Belize News Daily, 11/21/2016 to 11/30/2016, Ambergris Caye

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

Two San Pedro beauties featured in Belikin 2017 Calendar
The much anticipated 2017 Belikin Beer Calendar was officially released at a launch party on Saturday, November 26th in Belize City. The event took place at the Baymen’s Tavern of the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. Calendar fanatics flocked to the launch party, eager to get their copy signed by the featured models. This year, San Pedro beauties Dianira Rivera and Daisy Caliz are featured on the calendar. The calendar has been around for over a decade, and it not only showcases the best of Belizean beauty, swimsuits, but it also promotes Belikin beer. Each year, the calendar takes a different approach, and this year’s theme featured bars from across the country. According to Chief Marketing Officer Shelley Stonesifer, they decided to film where the beers are consumed. “This is a way of giving back to our customers by showcasing their great bars, while at the same time strengthening our business relationships,” said Stonesifer. She added that in the process, they went to some of the most popular bars in each district.

Ambergris Stadium opens up with inaugural football games
The highly-anticipated inauguration of the Ambergris Stadium was scheduled for Saturday, November 26th, but due to the inclement weather, was postponed until further notice. However, to celebrate San Pedro’s 32nd Township Anniversary, the planned football games were still on, and saw hundreds of islanders and visitors pack the new state-of the art stadium. The new sporting facility is upgraded with not only synthetic turf, stage lighting, and bleachers, but also with has concession stands, lockers and bathroom facilities. Before the official games began, the crowd enjoyed a friendly match from two local Under-13 teams. Although the stadium is not fully finished, Belize Infrastructure Limited stated in a press release that they will continue to work on the site, and will host the opening ceremony once the project is officially completed. Congratulations to all the teams who participated, especially to San Pedro FC for their great victory!

Iris Salguero departs for Miss World Pageant: Local painting to be auctioned as part of the event
Miss World Belize 2016 Iris Salguero of San Pedro Town left Belize on Thursday, November 24th en-route to the United States. Salguero will be representing the Jewel at the Miss World 2016 Pageant to take place at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Washington D.C. While at the pageant she is schedule to participate in a variety of activities. Between now and December 18th, Salguero will be competing against the other contestants from around the world in events like talent shows, national costume, social media, sporting activities, as well as a designer gown competition. In this last activity, Salguero has taken with her a design from Julie McCord (A.K.A Julie Mango).miss-worls-iris-salguero-receives-personolized-painting-2 Salguero was also provided with a painting from Belizean Artist Alex Sanker to be auctioned. The painting features a little girl hugging planet Earth, while attempting to heal the planet from its wounds with stiches and band aids. All proceeds from the auction will be destined for children in need.

Ambergris Today

Tearful Candle Light Vigil Creates Awareness for Gun Violence in Belize
Residents of San Pedro gathered at the Central Park on Saturday, November 26, 2016, for a special candle light vigil ceremony hosted by the Belize Youth Movement (BYM), Footprints for peace, and Ms. Shakera Young. The ceremony was organized for a peaceful demonstration and a candle light walk in memory of Tyler Savery, a seven-year-old whose life was taken away in a double homicide due to gun violence. Mother of Tyler, Shakera Young has decided to become an agent of change, not only for her son, but for other innocent lives who have been taken. Her goal is to raise awareness against gun violence that plagues this country and ensuring the safety of future generations. She has dedicated her time in traveling to different areas of the country to raise awareness.

Misc Belizean Sources

Price Controlled Goods
Do you know what is a Price Controlled Good? If not, here's some helpful info from the Belize Bureau of Standards. Kindly view the poster to know which items are price controlled and the maximum retailed price of these goods.

Christmas Bird Count 2016
The Belize Audubon Society is having their Christmas Bird Count in Mountain Pine Ridge on December 23rd. They'll have one in Belmopan on the 18th. Call or email [email protected] for more information. "Calling all birders and bird enthusiasts to participate in the 2016 Christmas Bird Count! If you are interested in being a part of the team for any of the circles shown below please contact us for more information."

Opportunity knocks!
Vancouver Island University's Building Resilience in Coastal Communities (BRiCC) program will be offering 24 internship and scholarship positions for VIU students and 7 scholarships to incoming Belizean graduate students from 2016 to 2018.

Mass First Aid Training and a Successful Blood Drive
The Belize Red Cross - San Pedro Branch (SPBRC) is proud to announce that training is underway for the staff of Mahogany Bay Village. Soon 30 newly qualified First Responders will be available to assist staff, visitors of the village and the community at large. The first 10 were trained Tues Nov 22nd, the second group is scheduled for December 6th and the third group soon after. All will be trained in First Aid, CPR and AED utilization. San Pedro Red Cross has been providing First Aid training to all the citizens, organizations and businesses of San Pedro since November 2013 for a nominal fee. This year our certified instructors were able to train many teachers, firefighters and youths of the island due to the generous contributions from sponsors.

First Friday of December Tres Cocos Trash Pick Up
Looking for that special gift for the island that has everything this holiday season? Why not join us on Friday and help us give Ambergrs Caye a nice two-hour roadside makeover! Meet us at the Paradise Theater parking lot, just north of the bridge at 9 a.m. What a great way to mark the beginning of the holiday season! (Wearing of Santa and elf caps or reindeer caps is fully endorsed by the management. Heavy Christmas sweaters optional!)

"Flame of Hope" torch
ATM: Eastern Police Division South joins along with our Mayor, in welcoming the "Flame of Hope" torch in Belize City. Please join in supporting the Law Enforcement Officers who are running right now through our city streets fundraising for the upcoming Special Olympics Games for this coming Friday. Drop a little dollar or two in the running jugs when the reach by you.

Cayo Christmas Tree Lightning
The Cayo Christmas Tree Lighting will be on Saturday, December 10th, at the Cayo Welcome Center. The SISE Town Council is doing a Toy Drive so they can provide presents to the kids in attendance.

Harp and Marimba Recital
Featuring Fernando Majus and Benque Viejop Marimba Youth. Sunday, Dec. 4 at 6pm, George Price Center

Project in Review & Award Ceremony, Art has no boundaries, Bridging nations
The National Institute of Culture and History and the Department of Youth services Offer aninvitation. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 9:30am at the Bliss.

Thanks from Belize Bird Rescue
Oh my goodness, I am beyond words. You are truly amazing - the support has been... overwhelming. It's late for us here at BBR - the birdies wake us for their breakfast at a 5.45am. We will hit the hay and tomorrow take stock of what you all have achieved. Knowing that you have been keeping this little organisation up and running with your amazing generosity and confidence in what we do is beyond words. We may sleep easier tonight! You. Are. Incredible. And this little parakeet thinks so too :-)

World Heritage Site Forum
Tuesday, December 6 at 7 PM - 9:15 PM, Bliss Center for Performing Arts, Southern Foreshore, Belize City. Learn more about the value of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, "Supporting our ecomony through healthy biodiversity". There will be entertainment by Belize Dance Company, testemonials by locals who enjoy the benefits of our reserve system, and panel presentations from WWF, Jamaica's World Heritage Site Focal Point, and a local marketing expert.

Channel 7

Lots of Aviation Fuel, All The Signs of Drug Smuggling, But No Plane, No Drugs
Tonight, Hattieville Police are holding 16 drums of aviation fuel, and other items which they believe were used to illegally land a plane in Western Belize. And while the cops can't say for sure that a drug cargo was involved, those with experience in the area are certain that this was a drug plane which landed in an area located about 9 miles into the Coastal Road. The cops got the information early this morning before dawn that there was a low-flying aircraft near the Coastal Road. Hattieville Police responded, and they didn't find a plane, but they did come upon 20 drums - 4 of which were empty, and 16 filled with aviation fuel. They canvassed the area and found makeshift landing lights, 4 batteries, and canvases. This area was being used as a clandestine airstrip for this plane, and police found tracks of what looks like the wheels of the landing gear belonging to a plane. They also found the seats form a plane dashed into the bush, to make more room for cargo.

Two Charged For Gardenia Murder
We also asked Assistant Commissioner Broaster about the two men police have charged for last week's murder of 27 year Nelson Zelaya. He's the Gardenia Village resident who was shot and killed in his yard at mile 21 on the Phillip Goldson Highway last Thursday - in front of his 3 year-old daughter. The accused killers are 19 year-old Lenford Harris Jr., and a 16 year-old minor. Both males were supposed to have been arraigned today at the Magistrate's Court, but because of an error in the court book, the men were taken back into custody until tomorrow. But they have been charged, and this evening, we tried getting a few details from Rural Commander about what led investigators to charge these two, but he was very tight lipped: ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural: "I can't give any more information on what Mr. Cocom had given to you all. The two individual has been charged for the murder of Mr. Zeyala and the investigators are still getting more evidence to substantiate the charge at this time."

Northern Robbery Trio Charged
When we left you on Friday, police were charging the men accused of being accomplices in the broad-daylight armed robbery of Rapidito Loans in Corozal. Well, yesterday they went to Orange Walk court before Magistrate Albert Hoare. Turns out two of them are from the same Belize City neighborhood known as "Jump Street." They are 20 year old's Maliek Humes, of Berkeley Street and Alton Garcia of Wagner's Lane, along with 33 year old Erwin Castillo, the alleged Belize City Bank Robber who has a Corozal address. They were each read a single charge of conspiracy to commit robbery and pleaded not guilty. The police prosecutor argued that due to the seriousness of the offence and the compelling evidence against the accused, bail should be denied. The magistrate agreed and the trio was remanded to Prison until December 21st 2016. The fourth suspect, is also from the Jump Street area; he is Kareem Heusner and he is in the KHMH, still in critical condition after being shot to the side.

Still No Clues In Chateau Fire
Tonight, the Fire Department is no closer to determining the cause of the fire that claimed a Belize City landmark, the Chateau Caribbean. Fire Chief Ted Smith told us this evening that they still don't know the cause, but that the investigators worked at the scene looking for clues. As we reported, on Sunday morning at around 8:00, a fire started at the back of the building, reportedly in the kitchen. At the time about 8 persons were in the building, and police had to get out one last man who was packing up - even as the building was filling up with smoke. Staff and two sets of guests escaped unharmed, and the only injury was to a fireman who cut his arm. It is a total loss for the longtime owner, Mr. Lo, who has declined comment. He lived at the hotel and lost all his personal possessions and his business. The elegant, colonial style sea front building was first erected in 1927 as the Biddle home. It later became Belize's first private hospital, and then a hotel and restaurant.

Will You Get Your Right-Sized X-Mas Turkey On Time This Year?
Last year, getting your Christmas Turkey was a nightmare, and many folks had to settle instead for big chickens. That was because avian influenza had wiped out the local population of turkeys and imported turkeys came in late, and large. Well, this year, you shouldn't have that problem: local turkey stocks still aren't back to 100%, but they are at 50%. And to fill out the market's demand, Quality Poultry is importing Carolina Turkeys. But, will they be oversized, overpriced and overdue like last year? Well, the imported birds are more expensive because they pay 80% duty, but the importer tells us that unlike last year when they were stuck with supersized turkeys, this year he is importing large, small and medium. And, unlike last year when they landed in Christmas week, this year, Quality Poultry didn't take any chances. The imported turkeys are already in country. They cleared customs this evening and should be in freezers tomorrows. Of course, there could still be scarcity of the small turkey you're looking for because consumers will rush the local turkey, which are more affordable and fresh. But because those are in limited supply, those who can't get local will then buy out the smaller imported turkeys - leaving only big ones behind. So, the moral of this story is, buy your big, or small bird early.

Shot In The Head a Month Ago, Coast Guardsman Arzu Jr Is Home, Making Remarkable Recovery
Coast Guardsman Daniel Arzu Jr is back home in Belize. The 28 year old survived a shot to the head by a robber and after five weeks in a Mexican Navy Hospital, his family expects him to make a full recovery, and return to active duty. Today, his father Superintendent Daniel Arzu Sr. told us his son still has a ways to go, but that his progress has been remarkable:... Supt. Daniel Arzu, OC - Benque Viejo Police: "I have to be thankful to God, given the circumstances and the extent of his injuries upon his departure from here to Mexico. My families are so glad and we are so happy for the medical services that were provided to him in Mexico and now he is back home. It's all about therapy now where we need to ensure that he get the best therapy treatment for him to overcome the challenges that he is currently facing. But other than that, yes he is in good spirit."

Finding Special Needs Kids In The Regular School Setting
This week is being observed as the International Week for Persons with Disabilities and the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities has organized a calendar of activities to highlight this neglected and under-served population. Today, personnel from NARCIE, which is the National Resource Center for Inclusive Education went to several city schools to create awareness of diverse abilities in the regular school setting. I found out more:... Courtney Weatherburne reporting: Kent Young's life changed forever at age 14. He suffered an aneurysm that affected his speech and left him partially paralyzed. But that hasn't stopped him from having a fulfilling life. Kent Young, Survived an Aneurysm: "Vein burst in my head, right here, I had to get a surgery but I lost all my speech and I was supposed to gain it back not 100% but I am striving for the betterment of the people. I am fighting against the battle of myself."

Paumen People Protest In 'Pan, Again
At the beginning of November, we showed you a protest from a group of residents living in Franks Eddy and other surrounding villages. They were a small group of the 300 workers employed by American tour operator Bradley Paumen. Those workers are the ones most affected in the fight between Paumen and his neighbour, Michael Modiri. As we told you, Modiri claimed that Paumen was still trespassing on his land to run his million dollar tour operation at the Dark Night Cave system in Cayo South. So, he took the decision at the start of this cruise tourism season to block the road which Paumen unlawfully built on his land. Now, this road is the fastest route from Belize City, where the cruise guests arrive, to Paumen's Dark Night operation in Central Belize. Modiri insists that Paumen can choose several other routes to get to the caves, but he's ignoring them just to save time because the cruise schedule is so tight.

Bze Engineering Students Did Good In Chetumal
University of Belize Students did the country proud last week when they bested 35 teams and won an engineering competition at the Instituto Tecnológico de Chetumal. Now UB has been participating in this event since 2010, and this is the very first victory. And how did the team of five Associates level students do it? Well, they had to figure out how to build a bridge to match the load bearing specifications set out by the event organizers. The event lasted three days, and in the end, their design won! Today they told us why their project stood it:.. Irvine Ruiz, Leader, - UB Team: "When we went to Chetumal, I needed to redesign the bridge because the dimension was different. It was one meter long by a height of 7.9 centimeter by width of 10.5. The idea behind this is that we used macaroni to build the bridge. We see here the efficiency and the most logical. We study engineering. So we compete against architecture civil and like my colleague said we are mechanical and electrical, so we don't study in depth with designing of bridge. We only cover some areas like framework and calculating the load side. So we sit together and plan more or less what our design will be about and then we build the bridge."

Cluster Survey Collects Crucial Data
The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, or MICS, is a collaboration between the Statistical Institute of Belize and UNICEF. It aims to collect and analyze data about Belize citizens in order to better inform policy making. The survey, which is repeated every 5 years, focuses on the wellbeing of the country's women and children. Today the results of the survey were presented and reviewed by key stakeholders, who began work on using the data to advise policymakers. We spoke to UNICEF's Social Policy Specialist and Officer-in-charge about the findings of the survey. Ilija Talev - Officer-in-Charge, UNICEF Belize: "Today we're at the Biltmore in order to present the results of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. It's a complicated name for a survey which UNICEF together with the government of Belize, specifically the Statistical Institute of Belize conducts every 5 years in the country to collect information on the wellbeing of women and children, primarily. And families in a variety of domains, ranging from health, education, violence, knowledge about HIV, a variety of areas."

Defence Strategy Review Invites Input From Civilian Organizations
2 months ago, we told you about a National Security and Defence Strategy which the Government's security technocrats have been working on updating. They're trying to meet the evolving security needs of the country, while deploying the state's resources in the most effective and efficient manner. Today, those discussions resumed, and this time, the Government invited civilian organizations to participate, hoping to draw on their in-the-field experience. That allowed for border activist Wil Maheia to join in the discussions, and it did make for a contrast, since he is one of the government's biggest critics on all the ways that the country's Defence forces neglect the border areas. He and other participants granted an interview explaining what happened in today's workshop: Felix Enriquez, CEO - Ministry of Defence: "In as much as how we who are putting the strategy together have a very good idea of what the problems are, where security is concerned. The problems of security is a lot more complex that what it used to be and so the ministry of defence and ministry of home affairs must be able to articulate the concerns of the other interest groups. These interest groups, the business bureau, the other political parties, they are familiar with some realities as well that we may have not considered."

Musa Led Delegation To Cuba in 99
And tonight we continue our analysis of Fidel Castro's legacy, in Cuba, Belize, and the world - seen through the eyes of three men who knew and admired him. We start with former Prime Minister Said Musa. He is a long time disciple of Castrism - going back to the 1970's. And when he became Prime Minister in 1998, the second major state visit of his administration was to Cuba. It happened in February of 1999 and was the single largest delegation ever of Belizean ministers and high-level government functionaries. It included, no fewer than 6 ministers, and countless CEO's, hangers-on and business persons - even Michael Ashcroft, who pulled up the party on his yacht. Yesterday, Musa told us why it was a priority to go to Cuba:... Jules Vasquez, 7News: "1998, everything has fallen away, you assumed office as prime minister. The first state trip that you organized probably in February of 1999 is to Cuba. Speak about why was that a priority for your government, as soon as it assumed office in 1998 to lets go to Cuba?"

More Cuba-Belize Pre Independence History
That gesture of gratitude has a lot to do with Belize's independence. There's an entire untold history of how much the communist country actually supported Belize. Untold, because that was the height of the Cold War, and Belize had to be courting Cuban support on the down low, out of the sight of Uncle Sam. Yesterday in Havana, former Foreign Minister Assad Shoman told us why Cuba supported Belizean independence so enthusiastically:... Assad Shoman, former Foreign Minister: "And he was a leader, I would say, among and with the people. He would have easily been seen talking to workers in a factory, to farmers on the land, students and teachers in their schools, as playing basketball with young kids, children, or slugging baseballs with professionals, or shadow boxing with Mohammed Ali."

Shoman Says Revolution Will Live On
And when it comes to Castrism, Shoman is the supreme Belizean authority. He is so committed to the revolution's ideals, that he moved to Cuba where has been living for a number of years. Yesterday he spoke of Castro's popular touch and his enduring legacy:... Jules Vasquez, 7News: "Cuba was only too happy to support Belize in its quest for independence. What do you recall of those days in the, I guess mid to late 70's?" Assad Shoman, former Foreign Minister: "Well Jules the amazing thing, I mean you go before that when Belize had not even won self-government yet, the highest representatives of Cuba abroad at the time, which was Ernesto Che Guevara said at a world meeting, a regional meeting, in Uruguay in 1961, that Cuba respects the Independence of Belize. I think, in part he did that, to, to (chuckles) confront Guatemala of course, but, but Cuba has supported our independence all the time, from the very beginning."

Did Castro's Revolution Punish Cubans?
So, while Shoman believes the revolution will hold firm against the assaults of empire, at what cost to its citizens' liberties has Cuba pursued its socialist ideal? One of the Cuban states' popular slogans is: "Socialismo or Muerte" which means Socialism or Death. And that's where many Cuban dissidents say Fidel's dictatorship has taken the country. We asked his admirers if there isn't a quite significant taint on the Great Man's legacy because of this:...

Did Castro Remain In Power Too Long?
And, speaking of history, critics say Fidel Castro should have been history long ago, that he should have moved on long before the last embers of revolution went out. In fact, Cuba has been called a gerontocracy, rule by the aged, which was confirmed when Fidel handed over to his little brother Raul in 2008. At the time, the elder Castro was 82, and the younger was 77. But, the 72 year old Said Musa - who, as far as anyone can tell is still heading for another election, says the timing is just fine:... Castro's funeral is set for Sunday December fourth. The guest list is said to be 20 pages long. Belize will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber and Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington.

SJC Remembers Michelle
Last Saturday, St. John's College held the launch of its new magazine, as well as the opening of the Michelle Perdomo Art Gallery. Perdomo headed the SJC art department for four decades, and was a huge influence on several of Belize's most prominent artists. On Saturday, Perdomo was honored by school officials and artists for her contributions to the school and art in Belize. Michael Coye - Chair of the Board of Trustees, SJC: "Today we join together to celebrate the arts at SJC. Today we recognize the invaluable contributions made by our beloved Michelle Perdomo. We celebrate her special gift of sharing. Of her talent, of her art, of her boundless energy, of her life with us her at SJC. Commemorating this gallery in her name is our way of shouting out our highest praise for Michelle. Today we also launch the SJC Magazine, a magazine that marks another milestone in the history of SJC."

Channel 5

Possible Drug Plane Landed and Abandoned Items Near La Democracia
Police are tonight investigating the landing of an aircraft, presumably a drug plane, overnight in the vicinity of La Democracia, Belize District. Officers at the Hattieville substation were notified of [...]

Security Forces to Double Down on Securing Drug Airstrip
The coordinated response involving a trio of law enforcement agencies was fairly swift, but not fast enough to arrest the ensuing activity. So, was their reaction timely enough? That’s what [...]

Employees Try to Pick Up Pieces from Devastating Chateau Caribbean Fire
Employees of the Chateau Caribbean are picking up the pieces in the aftermath of a fire that destroyed the iconic restaurant. While most people are preparing for the Christmas, scores [...]

Should Belizean Tour Operators Be Allowed Access to Harvest Caye Cruise Port?
And tonight’s question is: Do you believe Belizean tour operators should be allowed access to Harvest Caye Cruise Port? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 or [...]

Fidel Castro: Remembering the Man and the Leader
A memorial attended by world leaders to reflect on the life and death of celebrated Cuban leader Fidel Castro is taking place at this time in Havana, Cuba. Deputy Prime [...]

Elian Gonzalez and Others Pay Tribute in Havana
Ahead of this evening’s memorial ceremony, millions of Cubans have been paying their respects to Fidel Castro where his body lies in state in Havana. World leaders have also been [...]

Government Calls Stakeholders to Table to Formulate National Defense Strategy
Stakeholders from the public and private sectors are drafting a strategy which they will present to government to ensure the national security and defense of the country. The document focuses [...]

Gardenia Murder Suspects Charged
On Monday night, we told you that four persons of interest in Nelson Zelaya’s murder were in police custody. Today, two of those men were charged for the Gardenia resident’s [...]

Gales Point Resident Gone Missing for a Week
A forty three year old Gales Point man is missing. On November twentieth, Delbert Delroy Andrewin is said to have left his home that morning in Gales Point and headed [...]

Police trained in Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
As you may have heard before, IMPACT Justice is a Canadian Government-funded project that is being implemented from the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in [...]

Police Commissioner to Plan Introduction of Mediation Process
Regional Project Director, Professor Velma Newton proposes a process similar to mediation by the courts. In this case, however, it is the Commissioner of Police who is to formalize the [...]

IMPACT Justice Program Reaches Out to Schools
IMPACT Justice is also targeting other social groups, specifically the education sector where counselors and teachers are trained to resolve conflict between students. Three weeks ago, the IMPACT Justice Project [...]

Including Persons With “Diverse Abilities”
This week is disability awareness week. It is being observed from the twenty seventh of November to the third of December. The week includes the United Nations sanctioned international day of [...]

MICS Survey Finds Improvement in Key Belizean Indicators
UNICEF assists countries to collect and analyze data to fill gaps in the monitoring of the situation of children and women through its international household survey called the Multiple Indicator [...]

From Yes to I Do: Nissi and Elmer’s Perfect Wedding Day
On Sunday afternoon at the Biltmore Plaza in Belize City, two souls became one as the bonds of marriage between Nissi Arzu and Elmer Figueroa were celebrated. Partnering with Confetti, [...]

CTV3

Businesses Watch Out For GST Scammer
Tonight members of the business community here in Orange Walk Town are advised to be on the lookout for an individual who is passing himself as a worker of the General Sales Tax Department. Reports to our newsroom, which have also found their way on social media, indicate that on Saturday November 26th, 2016, sometime around 3:00 in the evening, a male person of Creole descent visited Diamond Supermarket located in the Trial Farm Village here in Orange Walk Town to purchase a bottle of water. But apparently the true intention of the individual was not to purchase water. Sources tell us that after purchasing the item, the said individual exited the store and headed to his vehicle, a white 2013 GMC terrain.

Zafra To Open December 5th
The Belize Sugar Industries Limited is scheduled to open its gates to farmers on Monday December 5th as of 10:00 in the morning, as the long awaited start of the 2016- 2017 Sugar Cane Crop season comes into full effect. The date was set after a meeting held yesterday between the BSI/ASR and the different Cane Farmers associations. Adalid Wicab- Chairman of the committee of management –BSCFA: “Ayer tuvimos una junta con todas las Asociaciones juntos en BSI a las dos de la tarde adonde se decidió que la feche de la zafra va hacer inicio el cinco de Diciembre a las diez de la mañana y va a empezar con una cuota de cuatro mil seiscientos.” And with the opening of the crop season just days away, Chairman of the committee of management for the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, Adalid Wicab, says the BSCFA is ready to start the season and is confident that the association will experience a successful crop.

Authorities Investigating Possible Landing Of Drug Plane
Hattieville Police are tonight investigating an incident which involves an alleged drug plane that landed in Western Belize early this morning. Police are currently holding 16 drums of aviation fuel, and other items which they believe were used in the illegal plane landing. While authorities are unsure whether a drug cargo was involved, all indications of the incident leads to believe that it was indeed a drug plane which landed in an area located about 9 miles into the Coastal Road. According to information from local police, the report of a low- flying aircraft near the Coastal Road, was received just before dawn today, Hattieville Police responded to the report, but when they arrived in the area they did not find a plane, instead they encountered 20 drums, 4 of which were empty, and 16 filled with aviation fuel. Further search of the area led to the discovery of makeshift landing lights, 4 batteries, and canvases. They also found the seats from a plane in nearby bushes, presumably taken out to make more room for cargo.

VIP Says Amendment For Referendum Act Not Good For Belize
If you have been in tuned to the news lately, you would know that Guatemala has officially commenced preparations for public consultations to educate the Guatemalan people on the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute for a final decision on whether or not the matter should be settled at the International Court of Justice. And while Belize had not taken any previous stand on the issue, tomorrow the Senate is expected to meet with the aim of ratifying the existing Special Agreement between both parties so that a referenda can be held as soon as possible. But while GOB is taking its own measures with respect to the issue, there are many Belizeans who are against GOB’s position including members of the Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) who expressed their dissatisfaction and concern through a release earlier today. The VIP believes that the ratification will open doors for GOB to mislead Belizeans into jeopardizing Belize’s territory in its entirety and is claiming that the government is taking huge steps without considering seven crucial points.

History Of Corozal Comes To Life
Today the Corozal House of Culture held one of its lecture series entitled Perspectives of our Past at the Corozal Junior College conference room. The topic today was the Old Market which has been in existence in Corozal Town for over 130 years. Historian Roy Rodriguez shared with the audience some of the interesting research findings he found in his work. Roy Rodriguez - Historian: “The building, that’s the old market, was designed as a public market but it only become a market for butchers selling meats, mainly beef and pork, but its location on the beach front provided a space outside with a small Warf where fish and vegetables and fruits were sold by fishermen from across the bay. Because of the commercial activities then there was a space in the market for a government bonded warehouse, there were many butchers in Corozal town but only three of them rented spaces in the market; butchers who sold meat especially pork, at their houses, were view with certain dislike as people doubted whether health inspector had examined their animals before slaughtering.

COP Accused Of Wounding Placed On Interdiction
Police Constable Jaime Gongora has been placed on interdiction after court proceedings took place on November 15th, at the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court, where he was read a single charge of wounding, following a report of police brutality made against him. During his arraignment, Gongora plead not guilty to the charge and was offered bail in the sum of $4,000 plus one surety of the same amount. Charges against Gongora stemmed from an incident which took place on Sunday November 6th in the village of Guinea Grass. Twenty one year old, construction worker, Hugo Noh reported to police that the village’s lone police officer attacked him with his police issued firearm, causing him serious head and body injuries. Today CEO in the Ministry of National Security, George Lovell spoke of the incident, stating that the Police commission takes all reports of Police Brutality very seriously and this case is no different and is being handled with outmost urgency.

Robber Shot In Attempt Robbery At Rapidito Clings To Life
Yesterday, three of the four men fingered by the Police as those involved in last Thursday’s wild attempt at an armed robbery at Rapidito Loans downtown Corozal Town were arraigned on the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery. The fourth man, identified as 28 year old Kareem Heusner, is believed to be the main suspect, who entered the business premises wearing a hood and pulling the trigger wildly. The Police say about nine expended 9mm shells were found at the scene. The gunman had to exit the business however as the security guard returned fire at him, and is suspected to have injured him in the exchange of gunfire.

Amandala

Landmark building, Chateau Caribbean Hotel, destroyed by fire
The Chateau Caribbean Hotel, one of the old capital’s landmark buildings, which was built in 1927 and was a favorite hotel and restaurant which has seen many glory days, including the filming of an action movie Dogs of War, was destroyed by a huge fire which began about 7:30 this morning, Sunday, November 27. Even up to 3:30 this afternoon, smoke was still rising from the burnt remains of the building. The flames were completely put out at about 9:30 tonight, about 14 hours after fire engulfed the iconic landmark. The elegant Chateau Caribbean Hotel, made of timber and concrete, was located in the Fort George area, at the corner of Marine Parade and South Park Street. The fire reportedly began in the kitchen of the establishment. It quickly spread from there to the other parts of the building. The guests of the hotel were safely evacuated and the Belize City Fire Service went to the scene and commenced its attempts to put out the flames that had engulfed the building.

Career criminal Basil “ET” Willis remanded for burglarizing Grace Primary School
A Belize City man who has over twenty previous convictions was remanded to prison this morning after he was arraigned on charges of burglary and handling stolen goods. Basil “ET” Willis appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser, who read a single charge of burglary to him. Willis pleaded not guilty to the charge, but court prosecutor Corporal Christopher Smith objected to the court granting him bail. Smith submitted that the crime of burglary is prevalent around this time of the year and also that the school was deprived of food that it needs to feed hungry children through its feeding program. Smith also objected to bail for Willis on the strength of the prosecution’s case against him, and the history of the defendant. “If granted bail, this accused might go out and commit other offences,” Smith finally submitted.

Cops say customs broker stole 11 49-inch TV sets
Yesterday, Thursday, some family members of Justin Longsworth, a man who has been accused of a peculiar theft, waited for his arraignment to conclude so that they could sign bail for him, but that was not to be. Longsworth, whose attorney, Bryan Neal, appeared at his arraignment, was remanded to prison until his next court date on January 31, 2017. Police charged Longsworth with one count of theft for stealing eleven 49-inch flat screen television sets, the property of Radisson Fort George Hotel. The theft allegedly occurred on October 31. Longsworth, 21, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, but the court prosecutor objected to the court granting him bail. Chief Magistrate Smith upheld the objection to bail and remanded him to prison. Longsworth, an employee of a custom brokerage firm, was given the specific task of clearing the television sets from Customs for his company’s client, the Radisson Fort George Hotel.

“We’ve already lost 60 – 75 % in income.” — Belize City tour operators
A number of local cruise tour operators in Belize City have reported a staggering blow to their earnings over the past week. According to tour operators, they have already lost an estimated sixty to seventy-five percent in their incomes since last week when the Norwegian Cruise Line began to dock south on Harvest Caye instead of the Fort George Tourism Village in Belize City. In a press conference held on Thursday, operators alleged that the cruise line had previously indicated that only their new ships would dock on the island, while others would continue to dock at the Tourism Village as per usual. However, that has not been the case and local tour operators have been unable to access the island and are restricted from interacting with tourists. “They are no longer coming to Belize. They are going to Alcatraz Island. It’s an island for tourists and [not] for Belizeans; it’s an Alcatraz island; you cannot go there. If you go there, you will come out in a body bag,” said Yoni Rosado of Cavetubing.com.

S&P knocks Belize with another downgrade
Earlier this month, the US-based international ratings agency, Standard and Poor’s, downgraded Belize’s credit ratings, and this week, 10 days after the last ratings action, S&P subjected Belize to yet another downgrade—this time, lowering Belize’s ratings to reflect the country’s recent move to renegotiate the block of debt held by foreign bondholders. S&P said, “Belize’s government has initiated discussions with holders of the sovereign’s U.S. dollar bonds due in 2038 amid worsening external, financial, and economic conditions. We believe these discussions are likely to lead to a rescheduling of these bonds within the next six months. As a result, we are lowering our long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Belize to ‘CC’ from ‘CCC+’.” S&P also signaled a high chance of non-payment. Before the November 14 downgrade, Belize’s long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings were listed at ‘B-’ and its short-term foreign and local currency ratings at ‘B’. S&P also categorized Belize’s outlook as “negative,” signaling that it could subject Belize to further downgrades.

Belizean dies in Brooklyn at age 104
We cannot say for sure whether she was the oldest Belizean alive at the time of her death, but Mrs. Rhoda Isabella Cherrington lived to see the impressive age of 104 before quietly passing away at her Brooklyn home earlier this month. Funeral services were held today for her at St. Marks United Methodist Church in Brooklyn. She was cremated. Mrs. Cherrington, who was born on September 23, 1912, in Mullins River, is survived by her daughter, Constance Evandne Cherrington, 7 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Her parents were Constance Elizabeth Robateau and Robert Smith, and following her mother’s death when she was only two years old, she was raised by her grandparents, George and Elisa Smith. She would later move to Belize City in 1933, where she met and married Terrence “Ossie” Cherrington. While she only gave birth to one child, Mrs. Cherrington was mother to several children, providing a home to her adopted daughters, Marva Cattouse-Brackett (deceased) and Sylvia Blades-Wiltshire, and her nephews, Irving and Lerman Bruhier.

Belmopan 1st Division Football results and schedule
Another round of games was played over the weekend in the Belmopan Football Association (BFA) First Division Football Tournament at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. One more round of games remains, with four teams from each group qualifying to the quarterfinals, which are tentatively scheduled to be played on December 18. In Group A on Friday night, Cotton Tree United and A.C. Milan played to a 0-0 draw. Two more Group A games were played on Saturday, November 26. In the opener, Roaring Creek United got a goal each from Kenny Williams (4’) and Amir Torres (22’) to win, 2-1, over UB Jaguars, whose only goal was by Tivi Ramos (81’). And in the nightcap, Wingz FC also won, 2-1, over Las Flores. Stuart Jenkins (12’) and Gabriel Lewis (87’) shook the net for Wingz FC, while Christian Orellana (8’) scored for Las Flores.

Chief Thanksgiving Day Race results
Here are the results from Chief Thanksgiving Day race held yesterday. The race for Elite/ Junior and Weekend Warriors (W/W) ages 30-44 went from Leslie’s Imports to Philip Goldson Highway via Boom Road and back, for 50 miles. The Weekend Warrior riders ages 45+ did the same distance and route. The Elite race started at 8:20 a.m., followed by the W/W 45+. 27 riders started, and 21 finished the WW 30-44 yrs/Elite/Junior race. Finishing order was: 1st place Brandon Cattouse (C-Ray, 2:03:17); 2nd Jose Choto (Immani’s Store, st); 3rd Joslyn

Hold everything! 2 playoff spots and Golden Boot on the line this weekend
Race to the playoffs: There have been tight playoff races before in Belize’s Premier League tournaments, but none within memory has been so suspenseful this late in the regular season. Two teams only have already secured spots in the playoffs – Belmopan Bandits SC and Belize Defense Force FC, presently at 39 points and 30 points, respectively. (See standings below.) For that reason, their clash this weekend in Week 18 will have little significance. But 4 other teams are in the hunt for the 2 remaining playoff berths. At 22 points, many are counting out Placencia Assassins, although they are considered the favorite to win against Wagiya in their last game, which would put them at 25 points. If FC Belize, who had fallen in a terrible slump ever since their default loss to the Bandits, should lose to Freedom Fighters at the MCC this Sunday, Placencia would have the edge in goal difference.

Castro’s Cuba and Price’s Belize
The fifteen-year period between 1966 and Belize’s independence in 1981 is an interesting and important one in the history of The Jewel. At some point in this period, Fidel Castro’s Cuba became a factor in Belize’s struggle for independence, and (or but) the relationship between Cuba and Belize had negative implications for Premier George Price’s political coalition, a coalition which had supported him from the time he became Leader of the People’s United Party (PUP) in 1956. To study 1966 to 1981, you would have to go back to a time when the PUP was an undefeated powerhouse in Belizean politics, and the struggling Opposition was led by the National Independence Party (NIP). It was not until 1973 that the now ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) was formed, as the result of an amalgamation of the NIP, the People’s Development Movement (PDM), and a new Liberal Party. PUP personalities who are still available for scholars to consult on the period in question include Fred Hunter, Hector Silva, Assad Shoman, and Said Musa. Hunter was a PUP Cabinet Minister throughout the period, while Silva was a Cabinet Minister until 1974. Shoman and Musa became PUP Senators in 1974, and then PUP Cabinet Ministers in 1979.

From the Publisher
As chairman of Kremandala, and as former president of the United Black Association for Development (UBAD: February 1969 – November 1974) and the Revolitical Action Movement (RAM: October 1969 – January 1970), I extend deep condolences to the family and friends of Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, and I express solidarity with the people of Cuba during this time of mourning for the loss of the greatest, most magnificent revolutionary of our lifetime. Fidel was a man of superb intellect, singular courage, extraordinary strength and stamina, and historic national and international accomplishments. He dedicated his life to fighting the curses of colonialism, imperialism, racism, and the exploitation of human beings by other human beings.

Male suicide
Dear Editor, I am an Irishman who loves Belizean folk and my connection was initiated by an investment in Belize. As was the case when I first invested, my group of investors put Belize people at the top of our aims for prosperity. Being involved in healing means that I am interested in how many people commit suicide worldwide every day. The 10 to 1 male to female rate of killing themselves in Belize is not far from the world average. I am aware of associations in Ireland that try to help men, particularly. This effort is based largely around helping men to talk to other men, women, just anybody! I would love to help getting past this social taboo.

A call for the death penalty for renegade officers
Dear Editor, Our culture is simply that we must respect the uniform. It’s simple: “Thank-you Officer;” “Yes, Officer;” “No, Officer!” ALWAYS respect and obey the uniform. Equally, this respect must also be earned by each and every officer after the sacred oath is sworn; otherwise, society will disintegrate from its core structure of law and order. Look around. Everything is connected. What do you see with murders per capita which surpass even Jamaica? Is it safe to go outside? Today, unfortunately, this oath has faded for some officers and our parliamentarians are called to take account of our legislative deficiencies. Our legislative agenda must respond to the fact that officers in full uniform, heavily armed, have disgraced an entire protective institution, threatened our nation’s sense of security, are abusing public confidence and are betraying the only institution sworn to protect innocents and to uphold the law. Is there a society if there is no law?

BDFA Inter-Office Week 3 results, schedule
he Belize District Football Association (BDFA) Inter-Office competition continued at the MCC Grounds last week with Week 3 games on Tuesday, November 22, and Thursday, November 24. In the opener on Tuesday, Belize City Council and Latino’s FC drew, 2-2. Darren Neal struck twice (7’ & 37’) for BCC, while David Ellis (56’) and Yancey Eck (58’) scored for Latino’s. And in the nightcap, it was Belize Bank, 2-1, over National Aggregates. Francisco Briceno got both goals (11’ & 67’) for Belize Bank, while Jaslyn Cadle (57’) got the sole tally for Aggregates. Game 1 on Thursday night saw RF&G Insurance crushing Smart, 4-0, with a goal each from Kendice Williams (6’) Gareth Humes (27’) Douglas Bowen (41’) and Kevin Martinez (66’). In game 2, BTL dropped KHMH, 4-1, with goals from Rasheed Pollard (7’), Jael Ottley (45’) and Sean Moreira (15’ & 50’); while Hilton Rodriguez (68’) got the only goal for KHMH.

MCC neglect
Loyal football fans still visit the MCC Grounds for Inter-Office football games during the week, CYDP Peace Cup games on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and Premier League of Belize (PLB) games on Sunday afternoons. The National Sports Council is supposed to have some employees responsible for the upkeep of the field and environs, but sometimes you have to wonder. Do the Commissioners in charge of football games for the PLB ever make complaints in their reports about the state of the field, the team benches and the entrance gates? As it is, the playing field is bad enough. But is there any excuse for the mud and water that collects and settles around the edges whenever it rains? All it takes is an employee with a shovel about an hour to clear the drain around the edge of the cement fence that encloses the field, so that the water can flow into the drain outside at Calle Al Mar.

What went wrong with the US$100 mil debt-for-climate swap?
Swapping US$100 million in debt for climate conservation and development commitments seems an easy proposition to accept, especially for a country with a growing and unsustainable debt burden—one that it again finds necessary to renegotiate in the face of multiple economic challenges. However, two years ago, Belize opted out of an offer to implement a pilot model for how developing countries could cope with mounting debt distress through a mechanism dubbed the Marine Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust. The idea was for a block of Belize’s super bond debt to be repurchased, and the proceeds of the arrangement would have financed conservation and development initiatives in Belize through the routing of debt payments to a trust set up in Belize.

Teachers hurting – their pay docked when they need it most
Teachers were overjoyed last Monday when Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin ruled that the Ministry of Education should not withhold its salary contributions for those teachers who had vacated classrooms in eleven days of protest. But on Friday, that joy quickly dissipated when teachers lined the banks only to realize that their last pay before Christmas had been docked. However, school managers had been forewarned of what could occur on Thursday in a memorandum signed by Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Carol Babb. “In light of the Court Order restraining the Government of Belize/Ministry of Education until trial or further Order of the Court from withholding salaries for individual teachers for the days, when those teachers were on strike, the Ministry of Education and Treasury Department are doing their best to process payment of full salaries for the November period in keeping with the order,” the memorandum said.

Breaking Belize News

Mass First Aid Training and a Successful Blood Drive
The Belize Red Cross -San Pedro Branch (SPBRC) announced that training is underway for the staff of Mahogany Bay Village. A total of 30 First Responders will soon be available to assist staff, visitors of the village and the community at large. The first […]

Fair weather to prevail
Mostly warm and dry weather is expected to prevail over the next 24 hours with sunny skies and partly cloudy skies today and tonight. The wind will blow from the east to southeast at 10-20 knots and the sea state will be choppy to […]

NEMO Minister delivers houses in Burrell Boom; Sandhill to receive NEMO building from US Embassy
Yesterday, NEMO Minister Edmond Castro was in the villages of Burrell Boom and Sandhill handing over more houses to victims of Hurricane Earl in those villages. Castro was accompanied by NEMO Regional Coordinator for Cayo and Belize Districts Al Westby, as well as NEMO […]

Canadians beat Belize’s drum
A two-day marketing initiative sponsored by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in Toronto, Canada has attracted reached 86,000 Toronto residents across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, generating more than 18,000 video views and 4,800 engagements, measured by likes, shares, and comments. The promotion also […]

Two men arrested for Gardenia murder
Two men have been charged with the gruesome killing of Nelson Zelaya in front of his daughter. The incident occurred sometime on Thursday morning when the victim went behind his yard in Gardenia to fetch some firewood. The two accused reportedly sprung up from […]

Missing man feared dead
Delroy Andrewin, 43, has now been missing without a trace for 9 days. The Gales Point Manatee resident was reported missing on November 20, when he last left home. The family suspects he has been killed, however; information from police is limited. Investigations are […]

Cuba’s revolutionary leader, Commandante Fidel Castro, will be buried in a state funeral on Sunday, December 4.
Belize’s Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber will be joined by Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington at the funeral as they represent the country. Prime Minister Dean Barrow will be unable to make it to the event but he has written Fidel’s brother Raul expressing his […]

Tortilla maker faces $3,000 fine or two years imprisonment
A tortilla maker is $3,000 away from spending two years in prison. Ariel Santana, 51, was dragged in front of Magistrate Norman Rodriguez on Monday morning where he plead guilty for failure to display his GST registration certificate. He was fined $3,000 which is […]

Coast Guard shot in the head miraculously survives
A Coast Guard Officer, Daniel Arzu Jr., who was shot to the head several weeks ago survived and is expected to make a full recovery. When he was shot in the head on October 25, many thought that they would be attending his funeral […]

Accused killers free to go
Gilbert Craig and Theodore Andrews have walked from the August 2011 killing of Troy Bowen. Bowen was shot once to the head while he was walking home near Marigold Lane. After 7 days in a critical condition, he succumbed to his injuries and the […]

Blogs

10 of 30 Trained and a Successful Drive
In an effort to strengthen South Ambergris Caye, Mahogany Bay Village has pledged to have 30 staff trained in 3 First Aid sessions. As of Tuesday November 22nd, 10 newly qualified Red Cross first responders are now onsite to assist visitors at Mahogany Bay and in the island community at large. The second group of 10 is scheduled to receive training December 6th and the last shortly after. All will be trained in First Aid, CPR and the newly added AED (Automated External Defibrillator) utilization. As much as we like to plan in advance, sometimes there is just no way around it and the blood drive this past Saturday November 26th was one of those cases. We were all super excited to get our first 10 pints within the first hour and a half. Over the course of the day we collected 16 pints – enough to save 48 lives. One of our donors was someone paying it forward for a family member. For those that did not want to give blood but still wanted to help, the board organized a Dollar Drive & collected $205 from our charity minded Ambergris Caye community.

A Walk on the Beach – Town to Palapa Bar – on ONE GORGEOUS DAY in San Pedro
Yesterday you could feel the beginning of winter in Belize. Slightly lower humidity, a cool breeze from north, sun and lofty pinkish clouds – it was absolute perfection. Before headed to what I will now call “The Camp” or Cayo Frances Farm & Fly for 2 nights, I took a walk along the beach in town. A walk that I haven’t taken in a while. Almost every dock is rebuilt since Hurricane Earl at the beginning of August. And things were looking absolutely beautiful. First things first. I continue my bird watching on the way to town from North Ambergris Caye. I’m stumped by this fluffy hawk…does anyone know what she is? I started at the oldest and certainly one of the cutest hotels in San Pedro – the 50 year old Holiday Hotel. She doesn’t look a day over 10. I’m just going to inch northward… And passing the Tacklebox (now called Island Tackle) – one of the oldest bars in San Pedro. Anyone know what is considered the oldest?

International Sources

Belize, Please—You Shouldn't Travel Anywhere Else
A new page in the history books makes Belize our winter-getaway pick. With a recent amendment overturning its law positioning homosexuality as an act “against the order of nature,” Latin America’s only officially English-speaking nation is now poised to initiate every stripe of traveler into its little realm of glittering waters and drenched rain forests. While international flights converge on Belize City, most vacationers make a beeline for San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, a thin spit of offshore sand that functions as a gateway to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The scuba diving is superlative, but weekenders needing to fully unplug can board a puddle jumper for the real Belizean experience in the southern jungles of the Toledo district. Dense with impenetrable green forests and scarred with Mayan ruins, the region flaunts its Robinson Crusoe appeal like an antidote to the crowded seashore up north. The area’s ecotourism orbits around Belcampo Belize (BelcampoBZ.com), a state-of-the-art hideaway that functions like a utopian amalgamation of a farm and a safari lodge. You’ll hear howler monkeys hoot as you dig into your fresh salads from the garden, and birds of prey will flash across the sky while you soak in the swimming pool. Chocolate-making classes are offered here, and a brand-new rum distillery casts an intriguing light on refining sugarcane and elevates the cocktail program.

Belize's Glover's Reef providing refuge for new generation of sea turtles
A new generation of threatened hawksbill sea turtles is thriving in the protected waters of Glover's Reef Atoll, Belize, evidence that efforts to protect these and other marine species in one of the world's great barrier reef systems are working, according to WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) and the Belize Fisheries Department. In a recently published study in the journal Endangered Species Research, scientists have reported that the coral reefs surrounding the atoll are home to more than 1,000 juvenile hawksbill sea turtles- good news for a species. The authors of the study titled "In-water assessments of sea turtles at Glover's Reef Atoll, Belize" are: Samantha Strindberg, Virginia R. Burns Perez and Janet Gibson of WCS; Robin A. Coleman of WCS and Sawfish Consulting Ltd.; Cathi L. Campbell of WCS and the University of Florida, and Isaias Majil of the Belize Fisheries Department. "The findings of our research show that juvenile hawksbill turtles are thriving at Glover's Reef- extremely good news for this endangered species," said Virginia Burns Perez, WCS Technical Coordinator in Belize.

