He fell to the ground and his attacker fled the scene. Police investigation led to a quick apprehension of Hilberto Keb, who was identified as the man responsible for inflicting the chop wound. Keb was escorted to the Belize City Magistrates Court on Monday, November 7, where he appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. He was read two criminal offenses: wounding and aggravated assault with a machete.

Murderers cannot be sentenced to life in prison
The Court of Appeal has had made a landmark decision permanently quashing mandatory sentences of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. A Supreme Court Trial judge now has the ability to determine what sentence a person convicted of murder can receive, and it does not have to be life in jail. That decision was handed down in the appeal brought by Gregory August, who was convicted of murder in November of 2012. He was serving a life sentence, after a jury found him guilty of stabbing 73 year-old Alvin Robinson to death in May 2009. Trial evidence was that Robinson, who was crippled, and blind in one eye, was stabbed 9 times in the head and neck inside his house at Mile 8 on the George Price Highway. August appealed his conviction in the Court of Appeal, and after the court heard the arguments of his attorney, they dismissed that appeal and upheld his murder conviction. He then applied to the Caribbean Court of Justice for special leave to appeal, and in 2015, it was granted to him.

Vehicle stolen from Ministry of Health in Cayo
Under the cover of darkness a vehicle belonging to the Belize Ministry of Health was stolen. Miguel Salazar, a 50 year old Belizean driver of the San Ignacio community hospital has reported that between the hours of 12:30 am and 6:00 am on the 4th of November 2016, a grey Toyota Hilux pickup truck bearing license Cyb1665 was stolen from out of his yard in the Kontiki Area of San Ignacio Town. The Ministry of Health is yet to submit to Police a photo of the stolen vehicle.

Bitter sweet news for accused robbers
Burton Claire, 22, Gavan Claire, 21, Kyle Carter, 21, and James Swazo, 41, are awaiting sentencing after they were convicted of keeping a .38 Special revolver and ammunition without a gun license by Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Tuesday, November 8. The charge dates back to October of 2014 when the men were intercepted by police shortly after a robbery was reported. There was an armed robbery at Guan Fa Shop on Albert Hoy St. in the Belama area on Thursday, October 30, 2014. Three men entered the shop demanding money. One was armed with a chrome handgun and another went behind the cash register and took out $741. The men then ran into a waiting green Geo Prizm and drove out from the area. Quick police response resulted in the men being tracked and captured on Coney Drive. Inside the vehicle were four men along with the loot and a .38 Special loaded with four rounds. They were arrested and taken to the Queen Street Police Station.

Gary Seawell escapes extradition
Accused Narcotics Trafficker Gary Seawell, who remains wanted in the US, was allowed to go home free after the Court of Appeal discharged all extradition proceedings against him. He was languishing in the Belize Central Prison for 6 years and 9 months. The allegations from US law enforcement remains that between December 1994 to August 1997, Gary Seawell, and his other two brothers, Mark and Duane, managed millions of dollars, all allegedly from the drug trade, to be sent to parts of the US, such as Houston, Texas; Lakeland, Florida and Belize. They are additionally accused of importing cocaine into the US, through Mexico, and they are additionally suspected of running in a major marijuana business in Ohio and Texas. So, the US Government made requests to the Belize Government for their extradition to face trial. In February 2010, Police from San Ignacio caught Gary Seawell living about 4 miles inside the jungles of Esperanza Village. It is believed that he moved there with his family, away from public attention, some time after the extradition request was formally made. Since that time, he had been fighting his extradition to the US, first in the Magistrate’s Court, which reviewed the evidence that the Attorney General’s Ministry was provided by their American counterparts.

Man shot in Santa Elena, Cayo
A man is in stable condition at the Western Regional Hospital at this time after being shot on Saturday of this past weekend. At about 10:30 am on Saturday, San Ignacio Police responded to a shooting incident on the Carillo Puerto Avenue in Santa Elena Town. A police investigation has revealed that Patrick Gordon, a 33 year Belizean unemployed of a Santa Elena town address was driving his blue Toyota corolla car on Carillo Puerto Avenue along with two other persons when he was shot at by a male person. Patrick Gordon sustained a single wound on the left upper part of his chest. Police combed the area and found four expended 9 mm shells. Police are now seeking out one person, who they believe can assist them with this investigation.

Drugs found near San Ignacio Town
A quantity of drugs have been found near San Ignacio Town. On Wednesday November 2, 2016 about 9:00 am, San Ignacio Police were on mobile patrol on the Casa Maya Road. Whilst travelling towards the Shawville Area, San Ignacio Town, and about 300 yards on the road their attention was drawn to three male persons running across the road and into a bushy area. A search of the area led to the discovery of a black plastic bag which contained 2,750 grams of cannabis. The drug was labeled as found property. Western Regional Commander and Senior Superintendent Andrew Ramirez, L.S.M, applauds the vigilance of the officers involved including the Special Branch personnel as this area is used for transportation of drugs and other contraband.

Denver Skeet busted with weed at Central Prison
Lakeview Street electrician, Denver Skeet, 34, is out on bail after he pleaded not guilty to one count of drug trafficking. According to police, he was caught trying to smuggle weed into the Belize Central Prison on Friday, November 4. Reports are that Skeet went to visit a friend at the prison on Friday and took food for him that was allegedly sent by his mother. A routine search was conducted upon Skeet before entry and an officer found marijuana inside the food container that Skeet was carrying. He was detained by prison officials and handed over to the Hattieville Police. The marijuana was weighed at the Hattieville Police Station and amounted to six grams. This would normally warrant a charge for possession; however, since he tried to get it into a correctional facility, Skeet was charged with one count of drug trafficking.

Women fined for stealing panties
Orange Walk resident Donaela Bernaldita Smith, 36, and Corozal resident Jony Netty Lopez, 27, must pay $1,000 each or spend one year at the Belize Central Prison for shoplifting panties and other female underwear garments. Ingrid Perez, owner of Siloe Store at the corner of Orange and George Street, called police on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, to report that one of her female employees caught a couple of women stealing panties from inside her store. Police visited the location and viewed surveillance footage to identify the women accused of theft. Based on the footage, police were able to identify Smith and Lopez and managed to track them minutes later at the bus terminal. The women were taken to the police station where Perez and her employee were able to positively identify them as the two who entered the store and stole the panties. Both were arrested and charged for theft.

Belmopan Tourism Exposition held
Without a doubt Belmopan as the Nation’s Capital now has a treasure of tourist attractions and is rapidly becoming a central area for people from all over. In recognition of this trend, the managers from the tourism sector have embraced the many touristic opportunities that Belmopan now has to offer. The Belmopan Belize Tourism Industry Association - BTIA Chapter held its first of its kind Belmopan Exposition on Saturday of this past weekend at the Blue Moon Event Center, located at the corner of Constitution Avenue and the Hummingbird Highway. The main purpose of the expo was to showcase the central location of Belmopan and the proximity of a number of excellent natural attractions and hotels in the general area. It was also to highlight that everyone needs to pass through Belmopan, whether traveling from West to East, from East to West or from West to South. “We are the cross-roads to most of the attractions in the West and South of Belize and we are proud of our location and of course of our tourism product,” claims Rhoda Gill, Sales and Marketing Manager at the Belmopan Chapter of the BTIA.

Sir Barry’s Airport set for Friday’s opening
The Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport will be formally inaugurated this Friday, November 11, at the Belize City Municipal Airstrip. The airport was expanded and renovated as part of a $17 million project implemented by the Belize Airport Authority through a loan from the Social Security Board. The refurbished airport allows the simultaneous take-off and landing of several planes in a safer environment. The new features of the airport include an expanded runway 2,900 ft. long and 60 ft. wide with a parallel taxiway measuring 2,700 ft. long and 60 ft. wide, including a new lighting system to accommodate the landing of aircraft at night. With the appropriate marking and signage, the airport is now compliant with local and international civil aviation standards. An apron with safety lines, parking and service road markings and 10 aircraft parking stalls are also among the newly added facilities. A drainage system of the entire airport including box drains, culverts along the apron with major outlets to the sea and pedestrian walkways and new road markings were also installed. Furthermore, 2,600 feet of seashore protection was installed alongside the runway to complement the mangrove system.

Government informs Vega and Pitts of intent to recover compensation
The Attorney General and Minister of Natural Resources, Senator Vanessa Retreage, informed the public on Friday, November 4, that Government has informed Sharon Pitts and Andre Vega that they intend to recover the compensation they were awarded for land that was negligently sold to them. The AG’s office says that letters were sent to both parties at the end of October, which demands the repayment to the Government of Belize the sum of $400,000 which was paid to each of them. The release states that both Pitts and Vega, upon collection of the compensation amounts, made certain representations and warranties which were breached and, by the terms of the agreement with the Government of Belize, agreed to “indemnify and keep indemnified” the Government “from and against all proceedings, costs, claims, expenses, liabilities whatsoever that may directly or indirectly arise from the breach of the warranties and representations made.”

Minister of Defence resumes countrywide tour of BDF installations
On Wednesday of this week the much talked about Special Select Committee hearing got started and during it several things that are of note took place. One was that all the members of the committee were in attendance. Even Senators Eamon Courtenay and Mark Lizarraga were in attendance. The first order of business was for the Chairman Senator Aldo Salazar to call the session to order. Chairman Salazar then proceeded to read into the records the terms of reference and rules of engagement of the committee. The first witness in the person of the Auditor General, Dorothy Bradley was then called. She appeared in the company of two attorneys namely Sr. Counsel, Derrick Courtenay and Phillip Palacio. The presence of one of her attorneys is something we will get back to later on. Bradley was then administered the oath. The Chairman at that point said that he had been informed that Bradley had a statement to make and he directed her to make her statement, at the same time informing her that since she had been sworn in, her statement would be on record. In her statement she sort of, for a lack of a better term, fell on her sword.

