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4/11/2017 to 4/20/2017
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April 20, 2017


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Specials and Events

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


The San Pedro Sun

SPTC organizes Easter beach volleyball tournament
During the long Easter weekend, The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) organized a two-day beach volleyball tournament in front of the Central Park. Held on Saturday, April 15th and Sunday, April 16th, the tournament had eight male teams, and two female teams. Cash, gifts and trophies were awarded to the top teams in each category at the end of the tournament. Games started on Saturday between the male teams only. Each team was composed of two players and each game consisted of three sets. A game was won by the team that first scored 21 points, with a lead of two points. Four male teams were eliminated on the first day, and four advanced to the semi-finals on Sunday.

Erica Bodden crowned San Pedro Lions Queen
The San Pedro Lions hosted an Easter dance on Saturday, April 15th, and took the opportunity to crown 18-year-old Erica Bodden as their new San Pedro Lions Queen 2017-2018. Held at the Lions Den, the coronation ceremony took place first, as San Pedro Lions Queen 2016-2017, Solani Graniel, and Miss Teen Petite Earth 2016-2017, Vivian Noralez, had the honors of sashing and crowning Bodden. While guests congratulated Bodden on her accomplishment, the rest of the night saw live music from the Caribbean Kings, and a special performance from Ismael Antonio Chacon, known as “El Buki”. Guests enjoyed themselves, dancing until the wee hours of the morning.

Fun for everyone, Ambergris Caye’s Easter celebration
This year’s Easter festivities on Ambergris Caye did not disappoint, as it was a perfect weekend filled with fun and lively beach parties. Several events drew hundreds of visitors and residents to celebrate while enjoying the refreshing waters, and breeze under a hot San Pedro sun. From sporting activities to picnics, barbeques, and even a foam party with international Deejays, there was something for everyone. The fun-filled weekend started on Friday April 14th, after a 24-hour observation of ‘Dry Friday.’ Jaguar’s Temple Nightclub and Rehab Lounge hosted their third Easter Glow Madness, featuring DJ Fyah Statah and DJ Smallz. Party revellers danced the night away with great music and drinks.

Ambergris Today

Plans Underway For A Morgue On Ambergris Caye
Today, April 19, 2017, the San Pedro Town Council met with the U.S. Embassy, Public Health Inspector and the San Pedro Police Department to discuss a temporary, and eventually permanent construction of a morgue for the island of Ambergris Caye. The Officer in Charge (OC) of San Pedro, Henry Jemmott, stated that the permanent morgue is scheduled to hold the least eight bodies. The site for the island morgue is already available but certain modifications need to be made before construction begins. However, since construction is expected to take place within several months, the U.S. Embassy has proposed to donate a 3 x 8 feet long Mortuary Refrigerator to be used at the San Pedro Poly Clinic in the time being. This refrigerator is scheduled to be installed within the next three months.

Misc Belizean Sources

mzz

SBDC Workshop: COSTING AND PRICING
April 27th, 2017, 9am to 12noon. Presented by: Ms. Monique Usher, Business Advisor, SBDCBelize, Beltraide. The workshop aims to equip participants with knowledge, skills and capabilities necessary to determine all costs related to the production of their goods or services. As a result, participants will be able to apply an adequate price that encompasses all the costs and allows them to make a profit at a affordable price. The objectives of the workshop are to enable participants to better understand the importance of costing and pricing, acquire information about techniques used to calculate costs, acquire information on how to adequately price a product or service, participate in exercises that allows them to engage in costing and pricing.

Beyond the Horizon: Free Medical Services
The U.S. Embassy and the Government of Belize, in coordination with U.S. Army South, launched the Beyond the Horizon 2017 (BTH) collaborative humanitarian exercise on April 7, 2017. As part of the BTH partnership exercise, there will be free medical service events to the public offering general medicine, pediatrics, dentistry, OB/GYN, and optometry (including eyeglasses) in the following locations: • April 17-21, 2017: Ladyville Community Center/Hurricane Shelter, Ladyville, Belize District. • May 8-17, 2017: Macal River Park, San Ignacio, Cayo District. • May 22-June 2, 2017: D Company Barracks, Dangriga, Stann Creek District. Please feel free to take advantage of these great opportunities. Schools have also coordinated with the Beyond the Horizon team and brought in school children as well for screenings. It is not limited to the geographic communities. Anyone who travels to the sites are eligible to receive care as long as they are there in time before the end of the day (info on times is posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BTH2017Belize ). Please bring plenty of water as wait times can be long.

Carnegie Airborne Observatory maps Lighthouse Reef
CAO aircrew finishes full mapping of Lighthouse Reef Atoll in Belize, for scientific discovery and conservation.

"Calabazo y Chumina" in Corozal
Another Laugh Out Loud weekend at the Princess Casino Free Zone, Corozal. This Friday and Saturday featuring a double whammy comedy show with "Calabazo y Chumina". Friday April 21st and Saturday, April 22nd at 10:00 P.M. Free Admission!

Art in the Park this Saturday in Corozal
It is another edition of Art in the Park this Saturday, April 22nd, 2017 at the Corozal Central Park. Art work provided by Eduardo "Papo" Alamilla.

Clash of the West
The Ballaz face the Bandits tonight at the UB gym. Go Ballaz! "When you return from your Easter Vaca, Bandits Basketball will be back at the UB Gym for the Clash of the West.... Mark the date!"

Screen on the Green Belmopan
Reminder to come out tonight with the entire family and enjoy the movie Fantastic Mr. Fox!

Southern Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch Potluck
Hi Neighbors! We hope you are planning on joining us at the Potluck lunch at Caribe Island this Sunday at 1:00pm. If you did not sign up at the General Meeting on April 12th, please let us know if you will be joining us, how many will be coming and what you are planning to bring. Right now we are experiencing some difficulties with the online sign up sheet, and we need to get an idea of how many will be there.

ATTENTION CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS: IDB OPEN CALL FOR CREATIVE STARTUP
The Inter-American Development Bank and Miami Dade College seek the most innovative startups in the creative and cultural industries in the following categories: DESIGN WITH SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Urban, interior and industrial design. Graphic arts, illustration and toys. Wearable technology, Accessibility and cultural identity expression. Co-creation between craftsmen and designers. SUSTAINABLE FASHION: intelligent clothes, organic clothes, accessories.

Central Bank to liquidate some credit unions
The Central Bank of Belize has issued a notice of the "intent to liquidate Police Credit Union Limited, Mount Carmel Credit Union Limited, Civil Service Credit Union Limited, and Citrus Growers & Workers Credit Union Limited."

Channel 7

Cabbie Cut Up and Carjacked
Last night in Belize City, a 57 year old taxi man was held up at knife-point, injured and robbed of his vehicle. At 8:20, Ernesto Robinson was driving his taxi on Western Avenue when he was stopped by a man on the corner of Ordonez Avenue. The man cut him several times and drove off. Police set chase down the western highway where they found the vehicle overturned on the side of the road just before Mile 14. It was heavily damaged with multiple blown out tires. Commander of the Southside Police, ACP Chester Williams has more details...

Gang Truce Update: Lasting Peace Not That Simple
Of course, it is only the second major violent crime in the City since last week's peace march by the gangs. It's all because of Eastern Division South's push toward a gang truce, and we told you last night there was a follow-up mediation session yesterday. That ended with the police and the gang members sharing a meal last night. Today, we asked Assistant Police Commissioner Chester Williams, who is leading the effort, to discuss the continuation of this cooling off period, and possibly even a truce between all the city's gangs. He told us that it is a work in progress with some tricky aspects that they need to navigate around:

Cop Caught On Camera With Hands In Cookie Jar
Another police officer has been brought up on charges for an act of dishonesty - but this time the woman constable has been charged criminally, as well. She was allegedly caught on camera with her fingers in the cookie jar, so to speak. It happened on Good Friday in Santa Elena, Cayo. Seems like police had gone to crack down on a store that didn't have a valid liquor license. The female proprietor of "Little Red Shop" says that police arrived to search for liquor - and ended up seizing several assorted bottles. They seized her liquor stock even though she didn't have it on sale. And while the police may end up having to return her stock - what one officer didn't plan on returning are four 50 dollar notes she allegedly pinched out of the store's cash pan. Constable #1241 Ann Marie Anthony was allegedly caught on security camera lifting four fifty dollar notes. Police received the complaint, and the Cayo District Commander Andrew Ramirez was tasked to investigate. With the video providing compelling evidence, he didn't waste time and she has since been arrested and criminally charged for the crime of "THEFT" and placed on interdiction. Additionally, she will be charged disciplinary for "Prejudice to good order and Discipline."

Accident Outside Port of Belize
Today multiple people were injured outside the Port of Belize as a driver lost control of a pickup truck and crashed into several barricades and at least one other vehicle. According to reports, the driver of the vehicle was sickly, and may have blacked out while driving, causing the vehicle to swerve into the side of the road. We spoke to Emmett Richardson, who barely managed to get out of the way before the truck hit his vehicle... Emmett Richardson - Food Vendor: "At the time I was selling a woman a food and the lady name Martha right from one of the port security. My back turn to the barriers and fi she back turn, so when I the sell she the food I ask ah if she want juice, so she said alright she want the juice but by the time I say the juice I see the barriers the move but I no the look because I say maybe da somebody just the move the barrier but when I hear the barrier slip then I look."

Police On The Killing of "Princess" Thompson
Last night, our headline story was about the murder of 36 year-old Indira Thompson, better known as "Princess". She was stabbed to death on Good Friday. Police suspect that she was killed by the Hispanic man she was last seen with, after she refused to have sex with him. So do police have a suspect? Today, the Commander of Eastern Division Southside told us that they are still trying to track down the main suspect: ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "We are still looking for one individual. We have not been able to catch up with him but we are hoping that pretty soon we will and when we do we'll see how that investigation will progress from there."

Killing Emphasizes Dangers of Derelict Buildings
While the investigation into Thompson's murder is central, there is another aspect to this tragic story, one the City Council has been trying to address and it has to do with the location of the brutal killing. It happened inside a shack tucked behind the abandoned Bellevue building. Now as we have reported, the city council along with NEMO and human services want to get rid of all these run-down buildings and structures around the city. Apart from being unsightly, they can serve as hide out spots for criminals and in this case, it was where Princess Thompson was murdered. Councillor Phillip Willoughby discussed the importance of demolishing these dilapidated buildings.

Pair of Fake Cops Spotted At Public's
Tonight, two men are being held pending charges after they were caught today at Public's Supermarket allegedly pretending to be police officers. The real Police from precinct four spotted the pair this afternoon right near the door at Public's looking like they were on some official security detail. They wore khaki shirts with silver buttons and blue pants, similar to police officers. They are detained this evening, and are being questioned about what exactly they were doing at Public's. One of the men, Dorian Blair was charged for impersonating a police officer in April of 2016. We'll have more on this tomorrow.

Guat Congress Says No To Map Including Belize
3 weeks ago, we told you about the leaked document from the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It's a report from a consultant in which 3 recommendations were being made. Those were to include Belize in the Guatemalan official map; to consider a referendum on offshore oil exploration in Belize, and to map out the Sarstoon area. Well, press reports out of that country are that the Guatemalan congress rejected approval of a resolution to instruct government entities to include Belize in the official Guatemala map. On yesterday's issue, The Prensa Libre Newspaper reported that Congressman Luis Fernando Montenegro, from the political party, "Together for Guatemala", was the one who made by the proposal, and it was voted down by 84 votes against to 26 votes in favour.

Tires For Tides
Before the Easter break we told you about the two southern communities that are trying to break into the tourism industry: Punta Negra and Monkey River. While these villages have pretty much established their unique tourist packages, they have challenges and setbacks. Monkey River certainly has its fair share of problems with coastline erosion. Well the City Council along with the Department of Environment want to help. They plan on collecting as many used tires as they can to build a barrier along Monkey River's coastline. Now this isn't the first time a project like this has been done in Monkey River but city councillor Phillip Willoughby says they plan on doing a better and more effective job this time.

Yabra Canal Coming Along
Now while the city council is helping out Monkey River residents, they certainly haven't forgotten about the residents in the Yabra area. Those in the community especially the fishermen are struggling to get by with all that silt that has clogged up the canal, and the recent rain isn't helping the situation one bit. Phillip Willoubhy says the council is working on the best plan to deal with this problem. Phillip Willoughby - City Councillor: "The project is still fluid, it's still ongoing. Unfortunately the rains came, we never before has nature been unkind to us in this manner so early in approaching June. I can't recall whenever we had the rains but we hope that we can clear up that matter and then proceed forward because we still have the silt built up in the canals. Unfortunately the rains came but we have to deal with that and that won't stop the project from going forward. We still have to clean the canals with the silt build up..."

El Salvador And Belize Police Link Up For GREAT
Today officers from the Belize Police Department and the San Salvador Police Department gathered to take part in the GREAT - that is the Gang Resistance Education and Training program. As the name suggests, the training program gives officers the tools to fight gang violence by by involving the community in their policing efforts. We spoke to Inspector Edward Carcamo, the officer in charge of community policing for the Eastern Division about the workshop... Insp. Edward Carcamo - OIC, Community Policing, Eastern Division: "What is happening today or for the rest of this week and next week is that we have officers that are participating in the GREAT training, the gang resistance education and training program. In Belize we have the program started out from within 2009 when we started the first set of training and it was done in Central America in San Salvador and over the years up to now we have 180 police officers that have been trained within the program here in Belize."

Calling All Leaders
Last year in the beginning of May, Dr. Dionne Miranda and her team at Chamberlain consulting hosted the first Leadercast forum in Belize. Now, you may not know, but Leadercast is a big deal worldwide. It's event where some of the biggest leaders, and motivational speakers, such as the comedy superstar and filmmaker Tyler Perry, come to give talks on what it takes to be a leader. They are looking for participation from leaders in all walks of life, from parliament, community activism, the school system, religious leaders, and even the business community. If you are a leader, or you aspiring to be, and you want to elevate your game, Chamberlain Consulting says the Leadercast is for you. Yesterday, one of the Leadercast spokespersons from Barbados stopped by our office to tell us why you should sign up for an event that's been running for 17 years now outside of Belize:

Family of Drowned US Student Suing
In February of last year, 14-year-old American Tourist, 14 year-old Tomari Jackson drowned in the Belize District. He was part of a group of 33 US students between the ages of 14 and 15, and they were all in Belize with their chaperons from North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia. Well, the story is back in the American press after his mother, Adell Forbes has sued the Cobb County School System, the trip's chaperones, and the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Her case is being bolstered by a video footage of the teenager's last moments. He was wearing a body camera at the time of his drowning, and his family and their lawyer are asserting that the footage shows his death was preventable. The attorney is quoted in a press conference from last week Friday, saying, "It chronicles his last breath... There's evidence from the video cam [that] there were chaperones…not paying full attention to what was going on."

Ms. Belize Rebecca Rath's Dad Accuses Opal
Ms. Belize Rebecca Rath continues to be celebrated since her return to Belize, and, she's been dutifully playing her role, but her father has radically departed from the "happily ever after" script. Well-known photographer Tony Rath has published a five part series on the internet about his daughter's difficult experiences throughout the pageant experience, and specifically, with the Miss Belize Universe Pageant Organizer, Opal Enriquez. The picture he paints in the series of articles, called, "The Rocky Road to Miss Universe" seems more like Ultimate Fighting in the Octagon, than vying for the Miss Universe crown in the Philippines.

Tanker Does A Roundabout Run Off
Early this morning a tanker truck filled with fuel ran into the drain in front of the Guanacaste park in Belmopan. It could have been a volatile situation but fortunately the truck was table, and another tanker was brought over and the fuel was carefully transferred. There was no report of anyone being injured.

Conch Shell Bay, From War Zone To Community Cradle
Earlier in our newscast, we showed you parts of our interview with Assistant Police Commissioner Chester Williams. That opportunity presented itself today when he and his officers were out in the Conch Shell Bay area of the city for their weekly meet and greet sessions. Now, viewers will remember that in late December and all the way to the end of January, that part of the city was becoming a hotbed of violence resulting in numerous shootings and murders. But in the weeks that followed, tensions have cooled drastically. Today, Williams told us that he and his team were conducting a follow up session. He added that Eastern Division South intends to hold a family day in that community: 77

Flurry of Football Fighting
Elections are coming up again for the Football Federation of Belize, and in advance of the tenth Ordinary Congress being held in late June, a flurry of what appears to be infighting has begun with a pair of high profile dismissals. First, on April fourth, the Toledo Football Association Executive members made a move to overthrow their president Cecil Tillett. They say he uplifted a sanction while drunk, and that he undid an association directive without approval. Tillett yesterday wrote to President Marlon Kuylen making a lengthy appeal. And, also yesterday, the FFB suspended Frank Sutherland, the Chairman of the Corozal Football Association. They say he misused federation money by forging receipts for rent he never paid. He can appeal the decision.

Channel 5

Lady constable charged for theft from Cayo store
The Belize Police Department is reeling from yet another black eye tonight, following the arrest and arraignment of one of its own, who has been charged for theft. An operation [...]

Cab driver hurt in jacking; police quickly catch suspect
A Belize City cab driver is lucky to have escaped grave injury during a carjacking on Tuesday night not far from the Lord Ridge Cemetery. Sometime around eight-thirty, taxi man [...]

Outgoing President issues warning on interference as B.N.T.U. opens convention
The Belize National Teachers’ Union Annual Convention began today at Escuela Mexico in San Roman. But on Thursday, stakes are high with the election of a majority of its National [...]

Attempts to influence election are “threat to democracy,” says Luke Palacio
In his statement at the Convention, national president of the B.N.T.U. Luke Palacio made reference to the “stories” he, his Executive and teachers generally have heard in the past few [...]

B.N.T.U. will keep close eye on Thursday’s proceedings
Nominations were officially tendered for the election as of a month ago but were officially submitted this afternoon to the chair of the Election Committee, Kathleen Flowers. Flowers is B.N.T.U.’s [...]

Did some teachers get their honorarium for Easter?
Officially, according to the Ministry of Education, the million-dollar honorarium for non-striking teachers has not been issued as planned for before the Easter break because it has not gotten the [...]

Reviewing efforts at community policing to solve gang problem
Peace is holding in the streets since last week’s committal to a gang truce among the string of opposing gangs in the city. There are still hurdles to cross, but [...]

Chester Williams says gangs inching closer to truce
This evening, A.C.P. Williams gave an update on the ongoing peace talks and said that while detractors may criticize the effort, the gang leaders have honored their word so far. [...]

Calming of Conch Shell Bay continues
Back in late January, the Conch Shell Bay neighborhood was wracked by a spate of fatal shootings which prompted the police department to establish a permanent presence in the area.  [...]

Fishermen brace CitCo on access gate at Commercial Center
The Commercial Center gate in downtown Belize City was sealed off today and it didn’t sit well with fishermen who use the gate to access their boats that are moored [...]

Belmopan police report David Cruz has been re-captured
In an update to our story aired Tuesday night on persons wanted by INTERPOL, Belmopan police have informed that David Cruz, accused in connection with the Income Tax Belmopan robbery [...]

San Pedro man to be tried for chef’s slaying
A San Pedro resident met his untimely death allegedly at the hands of a chef under what appeared to have been a love triangle on La Isla Bonita. The fatal [...]

Teaching the GREAT program to police from Belize, Salvador
The Gang Resistance Education And Training (GREAT) Program is a violence prevention program. The program is being used to fight delinquency, youth violence, and gang involvement through school-based, law enforcement [...]

CitCo reaches out to Monkey River in erosion fight
The residents of Monkey River in the Toledo District have been facing an eroding shoreline for the past few years. The climate change caused problem is not only impacting the [...]

Police back in Conch Shell Bay for Meet and Greet
A family day for residents of the embattled Conch Shell Bay community is being organized by the Belize Police Department. The event is set to take place this Sunday in [...]

CTV3

BNTU Prepares To Elect New President
Tomorrow the Belize National Teacher’s Union will hold a convention at the Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico auditorium in San Roman Village to fill two key seats in their council of management. The first is the National President position currently held by Luke Palacio and the second is the Executive Secretary post currently held by Keisha Young. Vying for the presidency so far are three candidates including Corozal Rural Branch President Mario Mesh, Stann Creek Executive member Troy Coleman, and Belize City executive member and well-known Trade Union Senator Elena Smith.

Another Scandal For The Police Department, PC Charged For Theft
Over the past few weeks, the Belize Police Department has given the Belizean public much to talk about, but not in a good way. Instead they have been receiving numerous negative reviews due to exposure of wrong doing. Viewers may recall that the first public embarrassment came from a video which showed police officers in San Pedro manhandling a woman and firing shots in the crowd. The second came from Orange Walk police officers who were caught red-handed unloading stocks of contraband goods. And then Corozal Cops being charged for evading Custom Officers at the Northern Border and also being involved in the illegal act of contraband.

Fuel Cheaper At The Corozal Free Zone
A report in the Mexican press is indicating that prices in the Free Zone have been tumbling down as a result of a weakening U.S. dollar. The report cites specifically that the price of fuel has been matching those prices in Mexican municipalities, which is a rarity and evidence of a less competitive position for the free zone in Belize. The report cites that Premium gas in the tax-free export zone sells at 15.84 pesos per litre while in Chetumal it is only 65 cents more. Regular sells at 16.92 which puts it at one cent less than in Chetumal and Diesel is selling at 14.76 which is two pesos less at the Free Zone.

Guatemala Congress Rejects Proposal To Include Belize In Their Map
Some weeks ago, a leaked Guatemalan progress report circulated through Belizean media which showed that a consultant in Guatemala was pushing the idea to officially include Belize as part of Guatemala in their map. According to that progress report, which was done by a consultant who was contracted to perform certain activities for one year, Guatemala has been contemplating oil exploration, and a poll on the topic had been carried out back in January. In the report the consultant also claimed that he had met with different agencies, including the Guatemalan Foreign Minister about that matter.

LOVE FM

PUC: Attacking Cyber Crime on All Angles
Next Monday will see the opening of the first National Cyber Security Symposium to be conducted in Belize with an aim to address the various social, legal and criminal aspects of how the internet is being used. At the head of this event is the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) which has included multiple agencies to […]

Attacker Nabbed Following Brief Police Chase
Ernesto Robinson, a fifty-seven year old taxi driver escaped death after he was attacked and his vehicle hijacked last night. His assailant, who police did not name today, has been detained pending charges. That individual stopped Robinson at the corner of Western and Ordonez Avenue around 8:20 last night, police say. He entered the vehicle […]

Princess’s Boyfriend Remains a Suspect in Homicide Investigation
Belize City Police continue to investigate the murder of thirty-five year old Indira “Princess” Thompson. She was stabbed multiple times and left to die in an abandoned building once known as the Bellevue Hotel on Southern Foreshore in Belize City. The stabbing took place on Good Friday, April 14 and today ACP Chester Williams says […]

Easter Peace May Be Attributed to Gang Truce
The Easter weekend was rather peaceful as it relates to gunfire and gang related crimes. The Belize police department ensured that crime was kept at a low, increasing their presence throughout the Easter break across the country and especially within the city. ACP Chester Williams says that this long forgotten peace during a long weekend […]

Looking Back at Violence over Easter Holidays Past
Easter 2017 went fairly quiet when it came to crime and violence around the country. For the four day weekend holiday, there was only one murder which occurred in the early hours of Good Friday, claiming the life of 35-year-old, Indira Thompson. Crime has always been a hot button issue particularly when discussed by politicians. […]

City Council Blocks Fishermen From Their Boats
Fishermen who have been using the old commercial center building to access their boats which they have docked in the Haulover Creek are not happy with the Belize City Council tonight. That’s because the front gates leading to the back of the building was sealed off this afternoon. Hipolito Novelo has the story. HIPOLITO NOVELO […]

Belizean Man Laid to Rest with Military Honors in Ladyville
A Belizean man who had migrated to the United States and became a part of the US Military passed away on March 19, 2017 in Ladyville Village, Belize District where he was living following retirement. Master Sergeant David Pandy Junior had an unexpected burial at the Ladyville Cemetery where he was laid to rest on […]

Fisherman Off to Trial for Polonio’s Murder
Thirty-three year old Lyndon Kelly, a fisherman of San Pedrito area of San Pedro Town charged with the murder of 32 year old Elton Polonio, was today committed for trial in the June session of the Supreme Court by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Kelly’s trial is set to start on June 20. Kelly’s […]

Sub-Tropical Depression Forms Outside Hurricane Season
Today we are exactly six weeks away from the start of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Having a depression formed outside the season, however, is not unheard of and 2017 is yet another example of the happening. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, USA, the first sub-tropical depression has formed. Currently, there […]

Behind the Scenes of Miss Universe
Miss Belize, Rebecca Rath, represented the country in the 2017 Miss Universe Pageant earlier this year. It was one the rarest periods whereby the entire country was behind “Bex”. Rath, unfortunately, did not place in the top 13 and she returned home on February 10, greeted by hundreds of Belizeans. But what we saw on […]

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Woman police charged for jacking from Chinese shop
According to police reports, yesterday a 58-year-old Chinese businesswoman of Bishop Martin Street, Santa Elena, Cayo, reported that on Friday, April 14, around 9:27 a.m. she was at her business place “Little Red Shop” when several police officers arrived to conduct a search for liquor. Police searched the shop and seized several assorted liquors. The businesswoman said that later she noticed that $200 (four $50) notes were missing.

6th Police officer to be charged for illegal activity in span of weeks
Today, San Ignacio police charged one of their own. Reports to BBN is that a woman police officer attached to the San Ignacio police station was charged today for the crime of theft. Confirmed reports is that on Friday, the officer stole an undisclosed amount of money from a popular Chinese store in Santa Elena town, Cayo.

Lisa Shoman speaks about Caribbean sex myths and the recent murder of ‘Princess’
It is 2017. It is past time that Jewelizeans stop thinking about women as providers of sex, and men as consumers. It isn’t for men to demand/ask and for women to submit/give. Having sex is an eminently consensual act between two consenting adults. Consent must be prior, informed and explicit. Anything less is sexual abuse. What will it take for media houses – and our larger society to understand this?

Taxi man held up at knife point
Last night around 8:20, a 57-year-old taxi man was held up at knife point on the George Price Highway. Ernesto Robinson reported to police that he was stopped by a man and then held up and cut to the neck and face.

Sudden death in Independence village
Yesterday, Deon Baltazar, a resident of Independence village, reported to police that his friend Jason Usher, 32, died suddenly. Usher was staying with Baltazar in Independence, as he went there looking for work.

Police seek public assistance to recover stolen guns
Four .38 revolvers stolen from KBH Security in Independence Village last Wednesday and are now believed to be in the hands of criminals. However, after interviewing eight persons, including ...

Teachers spar for BNTU presidency
The Presidency of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) is currently up for grabs as several teachers are vying to take control of the country’s most powerful union. Current BNTU president, Luke Palacio, is making his exit, leaving three teachers to spar for his post.

Blogs

Beautiful Sawdust carpets allow us to express our faith and culture
Belize is home to some very colourful traditions, and each festive holiday, Belizeans take the opportunity to express their culture in creative fashion. One tradition that is truly a work of art is the Easter sawdust carpets. Those who are familiar with Spanish culture or the Roman Catholic faith have probably seen or been part of this long standing Easter tradition. Colored sawdust is used to create decorative images on the grounds or streets near a church. These sawdust carpets are created to greet the religious procession that takes place on Good Friday. This tradition is mostly practiced in Spanish-speaking countries in North, Central and South America. Some municipalities in Belize have faithfully held on to this religious practice as well.

A Brief Stroll on A Brief Street: Back a Back Street in San Pedro, Belize
BUT if you want to go from beach front to the lagoon in town – it’s an extremely thin strip of the caye – there is one more street BEHIND Back Street. One that was changed a great deal by the 2013-2014 mega-project that as supposed to rejuvenate the back side of San Pedro town and make a huge green area for all to enjoy AND a boardwalk promenade. There is no green back there…but there all lots of changes to the “old football field area” – and the small street that lines the lagoon where many tour guides, fishermen and boat owners park their boats is called “Back a Back Street” – in back of back street – by most. The official name is Nurse Shark Street. And yesterday…I took a walk along the boulevard. I started at the south end, where you turn off of Back Street towards the International Water Taxi terminal. It’s a HUGE set of buildings over some very expensive piers that host one boat a day. I’ll be there in a minute. There is a beautiful blue home on the corner with a large lovely yard. I love these kind of “urban” oases.

The Top 15 Honeymoon Resorts in Belize
Picture yourself as a child, standing in front of a bakery display case after being told to choose just one treat. Perusing honeymoon resort destinations online can render you just as helpless, which is why we have narrowed down your choices to Belize’s top 15. See which strikes a romantic chord with you and your honey.

A Laidback, Low-Overhead Income for Food Lovers
When Tracy Ginger first visited Belize on vacation in 2015, she knew that she’d found her new home. She had grown tired of the seemingly never-ending Canadian winters and the hectic pace of city life. The laidback island vibe of Ambergris Caye—the largest of the islands off the coast of mainland Belize—was the perfect remedy. Ten days later, she had purchased a villa and was heading back to Canada to make a permanent exit plan. “I love to cook and had a side business back in Canada where I would prepare fresh juices and small-portion meals for my clients,” says Tracy. When her mom came to visit that summer, the two of them spent their idle time in the kitchen, whipping up their favorite dishes. “My mom is half Ukrainian, half Polish,” says Tracy. “I grew up eating pierogis and other traditional dishes.” Together, they made so many pierogis that summer that they shared them with all their neighbors, Belizean locals and expats alike. “Everyone went nuts for them. They asked for more so we kept cooking and experimenting with ingredients.”

San Ignacio, Cayo’s Best Food Spots (2017)
San Ignacio town, or as it’s colloquially known “Cayo“, is the ideal place to go in Belize if you are seeking adventure. This small and quaint town acts a hub for travelers in search of jungle expeditions, tours to ancient Maya cities, caves, and countless other eco-activities that get you up close to nature. What I love about San Ignacio is that you are treated to a glimpse of how diverse Belizean culture is. A great way to experience this is by strolling down Burns Avenue (the main street) and seeing how locals interact with each other, visiting the farmers’ market on Saturdays, and eating at the local restaurants and bars. Yes, food is the best way to learn a culture, and fortunately, this post is a guide to the eight best restaurants in San Ignacio, Cayo.

International Sourcesizz

Planning a trip? Here's why you should be headed to Belize
Not many people have heard of Belize, a tiny country on the eastern coast of Central America; tucked between Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea. The nation is a blend of Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Belize, and Mestizo cultures. This place is brimming with a rich variety of experiences that are waiting to be explored. Belize is bordered with colourful reefs off its eastern coast, while the country’s interior is dotted with Mayan ruins hidden away in lush green jungles. Belize offers stays of all kinds, right from budget hotels, beachside accommodations, hostels, resorts, eco-lodges, villas, Bed and Breakfasts, condominiums, campsites, apartments and guesthouses; with per-night hotel tariffs that range from Rs 1,000 for budget hotels, to Rs 5,00,000 for private island villas. You can gather picture-perfect moments with your family at one of the many exotic locations this place has to offer.

Engineers strengthen partnerships in Belize one block at a time during Beyond the Horizon 2017
U.S. Servicemembers and their Belizean counterparts are working on several different construction projects throughout the country of Belize as part of Beyond the Horizon 2017, which runs from March 25 until June 17. U.S. Southern Command, in cooperation with the Government of Belize, has coordinated the completion of five construction projects that include a new emergency room and incinerator at Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan, medical clinics in Ladyville and Double Head Cabbage, and a new school building in St. Matthews. Reservists on two-week rotations will complete the majority of the work at the construction sites. For continuity, full-time project managers will supervise until the completion of the jobs. Soldiers from the 808th Engineer Company based in Houston, Texas, are currently building the new health clinic at Double Head Cabbage.

Elderly suspect in double murder on the high seas may be too sick to stand trial
Silas Duane Boston, a former Sacramento man charged with killing two British tourists in the Caribbean nearly four decades ago, has been rehospitalized and may be gravely ill and unable to face trial, his lawyers told a federal judge Wednesday. The defense filed a “declaration of doubt” that Boston was competent to face trial and Negin suggested in court that his health is fast deteriorating, impairing him both physically and mentally. “The law requires him to be mentally present” during court proceedings, Mendez responded. “If he is in and out” of awareness “in terms of his medication, he may be physically present but mentally he is not there.” Mendez said he is prepared to consider a defense motion to order a medical competency evaluation for Boston. But the challenge is that the defendant may have to be airlifted to a medical facility in the federal prison system as far away as Illinois or North Carolina for an appropriate evaluation.

Videos

  • LeaderCast Belize 2017 - Powered by Purpose, 39min.