The Queen – Britain’s most powerful weapon
The United Kingdom now finds itself in a period of great uncertainty. After the vote for Brexit, the change in government and Donald Trump’s victory in the United States presidential election, nobody quite knows where the ancient kingdom is headed. Only one figure has the experience and stature to sell the UK on the world stage. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was there when Britain stood alone against the Nazi war machine and saw the liberation of Europe at the hands of the Russians, Americans, and her own people. She watched as Europe rebuilt after the war and was present as the German state adapted to a new age of democratic power. The Queen also saw the rise and fall of Russian Communism and the creation of NATO. During The Queen’s reign, regimes have come and gone, but the British Monarchy has remained virtually unchanged from its position at the start of the 20th Century. To the rest of the world, The Queen is a titan of history and a true stateswoman. As the UK attempts to negotiate with world leaders, The Queen could prove a most valuable asset. President-elect Trump has recently spoken about his deep admiration for Her Majesty, and she is widely respected throughout Europe. Her impressive standing on the world stage could be a major factor in keeping Britain from being an irrelevance in the coming decades.

Banana prices rise as Brexit bites
Unfavourable exchange rates force four major supermarkets to increase banana prices in past two weeks Banana prices have risen for the first time in five years, with loose bananas up 4p per kilo at Asda, Morrisons, Lidl and Aldi. Aldi was the first to increase prices two weeks ago, and was quickly followed by the other three retailers. Barring a couple of short-lived price rises related to temporary production shortages, banana prices at Britain’s major retailers have remained at or below 68p per kilo since 2011. Asda, Morrisons, Lidl and Aldi – which are currently sourcing their bananas from Costa Rica, Cameroon, Colombia and Belize respectively – have all increased the price of a kilo of loose bananas from 68p to 72p – a rise of six per cent.

Videos

Iconic Chateau Caribbean “Gone” in Sunday Blaze, 6.5min.

The Zenaida Moya Show - First episode 28th Nov 2016, 1hr21min. The first episode featured Professor Patrick Menzies and Attorney-at-Law Arthur Silvidar and they discussed the President elect Donald Trump first 100 days Policy Plan and the impacts, if any, on Belize and Belizeans living in the USA

Jenko Veli @ Belize International Film Festival, 5min.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle Recovery | WCS Belize, 2min. A new generation of threatened hawksbill sea turtles is thriving in the protected waters of Glover’s Reef Atoll, Belize, evidence that efforts to protect these and other marine species in one of the world’s great barrier reef systems are working, according to WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) and the Belize Fisheries Department.

The Great Blue Hole, Belize (Oct. 2016), 5min. Our trip to the Blue Hole with Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop out of San Pedro, Belize. October 2016.

Down in Belize with Dell and the Smith Brothers, 3min.

Disability Awareness Week, 7min. Disability Awareness Week is being celebrated in the Corozal District. The events for commenced on Monday with a school march through the main streets of town and was followed by a unique pampering session. We stopped in to find out how the children were overcoming their disabilities.

Castro Speech - The Impact of The Death of Fidel Castro, 22min.

The Implications of Castro's Death on the Region, 35min.

US Embassy - Young Leaders of the America's Initiative, 30min.

Cuba & world leaders honor Fidel Castro at memorial ceremony, 4hr.

Liz and Aimee's Adventures in Belize, 24min.

BELIZE 2016, 5.5min. Belize trip -- Thanksgiving 2016.

Citrus Products of Belize Ltd Advertisement, .5min.

Giant Loggerhead Turtle - Belize, November 2016, 1/2min.

Swimming with sharks and stingrays in Belize, 1min. Swimming with sharks and stingrays during feeding time near Caye Caulker in Belize on my travels. One of the coolest snorkelling experiences ever.

November 29, 2016

4.6 earthquake offshore offshore Toledo

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

Belizean children to benefit from successful fashion show held at Acquafino
Another successful charity fashion show took place at Acquafino Island Resort and Spa on Saturday, November 26th. Hosted by Paradise Guy Productions in collaboration with the Ambergris Caye Rotary Club, the show featured two international designers with proceeds benefiting the paediatric unit at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) and Rotary Gift of Life Foundation. The glamorous event was well attended by both locals and foreign visitors. Attendees, dressed in white or purple, made their way to the private island located just west of San Pedro Town starting from 5PM. The admission fee of $120 which included the complementary boat transportation as well as dinner at the event. While everyone waited for the show to kick off, guitarists and vocalists Giselle O’ Brien and Tsunami Nick kept the crowd entertained. A cash bar, with proceeds also benefiting the charitable organization, provided cold drinks and refreshing cocktails. At the end of the first segment, Belize’s very own international recording artist Tanya Carter took to the stage. Brining her reggae vibes to Acquafino, Tanya had the crowed grooving to her smooth melodious voice and upbeat dance moves.

San Pedro counts down to Christmas with tree lighting ceremony
Tis’ the season to be jolly and to kick off the holidays, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) hosted their annual ‘Lighting of the Christmas Tree’ ceremony on Sunday, November 27th. Hundreds of island families and visitors crowded the Central Park to witness the ceremony, which took place shortly after 7PM. “We have been getting a lot of rain these past few days. We were afraid it was going to rain today and have to post-pone this wonderful event. Thankfully, it is a beautiful night tonight to be among friends and family. It is also a special night because we are not only lighting the Christmas tree, but we are celebrating San Pedro’s 32nd Township Anniversary. I would to applaud all of our hardworking people, who work daily to build San Pedro and push it forward. We also remember those pioneers that are no longer with us, but definitely made their mark in making San Pedro what it is today. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May your Christmas sparkle with moments of love, laughter, and goodness, and years ahead be full of contentment and joy,” said Mayor Guerrero.

Reward offered for return of stolen Golf Cart
Police in San Pedro Town are investigating the theft of a golf cart which was stolen on Friday night, November, 25th in the town core area. The golf cart, red in colour and with license plate number 3085, went missing sometime after 10:30PM. The owner of the cart, Robert Novak, reported that he parked and locked his golf cart on Pelican Street, next to the San Pedro Lions Club around 10:30PM that night. When he returned sometime after, his golf cart was gone. As a result, Novak is desperately asking everyone to assist him in the finding of his mode of transportation. He is offering a $1,000 reward for any information that might lead to the recovery of the golf cart. The San Pedro Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance as their investigation continues. Anyone that may have information about the golf cart’s whereabouts is asked to call the police station at 206-2022.

Ambergris Today

Lily's Treasure Chest Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Longstanding isand favorite, Lily's Treasure Chest celebrated it 10th anniversary on Sunday, November 27th, 2016. To commerate the anniversary, Lily's invited its customers to enjoy special deals on food and beverages; everyone danced the night away thanks to Rompe Raja. Proud owner Nellie Brown stated that she is so happy with the outcome and is appreciative of everyones support throughout the years. Congratulations!

San Pedro Enjoys New Ambergris Stadium at Soft Opening Games
The Government of Belize, through the Belize Infrastructure Limited, held a soft launch of the Ambergris Stadium this past weekend with two soccer matches played at the newly constructed sports facility. The stadium is still a few weeks from final completion but the island of Ambergris Caye was treated to more than a sneak preview of the Ambergris Stadium facilities. Those in attendance of the friendly matches enjoyed the actual first time use of the new synthetic turf field and its complimenting lighting system. “Last night was one of the proudest moments I have had,” commented Councilor Hector ‘Tito’ Alamilla who has been arduously working alongside Belize Infrastructure Limited to complete the stadium; his portfolios include sports and youth development. “It was a night that a community came out and supported the beautiful game of football. Three countries displayed their talent on the field. Events like these unite a community open doors to our youth; it also brings out entire families. Thank you to all who were part of this event and helped in organizing this first of a kind event.”

Belize Prime Minister Expresses Condolences on Passing of Fidel Castro
Dear President Raúl Castro Ruz, This note is penned with a heavy heart. You have lost your brother, the Cuban People have lost their avatar, and humanity has lost a giant for the ages. As a leader, bestriding history, Fidel proved, in unending ways, his love for the Cuban people, and all people, especially those suffering from injustice or neglect. His leadership of Cuba was one replete with the sacrifices made by your nation: whether in pursuit of its own sovereignty or the liberation of Southern Africa, or in the saving of hundreds of thousands of lives around the world by copious humanitarian aid, or in the everyday work of the Cuban Medical Brigade, or in the education outreach to so many from literacy to the post-graduate level. Because of the fraternity and self-sacrifice deployed by Fidel and Cuba, the people of ‘Nuestra America’ and the globe owe an unpayable debt to the Commander-in-Chief. On behalf of the Government and People of Belize, I therefore extend our most profound condolences.

Misc Belizean Sources

SBDC Workshop: BASIC OF BUSINESS LAW - START UP ESSENTIALS
Presented by: Mr. Jorge Gentle, Business Advisor SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: Belize Training & Employment Center (BTEC)Training Room, ITVET Compound, Freetown Rd. Workshop Date: December 1st, 2016. Time: 9am to 12:00 noon. The overall objective of this training is to equip our clients with knowledge, skills and capabilities necessary to start a business. The Specific objectives of the training are to enable participants to: Better understand the skills of an entrepreneur, importance of the business plan, and acquire all legal information on how adequately formalize your business in Belize.

Embassy of Cuba to Belize Press Release
The Embassy of Cuba informs that on the occasion of the decease of the Leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba has decided to declare nine days of National Duel, starting at 06:00 Hours from November 26 until 12:00 noon on December 4, 2016. The Embassy also makes known that a Book of Condolences will be opened at the Embassy located at 6058 Manatee Drive, Buttonwoods Bay, Belize City, available to the public from November 28 to December 4, 2016, between 09:00 and 18:00 hours, local time.

Charred Chateau Caribbean: the morning after
Pics courtesy of Gordon Kirkwood.

Here is a bit of Chateau Caribbean history via Museum of Belize
The Chateau Caribbean, a beautiful historic building suffered devastating loss this Sunday as a fire engulfed the building. This beautiful building was built in the early 1900's. It was 100% built by Canadian Ceder. It was built and assembled in Canada, then dismantled, shipped to Belize, and reassembled in the spot where it was until yesterday. It was owned by the Biddle family and was the most expensive home built of its time. It survived the Hurricanes of 1931 and 1961. It later became known as the Holden Memorial Hospital under the care of Dr McCleary. This building was truly a magnificent home and a tremendous loss to our historical heritage.

NEW BELIZE CRUISE PORT DECLARED WORLD HERITAGE SITE!
Belize’s newest eco-park, Squander Caye, was declared a site of outstanding international importance for mega cruise lines and therefore as deserving special protection for cheapskate cruise travelers at the park’s unveiling ceremony yesterday. The ceremony was full of pompous circumstance. Pompous people who cared diddly about the ecologically damaging circumstances that brought the eco-park to its inglorious existence were present to celebrate their magnificent achievement. Minister of Touristic Affairs and Seismic Testing, Manwell Ereba, announced that Squander Caye Eco-Park was constructed in line with the National Unsustainable Tourism Strategy, better known as NUTS. “The arrival of mega cruise lines to this part of our country is in line with the NUTS guidelines that speak to the state-of-the-art squandering of our precious natural and cultural resources,” Ereba stated. “The cruise line has been kind enough and working hard to give us a kick right in the NUTS to create the type of unsustainable ecotourism that is needed and is welcomed by everybody except the majority of Belizeans.”

FCD’s AGM took place over the weekend
Mr. Abil Castaneda, Chief Tourism Officer was our guest speaker. We are thankful for his advice and recommendations as we move forward in exploring the tourism potential in the area.

The Virtuous Family Network is 'Unmasking the Many Faces of Gender Based Violence' in the Cayo District
On Saturday, Ms. Nina Rochester and Ms. Cynthia Ellis Topsey officially launched the network which will support GBV victims by linking them to legal, health, psychological, law enforcement and other resources. The network hosted discussions with Cynthia Williams from the Women's Department and Sargeant Choc of the police department. Deputy Chief of Mission Adrienne Galanek joined in the discussions. We are inspired by such great community work to unmask the violence.

Water problems in Arenal Village
Today we had less than 10 hours of water - it's getting worse now. No shower this morning (as at 8am - when I had to leave) there was no water. After some hard work in the garden just wanted to take my shower now - it was not possible. I would ask all people from Arenal to support me now to make some changes. Unfortunately the water board turns this matter into a political thing, which it is not. It is just an Arenal-matter and just for us - the people from Arenal. It would be soooooo very easy to find a solution but it looks as if politics do what they always do: Make people fight because while they fight they will not look to much what politicians do! That's very convenient for them and all people who are part of this, don't understand that they are taken as an instrument to ignore our people. Not pumping enough water is full ignorance against every single person who pays a monthly fee for getting water. The people who pump water get a monthly money for it. What is going to happen if you have a job and you'll do just half of it? Wouldn't you get fired? Yes!!!!

Revitalization of downtown and Boca del Rio Areas in San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council is in the process of a revitalization of the downtown and Boca del Rio Area Project. In an effort to get the businesses and residents input, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the San Pedro Town Council is inviting tourism stakeholders to a meeting with him and the consultant. The revitalization of downtown and Boca del Rio areas will impact all that area near the municipal airstrip (around Tropic Air), Barrier Reef Drive and portions of Pescador Drive, and the beach area from the BTB Office to the Boca del Rio Park. While the project is a concept at this point, some of the consideration that is being contemplated is pedestrianizing the Boca del Rio beach and Barrier Reef Drive, vehicular limitation on Barrier Reef Drive and the beach, closure of Barrier Reef and Boca del Rio beach, and creating a drive through area. Whatever module that will adopted in the future, businesses and residents, particularly those in the general area highlighted on the map, are highly encourage to be engaged and to attend the meeting.

Support the Belize Special Olympics!
SP Police Department BBQ Fundraiser, Thursday Dec. 1st, 11am-3pm at the SP Police Station

Best wishes to Miss Iris Salguero
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its best wishes to Miss Iris Salguero who is participating and representing Belize in the Miss World pageant 2016. We are more than sure she will do an excellent job in representing Belize as she did a great job as being Miss San Pedro 2015-2016. Iris left Belize earlier this week en route to Houston, Texas and arrive in Washington, DC. The pageant final of which is scheduled to take place on December 18, 2016 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland just south of Washington, District of Columbia. The pageant will air live in Belize on E! Entertainment. Follow her on the official Miss World facebook page.

Letter: In remembrance of Fidel Castro, whose significance shall endure
By Paco Smith. Dear Sir: Indeed, the world has lost a "true revolutionary", with the passing of a man who truly needs no introduction, H. E. Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz. Irrespective of what the mainstream media has spewed about this icon for decades, there is absolutely no question in my mind that President Castro belongs in the pantheon of great socio-economic and political figures of all time. Many may not agree with his "politics", but undoubtedly he is an icon of resistance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. No-one can take away the fact that due to his: insight, ingenuity, conviction to his cause, love of country and overall charisma, that former President Castro was and shall forever remain a true trailblazer. I can recall while studying at UWI, one of our required texts for the course -- Contemporary Governance Issues in International Relations -- was "Carribean Charisma: Reflections on Leadership, Legitimacy and Populist Politics". It was an entirely insightful book that featured the likes of Maurice Bishop, Michael Manley, Eric Gairy, Eric Williams, Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham and none other than Fidel Castro.

Support Friends of Ocean Academy by shopping at AmazonSmile
Ocean Academy is Caye Caulker's only high school, with 81 students enrolled. Please click the Amazon Smile button below before making any online purchases, and Amazon will donate .5% to our 501c3 charity Friends of Ocean Academy. Your purchase price is the same as on the regular Amazon.com page, and you will be supporting educational programs for Caye Caulker students. Thank you!

Sisimito Sessions
Belize's own electronic music label Sisimito Records brings you techno and techno-house music on the beach in Placencia! clock January 28, 2017 – January 29, 2017. The 3rd Annual Sisimito Sessions held in Placencia. A weekend of quality underground electronic music in the secluded country of Belize. Limited release weekend passes for BZ$50/US$25 available from http://www.wantickets.com/sisimito17, Barefoot Beach Bar, Placencia & Luna Loca, San Pedro, call +501 636 5015 or email [email protected]

Cayo Art Festival 2016
Saturday, December 3 at 9 AM - 4 PM, Cayo Welcome Center.

CUBA'S PRESIDENT FIDEL CASTRO: FAREWELL TO A FRIEND OF BELIZE!
Official Statement from the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba On the occasion of the demise of the Commander in Chief of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba declares nine days of National Mourning, as from the 06:00 hrs. of November 26 th, until the 12:00 hrs. of December 4th, 2016. For as long as the National Mourning is in place, public activities and shows shall not be held, the national flag shall be flown at half-staff in public buildings and military facilities. The radio and television shall broadcast informative, patriotic and historic programs.

Elmer Figueroa marries Nissi Arzu
Congratulations to our friend and colleague, Elmer Figueroa, on his marriage to Nissi Arzu! The wedding was televised on From Yes to I Do...Channel 5 will follow You! Much love and happiness to the newlyweds

Installing mooring buoy anchors at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley!!

Channel 7

Belize City Landmark Destroyed
The iconic Chateau Caribbean is no more! A Sunday morning blaze destroyed the 3-story building on Fort Street in Belize City. The fire started upstairs and quickly spread throughout the entire structure. The fire department says they did their best to put out the fire but it wasn't enough against the powerful flames which burst out of windows on all sides of the massive building. So what was once a lovely seafront view is now just a stack of blackened remains. It is a major blow to the owner and also the community. I found out more today. Juan Nunez, Driver & Security Guard: "I was at home sleeping when one of the co-workers came to call me and told me it was burning and I just came to assist, I just came over but I can't do nothing else you know."

Alma Choc's Home And Business Also Burned On Sunday
Another of the 3 fires which happened over the weekend completely destroyed the home and business place of Belize City resident Alma Choc. She is a small business owner who runs a shop and a catering business out of her home on West Collet Canal. But everything was lost when her 2-storey house went up in flames early on Sunday morning. Fire Chief Ted Smith told us that her Fire happened after 1:00 am on Sunday and when the Chateau fire came on around 8:00, they had to be juggling between both of them:.. Ted Smith, Fire Chief: "The department also received and responded to a fire at 47 West Collet Canal, because we don't want to confuse West Canal and Collet Canal - two different canal. On arrival a 2 story structure with wooden upper and concrete lower, heavy smoke was seen coming out the structure. The fire was primarily internal and had not necessarily escaped outside yet. But the fire was already developed inside. The team was able to make entry into that structure and contain and extinguish the fire."

Ladyville Family of Five Homeless After Fire
We turn now to the third fire this weekend in the Belize District. This one has left a single mother and her 4 children homeless. It happened at around 7:30 on Friday night in the Japan area of Ladyville. That's when Delvorine Reyes's home caught fire, and was quickly destroyed - leaving the mother and her four children homeless. Now, the Ladyville Fire Station is just down the road, but their proximity didn't make a difference for this family. They weren't at home when the fire started and returned to find everything gone. Their neighbor Marie Gongora was the first to see the fire: Marie Gongora, Next Door Neighbour: "I was sitting down by the window and then my daughter and I was in the shop and I told her that I smell varnish burning and I look around in and out of my house and I stayed there sitting and a little while after I saw my neighbor two children went to my sister and I look out through the window I saw smoke coming out and I ran out and said Carol, Delvorine house is burning and I shouted Brian and Melissa, you mom's house is burning, come."

Wax House Shooting Has Gang Turf Subtext
There was a non fatal shooting in Belize City on Saturday night. At 10:50 24 year old Kasheif Gallego was walking on East Canal near an area known as Wax House when he was shot to the thigh and buttocks. Gallego was not seriously injured. Police suspect it could be gang related because the area is considered turf of a dominant gang.

Free After 63 Months In Jail, Prosecution Case Crumbles When Witness Forgets
After spending 5 years and 3 months in jail, accused murderers Gilbert Craig and Theodore Andrews are at home after they were freed of murder charges. They are accused of killing Troy Bowen who was shot once in the head on August 24, 2011, when he was walking on Marigold Lane near his home. He died a week later at the hospital, and shortly after that, both men were charged with murder after their charges were upgraded when Bowen died. After more than 5 years on remand, the trial without jury started against both men today, and Crown Counsel Kileru Awich was prosecuting them. He called 3 witnesses to the stand, including the main witness who said he could not identify the shooters. With that, he told the court that he would be discontinuing the prosecution against both men.

Teachers Got Paid
So did the teachers get paid on Friday. A lot of strike teachers say they did. And for those who didn't, today, the Chief Education Officer, Dr. Carol Babb told us that whatever the delay, it is not the Education Ministry's fault. She checked with the Ministry's financial officers who confirmed that on Friday morning, all the money due for the November paychecks was sent to the bank accounts for all the managing authorities, and school managements for the different schools countrywide. She told us that there was only 1 school which did not get their money sent to them, due to some clarifications which the Ministry had to make with the school's managers. She says that the delay is out of the Ministry's hands, and if teachers didn't get their money, it is most likely due to the different banks and their internal processes.

A Giant Passes, Deputy PM and FM To Fidel Funeral
The world shook on Friday night when news broke that Fidel Castro, Cuba's former president and commander in Chief had died at the age of 90. He is one of the most - if not the most - historic figure ever to come out of the America's - and his legacy, his contribution, and his principled stand against American imperialism have left an imprint across an entire era. In a letter to President Raul Castro, Prime Minister Dena Barrow says, quote, "This note is penned with a heavy heart. You have lost your brother, the Cuban People have lost their avatar, and humanity has lost a giant for the ages….His leadership of Cuba was one replete with the sacrifices made by your nation: whether in pursuit of its own sovereignty or the liberation of Southern Africa, or in the saving of hundreds of thousands of lives around the world by copious humanitarian aid, or in the everyday work of the Cuban Medical Brigade, or in the education outreach to so many from literacy to the post-graduate level. the people of 'Nuestra America' and the globe owe an unpayable debt to the Commander-in-Chief."

Musa: Cuba Was Ready To Send Troops To Defend Belize In Event of Guat Invasion
The state funeral is set for Sunday, December fourth - and Deputy Prime Minister Faber and Foreign Minister Elringotn are expected to be joined by scores of world leaders. Indeed, as the ambassador mentioned, Belize owes a great debt to Cuba - because of the role Castro played in pushing for Belize's inpdendence. Today, in his Belize City office, former Prime Minister Said Musa, told u show cuba was actively, and secretly involved in pushing for Belize's independence. Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Former Prime Minister: "Cuba was a leader in the Non Aligned Movement and the Non Aligned Movement was crucial in getting support for Belize at the United Nations, because they were 77, originally right, and eventually became over 100 of non-aligned countries, the Group Of 77. And when we were fighting for that independence we did it, of course, diplomatically. Cuba, of course, fought for their independence with blood, they shed their blood for it. And that's why we look to Cuba as the greatest example of a freedom-struggling people. They fought for their freedom. And Fidel, Commandante Fidel he championed that issue as number one I think in his mind: People must be free. A People must be sovereign. And that is why with all the help that Cuba gave to Belize, they never asked for anything in return, because they respected the sovereignty and independence of Belize."

With Love From Havana, Shoman Speaks Of Solidarity
Humanism is also the theme that former Foreign Minister Assad Shoman mentioned. He presently lives in Cuba and, like Musa, has been an admirer of Castro since the 70's. Speaking with us today from Havana, he told us that Humanism and Solidarity define Castro's legacy:... Assad Shoman, former Foreign Minister: "Fidel was and is the best friend that humanity ever had, or is ever likely to have. And to expand on that a bit, I mean he was an example of what solidarity means, to feel responsible for people anywhere on the planet who are suffering from hunger, ignorance, disease or oppression. And to feel a duty to do what you can to help them." "And the amazing thing in my mind, Jules, (you say to put it it in context, noh?) is that all this has been done while Cuba has suffered form an illegal and genocidal blockade from the mightiest country ever." "And remember that one of the first acts of the revolution was to make Cuba the first country in the Americas free from illiteracy. And then, of course, as you know the education revolution, which has brought free education as well as free health to all Cubans at all levels."

Smith Says Fidel Was Global GOAT
And so where does Castro fit in the broader historical picture? Was he a man just for his time, or for the ages? We asked Godfrey Smith - who has written Biographies on George Price and Michael Manley where Castro ranks amongst the Great Men:... Godfrey Smith, SC, Former Foreign Minister: "It is my view, my argument, that he ranks easily among the greatest world leaders - and listen to this - of all time. You hear da statement? I'm not saying he's of relevance to the region, or the Americas or the Caribbean…I'm saying I rate him among the greatest leaders of all time. So when you throw out the list of leaders, I'm sure few people would dispute, when you ask popped you'll hear names like the Mahatma Gandhi, you'll hear Nelson Mandela, you'll hear Churchill, you'll hear Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, going back in time you'll hear Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Mao Zedong, Napoleon, Hitler…my argument is that he can easily be ranked and rated among these men. And I'd like to offer three heads for examination: I'll lock at the personal aspect, what; they've done for humanity and the military aspect, as an argument. So let's take the top two who nobody would argue about: Gandhi, Mandela. Saints. I'm not saying Fidel is a saint. All three had a vision for the liberation of their people."

Sales Tax Crackdown Continues
Today two Belizean business owners appeared in the Magistrate's Court for GST related charges. Ariel Santana, the manager of La Popular Bakery in Belize City pled guilty to failure to publicly display a General Sales Tax certificate in the bakery. Santana was ordered to pay $3000 by June 30, 2017. He Yong Fa, a Sandhill businessman, pled guilty to failure to issue a tax receipt. He was charged $5000 and was given until April 30, 2017 to pay. Both men will serve 2 years in prison if they default on their payment.

"ET" Did It Again
Last year Belize City resident Basil Willis, also know as "ET" was charged for raping a 23 year old man. Willis waked away from those charges this September, when the DPP ordered mental evaluation failed to be produced at court. Now Willis is back in court, but this time it's for burglary. According to reports, Willis broke into the Grace Primary School compound on either Wednesday or Thursday of last week. He allegedly stole several food items and kitchen equipment. Police picked him up not long after, and he was found in possession of some of the stolen items. Willis appeared in the Magistrate's Court today, where he pled not guilty to burglary and handling stolen goods. After objections from the prosecution based on the fact that Willis is a repeat offender and that he was caught with the stolen items, Senior Magistrate Fraser denied bail, and Willis was remanded into custody until December 22.

When A Calendar Is An Annual Event
The Belikin Calendar can easily be written off as just a flesh-fest for lecherous eyes. But, through a mix of slick packaging and clever marketing, the Calendar launch has become an event. So even though most people nowadays find their Calendars on their cell phones, Belikin keeps making the Calendar their top marketing product. Alex Courtney went to the Radisson on Saturday to find out why:... Alex Courtenay reporting: The Belikin calendar is back, and as usual scores of eager fans lined the room, waiting to get their own calendars signed. This year, instead of the typical bikini clad girls on the beach, the models posed in the bars of Belize.

88 Robbery
And police haven't reported it, but 7News has learnt that there was a robbery on Saturday night. It happened in the downtown area on North Front Street at 88 Sports Bar. Like we said, police have not released details but we are told that a robber got off with a at least thousand dollars in cash - from a businessman who had it in a bag and was bending down to attend to something. The robber snatched the bag and dashed down North Front Street, into an ally, and then bounded over a fence, landing straight in the Eastern Division compound. But police never saw him, and he jumped back over the fence and disappeared into the night. Police have one person from nearby Pink's Alley detained.

Field of Dreams Long Time Coming In Cayo
The Santa Elena Sports Complex was opened on Sunday afternoon in Cayo. It's the third facility in the twin towns to be renovated after Falcon Field and the Victor Galvez stadium. But this one was the most challenging - it spans 14 acres, and planner Christy Mastry from Belize Infrastructure Limited explains how they did it in the hometown of the Chairman of BIL, Rene Montero:...

Without Cuba, No Dance Company
Dance X, 2016 started on Friday. We'll show you some footage form Friday night's performance shortly but first we have a Cuba tie in. According to former Minister of Education and Culture Said Musa, if it weren't for Comrade Fidel's generosity, we wouldn't have a dance company:..

Dance X Features Indonesia
And so we leave you with highlites for Friday's show tonight. It featured a troupe from Indonesia along Belize National Dance Company, BES Dancers, Ballet Arts and Dwayne Murillo. Enjoy, and join me back here tomorrow…

Channel 5

Iconic Chateau Caribbean “Gone” in Sunday Blaze
One of the oldest buildings in the Old Capital was consumed by fire on Sunday morning. Thick smoke billowed into the sky and was visible from a distance away as [...]

Businesswoman Must Start Over After Late Night Inferno on West Collet Canal
Destruction by fire in the city was not only limited to the Chateau Caribbean. Just under seven hours before, Police also reported a house fire at a residence on West [...]

In Ladyville, Japan Area Family Burned Out of House and Home
There was a third fire which caused a family of five to spend the weekend with relatives in Ladyville. The place they called home went up in flames just after [...]

Will BAHA Release Rejected “Green Ham” to Free Zone?
A consignment of a little over fifty thousand pounds of green ham, uncured meat, that was reportedly brought in from Miami after being rejected in Ecuador is sitting at the [...]

Who’s to Blame for Delayed Teacher’s Salaries? Not Me, Says M.O.E.
Since the Supreme Court decision in favor of the Belize National Teachers Union last Monday, the Ministry of Education has been silent about the processing of salaries for the month [...]

The Legendary Fidel Castro Dead at 90; Cuban Ambassador Speaks of Legacy
Comandante Fidel Castro, leader of the Cuban Revolution in the 1950’s, who became the longest-serving leader with unbroken service in the Americas, died late Friday at the age of ninety. [...]

P.M. Leads Fidel Condolences; D.P.M. and Foreign Minister Attend Havana Tribute
Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow has penned official condolences to the President of Cuba, Raul Castro Ruz, on the passing of his brother, Comandante Fidel Castro. World leaders will [...]

Coast Guard’s Daniel Arzu is Back; How is He Doing?
After receiving treatment in Mexico for a month, Coastguard Petty Officer Daniel Arzu Junior returned to Belize today via a Mexican military aircraft. Arzu Junior was shot to the head [...]

The Infamous Basil Willis Accused of Targeting Grace Primary School
Well-known criminal figure, Basil Willis recently beat the offense of committing an unnatural crime when the case was thrown out but today he was back in court accused of burglarizing [...]

2 Walk from 2011 Murder Charge
Twenty-nine year old Gilbert Craig and thirty-one year old Theodore Andrews were tried for murder by Justice Troadio Gonzalez this morning in the Supreme Court. But the two men accused [...]

Marleni Brings Back Top Prize in STEM Mediathon Challenge
“So You Want to Be “STEM-tastic!” It’s my idea for introducing primary schoolers to Caribbean heroes in the STEM subjects. It won top prize in the first-ever Compete Caribbean mediathon [...]

Tourism Ministry Talks About Plans to Rejuvenate Downtown
Friday’s final in the History and Social Studies Quiz presented by the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project is one in a series of intended projects to [...]

4 Detained Over Nelson Zelaya Murder; Police Still Puzzled Over Motive
Four persons, including two minors from the neighboring village of Biscayne are tonight in police custody as the investigation continues into the midday shooting and subsequent murder of Nelson Zelaya. [...]

Third Accused to Face Charges in Holdup at T Supermarket
A third person has been detained and is expected to be charged for the brazen robbery of “T” Supermarket in Lord’s Bank Village last Monday. The proprietor Jing Xiao Tan [...]

Football Winds Down on Sports Monday
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. Two bitter rivals came into week 16 looking to secure a berth in the advent of the 4-team playoffs [...]

CTV3

MOH Says Assistance Coming To Other Districts
As we reported last week, the Ministry of Health opened an extension building at the existing Polyclinic in Corozal. At that event Minister Marin boasted about additional investments to the Corozal hospital, including a new operating theatre, and improved lab and morgue. The building alone cost half a million dollars so we asked the Minister whether the investment couldn’t have been used where there was greater need, such as the Belmopan hospital where the facility’s condition has brought international scandal on the Ministry when a rat bit a baby in an incubator. Honourable Pablo Marin - Minister of Health: “I don’t want the people of Belize not to believe that I am concentrated only in Corozal, if you heard that I have gotten seven ultra sound machines that will be for all over the country, we just got chemistry analysers for all over the country, I am looking right now for sources for me to do the hospital in PG which I hope that by next year I can start, that is very essential, I already got the lot for San Pedro for us to do a hospital there in San Pedro which is very essential and there is a polyclinic also and I can mention about it, when I came in it was only eight hours Monday to Friday now it is a 24 hours service giving in San Pedro, now the only thing that remains in San Pedro as you know it is an island we need to do a hospital with all the facility that is needed so I am looking a public partnership in that particular area for us to be able to deliver everything for the people of San Pedro.”

Men Accused For Attempt Robbery Of Rapidito Pawn Shop
Three of the four men who were accused of the broad-daylight armed robbery of Rapidito Loans, located on Fourth Avenue, Corozal Town, were arraigned today at the Orange Walk Magistrates court, before Magistrate Albert Hoare. Twenty year old Maliek Michael Humes, construction worker of Barkley Street, Belize City, 20 year old Alton Garcia, construction worker of Wagner Lane Belize City and 33 year old Erwin Castillo, Taxi Driver of a Corozal address were each read a single charge of conspiracy to commit robbery following Thursday’s mid-morning hold up. While all men pled not guilty to the charge, lead Prosecutor for the Corozal District Florentino Salam, argued that due to the severity of the offence and the compelling evidence presented against the accused, bail should be denied. Following the prosecution’s presentation, all men were remanded to the Central Prison until their next court appearance scheduled for December 21st 2016.

Convicted Murdered Wins Appeal For Re-Trial
Retrial commences for Daniel Elvis Ku, who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the 2006 murder of his common-law wife, Nurse Anna Maria Magdalena Basto. Ku was found guilty on September of 2010 for the vicious murder, but one year after his guilty conviction Ku’s attorney Simeon Sampson submitted that Ku was willing to accept manslaughter instead of murder. But the DPP made an application for a retrial which the Court of Appeal decided to allow. The appeal was made on the ground that the trial judge, Michelle Arana misdirected the jury on the principle of the loss of self-control. There was evidence that Ku lost his self-control, and the judge did not direct the jury on that.

BSCFA Holds AGM, Fair-Trade Suspension Discussed
Over the weekend, the Belize Sugar Cane Famers Association held its annual general meeting to discuss the Fair Trade Premium and proposed budget for the new fiscal year. With the majority of its members present for the annual encounter, the managing authorities took the opportunity to speak about the recent suspension of the association from Fair Trade. The suspension came about as a result of an audit which exposed three areas of non-compliance due to the wrongful delivery of sugar cane to the factory. While the owner of the cane field had been inactive in the delivery of cane for approximately three years, a high-ranking UDP Minister had taken it upon himself to harvest and deliver cane under the said farmer’s name without following proper protocols in terms of the transferral of land to another name. At yesterday’s meeting farmers agreed on corrective measures involving the elimination of farmer Eloy Escalante from the association.

Minister Of Health Weighs In Super-bond Restructure
All indications are that next year’s budget could be the most austere in recent times. We say this because all economic projections show that Belize will be facing a financial crunch, even as the Government seeks to renegotiate the Superbond. There is already talk that GOB will have to introduce tax increases to close its widening deficit. A number of the Government Ministries could also be impacted, with budget cuts. Last week when spoke to Minister of Health Pablo Marin, we asked him whether he expected a reduced portion of the budget pie. Honourable Pablo Marin - Minister of Health: “When it comes to health and education there is not like a blockade for that and we need to do everything possible for the health of our people and that is why I am not afraid and if you can see every time we are hiring more doctors, hiring more nurses and right now we are getting a group of doctors that will be going to El Salvador to do their speciality; I think that I spoke about that about two years ago that we got scholarships and that now we are about to send them, once we send a doctor that means we have to employ somebody to occupy the space so we are spending more money and in that way the people can see that in health and education I think that they don’t have an open wallet of that but we have to show exactly why we need it and for what we need it for.”

Police Constable, Edward Vargas Recognized As Police Of The Month
Every month police departments throughout the jewel take the time out to express appreciation and gratitude for officers who stand out among others in the department as they constantly display responsibility and commitment to their community fighting against the never ending battle of delinquency. As is customary, today the Orange Walk Police Formation officially presented an award of recognition, this time to senior Police Constable Edward Vargas who was quite delighted about the achievement. Edward Vargas – Police of the month: “It is a good feeling to be recognize by your Senior personnel and along with your fellow colleagues and it is a good feeling as I always do and I always come to work on time, putting my all and I respect my superior and follow instruction, the experience is good, every day you learn something new, every day you keep dealing with persons of different character, we do as how we were thought at the Police Academy and you follow the rules and regulations of the Belize Police Department and you can’t go wrong.”

OWTC Project Almost Complete
The infrastructural works being carried out by the Orange Walk Town Council as part of the restructuring of ten heavily trafficked streets throughout the town is coming to its final stages. Two very crucial roads, namely Orchid Drive and Bethias Lane received their final coat of paving, while the labor on four other major streets are being prepared to enter their final phase. Ian Cal- Deputy Mayor Orange Walk Town “As you can see the amount of work that is being done on different streets simultaneously under the ten streets that we had planned to get paved before the end of this year; this morning we completed Orchid Drive which is a major street which connected the hospital to the clinic as well and by completing it we entered into the second paving of the street, last week we paved Bethias Lane which had already received its first paving and now we put in its second layer and those are the two streets that has been completed and we have ready Santa Ana Street, we have Cinderella Street and we have ready around Progress and we have prepared Progress Street and all of that for paving and all of that is under the work of the Council and the contractor that we have given out to get these ten streets paved.” Adding to the works being carried out on these streets, the council is also carrying out works as part of their ‘Flood Mitigation Plan’.

Breaking Belize News

School burglar jailed
Basil Willis, 49, was remanded to prison after he was charged with burglarizing a school of food it uses to feed needy children. The incident occurred at Grace Primary school between last week Wednesday and Thursday. Willis allegedly broke a door to gain entry in the building. He was later found in possession of the stolen items. The school’s principal was able to identify all the items found which includes some kitchen appliances and soft drinks valued at an estimated $250.

Chateau Caribbean burns for 15 hours!
The historic Chateau Caribbean hotel burnt for 15 hours, during which fire officials reportedly doused the blaze with thousands of gallons of water. In the process a fire fighter received injuries to his arm trying to smash a glass window to gain entry into the burning building. The fire began sometime after 7 a.m. on Sunday morning and was brought under control at around 9 p.m. but was not completely out until shortly before midnight. According to reports, the fire began in the kitchen of the establishment and thereafter devoured other parts of the building. Guests were quickly escorted from the building without injury. Fire officials had difficulties entering the building as some of the flooring had collapsed. However, they gained entry from the third floor after a fire fighter removed some bars and smashed a window.

Belize Police officers receive mediation training
Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice), a program funded by the Canadian government, will train 36 Belizean police officers in mediation. IMPACT Justice is a five year regional justice sector reform project implemented from within the Caribbean Law institute Centre, UWI, Cave Hill Campus. The workshop on mediation is a 40-hour course taking place from November 28 to December 2 in Belize City. An opening session was held today with remarks from the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie.

Would be robber reportedly paralyzed
Three Belize City robbers traveled to Corozal town on Thursday morning to rob the Rapidito Pawn Shop and Loans located on 4th street. There are reports that one of three robbers entered the establishment with a .9mm pistol and aimed at the business owner, from whom he demanded cash. However, instead of handing over cash to the robber, he was handed gunshots by a security guard on duty. He was reportedly shot to his hip and returned ten shots to the security guard but none found their mark.[…]

Community development programs introduced in villages around Belize
On Saturday, the National Coordinator of the Voluntary Special Constables (VSC) and Citizens on Patrol (COP) program, retired Supt. Rudolph Orio, accompanied by Carmelita Village Council chairman Elvis Reynolds, Sr. Supt. Marlon Allen, Deputy Commanding Officer Inspector Jose Mendez and Community Policing Officer Sgt. […]

The tale of the very-little integrity commission
So the Senate is meeting on Wednesday and among its many items on the agenda, it is expected to appoint members to the long-defunct Integrity Commission. Government sympathizers view it as proof GOB is making good on its commitments to teachers as a result […]

Golf cart stolen in San Pedro, reward being offered
Robert Novak, a San Pedro resident, reported that his golf cart was stolen on Friday night. The red golf cart was parked and locked on the side of the street between the Lions Club and Milo’s Friday night around 10:30. The owner is offering […]

Mayor of Twin Towns joins fight against crime
Today, Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Earl Trapp met with members of the Cayo Special Constables Committee to discuss ways of working together to prevent crime. At today’s meeting, the parties involved discussed ways for the Special Constables and the town council […]

Blogs

Fastest way to Lamanai
Some people do not mind a longer adventure and some prefer the shortest most direct route the “treasure.” This was the case with today’s guest poster, Barbara Hickman. She and her crew opted to do the popular Lamanai Maya Ruin tour by plane versus a longer day taking the tour by boat. My best friend, my daughter, and I took a Spring Break trip to Belize. The highlight of our trip was the Tropic Air Lamanai tour. From start to finish, it was seamlessly organized, fascinating, and worth far more than we paid for it. We caught our 8:00am Tropic Air flight at the San Pedro airport, and a half hour later we landed on a gravel air strip in Orange Walk, on the mainland of Belize. The plane was tiny and full, and the pilot was wonderfully humorous. One of the passengers was instructed by the pilot to sit in the co-pilot seat because it doubles as a passenger seat when necessary (“but you probably shouldn’t touch the controls, HA HA”). I think she actually sat on her hands so she would be certain to do what he asked! When we landed, it was a little breezy, and the little plane weaved and bobbed in the wind all the way down, but just before it touched down it straightened out and set down as smooth as glass. The pilot grinned and turned around to us all and said, “Pretty awesome landing, eh?” We all cracked up!

ANOTHER SATURDAY CLINIC….
…and another day full of kids and pups. This big litter was all brown and white, except for the guy who was white and brown. As always, the guys were champs at giving dewormer medicine. Shaggy kept us company all morning. ….and Homey and Amber wore each other out smacking down in the yard!

Belize Hotels: A Guide To The Best Accommodations
It’s easy to look up a certain town or package and say “cool, this looks like exactly what I want to do” but sometimes looking at a country as a whole makes it pretty difficult to discern what’s what. While we can’t dictate to you where to go in Belize (Cayo is a pretty safe bet for a good time!) we can tell you the best Belize Hotels to stay wherever you plan to go to fit almost any budget. Corozal and Orange Walk – the center for Belize’s sugar and rum production (among other things of course). Home of ASR, L&R, A&R (They seem to like their ‘r’s it seems) and the capital of Belize’s taco food craze sits at the north and connect the rest of us to Mexico. If you visited Belize and didn’t party until sunrise in Orange Walk then you missed out on a part of authentic Belizean culture. That said The north has its own range of interesting accommodations to host you while you get your tacos fix. The islands of Belize are Hype central; even if what gets you hyped up is pretty chill. We say that because whatever your draw is, be it a party, relaxation, adventure, or a complete disconnect from the world we have an island to suit your tastes. You can hit up San Pedro for a party, Caye caulker for a chill weekend or somewhere remote like South Water Caye to be completely surrounded by the sea and nature – the choice really is yours.

“Panama” from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize – Part Three
Today’s edition brings the three part series of the trip that Rose and I made to Panama City to a conclusion. Now aren’t you just pleased about that! On our first full day there we attempted to cover the massive Albrook Mall. We gave it a good shot – in fact Rose gave it a very praiseworthy shot – but failure is failure any way you want to put it. For our second day we visited the fish market and the old town but we had the saved the best till last. For our third and final full day we were going to see the Panama Canal which has been named by many as the 8th wonder of the world. Not by me though. It’s good but that nomenclature can only be used to describe Thierry Henry when he was in his pomp at Arsenal! OK I’ll be serious. After breakfast at our hotel we took a leisurely stroll to the nearby Iglesia del Carmen Metro station where we took the train to Albrook. We had a few hours to spare and we were determined that it would not beat us. We would get around all of it. We gave it a good go but I started to lose the will to live. Rose? She looked as fresh as a daisy. Little doubt that the fairer sex is made of much stronger stuff!

We Went to Placencia to Do Nothing at All
It is so easy to ABSOLUTELY do NOTHING at ALL in Placencia and not feel guilty about it. After a few crazy months of work and then visits to the hospital it was totally worth taking at least a couple days to relax on the beach, sway in a hammock and take siestas all day long in our beach side room. “How can people get anything done around here?” commented Amber to me as she rolled in bed during her mid-morning nap. The sounds of the crashing waves are so therapeutic – coma inducing you might say. It’s hard to understand how anybody can get anything done in such a laid back and charming village. It’s usually all about work when we travel and at times don’t even get some much needed time off to just unwind. Even though this trip involved work, we decided to stay an additional day in Placencia just to relax. The idea was to get some writing done. Needless to say, the cool Caribbean breeze, the smell of fresh salt air, the sound of the waves and the cozy accommodations at SeaSpray Hotel got the best of us.

Great Holiday Gift Options at Caves Branch Souvenir Shop
From unique gifts such as slate Mayan calendars, signature adventure T-shirts, hammocks and hand-picked works from local artisans, our jungle Gift Shop lets you bring the lifestyle and essence of Caves Branch Jungle Lodge to your home. Located in the main lodge area, this little nook offers more than just sunscreen and mosquito repellant; it has become an integral part of our guests’ experience at the lodge. By providing our customers with a smorgasbord of souvenir options, we achieve lasting mementos that captures their vacation memories. At Caves Branch, we believe that having these types of location-specific products that are reminiscent of a visitor’s stay is vital to making our gift shop stand out.

Belize in December
December might herald cold winds and snow across North America, but it’s a month of long, sunny days and warm temperatures perfect for snorkeling, swimming, sailing, and hiking in Belize. With all of the top airlines, including Delta, United, American, and Southwest, offering non-stop service from the United States, it’s now easier and more affordable than ever to enjoy an exotic getaway vacation in Belize. Whether you’re an adventure traveler, want to celebrate your honeymoon, or simply looking for a fun family vacation, Belize has something for everyone. Here are just a few of the exciting things to see and enjoy in Belize during December. With more than 200 miles of island coasts, coral atolls, and reef that are home to thousands of colorful species of marine fauna and flora,, the Belize Barrier Reef is a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Tips to Prepare You for Taking Amazing Travel Photos
It’s a fantastic feeling to escape from the comfort of home, to experience the world through the eyes of a traveler. Every journey taken and every destination visited, surely adds unforgettable memories to one’s mental library. What’s even better, is the ability to relive these exciting moments with the aid of physical or digital copies of photos. One important item every traveler should pack is a camera; ideally, one that will provide high-quality images on-the-go. While you may not exactly be an expert photographer (or even if you are), it doesn’t hurt to prepare yourself for a whirlwind photo-taking adventure. Before departing on your adventure, it is a good idea to conduct an online search for superb photo taking ideas. With the aid of the Internet, you will be able to discover thousands of travels photos that will undoubtedly captivate your thoughts, motivating you to snap similar breathtaking moments throughout your journey.

International Sources

The Upcoming Benefits of GOES-R for Hurricane Monitoring and Forecasting
A new era in satellite monitoring of the Western Hemisphere began on November 19 with the successful launch of the GOES-R satellite. GOES-R is the latest in a sequence of GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) satellites that began in 1975. Both polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites gather crucial data for incorporation in computer forecast models, but it’s the geostationary birds--stationed at fixed spots tens of thousands of miles above the surface--that furnish most of the satellite imagery we’ve seen on television and the Internet since the first GOES satellite was sent into space in 1975. The new satellite and three more that will follow (collectively referred to as the Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite–R Series) will provide a huge leap forward in temporal and spatial resolution, with more frequent and precise images than ever before gathered by a U.S. geostationary satellite. The crisp, frequent imagery from GOES-R is expected to be a particular boon to forecasters keeping tabs of fast-changing weather features, including supercell thunderstorms as well as the cores of rapidly intensifying tropical storms and hurricanes. “We are hopeful that the improved resolution will help in resolving tropical cyclone features such as emerging eyes, which should lead to better analyses of current intensity,” said Chris Velden (University of Wisconsin–CIMSS) in an email.

Olson Drums Up New Campaign For Belize Tourism Board
Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is promoting WestJet's new nonstop flights from Toronto to Belize with an out-of-home activation and social media campaign developed with creative agency Olson. The #TorontoBelize initiative invited people walking through Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square to play a custom-built Belizean drum that "measures" decibels to make a Belizean boy dance on a 90-foot digital board displayed over the square. Street Factory Media custom-built the software that uses decibels to calibrate video speed in real time. The system is so sensitive, it starts and stops with the drum beat and the louder the drum beat, the faster the dance on the board. The dancer will even ask and encourage passing drummers to continue playing, according to the agency. Plus, to entice potential drummers, the campaign was giving away one roundtrip ticket from Toronto for two to visit the Central American nation.