Joint security meeting held in Cayo
At an unprecedented meeting of security related groups in Western Cayo, community members met at the Aguada Hotel in Santa Elena Town, to chart a new course forward in the fight against crime. Present at this meeting was Ernie Braun, Chairman of the Cayo Neighborhood Watch Association CNWA; Daniel Iche, Deputy Commander of San Ignacio Police Formation; Bill Butcher; Chairman of the People’s Coalition of Cayo PCC; Alberto Palma, Chairman of the Cayo Special Constables committee and Dr. Gregory Strophshire, fund raiser for the PCC; with each group leader providing their own perspective in the efforts towards bringing greater security to the citizenry. Dr. Gregory Shropshire, fund raiser for the PCC told the members that it was important to having a consolidation of the groups. He reviewed that the PCC had placed a 40 feet steel container for the Police, tiled the floor at the police station, and placed a backup generator for the San Ignacio Police Formation. “If we know what is going on, then we can do better patrols,” said Dr. Shropshire, who takes time out from his busy schedule and uses his private vehicle to do patrols.

Another NEMO Headquarters
Just over a week after United States Ambassador, H.E. Carlos Moreno, handed over a US$1.5 million facility to the National Emergency Management Organization at Machaca Forest Station in the Toledo District, he is at it again. On Monday, November 7, Ambassador Moreno handed over another facility to NEMO, this time in the Orange District. Minister of National Emergency Management, Hon. Edmond Castro, was joined by Minister with responsibility for Home Affairs and Representative of Orange Walk East, Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr., and Orange Walk Mayor Kevin Bernard to receive the facility from Ambassador Moreno. A release from the US Embassy says, “The operations center will enable NEMO to effectively coordinate disaster response, provide relief and deliver timely assistance to the people of Belize, especially in remote areas. This project will help to save Belizean lives by providing a state-of-the-art operations center to bring together key emergency response and disaster relief officials from NEMO, the Ministry of Health, Education, the Belize Defence Force, the Belize Coast Guard, and the Orange Walk District Government.”

Pickstock Holds Bashment for Senior Citizens’ Birthday
Hon. Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington and the Pickstock Committee are bringing great joy to the senior citizens of that area. The productive age group of a country has two jobs. One is to work tirelessly in an effort to create a better environment for the next generation and the other is to honour the previous generation by showing appreciation, respect and love throughout their later years. Pickstock Committee’s newest program is a monthly birthday celebration for their most treasured residents, the golden ones. The first birthday celebration was held over the weekend for constituents who were born in the month of October. The Committee believes the monthly event is not only effective in bringing smiles to the faces of older residents but also important for community bonding. In Belize we have a terrible habit of keeping our senior citizens locked up inside the home. They may not protest because many prefer to stay in and relax as their energy level fall but it is important to encourage activity, especially outside activity. Plus, when they are locked up there are friends right nearby that they may not see in years. The more contact they have with individuals from their younger days the more sharp their brain is because such social encounters unlock the memory bank.

New bridge in Santa Elena and San Ignacio nearing completion
Ever since the Hawkesworth Bridge, a one lane suspension bridge was built and imported from Middlesbrough, England , in 1949 , it has served as the main river crossing over the Macal River linking San Ignacio to it’s sister-town Santa Elena. It is currently the only drivable suspension bridge in Belize. There is also a wooden bridge further down stream that had been built as a temporary bridge to ease the flow of traffic from crossing the aging Hawkesworth Bridge. As time went by the Wooden Bridge that has now, become known as the LOW-LYING BRIDGE, has become a permanent crossing and is being used for the westward traffic heading into San Ignacio and further west. While the traffic heading east out of San Ignacio use the Hawkesworth Bridge. There has been one problem with that arrangement though, the area where the Low-Lying Bridge is located, has been known to suffer from severe flooding episodes and crossing then becomes impossible for extended periods. When that happens, like recently when it was destroyed by the ravages of hurricane Earl in August of this year, the Hawkesworth reverted to becoming the only crossing. The traffic is slowed down because crossing from either side is then down to intervals. It is then left to the government to spend huge sums of monies to do the necessary repair works to make the wooden structure useable again. The latest repairs cost around $150,000. So back in October 2012, when government announced that it would be building a new, larger bridge to span 154 meters across the Macal River, that would link Santa Elena and San Ignacio the news was well received.

Donald Trump is new American President- a look inside the numbers
The United States of America (USA) Presidential Elections has come and gone, leaving a bitter taste in many peoples’ mouth. While Hillary Clinton seemed to have been the obvious front runner the results proved that to be wrong. She was the clear popular vote winner, but fell far short of garnering the required electoral college votes to safeguard her trip to the White House as President. There are 538 electoral colleges of which the President elect needs to win at the very least 270. Donald Trump, a business mogul and relative new comer to politics, surprised the world by winning the Presidency in his very first attempt. An examination of the election data painted a very clear picture on how Trump’s victory was crafted. An exit poll demographic analysis by Michael Thrasher, Sky News Election Analyst, is being relied on for this article. The data suggests that a quarter of all voters chose either Trump or Clinton based solely on dislike for either candidate. The glaring statistics however indicates that whites made up about 70% of the votes. Of this population Trump appealed to 60%, 6 out of every 10 white voters.

Valley of Peace now has a new police station
A police station was opened on Wednesday morning in Valley of Peace Village. With the opening of the Police Station there will now be a faster response time, which was formerly about 25 minutes from Belmopan. An officer will now be posted for the 24 hours period, which will benefit the 3000 residents in the Valley of Peace Area. Funds for the re-opened Police Station in the Valley of Peace was provided by the Government of Belize. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR provided a motorcycle for use by the assigned officer. Present at the ceremony today were Howell Gillett, Officer Commanding Belmopan Police, Senior Superintendent Andrew Ramirez, Western Regional Commander as well as members from the UNHCR.

El Salvador repeats as Central American Junior female softball champions
The Belize Softball Federation played host to the XIII Central American U-22 Female Softball championship from November 3-6, 2016. The Triple Round Robin championship had to be shortened to a Double Round Robin championship when the Friday night games had to be postponed because of the rains. In order to accommodate the championship and making sure that it did play, the federation had to move the championship to the Joan Garbutt Stadium in Esperanza Village, and as a result the championship commenced on Saturday 5th November, 2016, with three games on the schedule. In the first game played, the defending champions El Salvador started out on the right footing when it humbled the new entrant to the games Costa Rica by the score of 21-5. In game two, Team Belize won over Costa Rica by the score of 14-6. The winning pitcher was Ashley Lucas for the Belize Team. In the third and final game of the day, Team Belize led by rookie pitcher Renisha Richards, who is only in her second year of international competition, held her own against El Salvador when they Belize team fell by the score of 5-3.

Ever Ballaz and Jumanji force a third and final game
The 2016 Sugar City Hoops Competition championship series will go to the full three games in both divisions. This has become necessary when on Saturday 5th November, at the Orange Walk East Sports Centre in the U-17 competition Ever Ballaz defeated East Coast Ballerz by the score of 38-25. The top scorers for the Ever Ballaz were Tyrique Dawson with 18 points, Rasheed Reneau with 8 points and Gymael Caal with 6 points. For the East Coast Ballerz, the top scorers were Erick Luna with 8 points, Kristan Puerto with 7 points and Norris Fisher with 5 points. In the U-25 competition, Jumanji forced a third and final game when it edged out One Love by the score of 63-62. The top scorers for Jumanji were Craig Cooper with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 1 assist; Shemar White with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 assist and Roger Reneau with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal.

2017 Copa Centroamericana Groups Selected
The Central American Football Union (UNCAF) has made its selection for the group stage for the upcoming 2017 Copa Centroamericana Tournament. Belize, being a part of the seven (7) UNCAF Nations, has been placed in Group A, which includes Panama, Honduras and Nicaragua. The Tournament will be held from 13 – 22 January, 2017 and will be hosted by the Republic of Panama. The top four teams will qualify for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, while the fifth-place team will advance to a play-off against the fifth-place team from the 2017 Caribbean Cup for the final Gold Cup berth. All matches will be played at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City.

Placencia Assassins stop FC Belize in its track
The Premier League of Belize 2016 Opening Season Tournament continued over the weekend with a number of games played over the country. On Saturday 5th November, at the MCC Grounds in Belize City, the host team the Belize Defence Force blanked the visiting Verdes FC by the score of 3-0. The goals for the Belize Defence Force were scored by Osmar Duran in the 47th and 79th minutes of play. The final goal for the Belize Defence Force was scored by Shane Flores in the 89th minute of play to give the Belize Defence Force the victory. On Sunday 6th November, at the Victor Sanchez Stadium in Punta Gorda Town, the host team Freedom Fighters FC defeated the visiting Orange Walk United FC by the score of 5-2. The host team Freedom Fighters were able to get onto the scoreboard first when Elroy Coe scored his first of his two goals in the 15th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. Orange Walk United was able to make it onto the scoreboard when Joao Silva scored the equalising goal for his team in the 34th minute of play to tie the score at 1-1.

WORDS OF LIFE
In the First Book of Chronicles, chapter four, verse ten: “Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” (New International Version) This week we look at the fourth part of the prayer, “Keep me from harm.” The King James Version reads, “Keep me from evil.” This petition makes sense when you consider that when our Heavenly Father blesses up in a huge way, and when we’re taking territory for God, we are taking this territory from the enemy. Satan, the devil, is outraged! When God’s hand is on you, and you are using the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission, spreading the love of Jesus in your sphere of influence, you become a target for the enemy. That’s why we have to pray to be kept from evil.

Republican Drumpf, Republican House, Republican Senate
There are some who wrongfully believe that we in the Jewel should restrict our focus to Belize; I disagree. The illegal, unjust, unfair Guatemalan claim and the De-risking Dilemma are external issues which hit home! They are but two of many examples why we must NEVER hide our heads in the sand – actually, not even ostriches do that! It is proper for Belizeans to pay attention to World Affairs; Belizeans died in foreign wars. Hitler was portrayed as a messiah-type figure, who could offer strong authoritarian leadership; he played on German nationalism exploiting the discontent since the First World War, to make Germany great again. Hitler is responsible for the death of 150,000,000 human beings – shocking but true. Hitler could have been stopped… but ‘very smart’ Germans voted for him. Drumpf is an extremely dangerous individual who says stupid things and does offensive things. He used the slogan “Make America Great Again.” He will get control of nuclear weapons…Ronald Reagan invaded tiny Grenada to prove his manhood, will Drumpf press the nuclear button?