  • Seascapes, 40min.The ocean is my sanctuary, my first love, and my office. My work and life adventures have taken me to some amazing places. This video is an excerpt from these adventures, that hopefully provides you with an escape to the sea, as it does for me. Footage is from the waters and beaches of the islands of: Abaco in the Bahamas, South Water Caye, Belize, and the Florida Keys.

  • Alien Encounters in Mesoamerica: Legends of Alien Abduction in Belize, 98min. Dr. Ardy Sixkiller Clarke discusses untold stories of alien encounters in Mesoamerica. Toward the beginning Dr. Clarke focused on her time in Belize City, and ..

  • Jaguar Experience at Belize Zoo, 7min. Our Jaguar Experience at the Belize Zoo with Junior Buddy, the Jaguar.

  • Belize Travel Diary - 2017, 4min.

  • You might have heard of Sahou and tried the porridge before. But have you tried Pulali?, 1.5min.

  • POK A TOK TEAM FROM YO CREEK BRINGS THE GOLD HOME, 9.5min.

  • Bandits Sports Organization - Celebrity Basketball Showcase, 19min.

  • BTL Updates, 16min.

  • Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development at the Sarteneja Easter Regatta, 2min. Hi everyone, here is a summary of our Easter Booth this year at the Sarteneja Easter Regatta. It was a very sunny day but overall full of fun. A warm thank you to all those persons that showed interest and visited our booth. It was a pleasure to share our knowledge with you guys.

  • Belize 2017, 3min.

  • belize trip in 1990 with friends, 2hr.

  • PUPUSERIA SALVADOREÑO, BELIZE, 2min. When visiting San Pedro, Belize this restaurant is a must visit.

  • Belize - Carnival Jungle Buggy Safari at Jaguar Paw & Lunch, 4min. Carnival Breeze Carnival Jungle Buggy Safari at Jaguar Paw & Lunch.

  • 2017 Mayflower Mural - Belize City, 2min. Mayflower Community Revitalization Project a DYS/Love Foundation Partnership Location: Corner of Vernon Street and Mayflower Street, Belize City

    April 19, 2017


    FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

    Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

    Specials and Events

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


    The San Pedro Sun

    Female raped in San Pedro
    On Sunday, April 16th, San Pedro Police arrested and charged 39-year-old Eldon Williams for the crime of Rape. According to the official police report, at 12:30AM on the said date, a 17-year-old female student felt someone on top of her while she was sleeping on a couch inside her living room. As she woke up, she recognized the person, Williams, was having sexual intercourse without her consent. The female, and her mother reported the incident, and a medical examination was conducted on the female, certifying that she was raped.

    Projects Abroad holds Diabetes Information Session
    Projects Abroad coordinated a Diabetes Information Session on Thursday, April 13th at the Lions Den. From 9AM to 12PM, Nurse Cora Guillen, along with Dr. Meg McHenry from Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, offered free blood glucose screenings and promoted the importance of healthy living, as well as diabetes counseling to five patients. McHenry, who’s a registered dietician, explained that although there was a low turnout, it was the perfect setting to give her patients one-on-one consultations. “I’ve been coming to San Pedro for the past two years as part of a mission to help Holy Cross Anglican School, and to offer my services as a dietician. Last year I hosted a session at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, and it was not the best area for me to give personal consultations. However, I met with five patients this year, and spoke to them on ways for them to improve their diet by limiting excessive carbohydrates,” said McHenry.

    San Pedro Roman Catholics celebrate Easter
    San Pedro Roman Catholics annually observe Easter as the holiest time of the year. With many events scheduled by the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church, ‘Holy Week’ was marked with special observances. Ushered in by the 40-day Lenten season, the Holy Week is not only celebrated as the last week of Lent, but it marks a time when Christians observe Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Holy Week 2017 began on Sunday, April 9th, with the observance of Palm Sunday. During Palm Sunday mass, palm leaves were blessed and given to the congregation. The leaves were then turned into crosses as a token of their faith. According to the Holy Bible, these symbolic palm leaves were used by Catholics to welcome Jesus to the Holy City.

    Belize’s Ombudsman chairs Extraordinary Session of the Central American Council of Human Rights Defenders and Ombudsmen
    Belize’s Ombudsman Lionel Arzu, accompanied by his Legal Officer, chaired an Extraordinary Session of the Central American Council of Human Rights Defenders and Ombudsmen. The Extraordinary Session was convened primarily to review a Letter of Commitment to formulate and implement, subject to available resources, national and regional strategies to deal with migration affecting the region. Presentation topics included the present situation of migrants in Central America, which is thought to have reached a crisis level; the needs for consular and human rights protection for migrants, especially asylum seekers, refugees and those internally displaced; models for detentions centers and programs to house and reintegrate migrant families and returnees; and, regional collaborative mechanism among Defenders, Ombudsmen and others institutions to help protect and promote the human rights of migrants.

    Ambergris Today

    Erica Bodden Crowned Miss San Pedro Lions 2017
    In a short ceremony held on Saturday April 15, 2017 Erica Bodden was crowned as the new Miss San Pedro Lions 2017- 2018. Following the coronation an Easter dance was held with live music from Caribbean kings and a special presentation from Ismael Antonio Chacon “El Buki.” Congrats Erica, Enjoy your Reign!

    Belize Team Wins At Ancient Maya Ball Game At Teotihuacan, Mexico
    The Pok Ta Pok Maya team Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk, Belize represented the country and came back victorious from a 'Pre-Hispanic Soccer’ competition/ Maya ball game that was held in the ancient city of Teotihuacan in Mexico City. The tournament of "Mesoamerican Ball Game Ulamaztli, Teotihuacán 2017", was be held on April 14 and 15 in which 10 Mexican delegations participated, as well as Belize, as a guest country. In the final game Belize faced off with the Mexican tournament winner and ended victorious.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Belize Fishing Report, April 10 thru April 16
    As usual the bonefish are always plentiful and catchable. Everybody joined in the fun. Anne, Tom, Isaac, Jacob, Steve, Mary Margaret, Mike, Case, Jeff, Kathleen, Ben, Nader, Ken, Eric, Macy, Andy, Paul, Annabelle, Wayne, KT, Matt and Stuart all had a great week of bonefishing. We also caught a few tagged fish that will help us better understand their movements once we get the results. Always cool to learn more about our bonefish habits.

    Yo Creek Village (Orange Walk) PokTaPok Maya team representing Belize internationally
    The team won Teotihuacan team in Mexico . They won an Oxidian Trophy. The spirit of our Maya ancestors are with our team. Picture courtesy of Mrs Felicita Cantun from U Puksi'ik'al Maya.

    Prime Minister Departs Country on Personal Leave
    The Office of the Prime Minister informs that the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow departed the country on personal leave on Monday, April 17th, 2017; and will return to the country on Sunday, April 23rd, 2017. During the Prime Minister’s absence, the Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Culture and Sports will act as Prime Minister.

    Military Medical Service Offered in Ladyville, Belize this week
    Don't forget to stop by our medical service event this week at the Ladyville Community Center/Hurricane Shelter. We are open today and will be open every day until Friday.

    Belize Zoo: SAVING WILDLANDS FOR WILDLIFE UPDATE
    We are in awe and so very touched by the outpouring of support we’ve received from friends and donors! Since the launch of our CrowdRise campaign, we have hit the $25,000 mark and counting! During that time, evidence of a mother tapir and her calf has been discovered in the area; a rare Great curassow (listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN) hopped across the highway between the Wildlands and the Zoo’s Tropical Education Center. Endangered Yellow-headed parrots continue to find save haven here after a hard day of foraging, and jaguars roam and call deep into the night! Yes, our wonderful Belizean wildlife thrives here in the heart of the Central Belize Corridor, and your support will help us ensure this continues for many generations to come! Please help us to continue spreading the word about our “Saving Wildlands for Wildlife” Campaign.

    Museum of Belize Insect Room
    Look out for the re-launch of the our upgraded Insect Room...coming soon!

    Apply to be a BTL Scholar!
    High School Scholarships to be awarded up to $12,000 per scholar* Applicants MUST be: 1.) between the ages of eleven (11) and fourteen (14) 2.) entering High School for the first time 3.) a Belizean or a child of a Belizean and have been residing in Belize for at least three (3) consecutive years Successful Scholarship Recipient will receive: 1.) FREE tuition for the four years of high school 2.) FREE textbooks each year *High School Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need and academic performance. Fill out the application form found online at www.belizetelemedia.net/scholarship-program Deadline for submission is Friday June 16, 2017

    Splashers
    I will be doing a series of painting from a photographs. Join us this week for "Pelican View." Bring Rags to wipe your brushes if you can!

    Belizeans participate in Indigenous Geographies and Caribbean Feminisms Symposium at UWI, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago
    From March 30 – April 1, several Belizean women including Cristina Coc, Lucia Ellis, Cynthia Ellis-Topsey, Annelita Garcia, Sandra Miranda, and Selene Solis participated in a 3-day symposium entitled Indigenous Geographies and Caribbean Feminisms: Common Struggles Against Global Capitalism. The symposium was designed as a forum to bring together Indigenous and other women in the Caribbean to share academic papers and stories of women engaged in activist work in their communities around issues of gender and sexuality justice; struggles for recognition and sovereignty; indigenous women’s rights, empowerment and leadership roles; environmental protection of land and water and other issues.

    Launch of the Pesticides Control Board’s First Strategic Plan
    The Pesticides Control Board (PCB) of Belize is pleased to announce the launch of its first Strategic Plan (2017 – 2021) which was developed in partnership with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and the Department of the Environment, through the Belize Chemicals and Waste Management Project. The Strategic Plan will be launched on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City. In line with the vision and mission of the PCB, the overarching goal of the Strategic Plan is to “increase the responsible use and management of pesticides to protect human health and environment of Belize”. The Strategic Plan sets forth four interrelated Strategic Goals (SGs) covering the areas of 1) registration and post-registration surveillance, 2) responsible use and management of pesticides, 3) strategic partnerships and inter-institutional linkages, and 4) governance, management and operations.

    The Steak House in Corozal
    Tired of looking for food? Here's a newly opened food restaurant in Corozal. The Steak House is an excellent food you want try. Its so excellent you might want try it again. So, stop by today at south of corozal.

    Running Rebels vs. Hurricanes
    Running Rebels host the Belize Hurricanes this Friday, April 21, in a "Do or Die" match inside the Complex! Come on out to support your Rebels!!

    Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
    Are you a young and creative entrepreneur? Are you an innovative civil society leader? Do you want to launch and advance your entrepreneurial ideas and to effectively contribute to social and economic development in your community? Become a YLAI fellow! Applications for the YLAI (Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative) professional fellows program are now open! To learn more about this amazing program and to apply, check out https://ylai.state.gov/fellowship/ Hurry, the deadline is April 23, 2017.

    Barrier Reef Drive in San Pedro closed for 8:30am mass 4/23
    The public is advised that Barrier Reef Drive will be closed to ALL vehicular traffic including bicyles from 8:30am Sunday the 23rd of April for an open Mass held by the Roman Catholic Church. Any vehicle parked in this area when the barriers are closed will not be allowed to move until the Mass is over. Thank you for your co-operation.

    Channel 7

    A Rare (Extra Long) Weekend of Peace In The Crime Capital
    Tonight's headline is one we wish we could give after every long weekend. There was peace in the city over this four day weekend: no gang war, no one shot, and no one killed as the result of a gang beef. Yes, one woman was murdered in a crime of passion, and we'll tell you about that shortly - but first the latest on the gangs. Last week Wednesday, the gangs had a peace march. It was a first, this kind of demonstration of goodwill to the community - and many onlookers expressed more than a little skepticism. But, we now know it was more than just symbolic - because since Wednesday, there has been no reports of shooting for gang related crime in the city - and it's been years since we can say that. The peace comes out of the march, but also out of a closed door meeting that followed the march to hold down on all crime and violence throughout the easter.

    Street Woman Murdered For Sex
    But while there were no gang related murders, there was still a murder in the city this weekend. The victim is 35 year old Indira "Princess" Thompson - a person well known to most Southside residents. And those who traffic Albert and Orange streets would have surely seen her around a couple times, either begging for money or just hanging out on the street side. Well, early Holy Friday morning, Princess was beaten and stabbed to death at a house on Southern Foreshore. Princess was at the house alone when a man came asking for sex. She refused to sleep with him and he attacked her. I spoke to her family about her tragic story.

    Six Year Old Climbs Into Vat and Drowns In San Pedro
    And while the holiest weekend of the year saw a break from gang or gun murders, that doesn't mean that the easter holiday was without tragedy. A 6-year-old child drowned in San Pedro; 2 men died at the bottom of a well in Trial Farm; and a 9-year-old child is hospitalized after being pulled out of the sea in Corozal. The first victim is 6 year-old Zaem Torres who fell into a vat filled with water and drowned. It happened on Thursday night, sometime around 11:00. That's when police visited the Bay Side area of the Island and they saw several men performing CPR on Torres's little body. It wasn't yielding any results, and he was rushed to the Otto Rodriguez Poly Clinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Reports to police are that the child climbed up on the water tank in an area that has a number of such tanks. He fell in and drowned.

    Samaria Was Saved
    And while that 6 year old drowned, 9 year-old Samaria Azencio is currently hospitalized at the KHMH after she almost drowned on Saturday afternoon. We understand that sometime around 2:00, she was swimming in the sea at the Miami Beach area of Corozal Town. That's in the popular bay area, and she was there with her family, but reports are that she went under rather suddenly. There were swimmers nearby who immediately went to rescue her, and several persons performed CPR on her to save her life. They kept the CPR going even as police transported her to the Corozal Community Hospital. Today, our colleagues from CTV 3 News spoke with one of the persons who helped to revive her as soon as she was out of the water. Here's what she had to say:

    Two Men Die From Toxic Fumes From A Well
    In Orange Walk District, 2 brothers died in a well on Good Friday. They were attempting to clean it, when they were suffocated by toxic fumes inside. At around 11:30, 41-year-old Trial Farm villager Isidro Coyoc, and his 26-year-old brother, Jeovani, were on their family farm, located in the Goat Hill area. Both men were cleaning a 40-foot well, but Jeovani Coyoc was at the bottom. He started to gasp for air, and his elder brother, Isidro saw his distress. He tried to get him help, hurrying to a nearby field to get assistance, but no one could help. So, he went down into the well himself to rescue his younger brother. Unfortunately, the toxic fumes overtook both of them. Police found both men in water above the waist; they were both unconscious, but still holding on to the ropes.

    Another Fire At Chateau After Building Already Burnt Down
    Viewers will remember the iconic Chateau Caribbean on Marine Parade, which was almost completely destroyed by a huge fire at the end of November. That was just 5 months or so ago, but on Easter Monday morning, there was another blaze in the remains of that 3 storey building. It caused another headache for the Fire Department, who had to extinguish another fire in a building that had already burnt down. More vexing for the fire department is that preliminary indications are that someone intentionally lit what's left of the building on fire. Today, one of the spokespersons for the Fire Department discussed the investigations into what appears to be arson:

    BBQ Started House Fire
    On Easter Sunday, the fire department responded to reports of a house fire on Elston Kerr Street in Belize City. It appears that someone had attempted to start a barbecue near the wall of an abandoned, wooden bungalow house. The flame flared out of control, caught the wood and spread quickly. The Fire Department says it is the product of pure carelessness:... Orin Smith, Station Manager - Belize National Fire Service: "On Sunday 17th April, 2017, at approximately 1:38pm, the National Fire Service received and responded to a report from the police of a structural fire at a 3739 Elston Kerr Street Belize City address. Two units were dispatch to that location. On arrival on the scene, smoke was seen coming from a 10x20 wooden structure with zinc roofing elevated approximately 1 foot off the ground. Following a brief size-up, the fire department got into operation to extinguish the fire. The fire was later brought under control and extinguished. As a result of the fire, the west section on the structure received fire damage. The structure is own by one Miss Faber. The structure was not insured."

    Fire Dept: Principal's Office Set On Fire
    So, while the fire investigators aren't suspecting arson in that Easter Sunday blaze, they strongly believe that last week Monday's fire at the Ladyville RC School was definitely set by someone who wanted to burn the principal's office down. We spoke with Police before the long Easter weekend, and they said that they couldn't confirm that arson was the motive. But, today, Station Manager Orin Smith walked the media through the reasoning that clearly points to arson: Orin Smith, Station Manager - Belize National Fire Service: "I think the investigators concluded that that was incendiary. There is evidence of photographs where I see where burglar bars were being cut, some completely cut - others were not completely cut. There is a photograph I saw where an aluminum louvers were torn open in trying to get into the office. However, the officer I understand was double barricade with burglar bars on the exterior as well as the interior and that gave them whoever it was trying to get in there a difficulty and I supposed frustration, hence the fire."

    Teenager Raped
    A 17 year old girl was raped inside her home on Easter Sunday morning. She was asleep in her family's living room when she was awakened around 12:30 by someone having sex with her. She recognized the man as 39 year old Eldon Williams. Williams has been charged for rape.

    Independence Police Have No Leads on Stolen Revolvers
    Independence police are running into dead ends on their search for the four .38 revolvers that were stolen from KBH on Wednesday the 12th. Police say they have interviewed about 8 persons including the security guards at KBH but still have no leads as to where the guns are or where the thief or thieves are hiding out. Police continue to work on this case and are asking the public to call the police if they have any information that could help them get these guns off the street.

    72 Year Old Survives Knocked Down
    An elderly man is lucky to have survived a Holy Thursday accident on the Northern Highway. 66 year old John Milton Tillett was driving his Ford F-250 around 6:30 on Thursday evening. He was heading to Belize City from Ladyville when 72 year old Daniel Ramos walked across the highway between miles 2 and 3, in front of DK Supermarket. Tillett slammed on his breaks and swerved to try and avoid hitting Ramos but it was too late - but fortunately Ramos survived the hit. His right arm was broken, and he got a cut wound to the forehead and abrasions to the knees but he is being treated at the KHMH. Tillett was served with a notice of intended prosecution.

    Cops Got Weed By the Pound
    Police are reporting that they have taken 22 pounds of marijuana off the streets. The bust was made On Good Friday when officers found 20 pounds of marijuana in an abandoned lot on Water Lane. The officers also found marijuana plants, and one person has since been charged.

    Cross Country Pedal By Pedal Review
    The 2017 Cross Country is over - and again, Belizean will have wait another year to see one of our own wear the garland. This year, first second and third went to foreign riders. And if you're scratching your head and asking what went wrong, Kwame Scott has reviewed three hours of footage to give you the answer. Here's his report on the Classic that was another heartbreaker:. At the sign in we saw, 2017 Belmopan Classic Winner Oscar Quiroz followed by teammate Ron Vasquez, the winner of the KREM New Year's Day Classic and team Digicell's brightest hope Joslyn Chavaria Jr. And here's Belize's best finisher in 2016, Joel Borland. Belize's current national under 23 road champion, Giovanni Lovell, Masters Rider Kenroy "Smokes" Gladden, American John DeLong of Ken's Bike Shop, 50 year old Fitzgerald Palas Joseph, Guatemalan Adler Torres, Veteran Quinton Hamilton, and David Henderson Jr.

    Belizean Riders Couldn't Keep Up With Foreigners
    And so while you've seen the pedal by pedal account of the race, what about the riders reactions? Of course, the elite Belizean riders were disappointed - they got beat by the same rider two years in a row, followed by a man old enough to be their father! We spoke to four of the top five finishers and here's how they put it:... Apart from the Garland and a trio of trophies, Padilla also takes home six thousand four hundred dollars for finishing first. That in addition to any other station prizes he claimed along the way.

    50k Belizeans Passed Through Northern Border Over Easter
    For many Belizeans, Easter is all about getting away to the islands or inland destinations to soak up sun and saltwater. But, Chetumal is also a popular getaway. And though we don't know how many went to the cayes or Placencia, the Immigration Department can tell us exactly how many went to "Chet." The total passing through the Santa Elena Border in Corozal for Thursday April 13th to Monday April 17th is 48,815 persons. That's both ways, so you can estimate that about 24,400 persons went each way between Thursday and Monday. That's in addition to the three thousand who go to the Free Zone every day.

    PM On Personal Leave
    And while thousands of Belizeans went to Chetumal for their break, Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country yesterday on personal leave, and he will return this coming Sunday. During his absence, Deputy PM Patrick Faber will take over as Prime Minister. And that's the news for tonight. Thanks for joining us. With your news I am Courtney Weatherburne

    Police Report on Rape Incident in San Pedro Town
    On 16.04.17 a 17-year-old female student accompanied by her mother reported that on Sunday April 16th, 2017 at 12:30 a.m. while she was sleeping on a couch inside the living room and awoke when she felt someone on top of her and recognized the person as Eldon who was having sexual intercourse with her without her consent. Medical examination was conducted on the female certifying that she was raped. Police have since arrested and charged 39-year-old Eldon Williams, unemployed of San Pedrito area, San Pedro Ambergris Caye for RAPE.

    Channel 5

    A “Princess” slain: Indira Thompson stabbed to death over sex rejection
    The life of one person was cut short at the start of the Easter holidays in the City and it was a mentally challenged woman. Indira “Princess” Thompson lived her [...]

    Gangs at peace through Easter; follow-up session conducted
    There has been a noticeable calm in the streets of the Old Capital since last Wednesday, when leaders of various Belize City gangs took the streets for a first-of-its-kind peace [...]

    Warring factions look to sign up to keep the peace
    Jawhi, along with Brother Nuri Muhammad, has been busy with the leadership of the respective groups hammering out the terms of the peace treaty. While he has chosen, at this [...]

    Interpol looks for seasoned criminals, including Manuel ‘El Pelon’ Castillo
    The International Criminal Police Organization, known as Interpol, has fingered six Belizeans among two hundred fifty-seven Caribbean nationals wanted this Easter by the agency, according to website News Americas Now. [...]

    Guatemalan Congress rejects expanding map to include Belize
    Weeks ago, we reported that a leaked progress report by a consultant in Guatemala was pushing the idea to officially include Belize as part of Guatemala in that country’s map. [...]

    Brothers suffocate in Orange Walk farm well
    Two brothers perished in a well on their family farm on Good Friday in Tower Hill,  Orange Walk. The Coyock brothers were cleaning out an old well when one of [...]

    Boy drowns in a vat in San Pedro
    Six-year-old Zaeem Vicente Torres, a resident of San Pedro Town, lost his life over the Easter weekend in a most bizarre incident. The infant was at a restaurant along with [...]

    Girl, 9, fights for life after nearly drowning in Corozal
    Drowning is a common concern in the Easter Holidays as Belizeans travel to sources of water for relaxation. The family of nine-year-old Samaria Azencio Murcia waits by her bedside at [...]

    Razed Chateau Caribbean lights up again – why?
    It may have been raining on Easter Monday afternoon, but that didn’t stop fire from once again engulfing the Chateau Caribbean Hotel on Marine Parade. It was previously severely damaged [...]

    Small fire hits home at Elston Kerr Street
    There was also fire reported on the Southside of Belize City, at a residence on Elston Kerr Street. On Easter Sunday afternoon, fire personnel were called to put out a [...]

    Fire Service confirms Our Lady of the Way fire was incendiary
    Last Monday night, police responded to a report of a fire at Our Lady of the Way Roman Catholic School in Ladyville, where the lower flat of a two-storey building [...]

    Prime Minister off on personal leave
    Prime Minister Dean Barrow is off on personal leave. He left the country on Easter Monday, April seventeenth and returns on April twenty-third. During the Prime Minister’s absence, the Hon. [...]

    B.N.T.U. prepares for convention – leading candidate denies promising sweets for presidency
    The Belize National Teachers’ Union meets in convention beginning on Wednesday in Corozal Town. In addition to usual union business for reporting to its membership such as financial reports and [...]

    Moody’s gives Belize and Superbond thumbs up
    Belize is buckling down to the business of paying off Superbond three point oh with interest payments resuming on a semi-annual basis subject to conditions until 2030 when the first [...]

    Symposium honors Caribbean feminism
    Indigenous women from Belize participated in a three day symposium in Trinidad earlier this month.  Cristina Coc, Cynthia Ellis-Topsey, Annelita Garcia and Sandra Miranda, along with Selene Solis of the [...]

    Man charged for rape of teen in San Pedro home
    That’s the good news, but thirty-nine year old Eldon Williams, an unemployed man of San Pedrito area of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, has been charged with the rape of [...]

    Sports Monday reviews disappointing Cross Country Cycling Classic
    Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. [Highlights of weekend sporting activities….]

    CTV3

    Traffic Accident Victim Succumbs To His Injuries
    Tonight the family and friends of 49 year old Edgar Wiltshire are in mourning after the well-known taxi driver passed away on Sunday night April 16th at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City – six days after he sustained injuries from a severe traffic collision. On the night of Monday April 10th Wiltshire was driving his grey in colour Chrysler Town and Country van on the Phillip Goldson Highway when it crashed with a dark green in colour Toyota Tacoma pickup truck driven at the time by Justin Goff. Goff appeared to have suffered the worst impact when he was diagnosed with broken arms and a broken leg. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment.

    Belize Wins Ancient Mayan Ball Tournament
    Over the weekend, ten Mexican teams and one team from Belize faced off to compete in the Mesoamerican ball game known as ‘Ulama’ which kicked off in the ancient Mayan City of Teotihuacan on the 14th and 15th of April. The game is considered as one of the oldest sports in the world which is played with the use of a rubber ball weighing approximately 4.4 pounds. The objective of the sport is to maintain control of the ball so that it remains within the field, however, the use of hands and feet are strictly prohibited as players must use their hips instead. During the last leg of the competition, the Pok Ta Pok Mayan team from Yo Creek Village here in the Orange Walk District which represented Belize, faced off with the winners of the Mexican tournament. At the end of the game, Belize came out victorious taking home first place.

    Close To Fifty Thousand Belizeans Crossed The Border To Chetumal, Mexico
    Over the weekend close to fifty thousand Belizeans from across the country packed their bags and other belongings and made their way across the border of Mexico along with their families to spend the long awaited Easter vacations. During this time of year, it is of no surprise that popular destinations such as Chetumal, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Mahajual to highlight a few, see a massive flow of Belizeans who flock to the different beaches for recreation. Reports reaching our news room from the Immigration Department indicate that the arrival and departure of Belizeans between the 13th and 17th of April amounted to more than twenty thousand visitors each way. This calculates to a sum of forty three thousand seven hundred forty eight visitors altogether.

    Twenty One Year Fined For Traffic Offenses
    Another Paraiso Village resident also found himself facing the long arm of the law. 21 year old Dalton Nunez faced heavy fines this morning for driving a motorcycle that had no vehicle license nor 3rd party insurance, and while he had no valid driver’s license. Police say that on April 12th, during a patrol they stopped Nunez and when they asked about the licenses or insurance, he could not provide any. In Court, Nunez pleaded guilty to all four charges which included failure to display a driver’s license sticker.

    Two Brothers Suffocate In a Forty Feet Well
    Two Trial Farm bothers lost their lives on Good Friday following an incident where both men suffocated inside a well. Police reports indicate that the men, namely forty one year old Isidro Coyoc and twenty six year old Jeovani Coyoc were found unconscious inside a well located in their family farm in the Goat Hill area of Tower Hill sometime before one o’clock on Friday afternoon. Police say that the younger of the Coyoc brothers was inside the forty feet deep well cleaning it when he began to suffocate. Isidro, who was assisting in the cleaning, ran for help some distance away, and apparently ran into a worker for BSI/ASR, Marcelo Canul who told the media about his encounter with a frantic man searching for help.

    Nine Year Old Nearly Drowns In Corozal Bay
    The crowd of visitors enjoying their holidays at the popular Easter relaxation spot, Corozal Bay, experienced a real scare on the afternoon of Holy Saturday when a little girl was seen drifting in the water completely motionless. Upon recognising that the child was in an emergency, rescuers dived into the sea waters to rescue her. The child, 9 year old Samaria Azencio, was then assisted by two persons who carried out CPR on her. After a few minutes, Samaria faintly responded. The Police were contacted and with their help the child was rushed to the Corozal hospital for treatment and later transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where she lies in recovery in a critical but stable condition.

    Paraiso Resident Fined For 7.8 grams Of Marijuana
    This morning a young resident of Paraiso Village in the Corozal District was fined for the crime of possession of controlled drugs. Police say that on Holy Friday they caught 19 year old Luis Sosa with marijuana. In Court, authorities said that during a patrol in Paraiso they stopped Sosa and carried out a search. On his waist, Police found a transparent plastic bag containing green leafy substance. He was read his rights and detained, and then taken to the Police Station where the substance was confirmed to be marijuana and weighed at 7.8 grams.

    LOVE FM

    PM Out on Personal Leave
    Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber is holding over for Prime Minister Dean Barrow for the period April 17 through to April 23. Prime Minister Barrow departed the country yesterday on personal leave and is slated to return on Sunday.

    Princess Stabbed Multiple Times on Bellevue Grounds
    A Belize City woman was killed over the Easter holiday. Renee Trujillo followed this story and filed this report. RENEE TRUJILLO REPORTING “This is the location of what was once known as the Bellevue Hotel on Southern Foreshore in Belize City. While it holds decades of memories for past generations, the now run-down and neglected […]

    6-Year-Old Drowns in Rotoplas Vat
    A six year old boy drowned in San Pedro Town on Thursday night. At around 11 o’clock, San Pedro police visited the Bay Side area where they came across a group of men around 6-year-old Zaeem Torres. When police arrived on the scene they saw CPR being done on Zaem. The six year old was […]

    Brothers Die In Well in Northern Belize
    A pair of brothers died in a well about forty feet deep on Good Friday. They are twenty six year old Jeovany Coyock and forty one year old Isidro Coyock, both from Trial Farm Village in the Orange Walk District. According to police, at around 11:30 on Friday morning, Jeovany Coyock was cleaning the well […]

    Chateau’s Remaining Structure Further Gutted
    The remains of the Chateau Caribbean establishment in Belize City caught fire yesterday. Renee Trujillo has the story. RENEE TRUJILLO REPORTING “Almost five months ago, the landmark structure which housed the Chateau Caribbean Restaurant in the Fort George Area went up in smoke as the building caught fire and quickly consumed the wooden structure. It […]

    Guatemalan Takes Garland for the 89th Cycling Classic
    The 89th annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic saw 80 riders registering but only 78 made the roll out from the starting line. The race sees riders starting in Belize City to San Ignacio and Back, a course of about 140 miles. By midday, the 2016 defending champion Alejandro Padilla Miranda kept his title […]

    Video of Drowning American Student in Belize Surfaces
    A video recording has surfaced showing how Tomari Jackson, the student of North Cobb High School in Georgia, USA, drowned in the Sibun River in the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize last year. The 14-year-old travelled to Belize with 31 other students and visited the education and training center in Belize during a weeklong […]

    PANCAP Promotes Youths’ Response to HIV/AIDS
    With the marked decrease in available funding coupled with the closure of several advocating agencies that worked against the increase of cases of HIV/AIDS, there is the urgent need of an alternative plan that will not hamper the national response to the disease. Falling in line with this need for Belize is an upcoming meeting […]

    Villager Escapes Death in Hit and Run Incident
    A man was knocked down while on his way home in Unitedville Village. Correspondent Fem Cruz has more details. FEM CRUZ “A hit and run traffic incident in the village of Unitedville left 27 year old Manuel Perez, a resident of Unitedville Village hospitalized. According to Perez on Holy Saturday night just before 8pm he […]

    Fire Investigations Conclude Surrounding School Fire
    Thousands of dollars’ worth of supplies, furniture and electronics were lost in a fire that occurred on April 10 at Our Lady of the Way RC School in Ladyville Village, Belize District. From the onset, it was a case of suspected arson. Today, Station Officer at the Belize City Fire Station, Oren Smith spoke to […]

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Belizeans participate in forum in Trinidad & Tobago
    Several Belizean women participated in the Indigenous Geographies and Caribbean Feminisms Symposium at UWI, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago including Cristina Coc, Lucia Ellis, Cynthia Ellis-Topsey, Annelita Garcia, Sandra Miranda, and Selene Solis. The event was held from March 30 to April 1. The women participated in a 3-day symposium entitled Indigenous Geographies and Caribbean Feminisms: Common Struggles Against Global Capitalism.

    Free medical services for Ladyville residents
    As part of the Beyond the Horizon 2017 project, free medical services are being offered in Ladyville this week. Services include general family medical, pediatric care, OBGYN, optometry, and dentistry. All services are free and do not require an appointment.

    Crime threatening World Heritage sites
    Crime is threatening the existence of nearly half the world’s designated Heritage sites including Belize’s Barrier Reef reserve system, according to the World Wildlife Federation (WWF). The WWF, in its latest report, noted that almost half of the world’s 200 designated world heritage sites (45 percent) are plagued by wildlife criminals. The WWF says the problem is so far reaching it could lead to the extinction of critically endangered species including javan rhinos and wild tigers.