How the US is outsourcing border enforcement to Mexico
In describing the complex relationship between the two countries, Jeffrey Davidow, American ambassador to Mexico from 1998 to 2002, spoke of “the bear and the porcupine”. The US is an arrogant bear, brawny and insensitive to Mexico’s concerns. Mexico is a resentful porcupine, paranoid about American plots to undermine its sovereignty. Davidow candidly noted that the bear could crush the porcupine, but every time it has tried to, the porcupine’s sharp spines have hurt the bear’s big paws. This analogy remains pertinent. During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump strategically chose Mexico and Latin America as his straw men, characterising Mexican immigrants as rapists and drug dealers, threatening to build a border wall and capping off his win by confirming plans to deport up to three million undocumented Latino migrants. In this contemporary parallel of Davidow’s comparison, the evil porcupine keeps injuring the trusting and innocent bear. But in truth, for the last few years, the porcupine has been doing the bear a big favour by guarding its expansive lair.

Videos

Memorable discurso de Fidel Castro ante la ONU en 1979, 3min. Special Notes on Fidel Castro. El líder de la Revolución cubana, Fidel Castro, pronunció un memorable discurso ante la ONU en 1979 en el que abogó por los derechos de la humanidad.

Belize Tourism “Meat Pie”, 30sec.

Citizen Science GIS - Hopkins, Belize, 8.5min. Documentary of the 2016 Citizen Science GIS Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Belize.

Words Do Matter, 1min. Developed by Belize's Special Envoy for Women and Children in partnership with UNICEF Belize, this video highlights the importance of using language that respects people for who they are. Words are powerful. Words can hurt. Words do matter.

A Placencia Morning in Amazing Belize, 1min. It is so easy to ABSOLUTELY do NOTHING at ALL in Placencia, Belize and not feel guilty about it. After a few crazy months of work and then visits to the hospital it was totally worth taking at least a couple days to relax on the beach, sway in a hammock and take siestas all day long in our beachside room.

Annual Tacos Festival, 6min. The highly anticipated annual Tacos Festival 2016 kicked off at the Banquitas House of Culture yesterday morning welcoming hundreds of Belizeans travelling from the four cardinal points to witness and savour the famous, scrumptious and much loved Orange Walk Tacos

From Yes To I Do (Season 4, Episode 6) (Finale) HQ, 1hr56min.

Social Partners Commerate - 16 Days of Activism, 36min.

Belize Association for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA), 22min.

FECTAB HARVEST CAYE DISCUSSION, 29min.

Dance X Extro, 4.5min.

Super Palm Resort Belize, 2min.

See It To Belize It…, 2min. Snorkelling with stingrays and nursesharks, spearfishing, camping off the beaten path; listening to pumas and jaguars prowl around our tent, kayaking the Cayes at sunset...

Belize Nov 2016, 25min.

Caye Caulker Belize Marine Reserve snorkeling 2016, 24min. 23 minutes of incredible beauty in Belize. The footage herein chronicles the trip I took to Belize from Nov - Early Dec, Photos represent snorkeling at the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, around the island of Caye Caulker, the Great Blue Hole, a trip to Lamanai and Lighthouse Reef, and a trip to Altun Ha. I hope everyone gets a sense for what a wonder Belize is and how awesome it's unspoiled wilderness is to witness first hand. It's also one of the few places in Central America that is also fairly cheap to fly to from the US.

Belize 2016, 10min.

Occupational welfare needs of employees of Belize Inc., 6.5min.

EPQ Video- Belize's Marine Biodiversity, 3min.

November 28, 2016

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

Police Report: Found Drugs
On Wednesday, November 17th at around 7PM, police conducted a house search for illegal drugs and firearms at a home in Boca Del Rio. Nothing incriminating was found. However, a further search of the yard led to the discovery of several parcels of Cannabis under the house which amounted to 1,010 grams. Police have since detained 4 persons, all of Boca Del Rio area, San Pedro town pending investigation.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Taxi! Taxi!
“Beep! Beep! I jumped back to avoid getting run over by a taxi and cursed the driver roundly. I even supplied certain hand gestures to get my meaning across. The taxi stopped and backed up. “Hey, Mr. Dennis,” the driver called. “You want a ride? I won’t charge you anything.” “Mario?” I questioned. “What are you doing driving a taxi?” “I need some extra money so I’m driving.” “Where did you learn to drive?” I asked as I got into the taxi. “I learned when I used to work for you.” “I don’t see how,” I said. “I recall telling you that you would never drive my vehicle as long as I was on Ambergris Caye.” “That’s true,” Mario said. “But sometimes you was on the mainland.” “Taxi! Taxi!” someone yelled.

Las Terrazas Resort earns 2016 World Luxury Hotel Award
Las Terrazas Resort & Residences on the island of Ambergris Caye today announced that it has been recognized as the winner of the 2016 Luxury Boutique Hotel category by World Luxury Hotel. The World Luxury Hotel Awards this year celebrated its 10th anniversary in awarding the world’s finest hotels for their luxury offerings and exceptional service delivery. Hosted on this auspicious occasion by the exquisite St. Regis Doha in Qatar, the evening saw over 350 guests from the world’s leading hotels and resorts gather to be recognized on stage for their outstanding efforts. “We wish to congratulate all our winners for the 2016 award year, who through their tireless efforts and unbounded passion to satisfy their guests needs, have received this honor tonight. True luxury is no small feat, it takes a team of highly dedicated staff willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that no request goes unanswered. This is the definition of luxury, this is what defines a World Luxury Hotel Awards winner.” says Anton Perold, Managing Director for the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Doctor Love: Help!
Dear Doctor Love, My husband and I have been married for three years. We have a beautiful baby boy, two years old and our life is everything we could ever dream. Recently I was offered a job that would change our financial position immensely. The hours are flexible. Much of the time I would work from home but it would require overnight travel to another city two weekends a month. My husband and I have discussed all of the pros and cons, and we know this is the break we need to move towards buying a home of our own. We live quite well on his salary, renting a small one bedroom apartment but the added income would mean that in one year we would have a nice down payment on a house; something we could not achieve without this position. My sister has offered to help with the baby on the weekends I would be gone and my son loves her and her children. Everything seems to be neatly in place. The problem is my mother-in-law. She is furious that I would even consider leaving my husband and son to, as she puts it, make an extra dollar. She says a mother belongs with her children and that is that. This cold war has been heating up for awhile and it’s getting hotter. /s/Help!

Misc Belizean Sources

The Christmas Tree at Central Park shines bright.
Happy Township Day San Pedro!

Poets Corner: Viva Fidel!
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. The story of Fidel will live on forever A revolutionary warrior Who defied the emperor A survivor of numerous assassination attempts by the great America Who influenced the life of numerous world leaders Including Chavez, Maduro, Maurice Bishop and Nelson Mandela Viva Fidel! Viva! Living the legacy Of Jose Marti Forming the first ever communist regime in the Western Hemisphere For fifty years he was the conscience of Havana First as prime minister then president for 30-plus years To Cuba he was the reformer Running out the US Mafia Changing the class system in Cuba Through education, medicine and electric power A nemesis to eleven presidents in America Dedication to education, medicine and bringing power Viva Fidel! Viva!

POSTPONED - North Ryders Car Club, Corozal
To all who were anticipating the racing event to be held today Sunday, November 27th. SHOOTOUT 2K16. North Ryders Car Club is sad to announce that the event is postponed until further notice (next week). Reason being is of permits and other inconveniences. We thank everyone that supported us and was looking forward to such an event. Will give an update as the days go by. Hoping to have an answer for sure e by next Tuesday - Wednesday. Sorry.

BAY Artfest
The Belmopan Active Youths Artfest was Saturday. Belmopan Online got some great pictures of the event.

Pediatric Bracing Mission
The World Pediatric Project is going to be at the Cayo Welcome Center this Tuesday, November 29th. They'll be helping with orthopedic ailments. It's free, and it starts a 9:00am. "We would like to announce our bracing clinic !!! Conditions to be seen: Cerebral Palsy , Down Syndrome and Spina Bifida and other orthopedic issues including knee and foot pain as well. See Flyer for details and locations"

Tacos Festival Canoe Race 2016
A big congratulations goes out to Team NICH for the win at the Tacos Festival Canoe Race 2016 with an overall time of 1:27:07. Way to go, Efrain, Hener, and Rudy!

Team NICH participating in the Canoe Race
Part of the festivities for the Tacos Festival in Orange Walk.

Tacos Festival 2016!
Hope you didn't missed out on this great culinary

The Reporter

Chateau Caribbean destroyed by fire
A fire has destroyed the Chateau Caribbean in Belize City. The blaze started at around 8:30 this morning on the second floor and quickly spread to the first floor. No one was hurt and fire fighters are still on the scene fighting the blaze. Reports are that the fire started from the kitchen.

Breaking Belize News

Get your Orange Walk tacos today
Today in Orange Walk Town, the sixth annual Tacos Festival is being held at the Banquitas House of Culture. Orange Walk Tacos, of course, has the distinction of being known as home to the best tacos in Belize. Organizer of the event, Dillon Jones, […]

Fair weather to prevail
The 24 hour forecast is for sunny skies and partly cloudy skies today and tonight. A few showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected. The wind will blow from the north to northwest at 5 to 15 knots becoming north to northeast this afternoon and […]

Referendum legislation to be amended
The Government of Belize will reduce the referendum threshold from 60 to 50 per cent plus one by amending the existing Referendum Act. This motion come on Wednesday when the Senate debates the special agreement on taking the Guatemalan claim to the International Court […]

Chateau Caribbean Hotel is on fire
Reports reaching BBN newsroom is that Chateau Caribbean Hotel in Belize City is on fire. According to reports, the fire has spread to the second floor of the building and fire fighters have been deployed to the scene to extinguish the fire. We will […]

PM Barrow expresses condolences on the passing of Fidel Castro
Prime Minister Dean Barrow sent the below letter of condolences to President Raul Castro of Cuba on the passing of Fidel Castro. 26th November 2016 Dear President Raúl Castro Ruz, This note is penned with a heavy heart. You have lost your brother, the […]

Blogs

Escape The Winter Up North…And Head For Belize
Looking out my window, I watch a beautiful sea grape tree and a huge almond tree swaying in the breeze. A slight distance away, I can see the incredible turquoise of the Caribbean Sea, and I feel so lucky. My husband Marcos and I moved to San Pedro town on Ambergris Caye in Belize almost four years ago from another beautiful town, Santa Fe, New Mexico. There are many differences between these two places. However one of the most marked is the weather. I always loved the changing seasons and now realize they were the drivers of lots of activities and behaviors in Santa Fe that are not necessary in my new sub-tropical environment. There was the changing of clothing from summer to winter. This was no small matter for my family of four, and required a great deal of storage space to accommodate off-season items. There was the replacement of the furnace filter, snow tires had to be put on cars, windshield scrapers had to be bought, blankets and comforters needed to be retrieved and washed, irrigation systems had to be turned off, and chimneys cleaned. And did everyone have intact hats and gloves, or a down jacket that still fit? And, where is the number for the guy who brings the cord of wood?

Your One Day Itinerary For Ambergris Caye, Belize – For First Time Visitors
I would never recommend just one day on Ambergris Caye. I really think that you need at least 4 or 5 days and ideally a week to get the feel of the place, to do many of the great activities, to visit some of our restaurants and then visit your favorite ones again, to get to know the people and to feel like you never want to go home. Isn’t that what vacation is all about? But there are circumstance where you have just one day. If you are staying on Caye Caulker, our smaller neighboring island, you can take the 20 minute boat ride over and enjoy the day or perhaps from Belize City or Corozal – two towns with regular boats to Ambergris Caye. Here’s my proposed itinerary for you on a quick visit to San Pedro.

“Panama” from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize – Part Two.
Now where was (see what happens when you get to a certain age, you’re memory starts to fade) I? Oh yes, we retired early on the Saturday night so that we would be refreshed for our Sunday in Panama City. We awoke to a grey sky and the rain was pouring down. But what do you expect when you visit a tropical country during rainy season! Undeterred (we’d had the good sense to bring rainwear with us) after breakfast we made the short walk to the Metro station -passing through the gentleman’s club area of the city – I’ve never seen Santa Claus dressed this way before. and took a train to 5 de Mayo where we alighted and after around a 5 minute walk we were at Mercado de Mariscos (the fish market).

Discover Belize’s Reef, Rainforest and Ruins in 2017
Many people believe that R&R stands for rest and relaxation and we won’t argue with them, but in Belize, we take our Rs one step further by boasting about the lushest, most impressive Reef, Rainforests and Ruins in the Caribbean–many of which are located along Belize’s 180 miles of coastline. If Belize presents you with too many delicious activity choices for your 2017, using the Three Rs to plan your time in Belize makes good sense. Make things even easier by staying at Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia, where staff is so helpful setting up guest itineraries, you won’t miss a thing. Are you eager to get some exercise while exploring areas around the Belize Barrier Reef? Rent a kayak on Laughing Bird Caye to explore everything from mangrove swamps to white beaches. If aquatics are more your style, snorkel the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to see an astonishing mix of marine life around the reef where you’ll as likely run into scientists studying indigenous marine life as sports enthusiasts.

Why You Really Should Visit Belize in January
When the weather outside is cold and icy everywhere else, a tropical paradise awaits you in Belize! January is one of the most enjoyable months to visit Belize, where the days are warm and sunny, and the nights are cool and refreshing. Here are 5 reasons why you should escape the winter up north and warm up in Belize this January. Savvy visitors know that visiting Belize in January is one of the best times of the year to come. January is in the middle of the dry season, and the temperatures are mild. A regular trade wind blows throughout January, keeping the air fresh. Occasionally, storms called “northers” do blow in from the interior, which can pack winds and rain, as well as a mild drop in temperature. Belize can sometimes be too hot, but January is just about perfect, with a nightly average low of 70F and days ranging in the 80F mark.

International Sources

A tale of two Castros
Bourgeois, rebel, prisoner, liberator, dictator, jailer, orator, evangelist, icon, killer, defiant, propagandist, communist, populist, caudillo: These are the words that describe El Commandante, a contradictory man, but indeed a giant of our times. In my multiple visits to Cuba during and after his reign, and after many interactions with Cubans in exile, I have mixed feelings as to whether Fidel Castro's impact on Cuba has been positive or negative. On the surface, a formidable propaganda machine paints a picture of an enlightened society of equality and social justice, but beneath the iron fist of Fidel lay a society plagued with fear, prostitution, drug use and oppression. This giant of a man understood how to use opportunity to his advantage. For 50 years, his totalitarian rule kept 11 million people behind an iron curtain that has endured for decades even after the fall of Soviet communism, bedeviling 11 successive US presidencies, and Castro himself survived multiple attempts at assassination.

New, Highly-Anticipated Destination Opens in Belize: Harvest Caye
Spectacular, resort-style port of call showcases authentic Belize and offers eco and wildlife adventure for cruise travelers on Norwegian Cruise Lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises guests on Western Caribbean itineraries. Belize is one of the hottest Caribbean destinations, and now, cruise travelers have a new port of call to explore the best of Belize. Harvest Caye is an island a mile offshore mainland Belize, developed by Norwegian in collaboration with Belize. The development preserves and improves the native eco-system, uses indigenous, responsible hardwoods in the buildings, and is creating 500 direct and 1500 indirect jobs for the local economy. We can't imagine having just one day in Harvest Caye. There's a 7-acre pristine beach with white powder sand and crystal clear waters. You can relax in clamshell tents or in one of the luxury beach villas with porches over the water, hammocks, dining and beverage options and dedicated concierge service.

Videos

The fire seems to be over at the Chateau Caribbean Hotel, 1.5min. However, the 100+ years building has been badly damag

Chateau Caribbean caught fire, 44min. This is so sad. I have very fond memories of this place, it was in June 1979 that I first met my then to be future wife, it was known as Zorba the Greeks back then, I was there during the filming of the Dogs of War as well later on the same tour of Belize.

San Pedro Christmas Tree lighting ceremony 2016, 38min. Congratulations to the young ladies of the San Pedro Dance Academy for a flawless performance.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Pandemonium, 24min.

Jennifer Lawrence on Chris Pratt, the Zika Virus and R-rated Movies | Vanity Fair, 2min. A bunch of questions thrown at Hollywood's highest paid actress - you'll never guess her favorite place to vacation. Hint: She's stayed at Victoria House, Ambergris Caye, Belize. SUPER COOL!

See it to Belize it, 5.5min.

Belize Snorkeling and Fishing 2016, 1min.

Belize, 3min. Jon's GoPro footage from Belize 2016

Man Tries to Drag Woman out of Van in San Ignacio, Belize C.A., 1.5min. Today a man tried to physically remove a woman from her van. Unfortunately, everyone just stood there watching until we got there, started to videotape, and called the police. We were able to get the video to the police. Pray for this man's salvation. Also pray for Officer Chan, we witnessed to him.

Belize Vacation 2016, 5min.

Belize Spearfishing, 4min.

HANGING OUT WITH FRIENDS IN BELIZE Nov. 11th. 2016, 6.5min.

November 27, 2016

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

Belize to amend Special Agreement prior to referendum on the Guatemalan claim
On Thursday, November 17th the Guatemalan Congress finally approved the amendment to the Special Agreement in regards to the Belize-Guatemala dispute. This new development allows Guatemala to hold a referendum on whether its citizens want to take the territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Belize is moving in the same direction, and the Senate is expected to take that same step as early as next week. Under the terms of the amendment, the referendum can be held on separate dates as is most convenient for each country. Guatemala has been campaigning their good faith to solve the centennial territorial dispute with Belize, but has shown no signs of complete satisfaction with the long process. They are still seeking for Belize to amend its referendum law to allow a simple majority to carry the vote. Senate is scheduled meet on Wednesday, November 30th in Belmopan, but there is no certainty yet whether the Government will agree to Guatemala’s request.

SPPD is prepared to tackle crime this high season
The “high season” of Belize’s tourism industry is in effect, and with the surge of arrivals, the presence of the San Pedro Police Department (SPPD) has increased. Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott says that the SPPD has developed tactics aimed at deterring crime in San Pedro Town. “My way of leading will be different, and you will see the effectiveness of that policing. Everything has been improving, and the type of rigorous patrol stops and searches has been upgraded. I cannot say that criminals haven’t stepped up their game, but the police have also stepped up to the plate to have a safer island for everyone,” said Jemmott. According to him, crime is not just the police’s problem, it is a community problem. He states that the Neighborhood Watch programs throughout Ambergris Caye also remain one of the most effective crime prevention programs. “With more active participation from residents, we are preventing crime, one neighborhood at a time. When our neighbors look out for one another, it can decrease the number of property crimes such as burglaries, drug trafficking, and theft in a neighborhood,” said Jemmott.

Immigration Department recommends BTB’s QRP program for retirees
Retirees living on Ambergris Caye have expressed concern regarding perceived procedure changes at the Immigration Department. It was reported to The San Pedro Sun that it seems like some rules have changed – particularly the monthly stamp for an extended stay in the country – and it is now affecting non-Belizean residents. A call was placed to the Immigration Office on the island, whereby an officer clarified that rules have not changed, but rather, they are being strictly enforced. Normally Immigration laws in Belize allow non-Belizean citizens to extend their stay in the country for a maximum of six months. Every month, persons wishing to continue staying legally in Belize must visit an immigration office where they can get an extension. If during those six months, the individual has not acquired any ties to Belize (bought property, married a Belizean citizen or obtained a working permit), he or she must leave the country. According to a San Pedro immigration officer, there are no exceptions to this procedure, and it applies to everyone.

Heredia says DOE needs to work with BTB on non-compliant businesses
In Issue #41, Volume #26, the Department of Environment (DOE) informed The San Pedro Sun of improper sewer waste treatment infractions on the island. Chief Environmentalist of the DOE, Martin Alegria, informed both Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Henry Jemmott and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr. that several resorts/businesses North of Ambergris Caye were non-compliant with the DOE. Since Minister Heredia works hand in hand with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), he stated that although these resorts are non-compliant, the DOE also erred by not informing the BTB sooner. “There are several resorts in San Pedro, probably six resorts; and I am not aware of all of the names, that are non-compliant with the DOE. I told Alegria in a meeting that whenever letters are sent to these businesses for noncompliance, the DOE should notify the BTB so we are made aware of what’s taking place,” said Minister Heredia.

The 2016 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is set for December 17th
The 2016 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is scheduled to take place at 6PM on Saturday, December 17th. The traditional event ushers in the holiday season, and brightens the coast of San Pedro with twinkling lights, happy people and Christmas carols galore. Adding to the spirit of the event, all proceeds from the event will benefit ‘Raise Me Up’, a charitable organization on the island which is also organizing the boat parade committee this year. Judges will be stationed at Wet Willy’s dock, observing and selecting their favourites. In addition, for a fee of $150BZ, you can get a VIP front row seat in a boat that will follow the parade. This fee will include food and drinks. Fees collected from those wanting to ride along will also benefit Raise Me Up. Seats are limited, so interested persons are urged to make reservations ahead of time at the above official viewing stations.

Misc Belizean Sources

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM THE RT. HON. DEAN O. BARROW, PRIME MINISTER OF BELIZE, ON THE PASSING OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF FIDEL CASTRO RUZ
Dear President Raúl Castro Ruz, This note is penned with a heavy heart. You have lost your brother, the Cuban People have lost their avatar, and humanity has lost a giant for the ages. As a leader, bestriding history, Fidel proved, in unending ways, his love for the Cuban people, and all people, especially those suffering from injustice or neglect. His leadership of Cuba was one replete with the sacrifices made by your nation: whether in pursuit of its own sovereignty or the liberation of Southern Africa, or in the saving of hundreds of thousands of lives around the world by copious humanitarian aid, or in the everyday work of the Cuban Medical Brigade, or in the education outreach to so many from literacy to the post-graduate level. Because of the fraternity and self-sacrifice deployed by Fidel and Cuba, the people of ‘Nuestra America’ and the globe owe an unpayable debt to the Commander-in-Chief. On behalf of the Government and People of Belize, I therefore extend our most profound condolences.

Destination Belize introduces the country's first travel app
The Destination Belize app, is the ultimate travel planning companion and guide for visitors of Belize. Download today

Attempted Armed Robbery of Rapidito Loans in Corozal foiled by security guard
A would be robber was shot by a security guard after he attempted to rob the owner of Rapidito Loans Pawn Shop at #34 4th Avenue, Corozal Town around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. The armed robber pulled his gun at the proprietor of the business. The security guard on duty duly responded by firing several shots at the robber, hitting him in the upper right hip. The injured man ran and stumbled out of the business establishment but not before he fired back 10 shots at the security guard and the business owner. The injured robber then jumped into a waiting white van and fled the scene at high speed. Officer Commanding Corozal Police Dennis Arnold, explained that a police officer, who coincidentally happened to be passing by in his private vehicle at the time, saw the raucous and followed the van in hot pursuit.

Garifuna Exhibit at CWC
The Belize Tourism Board office at the Cayo Welcome Center had a nice Garifuna Settlement Day display up last week.

Belize Fishing Report, Nov. 13th – Nov. 19th
An average weather week here, with good action for permit and bonefish. The big super moon was pretty unique as well. Now we will get ready for the Thanksgiving crowd! Mac got a tarpon off the dock!! Dante got a nice fish on a last minute trip on his departure day. As he was not scheduled to leave here until 2 pm, he fished from 6 am to 1 pm, landed the tarpon, took a shower and headed out packing a bagged lunch for the plane in his pack! Jeremy had a four jump encounter with a large tarpon that will be forever etched in his brain (I clearly remember the first tarpon I jumped 20 years ago)

Belize Bird Rescue Fundraiser
With only 2 days until Giving Tuesday the birds are hopping foot to foot with excitation! Our next thank you offer for donations of $250 and more includes: A copy of The Great Escape Two BBR T-shirts A tree of your choice planted in your name on the property for the benefit of the birds, and the environment as a whole. Honour of naming a bird Certificate of sponsorship Photo of sponsored bird Species fun facts and BBR costs informational bookmark

The Reporter

Senate to decide on Belize/Guatemala Special Agreement
The Senate, at its next meeting on November 30th, in Belmopan, will decide whether it will ratify the Special Agreement, which Belize and Guatemala signed 18 months ago in Guatemala in May of 2015. The Guatemalan Congress approved the amendment to the document last week. The amended agreement was signed on May 25, 2015, to the original document, which called for Guatemala and Belize to hold a referendum together. The amended version allows for separate referendums, since Belize and Guatemala holds elections on different days of the week. If the Senate approves the amended agreement, it would be an indication that Belize is committed to take the necessary steps to seek a resolution to our two countries’ age-old territorial differendum at the International Court of Justice in the Prague.

Dangriga receives solar panels from Taiwan
Dangriga, including the Alejo Beni Park and a number of other areas in that municipality have received new solar panels, through a donation from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). During a ceremony on Saturday in Dangriga on the occasion of Garifuna Settlement Day, new Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, Charles Liu, handed over 40 new solar panels. They are part of a larger donation of 100 that Taiwan has gifted to Belize. The Government of Belize enacted an energy policy in 2012, which calls for use of clean energy. Through that policy, Taiwan, which has been developing and making use of clean energy for solar power, offered to assist Belize, and in 2014 Taiwan supported Belize to introduce a solar energy street light pioneer project.

Cuba’s Fidel Castro passes
Former Cuban revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro, has died. Castro, 90, governed Cuba as Prime Minister from 1959 to 1976, and as President from 1976 to 2008. Under Castro’s reign, Cuba became a one-party socialist state. The U.S. opposed his government, and unsuccessfully attempted to remove him. Castro formed an alliance with the Soviet Union. Cuban television announced that Castro died on the night of November 25th, but not giving the cause of his death. His brother, Raul, confirmed the news in a brief speech. Fidel died at 10:29 p.m. He will be cremated on November 26, 2016. Fidel had given full control of Cuba’s government to Raul after health issues began to take a toll on him. Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow has sent a diplomatic note to the Cuban Government on the occasion of Fidel’s death. It said in part: “This note is penned with a heavy heart. You have lost your brother, the Cuban People have lost their avatar, and humanity has lost a giant for the ages. As a leader, bestriding history, Fidel proved, in unending ways, his love for the Cuban people, and all people, especially those suffering from injustice or neglect.

BNTU accuses MOE of malice over late salaries
BNTU President, Luke Palacio has accused the Ministry of Education of another vindictive attempt against teachers, following the Ministry’s announcement late this week that teachers’ salaries would not be ready in time for the November payment. The payment would have been in keeping with a court ruling by Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin, which ordered the Ministry to pay the teachers for the 11 days they remained on strike in October. The Ministry’s announcement came on Friday, after Chief Education Officer in the Ministry, Dr. Carol Babb issued a memorandum to all managing authorities, which read in part: “The Ministry of Education and Treasury Department are doing their best to process payments of full salaries for the November period in keeping with the order.” Palacio said the salaries should have already been calculated because the paysheets, complete with deductions, were submitted to the Ministry early in the month, on Babb’s instructions. Palacio added that he believes Babb continues to be disrespectful, even to the court’s ruling, which had given this week as the due date to pay the teachers their salaries.

Belize National Coast Guard celebrates 11 years
A ceremony commemorating the Belize National Coast Guard’s 11th anniversary was held on Friday at the Coast Guard headquarters on the George Price Highway near Belize City. Governor-General, Sir Colville Young inspected a guard of honour at a ceremony, attended by a host of goverment and diplomatic officials. Minister of Defence, John Saldivar said the Government and Ministry are proud of the achievements that the young but committed group of officers and sailors have attained in such a short time. “With limited resources, the Belize Coast Guard does an excellent job of patrolling and maintaining the integrity of Belize’s marine resources, and they continue to deliver and even surpasses expectations in the performance of their duties,” Saldivar said.

Breaking Belize News

Belize National Coast Guard celebrate eleventh anniversary
A ceremony was held yesterday to celebrate the Belize’s National Coast Guard’s 11th anniversary at the Coast Guard Headquarters on the George Price Highway just outside Belize City. There was a guard of honor inspected by Governor General Sir Colville Young and a lineup […]

International Sources

Belize to emend Referendum legislation
The Belize government says it will reduce the referendum threshold from 60 to 50 per cent plus one by amending the existing Referendum Act. The move by the Dean Barrow administration comes as the Senate on Wednesday debates the special agreement on taking the Guatemalan claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a bid to settle the long standing border dispute with Guatemala. Since Guatemala withdrew from the process in 2013, Belize has been contemplating an amendment to allow for a simple majority instead. Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, is welcoming the planned amendment to the Referendum Act.

Videos

Jordan & Alicia Belize Wedding Film, 20min. from Jose Luis Zapata

Blue Hole Belize 2016, 4.5min. Scuba diving, Amigos del Mar.

Belize 2016, 3min.

TROPIC AIR The Airline of Belize, 8.5min.

Belize 2016, 4.5min.

cave tubing Belize, 6min.

Belize zipline, 5min.

A tour of Belize City, 4min. My cab driver, Anthony Alvarez, gave me a quick tour of Belize City and some background.

November 2016, Belize In The Off Season, 5.5min. Patty and I have been vacationing in Belize since 1983. The first ten years were amazing, then the fishery petered out because of over harvest. In 2008 the Country fo Belize passed a law that the only reason one could posses a bonefish, tarpon or permit was for catch and release. The fishery has rebounded and is now possibly as good as ever. Our 2012 trip found the fishery on the rebound, but with much better guides and accoadations than in past years.

Belize Moments, 7.5min. Belize Moments is a collection of images taken from our first five visits to Belize. Join us as we travel around many parts of the country between 2011 and 2015.

Ernestine @ Film award in Belize 2016, 3min. rnestine Carballo on stage @ Belize's International Film Festival --2016 in Belize City

Walking Tour of Placencia, Belize 2016, 9min. The Village of Placencia Stann Creek District is a quaint friendly fishing village on the Peninsula of Belize, Central America.

The road to coming back from the Black Rock lodge Belize, 2min. I just had to share this short vid i took this morning on the way out of the Black Rock lodge. Enjoy :)

November 26, 2016

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

Belize is a full member of the CABEI
10 years after joining the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), Belize was incorporated as a full member of the Bank as a Non-Founding Regional country on November 9, 2016. The country recently benefited from CABEI’s $30 million-dollar loan to improve infrastructure with these 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. The Accession Instrument was signed by Prime Minister Right Honoroble Dean Barrow and CABEI’s Executive President Dr. Nick Rischbieth. 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.

Strombus Gigas Alliance represents Belize at 69th GCFI Conference in Grand Cayman
The 69th Golf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) conference took place in Grand Cayman Islands from the 6th to the 11th of November. Representing Belize at this annual conference was Strombus Gigas Alliance (SGA) a non-governmental organization from Ambergris Caye. Top world marine-life stakeholders were in attendance, and they had the opportunity to learn of the progress SGA is making with their awareness campaign. Specifically, the full economic value of the entire conch as opposed to the small amount of flesh presently consumed. Conch is a Belizean delicacy and according to SGA’s Glenn Schwendinger and Dr. Dianne Lawrence, it is not completely utilized. During their presentation they updated the Caribbean and global fishing community on their five-year progress. They proposed a compensation initiative for fishers by using the by-products of the conch. Schwendinger says that all parts of the conch can be used, but fisher folk dump the remaining parts of the conch, not realizing that it could otherwise earn extra income.

Support Local Shoe and Toy Drive
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) have partnered with Projects Abroad, and the Department of Youth Services (DYS) to organize a shoe and toy drive. Donation of shoes, sporting equipment (balls, mitts, gear, etc.) or funds are needed for children of preschool age to standard six (5-14). Principals and teachers of Ambergris Caye Elementary School, San Pedro Roman Catholic School, The Island Academy, New Horizon Seventh-day Adventist School, Holy Cross Anglican School, Brighter Tomorrow Preschool, and La Isla Bonita Elementary School will determine the students in most need. The handing over of shoes is scheduled for Tuesday, December 13th. If you are interested in donating, you may contact Regina Munji at [email protected] or call 669-6277. You may also call SPTC Sports Coordinator, Kent Gabourel at 604-9013.

More golf carts on the island, despite restrictions implemented by SPTC
In April of this year, The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) implemented a long-term moratorium barring the importation of additional golf carts, luxury and large vehicles to the island. The rule was particularly aimed to prevent cart rental companies from continuing to increase their fleets while attempting to address the traffic congestion on Ambergris Caye. However, despite these efforts, new golf carts have been seen arriving in Town, and the rumour about the moratorium being lifted was confirmed by Mayor Daniel Guerrero. Mayor Guerrero explained that if any additional golf carts have been coming to the island, they are for replacements or those rentals who have not completed their fleets. “There are companies that have applied for a certain amount of carts, but they cannot bring all of them at the same time. So they bring them slowly and that’s why you might see new golf carts coming. It is not new companies opening or anything like that,” said Guerrero. Also contrary to what he said back in April, Guerrero now states that even though permits should be valid for three months only, holders can now renew expired permits for a fee. This extension will give the rental proprietors additional time to complete their fleets, and as long as those permits are valid, they will be honoured.

World Health Organization: ‘Zika is here to stay’
On Friday, November 18th the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the Zika virus outbreak and related ‘clusters of microcephaly’ no longer represent a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). “We are not downgrading the importance of Zika. By placing this as a long-term program of work, we are saying Zika is here to stay,” said Chairman of the Emergency Committee on Zika virus and Microcephaly Dr. David Heymann The ‘emergency’ status was used when little was known about the Zika virus, and an urgent response was required from funders and researchers to learn more. However, WHO is now shifting to a longer-term approach in fighting the virus that has spread across Latin America, the Caribbean and other surrounding areas.

Court rules in favour of BNTU regarding full salaries for teachers
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin ruled in favour of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), ordering the Ministry of Education (MOE) to pay teachers their full salaries. Prior to this major decision made on Monday, November 21st, the BNTU had retained the legal services of attorney Eamon Courtenay, after the Government of Belize (GOB) had threatened to withhold their salary’s contributions for engaging in an 11-day strike in October. However, despite the victory, MOE claims pay sheets for November have already been processed, and no date has been given as to when the remainder of teachers’ salaries will be paid.

Kent “Bob” Gabourel wins T.V. Ramos Cycling Classic; BFSC El Pescador sweeps C category race
36-year-old Sports Coordinator of the San Pedro Town Council, Kent “Bob” Gabourel, dominated in the annual Thomas Vincent Ramos Cycling Classic on Sunday, November 20th. Riding for the Kulture Megabytes, Gabourel won the 56-mile, A-Category race with a total time of two hours, thirty-three minutes and thirty seconds (2:33.30). The race began at Elagule Bar on the Hummingbird Highway in Dangriga to the Placencia roundabout on the Southern Highway, ending at Elagule once again. Gabourel won the race in solo fashion, outsprinting more than a mile gap of over his nearest rival, George Abraham of Team Bel-Cal. Abraham took second place at two hours, thirty four minutes and nine seconds (2:34.09). Daniel Cano of Team Santino’s placed third at two hours, thirty-four minutes and fifty-five seconds (2:34.55). Gabourel’s other partner from Kulture Megabytes, Kenroy “Smokes” Gladden, placed fourth at two hours, thirty-five minutes and thirty-five seconds (2:34.55).

Washington University of Health and Science conducts health screenings
MedCorp’s medical team of Washington University of Health and Science commenced their free health screenings on Saturday, November 19th, and they are encouraging the community to be a part of this “Community Needs Assessment”. The purpose of these screenings is to gather important health related information in San Pedro, while improving the standards of the Ministry of Health (MOH). So far, MedCorp has screened more than 30 persons, and is offering blood pressure, glucose, and temperature testing, and diagnostic evaluation. The evaluation helps the medical team validate any illnesses, and collects data about the patient’s: skin, eye, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, neck, and psychiatric status. After being evaluated, and if anything is found abnormal, NanoMed Corp will refer patients to the polyclinic.

SPHS’ top CSEC performers awarded
Recently graduated San Pedro High School (SPHS) students, Virginia Joselin Vasquez and Elladria Levilette Garcia received Certificates of Excellence in the May-June Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations along with 364 other top students from around the country. The Ministry of Education hosted its annual awards ceremony at the St. Catherine’s Academy auditorium in Belize City on Wednesday morning. The Ministry awarded 15 top performers in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). SPHS’ Tanairi Arana also achieved a Certificate of Excellence but could not attend the award ceremony. Rhiki Alexander Alegría of St. John’s Junior College (SJJC) and Irene Gisselle Flores of Edward P. Yorke High School won top honors, each receiving a full 2-year scholarship from the Ministry of Education and a Samsung tablet from Belize Telemedia Ltd.

Fundraisers held to benefit Antoney Acosta
The non-denominational, non-profit organization ‘Hell Fighters Foot Soldiers of Ambergris Caye’ held a Bar-B-Q food sale on Saturday, November 19th to raise funds for the family of Antoney Acosta. Acosta suffered severe injuries when he was electrocuted in mid-October at a construction site north of San Pedro Town. As a result, he lost both hands in the terrible incident, and remains hospitalized in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The family continues to be in need of financial assistance to pay the medical bills that keep increasing day by day. According to Ismael Badillo, a member of the charitable organization, they have engaged in supporting worthy causes in the community, and this is one that needs top priority. He informed The San Pedro Sun that the food sale was a huge success. “We will continue doing food sales towards charitable causes in the community so we can continue assisting as much as we can,” said Badillo. He thanked everyone who came out to support by purchasing the food.

Ambergris Today

Gwen Stefani Eats Belizean Tamales at Home
If you follow Gwen Stefani on Snapchat and have been watching her personal snaps lately you might have stumbled upon the fact that one of her employees (home cook) was preparing Belizean tamales for her family. In a series of snaps by the famous singer just before Thanksgiving, Gwen asked her cook what she is preparing in the kitchen - her response ‘Belizean Tamales’. The snaps reveal a happy Gwen as she sings and sounds excited to try some of Belize’s famous tamales. For some time now, we at Ambergris Today knew that one of Gwen's employees is from Belize. From stewing the tomato and onions and roasting banana leaves, the Snapchat story reveals the tamale making process in Gwen Stefani’s kitchen; even some empanadas are being prepared.

ADO Bus Line Upgrades Buses on Belize/Mexico Route
Since ADO started as an international transportation service in Belize in 2011, their service has benefits many Belizeans. On November 23rd, 2016, several new ADO buses were added to the list of service that will replace the previous ones operating between Belize City and Mexico. These buses have been said to be in better quality and condition to make travel more safe and comfortable. The company states that the prices and the route will remain the same. The first service, called “The Hospital Route”, with its starting point in Belize City continue to travel through Orange Walk, Corozal and a final destination in Merida, Mexico. In Merida, the Bus makes courtesy stops at the most important hospitals of the city, with the last stop at the Merida's Terminal. The return portion calls the same stops. The second service route departs from Belize City, making stops in Orange Walk, Corozal, Playa del Carmen, Cancun Airport and a final destination at Cancun's bus terminal. The return portion calls the same stops, including Tulum.

Five Amazing Black Friday Deals on Ambergris Caye
Businesses on Ambergris Caye have been embracing yet another American tradition, Black Friday. Ambergris Today has put together a list of amazing deals and discounts for you to take advantage of this Friday November 25th, 2016.

Misc Belizean Sources

Miss World Belize 2016 departs for Maryland to represent Belize at the Miss World Pageant.
All the Best Iris Salguero. Enjoy the experience as you have worked hard for it. Congratulations, we are all so proud of you.

When it rains, it pours!!
Stressful driving conditions when it rains much on Ambergris Caye.

Hon Edmond Castro Delivers Keynote Address at Fire-Fighters Graduation
Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management Hon. Edmond Castro was Keynote Speaker at graduation ceremonies yesterday, November 23, 2016, in which 30 new fire-fighters were inducted into the ranks of the National Fire Service. Speaking to the recruits, Hon. Castro stated, “You, the graduates, by your induction today, have now become an integral part of this very important organization. The 12 weeks of training you undertook have prepared you well to take on the challenges and to contribute to building an organization that endeavors to be second to none. Your training has prepared you with a basic understanding of this organization and its functions. Your responsibility now is to keep sharpening your individual skills and fine-tuning the concept of teamwork imparted to you, even as you apply the basic knowledge and techniques acquired in your initial training to start saving lives and property; to build on existing principles and practices to better serve the Government and People of Belize.”

Let there be light!
Much needed lights were recently installed in San Mateo. Residents are extremely content with these lights since they feel safer walking to and from their homes at night. A total of 15 LED lights were installed and their coverage range is impressive. Check out the pictures!

Caye Caulker Village Council 2016 -2019
General meeting date Monday, December 5th 2016 at 6pm at the community center. Please be on time!

Exercise Tropical Dagger 2016
On Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016 the Canadian High Commissioner to Belize, Deborah Chatsis, and Brigadier General David Jones, Commander Belize Defence Force, participated in a demonstration of the skills acquired during Exercise Tropical Dagger 2016. The demonstration included the use of equipment contributed by Canada in support of operations. “Canada is pleased to contribute to regional security through Exercise TROPICAL DAGGER, designed to enhance local capacity to prevent and respond to threats posed by international criminal activity”, declared Canada’s High Commissioner to Belize, Deborah Chatsis. “This training is funded by Global Affairs Canada and supported by personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces, which have a long-standing military training and cooperation program in a number of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Cayo Women’s Conservation Group assisted FCD in placement of signs in the community of Succotz
Grateful for the assistance.

Transferring our baby yellowheads for pre-release
Last week we transferred our baby yellowheads for pre-release. We got this report from the fabulous Nickolas Lormand who has been volunteering to care of the 14 birds pre and post release: "Tuesday marked the 7th day of our effort to release 14 endangered yellow headed parrots back into the Belizean pine savanna. After a week spent in the aviary getting accustomed to their new home, it was finally time to open the doors and let our flock spread their wings and explore! As soon as the doors were opened, three birds immediately flew out and began exploring the territory, calling back to those still in the aviary. As the day went on, all but four parrots left home, some hanging around the area while others flew much farther to get a hold of their new home.

IMPACT Justice provides training in mediation for Belize police officers
Some 36 police officers of varying ranks are set to receive training in mediation under the Canadian government-funded, Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice) Project. IMPACT Justice is a five-year regional justice sector reform project which is being implemented from within the Caribbean Law Institute Centre, UWI, Cave Hill Campus. The 40-hour mediation workshop is taking place from November 28 – December 2 in Belize City. It will commence with an opening session on November 28 at which Allen Whylie, commissioner of police, will deliver remarks on behalf of the Belize Police Department. Prof. Velma Newton, regional project director of IMPACT Justice will deliver a welcome and introduction to IMPACT Justice. The provision of mediation training falls under the project’s broader alternative dispute resolution (ADR) component, the goal of which is to build capacity for and increase the use of ADR as a means of settling conflict throughout the region.

The Inaugural Ceremony for the Ambergris Stadium postponed
The Inaugural Ceremony for the Ambergris Stadium has been postponed until further notice; however, since the teams are already here, the scheduled games will continue as planned. Don't miss out on these games!

BELTRAIDE Officially Launches the Belize Investment Portfolio Campaign
Today at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina, the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) launched the Belize Investment Portfolio Campaign. The campaign is expected to foster the development of a national portfolio to fast-track investment generation efforts, both local and foreign, through targeted matchmaking of pre-packaged investment concepts and projects. Through the advancement of this national campaign, BelizeINVEST, a unit of BELTRAIDE, mandated to serve as Belize’s National Investment Promotion Agency (IPA), expects to further substantiate selected investment concepts submitted by key public sector Government Ministries and stakeholders into actionable business cases aligned with national development priorities. Additionally, the campaign strives to support private sector investment projects seeking financing and / or investment partners by promoting and matchmaking these “shovel ready” business opportunities through various platforms regionally, inclusive of the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB’s) ConnectAmericas and the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA), key supporters and collaborators of this initiative in Belize.

Inauguration of the Corozal Polyclinic
The official inauguration of the Corozal Polyclinic took place this morning in Corozal Town. The ribbon cutting was done by Minister of State in the Ministry of Health Hon. Angel Campus (L) and the Minister of Health Hon. Pablo Marin (R).

Community Data Collector Vacancy:
WCS is seeking qualified individuals to fill the position of Community Data Collector. A Community Data Collector is being sought for Placencia Village, Hopkins Village, Dangriga Town, Belize City, Caye Caulker, and Corozal Town.

"Unmasking the Many Faces of Gender Based Violence" campaign in
Ambassador Moreno officially launched the Embassy's proud participation in the Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow and the Women's Department's "Unmasking the Many Faces of Gender Based Violence" campaign in partnership with the UN's UNITE campaign to end GBV. The ceremony included a candlelight vigil, as well as lighting the Embassy in orange to commemorate the start of the campaign. The Embassy commemorated those who have suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of perpetrators of this brutality and honored those victims who have been tragically lost to this violence. Several survivors and victims' family members spoke at the event.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Pete's Dragon,Suicide Squad, Bridget Jones' Baby, Don't Think Twice.

THE BELIZE CITY PRIMARY SCHOOL HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES COMPETITION ENDED TODAY IN DRAMATIC FASHION
The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project carried out its Finals of the Belize City Primary School History and Social Studies Competition today, Friday, November 25th, at the SCA Gymnasium. It was an exciting competition as the contestants answered over 98% of the questions correctly as compared to only 60% during the Zone Eliminations. Unlike the Zone Eliminations, where there was a clear winner early on, the finals went down to the last round. At the end of the eighth of nine rounds, Jaden August, of Holy Redeemer was in the lead with a score of 2200 points, followed closely by Hazey Perez of St Mary’s Anglican with 2100 points. Clearly, one of these contestants was going to claim first prize. By the time the last round started, all of the high-point questions (200, 300 and 400) had been chosen and only 100-point questions remained. With the top two contestants nailing all of their questions up to the eighth round, it seemed likely the best Hazey Perez of St Mary’s Anglican could do would be a close second.

Channel 7

Teachers Didn't Get Paid, Did They Get Played?
Teachers were supposed to have gotten their paycheck today - and just like the Chief Justice said, it should have been their entire November salary - even for those who went on strike. But, we have confirmed tonight that a number of teachers countrywide - at least the 1,500 teachers who were on strike - have not gotten their full pay. And, There are indications that this delay may have affected all teachers countrywide. We've been unable to reach the officials at the Ministry of Education to confirm how many paychecks were affected. So, what's the hold up? Well, it's the confusion caused in trying to comply with the Chief Justice's order on Monday. The Chief Justice ruled that until the case is heard to completion, all pay schedules must continue undisturbed. The problem is that before the injunction was granted, the Ministry had already finalized the deductions. They were ordered to reverse it, and it appears that in trying to reverse what was done, the Ministry couldn't meet the November 25 payday deadline.

Corozal Quick Loan Alleged Robbers to Be Charged, Gunman Critical
Corozal police say that tonight they will charge three men for robbing a quick loan business in Corozal Town yesterday. The fourth man - who was allegedly the gunman - is at the KHMH in a critical condition. He has been identified as Kareem Huesner, a Belize City resident of Wagner's Lane. He was shot in the side by the security guard at Rapidito Loans on Fourth Avenue in Corozal Town. The driver was from Corozal Town while the two others were Belize City residents. One of them is 34 year old Erwin Castillo - who was charged for the First Caribbean armed robbery in 2015. They are expected to be arraigned in Corozal Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Piggy Politics With Ham At Benque Zone?
Tonight, a little more is known about that container of leg hams that's being held pending BAHA approval at the Benque Free Zone. The fifty-five thousand pounds of ham still has not gotten BAHA clearance. But, the container which was Ecuador rejected one month ago seems to have some political clout pushing to get it introduced into the Belize Market. That's reportedly how it ended up in the Benque Free Zone and not at one of the major ports of entry. Additionally, we're told that this shipment of ham got a permit signed by a VET in Central Farm to have it moved to the Zone. But for it to get unto supermarket shelves, BAHA still has to give the O-K. They're performing tests to make sure the ham isn't spoiled. BAHA Director Emir Cruz told us, quote "we are awaiting...some relevant info." And while that ham import request is going through a special BAHA screening, usually it's far simpler to import ham. Importers simply send requests for the importation of ham to the Bureau of Standards, which makes recommendations and then sends it to BAHA. The Bureau falls under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce. The Minister of State with responsibility for that is Tracy Taegar Panton and we asked her if she has personally worked on getting import permits approved for importers who may happen to be her constituents in the Albert Division:...