Amandala

Belize moves to renegotiate billion-dollar super bond for 3rd time
A three-man team comprised of Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow, Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, and Economic Ambassador Mark Espat, advisor to the Government of Belize, traveled to New York this week to meet with the Government’s legal and financial advisors: Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, as the Government prepares to embark on a new round of negotiations to ease payments on its billion-dollar debt arrangement, which spans 25 years. Amandala is reliably informed that while the Government is not attempting a full restructuring of the super bond—which could be an involved and lengthy process—it wants to ask bondholders for an amendment to the terms and conditions of the existing arrangement, as it explores options for reducing Belize’s public debt expense through lower interest rates, reduced principal and/or an extension of the maturity date currently set for 2038.

Ian Sambula, 4, succumbs to burns suffered in Aloe Vera Street fire
Exactly one month and five days after Aaron Gabourel, 11, was burnt to death in a fire on Aloe Vera Street, his cousin, Ian Sambula, 4, succumbed to injuries suffered in the same fire. The fire was started on October 4 after an individual whom members of the family have described as a fair-skinned red-haired arsonist, reportedly stormed into the Hamilton’s family home armed with a bottle of gasoline, with which he doused the house and set it ablaze. The arsonist then reportedly fled the scene in a boat, never to be seen again. Sambula and his older sister, who both suffered burns to 95% of their bodies, were both airlifted to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Galveston, Texas, where they were receiving treatment free of cost.

Woman’s mysterious death at KHMH
It sounds incredible, but a woman who went into the hospital, reportedly for a complaint of sore throat and fever, died three days later and according to her family, after ten days, the hospital has still not performed the mandatory post-mortem to verify the cause of her death. Deanne Michelle Robinson, 31, a mother of three children ages 14, 9 and 7, died on Monday, October 31, at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), and her body is still languishing at the morgue. Her family, who resides in Gardenia, wants to bury her, but the KHMH apparently does not want to conduct an autopsy on her body to certify the cause of her death. Robinson’s mother, Mildred Crawford, who, along with her second daughter, was present at her eldest daughter’s bed at all times, told Amandala that she saw what happened to her daughter, which made her believe that her daughter is dead due to medical negligence, and the hospital is covering it up.

He died that his family might live
Inair Chan, 26, of Orange Walk Town, drowned in the Rio Hondo River at about 9:00 yesterday morning, Monday, while travelling from San Antonio to Orange Walk Town. Chan was a passenger in a car in which he was traveling with his wife; his baby, 4 months old; his wife’s two sisters, Soliema and Cynthia Moralez; and her brother, Edgar Moralez. The driver of the vehicle was Clive August, 58. While driving along the road, August missed the San Antonio Bridge and the vehicle plunged into the Rio Hondo River below, and began to slide into the deep area of the river. Chan managed to get out of the submerging car, but went back to save his baby daughter, while the others began to struggle to come out of the car. He took his baby to safety and went back to help his struggling wife, and got her out of the car, but as he was coming out, he somehow got trapped in the car, which was still sliding downward, causing him to drown.

Gladden Caye Resort Limited faces sanctions for illegal dredging
A tourism developer is facing fines in excess of BZ$10,000 after reports that it had illegally dredged around Gladden Caye, causing substantial alterations to the environment without authorization. On Monday, November 7, the Southern Environmental Association (SEA), based in Placencia, Stann Creek, reported on a site visit conducted last week Wednesday, November 2, when it discovered that workers of Lowen Construction Limited were dredging the area and dumping sand on the smaller island at Gladden Caye. Gladden Caye is located roughly two miles from Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserves, managed by SEA for the benefit of the tourism and fisheries industries, since it is also an important site for fish spawning aggregations. Dolphins and whale sharks are among the attractions there. According to SEA, substantial damage has been done, potentially affecting breeding grounds for commercial species.

Janelle Chanona chairs committee to elect 13th Senator
Representatives of Belize’s non-governmental organizations (NGOs) met yesterday, Wednesday, November 9, at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan to define the process to be followed to elect Belize’s 13th Senator,” stated a press release issued today, Thursday. The statement further revealed that as a result of that meeting on Wednesday, a steering committee was elected to lead the process of electing the 13th Senator. Janelle Chanona (Oceana Belize) serves as the committee’s chairman, while Osmany Salas (Belize Tourism Industry Association) serves as vice chairman, Amanda Acosta (Belize Audubon Society) serves as secretary, Armando Aban (The Scout Association of Belize) serves as treasurer, and Froyla Tzalam (Sarstoon Temash Institute of Indigenous Management) serves as media relations officer.

Belize hosts, El Salvador wins 13th C.A. Women’s U-22 Softball Championship in Esperanza
Three teams only participated, and El Salvador emerged the winner of the 13th Central American Women’s U-22 Softball Championship, which took place over the weekend, November 5-6, at the Joan Garbutt Stadium in Esperanza, Cayo District. The tournament was originally planned to be held at Rogers Stadium in Belize City, but was later moved west due to inclement weather in the coastal areas. The tournament followed a double round-robin format. In games on Saturday, El Salvador won, 21-5, over Costa Rica; Belize defeated Costa Rica, 14-6; and El Salvador edged Belize, 5-3. And on Sunday, Belize dropped Costa Rica, 11-3; El Salvador crushed Costa Rica, 10-1; and El Salvador again beat Belize, 6-1.

Bad mind, or just bad timing? An apology, please?
The historic MCC Grounds, scene of many memorable and epic football battles, is pretty much a disaster area nowadays, except for the developed north-eastern portion of the grounds, taken over for a car park to serve the customers of Princess Hotel & Casino across the street. None of the pavilions – the Guinness, Brodies or San Cas pavilions, and none of the bleachers along the western sideline, all destroyed by Hurricane Greta back in 1978, have been replaced. Except for not holding water because of its elevation, the field is in a terrible state, the surface making it difficult for our more highly skilled players to exhibit their true brilliance because of the many uneven areas and bumpy surface that often makes the ball jump instead of roll for an easy kill or right-away shot or pass. Sometimes, it can be embarrassing for a player when his shot goes wild, and he is not completely to blame.

Football Flashback – Milpros, circa 1981-82
The above picture is of a pre-game scene from upstairs of the Guinness Pavilion at the MCC Garden, as Milpros team members head towards the entrance to the playing field near the front gate on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the 1981-82 first country-wide 1st Division competition. The picture (copied and enhanced by Roland Parks) was provided to us by Egbert “Chana” Kisling, the player with the cap and sunshades. Just in front of Chana is Arthur “Goatman” Leslie, and to Chana’s right is Gilroy “Coro” Usher; farther right with the ball is his younger brother, then rookie Earl “Tangi” Usher, pointing upstairs to the cameraman (likely William “Bill” Lindo). To Goatman’s left is #2 Conrad “Can-D” Thomas (deceased). Ahead of Coro is #9 Evaristo “Harrier” Rosado; to his left is #6 Michael Rivero. On the far left near border is Mark “Taypad” Haylock; to his right in sweat-suit is goalkeeper Eddie Daniels, just ahead of yours truly, #8 Charles X Hyde. A fan above Taypad, facing the camera with sunshades is the legendary Rudolph “Sir Andie” Anderson. The player near the top of the picture is Kent “Takeoff” Clother. Above and a little to left of Clother, two men are seen checking notes on a paper; the one to the right with glasses is Radio Belize sports reporter, Manfred Atkins (deceased); and just below Clother is #18 Errol Muslar.

Strange inside business with National U-17
It is always a very delicate and sensitive matter whenever you are dealing with a selection of players, whether it is a neighborhood team, a semi-pro team, a village, town or city selection, and much more so, a national selection. Feelings are inevitably hurt. But there is a good way and a bad way of doing things. Communication is critical. Sometimes, circumstances lead one to suspect there is partiality in the decision making process, and meritocracy is sacrificed for personal reasons. We won’ t call any names for obvious reasons, but it is important for those in authority to know that there are consequences to their actions, and we cannot afford this type of slip-up when we are preparing to do battle. Here is a small part of what an aggrieved parent shared with us:

Editorial: The meaning and implications of the Donald
It will take some time for the real meaning and the full implications of Donald Trump’s election to the presidency of the United States of America on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, to be properly understood. Trump’s victory represents a sort of political revolution in the superpower America, because no one has ever been elected president there who did not have some kind of background in their political or military establishment. At the same time, it is interesting that Trump’s defeated Democratic Party opponent, Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, won more popular votes than he did. It was in the so-called electoral college where Trump prevailed. President Trump will find a permanent, professional class in the various branches of government, such as the State Department (foreign policy), the Pentagon (military), the Treasury Department (financial), and so on, which will bring him down to earth somewhat once he assumes the presidency in mid-January of 2017. What we mean is, the American version of what we would call the public service or the technocrat class in Belize, will tell Mr. Trump precisely what he can or cannot do. He would ignore these career experts at his presidency’s peril, and the peril of the United States of America.

From the Publisher
Not all priests are funny guys. I don’t know how they do it, those that do, live these lives of celibacy I mean, but there are those priests that do. Attending St. John’s College at the high school level between 1959 and 1963, I honestly cannot recall coming into contact with any priest or scholastic that gave off funny vibes. In fact, the principal of S.J.C. in 1961, before Hurricane Hattie, Fr. Francis Cull, S. J., ran away with the S.J.C. secretary, and they got married and lived in the States until he died recently. There was the case of the pastor at St. Ignatius Church, Frank Stobie, S. J., who fell in love with his secretary, but I don’t know how that worked out. There was one scholastic at S.J.C., Alvin Roy, S.J., who had many female admirers in the city, and there was gossip about him. But I don’t know how things worked out for him. When we students came back to S.J.C. to begin the 1961/62 school year, and in those days before the historic holiday change in 1964 the new school year began in June or July probably, we heard Fr. Cull had split with the secretary. Hurricane Hattie busted up Belize just three or four months later, and all our lives changed dramatically.

Remembering those who served and those who paid the ultimate price
Dear Editor, November 11, is the day the world sets aside to say thanks and to remember all who served in the armed forces and other efforts to defend their country’s cause. This day is the day the armistice was signed to end World War I. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the armistice was signed, thousands more died in the conflict because the news did not reach everyone together. As a colony and now as an independent nation, Belize has sent her sons and daughters to both great wars and other conflicts. After World War I, many of the streets of Belize City were named after areas in Mesopotamia — Mosul, Cairo, Tigris, Basra, Euphrates, Amara. There was even a riot by veterans after World War I to express discontent towards their colonial masters.