    Man knocked down on highway in stable condition
    Last Thursday at around 8:38 p.m., 66-year-oldJohn Milton Tillett, a general contractor of Marigold Lane, Belize City, was escorted to the Caribbean Shores police station in his Silver and Red Ford F-250. Tillett reported that at around 6:30 p.m., he left Ladyville to Belize […]

    Foreign riders dominate Holy Saturday Cross-Country Classic
    Three foreign riders, two Guatemalans and one from the United States, claimed the top positions in the 89th Holy Saturday Cross-Country Classic, hosted by the Cycling Federation of Belize. Alejandro Padilla, who also won last year’s race, took first place with a completion time […]

    Weekend fire caused by BBQ grill
    On Sunday, police visited an address Elston Kerr Street, Belize City where cops observed fire personnel extinguishing a fire inside a room of an unpainted wooden bungalow house belonging to Dawn Faber, 52. Initial investigations revealed that on around 1:45 p.m., someone had attempted […]

    Chateau Caribbean up in flames again
    Yesterday around 3:15 p.m., police visited the remains of Chateau Caribbean hotel located at #6 Marine Parade, Belize City where officers observed that already damaged three story wooden and cement structure engulfed in flames. Belize National Fire Services personnel responded to the scene and […]

    San Pedro man arrested for rape
    A San Pedro student, along with her mother, reported to police on Sunday that she was raped as she slept on a couch in her living room. The girl reported that at around 12:30 a.m. Sunday morning she was awoken when she felt someone […]

    PM Barrow departs country on personal leave
    dean The Office of the Prime Minister issued a release this morning informing the nation that PM Barrow departed the country on personal leave on Monday, April 17th, 2017 and will return to the country on Sunday, April 23rd, 2017. During the Prime Minister’s […]

    Central American ministers to attend SICA forum in Turkey
    On April 20, Foreign Ministers from Central America will attend the second Central America Integration System (SICA) forum in Istanbul, Turkey. According to sources from the Foreign Ministry in Turkey, the forum will see attendees from the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras […]

    Moist conditions to continue
    The 24-hour forecast is for mostly moist and unstable conditions to prevail with cloudy skies and a few showers mainly over the coast this morning and moving inland this afternoon. The wind will blow from the east at 5-15 knots. The sea state will […]

    Blogs

    Top five places to visit Belize 2017 Part 1.
    Visit the incredible ancient city of Tikal on this day trip from San Ignacio. Once a powerful city center during the Classic Mayan period, today Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws scores of visitors each year. Your professional guide will take you across the border into Tikal National Park in Guatemala and lead you on a fascinating tour of the sprawling archaeological complex. Round-trip transport from your San Ignacio hotel and all park fees are included. Visit one of the largest and most important Mayan sites in all of Central America. Your professional guide will pick you up at your San Ignacio hotel for the roughly 1.5-hour drive to Tikal National Park. You will be assisted in all border crossing procedures to enter Guatemala safely and hassle free. Be sure to bring your passport!

    Things to Do in Belize 2017 PART 2
    Float through soaring caves then fly from tree to tree on a 6-hour private adventure from Belize City that combines tubing and a thrilling zipline challenge. Hike into the forest, then float the Caves Branch River into caverns lined with flow stones and bristling stalactites. Trade your tube for a harness, then launch into the air from a series of eight platforms connected by cables that stretch up to 1,200 feet (366 meters). Rappel back to earth from the final platform and catch your breath before returning to Belize City. See your light flicker upon strange shapes and the ultimate darkness beyond. Hear the echo of your own voice bounce off the distant walls. Listen to the water dripping from the ceiling, creating spectacular formations in the stunning chambers. And while you might be expecting dark and claustrophobic passageways, you are likely to find enormous chambers and cathedral- sized rooms.

    International Sourcesizz

    16 Incredible Pictures Show the Beauty of Bats
    In honor of Bat Appreciation Day, see up-close photos of these majestic—and often misunderstood—flying mammals.
    Few animals have captured the imagination like bats. From superheroes to vampires, bats' unique characteristics have inspired fascination for centuries, but in real life, they play a critical role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. In addition to controlling bug populations, bats are a critical source of pollination. In the Southwest U.S. and in Mexico, they pollinate agave plants, making them essential for tequila production. Bats have uniquely adapted to their environment. It's a common misconception that they're blind (and in fact they see three times better than people), but during the night they rely primarily on their ears. Their screeches allow them to echolocate, or create a sonar map of their surroundings.

    BRITISH PRIME MINISTER CALLS EARLY ELECTIONS IN SHOCKING U TURN
    After months of denying she would call snap elections and under a year after replacing former Prime Minister David Cameron, Prime Minister Theresa May stunned the political world as she announced today from 10 Downing Street early elections would indeed be called for June 6, 2017. The British Prime Minister said in her statement that "the cabinet decided it was the necessary thing to do in order to ensure the success of of Brexit" she said "while the country is united, Westminster remains divided on Brexit and with a 17 seat majority she and her cabinet wanted "a clear mandate from the people in order for exit from the European Union to be effective" While some are saying May broke her repeated promise not to call snap elections others such as former Prime Minister David Cameron are hailing May's decision as "bold and brilliant"

    Belize: An easy tropical getaway from Wichita
    Our flight left Wichita Eisenhower National Airport at 6 a.m., and at 2 p.m., we were climbing into a small boat, joining two other couples for an afternoon of snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea. There are few tropical destinations as convenient to reach from Wichita as Belize, which is why the Central American country is one of the few places we’ve visited more than once. On our first trip, we flew from Wichita to Dallas to Belize City, where we took a small airplane to the southeastern coast to explore the beach resort area and jungle around the Placencia Peninsula. This time, we visited the country’s largest island, Ambergris Caye, just a 15-minute flight from the mainland via Tropic Air aboard a 14-seat, Wichita-built Cessna Caravan turboprop. The flight felt more like a sightseeing tour than transportation. The beach is one of the main reasons to visit the Caribbean. Xanadu Island Resort offers oceanfront cabanas. Altun Ha is about 30 miles north of Belize City. Belize was once the center of the Mayan civilization, archaeologists believe. Altun Ha is one of the country’s most visited of the ruin sites. One of the main draws of Ambergris Caye is its proximity to the 190-mile-long Belize Barrier Reef. The beach is one of the main reasons to visit the Caribbean. Xanadu Island Resort offers oceanfront cabanas. Altun Ha is about 30 miles north of Belize City. Belize was once the center of the Mayan civilization, archaeologists believe. Altun Ha is one of the country’s most visited of the ruin sites.

    5 Blue Holes to Add to Your Bucket List
    As you approach the dive site, you can easily see where it is from the distance. It is not because of a buoy or unusually shaped nearby rock landscape, it is the water. The color of the water stands out, a deep blue. You are about to dive a Blue Hole. Blue Holes, even the name sounds inviting. They get their name from the intense deep blue color that stands out against the lighter blue or green surroundings. They provide a different environment than the surrounding seas and a unique dive experience. A blue hole is a sinkhole whose opening is below the water level. In many ways, they are very similar to sinkholes found on land and have much in common with the cenotes of Mexico. The sinkholes were created by erosion and the karst processes, which is the chemical dissolution of carbonate rocks. At the time, the sea level was lower than it is today and the openings of the sinkholes were on land. Some Blue Holes are known to have been developed over different periods. Studies of the Belize Blue Hole show the development started more than 153,000 years ago. It became submerged when sea level rose, however, sea levels dropped exposing the sinkhole 66,000 years ago, then again 60,000 years ago, and the most recent 15,000 years ago. The effects of these time frames can be seen in the Blue Hole.

    Rendering Honors
    “In life, he honored the flag. In death, the flag honors him,” said Maj. Joe Ward, a chaplain with the West Virginia Army National Guard, to the small group gathered around him. The chaplain is part of a small detail led by Command Sgt. Maj. Angel Rivera, command sergeant major of the 210th Regional Support Group, an Army Reserve unit from Puerto Rico, to honor a recently deceased American citizen living in Belize, Master Sgt. David Pandy Jr. The honor guard belongs to a larger task force that was in Belize for a humanitarian exercise called Beyond the Horizon 2017. The exercise is designed to improve medical and educational infrastructure by providing three health care service events and building five new medical and school buildings throughout the country. Neither the command sergeant major nor the chaplain expected to be under the hot sun in a foreign country watching a casket being lowered into the ground during their annual training. These Soldiers, though busy with their primary missions at the construction sites and medical events, made time to render honors to one of their own.

    How “de-risking” is changing the face of AML compliance programs
    The last decade has brought with it sweeping changes to the financial industry that has made it increasingly difficult and costly for banks, money services businesses (MSBs) and other financial institutions to fulfill their anti-money laundering (AML) compliance requirements. Under pressure from executives, board members, and regulators alike, many banks have taken aggressive steps to reduce their exposure to fines and penalties. One such step that is becoming increasingly common is to sever ties with smaller financial organizations that they consider high risk, including MSBs, non-profits, foreign embassies and correspondent banks. Known as “de-risking”, or “de-banking”, this practice sees larger financial institutions end certain lines of business, sever relationships with or close the accounts of smaller financial institutions. While this minimizes the larger bank’s risk exposure, it has significant implications for the smaller respondent banks that rely on their correspondent banking relationships (CBRs) to access international financial systems. Being denied this access further isolates some of the world’s most vulnerable areas, including developing nations, and drives many to smaller, potentially non-compliant financial institutions or illegal “shadow markets” of cash transactions to get the services they need.

    2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Calls For a Near-Average Number of Storms, Less Active Than 2016
    The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to be less active than a year ago with the number of named storms and hurricanes near historical averages, according to an outlook released Monday by The Weather Company, an IBM business. A total of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes are expected this season, which matches the 30-year average (1981-2010) for the Atlantic basin. A major hurricane is one that is Category 3 or stronger on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The outlook cited that the potential development of El Niño later this summer along with current and forecast sea-surface temperature anomalies played a role in their forecast for a near-average season. But there remains plenty of uncertainty regarding El Niño's possible development, and therefore, how much of an effect it could have on the hurricane season. "If El Niño fails to launch, we may be too low with our numbers," said Dr. Todd Crawford, chief meteorologist with The Weather Company.

    Videos

  • These captains can turn these huge boats on a dime. Mad skills!, 1min.

  • Pre-Hispanic 'Football': perform a competition of a ball game maya in teotihuacan, 2min. Teams of Mexico and Belize clashed in the pre-Hispanic city of teotihuacan this Saturday to play a game of Ulama, a ball game in which the use that players make their hips, is more important than the use they make of their feet . Ulama, also known as ullamaliztli by Aztecs is played with a rubber ball about two pounds of weight, with teams of four players that can only move the ball using their hips. The goal of the game is to keep control of the ball and that this is kept inside the field.

  • Mexico: Hips of God! Pelvises fly at contest for 3,000-yo Mayan ballgame, 2min.

  • Rejuvenation Project to Breathe New Life into Downtown Belize City, 6min. The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project was launched on April 8th, 2015 by the Government of Belize and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The project is funded through a loan from the Taiwan International Cooperation Fund with counterpart funding from the Government of Belize; and is being implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation with support from the National Institute of Culture and History and the Belize City Council.

  • Dr. Sennef on the Dangers of Glyphosate, 1hr30min. Dr. Sennef speaks about the dangers of Glyphosate. Brought to Belize through the efforts of Pro-Organic Belize. Pro-Organic Belize supports all farmers in Belize committed to growing organic produce under Participatory Guarantee System Standards, and the education of farmers, vendors, consumers and the public.

  • Belize April, 2017, min. Family vacation

  • Jungle Jump Belize, 10sec. Local spot in Belize where people like to cool off from the heat.

  • 3lks Belize 2017, 12min.

  • March 2017 Belize Zoo Jaguar, 1min. He sounds cool and you can get really close to the animals there.

  • Belize 2017, 3min. A wonderful short getaway at San Pedro, Belize. Mahogany Bay Village made our stay amazing!

  • Belize Bonus B Roll 2017, 16min. You want more!

  • Villagers farming seaweed to prevent over fishing, 2.5min.

  • POK TA POK TEAM, 2.5min.

  • Cross Country 2017, 5.5min.

  • National Agriculture & Trade Show Committee - Farmers Year, 36min.

  • University of Belize Earth Day 2017, 21min.

  • Recipes for Detoxing our Bodies, 30min.

  • Cross Country 2017, 11.5min.

  • Cross Country 2017 post race interviews, 5.5min.

  • Have you ever heard of the Common External Tariff, CET for short?, 3min. Here's a short informational video from the Directorate General for Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Investment, Trade & Commerce - Belize

  • Belize 2017 - (Giant Cave), 4min. Cave Diving at Giant Cave, Belize - 18/04//2017

  • Loggerhead Turtle Belize, 38sec.

  • Belize Spring Break 2017, 35min.Backpacking Belize this spring break. Traveled 500 miles by motorbike. Stayed in Hopkins, Punta Gorda, and Placencia.

  • C&J Belize Vacation 2017, 12min. Our trip to Belize was full of beauty and adventure!

  • Police Check Point Talk Show, on TNC10, 60min.

    April 18, 2017


    FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

    Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

    Specials and Events

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


    The San Pedro Sun

    San Pedro Pirates FC announce Executive Committee
    The San Pedro Pirates Football Club was founded as an independent non-profit organization in the interest of promoting professional football among San Pedro’s youth community. In preparation for their participation in the upcoming Premier League of Belize, the islands first semi-professional football team has announced their executive team of 15 individuals to properly run the team. The San Pedro Pirates FC is currently owned and financed by Emeliano Riveo and Raymond Charles Tyree Jr. Leading the management of the team is Susana Eiley as President, with Hector “Tito” Alamilla observing the role of Vice-President. Other members include Ruben Francois as General Manager, Kent “Bob” Gabourel as Club Consultant, Jason Valladarez as Secretary, Gerardo Reyes as Consultant and Manager of the youth development team, Fulgencio Hoare as Consultant and Assistant Manager of the youth development team, Jorge Nuñez as Head Coach, Mario Kempest as Assistant Coach, Rene Reyes Jr. (CrossFit Wolf) as Head of Conditioning and Fitness, Sergio Gomez as Web Designer, Janelle Cowo as Media and Marketing Officer and Misael Gonzalez as Live Feed and TNC 10 Reporter.

    Johnny Depp to play John McAfee in new film about his life in Belize
    Famous ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Actor Johnny Depp is expected to play the role of John McAfee, the inventor of the McAfee Virus Scan turned murder suspect in Belize, in the upcoming film, “King of the Jungle”. From being featured on Dateline NBC to Showtime, McAfee became a prime media interest in Belize, as well as internationally, after many controversial events occurred. The film will focus on the fiasco that unfolded when McAfee was accused by the Government of Belize of manufacturing illegal narcotics, owning unlicensed firearms, and becoming a suspect in the murder of American National, Gregory Faull.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Poets Corner: Strength of women in unions
    By Abdulmajeed K. Nunez. Everyone looks at the big elections But its small elections that builds traction One, one okra full basket Be on your mark get set Teechaz please no mek The UDP wi presidency teck Someone made a pronunciation Regarding the BNTU elections Political interference they will withdraw their participation For your information It started with the reward of the one million Anything that threatens GOB corruption You can bet your cook They will try infiltration

    Lobsterfest 2017 in Belize: The famous for its Lobster Attraction in Belize
    San Pedro Lobster fest is one of the main attraction when you visit Belize in June. Thursday, June 15th, 2017! Voted #1 Festival in Belize! The San Pedro Lobster Festival is an annual event that celebrates the reopening of lobster season in Belize. The first festival was held in 2007 with a week of nightly events leading up to one epic block party. Over the past 10 years the festival has evolved into a 10 day festival filled with over 20 great activities and incredible lobster themed foods! Mark your calendars now to join us for this year’s festival! The activities kick off on June 15th with the opening party. There will be daytime and night time events leading up to the Lobster Fest Central Park Block Party on Saturday, June 24th , featuring the musical talents of the Pannerifix Steel Band!

    CANTO Chair and Secretary General Pay Courtesy Visit to New CEO of Belize Telemedia Ltd.
    Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago - CANTO Chairman, Julian Wilkins and Secretary General, Teresa Wankin paid a courtesy visit to Rochus Schreiber the new CEO at Belize Telemedia Ltd. (BTL) headquarters in Belize City, Belize. Mr. Rochus Schreiber was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BTL with effect Wednesday, April 5th, 2017. Mr. Schreiber boasts over 20 years of professional experience, and has worked in diverse global settings throughout the Americas and Europe. Within the Caribbean region, he has served as CEO of Digicel's local operations in Anguilla, Nevis and Montserrat.CANTO had the privilege of meeting the new CEO on his first day on the job. Discussions were held on the upcoming CANTO conference, the Code of Practice for safeguarding the open Internet; the CANTO working committees and the work of the CICC working committees. CANTO was also given a tour of the BTL facilities.

    Student's camera records his own drowning death on school trip while visiting Belize
    No one helped Tomari Jackson as he screamed for his life while drowning in a Central American river. With 31 other Georgia high school students — some within arm’s reach — nine chaperones and Jackson pleading “Help! Help!” the 14-year-old still died on that school trip to Belize just over a year ago. Fighting to stay alive, Tomari, a student at North Cobb High School in Cobb County, Georgia, was close enough to splash a girl in a red checkered swimsuit. She laughed it off. He went back under water. Then he reached out to grab the muddy riverbank where others were playing. No one saw him. No one heard him. But his mother heard. Adell Forbes heard his chilling cries and gurgling before the waters took her only child. Two months ago, she helplessly watched video footage from the camera that had been strapped to his head, recording her boy’s last moment in that river in February of 2016.

    Three Questions On Selling Belize
    TMR spoke with Mariam Roberson, managing director of San Ignacio Resort Hotel, on tips for selling the Central American country. 1. What advice can you offer travel agents trying to sell Belize to their clients? Visit Belize! Come familiarize yourself with Belize’s blend of cultures and history, its vast range of adventure, and its people. Nothing speaks more genuinely than first-hand experience and this also adds more credibility for your clients. The country itself is gorgeous and this is easily seen in its natural resources—both in the islands and inland. 2. What role do you see travel agents playing in your growth? Travel agents are a precious marketing and sales tool. Most of the agents we work with have experienced our resort first-hand—a characteristic that adds credibility when our hotel is pitched as a unique and personalized destination. We love to form relationships in a personal fashion to ultimately build loyalty and trust on a business level. Travel agents assist us not only in promoting our resort to various markets but also in increasing our yearly sales. We consider them part of our team.

    Building that was destroyed by fire catches ablaze again during rain
    The frame that once held the Chateau Caribbean Hotel and restaurant caught fire Monday, April 17th. The fire department was able to control it very quick since there wasn't much left to burn from the initial fire that gutted the business some months ago.

    Yucatec Maya style wedding dress
    Belize ma'alob aak'ab (Good night Belize) what you think of this Yucatec Maya style dress for a wedding or a 15 years or prom night? New ways of honoring our culture, we are the contemporary Mayas of northern Belize.

    Edgar Wiltshire passes away
    We join the people of Corozal in extending our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of brother Edgar Wiltshire who passed away on April 16, 2017. Edgar was a community activist. May he rest in peace and rise in Glory.

    Paint Up A Storm 2017
    The 2017 Paint Up A Storm is Saturday, April 29th, starting at 9:00am, at the Cayo Welcome Center. If you haven't been to one yet, you'll definitely want to go see the interesting art that is created right there. '"'Art is when you hear a knocking from your soul — and you answer.” ~Terri Guillemets Come Paint Up A Storm - April 29th at the Cayo Welcome Center between 9am - 2pm. Support our Belizean artists of all ages!

    The U.S. Embassy Belize is now accepting applications for the 2018-2019 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
    This non-degree professional exchange program provides approximately a year of study and related professional experience in the United States to mid-career professionals working in the public service field. To learn more about the program and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/2p9POHb. The deadline to apply is June 10, 2017.

    The Reporter

    Regional sugar stakeholders ask for more protection
    Concerned players in the region’s sugar industry have appealed for governments to introduce tariffs to protect it in light of a drop in production quotas and prices. At the recent sixth meeting of Caribbean Stakeholders on Sugar in Jamaica, they argued that some level of protection should be imposed in anticipation of the drop in exports in the coming months. That is when production quotas in the European Union (EU) will be reduced and the industry is expected to suffer the backlash. “Governments around the world give tariff protection to their own sugar industries, yet in the Caribbean we are currently losing out to imported sugar from outside the region. It is time to modernize our approach to sugar,” the region’s stakeholders said in a statement.

    Blogs

    Passed down from one generation to the next: A Belizean Folklore
    One of my favourite folktales passed down to me by my grandmother was that of “La Xtabai” (La Ish-tah-bai). For years, the tale of La Xtabai had me making sure I was inside the house before the clock struck 9 at night! But what is La Xtabai you may ask? Well, SHE is every misbehaving kid and drunk man’s nightmare! La Xtabai is supposed to be this gorgeous woman with striking long black hair who lurks at the edge of the bushes. Bear in mind that Belize is still pretty much covered in foliage, and villages in particular are often surrounded by thick forests. While her appearance is that of a goddess, she’s really a monster with goat legs and claws that can rip a person apart – at least that’s what I was told! The story of La Xtabai varies slightly among the different cultures of Belize. What makes her so terrifying, is that she is an enchantress, luring people to their death. According to the story, La Xtabai targets children who do not obey their parents and are out late at night. She also preys on drunk men, luring them to her embrace.

    My Internet & The Possibility of Being a Digital Nomad in Belize
    Last year, I wrote a post titled: How To Get A Job In Belize. It’s the #1 question that I receive from readers and look, I totally get it. MAN do I get it. You visit Belize – everyone is so friendly, everyone speaks English, it’s gorgeous warm and inviting, there seem to be quite a few Americans and other foreigners working here – so why can’t I? Well…it’s definitely NOT that easy. It’s not easy at all. And it shouldn’t be. I listed quite a few reasons in the post above. Like…when you arrive, you are an immigrant and working isn’t legal in Belize. But there is a way that is becoming more and more popular and accessible to many. Using your computer, your smart phone, internet calling…all sorts of apps to work anywhere in the world. Anywhere that has decent internet access. Telecommuting is become MUCH more popular – and approaching your current boss makes tons of sense if you are planning on moving. There are also numerous websites that list internet based jobs from around the world.

    International Sourcesizz

    National University Faculty, Students Present Sea Turtle Research at International Symposium
    Under the direction of National University professor Mario Mota, a group of students are contributing to international efforts to save the threatened loggerhead sea turtle. Their research findings were presented at the 37th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation April 15 -20 in Las Vegas, which draws participants from around the world to discuss the latest research on the biology and conservation of sea turtles and their habitats. Dr. Mario Mota, whose research focuses primarily on loggerhead green sea turtles in Florida and Belize, has been leading the National University team's research that explores the impact of bacteria on loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites. As part of their research into these challenges, the team spent months researching sea turtle nesting sites at Florida beaches and analyzing sand samples in San Diego. The National University students who contributed to the project are: Gregory Heidel, Garett Huffstutler, Brian Arko, Nicole Salazar and Richard Cale. Dr. Mota's collaboration with students represents the opportunities National University students have to engage in projects and research that positively impact communities and the world at large.

    Videos

  • Belize, 9.5min.

  • Ka'ana Resort in Cayo, Belize. Mesmerized by the fires that are lit every night.Maya tradition, 1min. Great Resort. The Customer service is impeccable. The food is sooo tasty. Will Always Remember this place.

  • How to Make Belizean Chicken Escabeche, 10min. Escabeche is very savory and tart chicken soup of sorts with distilled white vinegar and onions as it's main attaction.

  • Diving the Chiminey and Canyons, 3min. Nice dive site north of San Pedro Belize.

  • Belize 2017 - Part 1, 4min.

  • Belize Howler Monkeys, 1/2min.

  • C&J Belize Vacation 2017, 12min. Our trip to Belize was full of beauty and adventure! Our ATM tour is not picture here due to a photography ban, but this tour was certainly one of the highlights of the trip. We climbed rock formations, and dredged through water to discover artifacts and bones from the Mayan era. Belize is truly an amazing place!

  • Belize - The National Archives UK, 17min. The visuals in this video have no known copyright restrictions, and are available to the public through public archives.

  • Lamanai in BELIZE, 3.5min.

  • Belize 2017, 4.5min.

  • Our last Scuba Dive in Belize at Ho Chan Marine Reserve, 9.5min. Today is our last day of scuba diving in Belize. Unfortunately the weather got super windy so we could only go to the Ho Chan Marine Reserve instead of doing our 2 tank deepwater dive.

  • Belize it or not, 14min. Belize vacation

    April 17, 2017


    FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

    Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

    Specials and Events

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


    The San Pedro Sun

    Police Report
    On Tuesday, April 11th, San Pedro Police conducted a search at an apartment belonging to Jimell Paul Jex and Tracy Betancourt with the strength of a search warrant for drugs, firearm and ammunition. The search led to the discovery of eight unlicensed live 9 mm rounds. 31-year-old Jimell Paul Jex was arrested for the offence of “Kept ammunition without a gun license”. Police are currently searching for Tracy Betancourt. On Tuesday, April 11th, San Pedro Police conducted a search at the residence of 30-year-old Marisella Garnett Casey and 26-year-old Derek Albert Livingston in the DFC area. The search led to the discovery of a plastic bag containing 656 grams of cannabis. Casey, Livingston, and Devon Matthew, who was at the house at the time of the search, were arrested and charged for the offence of “Drug Trafficking”.

    Wolfe’s Woofer: Hired Help
    “I love living on my little ranch in Valley of Peace,” Tom Buckman said. “You and Sherry need to come visit and meet my new bride. She’s twenty-six years old.” Sherry said, “Twenty-six! Won’t that be too young for you, Tom? How old are you, anyway?” “I’ll be ninety-seven this coming birthday. I had to get a young one,” he said. “I want some more babies.” “Aren’t you a little old for that?” I asked. “Being old is all in your mind. I’ve made twelve children so far and I want some babies on my ranch.”

    Letter to the Editor: Opposed to the Cayo Rosario Development
    Dear Sir/Madam: In the matter of the proposed development of Cayo Rosario and Lot #297 Sea View Park. We as the property owners of beachfront Lot #493 Ambergris Bay, sharing a property border with the proposed mainland disposal and support site for the development of Cayo Rosario strongly object to the concept being applied for. Our objection is of three parts: • We object to the environmental impact of the development proposed on Cayo Rosario being amid a natural marine reserve. The overwater building operations will cause a disturbance of the aquatic life which will forever alter the immediate and surrounding habitat. Over-water structures have been proven to alter the aquatic habitat in a very negative way. o The introduction of treated and manmade building materials provision the leaching of unnatural and concentrated chemicals into the water.

    Doctor Love: Loving Daughter
    Dear Doctor Love, My mother is getting old. She lives alone in her house and I am worried about her. I want her to come and live with me and my kids and husband but she gets vexed and tells me to let her live in peace. She forgets the date and where she puts stuff and every time I look in her fridge there is old food there. The house isn’t as clean as it should be and when I point it out she doesn’t talk to me. Twice she missed paying the water bill and got late notice for it. Every morning her best friend comes for a visit but other than that she is all alone there. If she came to live with me she wouldn’t have housework, she wouldn’t have to pay bills and she could enjoy her young grandchildren. How do I get her to see she is too old to manage a house alone? /s/Loving Daughter

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Images of today's beach Easter party in San Pedro Town!
    Another spectacular Easter celebration on the island!

    Free medical services are underway in Ladyville this entire week!
    rom general family medical services to pediatric care, OBGYN, optometry, and dentistry, all services are free and do not require an appointment. Charge d'Affaires Adrienne Galanek, together with the Ministry of Health's Dr. Melissa Diaz, Primary Care Coordinator for Central Health Region, and Nurse Augustine Elijio, Deputy Director of Health Services, visited the Ladyville site to meet medical personnel, patients, as well as local NGO representatives with informational booths on site. Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize

    The Reporter

    Guatemalan rider takes Cross Country cycling race
    Guatemalan rider, Alejandro Padilla, is the winner of the 2017 Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic cycling race. Padilla, also the winner of the 2016 race, completed the race in a time of 5:53:05. His performance earned him $6,400 in prizes, the garland and 8 trophies. Patrick Raines of USA, placed 2nd, with a completion time of 5:53:26, and collected $4,100. Another Guatemalan rider, Adler Torres, placed 3rd in 5:53:28 to win $2,000. Torres also took over $6,000 in station prizes. Torres kept the pace in front on the way back and he, Padilla and Raines broke away from a pack of riders just past mile 9 on the way back. The trio kept the lead all the way into Belize City until Padilla made a sprint on Princess Margaret Drive. Raines never responded and he and Torres rode in almost together at thr finish.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    US woman pleading for justice for murdered daughter
    A US woman is calling for anyone with information on the whereabouts of her daughter’s suspected murderer to assist authorities in finding him. Josephine Wentzel is in Phoenix, Arizona this week trying to assist authorities with their search for Raymond “RJ” McLeod, who they suspect may have escaped to Belize. “I was told they are not looking for a suspect, they are looking for a murderer. He killed my daughter,” Wentzel said.

    Blogs

    Belize (Part 1) - Exploring Exotic Islands in the Caribbean Sea
    When people think of booking a last minute vacation, Belize is not usually the first place that springs to mind - especially if you are travelling from Europe, planning your first solo trip and only have two weeks to play with. This is the situation I found myself in earlier this year but even still, you’re probably wondering why I opted for Belize. Well I’ll tell you why. Home to the second largest Barrier Reef in the world, Belize is a country of vast contrasts - with a chilled back Caribbean vibe on its islands on the East coast and ancient Mayan ruins, caves and jungles to explore inland on the West. To me Belize offered the perfect mix of adventure, activities and relaxation so it was an ideal destination. Below is a detailed two week itinerary for Belize with recommendations for food, accommodation, tour companies and everything in between. I have split the itinerary into three posts each covering different aspects of the trip so make sure you check them all out.

    Belize (Part 2) - An Un-Belizeable Sailing Trip
    Back in January 2017, I decided to embark on my latest adventure. I decided to travel to Central America to see the wonderful Belize. I was both very excited and nervous at the same time as I was travelling by myself for the very first time. Before I left Ireland I planned my entire trip and showed a friend who had been through all of South and Central America, including Belize, a few years ago. After showing him my plan he advised me to change three days of it and recommended that I look into the Raggamuffin Tours Overnight Sailing Trip. He didn’t do the trip but he knew someone who did and they raved about it. I actually came across the trip when I was researching, “things to do in Belize”, but honestly it never crossed my mind to actually do it. Looking back on it now, it was definitely the best decision I made and I am very grateful to my friend for suggesting it.

    Belize (Part 3) - Exploring the Mayan Underworld
    When we got to Dangriga there was a queue of cars offering lifts to the bus station. They originally wanted $5pp for the short trip, but we negotiated with them and we packed five people into one car and only cost $10 for all of us. We got to the bus station in Dangriga at 4.00pm but had to wait till 5.30pm for a bus heading to Belize City in the north via Belmopan. Several buses arrived during this time heading south, so if you are heading to the popular destinations of Placencia or Hopkins you won’t have to wait as long. There are two buses at 5.30pm, the express and the normal. We went for the express one and it got us to Belmopan in 90 minutes and only cost $7, $2 more than the normal bus, trust me it’s 100% worth it. It’s a nice scenic journey to Belmopan and the roads are surprisingly good.

    International Sourcesizz

    These Breathtaking Photos Are NASA's First Images of Our World at Night in 5 Years
    NASA has released a global map of the Earth at night for the first time since 2012, using the powerful Suomi NPP satellite and complex computer algorithms to give us our best look yet at our planet in darkness. The newly improved, high-resolution graphics can help scientists plot population patterns, energy demand, the expansion of cities, and even shipping lanes. What's more, NASA scientists plan to release daily snapshots of the world at night later this year, so we don't have to wait five years between updates - and that means researchers would be able to use the data to aid disaster recovery operations and monitor energy use on a day-to-day basis.

    Videos

  • This Is Belize - Drone Footage Of Beautiful Belize, 1.5min. Most of you know that I totally fell in love with Belize when visiting a few weeks ago. I was so disappointed not to have by drone working but the super talented Shane Mc Grath Photography has kindly allowed me to share his video from beautiful Belize. THIS IS WHY I LOVE BELIZE!

  • Belize Barrier Reef: Natural Relaxation Movie, 62min.

  • I farmed seaweed in Belize to learn why it’s the food of the future, 6.5min.