Investment Minister Says Of Course All Norwegian Ships go South
Taegar-Panton is also the Minister of State in the Ministry of Investment. But she wasn't at the recent opening of the Harvest Caye Cruise Port because she was at a regional trade meeting in Guyana. Discussing the project today, she didn't give any ground when the press asked her about FECTAB's complaint that all the Norwegian Ships will now go south and abandon Belize City. As we showed you last night, multiple Ministers, including the Prime Minister said that would not happen. But, it's happening, and Taegar-Panton said that was the plan:... Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton: "From the very onset of those negotiations it was clear that the NCL ships would be sent down south, that would create some opportunity for the southern region of Belize. You know that is the most impoverish in terms of opportunities and so I am not sure what negotiations FECTAB had if any with NCL in terms of being facilitators of tours here on the Belize District. I know that there are a number of tour operators and tours guides in the south who have prepared themselves to benefit from the NCL project in that area."

Coast Guard, Pressing On At 11
11 years ago, the Coast Guard was basically willed into being through US funding and training and Belizean political will. It's no small feat, creating an entire wing of the armed forces out of little more than seed funding and the idea that it has to happen. Since then the Coast Guard has moved from strength to strength, rapidly expanding its ranks, its infrastructure, and its fleet of vessels. Today, 11 years on, they reflected and looked ahead. Daniel Ortiz reports:... Daniel Ortiz reporting: Out in the downpour, the officers of the Coast Guard's Honor Guard stood at attention, paying little mind to the fact that they were getting drenched. After all, these are men and women whose battlefield is at sea, and so, water certainly is not their enemy. Still, it did make for a striking contrast that all the other VIP's were observing their diligence under the shade of a tent, and away from the rain. They remained stationary for about an hour without complaint, and they got a nod of approval from their Coast Guard Boss:

Coast Guard Wants More Bases, Boats, and Bodies In Uniform
So, while the Coast Guard is looking to grow to 700 officers, they also want to acquire more assets, including a number of forward operating bases. Today, the Minister of Defense, John Saldivar, announced that the Hunting Caye Forward Operating base will resume construction. That's the forward operating base that was nearing completion when it ground to a screeching halt because the public learnt that it was a Guatemalan company that was constructing it. Well, after months of trying to get a new contractor to finish it, the construction resumes. Here's how the Defense Minister announced it, and how the Coast Guard Commandant discussed a number of other projects on the near horizon: Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of Defence: "I am also happy to be able to report that work has re-commenced on the construction of the Hunting Caye forward operating base."

Fast Tracking Trade Through Tailor-Made Matchmaking
The Ministry of Economic Investment, Trade and Commerce teamed up with BELTRAIDE to launch the Belize Investment Portfolio Campaign today at the Radisson. With major international backing, this campaign is expected to act as a fast-track investment opportunity with pre-packaged investment concepts and projects. Basically, the idea is to present tailor made investment opportunities. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Development, Tracy Panton, and the General Manager of Enterprise and Innovation at BELTRAIDE to us more about the campaign... Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton: "As you know the environment is getting far more competitive in terms of attracting investment dollars to the region and obviously to Belize and so we felt that it was important to develop a national portfolio of projects that are coming either out of the private sector or the public sector that we can use to pitch to new investors and to try and stimulate more foreign investments into the country and also to support foreign domestic investments."

The Jamaican Patties Peace Pact Explained
Earlier this week we told you about the event we've teasingly called the Jamaican Patties Peace Pact, which was worked out between Jamaica and Belize. It happened at a recent meeting of COTED, CARICOM's Council for Trade and Development. Jamaica's Minister of Industry Karl Samuda met with Belize Minister of State for Trade, Tracey Taeger-Panton to allow Jamaican meat and chicken patties to be imported into Belize. Apparently, this had been disallowed years ago, and the two ministers worked out the impasse. Taeger-Panton told us what was involved today:.. Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton: "Belize reserve the right to ensure that our health and safety standards are maintained and that the proper risk assessment is done for any product before entering the Belize market. I think we have agree to continue our bilateral negotiations with Jamaica, because there are huge opportunities for trade between Belize and Jamaica. As you know CARICOM is in fact the only trading partner in where Belize has a trading surplus and so we want to continue to advance those opportunities for Belize." The formal position is that Belize would not restrict the importation patties as long as our food and health protocols were satisfied and the necessary risk assessment completed. That risk assessment must be paid by the Jamaican exporter.

Smartest At Social Studies
Today, finalists of the Belize City Primary School History and Social Studies Competition took the stage at the St. Catherine's Gymnasium, where they put their knowledge of Belizean history to the test. The students answered questions regarding the many historical figures, places, and events in Belize's colourful past; all to see which school would claim this year's "History Cup". Juliet Neal, Dir., Planning and Project Development - Ministry of Tourism: "What we wanted to do is we want to promote history and culture among the young people, particularly students in schools. We know that we study history and social studies at that level, but we really wanted to get into the history of Belize City and how Belize City helped in terms of Belize's development. It really helps the kids have a greater appreciation for where they live and what around them. We hope that it becomes an annual event that is carried on similar to the spelling B."

16 Days And So Many Ways To Be an Activist
Today the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children and the Women's Department launched the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. The initiative, which is part of a greater UN campaign, aims to end violence against women and children through awareness of the issues and education. At a candle light vigil ceremony which had to be held indoors this evening, Kim Simplis Barrow, the Special Envoy for Women and children, as well as former victims of domestic violence took to the podium to encourage the public to speak out and act against gender based violence. Here's what they told us about ending domestic violence... The 16 Days of Activism is held under the theme, "unmasking the many faces of gender based violence."

Some Senior Dance Moves
Our next story is about an organization called the Belize City Seniors. It's a group of Senior Citizens who want to keep their members active and enjoying the highest quality of life through their senior years. Today was their first anniversary of the group, and they prepared a special celebration for the members. We stopped by and found these seniors getting down to paranda music. The organizers told us what it's about: So, be honest, how do you view senior citizens? Do you treat them with deference and respect for their contributions to society? Or do you see them as nuisances who are in the way? Well, the Belize City Seniors members told us that the society tends toward the latter, and that the old folks don't get the equal treatment from institutions. Here's how they explained the struggles of the aged:

How Do You Live To Be 102?
At today's Belize City Seniors event, we also got a chance to meet Alberta Smith, who is 102 years old. She's enjoying advanced age without a single ailment, and she's even able to walk unassisted. So, what's her secret to a very long and strong life? She thinks its because she has good genes. Here's how she put it: Smith tells us that all the people around her are amazed at her unusually good health.

Tacos Para Todos
Tacos - three for a dollar - are a staple wherever you go in Belize, from Corozal to the Cayes, to Toledo. But while every municipality and village has its own top tacos vendor, if you want the best tacos, everyone knows you have to go to Orange Walk. That town's tacos are so good that it's become a brand, imitated in other parts of the country where vendors claim to sell "Orange Walk Tacos." But the often imitated, never duplicated flavor can truly only be found in Sugar City - and this weekend's annual Tacos Festival celebrates the singular distinction. Organizer Dillon Jones Told us more:...

Pablo Marin Turned Pablo Picasso!?
Keeping it in the north, the Corozal Polyclinic II was officially inaugurated today. It's attached to the Corozal Community Hospital on Santa Rita Hill, Corozal Town - and it's a project very dear to the heart of area representative and Health Minister Pablo Marin. At the opening today, he said that his travels to international cancer clinics in Campeche and South Dakota inspired him. And so, the former tradesman sharpened the old #4H pencil, put it to paper and sketched some changes:...

Government Getting Ready To Lower Referendum Threshold
Last night, we told you that the Senate will meet next week to ratify the Special Agreement on submitting the Guatemalan claim to the International Court of Justice. It turns out that they will be asked to ratify this amended protocol, and the principal agreement, which Belize and Guatemala signed in December of 2008. We'll tell you more about that shortly, but first, the Barrow Government has agreed to amend Belize's referendum threshold. As viewers will remember, Belize has a requirement of 60% voter turn out for any referendum to be declared valid. 60% is considered high and supposedly that's what caused the Guatemalans to back out of the October 2013 date for simultaneous referenda in both countries. Since then, the Barrow Administration has been carefully considering a change to the law so that a simple majority is all that would be needed to validate a referendum result in Belize. Well, come next week, the Government intends to take that to Parliament, where they will introduce motions to change the referendum law.

Senate Asked To Approved Original And Amended Special Agreement
So, as we told you earlier, the Senate will be asked to approve a resolution authorizing Belize's Ratification of the Special Agreement on submitting the Guatemalan claim to the ICJ, otherwise known as the "Compromis," which was signed in 2008. They will also decide on the ratification of the Amendment to the Special Agreement, which was signed in May of last year. Though the original agreement was signed 8 years ago, this is the very first time that the Senate will officially consent to it, thus making it valid and binding in Belize. So, this is the final step in cementing this course of action to resolve the claim, and the door is almost closed on those who are opposed to going the route of a referendum on the ICJ. Elrington explained: Daniel Ortiz, 7News: "What part of the ICJ agreement is being ratified by the senate when they next meet?"

Sedi On The SATIIM Situation
We also asked Foreign Minister Elrington about that confrontation which the conservation NGO, SATIIM, had with the Guatemalan military at the Mouth of the Sarstoon River, 14 days ago. On November 10 a SATIIM Forest patrol was on the way to monitor deforestation and illegal activities in their ancestral lands in Southern Belize. That's when the Guatemalan military stopped them and told them they need permission before going up-river. It's their second confrontation with the Guatemalan navy, which is based right across the river from the BDF's Sarstoon Forward Operating Base. Elrington told us that shortly after it had happened, he received a report from the BDF: Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "I can recall hearing from my CEO that he in fact got some report on the matter from the military and I can recall seeing a footage of the matter on the television. Let me make it illusive to the Belizean population - if you have a dispute, a territorial dispute, incidents of those types will happen all the time.

Gang War In Gardenia? Young Father Killed
Today, 27 year old Nelson Zelaya was shot in the face outside his house in Gardenia Village in the Belize District - he died from those injuries a short time after. According to reports, Zelaya was hanging out around a plum tree in the back of his property, when he was gunned down by a still unknown assailant. Zelaya's pregnant girlfriend and their three children were present at the time of the shooting. Police and an ambulance arrived on the scene shortly after, and Zelaya was rushed to the KHMH. Ladyville Police Superintendent Juanito Cocom told us more. Inspector Juanito Cocom - OC, Ladyville Police: "Our detectives visited miles 21.5 on the Phillip Goldson Highway, Gardenia Village. About 100 feet behind a wooden a house police observed a dark skin male person lying with his back to the ground bleeding profusely from his face. He was identified as Nelson Zeyala, 27 years old, labourer of that same address. At that time he was still breathing, so police took him to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he later succumb to his injuries. We are treating the incident as a murder now and following it up."

Robber Fired Nine Times In Corozal Quick Loan Establishment, But He's The One Ended Up Getting Shot
It's fortunate no one got killed inside a Corozal Quick Loans establishment today after an armed robber let off 9 shots inside the business place. It happened at Rapidito Loans on Fourth Avenue when four men pulled up in a white van to rob the place. Three of the men are from Belize City - and one of them was involved in the July 2015 armed robbery at Belize Bank. Police say that the lone gunman who went in to pull off the heist was quick to pull the trigger, but he ended up getting shot by an alert security guard. And after that, alert police work led to the apprehension of all suspects. Here's what happened: Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold - OC, Corozal: "A dark skin male person enter his premises brandishing a firearm. As a result the security guard opened fire on the said male person apparently hitting him. He had left the premises, but not before squeezing off 9-10 shots in the building at the proprietor and the security.

Judge Calls Abuser Depraved
39 year-old John Leslie is at the Belize Central Prison tonight, awaiting sentencing after the Chief Magistrate found him guilty of a very revolting case of child sexual abuse. He is convicted of molesting a 5 year-old girl, and after hearing the gory details of the sexual abuse, the Chief Magistrate was incensed enough to comment on Leslie's behavior. The child, who was 5 years old at the time testified in a closed court hearing that on April 6, 2016, Leslie fondled her. Unable to describe appalling abuse he inflicted on her with the use of mature references, she described to the court as best she could that he forced her to perform oral sex on him and he ejaculated into her mouth.

He Made Eleven Flatscreens Disappear: Magic Or Theft?
21 year-old Justin Longsworth is at the Belize Central Prison after his brokerage firm accused him of stealing eleven 49-inch flatscreen televisions, which he was supposed to have cleared on behalf of the Radisson Fort George Hotel. According to police, the incident happened on October 31. The hotel ordered these big-screen TV's and other items off Amazon, Longsworth - who worked for a customs broker - was supposed to clear the goods from Customs. But he reported that he did not receive them. On November 10, his boss visited the police station and reported that there are documents which show that he did receive the items, which he denied. The owner of the brokerage firm also alerted police to the existence of surveillance footage which showed that he did indeed clear the items. The cops also came across a driver who Longsworth allegedly hired to move the TV's. This driver told police that Longsworth gave him one of the TV's as a bribe so that he would keep quiet. He has since handed over that television to police. The value of all 11 TV's is almost 14 thousand dollars.

Blaire Busted
21 year-old Dorian Blair, one of 3 men who allegedly robbed a Chinese storeowner, is at the Belize Central prison tonight. The robbery happened on November 3, at around 9 p.m. Jing Xaio Tan, who owns T Supermarket in Lords Bank Village reported that he was about to close up when 3 men entered, and one of them placed a gun to his head. Fearing for his life, he gave the gunman his licensed nine millimeter pistol and $3,200 in cash. The men then ran off. Police later detained Blair pending investigation for the armed robbery, and found that he was tied up to another case of theft. When he was escorted to the Ladyville Police Station, he signed as the owner of a laptop computer which he had in his possession. The police looked into the origin of the laptop, and found that it had been stolen from Edgar Young on November 17, when his house was burglarized.

FECTAB Raises Hell On Harvest Caye
Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye Cruise Port has been in full operation since last week and both the Norwegian Dawn and the Norwegian Getaway have made calls there. And while Norwegian is counting its money and already recouping its investment, small Belize City Tour Operators aren't one bit happy. They aren't welcome anywhere near Harvest Caye - which Fectab today called Alcatraz, the famous US Prison that was built on the island of the same name:. Yohny Rosado, cavetubing.com: "They are no longer coming to Belize. They are going to "alcatraz island." It's an island for tourist and for Belizeans it's an "alcatraz island," you cannot go there. If you go there you will come out in a body bag."

Norwegian Ships to City Port Post Harvest Caye? Truth Was Always A Moving Target
Indeed, all the representations made about the Harvest Caye Cruise Port said that it would not take Norwegian Calls away from Belize City. Here's a brief history of what was said on that subject between 2013 and 2015:... FILE: September 2, 2013: Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize: "There is to be no diversion of the current Belize City calls and there is to be no use of that port by ships other than NCL ships. This was our position throughout; the binding agreement will make that absolutely clear." FILE: August 14, 2013: Colin Murphy - VP, Destination & Strategic Development, NCL: "One of the concerns that was raised is if everyone from Belize City was going to go down south. One of our competitors have been cancelling cruises because Belize is full, full, full so there up to five ship a day so we don't think it's going to be any impact to the folks in Belize City at all." Hon. Godwin Hulse - Minister of Labour: "Any scheduled visits in the North as existing - those shall not be diverted just as simple as that. So whatever was scheduled will be maintained and then you go to the south - we won't transfer them. So all this fear that everything was happening and in Belize City it will stop - that's not true."

FECTAB Fires One At BTB
We never heard the results of that "serious discussion" - and we still have to wait and see if Norwegian will make any calls to Belize City for this cruise season. While FECTAB fumes about that, they're also angry at the Belize Tourism Board. As we've reported the BTB wants to move them form in front of the Fort Street Tourism Village's Terminal to inside the memorial park. They say this is just another kind of Alcatraz:... David Almendarez, Cave Tubing R Us: "Rumors is that they want to put us in that alcatraz that they built that they called Memorial Park. The records show the last time they had that meeting I told them that was ghost town and now they want to put us at ghost town. They will have meeting next week to get all the tour operators there. I am telling Mr. Longsworth, because you sent the letter, to "fix up." Because we are not afraid of you either. Don't wake a dog that is sleeping. Don't raise a lion that is not biting you, because you don't want the lion to wake up and everything is broken up."

Apparent Arson At Ray Cat's Place
For the past few weeks we've been telling you about fires happening all over the country. Some have been minor, and some have caused tremendous loss for the families involved, and the latest report is no exception. Last night Ladyville Police responded to reports of a fire that took place outside the home of well known businessman, Ray Cattouse, the owner of Cattouse Trucking and the C-Ray Cycling team. The fire was put out not long after that, and though there are no leads yet, police don't think it was an accident. Here's what Superintendent Juanito Cocom told us about the alleged arson. All together the fire damaged over $100,000 worth of property.

Members of Integrity Commission Named
As we told you earlier in the news, Senate Ratification of the special agreement will happen next Week Wednesday, other matters which they will address include the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the Appointment of members of the Integrity Commission. As viewers are aware, these are two of good governance demands which the Prime Minister agreed to put in place when the teachers were on their 11-day strike, and tomorrow, the Government makes good on the commitments. The Senate will hear a motion to authorize the Accession of Belize to the United Nations Convention against Corruption. As we told you weeks ago, the Prime Minister committed to expediting the process of instituting the UNCAC in Belize. Once the Senate motion passes the Prime Minister will sign the instrument of Accession on December 9, to coincide with the observance of the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day.

Culvert Collapse Creates Mini Sinkhole Near Gardenia
Last night Ladyville Police responded to reports, not of a criminal on the loose or a raging fire, but of a suddenly appearing sinkhole in the middle of the highway by Gardenia Village. Police set up cones and manned the area to warn oncoming vehicles about the danger of the hole in the highway. Works crews were activated and worked into the night to repair a broken culvert and cover the hole. Ruptured culverts are not uncommon after heavy rains such as the type we've been seeing in November.

Food Vendors Give Thanks For Thanksgiving "Dinna"
Thanksgiving may be the biggest holiday on the US calendar, but in Belize, the big thing is not the holiday, or the meaning behind it, down here it's all about that Thanksgiving dinner! Maybe it's just a good reason to get down with a mean plate of turkey dinner, or maybe it's a warm up for Christmas, but either way, restaurant owners and food vendors are grateful for the day - because they get to sell more plates of food at a higher price. We spoke to a few of them today: And while most turkey dinners were done by 1:30, The Biltmore is also serving its thanksgiving special for dinner from 6:00 to 10:00 pm.

Cops Clean Up The Hood
Today the South Side Police, in collaboration with the Belize City Council, launched an initiative to clean up the empty lots in the South Side. The grass and trees in most of these lots have are overgrown, making them a prime location for drug traffickers to stash their product. Residents in the Raccoon Street Extension area raised this as a major security concern during the Eastern Southside Division's public meet-and-greet earlier this year, so the authorities acted. Senior Superintendent Alden Dawson told us more about the effort...

Channel 5

Referendum Act Will Be Amended for Fifty Plus One Majority
The Barrow Administration has agreed to reduce the referendum threshold from sixty percent to fifty percent plus one, by amending the existing Referendum Act. That decision comes ahead of a [...]

Amended Special Agreement to be Ratified; Simultaneous Referenda for I.C.J. Scrapped
In respect of the Special Agreement known as the Compromis, Elrington admits that while both countries were bound to that accord, it was quickly realized that simultaneous referenda would not [...]

No Protocol for Sarstoon – Yet
Central to the ongoing tension between Belize and Guatemala is the Sarstoon River. For many years, Belizeans have freely traversed the southernmost waterway, enjoying unimpeded access to abundant resources found [...]

Belizeans Can Travel on Sarstoon – But Check In with F.O.B. First
According to Elrington, Belizeans are free to travel the length of the Sarstoon River without hindrance from the Guatemalan military. Checking in with local authorities at the Forward Operating Base [...]

Coast Guard to Support B.D.F. in Sarstoon
In the last few weeks we told you about some incidents involving the Guatemalan Armed Forces and different local organizations. The B.D.F. were stopped not so long ago and it [...]

11 Years of Service for the Belize Coast Guard
The Belize National Coast Guard celebrated in grand style today for their eleventh anniversary. They have grown significantly since they opened their doors back in November 2005. And today they [...]

Coast Guard Watches High Seas for Pirates
A few weeks back we told you about an incident at sea where northern fishermen were robbed at gunpoint in southern Belize. The fishers were approached by well-armed men who [...]

Petty Officer Daniel Arzu Returns to Belize on Monday
Petty Officer Daniel Arzu Junior of the Belize National Coast Guard was shot towards the end of October. He was shot in the head when he was visiting his child’s [...]

The Art and Science of Successful Investment
It takes two to three years for a viable project to evolve, from start to fruition…but any mega project, if financial backative is unavailable locally, needs foreign direct investments. This [...]

FECTAB Vs Norwegian is a Tourism Issue, Says Investment Minister
On Thursday, you heard tour operators and FECTAB express their discontent with the loss of business, following the launch of the multimillion-dollar Norwegian Cruise Line Port on Harvest Caye. According [...]

Belize Works Out Kinks in CARICOM Trade; Jamaican Patties to be Imported
Jamaican patties are known for their trademark yellow, flaky crust and can be found at Big Bite Restaurant and some gas stations. But for quite some time, the Jamaican producers [...]

Ham for Christmas – Importers Working with BAHA and Standards Bureau
Several weeks ago, we reported the news of local producers being up in arms after a Chinese businessman was given permit to import over fifty thousand pounds of ham for [...]

Northside Schools Top Social Studies Quiz
As part of a series of efforts to achieve public buy-in for the House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project, the committee behind that project organized a History and Social [...]

16 Days of Activism Starts with Powerful Testimonies from Survivors
All this week we have been sharing with you the lead-up to Sixteen Days of Activism, being held under the theme “Unmasking the Many Faces of Gender-Based Violence.” Today, Friday, [...]

A Telethon to Assist the Burn Victims Mercy Fund
The Burn Victims Mercy Fund has been in the spotlight in recent weeks as it sought to help the late Ian Sambula and Empress Hamilton recover from severe burns sustained [...]

Get Your Tasty Tacos at Orange Walk Tacos Festival!
Best tacos in Belize? Hands down, it’s in Orange Walk Town. Vendors on the street side or in major shops, just pick your mouth-watering favourite. This coming weekend, Sugar City [...]

Lean Harvest for FECTAB Operators at Exclusive Harvest Caye
They were worried all along about potentially losing business. But according to the Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations of Belize, even they did not anticipate a blindside like what has [...]

Where’s The Cruise Port for Belize City, Asks FECTAB?
What’s happened to plans for a cruise port in and around Belize City? That’s the question that local operators are asking after suffering the loss of business due to Norwegian [...]

“Ghost Town” Memorial Park Will Hurt Business Further, Says Cruise Operators
We reported two weeks ago that there are plans afoot to move Belize City tour operators from the heart of operations within the Fort Street Tourism Village out to Memorial [...]

Height Rule at Caves Branch Has Failed, Says FECTAB President
President of FECTAB, Tom Greenwood, says it is now clear that the Belize Tourism Board and National Institute of Culture and History’s decision to implement a forty-inch rule for visitors [...]

Yhony Rosado In Trouble Again with B.T.B.
It has been almost a month since two tour guides working for Yohnny Rosado’s Butts Up Cave Tubing Adventures were suspended by the Belize Tourism Board and National Institute of [...]

Nelson Zelaya Slaughtered in Front of Family in Gardenia
The silence in Gardenia Village was broken this afternoon by reports of gunshots. When the shooting subsided, a resident of the quiet roadside community lay mortally wounded in his driveway. [...]

Police Hunting for Suspect in Fire That Destroyed Equipment for Ray Cattouse
Sometime after nine o’clock last night, someone set fire to two trucks and a work shed on the property of Ray Cattouse along the Philip Goldson Highway. The damage is [...]

Security Officer Foils Attempted Robbery at Corozal Pawnshop
A foiled robbery in Corozal Town this morning has left one would-be robber hospitalized at the Northern Regional Hospital for a gunshot wound to the abdomen. At about nine-thirty-two a.m., [...]

39 Year-Old Man Convicted of Sex Assault on 5 Year-Old Girl
Thirty-nine-year-old John Francisco Leslie has been convicted of sexually assaulting a minor earlier this year. The incident involving a five-year-old girl reportedly occurred in April when Leslie took the child [...]

Accused Serial Thief Arraigned in Court
Chinese businessman Jing Xiao Tan, proprietor of T Supermarket in Lord’s Bank Village, was robbed at gunpoint on Monday night and was relieved of three thousand, two hundred dollars in [...]

Collapsed Culvert Leads to Sinkhole in Middle of Philip Goldson highway
Around eight o’clock on Wednesday night, a sinkhole was discovered in the middle of the pavement in Gardenia Village on the Phillip Goldson Highway. It posed a hazard to oncoming [...]

Southside Police Do Clean-Up on Racoon Street Extension
In Belize City and Belmopan today, the men and women of law enforcement were out in numbers as they went into several communities to carry out cleanup campaigns. In the [...]

Riviera Neighbourhood Gets Facelift from Belmopan Police
In the Garden City earlier today, Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett also led a team of police officers and inmates from the Belize Central Prison in a cleanup campaign that saw [...]

Dance from the Soul with Dance X 2016
On Friday and Saturday, Belize City, Orange Walk and Cayo will be entertained as dancers from across the country, as well as the U.S. and Mexico, will converge to put [...]

CTV3

Belize's Credit Rating Plunge Further Into Junk Zone
It was just eight days ago that we told reported on Standard and Poors’ lowering of Belize’s long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings from B minus to CCC plus. We all know that anything graded that falls from B to C is bad news, but this is triple C plus which is more bad news because in Standard and Poor’s rating anything that hits that low is considered junk bonds. It now seems that CCC plus is not as low as it gets and all indications are that we’re getting there. Yesterday, Standard and Poors lowered Belize’s sovereign credit further into junk status, from CCC plus where it was for a week, to CC. This further slippage was due to Government of Belize’s official announcement that it was seeking to restructure the Superbond for a third time. In that announcement, the Government indicated that its prognosis indicates that it wouldn’t be able to meet their debt obligations as stipulated in the Superbond terms. The holders of those bonds have reacted with some concern, indicating that no country has had to negotiate the same bonds three times. Standard and Poors itself has noted that the country faces numerous challenges including fiscal and external imbalances, limited access to external funding, reduced foreign exchange reserves and the loss of correspondent banking relationships.

Referendum Act To Be Amended To A Simple Majority
There has been much talk about taking the long standing territorial dispute between Belize and Guatemala to the International Court of Justice for final resolution, but for the case to be taken to the ICJ both countries must first hold a national referendum. While Guatemala has started the process to hold consultations for the referenda to take place, Belize had not done so. But that is expected to change very soon as government will amend the existing Referendum Act to lower the threshold needed to prevail in the voting exercise. Today Foreign Minister, Wilfred Elrington explained the process. Honorable Wilfred Elrington – Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Cabinet has taken the decision to take the amendment to the referendum act and have it pass into law on the 9th of December, the effect of that will be that when we hold the referendum, for there to be a successful referendum the majority will have to be simple majority 50% of those people who go to vote plus one and that is going to make the referendum a successful one.”

Referendum Voting Threshold To Be Reduced
Following the amendment of the Referendum act in cabinet next week, the Senate is expected to meet, where the ratification of the 2008 ICJ Special Agreement, which will allow both countries to proceed independently of each other to hold a referendum on whether to send the claim to the International Court of Justice, is expected to take place. This ratification, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington, opens the doors for Belize to commence the process of a referendum as soon as possible. Honorable Wilfred Elrington – Minister of Foreign Affairs: “The Special Agreement which we signed in 2008 and the Protocol to that Special Agreement which we signed later on in 2015, the intention is to really is to go through all the formalities and that is part of the formality and to access the ICJ for us to be able to go to the ICJ we had to pass this Special Agreement which will allow us to go to the ICJ subject to the consent of our people given our referendum, when we signed the Special agreement in 2008 the contemplation was that we will be able to go to referendum simultaneously on the same day, but we run into problem with that because the Guatemalan usually holds elections on Sunday and we normally hold it on a weekday...”

Another Drug Bust In Orange Walk
As a result of the good relationship shared between the Orange Walk police and members of the community, today authorities were able to remove a total of 286.8 grams of suspected cannabis from the streets of town. According to reports, around 7:30 this morning police conducted a search on an empty lot situated on Rio Grande Street here in Orange Walk town where they discovered a black plastic bag containing three parcels of suspected cannabis hidden among some bushes. No one was found in the area at the time of the search, subsequently the package was labeled as found property.

LOVE FM

US Imported Hams Remain Quarantined at Belize’s Border
An estimated fifty thousand pounds of imported ham are at our western border point with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) awaiting further instructions from officials on how to move forward. Agriculture Minister, Godwin Hulse says he is yet to be fully briefed on the matter and so he spoke to us on the situation […]

Productivity in the Sugar Sector Says New Minister
Agriculture Minister, Godwin Hulse concluded a meeting with stakeholders in the sugar industry today which he deems a success. Love News met up with him this evening where he spoke of the discussions that took place. GODWIN HULSE ” Minister Hulse recently concluded meetings with the stakeholders in the shrimp industry last week in southern […]

Senate to Meet to Discuss Special Agreement with Belize and Guatemala
The Government has made one more step in taking Guatemala’s dispute with Belize to the International Court of Justice, ICJ. There will be a Special Sitting of the Senate on Wednesday, November 30. During that Senate Meeting, a motion will be passed asking for Senators to authorize the Ratification by Belize to the Special Agreement […]

Foreseeing Delays in Teachers’ Salaries for November
The teachers are expected to be paid tomorrow, but, will that actually happen? Some teachers have expressed doubts that it will. Best information suggests that teachers will more than likely not be paid. The nature of the manner that the Ministry of Education uses to process the teachers’ pay is lengthy and since the order […]

FECTAB Registers Displeasure at Harvest Caye
The Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations of Belize (FECTAB) called a press conference today at the Radisson Hotel where they spoke about Harvest Caye. Harvest Caye Cruise Shipping Port was officially opened last week for its first call to port from Norwegian Cruise Lines. It is expected that the southern portion of Belize will see a […]

The Economic Benefits of Tilapia
Recently workshops were conducted for small scale producers of tilapia, students of the University of Belize and agriculture officers with an aim at diversifying the way tilapia is processed. Taiwanese expert, Dr Tsai was in country since November 14 and in these workshops he offered his expertise in the areas of cleaning the fresh tilapia […]

39-Year-Old Man Sexually Assaults 6-Year-Old
Thirty-nine year old John Leslie, charged with sexual assault of a six year old female child, was found guilty of the charge today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Chief Magistrate Smith told that he was a sick and depraved person and said those were the only words she could find to describe him. […]

Case of Suspected Arson Investigated by Independence Police
There was a fire in Independence Village in Southern Belize that left four families homeless. Authorities were called out to Amado Avenue in the village in the wee hours of Sunday morning where they observed a twenty by twenty wooden structure completely destroyed by fire and an adjacent wooden and concrete two storey building engulfed […]

Father Killed In Front of Toddler in Rural Belize
A father of five was killed in front of his three year old child this evening in Gardenia Village, Belize District. The investigators of Rural Eastern Division are on the case and according to the Deputy Commander, Inspector Juanito Cocom, the victim has been identified as Nelson Zelaya. JUANITO COCOM “At about midday detectives visited […]

Arson over Mining License?
No official report has been made to the Rural Eastern Division Police but Love News was reliably informed that at around nine o’clock last night two trucks belonging to businessman, Ray Cattousse were set on fire. The trucks were reportedly parked on his property in Sandhill Village when the incident occurred. Inspector Juanito Cocom spoke […]

The Guardian

Injunction allows for teachers to get full salary for now
The Supreme Court has ordered the teachers who were on the 11-day strike in October must be paid their full November salary. This came after the Chief Justice granted an injunction against the Ministry of Education who decided to cut their pay, because the Supreme Court will hear full arguments on the case on December 16. Readers are well aware that the Ministry of Education has tried its best to resolve this matter peacefully by asking for a meeting with the Belize National Teachers Union to discuss the possibility to pay the salaries for those striking teachers using the Union’s strike fund. They have resisted that, and they aren’t even willing to have a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber. It is well documented that the Minister has asked for a 10 member delegation, while they want to force a meeting with the entire 25 member Council of Management.

Government to compensate Hostel fire victims’ families
The Government of Belize is looking into the possibility of compensating the families of three girls who died as a result of a fire at the Youth Hostel at mile 21 on the George Price Highway. On November 28, 2015 fire broke out at the institution and it resulted in the death of three girls, Ana Carlos 16, Elizabeth Mckoy 14, and Shadisha Arnold 16. The girls had been remanded to the facility for various reasons and at the time they were housed inside a room. Investigations have since revealed that one of the girls lit a fire inside the room and it quickly got out of control. The girls lost their lives after they were unable to escape the fire inside the room since they had been locked in and no one could find the key to open the room. Now a coroner’s inquest is just about completed and CEO in the Ministry of Human Development, Judith Alpuche has said that the Ministry is awaiting the results of it.

Harvest Caye opens new opportunities in the south
About 500 citizens in Southern Belize have been given jobs at the Harvest Caye Island getaway, a multi-million dollar investment which the Cruise company, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), made in Belize. It is estimated that this number will increase up to 1,500 in the next 3 to 4 years. Harvest Caye is a 75 acre island just off the coast of the Placencia Peninsula. About 4 years ago, NCL approached the Government of Belize to build a cruise port in Southern Belize, so that the economic opportunities of cruise tourism could open up in that part of the country. Realizing the positive impact this could have on the economy and on the population in the south, the Government signed an agreement with NCL for them to develop the island into a cruise port and an exclusive island resort facility to cater to its guests. After months of careful planning, getting all the environmental permits, and meeting all the requirements for minimal impact to Belize’s environment, the company started construction which took a little less than 2 years to complete. The finished product comes with a 1,500 square foot pool, a number of restaurants and bars, private canopy cabanas, luxurious beachside cabanas, a 7 acre sandy beach, and a 130 foot “Flighthouse”, which allows for zip lining across the island, and free fall jumps. There is also a shallow lagoon area for water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing and manatee observations led by local tour guides.

Dangriga officially inaugurates solar street lamps
Residents of the Culture Capital will notice that there are some strange looking lamp posts in the Alejo Beni Park and other areas of the town. Those are solar powered lights and they were officially inaugurated after the official Garifuna Settlement Day ceremony on Saturday, November 19. Belize adopted its first national policy on climate change in March 2015 called the National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan. This policy was developed by the Belize National Climate Change Committee, established in 2010. The committee spent a year meeting with key stakeholders and incorporated all sectors of the economy; including, tourism, energy, agriculture, water resource management, health and environment, in order to develop a comprehensive plan for climate change mitigation. Energy independence is vital for our resilience to climate change. To strengthen climate resilience in the energy sector, Belize later launched the Energy Resilience for Climate Adaptation Project.

Julius can’t accept being wrong - takes House Speaker to court
The Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin, will decide in 2 weeks’ time whether or not PUP Cayo South Representative Julius Espat has brought a frivolous lawsuit to court or not. He’s suing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Michael Peyrefitte, and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Eddie Webster, and he is disputing his infamous suspension from Parliament back in August of this year. He and his attorney, Andrew Marshalleck, are seeking several declarations and an injunction against these two officials of the Parliament to overturn the suspension. The defendants have not offered any defence, and they are being represented by Solicitor General Nigel Hawke. The Sol. Gen. has instead applied to have the matter struck out on the ground that the court does not have jurisdiction to inquire into the internal affairs of parliament, and that there is an alternative remedy for this dispute. Other Opposition Members of Parliament could take this matter and seek to have the suspension overturned.

Supreme Court has ruled on a BNTU Strike before
The Belize National Teacher’s Union is taking the Ministry of Education to court seeking that they get paid for days they absented themselves from school as a result of their 11 day strike action. At this point in time the Supreme Court has decided to give the BNTU an injunction against the Ministry of Education, meaning that as of now the ministry cannot withhold salaries until the case is complete. That substantive case will be heard on December 16, meanwhile the teachers are to get paid. That is what is happening now but the issue of teachers going on strike and them requesting pay while they were on strike is one that has happened before. Back on June 9, 2005, the same BNTU through claim number 85 of 2005 sought to also get paid after they were on strike. At the time they appeared before the then Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh. The entire judgment can be read at www.belizelaw.org.

Businessman Donates to Hattieville Police
On Friday November 18th Western Pines resident and businessman Jacky He donated a much needed Air Conditioning Unit to the Hattieville Police Station. This donation valued at $2500.00 came about when Police Officers attached to the station indicated that there was great need for such a unit at the station. Mr. He was approached and he responded right away in a positive manner. Mr. Rochelle Chan, officer in charge of Hattieville Police and the Minister responsible for Police Hon. Elodio Aragon were on hand to receive the donation. Mr. He expressed his admiration and satisfaction in the way the Hattieville Police detachment has been keeping the area virtually crime free and indicated that as a socially responsible business man he had to respond. This is but a small example of the things which can be achieved when the community and the Police work together for a safer nation.

CARICOM continues sensitizing Belizeans about its roles and functions
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat presses ahead with its public education drive to ensure that vital sectors know about the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and its significant benefits. As part of that effort, a one-day CSME sensitization workshop was held today in San Ignacio Town. Approximately 40 participants from private sector entities and rural organizations convened at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel to share information and experiences regarding the CSME. The workshop is facilitated under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and Economic Integration Programme (EIP). Resource persons from the CARICOM Secretariat presented on topics such as the current status of the CSME; the CSME as a platform for private sector growth and development; and facilitating agricultural trade and investment in the CSME. Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade also delivered a presentation on the CSME at the national level.

32 more fire fighters added to the department
In the jewel there is a saying that goes, “Belizeans run away from rain and run towards fire.” We don’t deny this. We embrace it as “how we krofi bihaav”. We laugh at this but it is a cultural identity and extends to our brothers and sisters in the entire Caribbean region. Fire fights are spectacles that result in mass gatherings, consultations and even gossiping. It could almost be described as a form of entertainment. Sadly, this show sometimes has tragic endings and while fire fights are spectacular phenomena there are a group of people who are never entertained. They are fire fighters and they place their lives on the line every time the bell rings. 32 men and women joined the ranks of this distinguished group of heroes on Wednesday, November 23.

Fun Run from Belmopan to San Ignacio
On Saturday, 26th of November, students, teachers of Our Lady of Guadalupe R.C. High School (O.L.O.G.R.C.H.S.) and members of the community will be having a second Health and Fun Run from Belmopan to Cayo. The run will begin for the second time in front of Hummingbird Furnishings, Belmopan, and this year will end at the Macal River Park in Santa Elena. This year the Health and Fun Run will involve the participation of a television station which plans to televise parts of this run. The organizer of the run, Emil Pulido, explains that this health and fun run is for the average person to challenge him or herself. “This run should be an expression of you challenging yourself. Some persons will challenge themselves to run the entire distance. Last year we had two persons, two males, to be exact, who completed the entire distance from Belmopan to Cayo.” The organizer of this run continues by saying, “We hope to have more persons complete the entire distance this year. For example, Jody, a Belizean who has represented Belize in marathons in Mexico and Guatemala plans to join in this run and he wants to run the entire distance as a fulfillment of an item on his bucket list. However, another exciting aspect of this run this year is for us to have the first female to run the entire distance.”

Belize signs readiness grant with Green Climate Fund
Minister Omar Figueroa, as the Head of Belizean delegation and the Minister with responsibilities for Climate Change, met with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), represented by Mr. Ousseynou Nakoulima, Director of Country Programming on the occasion of the 22nd meeting of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Marrakech, Morocco to sign a letter of agreement to finalize a USD $300,000 Readiness Grant agreement between the Government of Belize (GOB) and the GCF. The Readiness Grant will allow the GOB to strengthen the capacity of its National Designation Authority, the liaison between the Fund and Government of Belize, as well as identify priority programs for funding from the GCF. The Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC), a regional accredited entity to the Green Climate Fund, will serve as the Government’s delivery partner for the 12 months project.

What does the injunction BNTU got means?
An injunction is an equitable remedy, it is, a remedy that originated in the English courts of equity. Like other equitable remedies, it has traditionally been given when a wrong cannot be effectively remedied by an award of money damages. (The doctrine that reflects this is the requirement that an injunction can be given only when there is “no adequate remedy at law.”) Injunctions are intended to make whole again someone whose rights may have been or is about to be violated. It obliges both parties in a matter before a court of law to maintain the status quo, until the court hears the matter before it and rules on said matter. Such is the injunction that was handed down by the Chief Justice on Monday. That injunction obliges the government not to withhold the portion of the teachers salaries it contributes on a monthly basis. The injunction is to, in the first instance remain in place until the 16th December 2016. That is the date the hearing of the substantive matter, which is the backdrop against which the injunction was sought and granted, goes before the court.

Ministry of Health continues to equip its facilities
The Ministry of Health is moving apace to properly equip all the facilities under its jurisdiction and this week the Ministry announced that it has acquired 7 ultrasound machines which will be distributed across the country. Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin says that the machines come at a cost of $250,000 and they will be distributed to the Corozal, Orange Walk, Punta Gorda, Belmopan, San Ignacio and Cleopatra White Polyclinic in Belize City. Along with the acquisition of equipment, the ministry if in the process of training its staff and this week also approximately 12 OB/GYN and GPs are receiving training in Belmopan.

Palacio Again!
The Pro-UDP hosts on the “Sugar City Morning Show’ here in OW were busy deflecting attacks on Tuesday morning from angry UDP supporters and those teachers who did not go on strike. This was after the BNTU had won the injunction at the Supreme Court on Monday November21. Several concerns were aired on the radio with not too diplomatic language. Like where were the attorneys representing GOB in this case? And if they were really attorney’s at all to have lost an open and shut case. I mean, the teachers withheld their labour, so how could they expect payment? Anywhere else in the entire world the courts would not be an option to seek redress for pay with no work to show. In fact, in the USA the BNTU would have been liable for damages under the “TAFT-Hartley law of 1947 for calling a wildcat strike, since there was no existing labour dispute between the BNTU and GOB.

A New town hall for San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council
Rapid changes are now ongoing in the growing municipality of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, which has required an adequate response from the Town Council. Some of these changes have brought astounding benefits to the citizenry and is a measure of the strategic planning that takes place in Buena Vista. For one measure, the Council’s former headquarters on King Street in downtown San Ignacio has been sold. The San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council is now taking steps to acquire a loan facility to build a concrete structure for its headquarters at the old hospital site in San Ignacio. It’s headquarters at the San Ignacio Commerce & Gallery Furniture on Buena Vista Street was intended to be temporary. By moving to the old hospital site, the Council will have more parking space and visitors will have added comfort when doing business with the Town Council.

Santa Elena Sports Complex inauguration
The Government of Belize, through the Belize Infrastructure Limited, announces the inauguration of the Santa Elena Sports Complex. Santa Elena has seen much advancement in infrastructure over the past several years, and while many of us are able to see the visible road works approaching the town, few are aware of the 13.42 acre sporting facility renovations - its new main entrance now on Bishop Street - that have been underway from last year with many new enhancements. The Santa Elena Sports Complex is now the third and final facility to be delivered to the Twin Towns by the Government of Belize under the execution of Belize Infrastructure Limited. The largest of the three, this facility is now home to a newly lit recreational football pitch surrounded by a concrete walking track, a covered basketball facility with lighting and bleachers, and a competition field complete with prefabricated concrete bleachers, public restrooms, lockers, new lighting, fencing, parking, ticketing and concession space.

Street light expense cut by 40%
Belize Electricity Limited is currently implementing a plan to replace all street lights across the country. being carried out under BEL’s LED Streetlight Implementation Program, some 31,000 existing streetlights are slated for replacement to LED fixtures over the next 5 to 10 years. Under the program there will be an expansion of street light fixtures across the country raising the current number by 25%. Currently, the government of Belize pays $0.42 per kilowatt hour for electricity consumed by street lights which adds up to some 2 million dollars per year for government. With the implementation of the new LED fixtures that price is expected to go down by 40%. BEL commenced the installation of LED streetlights in July 2016 on main streets and thoroughfares in each municipality of Belize. These fixtures are also being used for rural electrification projects across the country and along boulevards and roadways under construction by the Ministry of Works including: Lake Independence Boulevard, Central American Boulevard, the New roundabouts in Belmopan, the Philip Goldson Highway between Ladyville and Belize City, the George Price Highway between Loma Luz and Hawkesworth Bridge and the Corozal Town Boulevard. So far there are approximately 600 LED fixtures that have been installed countrywide.

Arson in Trio Village leaves 6 families homeless
Police are trying to locate a group of 5 men whom they believe are the ones that intentionally set a mass fire in the village of Trio in the Toledo District. Their act of arson caused the complete destruction of 5 homes, and they destroyed a 6th home, causing 6 hard-working farming families to become homeless. The incident happened on Thursday, November 17, some time before 10 p.m. That’s around the time when these families were about to retire for the night. Their Thursday night turned upside down when 5 men arrived in what is believed to be a grey Mahindra pick-up, and with remorseless efficiency, proceeded to torch 5 of the houses in the Trio community. The blaze quickly got out of control, and it destroyed 5 of the houses before any help could arrive. The homeowners were unable to do anything but simply get to safety before their lives were threatened by the flames.

UB holds impressive entrepreneur Expo
The University of Belize’s Annual Marketing Expo provides students with an opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas and investors a chance to buy into promising ventures. The 2016 Expo, held at the Belize City Princess Ramada Hotel on Wednesday, November 23, lived up to the expectations held for a national university. The products and services offered by the students of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences at the expo told a story about the jewel. One group, “Aqua Jewels”, designed one and two piece bathing suits with our national colours and “BELIZE” or “unBELIZEable” marked clearly across the top. This would be suitable for a time of relaxation on any of our many beaches. They go well with the original accessories (chains, bracelets, finger-chains, earings) made by that same group. While on the beach, one may want to be refreshed with an ice cold margarita from the margarita group. This group used an original recipe with coconut rum to produce a unique blend that should foster a wonderful beach experience.

Belizeans to ‘Walk for Haiti’ and assist the island nation in its recovery
The Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers is organizing a fundraising event that will see those affiliated with the association across the region participate to raise funds in aid of Haiti. The ‘Walk for Haiti,’ as it is being dubbed was officially launched in Belize City on Tuesday November 22. According to the organizers, the fundraiser will be a walk which will commence from in front of the Supreme Court starting at 6a.m. on Saturday December 3rd. Participants will be asked to register for 10 dollars and also possibly purchase a t-shirt for $20. President of the Bar Association, Priscilla Banner says that the event is one of goodwill where the judiciary and the bar association tap into the social conscience of residents. There will be 11 areas where persons can sign up to either be a part of the walk or contribute to the cause. An account, 695-011-081-261 has been set up at the Belize Bank for persons wishing to contribute.

Accused killer of Yan Yin Chen walks free
Jordan Jamar Cayetano, 23, is a free man after prosecutor Rene Montero Jr. filed a case of nolle prosequi on Thursday, November 17, in trial for the murder of Chinese grocer, Yan Ying Chen, 32. Montero Jr. said he had to discontinue the case against Cayetano because the National Forensic Service “lost or misplaced the expended shells found at the scene so they could not do any ballistic testing to determine if the shells found at the scene were the same shells from the gun that Cayetano was busted with after the murder”. This was after Justice Troadio “John” Gonzalez ruled a caution statement from Cayetano to be inadmissable in court because it was given under duress in 2011. 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.

Suspects in Belize City burglary caught in Benque
A warehouse on Faber’s Road Extension in Belize City belonging to Luis Ayuso was burglarized sometime between Tuesday, November 15, and Thursday, November 17, and police tracked down the alleged burglars in Benque Viejo Town on Friday, November 18. Ayuso reported to police that his warehouse at #14 Faber’s Road Extension was burglarized and two generators were stolen, one valued at $1,500 and the other at $2,500. Police investigation led to the arrest of Victor Franklin, 20, Herbert Herrera,22, Trevor Guy, 21, Elvis Aldana,26, and Giovanni Requena of Belize City as well as Ramon Banos, 23, of Santa Elena. The men were all arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Monday, November 21. All except Banos were arraigned for the burglary of the warehouse. The men were then charged along with Banos for handling stolen goods. They pleaded not guilty to the charges and the court prosecutor, Cpl. Christopher Smith, had heavy objection to bail for the five accused of burglary. His objection was based on the prevalence of the crime and the strength of the prosecution’s case since they were allegedly found in possession of the stolen items.