Are we guinea pigs?
Dear Editor, It was reported last week that the Ministry of Health wants to give HPV vaccines to four thousand four hundred Standard IV female students. The Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, quoted the WHO saying that 9-13 year old girls should be vaccinated before they become sexually active. Based on school attendance rates, those being selected for the first phase are Standard IV female students across Belize. So what is the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccination and why are these girls being targeted? Dr. Manzanero and the Ministry of Health are parroting the propaganda of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the pharmaceutical industry, which profits from the sale of vaccines. We doubt that he has done any scientific research into the “facts” he quotes and we question whether our children are anything but guinea pigs to see the effects of the HPV vaccinations.

Thoughts on the Donald Trump victory
After praying daily and unceasingly to God for a victory of Light over Darkness, Knowledge over Ignorance, Tolerance over Hatred, Sense over Nonsense and Wisdom over Folly, God in His wisdom and in His sovereign will, did not answer my prayer exactly in the way I wished. He did not give America Hillary Rodham Clinton as its first female president, as I had desired, but instead inflicted it with Donald Trump, a man the entire Free World gazes at in alarm, antipathy and fear — and, whose impending knowledge of America’s nuclear codes should fill us all with dread. I am now reminded of Galatians 3:1 — “You foolish Galatians! [substitute,Americans] Who put a spell on you?” What comes to mind too is 2 Timothy 3: 1-5: “Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent and fierce; they will hate the good; they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; THEY WILL HOLD TO THE OUTWARD FORM OF OUR RELIGION, BUT REJECT ITS REAL POWER.”

A lesson for young Belizeans on loyalty and patriotism
The decision to write this article was conceived in April of this year because I took umbrage to comments made by former CEO in the Ministry of National Security, Lt. Col. (retired) George Lovell, which bother me to this day. George Lovell said to a Channel 7 reporter on April 7 while discussing information leaked by a “whistleblower” that the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) were behaving aggressively towards our Belize Defense Force (BDF) on the Sarstoon River continuously for more than 10 years. Lovell said that those responsible for the leak should be sought out and punished (i.e. taken to court). As a young man I learned from the late Hon. Philip S.W. Goldson that a journalist should never under any circumstances divulge confidential sources of information given to him. Mr. Goldson proved this when information was leaked to him in 1959 regarding the Hilary Blood Report 8 days before the government got it. Sir Hilary Blood, former governor of Mauritus, an expert in Constitutions was appointed as Constitutional Commissioner of British Honduras by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Alan Lenox Boyd. Sir Hilary’s appointment was made in answer to complaints made by the National Independence Party (NIP), led by Herbert Fuller, and the Christian Democratic Party (CDP), led by Nicholas Pollard, Sr. Their complaint was that the existing 1945 Constitution should be updated to give local officials more control of the country’s affairs.

“Do The Right Thing” warns youth about human trafficking
For the past two years, Belize has been at the bottommost tier of the United States’ human trafficking index, at level 3, amid concerns over child sex tourism, which the 2016 report by the US has said is sometimes facilitated by Belizean relatives, as well as cross-border trafficking for prostitution between Belize and Guatemala and exploitation by even some law enforcement officers. Although it rarely results in arrests, human trafficking does continue to be a problem in Belize and one that Philip “Fawda” Henry, 48, a Belizean, has added to the personal safety talks he has been having with youths in primary and secondary schools across Belize, including Stella Maris School in Belize City, Bella Vista Primary School in Toledo and Holy Ghost School in Dangriga, Stann Creek. The well-known ex-traffic officer has been traveling around the country to do in-school presentations, and he told us that recently, he has been focusing on southern Belize, including Bella Vista, from where the latest report of a child kidnapping emerged some months ago. That village also has the largest elementary school, he said, adding that he was able to present traffic safety and personal safety talks to about 1,500 students class by class.

Birth certificate scams practically impossible to stop: Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse
Last Thursday a Belizean woman from the village of Progresso in the Corozal District was denied her birth certificate because it was among other documents already under investigation by the Registry Department. In an exclusive interview with Amandala, the distressed woman alleged to us that officials at the Registry told her that a man known only as “Garcia” sold her birth certificate to a Mexican national. She told us that several persons from her village were victims of this apparent birth certificate scheme, in which their birth certificates were sold to Mexican nationals. Despite having a Social Security card and being able to prove her parents were born Belizeans, the woman returned home without her birth certificate.

The Reporter

NGO’s craft criteria for 13th Senator
The newly formed Steering Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to facilitate the process of the 13th Senator, announced this week that it has established criteria for the selection of the Senator. The Committee, comprised of the 22 NGOs deemed to be in good standing by […]

Tour operators being moved- “Butts Up”; says it’s bad business
Tour operators are being relocated from in front of Terminal One at the Fort Street Tourism Village, and Yohny Rosado of CaveTubing.com says it will financially damage small tour operators. Rosado said this week, that the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) informed operators that they will […]

Four men convicted of Illegal gun possession
Four men accused of illegal gun possession have been convicted in the Magistrate’s court, and could face up to five years in jail. . Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Williams has reserved her judgement for November 25. “I am going to be guided by the […]

McLaren vows to fight drug charge
Political activist Nedal “Jihaad” McLaren Murphy, 56, was brought before Magistrate Debora Rogers on Wednesday afternoon, charged with possessing 8.6 grams of weed. Police say they found the marijuana in McLaren’s underwear, but McLaren says the police “planted” the weed on him. Bail in […]

Man injured in weekend shooting in Santa Elena Town
At around 10:30 a.m. last Saturday, Patrick Gordon, 33, was shot to his left upper chest while driving his car on Carillo Puerto Avenue in Santa Elena Town. Gordon was in the company of two friends when he was shot at by a male person who […]

Rivers charged with threatening words
Activist Raymond Rivers is out on bail, after being charged with threatening words in the Belize City Magistrates Court this week. Rivers went to court on Wednesday to be charged for allegedly threatening to kill City Councilor Phillip Willoughby. The court granted him bail valued at $400, […]

CGA Auditors’ report due at Dec.17 AGM
The auditors firm of Baker & Tilly is to present the audited financials of the Citrus Growers Association (CGA)at their upcoming annual general meeting scheduled for December 17, CGA Chief Executive Officer Henry Anderson told The Reporter on Tuesday, November 8. This means the auditors will be available for the […]

Tour guide suspended, Yhony cries foul
Yhony Rosado, Owner of CaveTubing.com is at odds with the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) this week for what he calls “unfair suspension” of two of his tour guides. Rosado explained that his guide, Jimmy Cortez, received a suspension letter this week which carried immediate […]

Hulse sues Francis
Minister of Agriculture Godwin Hulse is suing the former leader of the People’s United Party, Francis Fonseca, for defamation of character. Hulse explained on Tuesday that he could not repeat Fonseca’s comments, because the matter is before the court, but that the comments were in reference to […]

ACP Williams suspended; reinstated
Top cop, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams made the news this week after Police Commissioner Allen Whylie suspended him for reducing his officers’ shifts, then Minister of Police, Elodio Aragon reinstated him almost immediately. Williams reportedly made the single-handed decision to take the officers […]

Taiwan’s Ambassador completes tour of duty; new ambassador named
His Excellency, Ambassador Benjamin Ho, the diplomatic representative in Belize for the Republic of China (Taiwan), has completed his tour of duty to Belize and will depart on Sunday, November 13, after having served since July, 2014. Since Ambassador Ho’s assignment in Belize, he has […]

Ministry of Health surpasses malaria reduction targets
The Ministry of Health announced this week that is had exceeded its 2016/2016 targets for malaria reduction. The Ministry said on Monday that it recently completed an external evaluation by the Global Fund and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), as part of the regional initiative to […]

Editorial
Mr. Donald Trump’s stunning election victory Tuesday night, like the Brexit Referendum in the United Kingdom four and a half months ago, caught the world by surprise. In both cases voters were so frustrated with the status quo that they decided to dump it instead of trying to fix it. […]

Belize scrambles to avoid Superbond default
The government of Belize is scrambling to restructure the 2038 Superbond in an effort to avoid a chaotic default in early 2017, a report from the Wall Street Journal said late Thursday. According to WSJ, Belize urged bondholders to form a committee before the end […]

Police seize $315,000 worth of cocaine
Two suspects who were transporting more than 22 pounds of cocaine, worth more than $300,000 on the Philip Goldson International Highway last Saturday are still at large after police recovered the drugs. The seizure occurred at around 9:00 Saturday morning when the Anti-Drug Unit (ADU), […]

Trump takes US Presidential Elections
Donald J. Trump is the president-elect who will become the United States’ 45th Commanded-in-Chief. Trump, the Republican Party nominee, beat out Democratic party nominee, former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson, and Green Party nominee Jill Stein, this week in the […]

Public inquiry begins. Auditor General called to the stand.
This week, the Senate Special Select Committee formed to investigate the Auditor General’s Special Audit Report on the Immigration and Nationality Department (2011-2013), held its first public session. The six-memberCommittee held the meeting at the National Assembly building in Belmopan on Wednesday. All local television […]

William Mason returns to court
On Wednesday morning, the Belize City Magistrate’s Court was lined with armed police officers who at 9:00 a.m., escorted William, “Danny” Mason to the presence of Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith to face a single charge of murder against pastor Lewellyn Lucas of Dangriga. It […]

Breaking Belize News

Man and child shot in Belize City
A man carrying a child was shot near Majestic alley a short while ago in Belize city. The man has been identified as Porshan Pipersburgh, a Majestic Alley affiliate. He was carrying an eight year old child on a bicycle on Daly Street when a […]

Belize fighting Superbond default
As Belizeans carry on about their daily lives, fascinated by US elections and whatever else draws their attention, the country and the lives of its people may soon be rocked by tremors slowly developing beneath the surface. That tidal wave of of force, the wake […]

Two chopping victims lucky to be alive
Two men from the village of Big Falls in the Toledo District are alive after a machete fight ensued on Wednesday night in Punta Gorda. They are both currently receiving medical treatment. According to reports, Marciano Pau was chopped to his hand/arm and is […]

Nedal McLaren charged for weed possession
Nedal McLaren, the BPP’s candidate in Port Loyola during the November 2015 general election, had his day in court yesterday. However, it was not to challenge the constituency’s voter’s list as we saw his PUP rival in the area do yesterday. Instead the 56-year-old […]