  • Ariel's trip to Belize 2016, 27min. My first solo travel trip!

  • BELIZE 2017, 8.5min. My study abroad trip for marine biology :)

  • ziplining in belize NCL #4, 3min.

  • Maddie Lovin' Belize!, 1.5min.

  • Belize Travel Diary, 2min. BEST SPRING BREAK EVER. loved filing/editing this, miss this gorgeous country already!

  • Warasa Drummers of Belize showcasing Garifuna culture at Maya Mountain Research Farm, 17min. Sharing Garifuna drumming and dancing with permaculture students in San Pedro - Columbia, Belize.

    April 16, 2017


    FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

    Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

    Specials and Events

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


    The San Pedro Sun

    San Pedro welcomes new NEMO Coordinator for Belize Rural South
    On Monday, April 10th, Vanessa Parham was introduced as the new National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) Coordinator for the Belize Rural South, which includes Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. After former NEMO Coordinator Jeromey Timrose Augustine-Cayetano served her capacity in San Pedro Town for over seven years, Parham is ready and looking forward to serving the community as the coordinator.

    Woman stabbed in Caye Caulker during early hours
    During the early hours of Saturday, April 8th, 20 year old Meghan Holland sustained a stab wound to the chest in Caye Caulker. According to the official police report, while Caye Caulker Police were patrolling on Luciano Reyes Street at 2AM, they received information that a fight was occurring in front of the Police Barracks. When they arrived, they saw Holland making a lot of commotion. She indicated to the Police that she’d had a misunderstanding with one of her cousins. The officers advised her to make a report at the Caye Caulker Police Station, but she refused, and went home. However, a few minutes later, police received information that Holland had collapsed at her home. She was then rushed to the Caye Caulker Health Clinic, where police, along with medical authorities, observed a stab wound to her chest.

    Passport Services resume after technical difficulties
    The Department of Immigration and Nationality Services issued a press release on Friday, April 7th, informing the general public that the Department will resume normal processing of applications for renewal and issuance of new passports on Monday, April 10th. This announcement came more than a month after the Government of Belize (GOB) advised the public that the Passport Office in Belmopan was experiencing technical difficulties with the passport printing process.

    Tamanduas losing habitat due to major development
    The daylight sighting of a Tamandua (anteater) has led concerned residents to claim that the increase in major development on Ambergris Caye is adversely affecting its flora and fauna. The nocturnal animal was reportedly spotted during early evening hours, and the witness fears that it could be captured for a pet, or worse, become injured by humans/dogs. The San Pedro Sun spoke to Ella Baron, wildlife specialist at the Tamandua Refuge in the Cayo District. She also believes that major development in San Pedro is causing tamanduas to resort to unnatural habitats. “Unfortunately, development is causing these animals to become dislocated. The anteaters live on high trees, and because of the large building developments, tamanduas’ natural habitats are disappearing. I believe that such massive and rapid construction is causing a lot of wildlife to [have to] get closer to humans. They get displaced, and disoriented. As a result, they can be attacked by humans, dogs or get hit by cars,” said Baron. While other animals would run away from danger, tamanduas try to protect themselves by standing up on their hind legs, using their tail as a support and holding their claws in a defensive position. They do not have teeth, and their defense mechanism can lead them to trouble. Tamandua/human conflict usually arises when people misinterpret the animal’s defensive behavior. Common reactions are getting scared and lashing out at them in fear.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    MUSIC AMBASSADOR OPEN MIC NIGHT WEST WINNER DARINQUE RENEAU
    Ambassador Shyne Barrow held is his popular Open Mic Night in the Cayo District last Thursday March 30th and it was one of the best yet. Shyne told ABP that "Open Mic is a platform for musicians and other creatives to show case their talent and express themselves." Darnique Reneau was the grand winner of the $1000 cash prize with Shanz coming in second winning a Samsung 5 courtesy of digicel and Don Doe winning the third place prize of $250. The Ambassador told us he ultimately "plans to bring Open Mic Night to all the districts as its important to support all Belizean artists wherever they are." The first Open Mic Night was during Last years first annual Belize Music Week which this year is scheduled for May 15-20 and will see Open Mic Night return to Belize City Thursday May 18th .

    Good Friday in San Pedro
    Good Friday is quite a solemn day on our island - no alcohol is sold or served. There is a beautiful procession in the streets and then...the partying begins. Beautiful photos of the Catholic Church's Good Friday procession through San Pedro town.

    The Rocky Road to Miss Universe
    How It All Began. 5 part series—A Father’s View of His Daughter’s Quest for the Miss Universe Crown.

    Festival of Culture 2017
    The 2017 International Festival of Culture will be the first weekend in May. Centennial Park will be happening. "The 7th International Festival of Culture will come to life once more, save the dates May 5,6 & 7th, 2017"

    Sawdust carpet for Good Friday prepared by San Pedro House of Culture
    Thanks to Brenda, Cindy, Delia, Carina and Eliseo for a job well done.

    The Reporter

    MOH celebrates World Health Day
    Students, law enforcement personnel, and even members of the public, gathered on Tuesday at the Ramada Belize City Princess to discuss depression on world Health Day. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization PAHO/WHO, was geared towards looking at depression in both the global and Belizean contexts. The event, a first of its kind in the area of depression, involved healthcare professionals providing study data and statistics, but also included testimonials from persons who have suffered with depression, or had to help a loved one grapple with the condition.

    Brothers suffocate in Orange Walk well
    Two brothers were found dead in a well in the Goat Hill area of Tower Hill, Orange Walk District. Police say they visited a farm owned by the Coyoc family of Trial Farm village, where personnel from the Fire Department removed the bodies of Isidro Coyoc, 41, and Jeovani Coyoc , 26, from a well about 40 feet deep. Both men were found unconscious, in about four feet of water, holding on to ropes . Authorities transported them to the Northern Regional Hospital, where Dr Marco DeVille pronounced them dead on arrival. Police say that Jeovani Coyoc was cleaning the well but began to suffocate. Isidro, who was assisting, tried to assist his brother, but ended up suffocating as well.

    Child drowns in San Pedro
    A six-year-old boy drowned to death in San Pedro, after he fell into a water tank Thursday night. Police say when they arrived at the Bay Side area after 10:30 p.m., they saw some of the residents surrounding Zaem Torres, attempting to resuscitate him. Torres, had reportedly climbed to the top of the tank, which is situated next to the lagoon in the Bay Side area, and fell in. Officers transferred him to the Otto Rodriguez Poly Clinic, however, clinicians pronounced him dead at around 11:30 p.m.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Child survives near drowning experience in Corozal
    A nine year old child in Corozal survived a near drowning experience on Saturday afternoon. According to reports, sometime around 2 pm Corozal cops arrived in the Miami Beach area where they saw 2 persons conducting CPR on the child.

    Superbond restructuring prompts Moody’s credit rating upgrade
    Following the March restructuring of the 2034 US Dollar Bonds, Moody’s Investors Service, a world leader in providing information on credit ratings, has upgraded Belize’s long-term foreign and local-currency ratings. This week, Moody’s upgraded Belize’s issuer and senior unsecured ratings from Caa2 (Very High Risk) to B3(High Risk), signaling that the country’s economic outlook is stabilizing.

    The Decision
    In an interview with the media on 3rd April 2017, Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, casually announced, like nothing was wrong with it, that the Government of Belize had decided to pay $1 million dollars of public funds to those teachers who turned up at largely empty schools during the 11-day teachers strike last October, while many parents and other citizens kept their children out of school and marched in solidarity with the striking teachers.

    Foreigners lead 89th annual cross country
    The 89th edition of the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic is underway on the George Price Highway. Official ceremonies were held this morning at the BTL park, followed by a lead-out to the traditional starting point at Mile 2 on the George Price Highway, still referred to as the old George August meat shop.

    International Sourcesizz

    Best Places to Live: Ambergris Caye, Belize
    Lying just south of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, Belize is an expat’s dream destination: The Belizean dollar is pegged to the US dollar, the local language is English, and there’s a well-established expat population, which makes for an easy transition. For the ultimate Belizean escape, Ambergis Caye, its 25-mile-long, slender offshore island, has a new vibrance at the southern end with the development of Mahogany Bay Village, a new-urbanism-inspired community that also offers hotel stays in its whitewashed, elegant cottages, and a cluster of some of the best food and drink on the island. Several of Ambergis Caye’s finest stretches lie along the island’s southern shore, fronted by resorts including Ramon's Village and The Villas at Banyan Bay (all beaches are public, so just roll up and enjoy the view). A gap in Ambergris Caye’s protective reef gives the Hol Chan (“little channel”) Marine Reserve its name; this natural anomaly provides a protected habitat for live corals and fish and is a popular dive spot. Elsewhere in the underwater park you’ll find a seagrass-filled lagoon, thick coastal mangrove forests, and Shark Ray Alley, where snorkelers can swim with southern stingrays and nurse sharks. And when it’s time to leave the beach, Ambergris Caye’s town center of San Pedro is a buzzy, funky hangout with outdoor bars and restaurants.

    US$4 Million Investment by Chukka Caribbean a Boost for Tourism
    Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook, says Chukka Caribbean Adventures’ US$4 million investment in the upgrading of its Good Hope property in Falmouth, Trelawny will provide a major boost for cruise shipping and the entire tourism sector. “The Chukka Good Hope property is the kind of facility that will certainly be a pull factor in bringing more visitors to the island,” he noted. “I was accompanied by some key members of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) on a visit to the property and we were all blown away. It is truly another piece of jewellery in Chukka’s growing collection,” he added. Chukka Caribbean offers over 60 tours in Jamaica, Belize and Turks & Caicos, with a commitment to provide only the highest quality tours with well trained guides and stringent safety standards.

    Videos

  • Miss Teen Belize Video Shoot at Belize Zoo, 3min. The video highlighting the Miss Teen Belize photo shoot at the Belize Zoo. The perfect spot for a natural photo shoot. "On April 1st the 6 delegates vying for the Miss Teen Belize 2017 title took place in a very unique photo shoot at The Belize Zoo. We'd like to extend a big thank you to the The Belize Zoo & Staff for supporting this event, for their kind assistance and for making us feel welcomed. Thank you to Ernie Alpuche Photography for being the official photographer of Miss Teen Belize 2017, your work is truly stunning! Thank you The Candle Garden for the stunning headpieces worn by the delegates."

  • Bobby Juarbe Snorkeling in Belize 006, 3min.

  • Belize Expat from Spain Angela Suarez Moreno, 12min. Belize Expat from Spain Angela Suarez Moreno shares her Belize Story.

  • Meet Belize Expat from Spain, 9min. Sound starts at 1 minute mark- Meet Belize Expat from Spain, share about how his journey has been for him and his family.

  • Belize San Ignacio Artist Pedro Cruz, 14min. Meet Pedro Cruz, artist extraordinaire shares about painting the Belize Police Station mural in San Ignacio Town.

  • Belize San Ignacio Artist Pedro Cruz, 7min. Host Macarena Rose partakes in the weekly Chicken Drop in San Pedro, thanks to the invitation of Barrington. Note- The Chickens are treated with very humane care and spoiled with good food and love.

  • Music in San Pedro Belize at Wet Willys on Ambergris Caye Belize, 28min.

  • Macarena Rose with her friends Boombay, Emmeth- Drummers in Belize - Part 2, 12min. Join Belize Talk Radio with host Macarena Rose as she interviews the Garifuna Drummers of Belize.

  • Belize's Talented artist, author and musician Mali Cayetano, 12min. Host Macarena Rose, takes us to meet Mali Cayetano the Author of a book named “We are Free". The book shares with readers the cultural journey of the Garinagu beginning in Africa to their arrival in Belize.

  • Meet the Cayetano Family Belize Artists and Musicians, 12min. Belize Talk Radio Host Macarena Rose takes us to Dangriga Belize to Meet the Cayetano Family Belize Artists and Musicians

  • Macarena Rose with Belize Drummers Part 3, 12min. Join Belize Talk Radio with host Macarena Rose as she interviews the Boombay Drummers

  • Belize It Or Die 2017, 10min.

  • Dolphin Encounter - Magical - Belize 2017, 1/2min. What a thrill to watch - in HD, Turneffe Atoll - Barrier Reef - Belize.

  • Old Belize Fishing, 8min.

  • Crooked Tree village & wildlife sanctuary in Belize, 7min.

    April 15, 2017


    FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

    Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

    Specials and Events

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


    The San Pedro Sun

    Festival of the Sun and Moon raises fund for island charity
    The Festival of the Sun and Moon was the first ever electronic music event held on Ambergris Caye. Held from Thursday, April 6th through Sunday, April 9th the festival headlined DJs from the United States, Belize, Canada, England, and Germany, who came together for a good cause. Proceeds from the event benefited the San Pedro AIDS Commission and Raise Me Up, a non-profit organization aimed at improving the lives of the island’s most vulnerable. Five venues hosted the event, with most of the guest DJs having participated in similar charity events in other countries. The opening night of the festival was held at Luna Loca Beach Bar with patrons enjoying an evening of mixed techno music. On Friday, the party continued with a VIP boat party from 2PM to 8PM. The main event of the festival took place on Saturday, at Captain Morgan’s Retreat north of San Pedro. With two DJ’s pumping out the tunes, the event was a combination of both a pool and beach party.

    Traffic accident patient in need of financial assistance
    Island resident Andres Chavez was involved in a traffic accident on the morning of Monday, April 3rd. He suffered extensive damage to his right eye and remains in Guatemala where he sought medical treatment. The family is in need of assistance to cover medical expenses and are asking friends and the island community to kindly assist them in any possible way. According to unofficial reports, the accident took place around 5:30AM. Chavez was riding along with four other persons in a golf cart when they apparently crashed. All occupants in the car received injuries, but Chavez was injured the most. According to an immediate family member of Chavez, they are not sure what exactly happened. Following the accident, Chavez was immediately transported to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II where he received initial treatment. After stabilizing him, Chavez was taken to Belize City where doctors could not do much to save his eye. The family needed a second opinion, and despite hiring a taxi to take them across the border to Guatemala for better treatment, Chavez still ended up losing his eye.

    Governor General approves PACT Amendment Bill: Departure taxes increase
    The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) Amendment Bill was approved on Friday, March 31st by Governor General Sir Colville. The bill proposed the introduction of additional fees, which will be collected from all non-Belizeans when departing the country via air travel. Although it was previously voted down by the Senate, the GOB proceeded to pass it on to the Governor General for assent. The bill became effective as of Saturday, April 1st, which increased the previous Conservation fee by $32.50BZ. The departure fee has now increased from BZ$78.50 (US$39.25) to BZ$111.00 (US$56). The new departure fees is considered the second highest departure tax in Central America. The GOB implemented this new measure to increase the revenue for the approved fiscal budget. A total of $11 million dollars is projected to be raised within the next four years, and will be deposited into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

    Island victim of alleged police brutality tells her side of the story
    The woman who was at the center of the alleged police brutality incident of Saturday, April 1st, at San Pedro’s Central Park, has come forward with her version of the events. Following the incident in which four persons were injured after police discharged their firearms to disperse a crowd, two officers attached to the San Pedro Police Department, PC Norman Coye and PC Darnell Madrill were formally charged for wounding on Tuesday, April 4th. However, according to the woman, who wishes to stay anonymous, it is not enough, as she claims that more than two officers were involved in the incident. She also believes they need to be further charged for the beating she received. Something happened in the bathroom between my friend and another girl,” she says. “This girl went and told the police that my friend knocked her. That’s when the police came and slammed by friend’s head on the wall.” She stated that during the commotion inside the club, some of her friends took her friend outside, but by the time she made it into the Central Park she observed Coye manhandling her friend. “He had his foot on my friend’s stomach and so I approached him to try to make him stop. He tried to push me away and then two other police tackled me. I got handcuffed and one of the police hit me. When I tried to get up, I got hit several times again.” She also claims that while this was taking place a police officer stamped her down. “They beat me up like if I was a man.”

    Ambergris Today

    Six Year Old Drowns In Water Vat In San Pedro
    We are sad to report the drowning of six-year-old San Pedro resident Zaem Torres who passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2017. Investigation reveal that Torres climbed on the top of a water tank situated next to the lagoon in the Bay Side area which was filled with water and he fell in. Police visited the Bay Side area where they saw some men around 6-year-old Zaem Torres, student of Water Lane Street, San Pedro trying to conduct (CPR) on him. He was immediately transferred to the Otto Rodriguez Poly Clinic, however, at 11:30p.m. he was pronounced dead.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Easter Schedule: gas station at Sea Grape & Blake San Pedro
    Here is the Easter schedule for the Gas Station on the corner of Sea Grape Drive and Blake Street.

    Two weeks until the National Agriculture & Trade Show
    Fourteen days to the start of the biggest and best show in Belize, the place where we all meet our friends, see productive sector displays and enough entertainment for the entire family! April 28-30,2017, see you there!!!!!

    Easter Schedule: San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi
    Here's our schedule! We will have extra runs over the weekend to accomodate the high demand of passengers headed to the cayes for Easter!!!!

    Easter Weekend on the Beach at Orchid Bay
    This Easter Weekend on the Beach at Orchid Bay we will have live music EVERYDAY! Friday, April 14th DJ Ropio will get you dancing to warm up for this weekend, Saturday, April 15th The Youth Connection Band will be playing all day from Mid Day until 8 PM. Sunday April 16th, The Gilharry 7 will be playing all day long from Mid Day til 8 PM with a Surprise Guest Appearance by Tanya Carter. And Easter Monday, April 17th The TechnoBand will be playing all day from Mid day until 8 PM. We will have a whole Pig Roast, drink specials everyday! These events are free of charge to get in, Just remember that Orchid Bay Security does not allow coolers inside of the gate!

    Sawdust tapestries
    Culture makes us who we are! Get out there and experience Belize’s culture and diversity! These unique sawdust tapestries represent a very sacred Belizean tradition. Every year during Holy Week, commonly known as “Semana Santa,” residents of Benque traditionally create these sawdust tapestries to greet a religious procession.

    Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture Easter Schedule
    The Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture wishes everyone a safe and blessed Easter Holiday weekend, kindly take notice of our closure dates.

    Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic
    This is the list of the 80 brave men who will line up at BTL Park on Holy Saturday for the 89th running of the Annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic. Good luck

    Easter in Sarteneja
    Sarteneja is well known for its annual Easter sailing regattas. You need to be there this weekend for all this fun and entertainment. Have a safe and Happy Easter holiday from the beautiful village of Sarteneja.

    Paradise Theater playing this weekend
    The Void, Split, The Great Wall, Surf's Up 2

    The Reporter

    Woman stabbed to death in Belize City
    Indira Thompson, known to many Belize City residents as “Princess”, was stabbed to death last night. Police say that Thompson, 35, was near the Old Belview building on Southern Foreshore, when she was approached by a hispanic man who demanded sex. When she refused, he stabbed her 17 times. Reports are that Thompson’s attacker may have injured himself in the process, and police are looking to see if he will seek medical attention. Investigations continue. The Reporter will have more on this as the story develops.

    Child drowns in San Pedro
    A six-year-old boy drowned to death in San Pedro, after he fell into a water tank Thursday night. Police say when they arrived at the Bay Side area after 10:30 p.m., they saw some of the residents surrounding Zaem Torres, attempting to resuscitate him. Torres, had reportedly climbed to the top of the tank, which is situated next to the lagoon in the Bay Side area, and fell in. Officers transferred him to the Otto Rodriguez Poly Clinic, however, clinicians pronounced him dead at around 11:30 p.m.

    The Belize Times

    ALL 8,867 Up for Grabs at the ICJ…
    “Do you agree that any legal claim of Guatemala against Belize relating to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to these territories should be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final settlement and that it determine finally the boundaries of the respective territories and areas of the Parties?” That is the question that Belizeans will have to answer whenever they go to referendum on whether the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute should be submitted to the ICJ for final resolution. We have known that Guatemala claims almost half of Belize’s territory from the Sibun to the Sarstoon but last week Friday, Foreign Affairs Minister, Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington said the referendum question means that Guatemala claims all of Belize.

    A BELIZE THAT WORKS!
    Coming off the heels of a successful budget debate, the Party Leader and members of the Southern Caucus of the PUP took their message from Independence Hill to the many villages of Stann Creek West. Stann Creek West, the second largest constituency in the nation with twenty-six villages was the first stop on the Party Leader’s 2017 tour. The southern swing of the Party Leader’s tour will cover some of the poorest communities in Belize. As his main focus the Party Leader, together with Deputy Party Leader and Stann Creek West Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson are addressing key issues like growing poverty, corruption and government incompetence. The Party Leader is also taking the opportunity to listen to the people and to share his plans for building a Belize that works for everyone.

    Murder Count Keeps Rising
    Unofficially, there have been 44 murders already, with the fourth month of the year, April, not even halfway done. The latest victim who fell to a hail of lead last night in the old capital has been identified as Rafael Mario Guerra, 39, a Salvadoran national of Holy Emmanuel Street. The incident occurred sometime before 8:00 Monday night as Guerra was returning to his home, walking on Holy Emmanuel Street. While Police have released very little information, they have confirmed that a white dollar van pulled up beside Guerra and two men exited and fired shots at him, killing him on the spot.

    BCCI Demands Investigation into Alleged GST Scam
    Is the Department of General Sales Tax perpetuating a massive scam to unfairly and illegally milk extra money from their registered agents? Is that another way in which the Government of Belize is trying to source much-needed revenue from already overburdened taxpayers? That is what the Belize Chamber of Commerce wants to find out. Today that body issued a stinging release directed at government, in which it “calls on the Government to immediately launch a thorough, complete and transparent investigation into the allegations made by the GST Officer, particularly due to the mandatory and onerous nature of penalties imposed by the Court for failure to pay GST assessments.”

    On Bubby-Suckers, Party Fanatics & Jackasses
    You will notice and appreciate that I used the word jackasses as opposed to others I am prone to using. I have started, in my relatively old age, to go to Church and my God says I should try to be a better person and not curse so much. He also says that I should be kind to idiots, but I figure He will understand that a career blasphemer and sinner like me can’t become a saint overnight. I refuse to suffer fools gladly, and lerd help me in this political arena there are way too many fools. One of my friends and a media colleague has informed me that I should not hate anybody. She says hate is too strong a word. So just let me say here that I disgust persons who cannot think for themselves and align themselves as fanatics to a party, any party. I am making particular reference to those who have most deservingly been awarded the dubious title of bubby-suckers. These persons firmly attached to Dean Barrow’s wrinkled bubby have allowed themselves to be bought and paid for, leaving any integrity or independent thinking by the wayside.

    Political Suicide
    It is with no real regret, or even surprise, that we announce the timely passing of Patrick Faber’s ill-conceived and sickly political aspirations. Because dead they are, following the incredible decision by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education to take $1MILLION from public coffers as a political handout to those teachers who did not join the BNTU in its strike action of October, 2016. According to the pint-sized (intellectually-speaking) politician, he believes that it is perfectly okay to hand out Easter baskets with cash, taxpayers’ cash, to certain select teachers so they can enjoy the four-day vacation. It does not seem to matter to Faber that just a week past Belizeans were presented with an austerity budget in which we were told, not asked, to collectively pay for GOB’s mismanagement and abuse and corruption and greed, almost $100MILLION. We were told that we could expect higher prices of everything, from basic goods to fuel to construction materials to purchasing foreign currency to pay for imports.

    Alicia Thompson Wins 28th Women’s Cross Country
    Team Belize Bank Swoosh’s Alicia Thompson won the Cycling Federation of Belize’s 28th annual Female Cross Country Cycling Classic from San Ignacio to Belize City on the George Price Highway on Sunday morning, to win the $3,000 first prize and the winner’s garland of roses. Gabrielle Lovell led from the getgo, taking the 1st station prize at the Public Works compound in Santa Elena; and Kaylyn Gillett sprinted to win the next 2 prizes: a $150 gift certificate at Running W Meats and a gift package passing Galen University. Alicia sprinted to win the big station prize of $400 at Go Slow at mile 62.5. She also won the Queen of the Hills trophy; as she scored the most points climbing the hills at Three Sisters at mile 60, Brick Wall at mile 53 and on Old Man Hill in Teakettle Village at mile 51.

    Million-Dollar Man!
    By: Major (Ret’d) Lloyd Jones. The announcement by Patrick Faber, the Minister of Education and Dean Barrow’s heir presumptive that GOB will award an honorarium of $1 million to those teachers who did not go on the anti-corruption strike sent shock waves throughout Belize. Quite properly, the BNTU has condemned such a naked attempt at union busting and bribery. The BNTU has been joined in the condemnation of such waste by the Chamber of Commerce, the NTUCB and the CWU. None of the justifiable criticism has phased Patrick Faber and Dean Barrow as they plough ahead with their twisted logic that those teachers who abandoned the BNTU and the Belizean people should be rewarded for what these ridiculous politicians perceive as loyalty to the UDP. Every Belizean should be aware by now what really is the focus of the UDP: not to govern and lead Belize along a sustainable developmental pathway; their focus is on petty politics and electioneering. They have maintained that focus since 2008 and because they have won 3 consecutive elections they believe that the Belizean people are in accord with their self-centered politics. They have failed to realize however that PetroCaribe has evaporated, the productive sector is in decline and the oil fields have dried up.

    From Rags to Riches
    If there is one thing that can be said about these UDP politicians, now and when they are finally kicked out of office, it is that they made much of the time they were given to fool the people. It is likely that every single UDP Minister will have accumulated vast assets when the political bell finally tolls for them, and certainly more than a few of them will be multi-millionaires. It is frankly disturbing to see that some of these persons went into politics with nothing, and in the space of a few years have come up big time.

    A DANGEROUS MF…! – Part I
    By: Norris Hall. Why is it that local television reporters like to shove their microphones into the face of Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (MF)? Is it that he shoots and spews so much crap that they find, somehow, his nonsense to be comic relief from the daily drudge of reporting on the constant flow of blood into the streets and on the depressing economy and commonplace corruption, that there is hardly anything else positive to report? Or perhaps is it that the Minister is seeking some of his own form of relief and sees the microphones as phallic symbols and goes off on them in desperation to ease his pain from his broken bromance with his Guatemalan counterpart and the diplomatic mess he has created?

    Thinking Out Loud
    By: Kevin Bernard. At the end of this week we will celebrate Easter, a much anticipated long weekend. For many of us Belizeans, it is a time for merry-making, partying, drinking and just enjoying four days away from work. For others, it is just about getting away with family and friends. But Easter is much more than that, especially to those of us raised in the Christian faith. It is said to be the time of Jesus’ resurrection, a spiritual time for many of us. I urge all of you, then, to party if you will, but spend at least a moment reflecting on our relationship with God, and for sure, spend a moment counting our many blessings because as a people, we are blessed.

    MY PERSPECTIVE – OUT OF HELL
    March 8, 2017 was International Women’s Day. It was also a day purely Out of Hell in a Government-run hostel for young girls outside of Guatemala City. The most analytical and comprehensive account of what happened and why is the one from the New Yorker Magazine on March 19 written by acclaimed writer and journalist Francisco Goldman. I recommend it. I will try to draw from his fairly long article, and also to make some comparison of the horrific event in Guatemala and the just as horrific death of three Belizean teenage girls at the Youth Hostel at Gracie Rock last year. Two days before the terrible inferno at the Hogar Seguro Virgen de la Asuncion (what an ironic name for that hostel), there had been a riot of the teenagers there, as they protested inhumane conditions and rapes of many girls. The hostel, originally designed for 500 residents, at the time housed some 800, and instead of being a place for care and refuge it had become a nightmarish

    If Dah Noh Soh
    Go figure… Government is all happy and stuff cause they say their CEO ride thing raised much more than the $50,000 that was projected. Woohoo…$70,000 to fight cancer in Belize. And there’s this bozo-looking Patrick posing off on his bike like he’s done wonders. But check this out. Just days ago the same fool-fool fellow decided to take ONE MILLION dollars and use it to punish the BNTU for proving that he is a balls-less wonder. Can you say ONE MILLION? So here we are, boasting about $70,000 for Cancer, and using ONE MILLION for a one-time handout. There’s something very wrong with that picture…very wrong. If I weren’t such a jovial, Christian type fellow I’d tell Patrick exactly what he can do with his million dollars.

    Questions to Ministers
    Would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister please confirm or deny reports that senior members of Cabinet have asked him to delay his departure because they feel that the Member for Collet is too immature and irresponsible to lead the UDP at this point? Would the Member for Collet and Minister of Education please explain clearly how those who received the MILLION dollars were selected, since there were teachers who did not march but still supported the strike? Could he further say if he is willing to provide a clear accounting of that money to verify that indeed a MILLION was handed out? Would the Member for Collet and Deputy Prime Minister please confirm or deny reports that in his divorce case before the Courts it was revealed that he physically and mentally abused his wife on multiple occasions? If that is so, could the Member please say if he feels that he qualifies to be the Prime Minister of Belize?

    Cops Harass & Detain Castro’s Whistleblower – Was it on John Saldivar’s Instructions?
    Alvarine Burgess, the famous whistle-blower who fearlessly took Minister Edmund Castro to task over a huge visa hustle, is turning her eye to Belmopan Police. She was unlawfully detained for 12 hours, according to her, on the command of a minister. Burgess explained that she was at the FFB field on Saturday April 8th, to support her son who plays with Freedom Fighters who were competing against the Bandits FC. The game got underway and just before 9p.m. she was cheering on her son and his team, admittedly firing off some curse words. However, she notes that she was not the only one cursing. But she was the only one singled out by a cop on duty at the game. He left her alone when she pointed out that he was being biased. When she continued cheering on her team, she says a UDP supporter hollered from atop the bleachers, “every time she come dah game she always wahn di seh wahn latta ra%#&.”

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Bodies of two men pulled from a well
    This afternoon around 12:40 acting on information received of a man falling into a well, the Fire Department visited a farm at the Goat Hill Area Tower Hill in Orange Walk owned by the Coyoc Family from Trial Farm Village. According to reports, the fire fighters removed two male persons from a well. The victims were identified as Isidro Coyoc, 41, Belizean Farmer, and Jeovani Coyoc , 26, a tractor driver, and both of them were in a well about 40 feet deep containing about 4 feet of water unconscious holding on to ropes .

    54 students graduate from Gang Resistance Program
    On Monday, April 10, 54 students graduated from the Gang Resistance Education and Training program (GREAT). Officer Commanding Belmopan Police, Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett said in a statement that the students are now immunized against bullying and negative peer pressure.

    6-year-old boy drowns in water tank
    According to police reports, last night around 10:59, police visited the Bay Side area of San Pedro Town where they saw some men conducting CPR on 6 year-old Zaem Torres, a student of Water Lane Street. Torres was immediately transferred to the Otto Rodriguez Poly Clinic, however, at 11:30 p.m. he was pronounced dead.

    Victim of traffic accident on 8 miles identified
    According to police reports, the person that was knocked down on Wednesday night near 8 miles has been identified. The KHMH had also been asking the public to help identify the man. He is eighty years old Armando Ayala, who is also known as […]

    Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary owner being sued over drowning death of US teen
    Matthew Miller, owner of Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is being sued along with many others in the Cobb County Court in Georgia USA following the drowning death of a US student last year. Adelle Forbes is suing Miller, along with the Cobb School District, […]

    Woman stabbed to death by man in Belize City after refusing to have sex
    According to police reports, a woman was stabbed multiple times near the old Belview building in Belize City this morning. The victim has been identified as Indira Thompson also known as Princess. Police say that a clear skin man demanded sex from her and she […]

    Blogs

    Food… Drinks… and more at The Dive Bar
    There’s just nothing better than enjoying a delicious meal while overlooking the second largest Barrier Reef in the world… and that exactly what The Dive Bar offers you! Located just a short drive north of Sir Barry Bowen Bridge, The Dive Bar has been serving great food and even more spectacular views for just a year. The sister establishment of SeaStar Belize, this unique eatery serves up good eats and even tastier cocktails. The Dive Bar is the perfect hangout spot, with fun for the whole family. Head Chef Lucia Hoare cooks up quite a storm in the kitchen, serving up The Dive Bar’s signature dishes such as Cheddar Bacon Chicken and Pineapple BBQ Shrimp Kabobs.

    Belize’s Annual Easter Events | The 89th Annual Bike Race
    One of the most attended of Belize’s annual Easter events is the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic. The inaugural race was held in 1928 and is now followed by most Belizeans. Organized by the “Cycling Federation of Belize”, the international event is held on the Holy Saturday of each year. Amateur cyclists from any country are welcome to participate. The event was originally the concept of Monrad Metzgen after recognizing the significant use of bicycles as a popular mode of transportation for many Belizeans at that time, and. that still holds true today. His proposal of a cycling journey from Belize City to then “El Cayo” (now San Ignacio) also garnered support from then Governor, Sir John Burdon who provided a cup that would be awarded to the winner of the annual Easter event.