Businessman busted with weed, contraband and undersized conch
Orange Walk businessman, Trevor Jerry Guy, is on the hook for just under $2,500 in fines after he pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and undersized conch in the Belize City Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 17. The charges stem from a search that was conducted on Guy’s vehicle on Wednesday, November 16. Officers of the Gang Suppression Unit were conducting patrol on Water Lane around 9:30 a.m. when their attention was drawn to two men loading a black bag into the trunk of a Toyotal Corolla. The officers decided to conduct a search on the vehicle for drugs and ammunition and when they opened the trunk the officers found four parcels. When the parcels were opened they contained marijuana, undersized conch and contraband cigarettes. As a result, Guy was escorted to the Queen Street Police Station where the marijuana was weighed and amounted to 66 grams.

Corozalito Villager Remanded for Unlicensed Shotgun
Wilfredo Martinez, a 27-year-old farmer from Corozalito Village, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison on a charge of keeping an unlicensed firearm. Police caught him carrying a shotgun on Monday, November 21, for which he had no license. Martinez was arrested and charged for the offense. On Tuesday, November 22, he was unrepresented when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith for a single charge of keeping an unlicensed firearm. Martinez pleaded not guilty to the charge and due to the nature of the offense he was denied bail and remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison until January 31, 2017. He may apply for bail with the assistance of an attorney at the Supreme Court.

Jeffery McDougal Free of Attempted Murder Charge
Jeffery McDougal, 28, who was accused of trying to kill Taylor’s Alley resident, Brandon Allen, on December 13, 2015 is now free from the charge of attempted murder. At a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on Monday, November 21, Allen told Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser that he wants no further court action in the matter. He said, “I have a change of heart. I’m forgiving McDougal for what he has done to me.” He added that the shooter came from behind so he is not even certain that it was Mcdougal. Allen was walking at the corner of Water Lane and East Canal when someone came from behind and shot him in the buttocks. Two day later, police investigation led to the arrest of McDougal as the shooter. He was charged with attempted murder and use of deadly means of harm upon Allen and was out on bail until Monday.

Joseph O’Brien Gets 10 Years for Empty Gun
Joseph O’Brien, 24, has been in the Belize Central Prison serving sentences adding up to a 19 year jail term for offenses including robbery, theft, firearm offense and multiple aggravated assault convictions. Another 10 years was added to his sentences on Monday when he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an illegal firearm. Fortunately for Obrien, this sentence was ordered to run concurrently with his other sentences. Obrien was busted inside the Lord Ridge Cemetery in possession of an illegal firearm in April of 2013. PC Derrick Reid and other officers were on mobile patrol when they saw him riding a bicycle in the Militia area near the cemetery. Police conducted a search on O’Brien and found a 25 automatic pistol in a knee pad on his right leg. The gun had no bullets in its chambers. He was arrested and charged for the pistol.

Belmopan Bandits remain only undefeated team in Premier League competition
The Premier League of Belize 2016 Opening Season Competition continued over the last weekend with a number of games on the schedule. On Friday 18th November, at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, the host tea Placencia Assassins and the visiting Police United played to a 3-3 draw. The Placencia Assassins got onto the scoreboard first when Ashton Torres scored the 1st goal of the game in the 19th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. However, Police United came roaring back when Daniel Jimenez scored the equalising goal for his team in the 33rd minute of play to tie the score at 1-1. An own goal by Arnie Whyte in the 38th minute of play gave the Placencia Assassins a 2-1 lead that they took into the half time break. In the second half of the game, an own goal by Asrel Sutherland in the 53rd minute of play allowed the visiting Police United to tie the score at 2-2.

Central Region Secondary Schools Basketball Competition opens
The 2016-2017 Central Region Secondary Schools Basketball Competition opened on Monday 14th November, at the St. John’s College Gymnasium in Belize City. The schools that are participating in this year’s female competition are Pallotti High School, Wesley College and Anglican Cathedral College, while the schools in the male competition includes Wesley College, Excelsior High School, Sadie Vernon Technical High School, Ladyville Technical High School, St. John’s College, Edward P. Yorke High School, Gwen Lizarraga High School, Maud Williams High School and Nazarene High School. The competition will continue on Friday 25th November, with two games on the schedule. In the female competition, Pallotti High School will see action against Wesley College and in the male competition it will be Wesley College against Excelsior High School.

Belize Bank Bulldogs to represent Belize at Central American Senior Women’s Softball Championship in Guatemala City
The Belize Softball Federation will be represented by the Belize Bank Bulldogs, the national softball champions of Belize, at the Central American Senior Women’s Softball Championship that will be played in Guatemala City, Guatemala from November 25-27, 2016. The team left the country on Wednesday 23rd November, 2016 and will return back home on Monday 28th November, 2016. The Belize Bank Bulldogs will join Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama and the host country Guatemala. The official delegate to the championship is Mr. Nelson Longsworth.

Nicaragua tops Honduras, El Salvador gets first win
Nicaragua (1W-0D-1L, 3 points) put itself in contention for a place in the 2017 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship with a 3-2 win over Honduras (2-0-1, 6) in the nightcap of a Central American qualifying doubleheader on Monday at the Estadio Ernesto Rohrmoser. The result knocked Honduras from the ranks of the unbeaten (2-0-1, 6) and meant that the Nicaraguans can progress with victories in their last two games against already-eliminated Belize (November 24) and El Salvador (November 26). After Luis Enrique Palma gave Honduras a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute, Nicaragua responded with three unanswered goals. Strikes by Engel Balladares (68’), Stward Castillo (77’ pen) and Sergio Rodriguez (84’) put the Pinoleros ahead 3-1 during a 16-minute, second-half stretch. Patrick Palacios (90’+1) pulled one back for the Hondurans in stoppage time with his second goal of the tournament.

Santa Elena selection wins 5 aside
In a sporting activity in the Cayo District, the Santa Elena 5 aside tournament concluded this past weekend with the Santa Elena selection taking the grand prize of $500 and a 1st Place Trophy. On location to distribute trophies to the winners was the Hon. Rene Montero, the Representative for the Cayo Central Division. The Hon. Rene Montero would like to congratulate all teams who participated in this year’s tournament. “Lookout for more friendly community building competitions in the new year. God bless you and God bless Belize,” he writes. These sporting activities are a prelude to the inauguration of the Santa Elena Sporting Complex at 1:30 pm on November 27th. Games are scheduled to start at 3:30 pm on that Sunday and families and sport enthusiasts are being welcomed to come out and enjoy the spacious sporting facility.

WORDS OF LIFE with Barry Fraser
The early history of the world and God’s chosen people is found in the Jewish Scriptures, our “Old Testament.” It takes us from the creation of the Earth to about four hundred years before the birth of Jesus. The book of the Prophet Malachi would be the last prophetic word for four hundred years. The Jewish nation had times of freedom, times of colonization, and times of exile. At various times the nation had been controlled by the Babylonian Empire, the Medes and Persians, and the Greek Empire. Then, at the time of Jesus, the Roman Empire had control of Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and the Decapolis. The people were waiting anxiously for the Messiah, who would free them from this tyrannical rule. It was 400 years since the last Prophet of any significance. In many churches the four Sundays before Christmas Day are called the period of Advent, meaning the time of waiting for the Messiah to come. The four Sundays of Advent, by tradition, represent to 400 years of waiting.

Taking out the trash
There is a part of our Belizean culture that has been more apparent in our more recent generations, a part of our culture that becomes apparent every time there is a gathering, a concert, or major event. It is apparent every time we look at the streets of my wonderful home called Belize City. I have seen it as well, in other major towns across the country. It is one of the most prominent and obvious things, yet it is one of the easiest ones to fix, if we could only make the decision individually, but also, collectively. The problem I am talking about is litter, and anything else that adds to the deterioration of the beauty and aesthetics of our city. It is not uncommon, as most of us youth already know, to hear people say that the government needs to help with this or that, or that they need to improve this. It is always so easy to criticize, yet, sadly, and truthfully, we hardly ever do anything as individuals to help our country. It was a U.S president by the name of John F. Kennedy who once said “Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.”

Amandala

LA Fashions Boutique on New Road held up
Sometime before 9 p.m. tonight, an attempt was made to rob the LA Fashions Boutique on New Road in Belize City, which was in the process of closing for the night. However, according to police, the assailants left empty-handed after they ransacked the place and held the cashier hostage in the process. The failed robbers then scurried off into a waiting taxi which had brought them to the boutique. Information to Amandala is that the men in the taxi then turned onto Douglas Jones Street, where they are believed to have shot a security guard at JL’s Pawn Shop. According to information from police, the security guard was shot in his right arm and is currently receiving treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Corozal pawn shop robbery foiled
A man tried to rob the Rapidito Pawn Shop In Corozal Town at about 9:30 this morning on 4th Street, but instead of getting away with any money or valuable items, he was shot in his upper leg and escaped empty-handed. The thief fled in a van with three other men, but they were pursued by an alert policeman who was in civilian clothes, in his private vehicle. Quick police work led to the establishment of a roadblock, and the wounded robber and his accomplices were arrested.

Chetumal pulls in millions
Roughly 12,000 Belizeans, more people than the population of Corozal Town, crossed the northern border to travel to Mexico last weekend as Mexico hosted its annual Buen Fin—its version of Black Friday—meant to get Mexican shoppers to spend their money in Mexico rather than in the US. Immigration officials have told the press that the usual border traffic is about 7,000, and this weekend’s buzz at the border is certainly more than was created for last year’s Buen Fin. Generally speaking, it appears that border traffic to Mexico has increased, with even slower days, such as Mondays and Tuesdays, seeing more people crossing the border to Chetumal. Meanwhile, the reverse traffic from Mexico to the Commercial Free Zone at Mexico’s border with Belize, at its peak, is about 4,000, our sources say. Belizean shoppers were willing to endure hours of traffic bottlenecks to shop in Mexico—delays which we are told were due to a mix of factors, including a Police and Traffic Department checkpoint, transitions in border procedures and lack of management of the two-way flow of traffic.

Nelson Zelaya’s assassins “ate with the family”
A 3-year-old infant was reportedly present when two gunmen callously shot her father in his head several times at about 11 a.m. today while he was relaxing in his backyard in Gardenia at Mile 21 on the Philip Goldson highway. Police reports are that a man, armed with a shotgun, and another man, armed with a handgun, emerged from some nearby bushes and both of them shot Nelson Zelaya, 27. Ladyville police were called to the scene and they immediately rushed the injured victim to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). While being transported, Zelaya was bleeding profusely from the head, but still appeared to have had a pulse. However, upon reaching the KHMH, he succumbed to his injuries.

Belmopan “bad-man” Lincoln Bejerano still at large
A man who police say is responsible for a number of crimes in Belmopan and its surrounding areas earlier this year, and who has been arrested and charged for numerous offenses, including murder, and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison, is still at large after he escaped from Belmopan police custody on Wednesday, October 26. On that day, while he was being taken to the bathroom in the police station, he pushed down the police guard and bolted out of the police station. Lincoln Bejerano, 25, a laborer of Belmopan, also known as “Belmopan bad man”, should have been in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court today, November 23, the date set by the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court for the preliminary inquiry into the murder of taxicab driver Isidoro Sauer, 28, who was found shot in the head and body at about 11:00 Friday night, January 8 in the Piccini area of Belmopan.

Top performers in CAPE and CSEC recognized
The 22nd annual CXC National Awards Ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 23, at the St. Catherine Academy Auditorium in Belize City, where the CXC National Committee of Belize presented awards to outstanding students in the 2016 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations, sat by graduating high school students, and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), sat by graduating junior college students. A total of 366 students, or roughly 10% of those who sat the exams, were recognized with CSEC certificates of excellence, 2 with subject group awards, and 34 with individual subject awards. Of the students who excelled in the 2016 CAPE Examinations, 5 received CAPE certificates of excellence and 3 received certificates of recognition. Certificates were also presented to the top performers in 30 CAPE units.

Playoffs tip off this weekend in SSBA basketball out west
The regular season came to a close this past weekend, as the association wrapped out a few rain-out games. However, a majority of the games had no playoff implications, so a few teams did not show up for their final game of the season. On Friday night, Cayo Storm was a no-show, giving the victory to the undefeated and #1 seed, Pepsi Christian Ambassadors in the Under 19 division. In game 2, Belize Pet World also recorded a win, given that Invaders was unable to field 5 players in the Over 35 category. In the nightcap, Panthers edged out Police Stars, 50-45, as they fought for the #1 seed and the bye in the Senior Division. Winston Pratt was the top scorer for Panthers with 19 pts, while Johann “Cutto” Bermudez netted 14 pts. Police Stars was led by Andre Almendarez, who tallied 16 pts, and William Black chipped in with 11 pts.

We call it Ping Pong! Big success in Belize!
On Saturday, November 19, the 34th Central American Senior Table Tennis Championships concluded in dramatic fashion at the SCA auditorium in Belize City. Beginning on Wednesday, November 16, it was a historic moment for Belize to be the host country with seven nations and their respective teams participating. In the men’s championships, Mexico’s Jose Ricardo Villa Can placed first; and in the female championships, Estefania Ramirios from El Salvador topped the tournament. In men’s doubles, the Mexican duo of Jose Ricardo Villa Can and Miguel Lara Escalante brought home the gold; while in the female doubles, Estefania Ramirios and Emme Arias delivered the victory. In mixed doubles, Guatemala’s Kevin Montufar and Mabelyn Enriquez were victorious. The overall TEAM category saw Mexico as champions for the male division, and Guatemala as top finishers for the female division.

National U-17 Team returning home
The National U-17 Team will be returning to Belize on Friday, November 25, from their participation in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualifiers, which was held in San Jose, Costa Rica. They are expected to arrive at 9:30 a.m. at the Philip Goldson International Airport, on Avianca. Due to Hurricane Otto’s threat to Costa Rica, the team was prompted to play their final game against Nicaragua, scheduled for Thursday, November 24, on Wednesday, November 23, instead. Although the team did not win any of the 4 games played, they represented the country well. We extend a safe travel, warm welcome and thank you to the team and the rest of the delegation.

Santa Elena Sports Complex inauguration this Sunday
The Government of Belize, through the Belize Infrastructure Limited, announces the inauguration of the Santa Elena Sports Complex. Santa Elena has seen much advancement in infrastructure over the past several years, and while many of us are able to see the visible road works approaching the town, few are aware of the 13.42 acre sporting facility renovations – its new main entrance now on Bishop Street – that have been underway from last year, with many new enhancements. The Santa Elena Sports Complex is now the third and final facility to be delivered to the Twin Towns by the Government of Belize under the execution of Belize Infrastructure Limited.

The possible and the real
In a recent statement downgrading Belize’s credit rating, Standard and Poor’s described our United Democratic Party (UDP) government as “center-right.” We were struck by that description, one reason being that the notion of “right” wing in economic policy description suggests a philosophy which has the inefficient public sector taking a back seat to the productive private sector. This is not the case in Belize, which features an onerous tax regime wherein the Government of Belize can always find tax cash for politically-motivated projects, whereas small and medium-sized private businesses have been dropping here like flies over the past few years. Politics is often referred to as the art of the possible. We would then say that economics must be the social science of the real. According to economist Bill Lindo, when governments need money all they have to do is print more. Bill would know, of course, that there are inflation implications to that kind of political decision making in the realm of finance. Economics must be the social science of the real because it takes into account what a society possesses in hard statistical terms and uses that data to plan and project for society’s fundamental needs, in the first instance, and expanding prosperity, in the second. Economists cannot afford to dream: it is only politicians who are allowed to engage in dreaming.

http://amandala.com.bz/news/publisher-328/
During the time I spent visiting with my maternal uncle before he died about eight years ago, there were a couple stories he told me about the death penalty, which was by hanging in the case of British Honduras, which I will share with you today. He told me, on more than one occasion, of a case where an onlooker who was watching a man stab another to death, shouted, “Dale uno para mi,” which is to say something to the effect of, “Give him a stab for me.” Literally, the Spanish words mean in English, “Give him one for me.” For those words, that onlooker received the death penalty and was hanged. My uncle did not provide specifics, such as the name of the onlooker, the murderer, or his victim, so I only have his word to go on. I always found him to be very reliable when it came to the recounting of incidents, so I am inclined to believe the story. The story, nevertheless, does sound sensational today to the point of sounding incredible. But, colonial days in British Honduras where the matters of crime and punishment were concerned, were quite different from these times in independent Belize. Back then, such a story would not sound so sensational.

UB students write
Dear Editor, With the latest spike of violence that has caused a disheartening increase in the deaths of children, Belize is yet faced with the stark reality that there remains an inefficient and ineffective manner in how the country is dealing with crime and violence. The latest tragedy, the death of seven-year-old Tyler Savery who was gunned down alongside his cousin while riding his bicycle, only reveals the callous nature of the youth responsible for this crime. More than that, however, this, alongside the recent murders that have produced infants as collateral damage, only resound the realism that there is a pervasive criminal element, mind-set, platform, culture and breeding ground that must be addressed sensibly and strategically.

“Stop Male Suicide”—a timely theme
The plight of struggling men in Belize does not receive enough attention, and this was evident when International Men’s Day, which was celebrated on November 19 this year under the theme, “Stop Male Suicide”, went under the radar, despite the pressing issue that it raised. In Belize, almost 9 in 10 suicide victims for the year 2015 was a male. Similarly, of the suicides reported in the news this year, virtually all were males, and notably in their productive years. Suicide attempts are substantially more frequent. Whereas there were 25 suicides reported in 2015—up from 17 in 2014—there were 66 attempts that same year, up from 62 reported during the previous year. However, the gender pattern is reversed, as two in three of those persons who attempt suicide but receive medical intervention are females.

The Reporter

Late Atlantic hurricane pummels Central America
Hurricane Otto, a category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, crossed Central America near the border of Costa Rica and Nicaragua on Thursday, producing heavy rains that could cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides in parts of Central America. It is expected to inch westward over […]

John Francisco Leslie remanded for sexual perversion on child
In the Magistrate’s court this morning a five-year-old girl testified against a man who she said, ejaculated in her mouth. In court she was hidden from public view as she described over a microphone how the man, identified as John Francisco Leslie, told her to stand on a chair and […]

UB hosts marketing expo
The University Of Belize, Belize City campus held its 9th annual Marketing Expo at the Princess Hotel and Casino on Wednesday morning. Some 28 small business entrepreneurs came to display their products and services, hoping to expand on their marketing skills and sales. They were […]

Belize’s top scholars honored at CXEC & CAPE awards
The Ministry of Education honored 366 outstanding Belize scholars with Certificates of Excellence for their achievements in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations held in May – June of this year, as well as 15 scholars who aced the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE),at MOE’s annual awards ceremonyat the […]

Supreme Court says teachers must be paid full salaries this month
The Supreme Court of Belize granted an injunction this week, effectively barring the Ministry of Education from making salary deductions for teachers who participated in the 11-day strike in October. Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin handed down the ruling on Monday, after hearing arguments from both the Ministry […]

Prince Harry visits eight Caribbean countries
Prince Harry is visiting eight Caribbean countries over the next two weeks, stopping first in Antigua aboard a British Airways commercial flight on Monday. Harry will spend 15 days touring St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados, and Guyana. […]

CCCCC & USAID partner in $26 Million Climate Change Project
Ten CARICOM nations of the eastern and southern Caribbean will become more prepared to adapt to the effects of Climate Change as a result of a US$25.6 Million 4-year project in which the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC or 5C’s) has partnered with the United States Agency for International […]

Entrecon II to get Belize into 6 Billion ICT market
Almost everyone on the planet is using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in one form or another, creating a virtually limitless market of 6 Billion approaching 7 Billion users for ICT innovators. Belizean entrepreneurs were encouraged this take advantage of this opportunity to develop new ICT products and services at […]

New CitCo program to use property taxes to help fund street infrastructure
The Belize City Council is formulating a new program where community residents can assist in the upgrading of their streets by committing their property taxes over a period of time towards the upgrade. Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley explained on Tuesday, that under the program, residents would, […]

Two die in weekend accidents
Two separate traffic accidents over the Garifuna Settlement Day weekend left two persons dead. On Sunday, Corozal resident Lionel Martinez, 39, and Dangriga resident Mari Jimenez, 27, died when they were both knocked down in separate incidents. Around 7:10 p.m. on Sunday, Martinez was walking along […]

Decomposed body of fisherman found at sea
The body of 39-year-old Linsford Locaro was fished out of the sea in the north-west area of the Tobacco Caye Range on Saturday evening by Coastguard officers. Last Thursday Locaro, along with his common law wife; their nine-month-old daughter and three other friends, were on a […]

Cops bust suspected drug trafficker
Forty-three-year-old Brian Moreira, one of the suspected drug traffickers involved in a high speed chase that yielded 25 pounds of cannabis last week, has been arrested and charged. On November 19, based on a tip, Belmopan police converged upon a motel in where Moreira was apparently […]

Editorial
It was inspiring to see so many of our young people engrossed in a serious discussion about what is wrong with Belizean society and what we ought to do to improve it during these 16 Days of Activism. When one has worked many years with a newspaper, one gets to […]

Freed murder suspect executed in Gardenia
A resident of Gardenia Village was executed in his own yard on Thursday afternoon near mile 21 on the Philip Goldson highway. Around midday, 27-year-old Nelson Zelaya was attacked by two men who emerged from nearby bushes surrounding his home. He was shot once in […]

Security guard foils pre-Christmas season robbery
A security guard’s quick action foiled a blatant daylight robbery at a Corozal pawnshop just before the official start of the Christmas season. A robber walked into Rapidity Loans, located at #34 4th Avenue in Corozal Town at around 9:00 a.m., on Thursday morning, and […]

S&P: Superbond default imminent
Standard & Poor’s Global Rating agency, this week downgraded Belize’s sovereign credit rating for the second time in less than two weeks, going as far as to predict that a default on the 2038 “Superbond” is imminent. S&P updated its credit rating outlook for Belize on Wednesday, dropping the country’s […]

FECTAB says Harvest Caye is hurting small tour operators
The Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations (FECTAB), on Thursday, complained that the recently opened Harvest Caye Cruise Port is hurting local tour operators and causing them to lose money. At a press conference on Thursday morning at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina, FECTAB […]

Callous arson attack displaces six families
Six families from Trio Village in the Toledo district have been left homeless after five homes were set ablaze and another demolished last Thursday by five thugs. The villagers believe that the incident stems from a bitter land dispute between the home-owners and an unidentified […]

The Belize Times

WELCOME TO BELIZE…BELIZEANS NOT WELCOME!
Cruise tourism giant Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) has officially opened its Harvest Caye Island getaway in this country, and Belizeans are not allowed to go anywhere near it – not on the island, the dock, the beach or even in the waters around this new ‘foreign territory’ in Belize. Harvest Caye is a multi-million dollar investment which NCL has made in Belize. It was constructed with the idea to create an island paradise for the company’s guests. Billed as a “75-acre oasis”, it comes with a 15,000 square-foot swimming pool, a cascading waterfall, a swim-up pool bar, canopy cabanas, a two-story indoor/outdoor restaurant, beachside cabanas, a 7-acre sandy beach, a “flight-house” with zip lining across the island, free fall jumps, water sporting facilities, and many more features. The objective is to create a location where the guests can do everything that they would want to do, all without having to leave. If the guest still want to tour other parts of Southern Belize, tour operators hand-picked by NCL have been engaged to provide that service. There are a number of Belizeans who have been hired into the hospitality industry who are being trained to cater to all the needs of the cruise guests who arrive on the cruise ships.

Terrorism in Trio…Farmers Burned Out
As we go to press, Independence Police confirm that one person is in the custody of Belize City Police and it is believed that others will soon be detained for the heinous and deliberate arson and destruction of property in the southern community of Trio. 6 hard-working farming families are homeless after their homes were mercilessly destroyed by a group of men. Those culprits burnt down five houses and because one of the houses was fire resistant, they used a vehicle to break it apart and pull it down. The incident happened on Thursday, November 17, sometime after 9 p.m., when the residents were at their homes. It is believed that the arsonists arrived in a grey Mahindra pickup truck and started lighting the homes of the residents on fire. Before they could react, their homes were almost completely engulfed by the blaze, and all they could do was escape unharmed.

FABER FAILS! – GOB CAN’T PLAY WITH TEACHERS’ PAY
The move by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Patrick Faber to punish teachers was foiled by the Supreme Court on Monday. In a decision handed down in chambers, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin granted the BNTU an injunction which prohibits the Ministry from cutting teachers’ salaries this end of November, just before Christmas, as it had intended to do. Instead, the matter will proceed to substantive trial set for December 16th. Until that matter is heard and pending a decision, the government has been ordered to pay teachers their full salaries, without deductions. Emerging from the courtroom Monday afternoon, BNTU attorney Eamon Courtenay explained that he felt the injunction was granted because the Chief Justice believed that the case is arguable and there is a “real likelihood that we will succeed at trial.” While attorneys for the Ministry of Education argued that reversing the deduction order set in place would be complicated, Courtenay told the media that “the CJ said that more people will be affected if they don’t pay than people who have to do overtime to correct the situation. So the teachers have to be paid and be paid on time.”

THINK ABOUT IT
The demise of the Public Service Union represents a huge body blow to the young nation of Belize. It is the decapitation of an organization that is crucial to the democracy and good governance of the country. The Constitution provides for a professional and non-political public service. The Constitution establishes the Public Services Commission, made up of knowledgeable and experienced citizens. ONLY the Commission can hire and fire, discipline, transfer, promote and demote public officers in accordance with laws and regulations which are open and transparent. The process allows for aggrieved public officers to appeal to the Advisory Council. No Minister of Government or the Cabinet is given any authority to hire or fire staff or interfere in the professional work of the public officers.

No Justice…No Peace!
The brazen murder of young Tyler Savery has inspired a passionate outcry. Belizeans are outraged, frustrated and heartbroken. The images of milkshakes placed lovingly on a shrine and his beautiful smile are seared in our heads. He was innocent. We cry out for justice, but what can we do? There is none to be had. We shed tears for Tyler now, but it will pass. How many of us remember the names Joshua Abraham and Daniel Espat? How about Kaylee Burgess and Kaylee Alvarez? How long before we forget about Aaron, Ian and Empress? Social media has been lit up since the death of Tyler, as it is after every horrific crime, particularly against an innocent. But it will pass. The anguish is real from family members. The cry for something, anything is real. There are those who call for prayers as the only hope, and others who point out that we can pray every second of every minute of every hour of every day…and blood will continue to be spilled in our streets. Mothers will continue to grieve. Evil will continue to flourish. And Belizeans will continue to be denied the justice that in many cases is the only consolation to be had.

Sadie Vernon Tech, SJC & Maud Williams’ Boys Win in CSSSA Basketball
The Sadie Vernon Technical High School, St. John’s College and Maud Williams High School boys all posted big wins in the Central Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) basketball at the St. John’s College gym last week. On Friday, Maud Williams’ boys won 44-42 vs. Nazarene High led by Mainor Sarmiento with 15pts, Julian Luna scored 10pts; Edward Adu added 5pts, and Jermaine Bainton and Glen Arzu chipped in 4pts apices. Nazarene’s Jayden Humes scored 19ts, Michael Robinson and Glenford Reneau added 6pts apiece, and Tyreek Garcia chipped in 4pts. In Game 2 Friday night, Sadie Vernon boys won 20-0 by Belize High School’s default. On Monday, Sadie Vernon won 65-59 vs. Excelsior High School led by Terrence Usher with 20pts, Michael Bowen and Dre Gladden scored 11pts apiece and Darnel Guzman added 8pts. Excelsior’s Shadrick Lord led with 15pts; Geon Fuentes and Christopher Flores added 8pts apiece, and Jian Augustine scored 7pts.

FC Belize & Wagiya Draw 2-2 in PLB Football
Wagiya ended a 9-game losing streak to draw 2-2 in the last 4 minutes with FC Belize in Week 15 of the Premier League of Belize’s opening season tournament at the Carl Ramos Stadium on Sunday. FC Belize’s Jordi Lopez scored on a free kick in the 17th minute: 1-0; and FC Belize’s Russell Casanova scored a 2nd goal: 2-0 in the 53rd minute. The game was almost over when Wagiya’s Krisean Lopez and Alton Carr shunted the ball across the goal mouth for Hector Gomez to score in the 87th minute: 2-1 and Clifton Thomas equalized 2-2 in the 90th minute! At the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan on Saturday night, the Belmopan Bandits stomped Orange Walk United: 9-2 with Jairo Roches scoring 4 goals in the 5th, 57th, 59th and 62nd minutes. Jerome “Jaro” James scored Bandits’ 2nd and 3rd goals in the 35th and 50th minutes. Aloisio Teixiera scored the 4th goal in the 53rd minute, and Jordi Polanco scored the 8th goal in the 87th minute and Marlon “Matador” Meza added a 9th goal in injury time at the 91st minute: 9-2. Sugar City‘s Brazilian import Joao Silva scored 2 goals in the 49th and 90th minutes.

Kulture Megabytes’ Kent Gabourel Wins T.V. Ramos Cycling Classic
Kulture Megabytes’ Kent “Bob” Gabourel won the A Category of the annual Thomas Vincent Ramos Cycling Classic held by the Weekend Warriors cycling club; from the Elagule Bar on the Hummingbird Highway in Dangriga to the Placencia roundabout on the Southern Highway and back to the finish on Sunday. Santino Castillo won the B category and Lisa Berger won the C Category.

Questions to Ministers
Would the Member for Queen Square and Minister of Finance please confirm or deny reports that due to serious current revenue shortfalls, GST on goods will be raised to 15% in January, and not in March as suggested? Would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister please explain how, in a time of economic crisis, he can justify giving his recently acquired luxury SUV to his colleague in Collet and acquiring another brand new luxury SUV for himself? Would the Member for Collet and Minister of Education say if he will now abandon his petty and malicious campaign to punish the teachers? Could he further say what he will be giving Collet resident for Christmas cheer since all the Petrocaribe money is done? Would the Member for Corozal Bay and Minister of Health please confirm or deny rumours that he and the daughter of his colleague from Cayo West are partnering in a company to provide pharmaceuticals to the Ministry of Health? Would the Member for Corozal Bay and Minister of Health please also clarify if it is not a conflict of interest for a Minister to be romantically involved with a high-ranking member of his own Ministry who is responsible for a sensitive area like pharmaceuticals?

MoH Owes Over $20M in Outstanding Pharmaceutical Bills
Eyebrows have been raised over the Ministry of Health’s last procurement of pharmaceuticals via a short term tender of only six months as opposed to previous tenders that have lasted longer. One of the reasons behind it, as explained by Health CEO, Dr. Ramon Figueroa is that the Ministry “had an incredible outstanding bill above and beyond the approved budget for last year for pharmaceuticals. Actually it was for this financial year…Outstanding was about 23/24 million…It really went through the roof. Before that it was pretty much stable,” he said. According to Dr. Figueroa, the yearly expenditure for pharmaceuticals AND all medical supplies hovers around 17 to 18 million dollars. Believing that they could be more efficient and purchase much more with the money budgeted…Dr. Figueroa says he sat down with the pertinent health officials and the 10 or so pharmaceutical providers around the time he took over from CEO Dr. Peter Allen after the November 2015 General Elections. Most of them, he said, still had a large stock of items to deliver to the Ministry. They therefore asked the providers for an extension of the same contract from the previous year to carry them through to September 2016. This would also allow the Ministry to figure out a payment plan for the providers who were owed “quite a bit of money.”

DEADLY C.A. GANGS AND DRUG CARTELS EYE BELIZE
DEADLY and dangerous gangs and drug cartels in Central America may soon be seeking safe haven in Belize to plant their flagpoles of mayhem, violence and other illegal operations here. They are now coming under serious pressure from their governments that have declared war on these violent gangs and organized crime. El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras earlier this month launched a joint operation by their security forces to fight gangs and organized crime. This joint operation comprised police, military, intelligence and border officials. According to an official report, an increasing number of gang members are committing crimes in one country then fleeing to another. In one report by Insight Crime, a foundation studying organized crime in the Americas, almost 400 alleged gang members were arrested in the first ten months of this year. The report notes that many of the El Salvador gang members who fled have set up their own gang structures in Guatemala. This has serious implications for Belize. They have traditionally survived through extortion rackets but have increasingly become involved with drug cartels and drug trafficking.

MY PERSPECTIVE – BE CAREFUL…BOOTS AND SOCKS!!
The form that must be filled out by all persons in public life so as to be in compliance with the Prevention of Corruption Act is one that is quite detailed. Every year one must list particulars of accounts at banks and credit unions held by the person, his/her spouse and his/her children under the age of eighteen. One must also list particulars of cash of over $500.00 held other than in a bank or credit union, even cash stashed in one’s socks. Listed too must be bonds, stocks, shares and investments; all immovable property such as houses and land; value of furniture, appliances, jewelry, coins, stamps, works of art; investments held in mortgages or business ventures and all income therefrom; accounts receivable, vehicles, boats, aircraft, insurance policies, safety deposit box, property held in a trust, annual income of self and spouse including perquisites such as entertainment and travel allowances; secured debts or other liabilities; AND any property disposed of in the relevant period. It is no joke!!

Bad News All Around
For the past few months much of the news was focused on the US Presidential elections. The debates and campaigning strategies that were employed left much to be desired and in the end it only created a schism not only in America but in the rest of the world. Although his strategy was controversial and unorthodox, the ability of Donald Trump to speak the language of the common man had made him popular with the working class. His victory in key states such as Florida and Pennsylvania was the reason for him to swing the election in his favor. Presently there are a lot of Belizeans both at home and abroad who are not cognizant of the situations that may develop after Trump’s inauguration as president of the world’s most powerful country. Much of Trump’s campaign was centered on the crime/immigration issues along with the loss of jobs due to companies moving their factories to third world countries so as to increase their profit margins. In the event that he should start to implement his campaign promises, our country with its fragile economy will be in for a rocky ride.

Thinking Out Loud
Without any warning to commuters, the Government of Belize imposed a significant hike in bus fares to the North, West and South of the country…all fares for major stops and ALL stops in between increased. In some cases, commuters will need to pay as much as $2.50 more to reach their destinations. Trust me that adds up when you are somebody who is forced to use the bus every single day to reach to work and back home. And there was no advance notice – none! I understand that Minister Castro says that they couldn’t inform commuters because there is no commuter association. That’s absolute nonsense. This government has been known to launch ad campaigns worth hundreds of thousands when they want to get their propaganda out. But apparently they couldn’t even get out a simple radio message to let commuters know that they would have to dig deeper into their pockets to ride our buses. It’s a shame, and an unfair and unwelcome Christmas gift for commuters.

THE WONDERER AND BELIZE CITY FAECES! “SHIT” MAN!
The Wonderer was wandering around Belize City lately and remembered a news item not so long ago about “Shit-water” entering the Haulover Creek at the end of Pickstock Street with North Front Street. Well shit still the flow…..into the creek, then into the sea, then the reef, it also flows south along the coast as our currents are from north to south. But this small volume is not all…It’s much bigger….it’s Huge….the volumes of shit water entering our Belize City environment by us the same residents. After wondering where I could get information I wandered to some friends and googled and visited some GOB departments and got ahold of “Open Your Eyes” information. I learnt that in the early seventies the Canadian government through CIDA gave a loan (about 60 million) to Belize for a new water and sewerage system for the existing Belize City. This loan was converted to a grant by the Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel. Kudos to him and to the Canadians. The City was small at the time and a water and wastewater system was put in place that almost covered the entire city. Water was about 100% and wastewater about 50% coverage. Today the wastewater collection system manages only about 16% of the entire city. Governments have not increased the coverage. They claim it’s too expensive! But let me tell you that pollution and contamination of the environment with shit-water is more expensive! Far more expensive in the longer run.

PUP’s UWG Calls for Support for 16 Days of Activism
Friday November 25th, marks the launch of the 2016 campaign against gender based violence. The campaign which runs from November 25th (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10th (Human Rights Day) was created by activists at the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. The United Nations Secretary-General’s campaign “UNiTE to End Violence against Women” (UNiTE) in support of the initiative, acts as a platform to increase awareness and create opportunities for discussion about challenges and solutions. The theme this year is “Orange the World: Raise Money to End Violence against Women”. The United Women’s Group of the People’s United Party stands in solidarity with other national and international organizations in efforts to end violence against our Belizean women and girls. In light of the recent spike of violence against young children, the call goes even further to end ALL forms of violence against the most vulnerable members of our society. The prevalence of gender based violence in our communities is much higher than we may want to acknowledge or accept.

GOB Fell Asleep on Debt for Nature Swap!
As Belize scrambles to convince holders of the 2038 Bond to restructure for an “unprecedented” third time, documents leaked to the media reveal that the current administration dropped the ball on a proposal that would have eased pressure from bond commitments by US$100 Million. Following Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s election in 2008 his administration was approached by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a charitable environmental organization. TNC proposed a debt-for-nature-swap, a transaction which would have seen TNC buying US$100 Million worth of Superbond debt. TNC had even gotten pledges for up to US$60 Million at one point during the course of negotiations which lasted years but was never given serious political consideration. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, PM Barrow was involved in the discussion in its initial stages. Mark Espat, Joy Grant, Collin Young, Godwin Hulse and Mike Singh were all involved in the discussion on government’s behalf through the years before negotiations finally broke down.

CJ to Decide on Supremacy – Constitution vs. Parliament
On December 6th, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin will deliver his response to an application by acting Solicitor-General Nigel Hawke, acting on behalf of Government, specifically Speaker of the House Michael Peyrefitte and Clerk of the National Assembly Eddie Webster. Hawke has asked the Court to strike out a case brought by PUP Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat contending that his suspension from the House in August 2016 was improperly done and thus illegal and should be voided. It is basically the only argument presented by the government side. According to attorney Andrew Marshalleck representing Espat, “The defendants who are the speaker, the clerk and the Attorney General, have offered no defence to the claim on the merits yet, but instead applied to have the matter struck out on two grounds. They say that the courts not lack jurisdiction to inquire into the internal affairs of parliament and that Mr. Espat has an alternative remedy for redressing what happened. This is to go back to the house for a resolution to terminate the suspension.”

Top CXEC & CAPE Performers Awarded
Some 366 outstanding Belizean students were recognized and awarded certificates of excellence in the May-June Caribbean Secondary Schools Certificate Examinations along with 15 scholars who had excelled in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), when the Ministry of Education hosted its annual awards ceremony at the St. Catherine Academy auditorium in Belize City on Wednesday morning, November 23. The education ministry awarded a full two-year scholarship to the two most outstanding performers who also received a Samsung tablet from Belize Telemedia Ltd. Rhiki Alexander Alegría of St. John’s College won top honours as the most outstanding student; he sat 18 examinations and achieved 16 Grade I passes at the General Proficiency Level, of which he achieved 1st place for Music, Electronic Document Preparation and Management, and Physical Education and Sport. His other Grade I passes were in Biology, Chemistry, English A, English B (Literature), Information Technology, Integrated Science, Mathematics, Office Administration, Physics, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Spanish and Human and Social Biology. He also passed Religious Education with a Grade II and passed Visual Arts with a Grade III. He received the Subject Group award in the Sciences.

If Dah Noh Soh…
GST is going up sooner than you think. We’re hearing January 2017 and not March. We’re being told that’s one of the measures which bondholders are demanding even before they sit down at the table to discuss restructuring. In addition, bondholders are allegedly demanding that GOB’s team come to the table with a list of measures that will be immediately put in place to reduce the wage bill, something the IMF has been advising in consecutive country reports. Wage bill reduction is fancy-talk for RETRENCHMENT. We’ve been warning you. It’ll happen soon. Last we heard, Minister of Health Pablo Marin was calling Erwin Contreras suegro and he’d completely renovated his house in Corozal on the instruction of his newfound love. There’s nothing wrong with love. Hell, I’m in love with love, but see…Pablito’s sweetie-pie is the Director in the Drug Inspectorate in the Ministry of Health so her boss is her babes. And see, because of certain shady moves in the Ministry this drug inspectorate director, daughter of Minister Erwin Contreras and heartstring of Minister Pablo Marin, is one of those people who can approve the passage of pharmaceuticals across the border. See where I’m going with this? Word is that the electrician turned politician and the politician’s daughter turned drug director have been looking into forming their own company to supply pharmaceuticals to the Ministry of Health…hustling noh done with this crew. Keep an eye on this one.

Breaking Belize News

Fidel Castro, Cuba’s former leader, dies at 90
Cuba’s former president, Fidel Castro has died aged 90. Raul Castro, his younger brother and successor announced the news on state television just after midnight Friday. “The commander in chief of the Cuban revolution died at 22:29 hours this evening. In compliance with […]

Vehicle collides into low lying bridge, passengers trapped inside
A white car heading from San Ignacio to Santa Elena collided into the low lying wooden bridge a short while ago. The driver and a female passenger were the only occupants and both were trapped inside the vehicle. Bystanders helped them out and they were […]

More rainy weather this weekend
The 24-hour forecast is for moist and unstable conditions with overcast clouds and showers to continue. Periods of rain, showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected over most areas. The Belize Weather Bureau has issued advisories that localized flooding is occurring over low lying areas […]

Tropic’s latest charitable effort its biggest yet
Tropic Air, as part of its ongoing #TropicGivesBack charitable campaign, donated over $1,300 split between the San Pedro Roman Catholic School and the San Pedro Tourist Guide Association. The donations benefited the school’s marching band and an environmental program for the association. Two checks […]

Caribbean health facilities to receive improvements with funds from UK
The SMART Health Care Facilities Project is improving and reconstructing an estimated 50 healthcare facilities in seven Caribbean countries. The project comes at a cost of US $38.3 million and is supported by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (UK aid). PAHO’s (Pan […]

US Embassy launches activism against gender based violence
Last night, Ambassador Carlos Moreno officially launched the Embassy’s Official 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence Campaign (GBV). The ceremony included a candlelight vigil, as well as lighting the Embassy in orange to commemorate the start of the campaign. The Embassy commemorated […]

Convicted pedophile free in three years
A 39-year-old man, accused of a disgusting act of perversion, may only face 3 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 5-year-old baby girl. According to police reports, in April of this year John Francisco Leslie allegedly took the child to his house where […]

Belmopan Police, City council and Kolbe foundation partner for clean up campaign
Yesterday Belmopan police, the Belmopan City Council and Kolbe Foundation partnered to clean the Central Walkway and the Rivera area to make it safer for those who use it. Officer commanding Belmopan police, Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett said that this is separate from other […]

San Ignacio Police meet and greet in Santiago Juan Layout
On Tuesday, Deputy Officer Commanding San Ignacio Police, Assistant Supt. Daniel Iche and members of the COPP, San Ignacio Branch, conducted a meet and greet in the Santiago Juan Layout area and its outskirts, where 23 homes were visited. The issues gathered from the […]

Police find marijuana plantation in Corozal
Yesterday between 5:30 am and 7:30 am, police conducted a drug operation in an overgrown area about ½ mile Northwest of Dominguez Layout, Corozal Town where they found cannabis plants ranging from 8 inches to 6 feet in height scattered over an open area. […]

Teachers November salary deferred
Teachers were due to collect their monthly salary tomorrow. However, a memo issued to managing authorities from the Ministry of Education was leaked stating that their salaries are being deferred until an unconfirmed date next week. In the leaked memo it says that the Ministry […]

Attempted armed robbery at LA Fashions Boutique in Belize City
Reports are that a short while ago, 2 gun men stormed into LA Fashions boutique on New road in Belize city. They held up the proprietor and reportedly searched the establishment but left with nothing. No one was hurt or injured. Police are investigating. […]

No ham for Thanksgiving?
53,000 pounds of ham was rejected from entering Ecuador on October 27, 2016 and is now sitting at the Benque Viejo Del Carmen Free Zone. According to reports, the ham originated from the United States and was trying to enter Belize in time for […]

Belize to make amendments to Special Agreement with Guatemala
In a Special Agreement signed in May 2015, Belize and Guatemala agreed to hold a referendum on whether or not to have the ongoing territorial dispute settled in the International Court of Justice. However, last week the Guatemalan Congress met and voted to have […]

Major Mexican Drug Cartel in Belize?
Rumors that US authorities extracted a Mexican drug lord in Belize, are just rumors. Yesterday this misleading information was circulated in various circles and even on social media claiming that the drug lord was connected to El Chapo and was stashed in a safe […]

S&P drops Belize’s rating again
For the second time in less than two week, Standard & Poor’s has downgraded Belize’s long-term credit ratings. On November 14, S&P lowered Belize’s rating from B to CCC+. Now, S&P has further downgraded Belize’s rating to CC. According to the S&P rating scale: “The […]

Police find marijuana and ammunition in Belize City
Belize City police found 967 grams of cannabis and a black plastic bag containing 24 live 9mm ammunition on November 22, 2016 at 7:03 am during a search at Price Alley in Belize City. According to police reports, both the cannabis and ammo were […]

Farmer in southern Belize loses house to fire
A farmer from southern Belize lost his house to a fire last week. According to reports, Jose Bajarano, 64, a Salvadorian farmer of San Juan village, Stann Creek left his house (20 X 15 feet elevated 6 feet off the ground with zinc roofing) […]

Otto strengthens to a Category 2 Hurricane before landfall
This morning, Otto’s winds increased to 110 mph making it a Category 2 Hurricane. As of 9:00 this morning, Otto was located 75 miles south- southeast of Bluefileds, Nicaragua and was moving west at 9 mph. The Hurricane center stated that Otto may even […]

BTIA 31st AGM to be held on December 1
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) will be hosting its 31st annual general meeting on Thursday, December 1 at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. President of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nikita Usher is the guest speaker for […]

Blogs

New Neighbor and Palapa Bar Party Pics
It is not always easy to deal with new neighbors and while I would not likely do it for real, mine has often left me wishing I had a super soaker so I can blast him from my bedroom window. Last night he went off at 4:00 am, again at 6:00 am and now he is crowing once more – 7:00am. That darn rooster always seems to0 have to much to say at the wrong time of day. The upside to that my good friend Dennis (who arrived yesterday) reminded me that I am out of the land of barking dogs and that I was no stranger to roosters at my old house too. As for the the Palapa Bar and Grill soft opening party, it was a great time. Many people came out to celebrate the worldwide loved bar and give well wishes to Scott Jodie and the Palapa family staff. I was very honored that they put a printed copy of my Palapa Bar Phoenix Rising from the Caribbean Sea blog post on their gratitude wall. Jodie mentioned how cool it was that my writing was a match to their new Phoenix Rising banner.

Find Old-School Caribbean Charm on Caye Caulker…While You Still Can: Part One
Front Street got its name because, to put it plainly, it’s in front. That is to say, it’s in front of Middle Street and Back Street, the other two primary lanes on tiny, five-mile-long Caye Caulker, Belize. Front Street faces the sea.

Garifuna Settlement Day in the Heart of Culture Town
On the days leading to November 19th Belize is bustling with energy, drumming, food and the black, white and yellow colors of the Garifuna Flag. Dorian and I decided 2016 was the year to experience Garifuna Settlement Day in Dangriga, the Culture Capital of Belize. We were so determined to immerse ourselves in the culture of the Garinagu that we even purchased authentic Garifuna attire. I wore a Garifuna shirt in the colors of the flag and Dorian finally got to wear a Dashiki with African print. The Garinagu are a lively group of people rich in culture and proud of their heritage. They arrived in Belize after fleeing from slavery in St. Vincent in 1802. Today the Yurumei, the “landing” of the Garinagu in Belize, is celebrated in an early morning reenactment of their arrival. In Dangriga, hundreds of people line up at the riverside to witness the Yurumei after a long night of celebrating and no sleep! You would think they would head straight home to rest after the reenactment, but they just kept going! After the Yurumei, they walked to church drumming and singing in the Garifuna Language.

Happy Thanksgiving 2016 from our Family to Yours
Hurricane Earl, two Surgeries, a broken bone… Our family has been through its fair share of bumps in the road this year, but we have so much to be Thankful for! We adopted the newest furry member of our family! Our silly, hyper, loving best friend, Mellow, is a complete joy. When his traveling paws aren’t on the road with us he enjoys the company and care of his friends at Pampered Paws. Sometimes he even gets to hang out with famous doggies like Dooley Bear! Madison Pearl finally launched her fan page on Facebook and could not be happier to hear from all her new online friends. Her blog, Madi in the Middle has been shared in classrooms around the world by teachers with their students and we could not be more proud! Can you believe she turned 11 this year?

Helping Hands in Paradise
While aesthetics play a key role in one’s vacation destination choice, the community at that location often ends up being the factor for a return trip. If you are among those who fall in love with the warm smiles and friendly faces, and find yourself wanting to give back to the community that has touched your heart, there are many ways you can do so. We have witnessed an incredible outpouring of support from our visiting friends over the years, and in more ways than they will ever know they have helped to enrich the lives of many Belizeans. Therefore, we have compiled a list of organizations and causes that we feel keep the spirit of giving year round.