PUP nominate candidates to serve on Integrity Commission
Yesterday, the opposition People’s United Party (PUP) issued a press release announcing that Party Leader John Briceno has nominated Melissa Balderamos Mahler and Claudet Grinage to serve as members of the Integrity commission. In accordance with the Prevention of Corruption Act (No. 21 of 2007) […]

Baca Academy seeking contributions
The Baca Academy, a local school in Placencia that works to improve the lives of children in Placencia and Independence, is seeking contributions to continue the positive work it does. Luis Torres, a proud staff member of the Chabil Mar resort, has been working with […]

Stafin Duncan resigns as President of National Youth Council and Belize District Youth Council
Yesterday the National Youth council issued a press release announcing that Stafin Duncan has officially resigned from his post as President of both the NYCB and BDYC effective November 9th 2016. The release explains that Duncan after the district council elections held in February […]

Police find weed on Southside Belize City
Yesterday morning between 4:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. members of the Southside Strike Team and members of the K9 Unit conducted an Anti-Drug Operation on the Southside of Belize City. The operation resulted in the following seizure: in an abandoned lot on Kraal Road […]

NEMO Minister hands over more houses in Belize City
Yesterday, NEMO Minister Edmond Castro was in Southside Belize City where he and officials from NEMO delivered more houses to victims of Hurricane Earl. Castro and his team also did an overall, on-the-ground assessment of the rebuilding efforts in the city and followed up […]

More rainy weather this weekend
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly cloudy skies with a few showers today and tomorrow. Periods of rain, showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected mostly along the coast and over the south and spreading to some inland areas this afternoon. The wind will blow […]

Blogs

How I Fell into One of the Best Jobs Ever
How did I end up living in San Pedro, Belize and making my living writing a blog? Luck? To some degree for sure. It’s probably best just to describe the journey. And it’s not as odd as you think. I’ve spoken to quite a few travel and lifestyle bloggers that started in corporate careers and then decided to do what they enjoy. And try to make a go of it. But, unlike the offerings by 1000s of websites, this is not a step-by-step guide to your dream job. In fact, it may be the “what not to do guide to blogging”. But my one bit of advice, that was really never given to me or asked of me, EVER, is no surprise to anyone – Figure out what you love – don’t be colored by perceived expectations, prestige or money – and do it. Nothing new. As a kid, I was a huge reader but at school, I gravitated towards math and science. There was always a set answer and it helped that I was good at it.

Fun Times at San Pedro and San Ignacio Fundraisers
There are never any shortage of fundraisers in San Pedro, your donations will go a long way – and you can have some fun while helping a great cause. Here are some three great upcoming countrywide charity events that are coming up fast and need your support and one sucess story. Humane Society Bidding Bonanza (online auction), Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic (BWRC) Gala, Holiday Boat Parade, Aside from fabulous fundraisers, San Pedro is also known for it’s community Spirit and helping those in need. As is the case from the following press release detailing everyone that joined together to help.

San Pedro Belize Hotels: Top 12 Accommodations Guide
Winter is coming (no pop culture reference intended) and undoubtedly the migratory species we call people will flock to warmer weather to escape at-least a part of the frost. Chances are if you’ve google searched ‘Belize’ over the past few weeks that you came across the World Travel Award winning San Pedro, Ambergris caye. Shortly after your search began your head probably took a spiral due to the sheer volume of potential stays. If you got lost in the San Pedro rush, fret not, we’ve got you! Today we bring you a recommended list of the best San Pedro Belize Hotels:

International Sources

Belize Film Festival opens strong with 'Ixcanul'
Two days after the election of Donald Trump, I left the country. But before you jump to any conclusions, the trip was already in the works—a first-time excursion to the Belize International Film Festival, now celebrating its 11th edition. Not a bad place to find yourself in mid-November. The Belize Fest is a small one: 11 narrative features, seven feature-length documentaries, ten narrative shorts, six short docs and, curiously, 19 music-videos (all made in Belize!). There’s a genre movie here and there—an L.A. gangsta tale, a romantic comedy from South Africa, a thriller from Trinidad and Tobago—but what distinguishes the Belize Fest is the preponderance of films about social issues. Festival director Suzette Zayden isn’t seeking after glitz and glam, but movies that have something to say about life in the 21st century. And that’s a refreshing antidote this writer needed after Tuesday’s appalling national tally took the U.S. back to the mid-20th century. The screenings this year are being held at the historic Bliss Center for the Performing Arts and, frankly, the web-based projection system is far from state-of-the-art.* (Funders from the tech world, how about showing this fest some love?) But that doesn’t obscure the fact that the short and feature that opened the fest were both outstanding.

Withdrawal of Correspondent Banks Poses Significant Risk to Caribbean
A significant threat to Caribbean economies has emerged as global banks withdraw their correspondent banking relationships in these countries. Correspondent banking with global banks allows smaller banks access to the international payments system, facilitating money transfers through transactions such as wire transfers, check clearing, and currency exchange. Without these banking relationships, businesses are cut off from international trade and financing, families are unable to collect remittances from relatives working abroad, and foreign investors may be unwilling to invest if there is a risk they will be unable to repatriate their profits. The threat to Caribbean economies from large-scale withdrawal of correspondent banks was high on the agenda of policymakers attending the 2016 High Level Caribbean Forum in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on November 2, 2016. “The withdrawal of correspondent banking relationships presents a clear and present danger to the Caribbean,” declared IMF Deputy Managing Director Tao Zhang in opening remarks at the forum, which was co-hosted by the IMF and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Videos

November 11, 2016

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, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

SPTC undergoes reshuffling
According to Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the changes are in order for his councillors to get a feel of all the different portfolios. “We swapped certain portfolios between four of our councillors who are new to the Board, so they are more flexible with the duties,” said Guerrero. Deputy Mayor Gary Greif will no longer be in charge of Waste Management and Sanitation, as he now heads the Transport portfolio. Councillor Flora Ancona was given additional duties. She will now be also in charge of Public events and Culture and Leisure. Councillor Ruben Gonzalez will now be in charge of Waste Management and Sanitation, while Councillor Hector Alamilla was given the National Emergency Management Organization and the NGOs portfolios.

SPHS Male Volleyball Team regional champs again!
On Saturday November 5th, the San Pedro High School’s (SPHS) Male Volleyball Team captured the title of Northern Regional Male Volleyball Champions. The games were hosted by Muffles College at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk Town, where they competed against teams from secondary schools in the northern division. The championship has given the SPHS boys the ticket to represent the North at the National Secondary Schools Sports Association Volleyball Tournament to be held on Friday, November 11th and Saturday November 12th at Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio Town. The SPHS boys are now set to compete at Nationals, where they will meet with zone champions from the West, East and South of the country. During the few days before their departure to the Cayo District to join in the battle for the top prize, the team will be hard at practice hoping to capture the National Championship. “We are working hard and we are hopeful for a good result at nationals,” said Kelly.

Rugerri Trejo receives runner-up title to Youth and Sports Award
Over 15 prestigious awards were issued at the annual ‘Youth Awards’ on Friday, November 4th. Youths gathered at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City to be recognized for their achievements in various sectors, including: education agriculture, sports, innovation, media, and more. In the Youth and Sports category, San Pedro’s very own footballer, Rugerri Trejo, was awarded second place. Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Patrick Faber, who acknowledged the progress of the younger generation of Belize in his address. “Since 2008, we’ve been able to steadily increase the visibility of the Department of Youth Service…There are some young people doing things that you would not imagine…there’s so much talent in Belize, especially the young people. My friends, we are here to celebrate them tonight…a wonderful applause for all their efforts. We want them to keep on doing what they are doing because it is a great effort,” said Faber.

San Pedro FC draws in friendly match against Chetumal’s New Castle
San Pedro’s semi-pro football team travelled to the neighbouring Mexican city of Chetumal on Saturday, November 5th for a friendly match against Mexican Club New Castle. The match proved to be a tough challenge for both teams, as both wanted a win. However, when the final whistle blew, the final score was a 1-1 draw. This was the first international match for San Pedro FC, who had been playing friendly games at home in preparation for their debut at the inauguration of the Ambergris Stadium scheduled for Saturday, November 26th. The team had played and won four games at home, but last weekend, the Mexicans gave the islanders a challenge that they handled very well.

The Belize Zoo says farewell to Lucky Boy
It was a gloomy day at The Belize Zoo (TBZ) when they announced that “Lucky Boy”, a rehabilitated male black jaguar, passed away on Friday, November 4th. Lucky Boy arrived to TBZ back in July 2012, after bring found near death, and suffering from chronic health problems. Following his heart-breaking rescue, Lucky Boy brought joy and happiness to many lives through his amazing story over the past four years. The 20-year-old black jaguar received medical attention, but his health declined despite efforts. TBZ Director Sharon Matola stated that his passing away came exactly one week after TBZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Belize Forest Department (BFD) on Friday, October 28th. The MOU formalized the important relationship between TBZ and BFD, and promoted a mutually beneficial future for them. Since the zoo was founded in 1989, they have worked extensively on animal rescues, public education, and capacity building.

Ambergris Today

San Mateo Rebuild Project: Raise Me Up Completes Post-Hurricane Rebuilds in San Mateo
Raise Me Up (NGO, Belize) would like to thank the amazing community of San Pedro Town and its supporters for all of the amazing contributions to the rebuild of the San Mateo subdivision of Ambergris Caye after the devastation caused by Hurricane Earl through the San Mateo Rebuild Project. Hurricane Earl’s storm system brought 9-12 inches of rain, causing surges and flooding throughout Belize. On the night of August 3, 2016, Hurricane Earl made landfall on Ambergris Caye, displacing hundreds of individuals and devastating many docks and businesses along the island’s coast. Among the damage caused by the hurricane, San Mateo was one of the most affected areas of the island. San Mateo is a subdivision that is the home to many underprivileged and disadvantaged families. Lacking in proper city infrastructure, many of the homes in San Mateo were built hastily to provide simple establishments for the families that occupy them. The subdivisions on Ambergris Caye, San Mateo had 52 homes heavily damaged or completely demolished by the hurricane.