    Blue Creek Cave or Hokeb Ha Cave
    Also known by its English name “Blue Creek Cave,” Hokeb Ha Cave is located near the Maya village of Blue Creek in southern Belize. Despite its somewhat remote location, Hokeb Ha is a popular destination thanks to its outstandingly gorgeous natural scenery that includes a waterfall. Archeologists have determined from an altar and a variety of artifacts discovered in the cave that Hokeb Ha was briefly used by the ancient Maya during the Last Classic Period. Hokeb Ha is located approximately 20 minutes on foot from the village of Blue Creek in Toledo District just west of the Agua Caliente Luha Wildlife Sanctuary. It is possible to explore the cave without relying on a guide, but hiring a guide in Blue Creek Village will make the trip much safer.

    International Sourcesizz

    Eastern & Central Caribbean Heavy Rainfall & Flood Threat Expected For The Next Week, WNW after
    The second area of concern is for some sort of tropical disturbance to push west-northwestward across the Caribbean next week. Current model guidance indicates that this disturbance may move into the central Caribbean by Tuesday and Wednesday spreading heavy rainfall and some squally weather across Hispaniola, Cuba and Jamaica. By late next week into next weekend, however, the model guidance diverges on where this disturbance may move towards. The European model guidance forecasts heavy rainfall to shift into the central Caribbean by Tuesday and Wednesday and then spreading into the northwestern Caribbean by late next week and next weekend. This means that most of the heavy rainfall with a flood threat may impact Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, possibly the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula, parts of Hispaniola and Cuba from Tuesday through Friday of next week.

    Camera captures final moments of Cobb student's death in Belize
    A Cobb County teen who drowned last year on a school trip to Belize was wearing a portable camera which recorded the last moments of his life, including his struggle for help and final breaths. Tomari Jackson's mother, Adell Forbes, is suing the Cobb County School System, the trip's chaperones, and the wildlife sanctuary where he was swimming when he died. Jackson's mother and her attorneys held a press conference Friday. "We now have in possession of that video camera with the video tape," said attorney Tricia 'CK' Hoffler. "We have experts that will verify that. It chronicles his last breath." Hoffler showed parts of the video to reporters and media who attended the press conference. It showed Tomari surfacing and trying to get the attention of others. It also showed him saying "Help" at least twice. The last moments show him sinking to the bottom of the water.

    International Servants Missionary Named Belize's Honorary Humanitarian Ambassador
    Belize now has its first Honorary Humanitarian Ambassador. The title was bestowed on American/Belizean Dr. Paul Whisnant. Dr. Paul, as he is fondly known, has been serving Belize as a Missionary for the past 27 years doing humanitarian work. On Sunday, March 12th, 2017, along with becoming the Honorary Humanitarian Ambassador of Belize, Dr. Paul was also given the country's Lifetime Humanitarian Award. Both were presented on behalf of the Government and People of Belize by Senator Ashley Rocke.

    Surrounded by parrot fish poo, and other weird reef facts
    CREATING SAND: Have you ever wondered where sand comes from? Evie has the answer. "Parrott fish have a really strong beak, teeth and jaw and they like to eat coral polyps and algae so they scrape it off the sides of coral, leaving white scratch marks," Evie said. "They crunch it up, process it and it comes out as fine sand. It is thought that each parrot fish contributes 1-2 tonnes of sand a year which is absolutely massive." A lot of the sand you sit on is actually parrot fish poo." SEX CHANGES: "With the group dynamics of the clown fish, if there are five clown fish in an anemone the largest is the female and she is the boss," Ms Callander said.

    Where to reel in the really big fish in Belize
    Fish the rivers, channels and flats of Belize with guides Barry and Cathy Beck on a six-day excursion organized by Frontiers International. Anglers will fish for tarpon, permit and bonefish during their stay at the Belize River Lodge on the Old River, about 3 1/2 miles from where it flows into the Caribbean. Spin and fly fishing will be available from pangas, or skiffs. Activities such as snorkeling, birding, zip-lining and exploring Maya ruins visits are available for a fee.

    Belize On The Fly
    Thirty-six miles off the coast of Belize City, Belize, lies a fly fisherman’s dream destination. Cayo Frances Farm & Fly is a small fly fishing camp and vacation get-a-way. Located on Ambergris Caye, this modest destination has some of the best fishing in Belize. The camp's owner, Jeff Spiegel, was gracious enough to house the BOTE team for a few days and give them a preview of the camp before it opens for business later this year.

    Videos

  • April golf tournament results at Windschief bar in Hopkins Belize, 2min.

  • IZE Belize Blue Creek Preservation Private Garden Tour with Sylvano Sho 2017, 41min. Private Garden Tour with Sylvano Sho of Blue Creek Belize located near the Blue Creek Rain Forest Preservation owned by Fred Dodd Founder of IZE Belize Zoological Expeditions.

  • IZE Belize with Fred Dodd traveling to South Water Caye from Blue Creek March 2017, 65min. Filmed March 5, 2017 Blue Creek Belize and South Water Caye Traveling with Fred Dodd, Founder of IZE Belize 1970 to the South Water Caye Marine Field Station. Also traveling is Ben Generazio longtime friend to Fred and Aurelio Sho of Blue Creek and Personal Advisor. Join my wife and I as we head off by truck to South Water Caye.

  • SAN PEDRO BELIZE EXPRESS WATER TAXI EASTER 2017, 1min. This Easter, find your moment…live your moment…love your moment with your anytime, every time adventure partners at San Pedro Belize Express Watertaxi.

  • Boating Basics Belize Manatees Part I, 1min. Help Protect Manatees: Go Slow!

  • Swimming with Sharks - Belize 2017, 2min. One of the highlights of this trip has been snorkeling with my family in Shark Ray Alley. - part of the Belize Barrier Reef, No doubt the way the shark swims is captivating. A memory for a lifetime. Watch in HD and until the end to see the boys get too close.

  • Caracol - epicenter of the ancient Maya world in Belize Jungle, 10min. “Canaa” (Sky Place), the largest pyramid or man made structure in Belize at 140 feet tall.

  • Scuba Diving in Belize 2017 - Lighthouse Reef, 9min. Scuba diving off the coast of Belize in the Lighthouse Reef (where Blue Hole is). Half Moon Caye Wall and Aquarium. My favorite dives in Belize! Saw my first sharks (estimated 7ft reef sharks). Also great eagle rays and hawksbill turtles. Shot with GoPro 4 Silver at 1080, 60 fps. March 2017.

  • Scuba Diving in Belize 2017 - Great Blue Hole, 6min. Scuba diving in the Great Blue Hole of Belize. We are only PADI OW certified, so we stopped at 85 ft deep. You can see the advanced divers at 130 ft. Shot on GoPro 4 Silver at 1080, 60 fps. March 2017.

  • Scuba Diving in Belize 2017 - Spanish Bay, 11min. Scuba diving in the Spanish Bay area off the coast of Belize. Little fishies, majestic eagle rays, creepy eel, & a flying turtle.

  • Scuba Diving in Belize 2017 - San Pedro Area - Nurse Sharks, 7.5min. Scuba Diving in the San Pedro Area Reef off the coast of Belize. A couple nurse sharks were following us around. Shot with a GoPro 4 Silver at 1080, 60 fps. March 2017.

  • DJI MAVIC PRO over San Pedro, Ambergis Caye in Belize & Secret Beach, 11min. I finished my Diving Certification! Woot Woot. The rest of the day is spent exploring San Pedro on Ambergis Caye in Belize with my DJI Mavic Pro and finding what is called the Secret beach.

    April 14, 2017


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    Specials and Events

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


    The San Pedro Sun

    2017 San Pedro Sun Easter Egg Hunt
    And the winner of the 2017 San Pedro Sun Easter Egg Hunt is Claudia Herrera. Come by the San Pedro Sun office on Tuesday, April 18th to claim your prize courtesy of Rapidito Loans. Congratulation! Big thanks to all those who participated in this year's contest.

    San Pedro’s Justice of the Peace participate in training session
    The San Pedro Association of Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of the Supreme Court held a training session on Saturday, April 8th. The meeting took place at the San Pedro Town Council’s Conference Room and was attended by 50 Justices of Peace (JP), several Senior JP’s, and a few Officers of the Supreme Court. The purpose of the training was to familiarize the San Pedro Chapter with all of the basic forms, including the revision of what materials they are and are not authorized to sign. National President of the Association of Justice of the Peace, Danny Madrid facilitated the training. As JP’s play an important role in society, Madrid explained that it is crucial to train them all. Madrid has been going to every district to establish the groundwork for all associations, acquainting JP’s with new laws, as well as the stipulations of the procedures.

    Report claims Belize is the 3rd fattest country in the world
    An article published in June of 2016 in the online publication ‘Gazette Review,’ listed Belize as the third fattest country in the world for 2017. The other two countries above Belize in a list of the top ten most obese countries were Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. To confirm this claim, The San Pedro Sun contacted the Ministry of Health (MOH) to shed more light into the matter. MOH in Belize acknowledges that there is an issue with obesity in the country; however, they believe that Belize should not appear as the third fattest country on the list. According to the Director of Health Services (DHS), this report can be disputed. “It does not provide the data source for any of the countries, so that is the first issue we would need to clarify.” The DHS also believes that the results in that research may reflect just the estimates of the World Health Organization.

    Joel Nagel removed as Ambassador of Belize in Austria
    San Pedro businessman Joel Nagel has been asked to leave the post as Belize’s Ambassador to Austria by the Austrian Government. The unexpected action was due to the allegedly poor performance of Nagel as a diplomat, accusing him of neglecting his ambassadorial duties for his own personal business work. Nagel, who was also appointed as Belize’s permanent representative to the United Nations offices in Vienna, Austria, is a US attorney, and the founder and managing partner of the international law firm of Nagel & Associates LLC in Pennsylvania USA. He is also the chairman of Caye International Bank, an investor of Caye Exotic Caye Beach Resort, and the legal counsel and Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer for Grand Baymen Belize in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. At the time of his assignment in September of 2015, Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Wilfred Elrington stated that Nagel was the best option for the post at the Belizean Embassy in Vienna.

    Team Seastar are the champions of the SPTC Co-ed Softball Tournament
    After weeks of intense competition, Team Seastar are the 2017 champions of the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) Co-ed Softball Tournament. The final matches were held on Sunday, April 9th at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex where four teams: San Pedro High School (SPHS), Quality Reef, Seastar and Extreme battled on the pitch for third, second, and first place of the competition. Following the last game, each team was presented with their individual trophy. Quality Reef proudly accepted their third place along with medals for each player. Second place was next and SPHS’s Lester Gamez came forward to accept the trophy. Then, receiving the championship trophy was Team Seastar, who raised it high as they loudly cheered their victory.

    Ambergris Today

    Gangs In Belize City March For Peace, A First In Belize
    On Wednesday, April 12, 2017, rival gangs in Belize City came together for the first time in history to march for peace. All of Belize’s gangs and gang leaders were joined by the Belize Polize in the march through the streets under the theme "Walk for peace, we are humans”. The peaceful march was organized by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams and several gang leaders took time to speak to the media and recognize that Williams as been influential in the intervention for peace in the streets of Belize City. Williams has also been assisting the gang members to seek employment, education, job training and that some have even joined apprenticeship programs.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    SAN PEDRO AUTHORITIES PREPARE FOR EASTER WEEKEND
    In preparation of the upcoming Easter weekend, The San Pedro Town Council met with a number of agencies to discuss the level of preparedness and readiness of the island. Present at the meeting were all elected Town Council officials along with representatives of the Belize Red Cross (San Pedro Branch), The Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, SP Fire Department, San Pedro Traffic Department, San Pedro Liquor License Board, Police Department and the Belize Coast Guard. Doctors and support staff will be available to attend to patients in the announced section of the clinic. Residents and visitors are reminded for the emergency number for the clinic for the Easter Weekend is (501) 660-2871.

    An Evening of Joyful Music
    The National Youth Orchestra of Belize presents an evening of joyful & exciting music in Corozal District on April 29th at the Corozal Community College Auditorium starting at 6:30p.m. Special performance by the C.C.C Marching Band. See you there!

    Belize Museum Holiday Schedule
    The Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture wishes everyone a safe and blessed Easter Holiday weekend, kindly take notice of our closure dates.

    Easter Message 2017 by John Briceno
    Easter is a time of hope and great joy for Christians everywhere. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of our Creator. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life.” John 3:16. For this reason, Christians believe that Easter is a reminder of the promise of a new start the exciting prospect of a brighter future. On Easter Sunday when you and your families gather together to worship, attend church services and reflect on the renewal that is at the center of this special spiritual event, I ask you to pray for your families, friends and more so pray for Belize. Pray for a stronger sense of community; for those who are victims of the senseless violence that has taken over large communities across our country. Pray for peace, for wisdom and guidance and pray especially for a more fair and just nation. As we welcome the promise of Easter and as we go to the many parts of our nation to rest and socialize with family and friends be safe and be renewed by the real message of Easter, which brings with it the promise of peace and regeneration. From all of us in the PUP and from my family to yours I extend our best wishes for a happy Easter.

    Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI
    Are you a young and creative entrepreneur? Are you an innovative civil society leader? Do you want to launch and advance your entrepreneurial ideas and to effectively contribute to social and economic development in your community? Become a #YLAI fellow! Applications for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI professional fellows program are now open! To learn more about this amazing program and to apply, check out https://ylai.state.gov/fellowship/ Hurry, the deadline is April 23, 2017.

    5K Run/Walk for Camp Joy Belize
    in Support of 5K Run/Walk for Camp Joy Belize, Miss Debs will be donating a percentage of our Thursday sales to the event. The more you buy, the more we give! Come on out and bless this wonderful camp for Special Needs individuals here in Belize.

    Barranco Day is an option for the weekend
    St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church is having an excursion from Pound Yard bridge Holy Saturday at 8 a.m. and returns Easter Monday and the round trip costs is $40 from Belize City to Barranco.

    NO TO CYBERBULLYING!
    An Embassy representative reached out to and empowered a group of Belizean high school students at the University of Belize "Stand Up! Speak Up! No To Cyberbullying!” educational campaign event. Being a parent of a victim of cyber bullying, he encouraged the students to open up to their parents and find help.

    Channel 7

    "Pajarito" Survives Being Knocked Down
    Last night, we told you about the late breaking news on the George Price Highway at around mile 8. That's where a man was knocked down while he was trying to cross the road. Well, we know more about him tonight: he's been identified to us as Guatemalan Julio Lemus, better known as "Pajarito". He survived the impact, but police say he is in critical condition. For the last few years, LEMUS has been living in Lindo's Alley, and his business is selling scrap batteries and copper to the Belize Recycling company. That's where he was going last night at around 6:50 when he was knocked down. The vehicle that hit him was a black Toyota 4 Runner, driven by 27 year-old Nory Novelo. She was heading from Belmopan to Belize City, when she saw a woman riding a bicycle across the road. Novelo blew her horn, and she tried to avoid hitting the woman, but instead she ended up knocking down "Pajarito"

    Four Revolvers Stolen From Independence Police
    Curbing crime over the weekend just got a little tougher for the police Intermediate Southern Formation. That's because four .38 revolvers were stolen from KBH security in Independence Village sometime last night. Police are still recording statements from security guards and could not give much details. They were called out to the scene at KBH sometime around 7:00 this morning when the theft was discovered. So far, one person has been detained for questioning.

    Elena Payola Like PUDP?
    Next week Wednesday and Thursday, the Belize National Teachers Union is holding its 2017 Convention, and this time, the executive posts are up for grabs. Luke Palacio has served as the Union's president for 3 terms. So, in this election, he'll have to step aside and let someone else run for the post. Three candidates are offering themselves for president. They are Mario Mesh from Corozal, Troy Coleman from Stann Creek, and well-known labour Senator Elena Smith, who's has a national profile as part of the Senate Select Committee that has been digging into Immigration Department irregularities.

    Bail For Alleged Shooter With Bullet Lodged In Spine
    On Monday, we told you about Leroy Goff, the apparent paraplegic who was arraigned in the Magistrate's Court. He was and read charges of dangerous harm and aggravated assault, and remanded. Goff is accused of shooting Delson Paguado and pointing his gun at Paguado's 14 year old brother. According to reports, Goff opened fire on Paguado in front of his home in San Pedro. After firing another shot and threatening the younger Paguado, Goff tried to escape but was shot and subdued by the neighbors. That was at the end of March, but because of his condition Goff has been in the hospital since then with a bullet lodged in his neck.

    Bail For Teenaged "Chopper"
    Today a 19 year old was released on $10,000 dollars Supreme Court bail. Edwardo Cosme was charged with attempted murder and dangerous harm for allegedly chopping Edwardo Sanker several times in San Jose, Orange Walk. It happened back in February. Cosme was granted bail on the condition that he is to go to the Orange Walk Magistrate's Court as required by the Magistrate; another condition is that he is to report to Orange Police Station every Wednesday, starting on April 19, and until the charges are disposed of. Also, Cosme should not interfere with any of the prosecution witnesses.

    The Man, The Plan, The Canal
    Work to clear the heavily silted Yabra Canal continues. And, now, the city is getting serious by damming up one area of the canal so engineers can dredge out the others. Master and Commander of the Canal plan is Councillor Phillip Willoughby: Phillip Willoughby - City Councillor: "What we are doing now, is: 1) we have dammed-off the mouth the Caribbean Sea that connects through east collet and west collet canal. We have blocked off where east canal and west canal connects through Z town right here and we have blocked off the Kut Avenue bridge. The purpose of doing so is for us to: 1) pump out the additional water that is left in the canal and that would enable us to create a dry area of the canal so that when we get to the next step to excavate the material from the canal, there is less liquidity in it. We will get, I presume more value for money if we extract just the silt rather than it being more liquefied than silt."

    No Trick! Truck Turned Over
    A top heavy truck carrying logs tipped over on the Northern Highway this morning. This 18 wheeler was seen lying like this on the side of the highway from early this morning. It happened right at the Boom Junction. Presumably, the 18 wheeler keeled over when the mennonite driver turned from the Boom Road unto the northern highway. Reports say he was heading north to Orange Walk with a truck load of pine.

    A Boating Bonanza!
    Today, throngs of Belizean beach lovers and water buffs crowded into the water taxi terminals to head out to the cayes. For the water taxi services, it's a bonanza: boatfuls of passengers queuing up for every available boat. We spoke to a representative of San Pedro-Belize Express, about how they're handling the Easter rush... Shamika Penill: "We didn't expect for today to pick up so quickly, but per run we are sending at least 3-4 boats more than we usually do, so it's a large crowd." Alex Courtenay, 7News: "So I guess on Thursday's before Easter, is this crowd normal, is this more than you would expect?"

    BERT Doesn't Want To See You This Easter
    But the water taxi's cannot just be counting heads and money - that also have to keep a close eye on safety. In fact, everyone does. Whatever travel plans are, the authorities are hoping that you will stay safe, and avoid unnecessary risks. Too often, the Easter Weekend is plagued by fatal traffic accidents or drownings. So, BERT urges you to enjoy while staying safe. BERT's lead trainer shared a few tips to make your vacation a safe one. Here they are: Javier Canul, BERT: "Since it's the Easter vacation, I just want to give some words of caution and some word of advice to different people all over the country - if you are travelling on the highways, they need to make sure they stay off their cell phones."

    Good Friday Fish Finders 2017
    And, if you listen to that old time superstition, then Good Friday is not the day to travel. In fact many will be at home or with their families, eating a fish meal. Indeed, finding fish for Good Friday is a big deal in Holy Week. For Christians, fish is the meal of choice as a religious observance on the day that Christ died. But, it's gone from a purely religious custom to a deeply embedded cultural practice where everyone who can afford it: agnostic and believer, sinners and saints share the same meal. That can mean fried, baked or bar - b- qued fish, or, alternately, a good "sere." Today Sahar Vasquez went to the fish market to find out what's selling and what's cooking:...

    Belize Has 6 Of Interpol's Most Wanted
    An online report from News America Now says that 257 Caribbean nationals are on Interpol's current Most Wanted list. 160 of them are from the Dominican Republic; Jamaica is number two with 54 names; the Bahamas, Suriname, and Guyana, each have eight; followed by seven Haitians; while Belize has six nationals on the list. They are: 69 year old Boris Vostry, a national of both Belize and the Czech Republic who is wanted by the Czech Republic to serve a sentence for fraud. Next is 34 year old Miguel Matus who is wanted in Belize for murder. Then, there's 26 year old Lincoln Bejerano - who is wanted in Belize for escape. Next of Jaime Leonel Rivas, a 29 year old from San Ignacio also wanted in Belize for murder. Next is the famous Joseph Ryan Budna the 37 year old who is wanted not in Belize or Guatemala, but in the US for Hostage Taking, Conspiracy to Commit Hostage Taking, and Using and Carrying a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Finally, 40 year old Manuel Castillo Mendez is wanted in Belize for murder.

    The Man Who Tried To Fly
    The easter weekend starts tomorrow - and tonight, devoutly religious Christians may go to Church, to remember Christ's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. But when we speak of religious devotion, few can match the singular act of faith - pulled off by Edgar Sanchez in January of 1961. That's when he went to La Immaculada Church in Orange Walk like everyone else; but while they go to worship, he went to sacrifice. In September of 2004, Alfonso Noble retraced this remarkable history with rare documentary footage: On Sundays here at La Immaculada Church people come for absolution but 43 years ago one man came here with a divine directive so overpowering that it led to one of the single greatest acts of devotion ever seen in Belize. But was it devotion or madness? Edgar Tasiano says his memory of that day begins with the recollection of his wife cutting his hair.

    Cross Country, Looking Ahead
    Tonight, the roughly 90 cyclists participating in this year's Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic, are in various stages of readiness: some will go for the garland, while others just hope to hang in there and complete the 144 mile ride. Today, a far less celebrated part of the tradition took place in the city with the annual parade of cyclists. And, as per tradition, only a few came out. But we did get a chance to speak to the president of the Cycling Federation as well as a few riders, among them, American John Delong. A pickup truck ran him over on the western highway before last year's race and he told us how he and his team have recovered. Deon Leslie, President - Cycling Association: "It's something that we brought back as tradition having a parade through the principal streets of the city, so the fans can see who is here, who is riding on whose team, because not everyone follows cycling through the entire season - majority of people tuned in for the Cross Country and within the season we have people changing teams and what's not. So it's something to highlight the sponsors of course, to highlight the riders, to highlight the sport in general to see which foreigners have come in so far. So it's something just to big up the race and we've done it since we've gotten in 4 years now and we hope it continues."

    Channel 5

    Evening Accident on George Price; Elderly Man Knocked Down
    There was a near fatal accident on the George Price Highway just before seven on Thursday night. An elderly man was hit by a 2008 Toyota Four-Runner driven at the [...]

    Coming Together: Diane Finnegan Asks Marco Vidal What Are His Intentions for Southside
    The move to bring together various Belize City gangs to discuss a possible peace treaty is being facilitated by the Belize Police Department, as well as the Youth Apprenticeship Program, [...]

    Time for the System to Work with Youth, Not Against
    With peace talks underway and another ceasefire in the days ahead, is there any optimism that the truce can be lasting?  That’s what we asked Finnegan at the peace march [...]

    Government Says G.S.T. Commissioner Has Full Powers
    On Wednesday evening, the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Finance, dismissed any suggestion of manipulation by senior management of the General Sales Tax Department of audits carried out [...]

    Greedy Choke Puppy? The Effect of Higher Taxes and Relation to Contrabanding
    Despite the Government’s belt-tightening measures, if the allegations being made from within the G.S.T. Department have substance, do they not go against the stated intentions of limiting the pain of [...]

    Does Chester Williams Have Political Ambitions?
    Since breaking news of imminent transfers within the Eastern Division jurisdiction a few weeks ago, there has been speculation whether ACP Chester Williams’ relocation to Belmopan is politically motivated.  The [...]

    Edward Broaster Endorses Move to Belmopan
    ACP Edward Broaster is moving on up. It was announced over a week ago that he is taking over as the Commander of Operations, a promotion that will see him [...]

    CitCo Turns Attention to Neglected Yabra Canal
    For the past several months, there has been a backing up of silt in the Yabra Canal. The congestion has not only become an eyesore in the area, but it [...]

    Cleaning Up on the Highways
    And from the Canal to old tires and other breeding grounds for mosquitoes – Willoughby says they held a meeting on Wednesday with the Ministry of Health and they highlighted [...]

    B.T.B. Addresses Issues at Tourism Village
    Stakeholders in the Fort George Tourism Zone are pushing back against efforts by the Belize Tourism Board and Belize City Council to regulate traffic around the Zone, out of the [...]

    What’s Behind Rising Fish Prices at Easter Time
    Ten dollars a pound! If your jaw dropped when you heard that price for retail of whole fish this Holy Week, be assured, ours did too. In fact, unconfirmed reports [...]

    Former Mayor Unveils Religious Art Pieces
    At this time of the year, Belizeans, like millions across the world, celebrate the Easter season according to their beliefs and their religious denominations. It is said to be the [...]

    BERT Gives Residents Tips for Emergencies
    The official authorities have been very handy for tips to Belizeans to have a safe and happy Easter weekend. Earlier this week, we had the point of view of chief [...]

    Tourists Reminded to be Careful, but Belize is Safe
    In an interview with News Five, B.T.B.’s Karen Pike addressed the persistent reports of persons working inside the Tourist Village warning away cruise ship tourists from buying from vendors outside [...]

    Churches Remind of Importance of Easter
    While many Belizeans are on their way to their vacation spot to spend the Easter holidays, is the Christian tradition being lost to secular activities? Earlier today, a symbolic artwork [...]

    LOVE FM

    89th Cross Country Cycling Classic Countdown
    The hallmark event for the Easter weekend is the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic which is in its 89th running. The event is one that is very much anticipated by persons both home and abroad. Kwame Scott is the Public Relations Officer of the Cycling Federation of Belize; he spoke of the upcoming race. […]

    Belize Tourism Board Offers Tourism Scholarships
    The Belize Tourism Board is announcing the availability of four scholarships currently being offered to Belizeans in the area of tourism. Of the four, one is for an Associate’s Degree Program; two for Bachelor’s degree and the other for culinary studies. The Associate’s degree in Tourism offer comes with a 2-year tuition payment with requirements […]

    Adulterated Fuel May Cost More In the Longer Run
    The long Easter weekend is the time when majority of families who can afford to travel away from home would pack their bags and head out for some sea, sun and relaxation. Just in time for the many road trips that will be taking place, the Belize Retail Service Station Association (BRSSA) sent out a […]

    Teenager Granted Bail in Chopping Incident
    Nineteen year old Edwardo Cosme, a laborer of San Jose Village in Orange Walk who was remanded into custody on charges of attempted murder and dangerous harm, was released today on a bail of ten thousand dollars that was offered to him yesterday by Justice Adolph Lucas. The incident occurred on February 24 in San Jose Village. […]

    Disabled Goff Remanded then Granted Bail
    Thirty year old Leroy Goff, an apparent paraplegic who was remanded to prison on charges of dangerous harm and aggravated assault, was released on a bail of $7,500 that was offered to him yesterday by Justice Adolph Lucas. According to the allegation, on March 23 in the San Mateo area of San Pedro Town, ambergris […]

    Nicholas Busted with Crack Cocaine on East Canal
    Fifty-two year old Calbert Nicholas, an unemployed of Tibruce Street, appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, for having one point four grams of crack cocaine and was charged possession of controlled drugs instead of drug trafficking. Nicholas pled guilty to the charge. He was fined two hundred dollars and he was ordered […]

    Belize Sees Improved Ratings from Moody’s
    Another report is out from Moody’s Credit Rating Service which has given Belize an upgrade in its long-term foreign- and local-currency issuer and senior unsecured ratings to B3 from Caa2. The report is dated April 11, 2017 and indicates that Belize has a stable outlook. According to Moody’s, the key drivers of the upgrade of […]

    Where is the Approval for the $1M For Teachers?
    The Belize Network of NGOs is expressing its support for the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize in regards to Government’s decision to pay an “honorarium” to the teachers who did not participate in the October 2016 strike. The Belize Network of NGOs issued a statement in […]

    GST Administration Denies Allegations of Calculated Manipulations
    The Ministry of Finance has responded to concerns raised by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry over allegations of manipulation of General Sales Tax audit results. The Ministry says it rejects any suggestion of manipulation on the part of the GST Senior Management of any Audit carried out by mid-level to lower level GST […]

    Gold Panning in Belize: A Favorite Unwelcomed Activity for Guatemalans
    More Guatemalan gold panners were found inside the Chiquibul forest on Monday. According to Friends for Conservation and Development, BDF soldiers, police officers and FCD Park Rangers were on patrol when they detected activity some six point five kilometers inside the Chiquibul Forest. The patrol unit knew gold panners were nearby because they observed murky […]

    The Guardian

    Lemonal Road hotmix complete
    On February 20th, without great fanfare, the paving of the road from Bermudian Landing to Lemonal village was completed. The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow had first announced that the paving would take place in his 2015 Independence Day Address, and now the hot-mix paving of the road is complete. The road provides an easy access for tourists to visit the popular Archaeological Site at Lamanai, but it also brings great benefit to the residents of Lemonal, one of the oldest communities in the Belize River Valley area, as explained by Village Chairman Kenroy Reynolds. “The paving of the road from Bermudan Landing to Lemonal comes as a great help to the people of Lemonal Village, because before we only had one bus that used to run on Fridays, because the road was in a deplorable condition. Since the paving of the road, we have a regular bus run; and people that used to live in Belize City and had to pay rent, can now come home and catch the bus every morning and come back in the evening from work,” Reynolds explained.

    Gang Truce worked on as shootings take one life and injure three
    Three separate and unconnected shootings have left 3 Belize City residents injured, and one dead. It appears that all the victims were not the least bit connected to the gun violence which have affected their lives. The first victim is 21 year-old Earlin Butler Jr. who was shot on Sunday, April 9, at his home on Rivero Street. It happened sometime around 7 a.m., and though not much is known about the incident itself, reports say that he was in his yard when someone approached him and shot him in the chest and abdomen. He was rushed to the KHMH for medical treatment, and his family indicates that the doctors have managed to save his life. The expectation is that he will recover from the attack. As for the motive, well, that’s the subject of uncertainty and speculation. Butler is a clerk at the Vital Statistics Unit, and all reports on his character suggest that he is a hard-working youth who stays away from trouble and the street life.

    More cops interdicted for contraband
    Another pair of police officers are being accused of behaving like contrabandists. This time, the officers are from the Corozal District, and swift action has been taken against them. The Customs Department reported that on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at around 2 p.m., officers were at the Northern Border Station, at the edge of Santa Elena, Corozal. That’s when a police vehicle, with two police officers, passed through the mandatory checkpoint, and refused to stop, so that they could be searched. The customs officers chased after them, but the police pickup evaded them by diverting into a feeder road where a package was thrown out of the vehicle. The customs officers searched the area, and that’s when they found a black plastic bag, which matched the description of the bag that the officers spotted in the pan of the runaway police pickup.

    Beyond the Horizon 2017 is a truly collaborative effort
    Beyond the Horizon 2017 BTH, a combined readiness exercise between U.S. Army South and Belize government agencies has begun, providing medical and construction programs for communities throughout Belize. With the start of BTH, the Belizean people have remained welcoming and with much gratitude to our development partners from abroad. As recently as Sunday, the first medical services event was held at the Ladyville Community Center in the Belize District. These medical services continued to April the 13th after which it will re-start in the same Ladyville area on April 17-21. All medical service events are open to the public and do not require an appointment. The medical events will open at 7:00 a.m. and the line will be closed at 3:00 p.m. to ensure that everyone waiting will be processed by 5:00p.m. The medical services event will offer family medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics, optometry, and dentistry. A release from BTH organizers urges that all participants bring plenty of drinking water as weather conditions are expected to be very warm.

    New NEMO office and coordinator for Belize Rural South
    As part of preparations for the upcoming Hurricane Season, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has relocated to a new office in San Pedro Town on the island of Ambergris Caye. The new office is located in a central area just opposite the San Pedro Airport, on the second floor of a building that houses Wings San Pedro Department and Furniture Store on Coconut Drive. Also, a new NEMO Coordinator - Ms. Vanessa Parham - has been assigned to Belize Rural South which includes Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

    CEO Caucus “We’re with You” Cancer Ride 2017
    The CEO Caucus held its second annual Cancer ride on Saturday April 8th, 2017 with the theme of this year’s ride “We’re with You”. Riders rode from mile 25 on the George Price Highway to the National Agriculture and Trade Show Grounds in Belmopan. All cyclists, cycling enthusiasts, citizens, and those affected by cancer were encouraged to be a part of the ride to bring awareness to the terminal illness. The Caucus urged those aforementioned to join in the pledging of $50,000 toward national efforts to combat cancer. The beneficiary of the pledge was the Cancer Treatment Center of Dangriga. Their goal was in an effort to augment the capabilities of their ever increasing assessments and services.