Wheel Chairs for San Pedro and Caye Caulker
Some of you may recall back in January when award-winning songwriter and recording artist Kelly McGuire did a Songs for wheelchair concert series to help raise money. The time has come for the fruits of his efforts to blossom, in combination with the Wheelchair Foundation, Belize Rotary and San Pedro Red Cross. For the past few months, the Wheelchair Foundation group has been working with local communities and the San Pedro Red Cross to do assessments and list members of the communities that are in need of wheelchairs. After distributing 200 chairs on mainland Belize, they will arrive in San Pedro December 4 to distribute wheelchairs to local residents. Twenty-five individuals living in San Pedro and Caye Caulker will receive wheelchairs from the Wheelchair Foundation. Both San Pedro and Caye Caulker communities are invited to attend the donation ceremony on December 6, 6:30 p.m. at the Lions Den here in San Pedro. Mr. Glenn Perry from the Wheelchair Foundation and Mayor Daniel Guerrero, will be in attendance along with Eiden Salazar; San Pedro Red Cross Board Chairman, who will act as master of ceremonies for the evening.

Thanksgiving on Ambergris Caye? Yes! Here’s How I Did Mine
In New Jersey, TGE (or Thanksgiving Eve) is a holiday when it is very popular to re-unite with your high school class. Many reunions take place at the local town bar and some more formally – as an organized party. This year I missed my 25th Ridgewood HS reunion!!!!!!!!!!!!! Instead, I was crafting for Cayo Frances Farm & Fly’s first Christmas tree. And I was more than fine with the trade-off. Especially when I went for a walk Thanksgiving morning. The ornaments that they sell here in San Pedro are great. LOTS of glitter and for my own tree? Nothing could make me happier. Last year I had a silver 5 footer with pink lights and lots of pink glitter. But for a fly fishing camp I thought a bit more subdued would be better… So shells, rubber starfish and lots of flyfishing flies. We drove to town to pack up and head to the leeward side.

Panama from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Around 5/6 weeks ago Rose and I enjoyed a short visit to Merida and while we were there we spoke again about the promise we’d made to each other that we would use our Ambergris Caye home base to visit neighbouring countries and countries in South America far more than we have done so far in the 41/2 years we have been living in Belize. So early last week we got the atlas out and we pondered (Rose is quite good at pondering too) and then I remembered (the memory still works from time to time) that last December Copa Airlines introduced a twice a week (Tuesday and Friday) service between Panama City and Belize. Why not give it a try, we thought. With the decision made I got up early the next morning (around 04.30 hours for those of you that might be remotely interested), made myself a mug of coffee (instant, black and unsweetened), grabbed the iPad and headed out to the veranda (the western, lagoon facing one). I had some Googling to do! It didn’t take too long to start pulling our itinerary together. Fly out on the Friday and return the following Tuesday. With the travel arrangements made I chose a hotel in the business district (I’d been told by friends who’ve been there that this’s is a safe and central location) of Panama City fairly quickly. The Hilton Garden Inn if you want to know. Even if you don’t want to know, that’s the hotel I booked.

International Sources

Into the great blue: The waters off Belize are a marine playground
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 base camp on Half Moon Caye, park ranger Bill from the Belize Audubon Society tells us 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 hot spots, and new properties promising exclusivity are also under development. I’m staying a world away, spending six days at isolated off-the-grid base camps on Glover’s Reef and Lighthouse Reef as part of a 10-day guided excursion. My journey starts in Dangriga, a 15-minute flight from Belize City. It’s where we set off to explore the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-largest barrier reef in the world.

What’s Ashcroft Buying?
TAX EXILE Lord Ashcroft appeared set for a return to the Tory inner circle yesterday after the party registered a £50,000 donation from a company linked to his family. The former Conservative deputy chairman retreated from his involvement in the party in 2010 after a reported falling out with David Cameron. The Belize-based billionaire even funded and co-authored last year’s infamous biography of Mr Cameron, which alleged the then PM had sex with a dead pig’s head. But today the Star can reveal that a holdings firm heavily linked to Lord Ashcroft made a significant donation to Tory coffers following Mr Cameron’s departure. Figures published by the Electoral Commission yesterday show that Anne Street Partners donated £50,000 to the Tories in August. The donation is enough to secure a place at the Conservatives’ Leader’s Group. Members of this exclusive club are “invited to join Theresa May and other senior figures from the Conservative Party at dinners, post-PMQs lunches, drinks receptions, election result events and important campaign launches,” according to the party website.

How to see Chichen Itza without the crowds
Sounds of the jungle were as thick as the humidity. Birds chirped and trilled. A deep hoot added a bass note. An almost mechanical staccato clicking joined in. I was following a Mayan guide, Juan Gualberto Tun Pat, down a garden path on the grounds of my hotel, where life is so insistent that young trees sprout in the middle of the gravel walkway. At a wrought iron gate, two guys sat at a weathered Formica-topped table, the young one working on math problems, the older one tuning a radio. They paused to check my entrance ticket, exchanged greetings with Juan in their language, Yucatec Maya, and waved us on our way. I felt like I’d just slipped through the secret back door to Chichen Itza, the Mayan archaeological wonder in the interior of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The collection of pre-Columbian architectural masterpieces — pyramids, temples, columns — represent an ancient Mesoamerican culture steeped in art and science. The former urban center covers more than 10 square kilometers and two distinct periods — one collection of buildings was constructed by the early Mayans, while others date to a time after the Toltecs arrived and merged cultures with the existing community, Juan said. Its size and breadth make it one of the most formidable of the Mayan sites that dot Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Chichen Itza was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, reinforcing its status as a full-blown tourist attraction. According to UNESCO, which lists the treasure as a World Heritage Site, at least 3,500 people pour in each day. Most are day-trippers from Merida, Cancun and other coastal resorts who arrive midmorning and tour under a withering sun.

Mexico: the history of the Maya
It’s not surprising to assume ancient peoples have vanished when we see vast empty ruins such as Chichen Itza in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula. But there are some seven million Maya still alive today in Mexico and Guatemala, many of them native speakers of Mayan rather than Spanish. The Maya (Mayan is the language) were a settled people who inhabited Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and parts of the states of Tabasco and Chiapas, as well as modern-day Guatemala, Belize and other smaller parts of Central America. Their geographic concentration allowed them to resist being swallowed up by larger empires in the way of many smaller pre-Columbian civilisations. The earliest Maya settlements appear around 1800 BCE and show they were an agricultural people harvesting crops such as maize, beans and squash – still staples of the Mexican diet. They cleared jungle for farming but also started to develop sophisticated irrigation and terracing techniques. However, it is the so-called Classic Period between 250-900 when Maya civilisation was at its height. This is when the great cities appeared, such as Tikal in modern Guatemala, and Becan, Calakmul, Río Bec and Palenque in Mexico. The number and size of the plazas, palaces, ball courts, temples and pyramids we can still see today give us an idea of their grandeur. At its peak, there may have been two million people in the Maya Empire.

In the last decade a mystery disease has hit American snakes
In 2006 biologists studying the only timber rattlesnakes in the state of New Hampshire recorded something alarming: a population crash. The already rare animals – numbering about 40 in total – began dying in unusually large numbers. No more than 20 rattlesnakes survived, and the population remained at that new super-low level five years later. Many of the snakes showed signs of a severe skin infection on their heads and bodies just before they died. It was an early sign of a deadly fungal disease that is now sweeping through the snakes of eastern North America. Today at least 30 species are affected. "Snake fungal disease" has been documented in more than 16 US states and in parts of Canada. How worried should we be? Then the team studied samples from lesions that could have been caused by the fungus and looked at their molecular makeup. "We saw zero occurrence of the fungus from 1880 all the way through to 1999," says Allender. "The year 2000 is when we start to see its emergence in the area." This suggests that an event at the turn of the millennium led a relatively benign fungus to become a potent snake killer.

Caribbean Islands Warned As Venezuela Collapses
The mayor of Chacao in Venezuela’s capital Caracas has warned that Caribbean islands and Colombia may suffer an influx of refugees from Venezuela if food shortages continue in the country. Español Ramón Muchacho said that people have been reduced to hunting cats, dogs and pigeons for food. “As hunger deepens, we could see more Venezuelans fleeing by land or sea to an island,” Muchacho said. Venezuela saw a new wave of looting last week that resulted in at least two deaths, countless wounded, and millions of dollars in losses and damages, as desperation sets in among hungry residents and the country appears to be on the verge of complete collapse and chaos. Panampost reported that last Wednesday morning a crowd ransacked a supermarket in the central region of Venezuela. “They took milk, pasta, flour, oil, and milk powder. There were 5,000 people,” one witness told Venezuela outlet El Estímulo. People from across the entire state came to the supermarket because there were rumours that some products not found anywhere else would be sold there. Authorities were unable to control the massive crowd.

Private island resorts are the in thing now
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What three things do you wish for? Correct answer: a private plunge pool, a butler, and a beach bar with excellent frozen drinks, preferably set on the deck of a sailboat. Private island resorts are having a moment — and the timing couldn’t be better. A globally tumultuous 2016 has exacerbated the travel trend of seeking remote corners and untouched places, of getting away from it all and feeling physically far away from all your worries. It doesn’t matter what’s keeping you up at night at home; you’re likely to sleep easy when your biggest immediate concern is what drink will look best in your sunset Instagrams. If a bit of escapism is exactly what the doctor has in store, consider these nine openings that are pushing the envelope of luxury, from the Maldives to Belize.

The Caribbean joins the challenge of reducing food losses and waste
The Caribbean region has positive experiences and FAO's support to meet the goal of the Sustainable Development Goals to reduce food losses and waste by half by 2030. No effort to eradicate hunger and poverty in the Caribbean will be viable without public policies that promote more sustainable patterns of food consumption and production, said the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, regarding the food that is lost or wasted daily in the region. According to FAO studies, the loss levels for cassava, a staple food for food security in the Caribbean, reaches of up to 23% in Guyana and 20% in Trinidad and Tobago, while up to 20% of tomatoes are wasted in Saint Lucia, 27% in Trinidad and Tobago and 34% in Guyana. Guyana's National Institute for Agricultural Research and Extension estimates that about 30% of all fruits and vegetables produced in the country are not consumed. A similar figure is observed with respect to vegetables in Haiti, 35% of which are lost or wasted, according to IICA. At the regional level, FAO notes that food losses and waste in Latin America reach 223 kg of food per person per year, more than enough to meet the caloric needs of all who suffer hunger in the region.

OVERVIEW GLOBAL MARKET PAPAYAS
The demand for papayas in Europe is on the rise, even though the product is still perceived as exotic in many countries. This is very different in the US, where papayas are considered mainstream. In countries in the southern hemisphere, papayas are certainly not exotic. Latin America, Africa and Asia grow large volumes of the fruit. The season in South Africa has only just reached its peak; in Australia, growers were hit by a storm that decimated the supply and, meanwhile, Latin American countries are seeking export opportunities. Costa Rica is looking to Canada, Brazil to Europe, Mexico to the US, and Ecuador to both Europe and the US. Peru mainly produces yellow papayas, a variety that is unknown in Europe. Europe, in fact, may become a competitor for the Latin American countries, as Spanish growers are investing in the greenhouse cultivation of this exotic fruit.

Fidel Castro, Cuba's leader of revolution, dies at 90
Cuba's former president Fidel Castro, one of the world's longest-serving and most iconic leaders, has died aged 90. His younger brother and successor as president Raul Castro announced the news on state television. Castro toppled the government in 1959, introducing a Communist revolution. He defied the US for decades, surviving many assassination plots. His supporters said he had given Cuba back to the people. Critics saw him as a dictator. Ashen and grave, President Castro told the nation in an unexpected late night broadcast on state television that Fidel Castro had died and would be cremated later on Saturday. "The commander in chief of the Cuban revolution died at 22:29 hours this evening (03:29 GMT Saturday)," he said. "Towards victory, always!" he added, using a revolutionary slogan. A period of official mourning has been declared on the island until 4 December, when his ashes will be laid to rest in the south-eastern city of Santiago.

Videos

St Luke's Methodist Annual Christmas Bazaar Promotions, 14min.

Belize Primary School History & Social Studies Competition, 14min.

Snorkeling in Belize, 2min.

2016 Spring Break - Belize snorkel, 10min.

Belize Dive Trip 2016 DWS, 7min.

Belize CartRide, 2min.

Trip Costa Rica & Belize 2016, 9min. Trip Costa Rica & Belize La Fortuna - Monteverde - Playa del Carmen - Caye Caulker Jungle, Canopy, Surf, Beach, Snorkeling

Sea Turtle in Belize, 1min. This is a sea turtle that we saw during our honeymoon in Belize.

Zipling in Belize, 3.5min.

Belize, 12min. Watch in 1080p!

Panorâmica de vídeo de mergulho de mergulho santuário Belize 360 vr, 3.5min.

PABLO MARIN OPENS NEW POLYCLINIC FACILITY, 4.5min. The Corozal Hospital has a spanking new facility which will serve as part of the Polyclinic. The ribbon was cut this morning and we found from the Minister how he hopes it will impact the health sector in the northern district.

National Institue of Culture - Dance X, 30min.

National Institue of Culture - Dance X, 28min.

Belikin 2017 Calender Launch, 21min.

Gwen Stefani and good food, 1min. If you follow Gwen Stefani on Snapchat and have been watching her personal snaps lately you might have stumbled upon the fact that one of her employees (home cook) was preparing Belizean tamales for her family.

UN 16 Days of Activism and the Orange the World Campaign, 4min. Around the world, government officials, civil society groups and individuals are commemorating 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. This is a time to reflect on this violence and incite action to end it. Over the past month, the Office of the Special Envoy has been busy planning and executing several activities and initiatives as part of the UN's 16 Days of Activism and the Orange the World Campaign. This includes our orange flag and ribbon awareness initiative, our student forum "Let's Have the Talk", the national launch of 16 Days of Activism which will be taking place this afternoon, and the recording of a video message from the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow.

The Belize National Coast Guard celebrates its 11th anniversary, 5min. They ended the day's event with a demonstration at their first ever obstacle course that was constructed on site at the Coast Guard Headquarters.

Paul Nabor speaks about his music and Garifuna language, 11min. A short interview with Paul Nabor at his home in Punta Gorda, Belize in 2013 by Ruben Reyes.

Hello Ocean: Dolphin Research in Belize, 4min.

1000 Days For The Planet Human Adventure 6of7 The Manatees of Belize, 48min.

Booze Traveler Series 1 13of15 Belize Paradise Found, 44min.

ALL I DO IS EAT//BELIZE, 7min. A few shots of the tasty food I tried while in Caye Caulker and Belize City, Belize :)

Belize Kriol Brukdong Project, 5min. One of four initiatives for this year that The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation has embarked on is the Belize Kriol Brukdong Project. This initiative has as its main aim to preserve our Brukdong music by training some twenty young Belizeans on how to play, sing and dance our Brukdong music. By training a young generation, we wlll be assured that the music will be apart of our culture for a long time to come.

November 24, 2016

I will be unable to do the daily news tomorrow, Friday morning November 25. I will return on Saturday morning the 26th.

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

Adopt-a-bear program returns to island
In an effort to make Christmas a memorable experience for underprivileged island children, the second annual ‘Adopt-a-bear’ Christmas program was launched on Friday, November 25th. The general public is invited to participate in this program by visiting any of the adoption centers at Sandbar Beach Bar and Hostel, Wayo’s Beach Bar, Crazy Canucks, Marbucks and Truck Stop; and adopting a bear ornament from their Christmas tree. Each bear is labeled with the name and age of a child of San Pedro Town on the front, and on the back, it has the child’s three wishes. By adopting a bear, you are committing to purchase three items for the child: something they need, an educational item, and one of their wants. Friday, December 16th is the deadline to drop off your wrapped gifts at the same adoption center you adopted a bear.

SPTC presents check to SP Cancer Society
On Friday, November 18, 2016, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Councilor Ruben Gonzalez presented a cheque of $3645.25 to the president of the San Pedro Cancer Society, Mr. Gonzalo Muñoz and its members, Miguel Perez, Lucy Muñoz and Alyssa Muñoz. The money presented to the San Pedro Cancer Society was from the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run that was held on October 29 of this year. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event! Let’s make it bigger next year!

Daikin offers AC training in Ambergris Caye
Representatives of Japanese multinational air conditioner (AC) manufacturing company Daikin were on Ambergris Caye on Thursday, November 17th, offering training to about 25 AC contractors and installers. The seminar took place at Coco Beach Resort in Northern Ambergris Caye. Technicians from San Pedro Town and mainland took advantage of the free training sessions learning how to work with the new brand being introduced to Belize. Daikin is a leading innovator and provider of advanced, high quality air conditioning solutions for residential, commercial and the industrial sector. The brand is new to Belize, thus, the need to introduce local technicians to the brand in order to capture the Belizean market. According to Unit Sales Manager for Latin America, Hugo Martinez, the company is trying to expand into the region, with the aim to become a leading provider of Daikin products. “This training, which is also a refresher for the technicians, is also a good opportunity for them to get to know our products and learn the right procedures on how to install them,” said Martinez. “They have many years of experience working with AC Units, but the training was necessary in order for them to become certified to work with Daikin products.”

Norwegian Cruise Line unveils Harvest Caye to first visitors
Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) privately owned island Harvest Caye, located off the coast of Belize, officially welcomed its first visitors from New Orleans, United States on Thursday, November 17th. The multi-million dollar investment represents a partnership between Norwegian and Belize, and is the first cruise ship port in the country thus far. After nearly a year of delays, the seven-acre island has been completed and features various amenities, including a large 15,000 square foot pool, private luxury beach villas, and various outdoor and water activities. President and Chief Executive Officer of NCL Holdings Limited, Frank Del Rio, described Harvest Caye as the ultimate Belizean experience. “We are delighted to welcome our first guests today. 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,” said Del Rio.

Ambergris Today

Bachi Engineering Hosts AC Training in San Pedro
On Wednesday, November 16, 2016, Bachi Engineering Corporation hosted a full day seminar at the conference room at Coco Beach Resort. Representatives from the Corporation took the morning to speak to hoteliers on how they can benefit using Daikin products and showed them hospitality, business statistics and studies using Daikin. In the evening, air conditioning technicians received training and were taught how to use the products. Bachi Engineering Corporation was founded on May 1st, 2016. It’s an industrial and commercial machinery Supplier and a Daikin unit distributer with its main goal of having factory trained technicians available for servicing. Bachi has partnered with Caye Supplies, the only Daikin units suppliers on the island. Supplies are available on the second floor showroom at Caye Supplies.

Readiness Grant agreement Green Climate Fund & Belize
Minister Omar Figueroa, as the Head of Belizean delegation and the Minister with responsibilities for Climate Change, met with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), represented by Mr. Ousseynou Nakoulima, Director of Country Programming on the occasion of the 22nd meeting of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Marrakech, Morocco to sign a letter of agreement to finalize a USD $300,000 Readiness Grant agreement between the Government of Belize (GOB) and the GCF. The Readiness Grant will allow the GOB to strengthen the capacity of its National Designation Authority, the liaison between the Fund and Government of Belize, as well as identify priority programs for funding from the GCF.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize Investment Portfolio Campaign to fast-track investment in Belize
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), is pleased to announce the official launch the Belize Investment Portfolio Campaign on Friday, 25th November at the Radisson Fort George Hotel. BELTRAIDE is able to present this historic campaign in support by its line ministry, the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, as well by ConnectAmericas, of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies, (CAIPA). The countrywide campaign is expected to foster the development of a national portfolio to fast-track investment generation efforts, both local and foreign, through targeted matchmaking of pre-packaged investment concepts and projects. Through the advancement of the campaign, BELTRAIDE, through its technical unit BelizeINVEST, mandated to serve as Belize’s National Investment Promotion Agency (IPA), expects to further substantiate selected investment concepts submitted by key public sector Government Ministries and stakeholders into actionable business cases aligned with national development priorities.

5% off Trade Licenses, San Pedro Town Board
In commemoration of San Pedro's 32nd Township Day celebration, The San Pedro Town Council will be offering a 5% discount on Trade License fee for 2017 only. Only on November 25th, 2016. Don't miss out on this offer! In order to qualify, your trade license payments must be up to date. This offer only applies to Trade License Fees of 2017.

BAY Art Fest 2016
The Belmopan Active Youths are having their Art Fest this Saturday, November 26th, at Mae Gordon Park. It's free, and there will be a very diverse display of art.

Check out what Peace Corps Belize volunteer Adria has been up to! Way to go!
Check out how PCV Adria converts a "locked up classroom with over 10 book shelves covered from top to bottom with thousands and thousands of books" into a school library! Impressive! "I spent hours and hours sorting through books to find the ones that actually could be of use in a Belizean primary school. Luckily, the students at the school put in just as many hours into the library as I did, so we had the story and chapter book section of the library open after a few weeks. For every story or chapter book we found, I sorted into one of six reading levels and labeled it with a color coded paper so that the kids could easily determine what book they should read. When it finally came time to open the library, it was a huge success! The kids were so excited to be able to borrow a book. One of the more senior teachers almost started to get emotional when she saw it because she said she always wanted to be able to have a school library but had never had the time to go through and sort the books like I did."

Looking for part /fulk time house keeper at Bella's Backpackers
- Must live on island - Must be avaliable Sundays - Honest & trustworthy - experience in housekeeping Please call 6027392 or stop by Ask for nicole or jeff

Introducing the 2017 Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) Caye Caulker Chapter Board
Chairman Stacy Badillo, Vice Chair Maria Vega, Secretary Liz Usher, Treasurer Akheil Badillo, Directors Celina Maritza Jimenez and Dianny Enriquez.

BLACK FRIDAY (and Saturday) BLOWOUT SALE at Caribbean Colors Art Cafe
Of original art, merchandise and gift items. Most are priced less than wholesale! Redecorating? Lots of original paintings PRICED TO GO! Original art priced as low as $10 U.S.!!!

San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade
Come Celebrate at one of the most colorful events of the year. The San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade.

Dinner Party with Roots and Honor
Roots and Honor Records is having a musical dinner party in Belmopan on December 2nd. Celebrate Christmas early with some spectacular music. They'll have art and a silent auction too.

6th Annual Taco Festival
It's here, it's here!! Tacos, Tacos and more Tacos!! Sunday November 27, 9am

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, Glover's Reef Research Station
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a non-profit organization, saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. The primary purpose of WCS in Belize is to develop and implement science-based conservation and management programs that will conserve Belize’s ecosystems in the long term. The WCS Belize Program is seeking to recruit a suitable Administrative Assistant to work in the Belize City office to provide general administrative support to the Belize program (Belize City and Glovers Reef Research Station).

First ever History Cup
Six Schools will be competing to take home the first ever History Cup. Which school will it be. It is expected to me a battle. Catch regular upates on thiis page if you can't make it in person at the SCA Gymnasium. Don't miss it because History will be made on Friday, November 25th. starting at 9:00 a.m. Schools and contestants competing are: Ephesus SDA - Adriana Suazo, Holy Redeemer - Jayden August, St. Mary's Anglican - Hazey Perez, Calvery Temple - John Andrade, St Luke Methodist - John Burke, Unity Presbyterian - Keylen Moralez.

Channel 7

Senate To Ratify Special Agreement
Last week we told you how the Guatemalan Congress approved the amendment to the Special Agreement, one and a half years after it was signed in Guatemala City. Well, next week in Belize, we are told that the Senate is expected to do the same. When the Senate meets next week Wednesday, preliminary information says that body will be asked to approve a Resolution Authorizing Belize's Ratification of the Special Agreement on submitting the Guatemalan claim to the ICJ. Now, as we understand it, any proposal would still have to go to a referendum before it goes to the ICJ. So, we expect that the passage by the Senate is intended as a signal to the international community that both countries are still committed to the process which has been languishing for some time now.

No Chapo Extraction
An eyebrow raising report made the rounds today saying that earlier this week, the US authorities had swooped into Belize in a private jet and whisked out the #3 man in El Chapo's Sinaloa Cartel – a Mexican who was being held at a US safe house in Belize. That's the kind of story that would make a great Hollywood storyline, but it appears to be little more than just that: a story. What we do know is that in the regular course of business, the Department of Immigration in Belmopan yesterday processed a variation of sentence for one US fugitive who was in jail in Belize. An order to leave is now being processed for this male, who has the last name "Cotton." He will be picked up in the normal course by US Marshalls.

Castro Says Northern Bus Lines Have Answering To Do
Last night, you saw our interview with bus operator, Sergio Chuc, who owns Westline Bus Service. His western commuters will now have to get used to an increase in bus fares. It was authorized by the statutory instrument signed into law by the Minister of Transport, Edmond Castro. All over the country, the fares have been adjusted, and in some areas, there have been increases, while in other areas, the fares have decreased. Today, when we caught Castro at another event, and asked about this adjustment which now allows bus operators to charge between 12 and 14 cents per mile, up from the 2010 fares, which were 7 or 8 cents per mile. He says that the bus operators countrywide have asked for the increase with the commitment to improve public transportation, and it is something which the Ministry intends to hold them to: Hon. Edmond Castro - Minister of NEMO & Transport: "I cannot give you each and every one, there are thousands of bus runs but when you look at the south within the first 100 miles between 12 and 14 cents a mile; preferably we try to keep it at the 12 cents a mile. In some areas where it was 16 and 17 cents a mile we readjust it down to 14 cents a mile."

When Will NEMO Go To Trio?
We also asked Castro about the NEMO Ministry's involvement in trying to ease the domestic disaster which is affecting 6 families in Trio Village. As viewers are aware, a truck of 5 men entered Toledo Village and intentionally burnt down 5 houses within the community, and when they realized that a 6th house wouldn't catch fire, they pulled it down the truck. These poor families, who live off subsistence agriculture, are now homeless, and the rest of their neighbours are locked in a dispute over the land they are occupying and with the private landowner. Yesterday, several of the community members travelled from their village to Belmopan to try to get anyone in power to listen and help them. They told us that the victims of the arson couldn't make the trip because they were waiting on personnel from NEMO to go in and make assessments of the property loss for these people. We asked Castro about that assessment which was reportedly to have happened yesterday, and he told us that while he hasn't been briefed on it, he will be following up to see how it went:

Meat Patty Prohibition Causes Friction With Jamaica
History tells us that the US Revolutionary war in the 1700's was triggered by a trade dispute over tea. Well, we won't expect the same from the Meat Patty battle between Jamaica and Belize. You might not have known – and we surely didn't – but it seems that Jamaican Patty Producers have been having a hard time getting their their meat and chicken patties into Belize. It came up last week in a meeting between Jamaica's Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Karl Samuda and Belize's Minister of State in the Ministry of Trade, Tracy Taegar-Panton. The two met in Guyana for bilateral talks in the margins of the 43rd meeting of CARICOM's Council for Trade and Development. According to a release from Samuda's Ministry in Jamaica, "Jamaican exporters were experiencing challenges with exporting beef and poultry patties to Belize despite a decision of the COTED giving approval for the export of Jamaican patties to all CARICOM Member States."

Will Ham That Ecuador Rejected Be Admitted Into Belize?
And while Jamaican patties will enjoy free ingress to Belize, a container full of 53 thousand pounds of leg ham is trying to do the same – but so far, BAHA hasn’t approved it for entry. Reports say that the ham, which originated from the US was rejected going into Ecuador on October 27th, and then it ended up in Belize at the Benque Free Zone. But BAHA isn’t sure that the USDA stamped meat is still good – so they’re conducting an investigation to make sure that it isn’t spoilt. BAHA’s food safety unit has gone to the Free Zone to collect samples and the results are expected back on Friday. We’ll keep following this case.

Belize's Smartest Students
Today, Belize's best and brightest students were honoured for their performance in this year's CXCs. Sixth form and high school students from all around the country gathered to receive certificates, plaques and in some cases, scholarships. Nadiya Sedasey of Saint John's Junior College, who attained 6 Grade I's, 2 Grade II's and one Grade III in her CAPE examinations, explained how she overcame the low expectations some people had of her, and told us what we can expect from her in the future… Nadiya Sedasey - CAPE Outstanding Candidate: "Most of the times in my scenario a lot of people looked at me down, didn't expect much of me because of the school I went to. So I want to tell those people who are experiencing the same thing even for different reasons for your race or your background or for your financial status of your family that you can dream big and that you can achieve those goals. It is possible but you have to work for it, you have to want it." "I'm definitely going to do something in engineering. The fields I've narrowed it down so far hopefully I don't change my mind is mechanical engineering and electrical engineering and can't remember the third one but those two are interests."

Capital Cops Want Drug Trafficker Janet
Forita Janet Hyde is at large and Capital cops need your help. Police are trying to locate the Belmopan native who currently owes the court $20,000 dollars following two drug trafficking convictions. There is currently a commitment warrant out for her imprisonment.

Accused of Killing Cellmate, Lorenzo Awaits Judge's Decision
31 year-old Prison inmate Lorenzo Smith Jr., is back in jail tonight awaiting his fate after his murder trial concluded in the Supreme Court today. He's accused of killing his cellmate Alonzo Eck on October 9, 2009. His trial without jury started last week Thursday before Justice Troadio Gonzalez. Prosecutor Kileru Awich called 9 witnesses to testify against Smith. The crown's evidence is that he was the only one who was locked inside the prison cell with the murder victim who was allegedly strangled to death. His conclusion is that Smith is the only one who could have inflicted harm on Eck, since the cell door was locked. Initially, the medical examination into Eck's death was ruled inconclusive, but Dr. Mario Estradabran later concluded that he died due to manual strangulation. His conclusion was that there were what appeared to be defensive wounds, which are signs of a struggle, which would mean that it was murder, not suicide.

Castro Happy About Harvest Caye
Last week Thursday, we took you to Harvest Caye to show you what Norwegian Cruise Line's exclusive island getaway looked like when their first cruise ship docked there for the grand opening. We weren't invited for an on the ground tour, and so we had to wait until the following day for the team from Government Press Office, which was the only camera crew granted access, to provide us with a view of the island itself. One man who did get to see it for himself is Transport Minister Edmond Castro. He, Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia, and the Prime Minister's Wife, Kim Barrow, were key players in the ceremony. So, now that he has experienced the luxury of this island paradise, what does he think? Here's how he put it: Hon. Edmond Castro - Minister of NEMO & Transport: "I think that I would like to see more of the cruise line do something similar to that in terms of developing a port that we could bring and employ more Belizeans, I think that establishment out there Harvest Caye currently employs over 500 or 700 Belizeans so I believe if the other cruise line could do the same could you imagine 4 or 5 times that amount, that means much more Belizean families will be eating directly and then the other spin off as it relates to tour guides and so on. So we need more tour guides now in the south."

Someday, Solo Solar Powered Streetlights?
On Monday we told you about the solar powered streetlights that the Taiwanese Embassy had sponsored in Dangriga’s Alejo Beni park. Well, Dangriga won’t be the only municipality that benefits. The Taiwanese gave the Government of Belize 100 solar energy street lights to be installed across Belize. Forty of them have been installed in Dangriga, including 10 at the Alejo Beni Park. The other 60 solar powered streetlights will be installed in Belize City, Cayo District, Orange Walk and Corozal.

No One Hurt In Traffic Mishaps
When a tour bus ran into the railing of the Haulover Bridge today, it caused traffic to be backed up for quite a while. It happened this afternoon around 2:30, when this large tour bus was making way for oncoming traffic, and it edged against the bridge’s railing on the southern approach, and got stuck there. Police had to regulate traffic while the bus driver worked it out of there And, earlier this morning before 8:00 a pickup flipped on the western Highway. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt.

The Few, The Proud, The Firefighters
The ranks of the National Fire Service have been increased by 32 new firefighters. These new recruits passed out at a ceremony after weeks of intense training to get them ready to take on the toughest blaze in any parts of the country. It's an important increase in personnel for the Fire Department, since the number of fires – especially arsons - have spiked this year, particularly in the month of October. We attended the graduation ceremony where we got a chance to speak with Edmond Castro, under whose portfolio the Fire Department falls. He told us where these new recruits would go, and the Valedictorian in this graduating class gave a striking account of the arduous physical tests they were put through to get to this point. Here's what they had to say this morning: Hon. Edmond Castro - Minister of NEMO & Transport: "We have 32 graduating today that will take us to approximately 162 firefighters currently, approximately 150 volunteer firefighters so I think we are doing quite well. This is our 2nd passing out for this year; the first one was in May of this year and then this one in November. We have 17 stations throughout the country and so we will distribute them across the length and breathe of the country in terms for them to get the necessary experience to assist the existing firefighters that we have within those 17 facilities."

Courtney And Marleni Team Up For Belize's Win In Mediathon
You don't usually see these two faces together on the same screen but Courtney Weatherburne and Marleni Cuellar left their respective prime numbers in Belize and represented Belize at a mediathon in Barbados. It was a unique event where the participants were encouraged to bridge the gap between Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – known as STEM - and the media. The first ever Mediathon welcomed 30 Media professionals from across the Caribbean to compete in an intense 2 day media challenge and our very own Courtney Weatherburne and Channel 5's Marleni Cuellar along with two other journalists from the Bahamas made up the team that won first place. Their winning idea cantered on an augmented reality educational book series for primary school kids that highlighted Caribbean STEM professionals or success stories. This would encourage children to learn more about STEM career options and the long-term plan is to pitch this idea to the government and hopefully it can be incorporated in the education sector.

Marketing Students Taking Trial Products To Market
Today, the King’s Room at the Princess Ramada was the testing ground for many UB students, who have over the past 14 weeks, taken a business idea from concept to fruition. It’s a part of the University of Belize’s annual marketing expo: an event designed to showcase the student’s creativity and knowledge of what they’ve learnt. Approximately 28 small businesses were present, with their products and services ranging from cosmetics, to cleaning products, to micro-brewed beer. We spoke to marketing lecturer at the University of Belize, Eda Arzu, who told us about the development leading up to today’s event. And while the students were enthusiastic about their business ideas, it’s no secret that given the current state of the economy, starting a micro-enterprise is no easy task. We asked Arzu about the prospects facing these young entrepreneurs.

Capital Cops Set UP Room For ID Parades
Belmopan police are preparing a room at the police station specially outfitted to conduct identification parades. The room will be equipped with a one-way mirror where witnesses can identify accused persons without having to face them directly. Capital police say that facing of the witness has caused many cases to fail because witnesses were afraid to take part in an open ID parade. They say that with this new project, the identity of witnesses will be protected and the conviction rate will increase.

Mothers Of Slain Children Speak Of Sadness And Loss
We sincerely hope they are right but experience tells us it’s not usually that simple, because an accused person still has to face their accuser in open court. That simple factor is right now threatening the prosecution’s case against the killers of Joshua Abraham the child who was killed five years ago on independence day. In a feature you may have seen after the news last night – his mother and the mother of Tyler Savery came together for police charm week to speak about their experiences and lessons of loss:.. Charm Week is an initiative of the people’s coalition.

Channel 5

Trio Farmers Press Government for Solution to Land Dispute
Six days have passed since five homes were burned down and demolished by suspected arsonists in Trio Village, Toledo. The incident appears to be linked to a land dispute involving [...]

Land Title is Only Permanent Solution, Say Farmers
The meeting that the farmers wanted did not materialize because Cabinet was in session. Additionally, they found out that a letter written to the Prime Minister following the cease-and-desist letter [...]

NEMO Will Help Trio Arson Victims, Minister Promises
Since Monday night we’ve been telling you about the arson that destroyed five properties in Trio Village. The affected residents were trying to get a meeting with Government representatives on [...]

Bus Fares Are Fair and Agreed to by Owners, Says Transport Minister
While NEMO Minister Edmond ‘Clear the Land’ Castro may not be fully abreast on the details of the arson in Trio, in his capacity as Minister of Transport he is [...]

Minister Points to Some Decreases in Heavily Trafficked Areas
Bus fares for runs in the south, primarily from Dangriga to Independence, have been the most expensive. The recent readjustment has seen a significant decrease in the cost per ticket, [...]

Transport Minister Wishes for More Harvest Cayes to Bring More Development
It seems only Minister of Transport Edmond Castro didn’t get the memo or heard on the news that there was a shut out of local media from the grand Harvest [...]

CSEC and CAPE’s Top Students Honoured
Earlier this month, the results for the 2016 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations were released by the Ministry of Education and a whopping three hundred [...]

Ruling to Come in Murder Trial of Inmate Who Strangled Fellow Inmate
Thirty-one-year-old Lorenzo Smith Junior, an inmate at the Belize Central Prison, is accused of strangling his cellmate inside their lockup in October 2009. The incident at the Tango Ten facility [...]

More Prison Time Over Possession of Firearm
Twenty-four-year-old Joseph O’Brien will serve an additional ten years in prison after being found guilty of a firearm offense. In April 2013, O’Brien was busted at the Lord Ridge Cemetery [...]

Candlelight Vigil Recalls Victims of Gender Based Violence Ahead of 16 Days of Activism
On Tuesday night, the U.S. Embassy held a candlelight ceremony as part of their activities to observe the Sixteen Days of Activism: unmasking the many faces of gender-based violence. The [...]

Fire Service Welcomes 30 New Firefighters
Over the last two months we have seen an increase in fires in the City. There have been deaths, injuries and significant loss of property and usually the first responders [...]

The Best of Future Belizean Business at U.B. Marketing Expo
A former U.S. president once said that the chief business of his country is business. There have been efforts down the years to move Belize to that credo, and the [...]

LOVE FM

The Mystery Extradition
Love News has received reports that person wanted by the United States Government was hastily transported out of Belize to the US sometime this week. We were told that that person is linked to a cartel. However, a high ranking Minister said that he only knew of a situation involving a person of interest to […]

Distribution of Homes Destroyed in Hurricane Nears Completion
It has been almost four months since Hurricane Earl left in its wake hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages in the sectors of housing, agriculture and infrastructure. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has spent the last few months conducting countrywide assessments and having replacement houses constructed. According to Minister for NEMO, Edmund Castro […]

The Reality of Climate Change
Yesterday we told you of the twenty six million US dollars that will be invested in the eastern and southern Caribbean states with the objective of combatting climate change and minimizing the effects. Belize will see no part of that investment directly but will benefit indirectly as a part of the CARICOM region. Love News […]

BDF to Adopt Youth Challenge Programme
On Tuesday, November 1 members of the Louisiana National Guard were in Belize to celebrate twenty years of friendship and cooperation with the Belize Defence Force. An

Breaking Belize News

Belmopan police to receive new mirror for ID Parade
The Belmopan police has no mirror for identification parades. Witnesses would need to physically go up face to face with an accused person and identify him/her. This has caused many cases to go down because witnesses were afraid or reluctant to take part. A […]

Belize and Jamaica squash patties “beef”
On November 17, Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Karl Samuda successfully met with Minister of Trade and Commerce, Tracey Panton, in Guyana during the 43rd meeting of CARICOM’s Council for Trade and Development. Following their meeting it was agreed that Belize would once again allow […]

30 new fire fighters inducted
Several men and women spent the last 17 weeks of their lives preparing to become fire fighters. While 38 persons signed up initially, today only 30 remained and graduated upon receiving recognition. One newly installed fire fighter, Raymond Marin, spoke to BBN today about […]

Preview of Ambergris stadium to be held on Saturday
The Government of Belize, through the Belize Infrastructure Limited, announces the soft launch of the Ambergris Stadium to commemorate San Pedro’s annual Township Day. The stadium is still a few weeks from final completion but Ambergris Caye will be treated to more than a sneak […]

Santa Elena Sports Complex to be inaugurated on Sunday
The Government of Belize, through the Belize Infrastructure Limited today announced the inauguration of the Santa Elena Sports Complex. “Santa Elena has seen much advancement in infrastructure over the past several years, and while many of us are able to see the visible road works […]

ADO introduces new buses, will prices go up?
Several new ADO buses from the Volvo line rolled into the Belize City bus terminal at around 11 a.m. today. According to reports, these new buses will replace the previous buses that had been operating for the last 5 1/2 years between Belize City […]

Free 2 day writing workshop
There is a free 2-day writing workshop titled, You Are the Jewel, sponsored by The Centre of Culture, Creativity & Learning at the Bliss Institute for the Performing Arts on December 17 (1-5 pm) and 19 (5:30 – 8:30 pm), 2016. You Are the Jewel […]

UB students launch new beer!
There is a new beer in town and the students at the University of Belize created it. “Coastal Beer”, was launched at the Princess Ramada today during the university’s annual marketing expo. While Stefaun Coleman is the brainchild of this product, he relied heavily […]

Belize hosts Exercise Tropical Dagger
Exercise Tropical dagger is a Canadian military initiative. This year, for the first time, Belize hosted the training. The two week exercise is usually held in Jamaica. This special forces training allows participating defense forces to apply their skills in realistic training scenarios. Yesterday, […]

Pastors survive traffic accident almost turned tragedy
Two pastors are alive after an early morning car accident near the burial ground on the George Price Highway in Belize City. The two pastors have been described as Jamaican Pastor Lord and Pastor Mckenzie. According to reports, they were heading to Belmopan sometime […]

Belize Investment Portfolio Campaign to be launched on Friday
The Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, through the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) in collaboration with ConnectAmericas, the International Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies, (CAIPA), will officially launch t...

Julius Espat takes House suspension to court
Attorneys representing PUP Area Representative Julius Espat and House Speaker Michael Peyrefitte met with Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin yesterday. The attorneys, Andrew Marshalleck and Nigel Hawke, met in the CJ’s chamber for a hearing on a claim filed by Espat, who was suspended from the […]

Otto downgraded to tropical storm
This morning Otto was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm. A Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance mission found the central pressure of Otto was about 7 millibars higher than the National Hurricane Center advisory issued two hours earlier. It is expected to make landfall […]

Blogs

Garifuna Settlement Day in Hopkins, Belize at One Gorgeous Resort: Almond Beach
I spent the weekend in lovely Hopkins Village – a strip of seafront land sandwiched between two rivers. The area is becoming a “tale of two cities” with Hopkins village proper, one of small wooden houses and thatched roof businesses on the beach and Sittee Point, further south by the gorgeous Sittee River. Sittee Point is growing FAST – and is home to larger resorts and more American-style amenities like a deli, laundromat and a gym. They also have HUUUGGGE expansion plans. Almost hard to believe plans. Hopkins Village and Sittee Point are separated by a red road – and are an easy bike ride (or short taxi ride) from each other. I was staying at the beautiful Jaguar Reef Lodge and her sister resort, Almond Beach in Sittee Point.

Live The Laidback Caribbean Dream From $1,800 A Month
With its relaxed Caribbean lifestyle and spectacular beauty, Belize’s Placencia Peninsula has proven irresistible to a growing number of expats. This popular retirement and tourism destination boasts 17 miles of golden-sand beaches on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. The peninsula—a narrow finger of sand in Belize’s Stann Creek District—feels more like an island. To the east is the shimmering, aquamarine Caribbean Sea. To the west is the tranquil lagoon, full of gliding birds, shy manatees, and a variety of fish. The soft silhouette of the Maya Mountains on the distant mainland, beckons you to explore. Even in the winter, temperatures rarely fall below 70 F. In the summer, temperatures usually hover in the mid- to upper-80s F. And the sea’s temperature ranges from the high 70s to mid-80s. So you can swim and enjoy the sea all year round. There’s also plenty of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, kayak, snorkel, sail, fish, or walk to your heart’s content. Some beaches are expansive, with coconut palms and palmettos…others are narrow, fringed with coco plum and sea grape trees.

The Island Tackle – over the water fun!
It’s gone through so many reincarnations at its same location: for decades, it was the Tacklebox, a haven for revelers who enjoyed strong drinks, cold beers and perhaps a dip into the waters below. It became Shark’s Bar for a while, then reversed to The Tacklebox. Now, it’s The Island Tackle, and it’s back to serving good pub grub, refreshing drinks and best of all, fantastic views that never went away! Of course I had to stop in for a quick bite and look-see, so I dragged the husband out on the promise of a good burger. Lucky for me, Island Tackle delivered! There was no loud, blaring music, and since it was a Saturday night, blessedly there was no karaoke (not my thing). This is definitely a fantastic place to chill and enjoy good food, cold drinks and gorgeous views!

How to make Hudut, a classic traditional Garifuna food
I’m a man of simple pleasures, next to Rice and beans with stew chicken and potato salad, Hudut is my favourite Belizean grub. And with Garifuna Settlement Day recently occurring on November 19, I’ve been craving this traditional Garifuna food even more. I’m happy to be cooking it today and sharing the recipe with you guys. Belizean hudut is easy to cook! It is comprised of green and ripe mashed plantains called Fu-fu and a fish coconut stew. This traditional dish is important to Garifunas because it represents their love for the sea and living on the coast. Many other cultures that are near the sea or ocean have similar dishes, for example, countries such as Brazil and Thailand have their own versions of a fish coconut stew. Here in Belize, the local creole culture also has a similar dish, which is known as SERE. Sere is cooked in a similar manner, however, it involves many other ingredients and is mostly eaten with white rice instead of Fu-fu.

International Sources

Archaeological excavation unearths evidence of turkey domestication 1,500 years ago
How long ago did turkeys become an important part of any thanksgiving celebration? Newly published information confirms that turkeys were domesticated in this region about 1500 years ago. The turkeys we'll be sitting down to eat on Thursday have a history that goes way back. Archaeologists have unearthed a clutch of domesticated turkey eggs used as a ritual offering 1,500 years ago in Oaxaca, Mexico -- some of the earliest evidence of turkey domestication. "Our research tells us that turkeys had been domesticated by 400-500 AD," explains Field Museum archaeologist Gary Feinman, one of the paper's authors. "People have made guesses about turkey domestication based on the presence or absence of bones at archaeological sites, but now we are bringing in classes of information that were not available before. We're providing strong evidence to confirm prior hypotheses." The results were published in an article in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. Feinman, along with lead author Heather Lapham from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and co-author Linda Nicholas also of The Field Museum, discovered the eggs during an excavation in Oaxaca that was home to the Zapotec people going back thousands of years. "It was very exciting because it's very rare to find a whole cluster of intact eggs. This was very unexpected," says Feinman.

Hurricane Otto Hours Away From Landfall; Life-Threatening Flash Flooding and Mudslides Possible in Nicaragua and Costa Rica
Hurricane Otto is just hours away from making landfall Thursday near the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, posing a danger of flooding and mudslides in parts of Central America. A Hurricane Hunter aircraft investigating Otto Thursday morning has found that it's now a Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph winds. This makes Otto the strongest Atlantic hurricane this late in the season since 1934, according to meteorologist Phil Klotzbach of Colorado State University. The center of Otto will most likely move inland in southern Nicaragua, making it the latest in a calendar year that a hurricane has made landfall in that country. A hurricane warning continues from Limon, Costa Rica, to Bluefields, Nicaragua. A hurricane watch is in effect for the coast of Nicaragua north of Bluefields to Sandy Bay Sirpi, and for the coast of Costa Rica south of Limon to the Costa Rica/Panama border.

Climate Prediction Center’s Central America Hazards Outlook November 24 – 30, 2016
During the past week, suppressed rain prevailed over much of Central America. However, moderate to heavy rain was received along the Atlantic coasts of eastern Honduras, Nicaragua, and over the Southern Caribbean. In Costa Rica and Panama, this past week’s torrential rain triggered flooding, resulting in many affected people over several areas, according to media reports. An analysis of cumulative rain since late October to date has indicated dryness, with moderate to large rain deficits over central Guatemala, much of Honduras, central Nicaragua, and northern Costa Rica. In contrast, wetness, with small to moderate surpluses have been observed over parts of southwestern Guatemala, eastern El Salvador and northwestern Nicaragua, the Atlantic Basin of Nicaragua, and the Southern Caribbean.

FAO and CRFM join efforts to digitalise Caribbean fishery data
The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are joining efforts to capitalize on opportunities for Member States to strengthen data collection and management systems through the use of modern technology, such as smartphones and wireless communications to bridge gaps in the system. Both entities have teamed up so as to take advantage of the digital age presenting novel opportunities for the fisheries and aquaculture sector of the wider Caribbean to build a more robust data and information system in order to increase the monitoring of production trends and traceability of catches, support more sustainable management regimes and facilitate stronger international and regional trade.

Videos

Beaches & Dreams Boutique Hotel, 1min. Introducing the brand new Beaches & Dreams Boutique Hotel, located next to our Beachfront Cabanas! We've added a pool and six beachfront rooms in a three story boutique hotel. Each floor has two side by side rooms with views of the sea to the East and the Maya Mountains to the West.