Cancellation of Seismic Survey Does not Signal Stopping Offshore Oil Exploration in Belize
Although the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum reconfirmed in a press release to the general public that the regional offshore seismic survey has been cancelled, it does not entirely signal the cancellation of offshore oil exploration in the country. Yes, seismic testing has been cancelled, but now a multibeam vessels are still tentatively scheduled to enter Belizean waters by tomorrow Friday, November 11,2016. On Tuesday, November 8th, 2016, the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum issued a press release titled "CANCELLATION OF THE REGIONAL OFFSHORE SEISMIC SURVEY". In that document, the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum confirmed that "the regional offshore seismic survey has been cancelled."

UB and the UWI sign Memorandum to improve tertiary level education in Belize
Recognizing the common interest in the continuous development of the human capacities at the national and regional levels, Dr. Luz Longsworth, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of the West Indies Open Campus, Cave Hill, Barbados, and Alan Slusher, President of the University of Belize, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing an even closer co-operative relationship between the two universities. The MOU, signed on 8th November, 2016, at the UWI Open Campus in Belize City, seeks to strengthen the relationship through collaborative efforts in research, teaching, and programme and course development. It includes provisions for student exchanges, professional development for faculty and staff, and for joint consultancy arrangements both locally and internationally.

Misc Belizean Sources

The National Primary School Track & Field Championship
The National Primary School Track & Field Championship kicked off this morning at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. Minister of Education, Youth & Sports opened the event with a sprint against Track & Field star Tricia Flores!

Opening of the Queen Street Police Station training room
The US Embassy is proud to have partnered with the Belize Police Department to enable the opening of the Queen Street Police Station's training room in Belize City! The U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Intl Narcotics & Law Enforcement (INL) provided $30,000 worth of refurbishment materials, electronic equipment and furniture. The training room supports the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) projects such as CompStat, Field Training Officer Program, Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) Program, and Community Policing efforts. The U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Intl Narcotics & Law Enforcement (INL) coordinator Bob Gibson represented the Embassy and delivered remarks at this exciting occasion.

World Travel Market 2016, ExCeL London - Responsible Tourism Awards
Silver Winners with awards Headline sponsor, Karen Bevans, Belize Tourism Board - Virginia King, East African Safari & Touring Co.

Metal Haven 2016 Highlights
Metal Haven had a great lineup this year. They got lots of great pictures from the event. "As promised, here are some photos from YOUR Metalhaven Bash2016!! As previously mentioned, this is very likely our last event so we really appreciate and thank all those sponsors, bands, supporters and staff who have helped us throughout these 6 years of Metalhaven Bash. Special thanks to Manuel Manzanero for these photos and we will keep uploading more photos in the upcoming days."

Entrepreneurship Symposium 2016
The Global Entrepreneurship Week is next week, and Beltraide is kicking it off with the 2016 Entrepreneurship Symposium, which will be Monday at the George Price Center. "You are cordially invited to the Entreprenuership Symposium to be held on Monday, 14th November 2016 at the George Price Centre for Peace and Development, Belmopan. The event is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week and organized by BELTRAIDE in collaboration with the University of Belize."

Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations
Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations start this weekend here in Cayo. This Saturday is Garifuna exhibition day at the Cayo Welcome Center, and there will be food and drumming. On Sunday there will be a procession from the Sacred Heart Church to the cemetary and a tribute to Mr. Vincent Ramos. On the 17th, the SISE House of Culture will be celebrating with a Garifuna exhibit, and there will be food and drumming. Punta Fest will be on the 18th at the Cayo Welcome Center. There will be an early morning procession on the 19th, and then a parade. Happy November!

Letter: BPP condemns latest Guatemala armed forces aggression
Belizeans and the world recently learned of another aggression by the Guatemalan Armed Forces against our Belize Defence Force. This is very disturbing, however even more disturbing is the fact that the brigadier general seems to down play the aggressive behavior of the GAF. In fact it seems that he intentionally tried to hide these incidents. The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) is calling on all Belizeans at home and abroad to urge the US government to stop arming GAF and urge the Belize government to file complaints with all embassies and the UN Security Council. The BPP condemns this latest aggressive behavior by the GAF. We at the BPP stand in solidarity with the BDF and urge them to continue to stand strong and proud.

Power interruption 8:00am to 12:00noon, Wednesday November 16: downtown San Ignacio
George Price Highway between Kontiki and Police Station, Martin Galvez Blvd, Trench Town, Awe St, Buena Vista St, Far West St, Joseph Andrew Dr, Branch Mouth, John Martinez St, 4th St, Martin Galvez Boulevard, Buena Vista Street, Boiton Area, Mosquitoville and Cahal Pech area. BEL to install a switch on distribution system and remove hazardous vegetation from along power lines.

Cayo BTIA Elects New Board
The Cayo branch of the Belize Tourism Industry Association had its AGM on Tuesday, and they elected the board for the coming year. The BTIA has been working with the BTB lately to modify the proposed minimum standards so they are realistic, reflect the ecotourism aspect of Cayo, and not arbitrary. Tough job, but someone's got to do it. Best of luck, BTIA! "Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) Cayo Chapter Board -- Chairman Roberto Harrison, Vice Chairman Chester Williams, Treasurer Lee Austin, and Secretary Nel Marie are the officers. Tanya Silvia and Madeline Reynolds were elected as Councilors. Here's to a successful 2017!"

Belize International Film Festival
The 11th Edition "Opening Night" at the Bliss Institute

Channel 7

Burn Victim Ian Succumbs In Galveston
Last month, it caught the nation's attention when 11 year-old Aaron Jacob Gabourel perished in the fire which destroyed his family's Aloe Vera Street Home. His cousins, 4 year-old Ian Sambula-Carr, and 8 year-old Empress Hamilton, suffered burn injuries to 90% of their bodies. They were in danger of losing their lives, but through generous donations of Yvette Burks' Burn Victims Mercy Fund, and the Shriner's Hospital For Children, these kids were flown out of the country for specialized medical care in Galveston, Texas. But, tonight, there's terrible news. After a month of medical procedures. 4 year-old Ian has passed away. We are told that he and his sister were doing fine up until yesterday, when he had a crisis during their regular dialysis treatments. His little body gave out on him last night, and though the doctors tried their very best, they could not resuscitate him.

Lucky Strike Family Escaped From Burning House
So, while the Belize City Family of Ian Carr grieves his loss, another family from Lucky Strike Village are very fortunate that 2 of their children only received minor injuries in yet another fire. 31 year-old Fabian Carillo and his common-law wife, Stephanie Herbert were at home with their 6 children on Tuesday morning at around 1 p.m. when their 4-bedroom house caught fire with them inside it. They parents were awakened by the sound of their kids crying, and that's when they knew they had to get out immediately. They did, but Carillo and 2 of the children suffered minor burn injuries. Although their home was destroyed, the family says there is good news in their misfortune. Their entire family gets to work on putting their life back together as one group. Our news team traveled to Lucky Strike today to find out what it took for this family to get out alive. Courtney Weathernburne has the story:

COLA's "Jihad" Charged For "Roach"
If you follow the efforts of the grassroots activist organization, COLA, you know Murphy Nedal McLaren, also known as "Jihad". He's always seated at the head table of any press conferences that the organization holds, and he's always right on the front lines of any COLA protest, which has recently been consistently against the Barrow Government. Well, this afternoon, it was Geovannie Brackett who had to be supporting Jihad after he was hauled in by police for possession of marijuana. Now, its the kind of thing which doesn't normally make the news after all, the court system is flooded on a daily basis with persons who have to answer for weed possession. Its of interest because McLaren becomes the third COLA member within 6 weeks to be charged with some sort of criminal offence. In October, during the teachers' strike, Brackett was charged in connection to the tire fire on Belcan Bridge, along with his fellow grassroots activist Perry "Stix" Smith. Their fellow activist Fitz Howard who was also charged with possession. .

Ashcroft Alliance Wins 18 Mil US More
While the Government of Belize is struggling to regain its step after paying out 67 million US to the Ashcroft Alliance for BTL, another huge compensation payout for the Alliance is on deck. And, this time, government isn't even thinking about a settlement; it's getting ready to go all the way to the United States Supreme Court to challenge the ruling. Why the US Supreme Court? Well, that's because the compensation judgment came out of the US court for the District of Columbia. That Court enforced a Final Award payment of equivalent of $18.5 million US dollars, plus interest - on which a staggering 17% interest has been compounding monthly since 2012. The award is for one of those Ashcroft Companies with a cute name, Belize Social Development Limited, registered in the British Virgin Islands. We say "cute" because the extent of BSDL's social involvement is as a legal backstop for the notorious, and apparently deathless, Accommodation Agreement.

Becoming Compliant to Select the 13th Senator
Who will be the 13th Senator? That's what everyone outside the NGO community has been asking for weeks since the Prime Minister signed the Commencement Order. Inside the NGO Community, they're been trying to come up with a format to select that person. As we showed you last week, it didn't seem imminent. Well, representatives of the NGO community met again yesterday at the George Price Center in Belmopan, quote, "to define the process to…elect Belize's 13th Senator." They confirm via press release that of the 143 registered NGO's, only twenty-two are in what is called "good standing under the law." So, those 22 have elected a Steering Committee to facilitate the process for the 13th Senator. That committee is chaired by Janelle Chanona from Oceana Belize, Vice-Chair Osmany Salas from the BTIA, Secretary Amanda Acosta from the Belize Audubon Society, Treasurer Armando Aban from The Scout Association of Belize), and Media Relation Officer, Froyla Tzalam from SATIIM.

PUP Nominates 2 For Integrity Commission
So, while the NGO Community works on deciding who will be the 13th parliamentarian to ascend the upper House, the PUP is reporting that they have chosen 2 persons who they want to sit on the Integrity Commission. You'll remember that the Prime Minister agreed to reactivate the commission, the very same time he agreed to sign the commencement order for the 13th Senator. That was when he was was negotiating with the Teachers to end the 11-day strike, and today, the PUP says, Quote, "Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceno, after careful consultation, has nominated Mrs. Melissa Balderamos- Mahler and Mrs. Claudette Grinage to serve as members of the Integrity Commission. This is in accordance with Section 3(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act which provides that two of the members of the Integrity Commission shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given with the concurrence of the Leader of the Opposition.