    Citco targets derelict structures for demolition
    In December of last year the Belize City Council received an order from the Supreme Court to demolish the eastern portion of a building that sits at the corner of Allenby Street and Amara Avenue. The order came as a consequence of the departments of Health, Police and Fire as well as the City Council deeming the structure to be unsound. And unsound it is, the columns and beams literally disassemble upon them just being touched. On Monday April 10, the Belize City Council moved on demolish the eastern portion of the building as per the court order, however there was resistance by the occupant of the structure forcing a stop to the project. Councilor Philip Willoughby, who is spearheading the move, had taken the position that the structure would come down on Monday but closer inspection by the council’s technical team including the city engineer and town planner it was determined that more than just the eastern portion of the building was unsafe. So a stop was put to the work and now the council is seeking that the courts declare that the entire building is unsafe.

    Brazil Corned beef ban lifted
    The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and Ministry of Health (MoH) have lifted the temporary suspension on the importation of corned beef from Brazil. The temporary suspension which took effect on March 23rd was prompted after reports from Brazilian authorities that several major meat processors had been processing tainted beef and poultry meat. The companies were also alleged to have paid hefty bribes to officials in exchange for sanitary licenses. In order to verify the safety and wholesomeness of corn beef already in country, samples were collected from importers’ warehouses, retail shops and supermarkets. Microbiological testing conducted at BAHA’s Food Safety Laboratory did not detect any pathogens.

    Julius continues to fight the PUP leader
    At every instance it has been proven that there is a game of one-upmanship between the PUP’s party leader and Julius Espat. On Monday of this week that was proven again as Espat did a longwinded interview with LOVE FM on just about every topic there is under the sun. He commented on issues relating to the economy to the teachers being paid and honorarium and the ICJ. On the latter issue Espat was clear, he said that he does not support going to the ICJ and while he was unable to explain with any convincing rationale why he’s taken this position, what he was able to again clarify is that he is his own man. Basically he told the nation once again that he is not following Johnny Briceno. He made it clear that he has contradicted his leader on this issue before and will continue to do so.

    Our Leader is not a Pirate…He is the Father of Economic Independence
    The month of March was quite a dizzying month, as we saw the Right Honorable Prime Minister Dean Barrow renegotiate the scandalous PUP Superbond to more reasonable terms as well as present and pass a fair, balanced and upbeat national budget that allows the economy to rebound and flourish while still protecting the citizens who are financially most at risk. By so doing he has practically silenced the self-proclaimed pundits, the naysayers and the modern-day Cassandras who for months had been pathologically predicting only gloom, doom and hard times. All the UDP representatives and senators made quite constructive interventions in support of both the budget and the Prime Minister’s presentation. However, in particular, both Senator Aldo Salazar and Attorney General Senator Michael Peyrefitte, when contrasting the bogus, dubious and invisible projects in the PUP Superbond compared to the sound and tangible investments of Petrocaribe, summed it up best by noting that “our leader is not a pirate!”

    The Ministry of Health takes multi-tasking to a new level
    With the celebration of World Health Day in Belize on Friday, the Ministry of Health continues to work in addressing the many challenges facing the Nation. The Ministry of Health currently has to deal with the issues of non-communicable diseases, hypertension, diabetes, life style changes, smoking, drinking, road traffic accidents and mental health issues and has had to rev up its multitasking approaches. Friday’s launch of World Health Day focused on depression. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. More than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015.

    Passport processing resumes
    The Department of Immigration and Nationality Services hereby informs the public that it will resume normal processing of applications for renewal and issuance of new passports on Monday 10th April 2017. Persons wishing to apply for expedited passport services may now submit applications to the office in Belmopan. Applications for normal passport services continue to be accepted at all district offices except Orange Walk and Dangriga. Please contact the department at 822-3860 or 822-0284 if there are questions. The Department of Immigration and Nationality Services regrets any inconvenience caused during this period.

    Consultation on the Impact of Child Labour in the Belize Sugar Industry
    On Monday April 10, the Government of Belize and the European Union set out on a partnership to find out just how much a part of the sugar industry child labour is. Their goal is to collect statistics on the issue which will be used to ensure that Belize is operating within the child labour policies of the Fair Trade International’s policy. According to Diana Shaw of the Child Development Fund, incidents regarding child labour will be studied especially in the sugarcane producing areas of Belize in the Orange Walk and Corozal districts. The country needs to be able to report to Fair Trade International and other partners that steps are being taken to eliminate child labour and prove that international sugar is being produced in a way that is not harmful to children.

    Tourism Arrivals Show a Steady Increase in 1st Quarter of 2017
    The statistics for the first quarter of 2017 has shown a small but steady increase in tourism arrivals, even after an unprecedented growth in 2016. In a press release of Monday, April 10, the Belize Tourism Board said that this observance establishes Belize as a popular tourist attraction and destination and that it also shows that the stakeholders are working very diligently. Overnight tourism saw a 2.7% increase by March of this year. March typically tends to be the summit of the tourism season in the country. Last March saw over 43,000 tourists while this March saw an increase to over 44,000. This total has made a record as the highest number of tourists to visit Belize within a single month.

    Travel advisory Easter 2017 - Mexico
    If the vehicle is to travel beyond Quintana Roo (for example, to Merida which is in the state of Yucatan), a temporary import permit must be purchased at the Chactemal Border (Chetumal Border Immigration) at the BANJERCITO Bank. Banjercito working hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Sunday. The cost of the permit is US$51 plus tax and payment can be done in cash (US$) or credit card. Depending on the model of the vehicle, a deposit (between US$200 and US$400) is required, refundable on cancellation of the permit.

    UB Welcomes Vice President (Academic Affairs) Dr. Mariot Simon
    The University of Belize is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mariot Simon as Vice President reporting to the President on Academic Affairs. Dr. Mariot Simon graduated from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship with a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in International Management. He also holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Agricultural Economics. He has extensive experience in economic development, emerging sectors development, export market development and international marketing. He worked for the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in that country’s national economic development agency where he worked in export marketing, industrial development and investment promotion. He also managed a World Bank funded grant programme aimed at increasing the export competitiveness of businesses.

    The University of Belize and Belmopan City Council strengthen partnership for national development
    His Worship Khalid Belisle, Mayor of Belmopan, made a courtesy call on the new President of the University of Belize, Professor Clement Sankat on Wednesday, 5th April at the University’s Main Campus in Belmopan. This was a familiarization meeting allowing the two leaders to discuss how best the Belmopan City Council and the University can work collaboratively in such a way to simultaneously contribute to the Development of the Municipality, the University and the nation of Belize as a whole. In a show of good will, Mayor Belisle has committed to assisting the University to upgrade a portion of road way and adjacent parking lot on the university grounds and Professor Sankat has committed to assist the Belmopan City with access to research/academic data suitable for special projects the Mayor may want to pursue. One of these projects will be the Mount Pleasant Creek Development including an Ecological Assessment and recommendations for upgrading and recreational use.

    More Gold panners detained in Chiquibul
    On the 10th of April, a patrol Unit comprised of BDF, Police and FCD Park Rangers detained 4 adult gold panners and one minor found gold panning in the area of Ceibo Chico, Southern Chiquibul. These four adults and the minor were escorted to the San Ignacio Police Station for charges to be laid on the adults for illegal entry and mineral extraction without a permit. The patrol unit detected human activity due to the signs of murky water flowing downstream which indicated there was activity in the creek upstream. On approach the personnel observed two adult male persons digging with a long iron bar in the creek. As the team moved closer they spotted six other, adult male persons, and a minor 6.5 kilometers inside the Chiquibul National Park.

    Wildlife Conservation Society Belize Trains Members of Belize Marine Stranding Network
    Over 30 members of the Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network (BMMSN) met from April 5th- 7th, 2017 at the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute’s Training Room. The purpose of the meeting was to reorganize the BMMSN and to establish better communication and data management. On-site field workers were offered training by the WCS. These workers, who respond to cases of distressed marine mammals and sea turtles, came from WCS, Wildtracks Belize, Southern Environmental Association (SEA), OCEANA, Toledo Institute for Development and Education (TIDE), Forest Department, Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation Development (SACD), Sea to Shore Alliance, Fragments of Hope, UB Environmental Research Institute (ERI), Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA), Fisheries and Forestry Departments, and veterinarians from across the country.

    Cop charged for contrabanding
    Last week Wednesday, the Commissioner of police was informed by Channel 7’s news director Jules Vasquez that there was a video which showed police officers caught carrying what appeared to be contraband beer into a police vehicle in the Botes area of the Orange Walk District. At the time Vasquez said that the video was in the possession of the Professional Standard’s Branch, who had it for 6 weeks prior. At the time of being informed, Compol Allen Whylie said he was not aware of the video and requested that Vasquez provide it to him, which took place. Upon receiving the video, Whylie directed that an investigation be carried out and instructed the acting commanding officer of the Orange Walk Formation, Inspector Jose Mendez to do so.

    Aaron Wilson fined for pretending to be a public officer
    On Monday April 10, Aaron Wilson was imposed two non-custodial fines of $2000 each by Judge Lucas. Wilson, who was represented by attorney Christelle Wilson in court, was accused of impersonating a public officer in 2010. In court, Lucas explained why the jurors only deliberated on two of the five charges against him and also explained their reason for a guilty verdict on the two charges of pretence of being a public officer rather than a special constable. Impersonating a public officer is a misdemeanor rather than a felony. Lucas explained that while the charge would normally land Wilson in prison for 2 years, he is refraining from imprisoning Wilson.

    Man charged for murder of Pastor from Cayo
    San Ignacio Police have charged Gabriel Cunil for the murder of 79 year old Florencio Guillermo Bardalez, whose body was found at his farm in Esperanza Village on Monday of last week. A post mortem has so far indicated that Bardalez died from asphyxiation by bronchial aspiration and head trauma from a blunt instrument. Police were able to find a piece of stick and a stone near his body. To remember Bardalez, who was a local Baptist Church Pastor, a candle light vigil was held by San Ignacio residents at the Columbus Park on Friday night. Justice of the Peace Landy Espat told participants, “We are in solidarity with the Bardalez family, who suffered the loss of their father, grandfather…he was a dedicated pastor of his Church and did not deserve to go this way”

    Man chops his son-in-law in Corozal
    Gabriel Zelaya, 38, a resident of Corozal Town, is hospitalized after being chopped by his father-in-law, 59 year-old Armando Cobb. The two men ended up in a violent confrontation after Zelaya and his wife, Cob’s daughter, allegedly had another marital quarrel. There are allegations of continued domestic abuse, and Cob told police that he is sick and tired of his son-in-law attacking his, Cobb’s, daughter. Residents say that on Friday night, April 7 at around 9 o’clock, Zelaya and his wife had another fight, and she suffered injuries to the ribs and jaw. The couple has developed a reputation for fighting and then making up.

    Gold panners arrested and charged
    Friend for Conservation and Development (FCD)are reporting that 4 persons have been arrested and charged after they were caught gold panning in the Chiquibul Forest reserve. According to the FCD on Thursday April 6th at 10:30a.m., FCD Park Rangers conducting a patrol detained four Guatemalan nationals from Monte Los Olivos. The four men gave their names as 39 year old Roberto Chub Tec, 17 year old Waldemar Gabriel Maas Ac, 33 year old Jose Arturo Pop Caal and Elam Jose Sam Hor, 38 years of age. The four were found 8.6 kilometers inside Belizean territory. They told the rangers that they arrived at the location two days earlier to pan for gold due to the scarcity of any jobs in the community. These persons, along with another that escaped, were found with six vials, however, only 2 of these appeared to contain gold. In their camp, a black plastic bag was found with what appeared to contain marijuana; while a small amount of marijuana was found on Roberto.

    Norman Humes charged with exposing his person in public
    On Monday, April 10, Norman Humes was brought before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith where he was read a single charge of exposing his person in public. According to police, they saw the 62 year old man on Sunday, April 9th with his private part exposed in a public place, Queen Charlotte Street in Belize City. He was placed in police custody, read his rights by P.C. S. Tun, and charged with a misdemeanor. In court before Smith, Humes told the magistrate that he was leaned against a lamppost where he was urinating. Smith discharged Humes of the offense and he was freed to leave. Neither a fine nor time in prison was imposed on him.

    Leroy Goff, charged for San Pedro shooting
    On Monday April 10, Leroy Goff was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. He was read three charges: dangerous harm, use of deadly means of harm with a deadly weapon, a firearm, against Delson Paguada, and one count of aggravated assault on 14 year old Tionne Paguada. During the incident, Goff was injured himself and underwent surgery at the KHMH. Goff is now confined to a wheelchair. In court, Goff, who was represented by attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradely, pleaded not guilty to all three charges. Given the nature of the offense and the use of a firearm, Goff was automatically remanded to the Belize Central Prison, despite his conditions.

    Paul Jex Jr. committed to stand trial for rape and aggravated burglary
    On Tuesday, April 11, Paul Jex’s preliminary inquiry concluded before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. Jex, as well as Brandon Baptist, Tyrone Meighan, and John and Sheldon Grinage, were committed to stand trial for the aggravated burgulary in a home invasion of diplomat Sarkis Bou Nehra’s home in Burrel Boom in December 2015. In court, Jex was unrepresented and did not challege any of the prosecution’s evidence. Such evidence is DNA which links Jex as the alleged attacker and rapist of the watchman’s wife.

    Paul Smith is sentenced to a month in prison for cannabis
    On Tuesday, April 10, Paul Smith, an employee at the Radisson Fort George, was sentenced to a month in prison by Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. He was charged for the possession of a controlled drug. Police were conducting a house search when they asked Smith if he had anything illegal to declare to which Smith replied he had some weed. The police claimed that he asked for an excuse but he was instead detained and taken into police custody where he was charged.

    Randy Chambers strikes again - accused of robbing two men in Belize City
    On Monday, April 10, 19 year old Randy Chambers was brought before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith where he was arrainged on two counts of robbery. Chambers, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to the charges. It is alleged that on April 5, 2017, Chambers, armed with a knife, robbed Isaac and Jamir Castellanos. According to police reports, Isaac was robbed of a silver link chain of unknown value while Jamir was robbed of a $250 silver link chain, $55 headphone, and $500 in cash.

    Mark Seawell beats US extradition request
    After 10 years on lockdown at the Belize Central Prison, Mark Seawell has been released following a judgment from the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin. He is the third Seawell brother who was indicted by a US grand jury for narcotics trafficking, and he has been fighting – and has now beaten – his extradition to that country to face trial. But, up until Thursday, April 6, 2017, there appeared no end to his lockdown. His stroke of good fortune actually dates back to November 4, 2016, 5 months ago. That’s when his brother, Gary Seawell, beat his extradition to the US at the Court of Appeal. Gary’s attorneys, Anthony Sylvestre, and British Barrister Ben Cooper, successfully argued before the Appeal Court panel that there was a flaw in procedure because the examining magistrate’s warrant for his committal to prison was missing.

    Belize Athletics Association to hold General Meeting
    The Belize Athletics Association informs its membership that it will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 12 April, 2017 at 6:00pm in the Conference Room of the National Sports Council at the NSC office corner Cemetery Road and Dolphin Street.

    Dangriga Dream Ballers halt the San Pedro Tiger Sharks in a trap
    The National Elite Basketball League regular season competition continued over the last weekend with three games on the schedule. On Saturday 8th April, at the San Pedro High School Auditorium in San Pedro Town, the visiting Dangriga Dream Ballers stop the league leading San Pedro Tiger Sharks in their trap by upending it 79-73. The top scorers for the Dangriga Dream Ballers were Dillmore Conorquie with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 9 steals; Quinton Bowen with 14 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists and Tahj Wells who also scored 14 points to go along with his 14 rebounds towards the big win. For the San Pedro Tiger Sharks, the top scorers were George Williams with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals; Douglas Valley with 12 points and 1 rebound and Jamal Kelly with 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.

    Verdes FC whitewash the BDF FC
    The Premier League of Belize Closing Season Tournament continued over the last weekend with a number of games on the schedule. The competition continued on Sunday 9th April, 2017 with two more games on the schedule. At the MCC Grounds in Belize City, the visiting Verdes FC whitewash the home team Belize Defence Force by the score of 3-0. The goals for Verdes FC were scored by Carlos Vasquez in the 55th minute of play, Gilroy Thurton in the 60th minute of play and Darrel Myvette in the 90+2 minute of play for the big victory. And at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, Police United FC edged out the visiting FC Belize by the score of 3-2. The visiting FC Belize was the first onto the scoreboard when Russel Cassanova scored the 1st goal of the game in the 40th minute of play for the 1-0 lead. However, that lead was short lived, as Daniel Jimenez scored the equalising goal via a penalty kick in the 44th minute of play to tie the score at 1-1. So the first half of the game ended in a 1-1 tie.

    Raymond Garbutt Sr. Cayo Softball competition continues
    The 2017 Raymond Garbutt Sr. Cayo Senior Female competition continued on Sunday 9th April, out in Unitedville. In game one, the Belmopan Bandits defeated the host team Unitedville Rebels United by the score of 4-2. The winning pitcher was Ashley Lucas and the losing pitcher was Nikita Perez. In game two, Esperanza Wolverines won over the Belmopan Capital City Emeralds by the score of 13-4. The winning pitcher was Kimberlyn Ortega and the losing pitcher was Leonie Aldana.

    Alicia Thompson is the 2017 Female Cross Country Champion
    The Cycling Federation of Belize held its 28th Annual Female Cross Country Cycling Classic on Sunday 9th April, 2017. The event started out in San Ignacio Town and concluded at the BTL Park on Newtown Barracks in Belize City. The 73 miles event attracted some 11 female cyclists including two Americans from Washington State. At the end of 3:57:49, which is almost some 50 minutes slower than the current record that was set by Mexican Brenda Aguayo on 13th May, 2007, Alicia Thompson of the Belize Bank Swoosh, regained the garland she lost to Kaya Cattouse last year by crossing the finish line first to capture the 2017 Female Cross Country Title.

    Luke’s unsound logic
    Last week we were treated to a Bunch of incongruent logic coming from Mr. Palacio, the leader of the trade union representing our nation’s educators. He is claiming that the teachers who did not go on strike are not entitled to an honorarium for attending classes during the PUP-orchestrated strike action, since, he claims, these teachers did not do any work because the students were absent from classes. As such, Palacio is recommending that the said faithful teachers refuse any such honorarium from GOB. Let’s examine Palacio’s fitful logic; the teachers who went on strike did not work, either, yet he fought to get them paid and they did. So what is Luke’s beef? He should be more concerned about the Chief Justice’s order to account for monies from the BTL shares set aside for deferred salary increases from retirees which he had no authority to access. Put back the money, Luke!!

    A Saturday in Belize City, Check it out!
    On Saturday last we at this newspaper took the opportunity of our being in Belize City, to move around in an effort to try and get a feel of what the Saturday vibez felt like. We arrived in the city, onboard a bus coming from the river valley area, we boarded that bus in the Ladyville area. Our time of arrival was just around 6:15a.m. As the bus stopped at the Save U area ,the first thing we noticed was, that all the TAXI CABS were getting jobs, from persons alighting the buses that stopped at that area, including the bus we were on. After a short stop the bus took a right hand turn and proceeded over the Belcan Bridge, then onto the Central American Boulevard. What caught our attention and that of many of the passengers onboard the bus, was that magnificent structure, off to our left at the foot of the Belcan Bridge. That structure is the Civic Center, that is presently under construction. We immediately started a conversation with a lady who was seated in the seat to our left. We asked her what she thought about the Civic Center. Her answer was “I can’t wait to see what it will look like when it’s finished, dis dah wan time deh Kyant seh govament d tief d money.” She told us that she remembers going to Basketball games at the former Civic Center. One such Basketball game she mentioned in particular was the Caricom Championship game in 1998 and how it brought cold seed over her body, when all the Belizeans at the game got up and sang our National Anthem. Another thing she remembered was going to concerts there. The Byron Lee concerts in particular were her favorite.

    Bishop Philip Wright’s Easter Message 2017 “Resurrection – More than the Eyes can See”
    Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10Then the disciples returned to their homes.

    Its objective would be to educate them on the national issues of the day
    In my opinion, Easter is the biggest event on the Christian calendar; Christ was victorious over death and we inherited the benefits! That was the best of all treats! Human beings do offer each other minuscule treats from time to time. More often than not, we deceive each other, making promises that we absolutely have no intention of fulfilling. In 1944 Robert Sidney Turton told his secretary: ”George, I want you to run in the city council elections.” Many years later George Cadle Price told Godfrey P. Smith: ”I did it because I was told to do it. He told me to do it...” Arawack declared that “… the character and destiny of a coming nation rests to a very great extent in the hands of its politicians and the result may be either progress or chaos.” As a student of Belize History I have no problem declaring that after 67 years in politics (2011 – 1944 = 67) Price contributed more to chaos than to progress! Fiend Fire!

    Amandala

    Murder on Holy Emmanuel Street
    Rafael Mario Guerra, 39, a construction worker of Holy Emmanuel Street, Belize City, was gunned down at about 9:00 last night near his home. According to police, a gunman exited a van, fired the deadly shots at Guerra, hitting him in his head and torso, and then got back into the van, which sped away from the area. Guerra was taken in a police mobile to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. His body was then taken to the morgue, pending a post-mortem. Police reported that Rafael Guerra was walking when a van, which was passing by, stopped a short distance in front of him and two men exited. One of them, carrying a firearm, opened fire on Guerra, hitting him multiple times. Area residents reported that at least 10 shots were fired at Guerra.

    Alvarine Burgess alleges unlawful detention
    Whistleblower Alvarine Burgess was detained at the Belmopan Police Station on Saturday night by cops who she said received instructions from a senior ruling politician. Burgess, a football enthusiast, revealed that she was at a football match on Saturday night as the Belmopan Bandits played against a team from Punta Gorda. According to Burgess, sometime around 8:00 p.m., while the anthem was being played, she observed some young men behaving disorderly. She thought to herself that after the anthem was over, she would scold them. She was cheering for her Punta Gorda team when a male police officer walked up to her and ordered her to stop the noise. She told the police officer that she was cheering on her team, just as other fans were doing.

    UK money laundering probe leads to Belize
    News has surfaced out of the UK that Susan Anita Barrington-Binns, a woman who is said to have lived and worked in Belize and who also operated Barrington Legal in West Yorkshire, England, is facing a 12-month suspension arising from a money laundering probe which involved the transfer of roughly £1.3 million (or about US$1.6 million) to Belize Bank International, an offshore bank in Belize, allegedly without proper due diligence to establish that the funds were legitimately obtained. A document published last week by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), in a matter heard on March 7 by a tribunal, said that Barrington-Binns was accused of failing to give proper consideration as to whether there was an underlying legal transaction for receipt of the £1.3 million into the office’s bank account back in November 2013, and subsequent transfers of £1,269,725, presumably after legal fees were deducted, to a bank in Belize, using the lawyer’s own bank account.

    Castro’s vehicle looted for passports and laptops
    Amandala has been informed that thieves made off this weekend with two laptops and a series of passports which were in a vehicle allegedly owned by Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Hon. Edmond Castro. According to sources, thieves broke into the Minister’s vehicle while it was parked at the Barry Bowen Municipal Airstrip in Belize City, sometime between Sunday night and early Monday morning. When Amandala contacted Castro requesting a comment, he simply hung up the telephone.

    Corozal cops in hot water after evading Customs checkpoint
    Less than a week ago, an Orange Walk police officer was interdicted from duty after video footage emerged showing that he was the driver of a police mobile used to transport suspected contraband beers from Botes, Mexico to Belize. Now today, Monday, three Corozal policemen are in trouble after Customs officers from the northern border station revealed video footage suggesting that they too may be engaged in facilitating the movement of contraband goods into Belize. The Customs officers reported that at around 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, two policemen, who were transporting a black bag inside the pan of a police pickup, refused to stop at the Customs checkpoint and so they pursued the vehicle.

    Beyond the Horizon 2017
    A throng of people went out early on Sunday morning, April 9, to seek the medical attention that is being provided by United States soldiers from the US Southern Command, beginning at around 6:00 a.m. and continued in a steady stream throughout the day. The services were provided under an initiative dubbed, Beyond the Horizon 2017, a medical mission provided on the Ladyville football field, which was transformed into a makeshift medical facility. Amandala spoke with Sergeant John Evenridge, the public affairs specialist for Beyond the Horizon, who told us that their program is a partnership between the US Southern Command and the Belize Government. “The Ministry of Health determines what services we should provide,” Evenridge said.

    NEBL “In the Paint”
    Who’s your daddy? If the playoffs ended today, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks would play the Dangriga Dream Ballers in the semi-finals. There are very few teams in the 2017 version of the NEBL that consistently gives the Tiger Sharks trouble; the Dangriga Dream Ballers is one of those teams. Since last year, the Dream Ballers have won three of four played between the two clubs, sweeping this year’s two-game series in impressive fashion; but more importantly, have established that they are more than capable of winning on the road, having won the last two meetings played on the island of San Pedro. This was the case on Saturday night, as the Ballers entered 4th quarter play staring up at a seemingly insurmountable 67-56 deficit, in one of the league’s toughest arenas to play, particularly when trailing. But the Dream Ballers, for some unknown reason, seems comfortable playing in front of the San Pedro faithful.

    BDF’s MCC blues continues
    The Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2016-2017 Closing Season regular season is near its end. After Week 12 games this past weekend, and one brought-forward Week 14 game last Thursday, two teams have secured a playoff spot – Belmopan Bandits SC and Police United FC. The other two spots will be decided this week. Week 13 games are mid-week, and Week 14 games, to end regular season, are on Easter Sunday. BDF blues The long-range plan in their mid-season change of coaching staff was supposed to be built around team discipline, but some chemistry might have been sacrificed in the process, as BDF FC is now 0 and 2 in second-round action at home at the MCC Grounds. A couple weeks ago, on March 26, they were humiliated by defending champions Belmopan Bandits SC by a 4-0 score. And yesterday, in another pathetic display by BDF on their home turf, it was visiting Verdes FC coming away with a 3-nil victory.

    BBBFF Strong Man & Woman Competition 2017 winners
    The most anticipated event of the year, the Belize Body Building and Fitness Federation (BBBFF) Strong Man & Woman Annual Competition took place yesterday, Sunday, April 9. The competition was held at the BTL Park at the Newtown Barracks in Belize City, and saw a total of 14 competitors, both males and females. The females competed across four disciplines, which included bench press, squats, dead-lift & tire flip; while the males competed in six disciplines: bench press, squats, dead-lift, tire flip, formers walk & the ultimate crowd pleaser – the Vehicle Pull. The overall winners for the females were as follows: First Place went to Roberta Usher, representing Hill View Train Station Gym in San Ignacio Cayo. Second Place went to Jasmine Armstrong from Hill View Train Station Gym in San Ignacio Cayo. Third Place went to Emma Jones of the Belize Body Building and Fitness Federation Gym (BBBFF) in Belize City.

    Women Cross Country Champion
    Regardless of what the rest of the cycling calendar this year has to offer, it is a foregone conclusion, at least at this sports desk, that the most outstanding record of women cycling achievement for 2017 resides with the garland on the shoulders of Ms. Alicia Thompson, who won this year’s Women Cross Country Classic on Sunday in a thrilling 3-woman sprint to the finish line that she won in convincing fashion. The Cross Country is the biggest cycling event in Belize, but it can be argued that one good day may not automatically signify total dominance of the field for any long portion of the year. But for Alicia Thompson, this year’s Cross Country was not just a smash hit, but a Classic 3-peat. In fact, it couldn’t get any better than this. Alicia started off the year by winning the second most prestigious cycling event in Belize, the Krem New Year’s Day Cycling Classic 2017, defeating rival Kaya Cattouse in a dramatic sprint. Alicia followed that up by winning the Belmopan Classic on March 12, this time crossing the finish line a comfortable 18 seconds ahead of Kaya and Patricia Chavarria, who sprinted together and ended in that order.

    A million bucks of Easter basket
    When the Deputy Premier/Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber, first announced early last week that his United Democratic Party (UDP) government had, almost casually, found a million dollars to reward those teachers, presumably members of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), who had reported to their schools instead of supporting their union’s eleven-day October strike last year, it took a while for that announcement to register with the Belizean people. After all, the Dean Barrow administration had just presented a budget for 2017/18, which went into effect on Saturday, April 1, which was basically an austerity budget calling on Belizeans to support revenue increases for the government so that the ruling politicians could meet all their Ashcroft bills, their superbond payments, their infrastructure commitments, and so on and so forth. The Governor General’s signature of assent to that painful budget was hardly dry on paper when Faber broke the crazy news – a million bucks of Easter basket for those teachers who had been loyal to the UDP, Mr. Barrow, and himself.

    THE UDP MILLION-DOLLAR FRAUD
    In an interview with the media on 3rd April 2017, Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, casually announced, like nothing was wrong with it, that the Government of Belize had decided to pay $1 million dollars of public funds to those teachers who turned up at largely empty schools during the 11-day teachers strike last October, while many parents and other citizens kept their children out of school and marched in solidarity with the striking teachers. Since this announcement, the Government’s decision has been roundly condemned by the opposition People’s United Party, the Belize National Teachers’ Union, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Trade Union Congress and by the public at large. At the time of writing this, there has been no public response from the Government to the widespread condemnation of its decision.

    Afro-descendants in Mexico – Mara Sanchez Renero hosts first exhibit in Belize
    Through a captivating exhibit of 16 original photographs from Mexico’s Costa Chica region which merge culture, history and lifestyle with a breathtaking landscape, Mara Sanchez Renero, a Mexican woman photographer, is telling her story about The Cimarron and the Fandango: the unknown world of the Black Afromexicans. This is her first time in Belize, and while here, she is also hosting over 30 Belizeans at a workshop entitled “An Experience with Photography”, being held at the Mexican Institute in Belize City. Renero says that she takes portraits of one community and takes them to another community so that they can meet each other. This is the case with her photographic exhibition being held at the Museum of Belize, through which she is introducing two communities of Afro-descendants to each other.

    Celebrating my brother’s mother – Elena “Edith” Labriel.
    Wednesday 12th April 2017 marks the 220th year since the forced arrival of the Garinagu to the shores of Central America. Europeans coveting the Eastern Caribbean Islands my people happily inhabited for millennia, stole it. The Garinagu, having survived hurricanes, earthquakes, fire, drought, pestilence, illness and conflict; found themselves at war for our home islands. We lost that war to forces driven by greed, God and country. Those greedy predatory Britons then imprisoned the just over five thousand surviving Garinagu on barren Balliceaux to die in an attempted genocide. The just over twenty-five hundred survivors of that attempted genocide were the ones shipped and, landed on Roatan, Honduras on Wednesday 12th April 1797. (The Gregorian calendar was only 214 years old, having been introduced in October 1582. Greedy Great Britain had only been using the Gregorian calendar 45 years).

    A GLOBAL CRISIS IN MODERN MEDICINE
    Hello everyone. It is apparent that even though there is a groundswell of a growing number of people who are turning to alternative medicine to address their medical needs and more people, globally, are beginning to understand naturopathic medicine, and there are those who grew up on their mothers and grandmothers bush knowledge who practiced some form of homeopathic medicine, still, based on medical evidence, far too many people remain unaware of how naturopathic medicine works, and its approach to health to blend body, mind, science and traditional and cross-cultural avenues of diagnoses and treatments. Naturopathic or “alternative” medicine focuses on the person as a whole; not on a person’s fragmented body parts. Everything in the body is connected in one form or the other. One cannot effectively, and should not, treat a person’s limb or organ, to the ignorance and oblivion of the rest of the person’s body, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

    Two women and one man reported missing
    As we go to press tonight, there is no indication that three people, including a disabled woman, reported missing earlier this week, have returned home. In one case, Jennifer Cowo, 14, a student of Trial Farm, Orange Walk District, left home for school at about 6:30 on Monday morning, but her family is worried because they have not seen or heard from her since. Gloria Hernandez, Jennifer’s mother, describes her as having a fair complexion and being slim built, with long, straight hair, and dark brown eyes. The girl, who stands about 5 feet tall and weighs about 120 pounds, left home wearing a pink sleeveless blouse, a pair of blue jeans long pants, and a black pair of slippers. Another girl with the name Jennifer has been reported missing. She is Jennifer Gomez, 19, a student of Neal Pen Road, Belize City.