Belize and the Maya History, 3min. Although Belize's Maya occupation began as early as 1500 BC, it was during the Classic period of 250 AD to 900 AD that the population is thought to have exceeded one million people. Archaeological remains of the ancient Maya include pottery, skeletons, stelae, and tall palaces, temples, and ceremonial centers.

From Yes To I Do (Season 4, Episode 5) HD, 24min.

Belize Coalition of Service Providers - 3rd Annual Service Week, 36min.

Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers - Fundraising Walk for Hati, 25min.

Belmopan Active Youths (BAY) - Artist Festival, 25min.

National Fire Service recruit passing out ceremony, 7min. The National Fire Service held its second recruit passing out ceremony for this year. Thirty new firefighters were welcomed today. They put on a brief demonstration of the skills they learnt over the past 15 weeks.

Catching Permit and Tarpon at Tarpon Caye Lodge, 20min. We travel to Southern Belize to chase the permit and tarpon of Tarpon Caye Lodge 15 miles off the coast of Placencia.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve San Pedro Belize with Leslie ONeill of Scuba Explorers, 2min.

Landing at Belize City Municipal Airport, 1min. Catching the Marine Parade and Barracks Road on approach to the recently renamed Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport, November 23rd, 2016

Welcome To Mr Jay's Casa de Belize, 4.5min.

San Pedro belize island paradise., 6.5min.

Caye Cauker best of Belize, island paradise, 14min.

San pedro Belize, searching for street food fry jacks, 8min.

Belize city Belize walking street tour, whats to see?, 5min.

Belize 2016, 11min.

A tour of Barranco Village , Toledo District Belize Central America (Kevin Zuniga), 13min. Since Barranco Village is faced with serious erosion of the coast line resulting in the lost of mangroves that once stood monotonously North and South of the village. Today our community finds it difficult to remedy the situation without help from outside our community. Therefore in an effort to muster such support and assistance this video was done to begin the process as a matter of great urgency.

The Entrepreneurial You November 16 2016, 14min. On this week’s show we feature the legally fashionable Deshawn Torres, owner of Many Men Style boutique in Belize, Co-owner of the Belize Chocolate Company, Joanne Sayer and CEO of 20Twenty Strategies Consulting, Annette Salmon from Jamaica.

Day 1 Belize, 15min.

November 23, 2016

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

Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism and FAO plan fisheries data reform for the Caribbean
The coming of the digital age presents novel opportunities for the fisheries and aquaculture sector of the wider Caribbean to build a more robust data and information system that would augment the monitoring of production trends and traceability of catches, support more sustainable management regimes through increased people engagement, and facilitate stronger international and regional trade. The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are teaming up to capitalize on opportunities for Member States to strengthen data collection and management systems through the use of modern technology, such as smartphones and wireless communications to bridge gaps in the system.

Ambergris Today

Faith Azueta Celebrates 15 Años
Congratulations to Faith Azueta who celebrated her 15 años on November 19th, 2016, at the R. Angel Nuñez Auditorium. A holy mass was held at the San Pedro Roman Catholic Chruch and then following at the reception, proud parents Maria Luz Azueta and Claudio Azueta along with Godparents Arturo Mimenza de Regil and Vianney Berlin Mimenza introduced Faith as a young woman to society. Family, friend and invited guests danced the night away with DJ Geraldo from Houston, Texas.

Celebrating Culture and History with the Garinagu of Belize
What a weekend - full of live music, beating of the drums, tons of dancing and even a fashion show. Garifuna Settlement Day was definitely one not to forget this year, with celebrations not concentrated on one day alone, but several days leading up to November 19. To kick off the calendar of events a food expo and a Garifuna fashion show were held on Saturday, November 12, 2016. The following day, the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church hosted a special Garifuna mass. On Friday, November 18 a cultural show, followed by live music and drumming took place at Central Park. The Garinagu invited everyone to dance the night away. There was no time to sleep as the celebration moved into the morning hours. The national holiday in honor of the Garinagu arriving to Belize is commemorated with a reenactment of the Garifuna coming into the country’s shores on canoe and boats. That took place at 6:30a.m. on Saturday, November 19, followed by a mass at the Catholic Church. Downtown San Pedro woke up with the beat of the drums, dance and song as the Garinagu paraded through the streets of the island. Still not tired of all the non-stop activities, more live music, food and drumming continued all they long at Central Park.

Court Rules in Favor of Teachers to Receive Full Salaries
The Belize National Teachers Teachers Union’s (BNTU) hard work and dedication has won them a small victory over the Government of Belize. The Union filed an injunction against GOB as they were trying to stop Government from deducting money out of their November paycheck of 1,500 plus teachers who went on the 11-day strike in October. It was announced yesterday that the BNTU won the injunction. Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin ruled against the Ministry of Education instructing that teachers should receive their full salaries at the end of November. All those teachers who went on strike would have been denied their last salary before Christmas if Government would have had its way.

Misc Belizean Sources

Christmas 2016 Celebrations in San Pedro
Join us this Sunday, November 27, 2016 at the Central Park for the Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree, starting at 6:00 p.m. Bring the whole family! Come take your picture by the Christmas Tree while enjoying the tropical sounds of Pandemonium Steel Band from Belize City! See you there!

WCS staff collect catch data from fishers at the deep eastern edge of Glover's Atoll
These data provide ongoing month information on compostion of the catch that informs local management. Fishers provide data voluntarily and are given gas coupons to compensate for their time.

Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) added a couple new members to its Board during its 69th Conference last week in Grand Cayman. The focus was on "applying fishers' knowledge and marine science to solve problems by bringing multiple users of ocean resources together to make informed and coordinated decisions about how to sustainably use these resources and fit this knowledge into Marine Protected Area management." WCS's Alex Tewfik is one of those new members of the GCFI Board. He and our Belize Program Country Director, Nicole Auil Gomez attended the Conference.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2017
Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture is a government institution that focused on equitable access to and efficiently delivered quality and relevant education, at all levels.

BEWARE OF THE JAGUAR
A family in Toledo remains very concern and fearing about a jaguar that has attacked and killed six of their dogs over a period of eleven months. Love News Correspondent Paul Mahung reported that the family is now living in fear of their lives and feels that the jaguar, with its continued return to the location, can be harmful to the children and adults in the two houses on the farm. Two surveillance cameras set by the Forestry department on the family's house are taking gorgeous pictures of the returning jaguar. The adult jaguar returned particularly at night time, viciously attacked, cruelly killed and had hearty meal of her family’s six dogs so far. The Forestry Department is working with the family to capture the jaguar alive.

BELIZE HOTEL ASSOCIATION BI-ANNUAL MEETING
Wednesday, December 7, 2016, San Ignacio Resort Hotel. SCHEDULE: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Workshop: "Leadership in the 21st Century" Presented by Mr. Starret Dickson Green (Organization of American States - OAS) 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm Lunch. 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, BHA Bi-Annual Meeting. 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. Hear from our dynamic Guest speaker Mr. Starret D. Greene, OAS Representative in Belize. Join us in the morning, for his compelling seminar titled "Leadership in the 21st Century", designed to discuss, debate and propose a number of qualities, styles, methodologies and approaches that are required to produce leaders who can successfully respond to the growing demands, increasing expectations and phenomenal changes of a 21st century world.

Splashers this week:
Join us this week at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar to paint "Fat Fish".

San Pedro High Schoo Cultural day
San Pedro High School held its annual Cultural day on Friday, November 18, 2016. Lots of fun dancing, food, heritage and history were portrayed. Great Job to the students and teacher for organizing this event!

6 days until Giving Tuesday!
Our first reward of the week for Giving Tuesday is that every donor, no matter how small the donation, will get their name put up on our Tree of Life! Just imagine - if every one of the 36,000 of you who has given our page a Like donated $1 this Giving Tuesday, then with the double-up we would have the funds to run Belize Bird Rescue for one year. A whole year from just $1 per person! How incredible would that be?

Channel 7

Hon. Julius Vs. The Speaker In Supreme Court
PUP Cayo South Representative Julius Espat very famously got kicked out of the House in August - and since then he has been treated like an amputated limb - no representatives' pay, no welcome at the House of Representatives. It is a suspension of unspecified term, and today in the Chief Justice's courtroom, his attorney Andrew Marshalleck made a constitutional claim for certain declarations and injunctions against the Speaker of The House and the Clerk of The National Assembly - basically asking the court to say that the suspension was wrongly made and is invalid. The government's attorney who is the Solicitor General Nigel Hawke has responded by asking the court to strike out the case. Here's how Espat's attorney Andrew Marshalleck put it today:... Andrew Marshalleck, Attorney for Julius Espat: "The defendants who are the speaker, the clerk and the attorney general, have offered no defence to the claim on the merits yet, but instead applied to have the matter struck out on two grounds. They say that the courts not lack jurisdiction to inquire into the internal affairs of parliament and that Mr. Espat has an alternative remedy for redressing what happened. This is to go back to the house for a resolution to terminate the suspension."

Burnt Out Trio Villagers Take Their Message Of Desperation to PM Barrow
Since last week we've been reporting on the mass arson in Trio Village, Toledo, in which 5 homes were intentionally burnt down, and another was hauled down in a deliberate act of destruction. It happened on Thursday, and reports to police are that 5 men showed up in a Mahindra pickup truck, and started to set fire to the farmers' homes. We're reliably informed that a BDF retiree's name has been called by one of the alleged arsonists who was caught by police in Belize District. Police continue to put the pieces together, but for those families living in Trio, they are absolutely convinced that the culprits acted on behalf of a Chinese landowner who had purchased the land they are squatting on. Having seen the destruction visited on these 5 families, the rest of the community is taking no more chances. They are actively trying to regularize the land ownership situation, which they say successive Government administrations promised, but never delivered on.

Villagers Say Police Blundered, Cops Say They Can't Rush
So, that's the human element to the Arson in Trio, but there is also a criminal aspect that's developing simultaneously. We spoke with Superintendent of Police Reymundo Reyes, the officer commanding the Police Intermediate Southern Formation. He and the investigator in the case were summoned to the Belmopan Police Headquarters to have meetings with their respective commanders about the status of the arson investigation. When we caught up to him this morning, we asked him about the collective frustration that the Trio villagers have with their handling of the case. The villagers say that they have already passed on information to the police which they believe could expedite their investigation leading to arrests. Superintendent Reyes told us that police will crack the case, they just can't rush the process simply because the victims are anxious for justice:

Muchas Cervezas In San Victor
Customs in the north caught another stock of pre-Christmas contraband last night. It happened in one of the contraband hotspots, San Victor Village, which sits close to the Rio Hondo. Customs stopped a jeep last night and inside they found 38 cases of Tropical Light beers - amounting to 912 individual cans. The beers sell on the black market for about forty dollars per case, so that's a street value of about $1,500 dollars. Smugglers are typically fined three times the legal value. Customs Strike Teams in the north are active right now because smugglers are bringing in their Christmas stock of contraband products.

"Jacky" Store Owner Charged For Sales Tax Violations
A Chinese business owner from the mile eight community got dragged before the court today because his store was doing some funny business on sales tax. 47 year old Zihuie He, the owner of "Jacky" supermarket is accused of failing to issue a tax receipt, failing to utilize a programmable cash register and failing to keep proper books and records. The Sales Tax Office says he was caught in a sting operation on Saturday, October 29, 2016, when a Sales tax employee entered the store, purchased some items, and was not given a receipt. Today in Court, Zihuie He pleaded not guilty and was offered bail of $1,500 dollars. His next court date is set for December 6, 2016.

Westline On Why Those New Fares Are Fair
Last week, we told you about the decision which the Ministry of Transport took to increase bus fares for some bus runs around the country. The decision was taken because fuel prices have almost tripled over the past 25 years, which is the last time that the fares were adjusted. Each price is adjusted to allow bus operators to make between 12 cents and 14 cents per mile within 100 miles. For a bus route like Belize to Belmopan, the price has increased by 1 dollar for both in the regular and express runs. One of the companies which will directly benefit from this is Westline Bus, which is owned by businessman Sergio Chuc. Today, he told us that the increase will allow him to make better profit margins, with which he is publicly promising to improve the fleet of his buses:

Big Falls Operator Says He Got Jilted In Big Falls Tourism Deal
Last night you saw the first part of our interview with Andrew Caliz. He's the southern tour operator who's got the Cruise blues after his hopes of doing business with Norwegian Cruise Line evaporated. Caliz is the owner of Big Falls Extreme Adventure on the Rio Grande River in Big Falls Village. He had connected with cruise tourism mega-operator H2O Tierra to rent out his riverside property. But, for many reasons, the deal fell through, and Tom and Ivette Wilson, the owners of H20 Tierra ended up going up the river from Caliz, to the Big Falls lodge to set up their zip lining and river tubing tour. Caliz is wounded by this since he was the first one to set up that kind of tour in that area. and things came to a head last Friday when he found his tubes punctured. For Caliz, that single event crystallized everything that is wrong with Cruise Tourism in the south, and yesterday he told us why he feels angered and betrayed:...

Belize Bar Association Helping Haiti
Today the Belize Bar Association, along with the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers launched the Walk for Haiti Initiative. The goal of the 5K walk is to raise funds to aid in the relief efforts in Haiti after Hurricane Matthew, which devastated the island nation last month. Haiti has been victim to several major natural disasters in the last 10 years, including a devastating earthquake in 2010. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to CAJO, who is working in conjunction with a Trinidad based NGO called "Is There Not A Cause". President of the Belize Bar Association, Pricilla Banner told us more about the initiative. Pricilla Banner - President of the Belize Bar Association: "CAJO is an association of judicial officers, judges, court admins etc., and they're the ones that actually contacted us, and now we have the, CAJO has the support of the Bar Association of Belize, the Police Department, the Belize City Council and of course the judiciary. Essentially what they're trying to do is to raise funds to support these causes in Trinidad and Tobago. There are a lot of needs in terms of medical assistance needed, supplies, infrastructure, I mean the list goes on and on. So, essentially, CAJO is supporting that fundraising initiative and the funds will be channeled through Is There Not A Cause an organization in Trinidad and Tobago which will be distributing the funds."

Canada Special Forces Trained In Belize
This year, for the first time ever, Belize hosted Exercise Tropical Dagger - a Canadian military initiative. Tropical Dagger, a two-week special forces exercise which is usually held in Jamaica, allows participating defense forces to apply skills in realistic training scenarios. Today the Canadian Special Operations Command, the Belize Defense Force and the Jamaican Defense Force demonstrated the use of equipment contributed by Canada. Exercise Tropical Dagger is conducted under Canada's Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program which aims to reinforce partner military's ability to prevent and respond to threats posed by criminal activity.

Darrell On Duck Lane And Ongoing Road Renovations
Under his tenure as mayor, Darrell Bradley has overseen an impressive overhaul and upgrade of major streets in Belize City. Now that many major roads are up to grade a, the focus is shifting to the smaller subsidiary streets, like the little known Duck Lane - which is between Church and Orange Streets. Today the mayor gave us an update on the state of Belize City's road renovations... Darrell Bradley, Belize City Mayor: "We have several projects that are in the pipeline. A lot of people were complaining about the street in front of Publics, that is being cemented right now. The project is quite extensive almost at South Street. So that that East and West Canal will be resurfaced. Duck Lane is part of that infrastructure improvement. We've finish the entire length of St. Joseph Street."

Pay Your Property Tax Towards New Streets
And while the work continues, the City Council only has the funds to pave so many streets at a time, which is why they are working on a new initiative that will allow the residents of those streets to assign their property tax directly to street repairs. Here's what the mayor told us about that... Darrell Bradley, Belize City Mayor: "One of the things that we are evaluating as a city council is that we wat to create a program whereby if you and your neighbors want to get together and you want to have your property taxes assigned to the improvement and when I mean improvement, I mean the cementing or the hot mixing of your street. What we will do is that we will give you a credit on your property tax bill for a certain period. That's the same thing that we did when we did Moho Bay Street, when we did Daly Street. We had significant partnership from members of the community. We recognized that we have a problem with sourcing funding. But we also recognized that in certain communities, people may want to say well I want to know what my property is being done for, so that we are formalizing a program. We've done it adhoc in these one off streets, but we want to formalize a program whereby if neighbors get together and neighbors well I want to improve my street, they combine resources of our property taxes for the next 3-5 years, will raise 50% of the proceed to cement my street, the city council will give me 60% credit or 50% credit or 70% credit on those monies that I pay and then the city council will put the balance in relation the remaining 50% or whatever percent. Then we can say that that can be a viable alternative."

Big Money For Climate Change, But None Of It For Belize
This morning in Belmopan, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center, better known as the 5C's, and the United States Agency for International Development, signed documents to launch a 26 million US dollar climate change adaptation program. It's a 4-year initiative which the US Government is committing to assist the CARICOM Nations to increase their resistance to extreme meteorological events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts. Belize is part of CARICOM, but this country will not benefit from this program. Those nations which will are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kits, and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname. We stopped by the launch in Belmopan today, and we spoke to the USAID representative and the Executive Director of the 5C's about its importance: So, as we told you, Belize isn't benefiting from the program, and today, we asked Dr. Kenrick Leslie why. Here's how he explained it:

For Whom the Kettle Bells Toll
The Salvation Army's annual kettle drive launched earlier this month. Passers-by are asked to make small donations to any red kettles they come across throughout the city. The proceeds are used to ensure that underprivileged children and their families can enjoy the Christmas too. We spoke to the Commander of the Salvation Army, Joliker Leandre about how the kettle drive is going so far.. Leandre also gave us an update on the status of the Salvation Army's church on Castle Street, which received significant fire damage in an arson earlier this month...

Taiwan Caring For Kidneys
Renal or kidney failure is a major health crisis in Belize and the Taiwanese government has committed to help with a three year "Renal Failure Prevention Project". The idea behind the project is that prevention is better than cure, and it is best to detect cases at an early stage to avoid costly and scarce dialysis later on. That's why the second disbursement of funding under this project will be used for screening, hosting for medical officers in Western Health Region, and other early awareness programs. The Project will also have four seed instructors from KHMH and La Loma Luz Hospital receive training in Taiwan for two months this year. In addition, two Taiwanese Nephrologists and one Dialysis Nurse came to Belize to provide clinical training.

Channel 5

Will Exiled Julius Espat Be Vindicated for Next House Meeting?
Attorneys for Cayo Representative Julius Espat and House Speaker Michael Peyrefitte today argued the merits of Espat’s purported suspension at the last sitting of the House back in August. Espat [...]

After Court Victory, Education Ministry Considers Next Moves; B.N.T.U. Piles on Pressure
There is still no definitive timeline tonight for when teachers will receive the refund of their salaries for the eleven days they were out on strike last month. Despite a [...]

Trio Villagers Wiped Out by Arson Re-Build; Police May Have Breakthrough in Case
This morning, a contingent of villagers from Trio in the Toledo District tried to get an audience with Prime Minister Dean Barrow, but this is Cabinet Tuesday so he was [...]

B.D.F. Commander Addresses Sarstoon Situation; No Protocol in Place
Every time Belizeans travel up the Sarstoon River, they are told by the Guatemalan Armed Forces to “Respecte el Protocolo.” But is there a protocol that Belizeans must follow to [...]

Military Relationship Warm Compared to Political Deep Freeze
Recently, Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington indicated that he has been unable to engage Guatemalan Foreign Affairs Minister, Carlos Raul Morales in any discussion. The breakdown in communication has [...]

B.D.F. Keeping Eye on Illegal Activity in Sarstoon Area
SATIIM co-manages the Sarstoon Temash National Park and according to them, they were intercepted by the GAF recently when they were on a patrol of the area. The N.G.O. says [...]

Caribbean Judicial Officers Unite to Walk for Haiti
Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti over a month ago and the island is trying to rebuild. While hundreds of lives were lost, thousands were left homeless after the hurricane. The Caribbean [...]

Bus Fares Gone Up
Commuters, as well as some bus owners across the country are equally incensed, following a recent adjustment in bus fares which has since come into effect. In September, bus operators [...]

Trade License Reform May Be Ready for Christmas
What do Belizean businesses want most for Christmas, other than good sales? That would be an ease with taxes. In these hard times, every penny counts for businesses of all [...]

Chinese Shop Owner “Stung” by G.S.T. Department
Mile Eight, George Price Highway businessman, forty-seven year old Zihuie He, has been accused of three violations of the General Sales Tax Act. The businessman was caught up in a [...]

Exercise Tropical Dagger Concludes Tri-National Defense Gathering
Exercise Tropical Dagger Sixteen came to a successful end today at Camp Belizario in the Cayo District. The four-week exercise is a Canadian initiative to beef up security in the [...]

Salvation Army Re-Builds Northside Church and Assists Fire Victim Neighbors
The Salvation Army’s north side offices in Belize City suffered some eighty-eight thousand dollars in damage from a fire on November seventh which also destroyed two adjacent houses. The organization [...]

Christmas Kettle Appeal: Every Penny Counts
While we were with the Salvation Army, we got an update on its Christmas Kettle Appeal which is underway. Your coins and paper bills donated to the church are used [...]

City Council Concretes Streets for Christmas; How Can You Get Yours?
The current Belize City Council administration has embarked on an ambitious program to upgrade Belize City streets. Results have held up for the most part, but concreting costs money and [...]

What’s CitCo Doing for Christmas?
Believe it or not, Christmas di come! The year has certainly flown by, but the Belize City Council is looking forward to the holiday season, not just for goodies and [...]

The Greatest Hits from Adopted Parandero Aurelio Martinez
Paranda artist Aurelio Martinez is well-known internationally for promoting the Garifuna culture through music. The Honduras-born artist has spent considerable time in Belize, performing on our stages and working with [...]

CTV3

Speaker Of The House And Julius Espat Meets Face To Face In court
On October 31st Cayo South Area Representative Hon. Julius Espat took the Speaker of the House Hon. Michael Peyrefitte to Court following the August 26th commotion inside the National Assembly which saw Hon. Espat dragged out of the chambers by the Police on Peyrefitte’s orders. Since then Hon. Espat has been banished from House Sittings and, reports have it, he can’t even be seen near the premises. Hon. Espat and his attorney Andrew Marshalleck turned to the Court, seeking an injunction on the Speaker’s decision and a declaration that Peyrefitte’s decision was illegal. While the Court reviews the case, today Peyrefitte’s attorney Acting Solicitor Nigel Hawke entered a request for the case to be dismissed on the argument that the Judiciary does not have any jurisdiction over the proceedings of Parliament. Hawke submitted that House of Representatives is regulated by the Speaker who is guided by the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives. The Court heard the submissions and set December 6th as the date for a decision. The media caught both sides outside the Court and heard from them.

More Contraband Beers Confiscated By Customs
A few weeks ago the Customs department made a huge bust in the village of San Pablo here in Orange Walk when they confiscated a total of one hundred and twenty cases of contraband beers valuing at over four thousand dollars. Last night Custom Officers were once again on the move and were able to seize yet another beer stock, this time in the village of San Victor, where a total of 38 cases of Mexican beer was confiscated. Not much information has been obtained about this latest bust but we expect to have more information for you in tomorrow’s newscast.

Mexican Buen Fin Huge Success Thanks To Belizeans
Yesterday we showed you the massive traffic jam at the Northern Boarder over the weekend after more than 12 thousand Belizeans flocked to neighboring Chetumal to take advantage of rock- bottom prices being offered during what is known as is BUEN FIN – an entire weekend when Mexican businesses offer hard-to-beat promotions to their customers. Today the Mexican news outlet, ‘El QuintanaRoo’ reported that figures from the National Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Services in Chetumal are indicating that the results were positive for the "Buen Fin", mainly due to an influx by Belizeans. The report quotes the president of the National Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Services as stating “the results greatly exceeded all expectations mainly due to the dozens of Belizean families who arrived to take advantage of the opportunities available”

Union Farmers Called To Urgent Meeting
A few years ago, the small onion industry in Belize appeared chaotic and counter-productive when close to $1.5 million worth of locally-produced onions were left to rot on fields as the imported vegetable from Holland swarmed the market. The Belize Marketing and Development Corporation was blamed for the disaster since they were the ones who imported the product, and in turn, they blamed local producers for early harvesting. Back then, the farmers communicated to BMDC directly, via emails which could suddenly disappear or go undelivered. Stakeholders in the industry have had to learn lessons the very hard way, and today we spoke to Agriculture officials who invited onion farmers to an important meeting where planning and coordination will be the focus.

Another Hurricane Formed
With only eight days remaining until the official closing of the 2016 hurricane season, tonight we can report that another hurricane has formed this time in the south-western Caribbean marking it the seventh one for this season. Though it had been classified only as Tropical Storm Otto yesterday, things took a turn as the phenomenon has officially been upgraded to the status of a category one hurricane by the National Hurricane Centre. But before Otto had developed into a full blown category one hurricane, international reports indicate that it claimed the lives of three Panamanians including a child. Further reports say that nine people were trapped in a landslide that occurred west of Panama City, however only seven of them were rescued. The child on the other hand died as a result of a tree that collapsed on top of a vehicle that was parked outside of a school.

MOH Looks To Upgrade Pharmaceutical Standards
Last week a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development aimed at improving and monitoring peddling activities in Belize as well as the further monitoring of businesses related to health. While the MOH has taken a stand to ensure that there is an availability of high standard pharmaceuticals within the Belizean market for the benefit of all customers, tonight we can tell you that the MOH has already introduced and presented new standards to the National Assembly as it relates to the Food and Drugs Act Chapter 291 of the substantive Laws of Belize and are currently awaiting for final approval. The Ministry is also collaborating with pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers and importers so as to have them adhere to these standards which form part of a shared and agreed condition previously established with providers on the granting of license. The Ministry remains on board as it relates to setting up Standard Operating Procedures and Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms that will allow for a functional Supply Chain Management System. It is expected that the reviewed bill that was presented in August will assist the Ministry in executing well-founded penalties on persons/businesses who break the law.

Amandala

215 years of Garifuna presence in Belize
Garifuna communities across Belize as well as those overseas marked a milestone on Saturday, November 19th in celebrating an enduring movement that has grown from a local celebration birthed in Dangriga in 1941 led by Garifuna icon Thomas Vincent Ramos to a cross-border celebration which serves to connect people even outside the Garifuna culture. The focal point for the celebration is still the culture capital of Dangriga, but local celebrations were also held in places such as Belize City and Orange Walk, and overseas communities like New York. Perhaps the most notable shift that is now clearly evident in 2016 is the mixture of the traditional with the contemporary; paddles are replaced by outboard motors and traditional Garifuna drummers are showcased alongside marching bands, depicting how the rich Garifuna culture continues to find an unparalleled place in a changing world, echoing the UNESCO declaration celebrating the culture as “a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.”

Government must pay teachers, says Chief Justice
For 11 days in October, the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) engaged in industrial action against the Government of Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow, as it agitated for a number of governance reforms, as well as for other issues of national importance to be addressed, and by the time the BNTU called off its strike action, the government had agreed to several of its demands. In the wake of the strike, however, the government decided it would not pay salaries to those who participated in the strike. And not even the threat of a lawsuit would make the government budge from its position that it had adopted with the full cooperation of most of the school managers that it would not pay salaries to the more than 1,500 teachers who went on strike. The BNTU, after due deliberation, decided to take out an injunction against the Ministry of Education. Adelaida Guerra became the second claimant to the lawsuit against the Government.

Nepotism in GSU?
Several officers in the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) reportedly are close relatives of the Commissioner of Police, Allen Whylie. The allegation to Amandala is that Whylie’s two daughters and godson, and his wife’s cousin, nephew and brother-in-law are all officers of the GSU, who receive a special stipend of an estimated $500 in addition to their regular salaries at the end of the month. In an exclusive interview with the Amandala tonight, Police Minister Elodio Aragon, when asked if it was not a conflict of interest for the ComPol to have six of his relatives in a very small unit such as the GSU, told us that he would, “not answer that question.” We cannot say how many officers are in the GSU because it is police policy not to reveal how many officers are in the unit.

Anwar Barrow is leaving BTL … but not really leaving!
A few days ago, it became public knowledge that the son of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Anwar Barrow, was vacating his office as CEO of the Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL); however, it was not made public that he would remain a member of BTL’s Board of Directors. In a leaked letter from the outgoing CEO to his employees on November 9, Anwar Barrow made it clear that he would be “transitioning out of the CEO role” in early 2017. “The Board has planned for this transition from earlier this year and shortly, I expect they will be advertising the post of CEO. I believe that a candidate should be selected by year’s end and in the New Year we will begin an orderly process of transition to a new CEO,” the letter read. Barrow’s letter further stated, “I want to make sure everyone remains focused on our mission and BTL’s future, despite any fears or uncertainty that comes with this type of transition.”

Land dispute in Trio escalates to arson of 5 homes
Six families in the village of Trio in the Toledo district have been displaced after 5 of their homes were set on fire and another was ripped apart sometime around 9 p.m. on Thursday as a result of an apparent land dispute. One man was almost burnt alive inside his home, but the structure was resistant to the flames. According to the displaced families, their homes were intentionally burnt down by a group of men who arrived in a truck and who were purportedly acting on behalf of a Chinese businessman who claimed to own the land on which these families had erected their homes. Information to Amandala is that some time ago, the Chinese businessman had acquired the lands, which were once owned by the Thurton Estate.

Pen Cayetano unveils Garifuna Roots Life
Legendary Dangriga artist Pen Cayetano unveiled his latest exhibition dubbed Garifuna Roots Life, at his Dangriga gallery on Friday. The month-long exhibition, featuring 42 oil-on-canvas pieces, was launched on the eve of annual Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations to pay homage to Cayetano’s culture through skillful renderings that reach beyond the mundane to capture not just the past but also the present; the ethereal and the politically controversial. Each of Cayetano’s pieces carries a story, and whereas his most historically compelling piece, “Rough Seas”, was carved out on a mahogany bowl, telling the story of the Garifuna journey over treacherous seas; the one that proved to be the most captivating to the youth visiting the exhibit was captioned “Corruption”. It is also Cayetano’s newest piece, carved after his recent return from Germany to visit his granddaughter.

PLB Week 17 outlook
With the “dog war” fully under way towards the Top-4 playoffs in the PLB Opening Season 2016-2017, the league secretariat today released its revised scheduled for the mid-week Week 16 games as follows: Wednesday, November 23 7:30 p.m. – Orange Walk United FV vs Verdes FC – Louisiana Field 7:30 p.m. – Police United FC vs FC Belize – Norman Broaster Stadium 8:00 p.m. – BDF FC vs Placencia Assassins FC – MCC Grounds 8:00 p.m. – Freedom Fighters FC vs Belmopan Bandits SC – Victor Sanchez Union Field (Wagiya FC resting)

BDFA Inter-Office Week 2 results and Week 3 adjusted schedule
The Belize District Football Association (BDFA) Inter-Office 2016 Tournament continued with Week 2 games on Wednesday and Thursday, November 16-17, at the MCC Grounds. In the opener on Wednesday, Belize City Council dropped KHMH, 4-nil, with goals from Kent Gabourel (9’), Daren Leal (45’ & 59’) and Sedrick Gentle (55’). And in the nightcap, it was Belize Water Services, 2-0, over RF&G Insurance, with Edmond Pandy netting both goals (2’ & 59’). In Thursday’s opener, National Aggregates and Tourist Village played to a 2-2 draw. Andre Alvarado (58’) and Clive Reyes (37’) shook the net for Aggregates; while Thomas Castro (31’) and Carlos Lino (53’) hit the target for Tourist Village. And in the nightcap, Belize Bank got the 4-3 win over Latino’s FC. Shaking the net for Belize Bank were Ernest Brackett (48’ & 61’), Francisco Briceno (53’) and Germaine Foster (25’); while Latino’s FC goals were by Bairon Lopez (11’ & 18’) and Deandre Pitter (28’).

Down the home stretch; 5 PLB teams battle
The regular season of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Opening Season 2016-2017 is fast winding down, and the race for the Top-4 playoff spots is as tight as it gets. Undefeated, defending champions Belmopan Bandits SC have already guaranteed themselves a spot in the playoffs, which are scheduled to kick off on the weekend of December 10 & 11. But 5 other teams are in a desperate struggle to seize one of the remaining 3 berths in the PLB playoffs. (See Week 15 standings below.) The playoff race tightened more over the past weekend, where Week 15 games saw front-runner of the other 5 contending teams, FC Belize experiencing a serious set-back on Sunday afternoon, as they were surprised by home standing Wagiya FC at the Carl Ramos Stadium in a dramatic come from behind 2-2 draw. F.C. Belize enjoyed a comfortable 2-nil lead, with goals from Jordi Lopez (16’) and Russell Cassanova (52’), but with time winding down, Wagiya struck back with two spectacular goals, from Hector Lopez (87’) and Clifton Thomas (90’), to secure the 2-2 draw.

Belize U-17 plays El Salvador today, slim hope of still qualifying
With Guatemala out of the competition, having been suspended by FIFA, 5 Central American U-17 national teams are presently competing in Costa Rica for 3 berths in the CONCACAF Qualifiers, which take place in mid-2017 in Panama, for World Cup Russia 2018. Honduras and Costa Rica are still undefeated, and are considered the powerhouses in this UNCAF group, but, with two games remaining against El Salvador tonight and Nicaragua on Thursday, Belize still has a chance at qualifying for the third spot. The odds are tremendously against our boys, who, unlike their UNCAF counterparts, have not benefited from tough international friendlies in preparation for this qualifying tournament. It would be a huge achievement, well beyond our realistic expectations, if they should make it to the next round. Already, with fairly respectable losses to CONCACAF champion Costa Rica, 4-0, and powerhouse Honduras, 3-1, our Belize U-17 has claimed a small measure of respect, unlike years past when the scores were far more lopsided.

Editorial: Diaspora danger
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English describes the root meaning of the word “Diaspora” as “the dispersal of the Jews among the Gentiles mainly in the 8th – 6th c BC.” A secondary meaning of “Diaspora” refers to “any group of people similarly dispersed.” To “disperse” means to “go, send, drive, or distribute in different directions or over a wide area.” To disperse, then, means to scatter. The most significant dispersal or scattering of the Belizean people began after Hurricane Hattie in 1961, and the largest section of the Belizean Diaspora began to settle in the major cities of the United States, such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. Today, many Belizeans also live in Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and so on. Whereas the Jewish people always viewed their dispersal or scattering as a great misfortune or tragedy, we Belizean people saw our scattering in the United States as essentially providing us with economic opportunity.

The big lie that is America
The world is in a tailspin, obsessed with who Donald Trump will turn out to be as President of the United States of America and how that will affect them. Writers have gone crazy analyzing this state of affairs from all possible angles. Belize, it doesn’t matter which side (and there are many) of the debate one is on as to whether Mr. Trump was wrongly or rightly elected, whether he is fit or unfit, unless that side reflects some real truths not usually spoken about in ‘polite society’. Mr. Trump’s perceived rejection of a racially diverse America (aimed at keeping out the non-white ‘tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free’ (from words quoted on the Statue of Liberty)) that attracts white nationalist groups, his misogynistic and divisive remarks, public mockery of a disabled person, his supposed anti-Semitism (although he promises even more support to Israel; his son-in-law is a Jew), are said to be against American values. His penchant for the spoils of capitalism and elitism, the impression that he acts before he thinks and may enact bad policies, particularly trade, even start World War III, are also what his adversaries point to as making him unfit to be the so-called ‘leader of the free world’.

Scary murder stats for 2016, approaching new record
A society is judged by how it treats the most vulnerable: its young and its elderly. This message is gleaned from the last public address of former US Vice President Hubert Humphrey in 1977. At the time, Belize probably saw a rare murder and for the most part, people took care of each other; today, we live in a different Belize, with the country seeing triple digit homicides and heading for another record year without serious intervention. Just last week, a 7-year-old boy, Tyler Savery, was gunned down in broad daylight while days later, an elderly woman, Victoria Castillo, was found brutally hacked to death, signaling the current state of our nation, where murder convictions are still very rare, and more than 90% of cases don’t come to satisfactory closure, leaving murderers to roam free.

Bondholders get Blitzer, ex-IMF man, to engage GOB on super bond
n a news release issued earlier this week, holders of Belize’s 2038 bonds of US$530 million announced that they had formed a creditor committee, which will act under the advice of BroadSpan Capital LLC and Blitzer Consulting (led by Charles Blitzer), both of which had also advised bondholders in the last 2012-2013 restructuring. Blitzer, it appears, is among those who drive a hard bargain for bond holders. Currently, he advises some holders of Mozambique bonds, as that country similarly seeks to restructure its US$726 million bonds a second time. “The bottom line is bondholders are exasperated,” said Charles Blitzer, who served as Assistant Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, at the International Monetary Fund from 2001 to 2010. Blitzer, who consults for some Mozambique bondholders, is cited in a November 7 article published by the Wall Street Journal. In their November 16 release, holders of Belize’s 2038 bonds said that, “…the Bonds were issued as a result of a restructuring completed by [the Government of Belize] in March 2013 that has provided the country with over US$100 million in debt service relief to date.” They say they will evaluate the statements made by the Government of Belize in regards to its present situation.

The Belize Times

TAX SUCKA BARROW!
Prime Minister Dean Barrow smiled as he confirmed almost flippantly that Belizeans will be faced with new taxes when the new Budget is read. “We’re made no secret of the fact that there will have to be a degree of fiscal consolidation. So there’s going to have to be a tax restructuring,” the leader of the nation stated glibly at the Philip Goldson International Airport upon his return over the weekend. While the UDP administration has never come quite clean on the economic crisis facing the country, the writing has been on the wall for some time now, in glaring red ink. While the Prime Minister would like to blame all his woes on the convenient Hurricane Earl, the fact is that the nation was in trouble long before Earl was even a gust of breeze off Africa. As early as the first quarter of this year, Leader of the Opposition John Briceño revealed that the country is in a recession. Consecutive releases from the Statistical Institute of Belize have revealed that the cost of goods continues to rise, even as exports continue to fall. In one year, exports have fallen by $97.7M. Consecutive reports from the IMF have cautioned government to cut down its wage bills and to get its spending in order. Those analysts have warned that the nation’s debt is unsustainable. The Petrocaribe bounty is all but done, only the gigantic loan left to pay back to show for the UDP’s glory days.

Corozal Youth Gunned Down
Belize City police have arrested and charged 20 year-old Jayear Flores for the double murder of 7 year-old Tyler Savery and 22 year-old Porshan Pipersburgh. The Curassow Street resident is accused of killing an innocent child as part of a gang war between adults. The entire nation has taken notice of the senseless killing of little Tyler which happened on Friday, November 11, at around 4:30 p.m. on Daly Street. His grieving mother, Shakera Young, told the media that he was excited at the prospect of getting a milkshake from Moon Clusters Cafe. That was his preferred Friday evening treat, and he was supposed to have gone with his great grandmother, Victoria Avilez. His cousin, Porshan Pipersburgh arrived at their grandmother’s home at just that moment and Tyler, who wanted to get to the cafe as quickly as possible, begged his grandmother to allow Porshan to take him, since he was already ready to leave. Finally, Victoria Avilez relented, not even contemplating that such unspeakable tragedy would be visited upon her family once again, right down the street from where they live.

POLICE CHARGE ALLEGED CHILD KILLER
Belize City police have arrested and charged 20 year-old Jayear Flores for the double murder of 7 year-old Tyler Savery and 22 year-old Porshan Pipersburgh. The Curassow Street resident is accused of killing an innocent child as part of a gang war between adults. The entire nation has taken notice of the senseless killing of little Tyler which happened on Friday, November 11, at around 4:30 p.m. on Daly Street. His grieving mother, Shakera Young, told the media that he was excited at the prospect of getting a milkshake from Moon Clusters Cafe. That was his preferred Friday evening treat, and he was supposed to have gone with his great grandmother, Victoria Avilez. His cousin, Porshan Pipersburgh arrived at their grandmother’s home at just that moment and Tyler, who wanted to get to the cafe as quickly as possible, begged his grandmother to allow Porshan to take him, since he was already ready to leave. Finally, Victoria Avilez relented, not even contemplating that such unspeakable tragedy would be visited upon her family once again, right down the street from where they live.

Empress Hamilton is Third Casualty of October Arson
On the night of October 4, 2016 a fire – suspected to be arson – claimed the life of 11-year-old Aaron Gabourel, a special needs child. Aaron’s mother, Carolyn Hamilton told the media that she was downstairs and had seen a man run up inside the house, douse the living room with an accelerant then disappear down the river nearby. Aaron was in the living room watching television with two cousins, 4-year-old Ian Sambula and 8-year-old Empress Hamilton. The siblings also received severe burn injuries and a few days later, they were both flown out for treatment at the Shriner’s Hospital in Galveston, Texas.

A Culture of Corruption!
In the dictionary, corruption is defined very simply as dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power. It’s not a convoluted, complicated, complex or vague definition. It doesn’t require careful and measured analysis or interpretation. The dictionary even helps with synonyms like unscrupulousness, double-dealing, fraud, fraudulence, misconduct, crime, criminality, wrongdoing, crookedness, sleaze, informal graft, grift, profiteering. It is really only under this UDP administration led by Dean Oliver that corruption has become so conveniently complicated and difficult to define. For example, one would think that a Minister who inveigles a department within his portfolio to issue checks to pay his personal expenses and to finance his campaign efforts would be corrupt. But we find that indeed, under this administration, it is ‘distasteful’ but not corrupt. Very recently, it was learned that Ministers of Dean Oliver’s round table were extraordinarily cozy with con man/extortionist/kidnapper/accused murder William Danny Mason. There were allegations that various high-ranking Ministers took money from Mason in return for certain favours, and at least one Minister actually admitted getting money for his campaign.

THE RISE OF THE UGLY AMERICAN
By: Norris Hall. THE Americas and the rest of the world were last week shaken by a political tectonic shift with the announcement that Donald Trump had won the United States Presidential election. Mr. Trump’s victory came as a shocker to his rival, Hillary Clinton and her campaign team, who ran a lackluster campaign but was still favoured to win until the FBI threw a spanner in the works of her last week dash to the tapes, with revelations of more e-mails to hurt her. These turned out to be inconsequential nonsense, but nevertheless caused major damage to her path to victory. But while Trump’s political rhetoric and mostly lewd and disparaging campaign may have won him a blow-out victory, his personal character and disrespect for everybody but himself will not bode well for the way he will govern. He has virtually trampled on American values.

DISAPPOINTING LADIES
How disappointed we all feel. There was the strong possibility just a few days ago that Americans would elect their first woman leader. And how hard indeed Hillary Clinton worked for this prize for all women and for everyone! We just could not imagine that her opponent – a racist, xenophobic, sexist, misogynist would somehow pull out the mother of all upsets and take the Presidency of the United States. And yet it has happened. We wish the nightmare would go away, but it is all too real. And, like the Brexit vote in Britain, United States voters confounded the pundits and pollsters, with a huge white, working class, rural vote, denying Ms. Clinton the job she so dearly wanted, despite her winning the most popular votes. I have been pondering on the issue of what women DO bring and MUST bring to politics for a while now. I believe that I can offer a useful perspective, having been involved for many years. I know only too well that women in politics and elected office do not necessarily bring women’s issues to the forefront or even adopt a serious gender approach in their work. In other words we cannot always rely on women to be gender conscious and to fight for the social, nitty-gritty, practical and immediate concerns of families, women and children.

Sports & Crime
By: Eduardo Santos. Belize is gifted with many talented athletes that, if given the opportunity, could excel in the international arena. Sadly, sports is not a priority within our state system and we end up with a broken-down futile exercise where the majority of our youths who could use this avenue as an escape from the harshness of society are sucked back into a vortex of crime. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the old capital, Belize City. Over the past decades we have seen the rise in crime and the senseless killings. The victims, while they are sometimes unknown to the country at large, have included athletes who played football, basketball and cricket. Although we see program after program being started by government and non-government agencies, the impact on the reduction of crime is minimal. We still have a large amount of people dying needlessly because of a lack of structures in place to assist people in getting jobs.

Thinking Out Loud
About a week ago Gaspar Vega, a man who was once powerful in this area for the UDP, told his media people that he won’t be resigning from Orange Walk North. He said it with a smile on his face, like he couldn’t believe people actually expected him to resign. I swear this man has no shame. It is unbelievable that he can continue to walk around us in Orange Walk when he has wronged us so badly, and his wrongdoing has been exposed for all to see. I believe that very soon Gaspar Vega will realize that the people have had enough of politicians who pretend they will always do the right things and will always work for the poor and disadvantaged. Imagine that so many in Orange Walk North are still poor, and are still struggling to make a living as times get harder and harder, but Vega felt that it was okay for him to take $400,000 of our money and give to his son who is already rich because of his name and political connections. Imagine what the $800,000 given to Vega’s son and a UDP attorney could have done for the people of Orange Walk North. How many homes could have been fixed? How many children could have received assistance to go to school? Imagine the medical care that people could have gotten out of that $800,000. Imagine how many people’s lives could have been made better – people who really, really need it.

Faber Refuses to Pay Teachers…BNTU to Sue!
As we go to press, there is no official response from Minister of Education Patrick Faber or from the Ministry of Education to the threat of legal action by the BNTU. Unofficially, we are told that neither Faber nor the bureaucrats at the Ministry intend to acknowledge the letter. Instead, all indications are that the Minister intends to proceed with his plan to dock the pay of teachers at the end of the month. It is to be noted that teachers who went on strike will lose 11 days salary. After bank, lending institution and other obligations are met, many of those teachers will have NO money for November, a real nasty Christmas gift from Faber. Attorney Eamon Courtenay, acting on behalf of the BNTU, wrote a letter to Faber late last week stating that, “…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.”

Belize Downgraded as Financial Woes Worsen
This week Standard and Poors (S&P) downgraded Belize’s credit-rating from stable to negative. S&P lowered the country’s ratings from B- to CCC+. This downgrade amidst efforts by the Government to restructure the 2038 Bond, financial forecasters predict, could affect GOB’s ability to access capital markets. Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned from New York on Sunday along with Economic Ambassador Mark Espat and confirmed reports that GOB was trying to convene a committee of bondholders to discuss another restructuring, Belize’s second in four years. Barrow, however, offered no comments on the status of the country’s critically low foreign reserves or the award costs pending on three arbitration settlements currently in US courts. And as Belize’s economy continues to take the hit, the Belize Times is informed that the Chamber of Commerce met recently with Central Bank Governor Joy Grant to discuss the business community’s difficulties in accessing foreign currency. No information has been forthcoming on the outcome of that meeting. It is highly unlikely however, that CB would be able to facilitate any accommodation.

GOB Hikes Bus Fares without Notice
The Cabinet has authorized what, in some cases, is a dramatic increase in bus fares. The new fares were implemented via S.I. No. 72 of 2016 which was gazetted on October 29, 2016. The Gazette shows the instrument was made by the Minister responsible for Transport on October 21. The public was none the wiser despite a September 8, 2016 Ministry of Transport press release which announced that there would be a rate adjustment but also stating that “such changes would be adequately publicized before their implementation.” Granted, the release did not say to whom the changes would be adequately publicized but one would imagine that the commuters who most stand to be affected would have been given enough notice. They weren’t and the explanation from transport officials is that there is no commuters association to engage so they spoke with bus operators from the North, South and West and other stakeholders. The bus operators were informed via letter dated November 7, 2016 from the Chief Transport Officer that three copies of the fares should be placed in areas of their vehicle that are clearly visible to commuters.

Violent Crime Figures Are Shocking
By our unofficial tally at the Belize Times, there have been 130 murders already this year, with six weeks to go before 2016 comes to an end. Since 2012, the bloodiest year on record with 145 murders, 616 persons have been killed within our 8867 sq. miles. There have already been more murders than in 2013 (99), 2014 (123) and 2015 (119). If the trend continues, 2016 could well be a record-setting year, a record we can certainly do without. Currently the Prime Minister is the substantive Minister of Police, though the direct responsibility has been handed over to junior Minister Elodio Aragon Jr. He takes over from Senator Godwin Hulse who held the position only briefly, called in when former Minister of National Security John Saldivar was shuffled out amid allegations of impropriety. Saldivar was unable to accomplish anything positive in the Police, and his legacy is a department in which morale is at an all-time low, matched only by their resources. He also left behind a department deeply divided and hopelessly politicized, where corruption is perceived to be rampant at the highest levels and ‘rotten apples’ are believed to be the rule, and not the exception.