The Auditor General And Those Aggrieved Citizens
Last night, we gave you extensive coverage of the first day into the Senate Hearings on Immigration. That's when Auditor General Dorothy Bradley answered her summons from the Senate to give testimony on her audit reports which exposes mass irregularities in the Immigration and Nationality Department. That gave us the opportunity to also get an interview, which was her first since her reports became part of the public record. As you saw, she acknowledged that she erroneously printed House Speaker Mike Peyrefitte's name in her reports, and so when we had the opportunity, we asked her about other persons who want their names cleared as well.. We're referring to those ordinary citizens who she named as persons who received recommendations from Ministers. when they didn't need any such recommendations to apply for their immigration documents. They're sort of like examples of persons who the Auditor General used to show the culture of Ministers recommending persons, when the regulations don't require that. But, as you are aware, everyone is clamoring to be taken out those reports, for fear of being labelled as some sort of wrongdoer.

4 Found Guilty of Firearms Offences
Tonight, 44 year old James Swazo, 22 year old Kyle Carter, 23 year old Burton Claire and his brother, 22 year old Javon Claire are all awaiting sentencing, after being guilty of firearm and ammunition offenses. If their cases are strong enough, they just might get out of that 5 year jail sentence. They were convicted yesterday before Chief magistrate Anne Marie Smith, who gave them the chance to say why they shouldn't be sent to jail for 5 years. Well, Swazo told the Chief Magistrate that he is the only one who provides for his family and he does not want to go to jail. Carter said he has a baby he has to take care of. And the Claire brothers mentioned that they have to take care of their sick mother. So, to the crime itself, police busted these men back in October 2015. Police saw them throw a .38 revolver with 5 rounds of ammunition in its magazine out their vehicle on Coney Drive. As a result, they were arrested and charged.They were also charged with robbery but that charge was withdrawn because the virtual complainant had left the country.

Bernard Seawell Jailed For Robbery
31 year old Barber Bernard Seawell was found guilty 2 days ago of the crime of robbery, in Magistrate's court, and tonight, he continues to serve a 7 year jail term. Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith explained to Seawell that she cannot give him the minimum sentence because he has 2 previous convictions and both of them are for crimes of dishonesty. This recent incident happened on April 4th. The complainant, a female college student, testified that she was walking on Princess Margaret Drive, going towards St. John's College, when she saw Seawell. He was riding a bicycle and had on a bandana that covered his head but not his face. She said Seawell approached her and demanded that she hand over her gold chain otherwise he will kill her. She said she feared for her life, so she gave Seawell her $500 chain and he rode away. She positively identified Seawell as her assailant in an identification parade and she also identified him in court.

Bails Of Cocaine From the Caribbean
American news reports say that the US Coast Guard has made a huge 11 million dollars seizure of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea. As viewers are aware, Belize shares a part of the sea with - well - the rest of the Caribbean Countries, and in those reports, it is not not specify exactly which location that was, but the Coast Guard busted the drugs from a group of 5 persons who are suspected smugglers in the high seas. On October 27, the Royal Fleet's Auxiliary Wave knight launched a helicopter and a small boat with help from the U.S. Coast Guard after officials suspected a go-fast vessel was carrying the contraband. What they ended up finding was bigger than contraband, and when they intercepted the boat, they found 14 bales of cocaine. The drugs have an estimated street value of $11.6 million. A high ranking member of the US Coast Guard's 7th District is quoted as saying, "This seizure highlights how effectively the U.S Coast Guard and our Allied partners are working together to disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks that depend on the flow of illicit drugs from South America into the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe,"

Training the Next Big Female Entrepreneur
If you want to be Belize's next Marie Sharp, you will Want to attend tomorrow's women entrepreneurship leadership conference. Now of course, the organizers aren't confining you to pitching ideas for a new brand of pepper sauce, they want female entrepreneurs to be innovative and also to succeed in their own business venture. The conference is all about empowering women through business opportunities and the President for the Belize Center for Training and Development, Danalyn Myvett told us more about how this conference will take these aspiring female entrepreneurs to the next level. Danalyn Myvette, President - BZ Center for Training and Development: "The women entrepreneurship leadership conference which will take place tomorrow at the Belize Biltmore plaza is the signature event that is being put off in Belize to celebrate support and empower women. It is a part of a global movement that is happening all across many countries over the month. In the context of where the empowerment of women is occurring particularly in this program is in the entrepreneur, the business space."

Nursing Risky Baby Deliveries
Today, nurses and midwives from across the country gathered to broaden their knowledge on the care of newborns, especially those born sickly or premature. We spoke to the Chair of the Nurses and Midwives Council, Augustine Elijio, about the annual conference and how it helps to improve healthcare in Belize... Augustine Elijio, Chair. - Nurses & Midwives Council: "It's an annual nursing conference. Today's conference is under the theme 'Developmental care of the Newborn', very timely and very essential for nurses." Reporter: "Do we have a representation from all major hospitals in Belize?" Augustine Elijio: "Again, definitely. it's a need, if we're supposed to breasted, if we're supposed to be knowledgeable and because we render that type of care in every facility regardless of the level, then we need to have nurses from all those hospitals including the private sector."

Primary School Track Championships Return To Marion Jones After 5 years
Today, for the first time in 5 years, primary school athletes came together at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City to compete in the National Primary School Championship. 9 to 14 year olds from every district participated in 10 different competitions. This year, the Olympic Committee sent coaches to help the young athletes develop their skills. The Director of the National Sports Council, Ritchel Dominguez, told us why he is putting such an emphasis on track and field... Ritchell Dominguez, Dir., National Sports Council: "It hasn't been in our school program for 5 years, but this year. And the minister has pledge that he will support us in getting track up and running, because it's a very expensive sport and I think that is why they have drawn back because the other sports are much more people involved. With track it skips from different schools. So what we have to do is round them up and see where you get them together. It's a whole different than basically doing football or softball or those other programs. So I think that was one of the reasons why they just left it alone for a while. But it's here to stay now.."

Making Zoning Work Better For Belize City
In the past few months, the Belize City Council has held several public consultations to introduce the public to and discuss ways in which life in the city can improve. Today, the City Council, in collaboration with the BTB and the Ministry of Tourism held a consultation to talk about the potential changes coming to the Fort George Tourism Zone. Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley told us more: Darrell Bradley, Belize City Mayor: "The city is looking at several aspects of zoning throughout the city and one of the things that's very critical to us is the zoning of the Fort Street tourism zone area. We're working very closely with the BTB for the last 2 years. We actually have a taskforce made up of members of the Belize City Council and members of the BTB to more regularly organize the zone. We're working very closely with stakeholders in the community especially the business sector within this area of Belize City to talk about areas of how we can have improvements in terms of traffic, parking, crime, garbage. Under the partnership with the BTB and City Council, we're talking about ways we can formalize this but we want to incorporate participation from the private sector hence the consultation."

Channel 5

Ian Sambula, Fire Victim, Dies in Treatment in Texas
There is a second murder to report tonight in connection with an act of arson at a house on Aloe Vera Street, Belize City on October fourth. Five weeks after [...]

Was Zebedee Loague’s Death the Result of a Seizure or Fatal Attack?
Last Monday, on October thirty-first, at around ten-thirty, police discovered a man on the pavement on Central American Boulevard, Belize City with head injuries. According to police, he was suffering [...]

Teenager Kentroy McKoy Survives Gun Attack in Belize City
Eighteen-year-old Kentroy McKoy is lucky to have escaped grave injuries during an armed assault on Wednesday night in Belize City.  The shooting occurred in the vicinity of Pinks Alley where [...]

“Jihad” McLaren to Court for Weed – Are Activists Under Threat?
Well-known political and social activist Nedal McLaren was hauled before the court this afternoon for allegedly stashing eight point six grams of marijuana inside his underwear.  “Murphy”, as the fifty-six-year-old [...]

P.U.P. Names Nominees to Integrity Commission
Weeks ago, the Prime Minister gave in to numerous demands due to overwhelming public pressure; one being to reactivate the Integrity Commission which has a secretary and office space in [...]

50 Thousand Pounds of Imported Ham for Christmas?
Drawing closer to Christmas, the thoughts of Belizeans turn to what size ham and turkey to get to feed their families. Local producers of the meats look to take advantage, [...]

The Belize International Film Festival is Here!
It’s lights, camera and action tonight at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts, as the eleventh annual Belize International Film Festival takes center stage. For the first time it [...]

Steering Committee Formed to Guide Process of Picking 13th Senator
By January of 2017, the population of Belize’s Upper House of parliament will have been increased by one. A thirteenth member of the Senate will be elected from among members [...]

13th Senator Must Be Political, But Not Partisan
Among the criteria listed for the future N.G.O. Senator are some expected requirements – being a Belizean and being familiar with N.G.O. issues, among others. But two in the list [...]

Orange Walk Police May Make Arrest in Brutality Report
Orange Walk Police are wrapping up their investigations and may make an arrest of one of their own in a case of police brutality reported in Guinea Grass, Orange Walk. [...]

Family of 7 to Jail for Half Pound of Weed
Fifty-year-old Karen Almendarez, her six children and daughter-in-law were all arraigned today for drug trafficking after being busted with a half pound of cannabis at their residence on Electric Avenue.  [...]

More Arrests for Conch Shell Bay Beating Incident
The family of two-year-old Kaylee Alvarez is still grieving the tragic loss of the toddler who perished during a deadly house fire in Conch Shell Bay in October.  Her grief-stricken [...]

Nursing Conference Discusses Developmental Care of the Newborn
Nurses engaged in both the public and private health systems are meeting in Belize City to discuss the many ways in which they can provide improved neonatal care. The conference [...]

What’s Behind Shortage of Nurses in Belize
But understaffed hospitals continue to be one of the primary challenges facing the healthcare system. As it currently stands, demands are not being met despite efforts by the Ministry of [...]

National Track and Field Championship: The Comeback for Athletics?
Primary school Track and Field athletes from across the country gathered in Belize City today for the national track and field championship. The students, ages nine to eleven and twelve [...]

B.P.P./B.T.V.’s Wil Maheia Sounds Alarm on Guatemalan Aggression
The Belize Progressive Party is questioning B.D.F.’s Brigadier General David Jones over a most recent incident in the Sarstoon where a B.D.F. patrol was intercepted by a Guatemalan gunboat. They [...]

Healthy Living: First “Living in Womb Wellness Retreat” This Weekend
It’s a one of a kind event that is being hosted in Belize this weekend. It’s combining food and diet and yoga into a weekend of wellness geared specifically to [...]