    BTL workers stage walk out
    Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) employees walked out of their office on St. Thomas Street Wednesday afternoon, as a sign of discontent with their management. Sources within the Belize Telecommunications Workers Limited, have said that the senior management of BTL have not been compliant with a memorandum of understanding, signed with the Union some years ago.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    KHMH needs your help in identifying this person
    The KHMH is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying this man. He was knocked down near eight miles on George Price Highway late last night.

    Serious traffic accident on Mile 8
    Last night around 6:50 , Nory Novelo, 27, reported that she was driving a black 2008 Toyota 4 runner heading from Belmopan to Belize city and upon reaching between miles 8 and 9 on the George Price Highway in front of the recycling company, she saw a female on a bicycle crossing from the left hand side of the road to the right and also an elderly man walking across the road from left to right.

    Ladyville Police gets new vehicle
    The Ladyville Police yesterday received a generous donation from the law firm of Courtenay and Coye. The vehicle valued at $28,000 was handed over at the Ladyville Police station today. Chris Coye said that the donation is to assist the police to respond quicker to calls since there has been an increase in burglaries in neighboring areas.

    10 things you need to know about the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic
    Here are 10 things you need to know about the race: The race began in April of 1928, when Belizean Monrad Metzgen noticed the amount of bicycles people use to attend cricket games in Northern Belize. He proposed a cycling “expedition” to El Cayo. At the time, the road was a rough trail. The Governor, Sir John Burdon immediately pledged his support and offered a cup as a prize to the winner. The winner of the first race was Belizean Elston Kerr.

    5 police officers charged for illegal activity in 2 weeks
    In only two weeks, five Belizean police officers have been charged for illegal and criminal activities. The past weeks have been a public relations nightmare for the Belize Police Department. It began when two crazed cops terrorized resident in San Pedro Town on April 1. A video was posted on social media showing one of the officers shooting the ground amidst a group of people in San Pedro. The video also shows a woman being “man handled”.

    More gold panners caught in Chiquibul
    Gold panning in Belize’s waterways is a persistent problem in the Chiquibul National Park. Many Guatemalans have been encountered by FCD rangers and BDF patrols. On Monday, five more gold panners were caught in the forest reserve panning for gold. According to reports, FCD rangers observed murky waters in a waterway and went to a creek nearby and found two men digging in the creek with an iron bar and a minor along with two more men.

    Belize City gangs march for Peace
    Under the theme “We are humans”, gang leaders and gang members joined a peaceful march organized by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams. Several gang leaders spoke to the media and said that they recognize that Williams has been influential in the intervention for peace in the streets of Belize City.

    Blogs

    The Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic in Belize
    For more than 80 years, Belize has celebrated the day before Easter Sunday with a popular cross country bicycle race. The race was first held in 1928 after a local man noted that many Belizeans were using bicycles to attend cricket games. At the time, the George Price Highway was a rural road replete with potholes and bumps so the race was conceived as a way to further encourage local cyclists to travel to San Ignacio from Belize City to attend more cricket matches. The original winners finished the circuit in about 13 hours but today the record stands at just under six hours. The race begins in Belize City at the Mile 1.5 mark on George Price Highway adjacent to Leslie’s Imports. The race continues along the Highway into San Ignacio Town in Cayo District. After reaching Queen Elizabeth Park, cyclists then follow the route back to Belize City as they compete to be the first to cross the finish line in Memorial Park.

    We Review The Phoenix Resort Belize And Tasty Nachos
    Sometimes in life you get what you pay for and sometimes, you don’t. Luckily for us, The Phoenix Resort in the heart of San Pedro, Belize is worth every penny and earns its reputation as one of the best resorts on Ambergis Caye. We were fortunate enough to stay at The Phoenix Resort for five days and had the opportunity to find out for ourselves what makes the place a Tripadvisor favorite. A word of caution though, our Phoenix Belize review might make you book a one way flight to the island of Ambergris Caye off the coast of mainland Belize, so continue on at your own risk. Tucked out the way at the north end of Barrier Reef Drive, known as front street to the locals, the unassuming side entrance of The Phoenix Resort leads into a shaded lot full of golf carts, which are the most common mode of transportation on the island of Ambergris Caye. On the left is a playground for kids, and up above is the hotel patio bar with free drinks during happy hour every day from 5 to 6 (local beer and rum only).

    Explorer Series: Birder Eddy Estrada
    All our tour guides are hand-selected for their knowledge of all parts of the Cayo district. But some become famous among our guests for one passion in particular. For Eddy Estrada, it’s the birds. Belize is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over over 587 different species of gloriously colorful winged beauties covering our jungles. And Eddy is the man to go with if you want to catch sight of a Scarlet Macaw or colorful Honeycreeper or Motmot. We sat with Eddy to talk about what he loves most about showing off these treasures to our visitors. I have been a tour guide for the past five years, but I’ve been involved in tourism for over a decade. What made me become a tour guide was interacting with visitors to Belize and sharing my knowledge of my country with them. Our country is so beautiful and their are many things to make their experience un-Belizable!

    San Pedro, Belize’s Busiest Thoroughfare: A Stroll Down Front Street, Part Two
    In my last post, I started the walk down…actually UP…the busiest street in San Pedro, Belize. Officially named Barrier Reef Drive but ALWAYS called Front Street, the main avenue of town runs parallel to the ocean and parallel to the barrier reef. Moving South to North, yesterday we stopped at the town hall. Right next door is the Spindrift Hotel – best known as the home to Caliente Restaurat – when you are craving great Mexican food and margaritas on the beach – and the CHICKEN DROP! The view from the top floor of the Spindrift. And then the easement to the beach and breakfast paradise…breakfast ALL DAY paradise, Estel’s Dine by the Sea. Now, we are at Central Park. Across from Central Park is a property that I’m a little bit obsessed with. It’s been there for decades and has recently been updated and opened as a hostel. Hostel La Vista.

    San Pedro Ambergris Caye a calm view Holy Thursday
    Earlier this year in the month of March the beach has been uplifted for this weekends Easter weekend 2017. Easter weekend in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is one of the busiest time of the year and one of the biggest celebrations on the island. Whether it’s celebration through religious activities, beach parties or sports activities the island is packed with visitors. Belizeans from all around the country travel to the island for this specific time of the year. Just to witness dances, dj's live music, foam party, dance competition, live band music and more.Hotels and golf cart rentals have to be booked months in advance because it is impossible to find one during that period.2017 Easter weekend can be expected more than 3,000 visitors around the world. Today on Holy Thursday, a bunch of people from the main land where coming in on San Pedro Water Express. But, what I've saw on thunderbolts boat, I saw the boat filled with people. Surprisingly, it did not had more space to take more people. Things will start to move around on Saturday. Good Friday in Belize is celebrated without alcohol. Dry. The holy day is observed without alcohol sales. None at bars, restaurants, stores. But that doesn’t exactly mean no drinking. There are low key pool, beach and house parties galore. Low key.

    23 Moments You’ll Experience At Victoria House on Ambergris Caye
    I’m sitting at the beach bar at the Victoria House in Belize, enthusiastically attacking the best Greek salad I’ve had in years, and staring out at the impossibly crystal clear turquoise ocean. Just out of my hearing, the kids are tearing up and down the white sand like two happy puppies. Later, we’re all heading out for an afternoon boat trip to Shark Ray Alley to snorkel with nurse sharks and stingrays. Yes, this is what luxury is like on Ambergris Caye. I should have expected something special here at Victoria House in Ambergris Caye, Belize. After all, this San Pedro resort has a swath of awards longer than my arm, including multiple TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, 2012 Travel + Leisure Magazine Top 500 Hotels and Resorts in the World, and a 2013 Fodor’s Choice Award of Distinction. Not too shabby at all. You can check out the Victoria House reviews for yourself on Booking.com and TripAdvisor. Check prices here.

    International Sourcesizz

    Cayman Islands, Belize to adopt BEPS international tax standards
    The Cayman Islands and Belize have become members of the “Inclusive Framework on BEPS,” the OECD announced April 13. The inclusive framework is a group of countries that have pledged to put into place minimum standards aimed at preventing tax avoidance and improving tax dispute resolution that were designed by OECD and G20 countries in the 2015 base erosion profit shifting (BEPS) project. With the Cayman Islands and Belize joining, membership in the inclusive framework now stands at 96 countries and jurisdictions. The commitment means that the two countries have agreed to adopt BEPS “minimum standards” on tax treaty shopping; implement country-by-country reporting for transfer pricing; limit benefits of any intellectual property or other preferential tax regimes; and fully implement the mutual agreement procedure in their tax treaties. The countries must also pay a fee to participate.

    International credit rating agency upgrades Belize’s rating to stable
    International credit rating agency, Moody’s Investors Service, (has upgraded the Government of Belize’s long-term foreign- and local-currency issuer and senior unsecured ratings to B3 from Caa2, stating that the country’s economic outlook is stable. On Wednesday, Moody’s said the key drivers of the upgrade of Belize’s senior unsecured and long-term issuer ratings are the improvement in the government’s debt service profile and reduction in the risk of a subsequent credit event, following the recent restructuring of the government’s debt. The rating agency said “lingering macroeconomic and fiscal vulnerabilities and risks to debt sustainability, which constrain Belize’s creditworthiness within the low ‘B’ category,” is also a key driver of the upgrade. “The stable outlook reflects the balanced risks to Belize’s credit profile at the B3 rating level,” Moody’s said. “The risk of a subsequent credit event remains low through the outlook horizon, given the government’s more favorable debt payment schedule.”

    Mom of Cobb teen who drowned on school trip in Belize suing district
    The mother of a Cobb County teen who lost her son to an accidental drowning while on an international school trip to is filing suit against the school district, attorneys confirm. Last year, North Cobb High School freshman Tomari Jackson and his classmates traveled to a wildlife sanctuary in Belize over the winter break and were on an excursion. Thirty-two students and six chaperones were on the trip, which was intended to be an educational excursion to provide experiential learning for students in the NCHS magnet program. After a hike, students and chaperones were swimming in shallow water near a river bank, when Jackson went missing for an hour. A sort search by local authorities confirmed a parent's worst nightmare -- that Jackson had died.

    Videos

  • GANG PEACE MARCH, 6min.

  • Belize Sports coverage in Spanish, 1hr.

  • Belize, 5min. The discovery of Belize by UNH Students March 12 2017

  • Spring break 2k17 belize, 3.5min.

  • Maya Mike Kickstarter Video, 2.5min. This successful Kickstarter campaign/video was produced by Michael Touby and I for the launch of his organic Belizean Barbacoa Hot Sauce product line, Maya Mike, manufactured in Belize by Marie Sharp's Fine Foods, queen of habanero. With the slogan, "Mindfully Made", Maya Mike not only values quality food products, but has dedicated 50% of its profits to educate Mayan farmers on agroforestry and sustainable farming methods as well as directly enroll farmers' kids into High School.

  • you betta belize it, 5min. Travel and adventures through the BEAUTIFUL Belize and Guatemala!

  • Scuba Diving in San Pedro, Belize. Ambergris Caye, 13min. The best of 6 dives in San Pedro, Belize. Including; Day and Night dive at Hol Chan, Bottom Time, Half Moon Caye and Blue Hole.

  • Beyond The Horizon - 672 nd EN CO - Belize 2017, 8min.

  • Belize Cave Tubing Cruise Ship Shore excursion: What to expect.,5 min. We booked this ourselves out of a tour operator in Belize City before we went on a cruise ship a few years ago. It was significantly less expensive than the cave tubing excursion the Cruise Line was offering.

  • BELIZE-2.0, 6min. Skydiving

  • World Famous Chicken Drop in San Pedro, Ambergis Caye Belize, 11.5min. Chicken Drop starts at 7:52 -- Today I'm not able to continue my dive certification so instead I explore Ambergris Caye and San Pedro. Every Thursday they do something special called the Chicken Drop here in Belize. It's crazy. Just watch and enjoy.

  • Unforgettable Belize, 5min. Trip to Belize by UNH students March 12th 2017.

    April 13, 2017


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    Specials and Events

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


    The San Pedro Sun

    Tiger Sharks remain number one despite loss to Dangriga’s Dream Ballers
    With only one week remaining before the Pepsi National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) playoffs, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks suffered a tough home loss to the Dangriga Dream Ballers on Saturday, April 8th. However, the Tiger Sharks are still number one in the regular season with 19 accumulative points. On Saturday, April 8th, the Tiger Sharks faced the Dream Ballers at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The Tiger Sharks were off to a slow start, causing the Western Ballers to gain a six-point lead in the first quarter. The home team t fought rigorously in the second and third quarter, leading the game by several points. In the final quarter, the Dream Ballers and the Tiger Sharks were battling for the lead. However, in the last nine seconds of the game, the Dream Ballers made a two-point dunk, narrowly defeating the Tiger Sharks with a final score of 79-73.

    ABC Preschool hosts mega Easter Show
    The Central Park was packed with children and families as ABC Preschool hosted its 2nd Annual Easter Show on Saturday, April 8th. Usually organized as a fundraiser for the preschool, Principal of ABC, Wil Alamilla hosted the show free of charge for the entire public to enjoy. The fun-filled show had various live entertainment, featuring some beloved TV and Disney characters via actors from Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico. Opening the show was the Easter Bunny and his friends. Between dances and giveaways, children were enraptured. After the bunny’s performance, the San Pedro Dance Academy provided intermission entertainment with a cultural dance selection. They were followed by “Despicable Me” villain Gru, along with his mischievous Minions from and back up dancers onstage. The audience was delighted, laughing and singing along to the “Banana Song”.

    Tourism arrivals show a steady increase in 1st quarter of 2017
    Even following such unprecedented growth in 2016, the latest statistics for the first quarter of 2017 indicate that tourism arrivals in Belize continue to register a small but steady increase. This underscores the hard work and dedication of our tourism stakeholders and the fact that Belize continues to attract travelers, as a growing and popular world tourism destination. The overnight tourism sector continues on a positive trajectory in 2017, with increases in each of the first three months of the year, leading to an overall 2.7% increase at the end of March 2017. The month of March is traditionally the apex of the tourism season. In March of 2016, there was a record number of tourist arrivals totaling over 43,000 visitors. However, this record was surpassed in March 2017, with over 44,400 tourist visitors, making this the highest number of tourist arrivals ever recorded in a single month.

    San Pedro Lions host annual Pancake Brunch with the Easter Bunny
    The San Pedro Lions Club hosted its 6th Annual Pancake Brunch with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 8th. The fun-filled fundraiser took place at the San Pedro Lions Den, where children, along with their families, got a head start in celebrating the holiday. After a delicious breakfast, there were a variety of entertaining activities games to participate in, such as ‘Pin the Tail on the Bunny’, fishing for Easter Eggs, Egg and Spoon races and puzzle races. The children took turns playing all games, hoping to win a prize! The line for face painting was long, as there were awesome designs like Easter eggs, flowers, rainbows, bunny faces, peace signs and more. The dining tables were also stocked with coloring pages and crayons so that children, and even some adults, could express their artistic skills.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Nobel Peace Prize Co-Laureate Visits Belize
    On April 7, James C. "Jim" Cobey, MD, arrived in San Pedro from Washington DC for a well-earned vacation. A surgeon with a Masters degree in Public Health. Jim has been an instrumental member of the international Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). ICBL was founded in 1992. A mere 5 years later, in 1997, the ICBL received the Nobel Peace Prize for its members' crucial role in starting a process that - according to the text of Jim's award - “in the space of a few years changed a ban on antipersonnel mines from a vision to a feasible reality.” One year earlier, in 1996, Belize and her neighbors had all agreed to sign the ICBL's landmine ban into law, They did, and Central America therefore became the first mine-free geopolitical region in the world.

    BelizeINVEST, BELTRAIDE Participates in National Protected Areas System (NPAS) “Green Dollar Symposium”
    The Green Dollar Symposium was held on April 11, 2017 at the UB Jaguar auditorium to highlight the economic contributions, as indication in the Vision, which the National Protected Areas System (NPAS) is making toward local and national development. This is important as regardless of what interventions are instituted, for the next few decades Belize’s economy will remain natural resource based. Caring for our natural capital should therefore be everyone’s collective concern if we want to maintain our competitive and comparative advantage. At the same time, the prevailing macro-economic environment over the years has placed certain constraints on the management of protected areas and this has required that protected areas managers be innovative in securing financing and revenue generation. Throughout the symposium, it became clear that the NPAS Tagline: Nature. Culture. Life. should have great meaning for all Belizean’s.

    The Belize Police Department's Parking Advisory for the Cross Country Cycling Classic!The Annual Cross Country Cycling Classic will be held on Saturday 15th April 2017. The event commences at 5:00 a.m. and concludes at around 3:00 p.m. The responsibility of the Belize Police Department is to ensure the safety and security of all participants and spectators during this event. As a result, the department is asking the cooperation of the public in this venture by NOT parking in the following areas: -BTL Park and Surrounding Streets. -Entire length of Newtown Barracks -Barrack Road and Victoria Street junction -Entire length of Freetown Road to Belcan intersection -Entire length of Princess Margaret Drive Note the parking and obstruction in these areas will result in vehicle or item being removed by the Belize Police department and offenders dealt with. residents and businesses in the area are being asked to make adjustments to their schedule to minimize any inconveniences.

    Easter tips from the Police Department
    The arrival of the Easter holidays signals a well-earned break for many families as they head off across the country. Make safety your first priority, using these safe tips provided by the Belize Police Department Eastern Police Division. The Easter holidays represent a welcome break for many families as they take this break from work, and school to make the most of great weather. However, it also means a marked increase in traffic volumes, particularly heading out of the major cities, and Towns. Sadly, this also translates into a massive spike in road accidents fatalities, and a spike in drowning accidents and most of which is concentrated around the peak holiday periods during Easter and Christmas. Here are some great tips from Belize Police Department Eastern Police Division to help make your travels and holiday safer, so you can enjoy the break and return home refreshed and invigorated.

    BELIZEAN RAPPER KING KOSA & KONSHENS "NANA"
    Belizean rapper, producer and writer King Kosa has done it again, this time it's another sure to be hit for the ladies featuring dancehall star Konshens. The song, entitled NaNa, is an ode to the supreme powers of the female anatomy. This isn't Kosa's first notable collaboration, last year he collaborated with American rapper Kevin Gates on the single, type of girl. Kosa, real name Kevin Rhaburn, is a musical prodigy, he not only raps, he produces and writes his own music as well as for other artists. Kosa has produced for many big names including Taurus Riley, Wayne Wonder, Konshens a host chart topping reggaeton artists and most recently Kevin Gates, who's Isiah album went platinum and charted number 1 on the rap charts and number 2 on the pop charts. Kosa produced the song "truth" off of the million selling number 1 rap album. Video is here.

    Vacancy exists at BEL
    A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Apprentice Lineman in the Distribution Department at the Independence Branch of Belize Electricity Limited.

    The 2017 Black Rock Bird-a-thon team!

    BTB's new Registrar of Hotels and Timeshare
    Mrs. Jacqueline Santos Locke

    Representing Belize!
    ur Youth Ambassadors had a great time exploring the United States and learning about leadership, community development, the environment and entrepreneurship. Here’s to the future of Belize!

    Institute of Archaeology Easter Schedule
    The archaeological reserves will remain open during the Easter weekend.

    SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS, CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS FOR THE EASTER HOLIDAYS
    The Easter holidays are once again upon us and the Department of Transport would like to remind all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians about the important role that each and everyone of us has to play as it relates to the issue of Road Safety. We also take this opportunity to implore all road users to obey the road traffic laws with special emphasis on the following: FOCUS ON DRIVING Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times – no multi-tasking (No phone calls nor texting). DRIVE “DEFENSIVELY” Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing, and expect the unexpected at all times.

    Letter: Continued government of Belize mismanagement
    The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) decries the announcement by the government of Belize (GOB), which expressed the intent to provide “an honourarium” to teachers who did not take part in the October 2016 industrial action. Apart from the Barrow administration’s blatant attempt at union-busting, the BPP highlights the gross mismanagement it represents, which is demonstrative as to why the nation is in such a dire state of affairs: socially, economically, financially and administratively. Recently, the government presented an inadequate budget which, in keeping with the dearth of leadership, lacked in vision as well as innovation. It was essentially standard, as far as budgets are concerned, featuring an overwhelming increase in taxes, which shall inevitably burden the most vulnerable. Even more disturbing is that not far removed from the presentation and passing of said budget, the GOB had the face of brass, to announce the allocation of $1 million for the honourarium.

    The Belize Network of NGOs issues a statement on GOB's "unauthorised spending" re: Teachers honorarium!

    Frank Lizama has been making art pieces for more than fifty years
    The former politician says that while he enjoyed serving Belize and Belizeans, there is nothing quite like making religious sculptures. He has put four key pieces on display for the Easter holiday to spread the message of Christ during this Holy Week.

    ADMINISTRATION OF GST AUDITS BEGINS
    It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Finance that concerns have been expressed by certain representatives of the business community over allegations of supposed manipulation of General Sales Tax (GST) audit results by the senior management of the Department of the GST. The Ministry of Finance rejects any suggestion of manipulation on the part of the GST Senior Management of any Audit carried out by mid-level to lower level GST Auditors and wishes to point out that under the provisions of the GST Act, the Commissioner of GST is responsible for the administration of the GST, and the assessment, collection and recovery of GST. Such responsibility includes the review and approval of audits after making any adjustments or choice of methodology that may be required in the course of such review. Thus, the Commissioner (and senior staff delegated by her) is expressly charged with finalizing to her satisfaction, including by way of making justified changes, audits conducted lower down the chain of command.

    The Belize Raptor Center
    Just another example of how a little bit of training can go a long way and improve the quality of life for a rehab bird. Our collared forest-falcon, Phoenix, got off to a rough start in his life and as a result is nervous and very easily spooked. Here is where his training came into action. We started desensitizing him to the sights and sounds of everyday life at the center, and utilized progressive training methods - positive reinforcement, empowerment, and relationship - to establish a bond with his trainer. Although his injuries prevent him from ever being a wild bird again, Phoenix has risen up and can still go out into the world and feel the sun on his face and the wind in his feathers. Here's to another training and rehabilitation success story!

    Peace March Wednesday, April 12th, 2017

    Situation at western border on Wednesday
    Many Guatemalans and international tourists want to come to Belize for Easter....they need about six more immigration officers during this peak season....this first impression needs polishing up...this does not make us appear as a welcoming friendly people...

    Tradewinds Restaurant at Orchid Bay invites with Tanya Carter!

    Election of Management Committee for the Friends of the Vaca Forest Reserve
    Election of the new Management Committee for the Friends of the Vaca Forest Reserve took place over the weekend. FCD commits to continue building the capability of this Committee and its members for an effective community conservation program in the reserve.

    Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize
    Spread the word! All medical services are FREE to the public and do not require an appointment. Dates of the medical services in Ladyville are: April 9-13 and April 17-21. The services open at 7:00 a.m. and the line will be closed at 3:00 p.m. to ensure that everyone waiting will be taken care of by 5:00p.m. See you there! So far our first Beyond the Horizon medical service event in Ladyville has treated over 1500 people. Here are some more photos.

    Do your kids need something to do after the Easter Break?
    Bring them to our Screen on the Green on April 20 to watch Fantastic Mr. Fox, in honor of Earth Day. Movie starts at 6:00. See you there!

    Financial Investigative Techniques (FIT) course
    The Embassy is pleased to have partnered with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury to organize a Financial Investigative Techniques (FIT) course. The three-day course introduced participants to the anti-corruption efforts, the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act, evidentiary requirements, investigative strategy, and interviewing techniques. The course participants represented a wide cross section of government agencies, including Income Tax, Customs, Prosecution Branch, Belize Police Department, FIU, International Financial Services Commission, and the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

    Channel 7

    BTL Union Flexes, Stages A (Brief) Work Walk Out
    At around 3:00 this afternoon, dozens of BTL employees walked out of the telephone company's St. Thomas Street Compound. It was only for a few minutes, but was just a slight flex of the union's muscle to tell the BTL management that they are not pleased. The union refused to grant any comment, but we understand that there is a growing disagreement between them and the management over what the union says is a standstill in the negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement. This collective bargaining agreement is what determines the salary and benefits that the BTL employees are entitled to, and it is re-negotiated every 3 years.

    Gangsters Hold A Peace March
    Over the years, we've seen countless rallies and marches for peace by mothers of the deceased, school children, and activist groups. Today was another - except this one was very different. That's because all Belize's gangs are the ones who took to the streets to say "enough." It's a first and 7News was on the street with them from beginning to end:.. "Walk for peace, we are humans" that's what the shirt said for those gathered at the Raccoon street station. Gang crews form every block in the city took off their gang colours and put on the t-shirts At 9:40 they left off with full police escort, about 60 males from at least 14 different gangs:

    ACP Williams Welcomes Vidal, Gangs Reject Him
    And, ACP Williams hopes to do all that before he leaves in July. That's the date of transfer - and as you heard him say, he's ready to move on at the commissioner's will - even if the gang members think otherwise. We got a little deeper into that conversation with him - when the press asked if he's being pushed aside because he has political ambitions:… ACP Chester Williams, Commander - Eastern Division South: "I am a public police officer, I am subject to be transferred and the commissioner is the commissioner, he decides where he puts his senior officers and if he thinks that I am best suited to serve in Belmopan in the capacity that I am going, then I go with the commissioner's decision that is time for me to move on and do something different." Jules Vasquez: "But Mr. Vidal has gone on record repudiate community policing. In 2011 he told me that it didn't work, it hasn't worked." ACP Chester Williams: "At one point in time I too repudiated community policing so it's just the way how it is."

    Broaster Will Be PD's Third In Command
    We also got an opportunity to speak with Assistant Commissioner of Police Edward Broaster, who is also being transferred. He's leaving behind the command of the Rural Eastern Division, to take over as commander of operations in Belmopan, which is effectively third in command of the entire police department. So, when we met him at another event, we asked him about the promotion, but he was very careful the comments he made: Daniel Ortiz: "Is this a promotion in terms of the field of responsibilities you will now hold come in a few months' time?" ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Rural Eastern Division: "I believe the commissioner of police has commented on that issue and at this I will not comment on that but all I can say is that the move will definitely improve the security concerns of the citizenry of Belize."

    DPM Faber Gets Another Scolding
    The unions and the Chamber of Commerce have already rejected Government's decision to pay a 1-million-dollar "honorarium" to the teachers who didn't strike last October. The unions called it union busting, and today, the NGO community called it "unauthorized spending". In a statement titled, "the Belize Network of NGO's Rebukes GOB's Unauthorized Spending", the NGO's said that they are in full support of the statements made by the chamber and the NTUCB. That statement says, quote, "GOB's decision to spend $1 million of unbudgeted taxpayers' money to reward teachers who did not participate in the strike amounts to an expenditure that was not approved by the National Assembly. This makes a mockery of the national budget planning exercise."

    Cost Still Puzzled Over Gungulung Murder
    Police are still puzzled by Monday night's Gungulung Bridge murder. 39 year old Rafael Guerra was shot dead near his Holy Emanuel Street home. Now there are different theories as to the motive, and, as we told you last night in our story, the family has its own suspicions. One report is that the Salvadoran man who rented a room at Guerra's home may have planned or been involved in the attack and another report is that the Salvadoran man was the intended target and not Guerra. Well, police have detained this man for questioning. Today Southside Commander Chester Williams said they are still trying to fill in the loose ends in this case. ACP Chester Williams, Commander - Eastern Division South: "This murder is one that really has us thinking. We are still trying to arrive at a motive but in answering your question about how we are dealing with situation like that - I think that we have to develop a system where we can monitor these persons that are coming in that we can get to know who they are because we do have a lot of persons who have been engaged in gang activities in Salvador who are in Belize. Some of them may have put behind them their gang affiliation while some of them will bring it so we need to monitor them and see how we can clip their wings when they come to Belize so that's something that we need to do."

    Cops Investigate Purported Arson At Principal's Office
    Last night, we told you about the fire at the Ladyville RC School, where as much as $30,000 in equipment was lost. The Principal says that it was arson. Today, we asked the Officer Commanding Rural Eastern Division told us what they know so far: Daniel Ortiz: "The principal has told the press that investigation suggests that this is arson. Can you confirm for us and share with us what direction your investigation is leading to?" ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Rural Eastern Division: "I cannot confirm that at this time as we have not gotten the report from the fire department as it related to their investigation into that issue at this time."

    Sales Tax Sets The Record Straight
    Last night we showed you the letter from GST Officer Elmer Reyes. He wrote the Solicitor General a four page letter saying that there were irregularities and inconsistencies in the tax assessment procedures used the by the department. The most disturbing part of his letter is that he said the department would manipulate tax methodologies to charge businesses as much as possible. It's a sharp indictment of the department and what makes it even more damning is that it comes in the from within the department. Well the Ministry of Finance sent out a release today mostly to respond to the Chamber of Commerce which has demanded an investigation of the Department's tax assessment procedures. In it, the Ministry rejects "any suggestion of manipulation on the part of the GST Senior Management of any Audit carried out by mid-level to lower level GST Auditors." It adds that the Commissioner of GST is responsible for the administration of the GST, including the review and approval of audits.

    .38 On A Corner
    One more gun is off the street tonight. Last night, Belize City Police searched an open lot on the corner of George and Prince Street. They found a .38 revolver concealed in a plastic bag. No one was in the area, so it was labelled Found Property.

    San Pedro Police Nab 2
    Yesterday afternoon, San Pedro police got a warrant to search the home of Jimell Paul Jex and Tracy Betancourt for drugs, firearms and ammunition. In Jex's bedroom, the cops found eight live rounds of 9mm ammunition. Jex, who was the only one present at the time, was arrested for keeping ammunition without a gun license. Police are currently looking for Tracey Betancourt.

    Toledo's Treasures
    Yesterday our news team went on a tour of two Southern Villages that are trying to make a name for themselves in the tourism industry. Now, Punta Negra and Monkey River aren't Placencia or San Pedro, and they aren't trying to be. These laid back villages in Toledo offer visitors an immersive experience far different than the plush packages found at traditional tourist destinations. Alex Courtenay found out where tourism meets everyday life ... Located on the remote shores of the Toledo district, the villages of Punta Negra and Monkey River offer tourists with different, off the beaten path experiences. In recent years, both villages have been receiving help to market and develop themselves as alternate destinations that offer the same natural beauty, with a more rustic ambience...

    Western Highway Knockdown
    7News has just learned of an accident at mile eight on the Western Highway. It happened a short while ago, when a pickup appears to have knocked down a pedestrian. Our team is headed out there and we'll have more on this tomorrow.

    Ladyville Cops Got A Ride
    This morning, Rural Police became the proud owners of a new truck donated to them by the Courtney Coye Law firm, and a group of Friends from Ladyville. Now, you may not be too impressed by that, after all, the department gets donations like this one from time to time. But for the Rural Eastern Division, it's a big deal. That's because these vehicle have to patrol over 30 villages spread out over the north, the east, and the west. Before this, they had to do it with only 6 vehicles. So, it's a much needed addition to their vehicle fleet, and the keys were officially handed over today. We spoke with the donors and the recipients:

    The Mystery Of Michael Smith
    Last night we told you about the Belizean who was caused a panic on a Mexican bus after he was spotted drunk, with a gun in his waist. He gave Mexican authorities his name as Mike Kenner Smith - but he carried the identification of Nigel Arthur Myvett. Well, 7 News has learned that Mike Smith is a well known UDP groupie, who was often seen around city politicians like Zenaida Maya and Michael Finnegan. Seems he left Belize months ago headed for the states - but not before stealing a baby passport and US birth certificate from Nigel Myvett's mother. He had been watching the family's home. Smith was heading from Merida to Celestun on the west coast of Mexico. Concerned passengers saw him sleeping on the bus, apparently drunk, with the gun in his waist. They called police who removed him from the bus - only to find out he was carrying a toy gun. He told them that he doesn't know how the toy gun ended up in his waist.

    Capital Cops Rewarded
    On Monday we told you how Belmopan police had worked quickly to catch and prosecute a pair of robbers who had held up Circle R Rice. They found the men and the gun they are believed to have used. The pair, 28-year-old Florentino Ruiz and 21-year-old Abraham Vellos have already been sent to jail on a 5 year sentence. Well, today their commanding officer set up a ceremony at the Roaring River Golf Course to thank them for their hard and quick work. Commissioner Allen Whylie was there to give each officer a certificate of commendation.

    Cross Country Comin'!
    For some the Easter break is about traveling, for others its all about the religious observance, while others are just glad for the break. But if you're a Belizean - no matter what you're doing this weekend - you'll want to know about the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic. 2017 marks the 89th anniversary of the race, and we asked the Belize Cycling Federation's PR Officer, Kwame Scott, what we can expect this year... The race starts at 6:00 am on Saturday.