Family Accuses KHMH of Negligence…MoH Silent!
After days of waiting, the family of 31-year-old Deanne Robinson nee Pitts buried her on Saturday, November 12th, without the benefit of a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of her death. She had passed away at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) on October 31st after she was admitted on October 28th. Despite repeated requests and the involvement of an attorney, the hospital refused to perform the autopsy. The family is highly suspicious of the circumstances surrounding Robinson’s death. She was taken to the hospital for treatment of a sore throat and high fever. According to her mother, Mildred Crawford, hours before her daughter’s death, a male nurse administered what she thought to be an unusual amount of medication to her daughter via intravenous drips. Shortly after, it appeared that Robinson began to bring up fluids and that is when Crawford was ushered out of the room where she and two of Robinson’s siblings had taken turns to keep watch over her. Crawford claims that when she went back to look for her daughter, she was shocked to learn that she had passed away.

If Dah Noh Soh…
Sad…! He only wanted a milkshake. Those words from a grieving mother touched me, but more than that it enraged me. I have children, and would not hesitate to seek revenge if any of them were hurt. Tyler’s mother speaks of love and forgiveness. Amazing! I shed no tears for Porshan. He chose his life and by doing so forecast his death. Tyler had no choice, no say in the matter. He was innocent. His mother is a good woman, a strong woman. Me…well I’ve always said that we know who all the so-called “bad-man” are in Belize. I’d round them up, kill them all and bury them in a mass grave behind the Belize Central Prison…just saying! Dean Oliver smiled when he told reporters that there would need to be tax-restructuring, meaning TAXES, if you didn’t quite get it. He smiled. What the hell is wrong with that man? And listen, you heard it here first. There’s a team comprised of persons from the Ministry of the Public Service and the Ministry of Finance who have been busy the past few months working on a RETRENCHMENT list. That’s right. TAXES and RETRENCHMENT in 2017! What was that? The best is yet to come? LOL okay then! Wait for it.

Mismanagement Forces Barrow to Beg Bondholders for Mercy!
Just a little over three years ago, Prime Minister Dean Barrow stood in front of the nation following the restructuring of what he called the Superbond. He was euphoric, beside himself, stating that “there is a possibility that, with a little bit of luck and the kind of growth last year that we saw being replicated by and large, we can actually see Belize’s debt to GDP ratio fall to perhaps 60% by 2017. That, of course is debt heaven, but the fact that this kind of nirvana is even within Belize’s reach, I believe, is testament to how successful – precisely how successful the debt restructuring team has been.” That nirvana never became more than one of the Prime Minister’s trademark rhetorical flourishes, and Dean Barrow returned to the country on Saturday, November 12, after spending 6 days in New York City preparing the way for a hoped for and absolutely critical restructuring of what is now being called Barrow’s ‘Superbomb.’ He was there along with Financial Secretary Joseph Waight and Economic Ambassador Mark Espat to meet with Lee C. Buchheit, a partner at the multinational law firm, Cleary Gottlieb, and the Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Breaking Belize News

Otto strengthens to a Category 1 Hurricane
On Monday afternoon, Otto, this Hurricane season’s 15th named storm became the season’s seventh hurricane as it was located in the southwest Caribbean Sea. Otto is now a rare Thanksgiving hurricane and is expected to affect parts of Central America with flooding and rainfall. […]

ComPol and GSU boss at odds
There are breaking reports that GSU Commander Glenn Caliz is to be relieved of his position and transferred by Police Commissioner Allen Whylie. The date, however, is not yet known but we were told that Caliz is currently on leave and is unable to […]

Belize warns of fraudulent Bitcoin provider
Belize’s International Financial Services Commission (IFSC), today, sounded an alarm about a fraudulent online bitcoin investment scheme. According to the IFSC, Xmaxbit, a website which claims to offer cryptocurrency investment and mining services, is not officially registered in Belize. The IFSC says that the site... Today's News Sponsored […]

BTV urges GOB to internationalize Guatemalan claim
Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) Founder Wil Maheia told the media yesterday that the government should be making a greater effort to internationalize the unfounded Guatemalan claim against Belize in order to win global support. According to Maheia, Belize should appeal to the United Nations Security […]

Five houses set ablaze in Trio village; alleged arson caused by land dispute
Last Thursday, five houses in the Trio villages were burnt down allegedly by a group of arsonists. The same group then demolished a sixth house leaving six families homeless. Reports are that there is an on going land dispute which has caused the deadly […]

Cool weather expected to prevail
The 24 hour forecast is for cloudy skies with some isolated showers or periods of light rain mainly over the sea and southern coastal areas tonight. The wind will blow from the northeast at 10-20 knots and the sea state will be moderate. High […]

NEMO Minister delivers houses in Crooked Tree
Home to Belize’s most popular bird sanctuary, the village of Crooked Tree in the Belize District was one of the rural communities most affected by Hurricane Earl. The rebuilding efforts by the Government of Belize, through the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), assisted those […]

PUP tells PM to pay the teachers
Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno wrote to Prime Minister Dean Barrow petitioning that he reconsider government’s position on the deduction of teachers salaries. Briceno states: “ We find it very inconsiderate and disturbing that any government would even consider withholding the salaries of […]

Fisheries data reform planned for the Caribbean by CRFM and FAO
The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are teaming up to capitalize on opportunities for Member States to strengthen data collection and management systems through the use of modern technology, such as smartphones and wireless communications […]

Ministry of Health strengthening pharmaceutical industry regulations
The Ministry of Health, yesterday, issued a press release announcing that in an ongoing effort to ensure that the highest quality of pharmaceuticals are available within the Belizean market, it has introduced new standards which have been presented to the House of Representatives and […]

The Bus and Transport sector steals the Christmas
Consolidation comes at the expense of diversification….and diversification comes at the expense of consolidation. The PUP government intervened in the bus transport ownership structure during its 1998-2003 term by providing the capital for Novelo’s to purchase 3 of its 4 principal competitors for the […]

Blogs

Last Red Cross Blood Drive of 2016
This Saturdays San Pedro Red Cross Blood Drive will make the 5th and last one for 2016. They are nortmally held quarterly but ended up with an extra one this year in accommodating a Projects Abroad request for an additional Blood Drive at Washington University. We have collected 48 pints so far this year and as of April San Pedro Branch has approved 19 pints being given out country wide to help those in need. Our hard work in building a reserve supply for Ambergris Caye is paying off and your pints are helping people in need. Updated numbers coming at year end. Before donating, rest, eat a good meal and drink healthy fluids. Refrain from any medications for 72 hours prior. If you are over 65 you cannot donate but we appreciate you helping spread the word.

Thanksgiving Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
This a delicious twist on apple pie that you will definitely want to make.

Sunny weather is the best weather
Living in the Caribbean certainly has its perks; we have abundant tropical wildlife, crystalline waters, lush forest and an exceptional cultural background. But for this Caribbean baby, the biggest blessing Belize offers is almost perfect year-round weather. I am NOT a big fan of the cold, despite the cute wardrobe options. I’ll stick to bikinis thanks! In Belize, its feels like it’s always summer, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 95°F, with an annual mean of 79°F. Even the traditional coolest months of November to January see an average 75°F. With temperatures like these, it is only logical that we spend plenty of time in our nearest water bodies. Luckily for me, the Caribbean Sea is right at my front yard on Ambergris Caye! On the mainland, we have the river systems and waterfalls making great cool off spots.

10 must-have Belize souvenirs
Whenever I travel I make sure to carry extra cash and have additional space in my bags for cool souvenirs. However, many times due to being overwhelmed by options or due to time constraints, I end up buying ridiculous souveniors that no one wants. That’s super annoying, right? During your trip to Belize you’ll witness a wide variety of keepsakes and fortunately, I’m here to help by providing a short list of the best Belizean souvenirs you can take home. From rum, beers or chocolate, to wooden bowls and amazing Mayan baskets, here’s a list of 10 must have souvenirs you should buy when visiting Belize. 1. Mayan basket 2. Local Carvings 3. Rum 4. Beer 5. Hot Sauce 6. Hammock 7. Wood Tableware 8. Local Music 9. Garifuna drum 10. Chocolate

International Sources

RESEARCHERS TRACE SURINAME RICE BACK TO AFRICA, SUGGESTING NEW LINK WITH SLAVE TRADE
This very interesting article highlights the integral role the 'Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade' played in how African crops were transposed to the Americas. During the trans-Atlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans, the crews of the ships would buy food stock from suppliers on the west coast of Africa before beginning the Middle Passage. Researchers have found a type of rice typically grown in the fields of the Ivory Coast growing in Suriname where they were planted by Maroons, revealing linkages between the Old and New World crops due to this trade.

Belize and Seychelles regulators warn against fraudulent bitcoin investment company XMAXBIT
Regulators in Belize and the Seychelles have issued a warning against XMAXBIT, which claims to be an international registered company. XMAXBIT website says: “Our profile of work is effective investments in cryptocurrency (LiteCoin, BitCoin) and mining. Since that time, we got wide experience in this scope of action and also we launched a service of wholesale changing of internet-currency. It works in the automatic mode, you can exchange a great sum of money at the most favorable rate at any time. “Also Since 2013 the company Xmaxbit has been actively involved in the investment of high-tech start-ups in Central and Eastern Europe. And 67 successfully implemented projects became the result of the company.”

CRFM and FAO plan fisheries data reform for the Caribbean
The coming of the digital age presents novel opportunities for the fisheries and aquaculture sector of the wider Caribbean to build a more robust data and information system that would augment the monitoring of production trends and traceability of catches, support more sustainable management regimes through increased people engagement, and facilitate stronger international and regional trade. The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are teaming up to capitalize on opportunities for member states to strengthen data collection and management systems through the use of modern technology, such as smartphones and wireless communications to bridge gaps in the system.

Otto to threaten Central America with flooding, mudslides and damaging winds
Otto, currently a strong tropical storm, over the southwestern Caribbean Sea, will threaten part of Central America with flooding, mudslides and damaging winds this week. Otto is hovering just off the coasts of Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. It became the seventh hurricane of the season Tuesday afternoon. Minor fluctuations in strength will occur prior to the system making landfall. Otto will drift inland over Central America later this week, according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski. "Steering winds will cause Otto to take a general westerly path during the middle and later part of this week, which will bring the storm inland over southeastern Nicaragua or northeastern Costa Rica on Thursday," Kottlowski said.

Commentary: Garifuna in Belize should include an international Garinagu summit
By Wellington C. Ramos. Every year, we Garifuna people plan our 19th November Celebrations to commemorate our ancestors who arrived to Belize in 1801 and 1823 to search for a better life or escape torture from a faction of the civil war groups in Honduras. Our people were forcefully removed by the British Crown from their native homeland "Yurumein", now known as St Vincent and the Grenadines in March 1796. They arrived in Roatan, part of the Bay Islands, a former British colony, now part of Honduras, on April 12, 1797. Subsequently, some of them migrated to Nicaragua, Guatemala, Belize and the United States still in search for a better life or to be free from discrimination and human rights violations against them by the countries where they currently reside. Some of our people identify themselves based on their national identity as opposed to their ethnic identity "Garifuna". Little do they realize that a Garifuna person is part of a nation that was broken up by the British in 1796 and their people were displaced to a remote country -- Honduras. The removal of any person or group from his, her or their homes is one of the most severe human rights violations any person or group can commit against other human beings like themselves. Yet, the Europeans committed these acts routinely as if it meant nothing to them. Our Garifuna people have not and will never forget our ancestors' removal from their native homeland "Yurumein".

Videos

Belize Jungle Dome Oct. 2016, 21min.

2016 Minister's Award: Vitalino Reyes, 2min. Congratulations, Vitalino Reyes! Mr. Reyes won the Minister's Award at the 14th annual BTB Tourism Awards. He's the owner of Cavetubing.BZ, which does tours around Hohoch Che'en.

October 2016 Rick and LeahAnn's Belize Wedding, 26min.

Belize parasailing. William and Kate, 1min.

Update on Peace Initiative, 42min. on Open Your Eyes...

Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) - 60th Jubilee Anniversary, 48min. on Open Your Eyes...

BELIZE CREDIT UNION LEAGUE - MARION GANEY QUIZ CONTEST, 14min. on Open Your Eyes...

CRFM and FAO plan fisheries data reform for the Caribbean, min.

Happy Thanksgiving from PathLight Students, 4min. Our Sponsorship+ students wanted to wish their sponsors a Happy Thanksgiving! They are very thankful for your love and support.

Snorkeling in Belize, 6min. Ein kleiner Einblick in die Unterwasserwelt von Ranguana Cay und Tom Owens Cay / Belize und Sapodilla Cayes / Honduras.

Hello Ocean: Expedition Underway - Dolphin Research in Belize w/ The Moorings, 4.5min. This is the first research expedition conducted on dolphins in the deeper waters off Belize. Research under sail in partnership with The Moorings Yacht Charters.

Big Blue Hole Dive in Belize, 12min. Here is my GoPro footage from the surface of the blue hole all the way to 155ft down to the stalactites.

November 22, 2016

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

Acquafino Resort donates to Miss World Belize Iris Salguero
President of Acquafino Island Resort and Spa, William Narod, made a donation of $500 to Miss World Belize 2016-2017 and former Miss San Pedro 2015-2016, Iris Salguero on Thursday, November 17th. Salguero has been rigorously preparing to compete in the ‘Miss World Pageant’ on December 18, 2016. The competition will take place in Washington D.C, USA at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Centre, where current Miss World, Mireia Lalaguna of Spain, will crown her new successor. Salguero thanked Narod for his donation. “I feel really grateful and thankful because anything I get that will help me is appreciated. It has been a just a month since I won Miss World Belize and I haven’t had much time to prepare. It’s been really expensive when it comes to my wardrobe and travelling,” said Salguero.

Ambergris Caye celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day
Early in the morning of the 19th, the traditional ‘Yurumei’ took place; this is the re-enactment of the arrival of the Garifuna to Belize. The singing and drumming of the group could be heard clearly as they reached the beach via boats. Upon disembarking, the group marched towards to the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church for a mass of blessing. Shortly after, a parade took place through the main streets of San Pedro town. Many residents came out of their homes to take a look as the group paraded by singing and drumming. At 11AM traditional Garifuna food was available at the park for purchase. Many gathered to enjoy some delicious hudut, conch soup, tapou and even rice and beans. The celebration continued until late in the evening, when once again, Caribbean Kings and Punta Boys kept the music going and had everyone dancing.

Ambergris Today

Letters To The Editor: Life After Trump’s Election and What it Might Mean for Belize
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. Can we now expect a lot of Belizeans returning home? And what will this mean for our society?

Signing of Maya 2020 Project Agreement for Belize
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.

Misc Belizean Sources

12-year-old Chelsea Lara missing
The San Pedro Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing child here in San Pedro Town. 12-year-old Chelsea Lara, student of San Pedro Roman Catholic school left home yesterday (Sunday, November 20th) and has not been seen yet. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is to contact the police station at 206-2022.

Government of Belize Signs Letter of Agreement to Finalize USD $300,000 Readiness Grant with Green Climate Fund
Minister Omar Figueroa, as the Head of Belizean delegation and the Minister with responsibilities for Climate Change, met with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), represented by Mr. Ousseynou Nakoulima, Director of Country Programming on the occasion of the 22nd meeting of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Marrakech, Morocco to sign a letter of agreement to finalize a USD $300,000 Readiness Grant agreement between the Government of Belize (GOB) and the GCF. The Readiness Grant will allow the GOB to strengthen the capacity of its National Designation Authority, the liaison between the Fund and Government of Belize, as well as identify priority programs for funding from the GCF.

San Pedro Blood Drive
Saturday, November 26 at 9 AM - 3 PM. Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II. *No appointment necessary For questions contact: or [email protected] [email protected] Before donating, rest, eat a good meal and drink healthy fluids. Refrain from any medications for 72 hours prior.

Rotaract Benque Visits Octavia Waight
The Benque Rotaractors teamed up with Ka'ana, and visited Ocatavia Waight Center to have some fun with the older generation. Thanks, Rotaract, and Ka'ana! "The Rotaract Club of Benque Viejo visited the elders at Octavia Waight Center on a conjoint project with KA’ANA Resort. The elders were given snacks and drinks, and members of the club also interacted with them by playing games, music, and ladies got their nails painted."

BELIZE FISHING REPORT, Weeks of Nov.6th – Nov. 12th, 2016
Grand Slam for Carolyn!! A lovely quiet week here at the lodge with some great folks taking advantage of the two for one prices (twofer promotion) this fall. Fishing is great, and the weather is great, why not!

Vehicle line to the Belize Mexico border
3 miles long queue at the Corozal, Santa Elena border.

El Dia de Finados
The San Pedro House of Culture held El Dia de Finados. It was a lovely night with prayers , hymes & the rosary. We were treated with lots of delicious food, desserts & drinks. Our departed ones were well honored.

Looking for a full time cashier to work at Rapidito Construction Depot
Minimum 6th form degree required, experience in computer systems, great customer service skills. Serious inquiries please contact 206-0083 to fill out an application and set up your interview

Ministry of Health Continues to Strengthen its Regulatory Functions in the Pharmaceutical Industry
In an ongoing effort to ensure that the highest quality of pharmaceuticals are available within the Belizean market, the Ministry of Health has introduced new standards which have been presented to the House of Representatives and are awaiting final approval to the Food and Drugs Act Chapter 291 of the substantive Laws of Belize. The Ministry is currently working with pharmacies and pharmaceutical wholesalers and importers in order for them to adhere to these standards. These are a part of a shared and agreed requirement done in partnership with providers on the granting of license that allows them to conduct this business under the law. The Ministry continues to work towards setting up Standard Operating Procedures and Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms that will allow for a functional Supply Chain Management System. The revised bill presented in August will allow the Ministry of Health to enforce firmer penalties on persons/businesses that are in contravention of the law.

SPTC donates to San Pedro Cancer Society
On Friday, November 18, 2016, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Councilor Ruben Gonzalez presented a cheque of $3645.25 to the president of the San Pedro Cancer Society, Mr. Gonzalo Muñoz and its members, Miguel Perez, Lucy Muñoz and Alyssa Muñoz. The money presented to the San Pedro Cancer Society was from the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run that was held on October 29 of this year. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event! Let's make it bigger next year!

Happy Garifuna Settlement Day 2016
Celebrations in San Pedro

Health screenings at the SPTC
The Washington University of Health and Science will be conducting free health screenings at the San Pedro Town Council. Stop on by to get checked. Below is the schedule: •Monday, Nov. 21, 3pm – 7pm •Saturday, Nov. 26, 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm •Monday, Nov. 28, 3pm – 7pm •Saturday, Dec. 3, 10am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm •Wednesday, Dec. 7, 10am – 4pm

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION WRITES TO PM BARROW
John Briceno sent a letter to the PM to ask him to reconsider the Government's decision to deduct the salaries of teachers who participated in the BTNU strike. Briceno calls GOB's decision inconsiderate and disturbing.

Cayo Art Festival 2016
The 2016 Cayo Art Festival will be at the Cayo Welcome Center on Saturday, December 3rd. There will be fun for everyone, and quite a few cultural presentations. Cayo artisans will be there showing off their wares. There will be clowns and an art area to entertain the kids.

FCD Tracks Newsletter
Our No. 25th FCD Tracks Newsletter is available at FCD’s website: www.fcdbelize.org Thank you for the support.

Channel 7

Pay Pronto! Court Tells GOB To Pay The Strike Teachers
On Friday, we told you about the injunction that the Belize National Teachers Union was attempting to get against the Ministry of Education. They were trying to stop the Government from deducting money out of the November paycheck of 1,500 plus teachers who went on the 11-day strike in October. Well, even though those deductions are already finalized, the Chief Justice has granted that injunction against the Government. So, tonight, those strike teachers need not be worried about a "mawga" Christmas; they will get their full paycheck for November. This afternoon, the Chief Justice handed down his ruling in a private case management session in chambers. When the hearing was done, BNTU's attorney, Eamon Courtenay explained: Eamon Courtenay, attorney for BNTU: "The honorable Chief Justice handed down his decision a short while ago in which he granted the Belize National Teachers Union and Miss Guerra the injunction that we sought. He found that we had an arguable case and that there is a real likelihood that we will succeed at trial and he felt that the balance of conveyance was in favor of the teachers, that the teachers should not be denied the enjoyment of their Christmas, because the government has taken the very mean and, I would say decision, to attempt to process the payments and then to come to court and say to court that they can't pay it on time. CJ said that more people will be affected if they don't pay, that the people who have to do the overtime to correct the situation. So the teachers need to be paid and paid on time."

BNTU Not Ready To Work Holidays
So, while the litigation is about to start over who can dock the teachers' pay due to industrial action, the teachers union is also disagreeing with the Government's plan to make up the 11 days of lost classes. As we told you two weeks ago, the Ministry intends to cut this year's Christmas break short by 4 days. So, instead of classes resuming on January 9, students and teachers are being expected to show up on January 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th. For the Easter holiday, classes will continue into April 10th, and 11th. That's the method that the Ministry wants to employ to make up those lost school days. This evening, the BNTU President told us that, according to the Education Rules, the Ministry is not allowed to just arbitrarily take away teachers' holiday days. Here's how he explained it: Luke Palacio, President - BNTU: "The education rules are clear; the education rules says that the teachers of this country should be on vacation for the Christmas period, Easter period and in the month of July. So, again for the minister and his chief education officer to try and force our teachers to go to school on those days when they should be on holidays..."

BDF Volunteer Accused of Hit and Run Death In Libertad
A BDF Volunteer is accused of killing a man and driving off on Saturday night. 24 year old Norman Slusher, of San Roman Village has been slapped with five charges after he allegedly knocked down and killed a resident of San Narciso Village on Saturday night. Slusher was driving this Nissan Sentra with Orange Walk plates when he knocked down 39 year old Leonel Martinez who was walking down the highway around 6:30 on Saturday. Slusher did not stop to render aid but 36 hours later, he turned himself into the Police this morning. They charged him with Causing Death by Careless Conduct, Manslaughter by Negligence, Driving without due care and attention, failing to report an accident and failing to stop and render aid. Slusher goes to court tomorrow.

Police Capsize, Civilian Loses His Life
The hazards of police work led to a civilian drowning last week. Last week Thursday, a pair of southern police was headed to a Caye in the Stann Creek District to look for a murder suspect. Corporal Carlos Galvez, and PC David Mejia were joined by boat captain George Lopez and Linsford Locayo a security Guard - who was with his wife and their nine month old daughter. Nearing the Tobacco Caye Range, their boat was hit by a massive swell which caused it to capsize. All of the passengers were dashed out of the boat. The police Corporal managed to swim to get help, but when that help came, Locayo had disappeared. His body was not found until Saturday evening on the North-west end of the Tobacco Caye Range. A post mortem confirmed that he died from drowning. The suspect has still not been captured.

"Buen Fin" Causes 15K Rush To Border, Major Delays
This past weekend in Chetumal - and all over Mexico - retail stores observed what's known as "Buen Fin". It's sort of like the Mexican version of Black Friday - where there are once a year sales and deals at participating stores. So, naturally, Saturday being a holiday and all, many Belizeans made their run for the border to cash in on those deals. But…the thousands who travelled on Sunday ran into a major traffic jam - before they even got to the border. Traffic on the Belize side was backed up for miles, and for hours - some travellers report being stuck for over two hours.

Cruise Ship Blues Hit The South Early
Last week Thursday, Norwegian Cruise Line's multi-million dollar cruise port on Harvest Caye officially opened with the arrival of the Norwegian Dawn. Our news team gave you a long distance look at that opening, and the Government Press Office, which was the only media entity invited, provided an on-the-ground look of what the island getaway looks like today. So, Cruise Tourism has arrived in the south, and the Harvest Caye business pie is being shared up among the local tour operators. But one local operator in Big Falls village who had hoped to cash in, says he got cut out, and now Norwegian's choice contractor has taken his idea, and his location, leaving him with a bitter taste and a bum investment. It's the Cruise Tourism Blues, which we've heard from so many small operators over the years - as the multinational rolls through, gobbling up, or marginalizing everything in its way. Andrew Caliz has learned fast the ruthless rules of the cruise business and today he crystallized the moral of a story with no happy ending:...

Moreira For St. Margaret's Marijuana
Last week we told you about the 25 pounds of weed that Belmopan police got when they set chase after a Benque Viejo taxi. The cops had to chase the cab from Roaring Creek on the western Highway to St Margaret's on the Hummingbird. They got the weed but the driver and his passenger escaped. On Friday night, at 8:30 p.m. police found the alleged driver; he is 43-year-old Bryan Moreira of Chaa Creek Road, San Ignacio. He was arrested and charged for "Drug Trafficking" and has been remanded until January.

Bowers The Boxer Burnt Out In Blaze
For most of the 70s and 80s, Carlton Bowers was a celebrated welterweight boxer, and at one point, he was the Caribbean Junior Welterweight Champion, and even brought home a Bronze medal from the Central American Games in 1977. Bowers, who now sells paletas, lives on Red Bell Lane in Belize City, where on Friday night, his house burned down. We met Bowers at the site of his old home, where he told us about what happened. Carlton Bowers - House fire victim: "I went out for one of my friends to buy something, because she came to me and she drove to me and said "I heard your house is burning down back there" and then I came, and when I got here everything was already burned. The fire was already out, and I met the firemen, and they questioned me about the size of the house and different things." Alex Courtenay, 7News: "Do you think that this is an accident, or do you know of anybody who would maybe want to burn your house down or anything like that?" Carlton Bowers - House fire victim: "Well I would say probably an accident because I don't have any, what you call it? I don't have anybody that's against me, you know. There's nobody against me, it's an accidental thing or something like that."

Man Gets 10 Years Added To 14 Year Sentence
In April 2013, a police mobile patrol stopped and searched Joseph O'Brien when he detoured from the George Price Highway into the Lord Ridge Cemetery after seeing the vehicle coming towards him. Police found a rusty .38 caliber revolver with no ammunition and arrested and charged him for possession of a firearm without a gun license. Initially, he pleaded not guilty and got bail -but then he got sentenced to 14 years for the robbery of the Golden Corn Tortilla Factory in September 2013. So today - while serving that sentence he appeared in court again for the firearm where he changed his plea from not guilty to guilty. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. O'Brien is to serve this sentence concurrently with his ongoing14 year sentence.

Shaquawn Sick Of Cops
Tonight, Belize City resident Shaquawn Almendarez continues to be aggrieved by a police search which he says amounts to police harassment. Now, if his name sounds familiar, it's because he and his family made the news 2 weeks ago after the K-9 unit and the South Side Strike Team found 8 ounces of marijuana in their Electric Avenue home. Since then, he says he has had visits from the Anti-Drug Unit, which he says were oppressive and demeaning. He visited our office last week Wednesday to say that the search happened earlier that day. He narrated the experience: Shaquawn Almendarez, Claims Police Harrassment: "This morning they came at my yard and they put cuff on me again and they came last week Tuesday and charged all of us for drug trafficking that they planted on us. They put the cuff one me and took me in my neighbor's yard and beat me with a shovel. They went and came back to my yard and continue to dig. They got a call that said there was a home invasion. Four police men came. They left for me and the other 2 went. I went into my house to use the bathroom. They went after me and broke down my door, pull me out and started to kick me and bring me back down stairs and they held me until the mobile came back."

Gender Based Violence, The Reality
Today the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children, the National Women's Commission and the UNDP, hosted the first student discussion of Gender Based Violence. The students discussed gender relations, and the widespread violations of human rights for victims of gender based violence. We spoke to two of the event's organizers, Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow and Cynthia Williams, the Human Services Coordinator at the Women's Department, about the importance of the discussions. Kim Simplis-Barrow - Special Envoy for Women and Children: "Today was really wonderful day to really sit and listen to what these young students have to say and their perceptions of what gender based violence is. It was real, it was raw, to the point, in your face, and that's what we want. We want to know how much do they know, and how willing are they to be a part of the elimination of gender based violence. As you could see it was quite evident that they know a lot more than we thought that they knew. Obviously gender based violence is prominent in our society, and a lot of time we turn a blind eye, a lot of times we just pretend say it doesn't exists, it's not happening to me, and I think this society is ready speak up."

Trio Arson Investigation Could Implicate BDF Retiree
Last week we told you about the massive fire in Trio village where five homes were burnt down, and another hauled down in a deliberate and unapologetic act of destruction. The ruthless act was pulled off on Thursday by five men who showed up in a Mahindra pickup truck. They were allegedly acting on behalf of a Chinese landowner who had purchased the land where 5 farmers had been squatting, they claim for decades. Well, tonight Belize District police have reportedly caught one of the alleged arsonists. Reports tell 7News that he has told police just who was involved in the fire starting - and the list he gave includes a former high-ranking BDF officer who retired some years ago. We'll have more on this developing story tomorrow.

PM Pays Respect To Garinagu
All roads led to the culture capital in Dangriga for Settlement day on Saturday the 19th. For Prime Minister Dean Barrow - he has to also use the opportunity stock up on political capital since Dangriga has a UDP Mayor in Francis Humphreys and a UDP Area Representative in Frank "Pawpa" Mena. And more than just pay tribute to the Garinagu, the Prime Minister also gave a boost to the National Garifuna Council:... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "Culture encompasses the greatest achievements of our planet. That it is what over the ages has lifted mankind and womankind from the status of animals. Accordingly Belize like every other ocuntry on earth is proud of its culture. And we have been particularly blessed in this regard, to have inherited, developed and perfected a culture that has many sources."

Taiwan Ambassador, A Percussive Plenipotentiary
And while the PM was doing the giving, the new Taiwanese Ambassador Charles Liu was also thanks for his contribution. That came in the form of solar powered lights for the Alejo Beni park. Area Rep Mena gave him the gift of a drum, and, no doubt, feeling the vibes of the day the Ambassador tried a thing!:...

More From Griga
And while the Ambassador showed some passion for the "primera" drum, he didn't have quite the finish to play to the accompany for the Jancunu dance that went along with the official ceremony. We leave you with that tonight, enjoy and join me back here tomorrow...

Channel 5

Full Salaries for Teachers! But Will They Be in Time for Christmas?
A major decision was handed down this afternoon by the Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. The Belize National Teachers Union, led by President Luke Palacio and Adelaida Guerra, took the government [...]

Injunction Also Stops Ministry Plan to Make Up Lost Time from Strike
B.N.T.U. returns to court on December sixteenth, when it is expected that the substantive matter, a claim that the decision to deduct teachers’ salaries is unconstitutional, will be argued before [...]

Leader of the Opposition Issued Intervention in B.N.T.U. Struggle
Before the decision was handed down, Leader of the People’s United Party, John Briceño wrote to Prime Minister Dean Barrow asking him to reconsider the Government’s position on deducting from [...]

“Super” Bondholders Uneasy With “Unprecedented” Third Restructuring
The Prime Minister disclosed two weeks ago that the superbond is being renegotiated for the third time because the economy had underperformed. There were not much details available, but today, [...]

Missing-at-Sea; Security Guard Found Dead Near Tobacco Caye
A security guard went missing at sea after the boat he was traveling in capsized near Tobacco Caye. Around two-thirty p.m. last Thursday, a skiff transporting Corporal Carlos Galvez, Police [...]

Ernesto Vasquez Tells Of Run-In With Guat Navy; G.O.B. Tight-Lipped on SATIIM Intervention
The Guatemalan Armed Forces continue to operate freely in the area of the Sarstoon River, within Belizean territory. Ernesto Vasquez, who works out of the office of the Prime Minister [...]

Lit Candle Knocks Out Home of Ex-Boxing Champ Carlton Bowers
In the late 1970’s and 1980’s, Carlton Bowers was Belize’s welterweight boxing champion. He was a local hero and entertained hundreds in fights at the Bird’s Isle for many years. [...]

Police in Independence Chasing Clues in Trio Arson Caused by Land Dispute
Four men working for a company linked to a Chinese national are believed to be behind a massive arson last Thursday night in the tiny village of Trio, in the [...]

Arson Victim Says Police Are Source of Discouragement
Orlando Chan is one of the arson victims who told his stories to a Southern media house. Chan and other victims explained that they lived in the area for decades, [...]

2 Killed in Corozal, Stann Creek in Traffic Accidents
There were three traffic accidents reported over the weekend; two of them fatal to pedestrians. On Sunday night there was a hit and run in San Narciso Village, Corozal District. [...]

Jeffrey McDougal’s Attempted Murder Charge Dropped
Twenty-eight-year-old Jeffrey McDougal was freed of an attempted murder charge today. When he appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser, Taylor’s Alley resident Brandon Allen told the court that he has [...]

Special Envoy Says “Insensitive” Society Must Learn Compassion
In the past month and a half, we’ve reported on four children murdered in Belize City. Three children, eleven year old Aaron Gabourel, six year old Empress Hamilton and four [...]

B.T.V. Challenges Government to Protect Belizeans in Sarstoon
Following two recent incidents – the kidnap of Belizean fishermen and the menacing of patrols from the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management – the Belize Territorial Volunteers are calling [...]

Wil Maheia Urges Internationalization of Guatemalan Claim
The Territorial Volunteers are also calling for the further internationalization of the unfounded Guatemalan claim on Belize. Many have complained that Belize cannot count on the support it had at [...]

Students Unmask the Many Faces of Gender Based Violence in Discussion
Gender based violence is a major public health issue and one of the most widespread violations of human rights, but cases are highly unreported and victims continue to suffer in [...]

Garifuna Settlement Day in Dangriga: P.M. Gives to Garifuna Council
This past Saturday was Garifuna Settlement Day, celebrated annually on the nineteenth of November. It is a national tradition, as all of Belize pauses to celebrate with the Garifuna their [...]

Fire Service Prepares for Busy Christmas Season with Handy Tips
Garifuna Settlement Day leads right into the Christmas Holidays. The season is just a few weeks away and lights have started going up on houses and businesses. The Fire Service [...]

James Adderley Looks Into the World of Sports
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. {Feature on the weekend sporting activities….}

CTV3

BDF Volunteer Charged For Causing Fatal Traffic Accident
BDF Volunteer, 24 year old Norman Slusher, of San Roman Village has been slapped with five charges after he knocked down and killed a resident of San Narciso Village on Saturday night. Reports are that Slusher was driving this Nissan Sentra with Orange Walk license plates number C07232 when he knocked down 39 year old Leonel Martinez around 6:30 on November 19th. Slusher was walking along the highway when he was hit by the incoming vehicle. The victim who lives with Down-Syndrome had a habit of pushing a baby’s stroller through his yard and on the road side. But the case was a hit and run initially because Slusher did not stop following the accident and did not render aid, as expected Forty eight hours after the accident Slusher turned himself into the Police this morning and the Police, late this afternoon, charged him with 5 counts including Causing Death by Careless Conduct, Manslaughter by Negligence, Driving without due care and attention, failing to report an accident and failing to stop and render aid.

Victory For BNTU, Judge Rules In Their Favor
Representatives of the Belize National Teachers’ Union and the Ministry of Education were back in court this afternoon where Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin handed down his decision to accept the application for an injunction made by the BNTU, which means that teachers are to be paid for the month of November. Eamon Courtney- Attorney for BNTU: “The honorable Chief Justice handed down his decision a short while ago in which he granted the Belize National Teacher’s Union and Mrs. Guerra the injunction that we sought he found that we have an arguable case and that there is a rare likelihood that we succeed at trial and he felt that the balance of convenience was in favor of the teachers, that the teachers should not be denied the enjoyment of their Christmas because the government has taken the very mean and scrutinize decision to attempt to process the payment and then to come to court and say to court that they can’t pay it on time he just said that more people will be affected if they don’t pay than the people who have to do the overtime to correct the situation so the teachers have to be paid and paid on time.”

Opposition Leader Asks PM To Intervene In Salary Deduction Scenario
As you heard, the Ministry of Education has to wait until the case is fully heard for salaries to be deducted, that is if the ruling is in their favor. While that will be one case that the nation will be monitoring, the Leader of the Opposition, Honorable John Briceno has written to the Prime Minister asking for his intervention in the matter. In the letter dated 21st November 2016, Briceno is asking the Prime Minister to reconsider government’s position on the deduction of salaries of teachers who participated in the recent BNTU strike action. Briceno sates and we quote “We find it very inconsiderate and disturbing that any Government would even consider withholding the salaries of our hard working teachers, more so the month before Christmas. Many Belizeans have expressed that executing such actions would not only reflect a Government that is unfair, but certainly callogous and coldhearted.”

BNTU Not In Agreement With Additional School Days
While the salaries of teachers who participated in the eleven day strike will not be docked in the end of November, following the Chief Justice’s decision in favor of BNTU which forced the Ministry of Education to wait until the case is fully heard for salaries to be docked, all indications are that teachers are not willing to accept the proposal made by the Ministry of Education to add six additional days to the academic year, during Christmas and Easter vacations to make up for the lost time. Luke Palacio – President of the Belize National Teachers Union: “The education rules are clear, the education rules says that the teachers of this country should be on vacation for the Christmas period, Easter period and in the month of July so again for the Minister and the Chief Education Officer to try and force our teachers to go to school on those days when they should be on holiday we are saying they should be on holiday and unless they can come with some justification as it relates to that matter our teachers are looking at that very seriously because we are entitled to our holidays and will make every effort to ensure that we take those days because it is by law it is not a decision arbitrary made by any minister or any Chief Education Officer.”

House Burnt Down In Libertad Village
There is a strange case of suspected arson in Libertad Village to report tonight. On Sunday evening, a small thatch house measuring about 8 feet by 10 feet in size, went ablaze and was completely destroyed. The house belonged to Cirilo Gomez, a seenager living in the community for over 15 years. Gomez was battling severe illness and passed away while being transported to the Corozal Community Hospital on Saturday. He had just been buried on Sunday afternoon, when a few hours later his house caught fire. Gomez was in his 70s and lived alone, we are told. He had no relatives in the community. His house was sitting on land privately owned, but he resided there with the permission of the land-owner.

Millions Of Dollars Spent Across The Border Over The Weekend
If we didn’t know any better, the images of long lines of vehicles heading to the northern border could appear like some kind of mass exile from Belize. But there was no human repatriation going on; what there was is BUEN FIN – an entire weekend when Mexican businesses offer hard-to-beat promotions to their customers. Those promotions were apparently significant enough to attract Belizeans by the thousands to the neighbouring city of Chetumal to make use of the deals. According to Immigration officials, some 15,000 Belizeans crossed the border, with some 12,000 heading directly to Chetumal to shop. That’s a major figure considering that 7,000 is what normally crosses the border on a normal basis. But while the numbers are shocking, the images of lines of cars to the border were the longest we’ve seen. Nearly four miles of cars, with Belizeans having to wait over two hours for their turn to cross the border and enter Chetumal.

LOVE FM

Government’s ‘Scrooge-Like Decision’ Thwarted by Chief Justice
Today Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin ruled in favor of the teachers. Last week, attorney for the Belize National Teachers Union, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay filed an application for an injunction to stop government from withholding teachers’ salaries at the end of this month. The Ministry of Education had the intent to dock wages of teachers […]

BNTU President Will Fight to Get Full Holidays – No Make-Up Time
The strike that thousands of teachers participated in spanned eleven days. So for eleven days, most students were out of the classrooms and the curriculum was disrupted. The Ministry of Education made a proposal for six days to be added to the school calendar during Christmas and Easter vacations. This proposal was accepted by the […]

Briceno Writes to PM on His Callous and Cold-Hearted Government
As you heard at the top of our newscast, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin delivered his ruling on the injunction application filed last week on behalf of the Belize Teachers Union. His decision has signalled the way for a court hearing and for the teachers to receive their salaries in full until a final ruling is […]

Body of Boat Captain Retrieved in Southern Waters
The body of 39-year-old Linsford Joseph Locario was retrieved from the sea down south on Saturday. Locario went missing at sea when the boat he was in capsized last Thursday. Dangriga Police received information that a boat capsized about a mile away from the Tobacco Caye Range. Also in the boat at the time were […]

Coroner’s Inquest Pending in Hostel Fire Investigation
November 28, 2016 will mark one year since the tragic fire took place at the Youth Hostel resulting in the deaths of three young women. It is a case that enraged the communities and families as it had turned out to be an avoidable situation and one where systems were breached and as such the […]

Former Boxer Loses Home to Fire
Former Boxer, Carlton Bowers, needs your help tonight. His house on Red Bell Street off Western Avenue in Belize City was destroyed by fire on Friday night. Today when we encountered Bowers at the site where his house one stood, he told us that he lost everything. Hipolito Novelo reports. HIPOLITO NOVELO REPORTING “Fifty nine […]

Garifuna – A Culture of Richness and Vibrancy Says PM
The culture capital, Dangriga Town saw hundreds of Belizeans and visitors converge in its municipality over the weekend to celebrate the one hundred and eighty fourth year since the Garinagu arrived in Belize. Representatives of both main political parties were present for the celebration and for the official ceremony Prime Minister Dean Barrow spoke of […]

CEO and Special Envoy Express Regret Over Recent Deaths
Citizens from across the country were impacted last week when we reported on the shooting death of 7-year-old, Tyler Savery and the passing of two siblings, Ian Sambula Jr and Empress Hamilton who succumbed in the US while receiving treatment for burns to their bodies after being doused with gasoline and set on fire inside […]

Let’s Have the Talk of Double Standards, Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment
Eight students from four high schools in Belize City took centre stage this afternoon at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts to have a discussion on gender based violence. It is an event organized primarily by the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children with assistance from other agencies. Mackeva Westby is the […]

Breaking the Cycle of Gender Inequalities
After listening to eight young men and women speak on gender based violence this afternoon and the challenges and hurdles that are faced daily we spoke with the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis-Barrow who had a message for the parents around the country. KIM SIMPLIS-BARROW ” One of the expert panelists at […]

Breaking Belize News

Businessman jilted out of 30 grand
A business man of George Town in the Stann Creek District told police that $32,007 was withdrawn from his account without his knowledge or consent. On Friday morning the 45-year-old businessman visited the George Town police station and reported that on the 11th November […]

Cops clean up streets
Over the weekend police removed guns and drugs from the streets of the old capital. A 9mm chrome and black Taurus Pistol loaded with a black magazine containing six live 9mm GFL Luger brand of ammunition was found in the Lake Independence Area. A black […]

BNTU wins injunction
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has ruled against the Ministry of Education and has ruled that teachers should receive their full salaries at the end of November. On Friday, attorney Eamon Courtenay representing the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) filed a suit against the Ministry, […]

Man charged for trafficking 1120 kilograms of Weed
On Sunday a Belmopan man was charged with drug trafficking. According to police reports, last Monday, the Belmopan Quick Response Team was conducting mobile patrol on the George Price Highway when they noticed a grey Mazda taxi heading towards Belmopan began speeding off towards […]

Decomposed body found on Garifuna Settlement Day
On November 19, 2016 ( Garifuna Settlement Day), the decomposing body of Dangriga resident, Linsford Joseph Locayo was recovered from the sea. Last Thursday at around 2 pm, Locayo, his common-law wife, their 9-month-old daughter, along with Corporal Carlos Galvez and PC David Mejia […]

“Belizean Beast” making a name in the NFL
Rakeem Nunez-Roches, the first Belizean born athlete to play in the American National Football League (NFL), is making a name for himself on the defensive end of the field. Nunez-Roches, a second-year defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, recently made his first appearance in […]

Belize gets US $300 thousand for climate change preparation
Belize was recently granted US $300,000 from the Green Climate Fund to help Belize prepare for the effects of climate change. According to a statement released from GOB, Minister with responsibilities for Climate Change, Omar Figueroa, met with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), […]

Let’s Make Belize Truly Independent
Belizeans have the fear of feeling like they can’t do things completely on their own. They depend on the government, on their leaders, on everybody but themselves. If they could end this dependency, they would have the power to reverse everything that […]

San Pedro girl reported missing
Since the start of 2016 we have reported on dozens of children gone missing. Sadly, today, another child has been reported missing. According to a police report from San Pedro, Chelsea Lara, 12, was last seen home yesterday, Sunday. The family is clueless as […]

Blogs

My New Weekly Newsletter: A Work in Progress
First let me tell you that this newsletter is a work in progress. I want it to be a recap of the week but also a look at the week and month ahead. Events not to be missed, a bit of trivia, a bit of new content and a word from my sponsors – specials, coupons and new offerings. Here is a look at the proto-type for this past week. And PLEASE let me know what else you would like to see. I am SO open to suggestions. If you would like to join my mailing list, just scroll down to the right. Just under my BRAGGING about being chosen to go to India this year.

Corozal Belize: The Perfect Blend For Everything
As one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, Belize brings in visitors from around the world, attracted by the astoundingly beautiful natural areas, friendly people, and delicious food. Now, Belize is poised to become a top destination for retirees, offering expats a low cost of living, affordable property prices, and the perfect mix of modern convenience and laid-back Caribbean lifestyle. Belize’s northern Corozal District is home to a thriving expat community. Located just a few miles from the border with Mexico, Corozal District benefits from cool temperate breezes that ensure fabulous weather all year-round. With excellent infrastructure, health care facilities, and access to familiar low-cost retailers like Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart just over the border, it’s no surprise that so many retirees from North America have chosen to live in Corozal District. Belize is the only English-speaking country in the region, an added plus for expats who enjoy talking to the friendly locals and negotiating property contracts without needing to rely on translators. With plenty of fresh fruits and veggies grown right in Belize, and a bevy of delicious dishes ranging from Mexican to Caribbean-themed Creole food, it’s easy to see why so many retirees enjoy their new life in Belize. The low cost of living in Belize means that your dollar goes much further too, an added plus for retirees on a fixed budget.

Screw you, Earl, the Palapa Bar is back and better than ever
Hurricane Earl destroyed a lot of livelihoods when it ran down the coast of Ambergris Caye, here in Belize, tearing out piers like stubble on the end of a razor. At least temporarily. So many docks have been rebuilt, so many businesses were quickly up and running again within days of the terrible storm. But none has been more anticipated and welcomed back from its watery grave than the Palapa Bar & Grill on Boca del Rio. That happened on Sunday.

International Sources

Miami-based Norwegian debuts new Harvest Caye resort-style cruise port in Belize
Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line's newest private-resort destination, Harvest Caye, has officially opened. The 75-acre, resort-style cruise port destination in southern Belize features a 7-acre private beach; 15,000-square-foot pool with a swim-up bar; and a salt-water lagoon for water sports, according to Norwegian. Harvest Caye will be a featured port of call for five Norwegian ships with western Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries including Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Pearl sailing from PortMiami, the cruise operator said. Other cruise ships from its sister companies, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, also will stop there. "We have worked closely with the government of Belize to ensure 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," said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., in a statement.

Tropical Storm Otto May Make a Rare Thanksgiving Hurricane Landfall
Tropical Storm Otto became the 15th named storm of the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season Monday afternoon in the southwest Caribbean Sea, and is expected to become a rare Thanksgiving hurricane, dousing parts of Central America with flooding rainfall. A tropical storm watch has been issued for San Andres Island. This means tropical storm conditions are possible there within 48 hours. The center of Tropical Storm Otto was located just over 200 miles east-southeast of San Andres Island, as of Monday night. Otto will move very little over the next day or so. Later this week, high pressure will build to its north, and the clockwise steering flow around that high will send this system westward toward the coast of Nicaragua or Costa Rica.

Videos

3 miles long queue at the Corozal, Santa Elena border., 1min. On Saturday November 19th, many Belizeans found themselves trapped in a 3 miles long queue at the Corozal, Santa Elena border. Chetumal, Mexico was having its yearly "Buen Fin" promotion so Belizeans took advantage of the weak peso, many discounts and the holiday weekend to make the migration across the border. The waiting line to exit the northern border went as far behind as Four Mile Lagoon. Video by Omar Hamze.

San Pedro beach by night in Belize, 1min.

San Pedro, Belize 2016, 4min.

Traveling to Belize VLOG, 13min.

BELIZE - GREEN IGUANA CONSERVATION PROJECT - SAN IGNACIO - (Full HD), 4min. The Green Iguana Conservation Project is a continuous effort that aims to conserve and look after the endangered Green Iguana species in Belize.

NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN (NCFC) - UNIVERSAL CHILDREN'S DAY, 30min.

BELIZE COAST GUARD - 11TH ANNIVERSARY/ BEST WARRIORS COMPETITION, 22min.

Hitchin’ a Ride, 2.5min. Barry Volk sings an impromptu comedy tribute to friends at Francis Ford Coppola's Turtle Inn (beach bar) in Belize.

Belize Jungle Dome Oct. 2016, 21min.

Belize: Stingrays & Sharks,2 min.

San Pedro, Belize 2016, 4min.

belize 2016, 6min. a week's worth of laughter and loving others condensed into a little under six minutes. much love and thanks for what God did here. miss it always

À Prova de Tudo - 3ª Temp. Ep.08 - Belize - Completo (Full HD), 50min. Assista mais episódios: Bear Grylls se aventura nas selvas de Belize durante a estação chuvosa onde deve enfrentar cachoeiras.

November 21, 2016