CTV3

Orange Walk COP Expected To Be Charge For Assault Guinea Grass Resident
On Sunday night twenty one year old Hugo Noh, a construction worker from the village of Guinea Grass, in the Orange Walk District, received a severe beating which landed him in the hospital for over 2 days, reportedly at the hands of a police officer. As we had reported on Monday the incident allegedly occurred in front of Zhen Zhen store, a popular establishment in the village where the off duty officer was hanging out with friends. According to witnesses, Noh arrived at the store in his vehicle and appeared to be intoxicated. The officer, who was also allegedly under the influence approached him and reportedly removed the key from the vehicle’s ignition and ordered Noh out of the vehicle. This caused an altercation between the two and the situation got out of control when the officer allegedly used his service weapon to inflict the severe beating on Noh.

PUP Leader Weighs In Belize's Economic Woes
And keeping with the subject of the national debt, Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceno is alarmed by the Government’s announcement that it will need to renegotiate the Super-bond. Briceno told the media today that the Barrow Administration has squandered and wasted every opportunity to put Belize’s economy on the right path. Honourable John Briceno - Opposition leader: “When you look at the reasoning as to why he is saying that he has to go back what comes to mind is the entire mismanagement of the economy that the United Democratic Party has been a failure, they have failed as to how they have been handling the economy, most of the productive sector have been in trouble and he has been crying out for help and for leadership and this government has been unable to provide the right leadership from the sugar industry to shrimps to bananas, citrus we know that we need to invest or to put more capital to help the farmers yet this government had an opportunity to do that with the Petro Caribe funding where they had over 375 million dollars and they choose to just to go almost like a drunken spree to spent this money and to actually in some instances they have been in questionable manner and now we will be paying the price, we know that the government continues to spend , spend and spend and now here we are being unable by this government admitting that they will find it very difficult to be able to make that payment on the Super-Bond.”

BPP To Commander Jones - You Are Too Passive!
The Belize Progressive Party today also issued a release condemning the latest act of aggression by the Guatemalan Armed Forces against our Belize Defense Force. In their release the BPP calls this recent encounter very disturbing but adds that even more disturbing is the fact that the Brigadier General seems to down play the aggressive behavior of the Guatemalan Armed Forces. In fact it seems that he intentionally try to hide these incidents. The party also calls on all Belizeans at home and abroad, to urge the U.S. Government to stop arming GAF and urge the Belize Government to file complaints with all embassies and the UN Security Council.

NGO Reps. Invited To Participate In Selection Of 13th Senator
On Wednesday the only 22 non-governmental organisations deemed to be in good standing with the law set the process for nominations for the 13 Senator. The representatives in that meeting elected a Steering Committee led by Oceana Belize’s Vice President Janelle Chanona. The Committee will oversee the process of nomination, but will also seek to include many other NGOs who are being left out because they have not fully complied with the NGO act. To correct this, the Committee is asking NGOs interested in participation to comply with the requirements by December 16th. Organisations that may not know how they are not complying can contact the Attorney General’s Ministry. The Committee also set the criteria for the nomination of candidates for Senator. This includes being a Belizean without dual citizenship, having at least three plus years working with an NGO in Belize, must be non-partisan and not have been a candidate for a political party, nor have an executive post with any political party, nor be an activist for any party nor candidate.

LOVE FM

Nominees for 13th Senator to Be Submitted by NGOs
The process to select the thirteenth Senator that will represent the non-governmental organizations continued yesterday at the George Price Centre for Peace and Development in Belmopan, Cayo District. Twenty two NGOs recognized by the Attorney General for their good standing with the law elected a Steering Committee during yesterday’s meeting that will facilitate the election […]

Agriculture Minister Speaks of Restrictions on Importation of Ham
With the Christmas season comes the demand for ham and turkey. While some do support the local economy when purchasing these produce, there are those who rather theirs to be imported. Today, in speaking with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Sustainable Development and Immigration, Godwin Hulse, we asked him about the issuance of importation permits […]

Court News: Belize City Drug Trafficking
The South Side Strike Team was out yesterday along with the K-9 unit when they found fifty grams of cannabis hidden in a black plastic bag hidden in a zinc fence on Iguana Street, Belize City. Today police arrested and charged Delon Hinds for possession of a controlled drug. This morning between the hours […]

Pink’s Alley Shooting Investigated
Police are investigating a shooting that occurred in Pinks Alley in Belize City yesterday just after nine o’clock last night. 18-year-old, Kenroy Mckoy was shot on the right foot while socializing on Pinks alley. He stated that a lone shooter approached him and fired three shots in his direction causing the injury. Mckoy was transported […]

7 Persons Charged for 229.4 Grams of Weed
Seven persons, 3 men and 4 females, one of them a 16 year old girl, were charged with drug trafficking for two hundred and twenty nine point four grams of cannabis when they appeared today before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza. The men were 25-year-old, Shaquan Almendarez; his brother, 28-year-old, Darnell Almendarez, and 31- year-old, Roberto Montejo. […]

Jihad Goes to Court for Marijuana Possession
Fifty-six year old Murphy Mclaren, aka “Jihad”, was charged with possession of 8.6 grams of cannabis, when he appeared today before Magistrate Norman Rodriguez. Mclaren pled not guilty to the charge. He was released on a bail of $600 and his case was adjourned until January 17 of next year. The incident occurred around 7:30 this morning. Mclaren […]

Breaking Belize News

Galen Eagles beat UB Black Jaguars in Western Regional ATLIB Competition
Last night at the UB Gymnasium, the Galen Eagles beat the UB Black Jaguars 75-57 to go to 2-0 in the Western Regional ATLIB Competition. UB finished the competition with a record of 1-3. The first quarter began with UB jumping out to an […]

NGO process to select Belize’s 13th Senator commences
On or before January 17, 2017, the name of the 13th Senator nominee to the House of Senate by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be submitted to the Governor General for swearing in. Representatives from various NGOs met in Belmopan on Wednesday at the George […]

Queen Street police receive new training room
The United States Embassy in Belize and the Belize Police Department partnered to enable the opening of the Queen Street Police Station’s training room in Belize City today. The U.S. Department of State: Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement (INL) provided $30,000 worth […]

Child who was burnt in fire dies abroad while receiving treatment
Since October, three Belizean children have died in two separate fires on the south side of Belize City. Last night, Ian Sambula, 4, one of the third children died while receiving treatment at the Shriner’s Hospital for kids in Galveston, Texas, USA. Sambula and […]

Auditor General clears House Speaker’s name
House Speaker, Michael Peyrefitte, may have been vindicated by the Auditor General, Dorothy Bradley, during the first hearing of the Senate Select Committee yesterday. In her special report into the passport, visa and nationality departments for the period 2011-2013, the Auditor General had ruled […]

Mason returns to court
A man of many identities, known primarily as William “Donny” Mason was back in court yesterday for allegedly kidnapping and beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas. Mason was quickly deposited and retrieved from the Belmopan magistrate court by the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) after his […]

Welcome to Trump World
The world watched in awe as results of the 2016 US Presidential Election trickled in on Tuesday night. And before all the official results had come in, it became clear. Donald Trump will become the 45th president of the United States. Trump’s supporters met the […]

BPP condemns latest aggression by GAF
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) today issued a release condemning the latest act of aggression by the Guatemalan Armed Forces against our Belize Defense Force. “This is very disturbing, however even more disturbing is the fact that the Brigadier General seems to down play the aggressive […]

Minister of Defense resume tour of BDF Installations
Minister of Defense John Saldivar has resumed his countrywide tour of Belize Defense Force (BDF) installations. Saldivar is accompanied by Deputy BDF Commander Colonel Steven Ortega and key personnel from the ministry. He toured BDF bases in Corozal and Orange Walk. In Corozal, those […]

4 men almost died in a car accident in southern Belize
Four Dangriga men narrowly escaped death after their vehicle, a black Explorer, careened off the road and flipped. At around midnight, the men were returning to Dangriga from spending the day in Hopkins. Upon reaching the junction of Hopkins the incident occurred. According to […]

Shooting in Majestic Alley, Belize City
Kentroy Mckoy, a resident of Majestic Alley in Belize City was shot into the foot last night. Information to BBN is that the shooting occurred closed to his residence at around 10 p.m. Mckoy was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he […]

Blogs

Scarlet Paradise
It’s not every day you go on the adventure of a lifetime, one you have dreamed about for years, and hoped to add to your list of top ten cool things you’ve done in your life…and when the dream becomes a reality it can almost be surreal. Such was the vibe as I boarded a small boat on the Macal River, deep within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and traversed the waterway to Scarlet Macaw territory in the Chiquibul National Park. As if this wasn’t exciting enough, I was with one of Belize’s most respected champions for wildlife, and birder extraordinaire, the one and only Roni Martinez. Martinez is also the co-founder of the Scarlet Six Biomonitoring Team which is dedicated to protecting endangered species in their habitat, and in this case our imperiled Scarlet Macaws. Along with Roni’s adorable young son Aleem, our able captain/guide Luis, and my co-worker comadre Mary, I couldn’t be in better company. As we make our way along the Raspaculo Branch of the river, Roni knows just where these endangered parrots are nesting, as they are carefully monitored by the Scarlet Six team and the co-managers of the Chiquibul National Park, Friends of Conservation and Development organization. During nesting season, which is May through August, they carefully watch the nests 24-hours-a-day, and pitch nearby camps where team members and volunteers are on the lookout for poachers, which in the past have been devastating for the macaw population. For years, the nests were raided for the illegal pet trade, a practice that baby parrots rarely survive. Now that poachers know these nests are guarded, Roni is happy to report that over the last few years poaching has been drastically reduced.

International Sources

Belize Is Trying to Restructure $530 Million of Bonds
Belize is in talks to restructure $530 million of bonds, citing serious economic and financial challenges facing the country. The Central American nation announced plans on Wednesday evening and urged bondholders to form a committee before the end of November, ahead of a semiannual coupon payment due in February. The Belize announcement follows on the heels of a similar plea by Africa’s Mozambique, where bondholders are resisting the restructuring, which would be their second in a year. This month, London-based brokerage Exotix downgraded Mozambique and Belize to sell, saying each have upcoming bond payments and that one or both could default.

Videos