    Caye Easter Bash
    If you will be on Caye Caulker for this Easter weekend you might want to drop by the West Bay Beach Club. That's because New Belizean voices as well as other international performers will be entertaining club goers all weekend. Two of the performers came to our studios to tell us why you all should come out. Here is a little something from up and coming dancehall artist Daja. And keeping it dancehall, Jamaican artist Jay 5 flow will also be taking the stage. Here is what he had to say . There will be several other artist performing as well. So again the concert is April 15th and 16 th, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday at West Bay Beach Club.

    Channel 5

    Repentant Gangsters March Through Old Capital for Peace
    A truce is in the making among rival gangs in the City. Going into the Easter holidays, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, whose work in community policing has been [...]

    Chester Williams Says Truce is Possible; Can Successor Vidal Hold It Together?
    As we mentioned, ED-South Commander Chester Williams has played a critical role in bringing the gangs together and negotiating a truce.  While the noble attempt is nothing we haven’t seen [...]

    Courtenay Says Teachers’ Bonus is Illegal; Payout Put Off to After Easter
    The Ministry of Education confirmed this afternoon that the million-dollar honorarium promised by the Government to non-striking teachers will not go in on time. This is because several school managements [...]

    Will Money Influence Outcome of B.N.T.U. Election?
    In the B.N.T.U.’s convention, Senator Elena Smith, Troy Coleman and Mario Mesh are vying to replace retiring three-term president Luke Palacio. Smith has the highest profile and is seen as [...]

    ‘Civil Disobedience’ called for as N.G.O.’s Show Disapproval
    The condemnation of the Government’s plans has been widespread, from business to civil society to activist organizations to all major political organizations apart from the U.D.P. So what happens next? [...]

    B.T.L. Workers Walk Out Over Collective Bargaining Agreement
    B.T.L. employees across the country staged a walkout this afternoon in protest of what is being reported as a refusal to properly address a two-pronged labor issue with the Belize [...]

    Customs Condemns, Destroys Uncustomed Goods
    This past week has not been a good one for cops; in separate busts they have been captured on cell phone video with contraband goods up north. They are not [...]

    Rural Division Police Commander Says We Must All Speak Out on Contraband
    As many as four police officers have been placed on interdiction for their alleged involvement in the contraband of goods.  The unprofessional conduct of the police officers has left the [...]

    Alvarine Burgess Vs John Saldivar over Detention Following Football
    Alvarine Burgess first came to national attention on this station as the “whistleblower” that exposed Minister Edmond Castro’s involvement in visa recommendations for Chinese nationals.  She won a defamation case [...]

    Latest on Guatemalan Gold Panners Captured in Chiquibul
    Despite the presence of F.C.D. rangers, police and B.D.F., illegal incursions into the Chiquibul continue.  Over the past three weeks, a total of thirteen Guatemalans have been detained well inside [...]

    F.C.D. Continues Fight Against Gold Panning Despite Challenges
    Gold panning has evolved into one of the two primary threats to the integrity of the Chiquibul. It’s a high level risk within the national park because of the ruggedness [...]

    Discovering Monkey River and Punta Negra’s Tourism Value
    The pristine sandy beaches of San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia and the inland destinations, such as the Cayo District, are known to attract visitors from all over the world. But [...]

    B.T.B. Says Majority of Jewel’s Overnight Visitors Coming for First Time
    As reported earlier this week, tourism arrivals by overnight and cruise remain healthy, with March setting a record for overnight tourism arrivals at close to forty-five thousand. But where are [...]

    Ladyville Police Handed New Truck
    Burglaries have been on the rise in the Rural Eastern Division – and it is no secret that the jurisdiction is understaffed and under-resourced.  Simply put it is a large [...]

    Where Will We All Be Going for Easter?
    The exodus of Belizeans to destinations across Belize – and some outside – has already begun.  Unlike other holidays such as Christmas, Belizeans mostly stay close to home for Easter, [...]

    What to Know Before You Go to Mexico
    While San Pedro and Placencia are wildly popular destinations for locals during this time, thousands of Belizeans also go across the border to neighboring Mexico. Destinations such as Cancun, Merida [...]

    LOVE FM

    Gang Members March for Peace
    A peace march focused on bringing gang members together to reduce the level of gang related crimes in Belize City was held today. Hipolito Novelo reports.

    San Pedro Resident Feels Jilted Over Swamp Land
    Forty nine year old Orrin Cain says he was unjustly moved from a parcel of land he has been living on in San Pedro Town. Cain says he began developing a swampy piece of land back in 2007 and has applied for a title since he says he has developed it by planting mangroves and […]

    Belize’s Shrimp Industry Shows Promise
    A meeting between the Shrimp Growers Association and the Government of Belize was held recently. The meeting which was held with officials from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce was aimed at looking at ways to revive the industry through team work. In recent years, the shrimp industry has taken a hit in Belize […]

    Price Hikes for Easter Fish
    Two to three years ago when you would visit the fish market around Easter time, you would have paid about seven dollars on average for a pound of snapper. This year, the prices for fish are at an all-time high as we found out for ourselves when we took a walk at the Vernon Street […]

    Motive Still Unclear in Guerra’s Homicide
    Thirty nine year old Rafael Mario Guerra was shot and killed on Monday night as he was walking home on Holy Emmanuel Street. Reports are that Guerra, who is originally from El Salvador, was with a man who had just arrived in Belize from El Salvador. That man was staying with Guerra until Sunday night […]

    Police News: Firearms and Marijuana
    On Tuesday night police conducted a search in an open lot at the corner of George and Prince Streets in Belize City where they found a black plastic bag containing a point thirty eight revolver. No one was in the area at the time of the discovery therefore the firearm was labeled as found property. […]

    Cristina Coc: Keynote Speaker at Trinidad Event
    In the edition of the Trinidad Guardian dated April 12, 2017, Belizean activist, Cristina Coc was featured for her dynamic presentation as the keynote speaker at a 3-day symposium. The 36-year-old was one of several women leaders from the region brought together in Trinidad for the event organized by the Institute of Gender and Development […]

    Verge of Umbra Tops Metal Battle in Guatemala
    Verge of Umbra is not your regular local band. It is a group out of Dangriga that somehow brought together the genres of rap and reggae. The 5-member team is making its mark on the international scene and will perhaps become even more recognized in Belize after it won the Metal Battle 2017 held in […]

    The Reporter

    Corned beef ban lifted
    The temporary ban which was placed on corned Beef products imported from Brazil have been officially lifted by the Belize Agriculture Health Authority(BAHA) along with the Ministry of Health (MOH).   In a press release dated Monday April 10, 2017 BAHA and MOH confirmed that Belizean […]

    El Nino expected to cause fewer hurricanes in 2017, experts say
    Experts are calling for a below-normal hurricane season this year, as a potential El Niño may limit the development of storms. El Nino expected to bring about fewer hurricanes in 2017 The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have […]

    6 year-old dead after buggy and pickup collides
    A six year old child is dead, while several of his siblings are recovering from injuries they sustained after a horse and cart buggy that they were traveling in was involved in a collision with a Dodge Ram Pickup truck.   At approximately 12:00 p.m on […]

    Two remain critical after separate shootings
    Two men remain in critical condition after they were shot in separate incidents over the weekend. Earlin Butler Jr., 21, a clerk at the Vital Statistics Unit, was shot at his house on Rivero Street in Belize City sometime around 7:00 Sunday morning. Reports are […]

    Police quick response lands Circle R Robbers in Jail
    Two Belize City men, who it is believed robbed Circle R Product manager at gunpoint on Friday April, 7 2017, were both convicted and sentenced to the Belize Central Prison, while police say that they are seeking another suspect.   The duo 28 year-old Florentino Ruiz  […]

    More contraband cops caught on camera
    As the news of more contraband cops seems to be emerging out of the North, two more police officers were placed on interdiction after they were caught on camera smuggling contraband items and evading Customs officials over the weekend.   In a video footage which was […]

    Editorial
    Since the dawn of creation until today no one apart from  Jesus of Galilee has ever come back from the dead on his own power. There have been truly remarkable men and women who  have walked this earth and accomplished great works —  creating empires, establishing dynasties, giants in architecture, […]

    Monday night’s murder brings total to 44!
    In the latest murder to be reported, a construction worker identified as Rafael Mario Guerra was shot and killed Monday night in the Gungulung area of Lake Independence by two assassins who emerged from a van. Guerra didn’t stand a chance. Seven shots fired at close range caught him in […]

    Belize Rap & Reggay Ban to compete in Waken, Germany
    Verge of Umbra, a new and dynamic hybrid  Rap & Reggay band out of Dangriga will be representing all of Central America in Germany in August  at the largest metal festival in the world. Verge of Umbra won this honour by beating out five other bands –  Heresy  of Costa […]

    Belmopan Mayor and UB’s new president strengthen relations
    The University of Belize and the Belmopan City Council are currently looking at ways to collaborate and develop the municipality, the university and the country. On Wednesday April 5, the Mayor of Belmopan, Khalid Belize made a courtesy call on the new President of the […]

    BCCI calls for an end to corruption
    “Our nation’s economy is failing because of decades of corruption, not just by high officials, but also by those in the public sector whom we entrust with our socioeconomic wellbeing,” was the message that the Belize chamber of Commerce and Industry had this week.   The […]

    Dad beats abusive son-in-law – with machete
    A  protective Dad who used a machete to teach his stepson  a lesson, not to beat his wife, is now facing criminal charges of  dangerous harm. Armando Cobb of Corozal chopped his son-in-law,  38 year old Gabriel Zelaya across the neck, across his arm and across his back. Zelaya, a […]

    Mexican health official makes working visit to Belize
    The Secretary of Health and Director General for State Health Services of Quintana Roo, Alejandra Aguirre Crespo, paid a working visit with health officials in Belmopan on Wednesday to discuss bi-national cooperation issues. Aguirre met with Minister of Health, Pablo Marin and the Chief Executive […]

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Safety tips for Easter from the Department of Transport
    The Easter holidays are once again upon us and the Department of Transport would like to remind all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians about the important role that each and everyone of us has to play as it relates to the issue of road safety. […]

    Belizeans prepare for the 89th Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic
    While many travelers book their vacations early to be in Belize in time for the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling race; the Western Border in Benque Viejo today had an increase in travelers waiting in long lines to enter the country for the Easter. […]

    Employees of BTL walk out
    Reports to our newsroom are that at 3pm today, employees of Belize Telemedia Office on St. Thomas Street in Belize City walked out. The employees walked out as a sign of protest because they had allegedly requested information from management about a memorandum of understanding […]

    Belize network of NGOs condemn GOB’s unauthorized spending
    The Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) today issued a release expressing its full support of the press statements issued recently by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) pertaining to the Government of Belize’s […]

    Sick and Tired? One Thing We Can Do To Save Belize Now
    A question I have gotten a few times, so I have taken the time to answer as simple as I could. The question: “What can Belizeans really do to make a positive change in Belize?” LEGITIMIZING THE ISSUES We have to focus our […]

    Chester says he would want to stay in Belize City, a little longer
    Top Cop, Chester Williams, who is also an Attorney at Law and Assistant Commissioner of Police, has finally spoken on his transfer. Effective July 1, he will be transferred to the Prosecution Branch in Belmopan. His “Community Policing” techniques on Belize City’s volatile southside will be replaced by former GSU Boss, Inspector Marco Vidal.

    Parking advisory for Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic
    The Annual Cross Country Cycling Classic will be held on Saturday, April 15th 2017. The event commences at 5:00 a.m. and concludes at around 3:00 p.m. The responsibility of the Belize Police Department is to ensure the safety and security of all participants and spectators during this event.

    San Pedro police arrest 2 in marijuana search
    On Tuesday April 11, about 5:30 a.m., police conducted a search at the residence of Marisella Garnett Casey, 30 and Derek Albert Livingston, 26, of DFC area, San Pedro.

    Police find ammo in San Pedro
    According to police reports, yesterday around 1:30 p.m., San Pedro Police conducted a search at Jimell Paul Jex and Tracy Betancourt apartment with the strength of a search warrant for drugs, firearm, and ammunition.

    Police find .38 revolver in Belize City
    Last night around 7:20, police conducted a search in an open lot at the corner of George and Prince Streets, Belize City where they found a black plastic bag containing a .38 revolver firearm bearing serial # 600902.

    A message from the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority
    The Belize Solid Waste Management Authority (BSWaMA) and the Ministry of the Environment issued a release today stating that the waste transfer stations in Belize City, San Ignacio/Santa Elena, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Burrell Boom will all be closed to the general public at 12 noon on Holy Thursday, April 13th, and will re-open at 8:00 am on Tuesday, April 18th, 2017. The Regional Sanitary Landfill located at Mile 24 on the George Price Highway will be closed at 12 noon on Holy Thursday, April 13th, and re open at 8:00 am on Tuesday April 18th, 2017.

    Blogs

    A diamond in the rough: Belizean rap group releases first single!
    An up and coming rap group from San Ignacio Town has released their first single titled “1 I Want”. Better known as “501 Prince’s”, the group of young rappers features Amir Frutos, Tyromae Tyler Vasquez, and Deon Harris, also known as “Genuine”. The group’s love for music is evident in their track. With successful social media reviews of their first song, The 501 Prince’s are now looking to shoot their next music video right here in San Pedro Town. With the help of Daddy Rock Night Club, Keller Williams Realty, World Class Fashion Show and The Saints Dance Crew, the talented young artists promise their second single will be just as great as the first!

    San Pedro, Belize’s Busiest Thoroughfare: A Stroll Down The Front Street, Part One
    There are three main streets in San Pedro down on Ambergris Caye Belize. All were given prettier names a while ago – for example, Middle Street is called Pescador Drive – but they are almost ALWAYS referred to by the original monikers. Front Street, Middle Street and Back Street. Easier and almost impossible to confuse. We even have a Back a Back Street (the street that runs behind The Back Street) but let’s focus on the MAIN STREET for now. Front Street runs along the ocean front. When I first moved here about 10 years ago, it was still a sand street but that has changed. Cobblestones came…and more visitors found out about our amazing and quirky little island and things grew. And keep on growing. As with many busy popular tourist towns, the main street became more busy and more expensive…and some homes and smaller business moved away…

    FIVE AWESOME BELIZE EXPERIENCES WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS….
    One of my favorite things about Belize is the lack of “cookie cutter” resorts. Belize is unique, less commercialized and more adventurous than the all-inclusive resorts you find with most vacation options. Yes, I have traveled with my grandkids to the carefree resorts with tons of food options, huge pools and daily activities for the kids. Granted, we have made lifelong memories on these trips, but I soon realized the experiences were the same. Eat, swim…repeat… However, Belize seems to offer those moments where you slow down and realize why you choose to travel with your grandkids. You want them to experience the beauty of this unique little country and the kindness of the Belizean people. Experience their culture, sample their traditional foods and respect their challenge to protect the “second largest barrier reef in the world” and their little piece of paradise. As I continue to explore Belize; I’m making a list of favorite things to do when traveling with grandkids!

    Bandfest 2017 takes over Orange Walk
    Brightly colored costumes, soulful music, and amazing food were only a few of the reasons hundreds were in attendance at the 12th installment of Band Fest, one of the biggest events on Belize’s social calendar. Band Fest 2017 was held at the People’s Stadium in the northern district, Orange Walk, on Saturday, April 8. The event kicked off with a marching band parade through the streets of Orange Walk Town. Over 700 band members competed in the blazing heat for the championship, and the glory that comes with it. Participating bands included: Corozal Community College, Orange Walk Uprising, Drum Corp, and the Holy Redeemer Marching Band. Other bands that took part at this year’s event were the Police Youth Cadet Corps, Wesley College, Mahogany Heights Dream, Southern Sounds Drum Corp, Stella Maris Futuristic, Sarteneja United Drum Corps, and Central Drum Corps. The event also featured performances from guest band Colegio Liceo Santa Cruz and Banda Latina LISCA from San Andres, Peten. The competition was tough, and the judges had their work cut out for them in deciding the winners. When the final scores were tallied, Corozal Community College took first place in the wind instrument category, netting themselves $6,000 cash and a trophy. Their win marked the third consecutive year the band has taken the top spot in that category. Following up in second place was the Wesley College Marching Band, with is debut performance at Band Fest. The team took home $2,500 cash and a trophy. The second place win was a testament to their level of preparation, being a first-time competitor in the event.

    Santa Rita Maya Site in Corozal Belize
    Santa Rita is a unique ancient Maya site because it survived the collapse of Maya society into the Late Post Classic Period and the early days of the Spanish incursion into the region. Today, it is believed that the ruins known as Santa Rita were once the ancient city of Chetumal. The modern day town of Corozal in Belize was built on the abandoned ruins of Santa Rita. Although not much is left of the original Santa Rita, visitors can still explore one large building that has been left untouched. Other points of interest to see in Santa Rita include rooms, passageways, vaults, and coastal lookouts that were used by the ancient Maya to defend their vital trade network. Archeologists have performed painstaking work to identify artifacts and grave goods to piece together the tentative identity of Santa Rita as the ancient city of Chetumal. Santa Rita is open all year-round but can be difficult to properly appreciate during heavy rains. Once in Corozal Town, the ruins of Santa Rita are only a short distance away near the Coca-Cola factory.

    International Sourcesizz

    Monkey River in Belize: An isolated town connected by love
    Living in a tourist town is anything but relaxing, to say the least. My family lives on Anna Maria Island, so I know well the honking of car horns and smell of exhaust fumes as we try to reach our home. That’s one reason my family searches for locations that are as isolated as possible when we vacation. When my uncle mentioned the disconnectedness of Monkey River Town in Belize, we knew that tropical Central American country would be our next destination. We could sit back and relax as we watched Jurassic-sized snook, silver dollar, permit and countless bonefish swim past us. Monkey River Town is idyllic, but our family vacations are not just about being chill. The intent is to teach my brother and me how objects and wealth are useless to the pursuit of happiness; that social connectivity and love are the only true paths to being happy. Monkey River Town is very isolated, a village notched between an impenetrable jungle and the unforgiving sea. Getting to the remote town is a trek few people I know would be willing to take. Located 13 miles south of Placencia and 28 miles north of Punta Gorda, the only road to Monkey River requires travelers to brave 10 miles of dirt roads with potholes large enough to swallow a motorcycle. At the end of the dusty, jostling journey, you arrive at the mouth of a wide and lazy Monkey River. To cross over, you’ll need to have a connection to someone in the town willing to pick you up via a rustic Panga boat.

    Family sues over North Cobb High student's drowning in Belize
    The mother of the North Cobb High School student who drowned while on a school trip in Belize last year is suing the Cobb School District and the Cobb County Government among others. Adell Forbes, mother of the late Tomari Jackson, filed the lawsuit in Cobb State Court on March 24. Tomari, a 14-year-old North Cobb High freshman, and 31 other North Cobb High School magnet students traveled to Belize on a weeklong study-abroad trip in February 2016. During the school-sponsored trip, Tomari drowned in the Sibun River in the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a nonprofit education and training center. The lawsuit accuses the Cobb County School District, the Cobb County Government, the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize, the sanctuary’s owner and six adult chaperones of “willful, wanton and unconscionable disregard” and negligence that caused Jackson’s death.

    Auf Caye Caulker wird der Schlendrian geleb
    Der Hai kommt von hinten und schwimmt mitten zwischen den Beinen hindurch. Es ist ein kurzer Schock. Von allen Seiten gleiten Ammenhaie und Stechrochen dicht über das Seegras, unter und zwischen den Schnorchlern hindurch. Es ist Futterzeit am Hausriff von Caye Caulker. Ein halbes Dutzend Boote liegt an Bojen vertäut, die beiden größten sind dicht bepackt mit Urlaubern von Kreuzfahrtschiffen. Die Haie der Shark and Ray Alley sind so konditioniert, dass sie zu den Booten schwimmen, wenn sie nur die Motoren hören. Und so jagen sie nun aus allen Richtungen heran. Es ist ein beeindruckendes Schauspiel, wie es selbst weitgereiste Taucher selten zu sehen bekommen. Viel mehr als den Schnorcheltrip gibt es auf der winzigen Insel in Belize nicht zu tun. Und das, finden die meisten Touristen, ist auch gut so.

    Security Awareness Training Provider To Speak At Cyber Security Symposium/a>
    Michael Levin, CEO and founder of The Center for Information Security Awareness (CFISA) in Boca Raton, Florida, has been asked to be a guest speaker at the upcoming National Cyber Security Symposium in Belize. The 1st National Cyber Security Symposium is set to be held April 24th through April 28th, 2017 at the Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City, Belize. "It's an honor to be able to share my knowledge on cyber security best practices with others," Levin states. "I will be focusing on cyber security awareness training as well as ICT policy development and law enforcement. I hope to help attendees from the Caribbean region develop better cyber security best practices to help reduce their risk.” The Symposium is hosted by the Belize Public Utilities Commission and will be held on behalf of the Belize Government. Levin, along with a number of other professionals, will share information with audiences regarding cyber security, a field in which Levin holds many years of experience.

    Dr. Maher Soudah Pioneers New Lucrative Medical Schools
    West Palm Beach, FL: Well known and respected educational Doctor, Maher Soudah, MD, has pioneered two new medical education schools located in the beautiful country of Belize and also in South Florida. Columbus Central University (CCU) is now open in the astonishingly beautiful country of Belize. Columbus Central University is a quality medical school located in Belize where students study medicine with accredited pre-med, basic and clinical science programs. The medical curriculum taught at CCU by President and CEO Maher Soudah and his talented team integrates top academic features of American and Caribbean medical schools. Belize is considered the absolute best place for medical education in the Caribbean.

    Love a great sauce? Here are some pantry staples we wouldn't live without
    As a food writer, I have some privileges that many regular folks don’t. People mail me their high-end food products to try. I talk to chefs about what’s in their pantries. I read cookbooks and write recipes for a living. But I, like most people, don’t have infinite cash to spend on high-end staples. There are certain items, though, that I believe are worth the extra money, ingredients that make my cooking better or are shortcuts to deliciousness that I prefer not to live without. I actually stockpile a few of these items, because I panic if I run out. My husband, an archaeologist, has been to Belize a handful of times for work, and each time, he returned with a few bottles of this versatile, delicious hot sauce. It’s made from red habaneros grown in Belize, and the sweet heat of those peppers is combined with a shockingly short list of ingredients — vinegar, carrots, salt, onions, lime juice and garlic. The only problem with Marie Sharp’s has been that for many years, it was really hard to find in the states. When I found it on Amazon, we no longer had to conserve. Better yet, a reader recently tipped me off that Dragon Star Foods in St. Paul carries the sauce (our favorite is the “hot” version) for just $3.79 for a 10-ounce bottle. That’s a little more than half of what we were paying online. We literally put this sauce on and in everything — soup, chili, stir-fry, meat, fish, eggs, tacos, you name it. Available online or locally at Dragon Star Foods, 633 W. Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul; 651-488-2567.

    Videos

  • King Kosa ft Konshens & Shenseea - Best NaNa, 3min. Belize's Kevin "King Kosa" Rhaburn's new international song with Konshens & Shenseea. She has the best nana apparently.

  • Police check point show, 43min.

  • GFSS Belize 2017, 4min.

  • CASI ME MUERDE! Buceo en San Pedro, Belize, 14min. Encuentro cercano con una morena y un tiburon.

  • Getting PADI Scuba Diving certified in Belize with the Pro Dive Center, 4min. Today is Day 1 of getting PADI certified in Belize! I spend the day working with the Belize Pro Dive Shop learning scuba and exploring the ocean.

  • Collecting samples from headwaters of the Chiquibul River, min. FCD research team collect samples in the headwaters of the Chiquibul River as part of the macro-invert studies to understand the integrity of the water resources.

  • Easter Safety, 1.5min. from PGTV News Network

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ7e9n6t2eU, 26min.

  • Homemade Easter Baskets (Zap Custom Designs), 22min.

  • Island Schedule for Easter Break, 20min.

  • Caribbean Tires Easter Promotions / Vehicle Safety, 24min.

  • Police United Vs Verdes FC, 1hr45min.

  • How to Make Belizean Hot Cross Buns | Good Friday Specialty, 4min.

  • Belize Snorkeling, 1min.

  • Cave Tubing in Belize with D King Adventure Tours, 1.5min. Our cave tubing and zip lining tours takes you to Cave Branch Outpost located in Cayo. The tour includes a jungle walk, a gentle float through the caves and zip lining. There’s so much to witness within these caves and the environment such as animals that inhabit this region. We provide transportation, food, most gears and free rum punch. The only things tourist need to bring are water shoes (available for rent at Cave Branch), bug spray and towels. The tour will take no longer than 6 hours.

  • Belize Blue Hole Skydive, 3min. March 24, 2017 a group of the coolest humans got to jump over the beautiful Blue Hole in Belize. This happened to be my first skydive, and probably the first person to ever have their first skydive over the Blue Hole. Such a rad day, beautiful people, and breathtaking scenery.

  • ST HERMANS cave in Belize, 1min.

  • IZE Belize with Fred Dodd traveling to South Water Caye from Blue Creek March 2017, 65min.

    April 12, 2017


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    Specials and Events

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


    The San Pedro Sun

    Meet the Miss San Pedro High School 2017-2018 candidates!
    Saturday, May 6th, has been selected as the date for the 2017-2018 Miss San Pedro High School (SPHS) pageant. The annual event is set to take place at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, and will see the participation of five lovely delegates, who were officially presented at the Island Tackle Bar and Grill on Thursday, April 6th. This year’s contestants for the pageant are Maryurit Triminio, Arianie Novelo, Babee Lopez, Neijah Figueroa, and Kiriany Caal. The brief ceremony took place shortly after 7PM, with SPHS teacher Philip Ramsey, pageant organizer commending the contestants for taking up the challenge. “We have a month to prepare for the grand night of the pageant,” Ramsey told the contestants. “There is a lot of work to be done, and we will be here to guide you all and assist you in any possible way.”

    BAHA and MOH Lift Temporary Suspension of Corned Beef from Brazil
    The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and Ministry of Health (MoH) have lifted the temporary suspension on the importation of corned beef from Brazil. The temporary suspension which took effect on March 23rd was prompted after reports from Brazilian authorities that several major meat processors had been processing tainted beef and poultry meat. The companies were also alleged to have paid hefty bribes to officials in exchange for sanitary licenses.

    SIB’s February report showing negative economic growth: inflation is up, exports and imports down
    The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) released their figures for February 2017 on Wednesday, March 29th. The latest economic statistics shows that the country’s imports and exports earnings fell sharply. The ‘All-Items’ consumer price index also increased from 102.7 in February 2016 to 105.1 for February 2017. ‘Transport’, ‘Food and Non-alcoholic Beverages’ and ‘Housing, Water, Electricity Gas and other Fuels’ recorded the highest prices for February 2017. The ‘Transport’ category was the major contributing factor to the overall rise in consumer prices during February 2017, jumping by almost 20%. ‘Fuel’ prices for the month went up more than 16%, with the sizeable increase observed in the price of diesel fuel, which jumped by 43%, from $6.36 in February 2016 to $9.11 in February 2017.

    Island residents/visitors are reminded to stay dry during Good Friday
    As the Easter holidays (Friday, April 14th to Monday, April 17th) draw near, the San Pedro Police Department (SPPD), San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and the San Pedro Liquor Licensing Board are urging residents/visitors to have a “dry” Good Friday. Since many residents observe the religious aspect of Easter, no stores, supermarkets, bars or restaurants are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages from midnight on Thursday, April 13th to midnight on Friday, April 14th. The SPPD also reminds the public that all liquor shops and bars must be closed. Hotels are permitted to sell alcoholic beverages to bona fide guests only. In addition, residents are not allowed to drink in any public area. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly limited to where it cannot be visible to the public. In addition, any restaurant caught selling alcoholic beverages will face serious criminal charges, including the confiscation of all liquor and beer inventory and a summons for charges.

    Ambergris Today

    Over $70,000 Raised In Cancer Awareness Ride By CEO Caucus
    The CEO Caucus of the Government of Belize takes this opportunity to express its sincerest gratitude to the public, partners, donors and members of the cycling community who participated in “The CEO Caucus Cancer Treatment Ride 2017: We’re with You” which took place on Saturday 8th April 2017.

    Belize Tourism Arrivals Show Steady Increase In First Quarter 2017
    Even following such unprecedented growth in 2016, the latest statistics for the first quarter of 2017 indicate that tourism arrivals in Belize continue to register a small but steady increase. This underscores the hard work and dedication of our tourism stakeholders and the fact that Belize continues to attract travelers, as a growing and popular world tourism destination.

    Police Officers Charged For Evading Customs
    Police Reports indicate that on Saturday, April 8, 2017, the Corozal Police received a video from Custom Officers from the Northern Border Station showing a police vehicle being pursued by Custom Officers.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    BELIZE FISHING REPORT, Weeks of April 3 thru April 9, 2017
    A nice week to host the Orvis Bonefish Bonanza and the Orvis fly fishing school. Everyone had fun catching numerous bonefish with some anglers catching as many as fifty bonefish for the week. Lots of great memories created with many happy anglers.

    BAHA and MOH Lift Temporary Suspension of Corned Beef from Brazil
    The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and Ministry of Health (MoH) have lifted the temporary suspension on the importation of corned beef from Brazil. The temporary suspension which took effect on March 23rd was prompted after reports from Brazilian authorities that several major meat processors had been processing tainted beef and poultry meat. The companies were also alleged to have paid hefty bribes to officials in exchange for sanitary licenses. In order to verify the safety and wholesomeness of corn beef already in country, samples were collected from importers’ warehouses, retail shops and supermarkets. Microbiological testing conducted at BAHA’s Food Safety Laboratory did not detect any pathogens.

    NEW NEMO OFFICE AND COORDINATOR FOR BELIZE RURAL SOUTH
    As part of preparations for the upcoming Hurricane Season, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has relocated to a new office in San Pedro Town on the island of Ambergris Caye. The new office is located in a central area just opposite the San Pedro Airport, on the second floor of a building that houses Wings San Pedro Department and Furniture Store on Coconut Drive. Also, a new NEMO Coordinator - Ms. Vanessa Parham - has been assigned to Belize Rural South which includes Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Yesterday - Monday, April 10th - Minister of Transport and NEMO Hon. Edmond Castro was in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye for the opening of the new office. He was accompanied by Ms. Ruth Meighan, CEO in the Ministry; Mr. Al Westby, Regional Coordinator for Belize and Cayo Districts; and Ms. Shereen Reyes, NEMO Logistics Officer. Also present was Mr. Jorge Aldana, local San Pedro Town Council Operations Officer.

    Launch of Beacon Magazine
    The Energy 4 Life Youth Group is pleased to announce that the Beacon Magazine is to be launched on April 24th, 2017 at St. John’s Collage Junior College in Belize City. BEACON Youth Magazine is intended to be an inspiration for youth all over Belize. It has been created by team leaders in the Energy for Life Youth Group to highlight stories of young people who are at disadvantaged, at risk, or who have overcome tremendous obstacles in their lives. They have all overcome obstacles to achieve their goals and they have become successful youth in their communities and country. Some of these goals include youth forming their own businesses, obtaining scholarships, achieving an education, winning national and international awards, being actively involved in community based groups, forming their own community based group and ultimately giving back to their country through community service and/or leadership positions. The magazine also highlights some volunteer and training opportunities for youth in Belize. The magazine will be a beacon for youth all over the country. It exposes youth to resources and opportunities.

    Lights! Camera! Action!
    Hollywood came to Placencia last week! Placencia Humane Society's very own Board Member, Melanie L Wilcher, and real estate agent at CPC Real Estate Solutions Limited was the star for an upcoming HGTV program. Melanie shared the stage with PHS, with a visit to our building, and a romp on the Los Porticos Villas Placenia, Belize beach with our real celebrities, PHS' rescued and adopted dogs. Stay tuned for the grand TV viewing of this very special show, scheduled for November or December.

    San Pedro Holy week religious activities
    Holy Thursday April 13th, Eucharistic Procession, this will take place approximately 7:30pm and will affect traffic on Barrier Reef drive for a short time. Good Friday April 14th, 4:30pm Procession around town, watch out for street closures and diversions. Easter Sunday April 16th, Encuentro, from RC School to the RC Church at 7:00am. We are asking all drivers to please respect these activities and avoid the areas and to be patient. We are also requesting that parking on Barrier Reef Drive and Pescador Drive be avoided on Good Friday during the procession time.

    Defending champion Kaya Cattouse dethroned by Alicia Thompson
    CONGRATULATIONS to Alicia Thompson, 1st PLACE WINNER of the 29th Annual Women's Cross Country Cycling Classic.

    BHA CONDUCTS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE AND OUTREACH IN SAN PEDRO, AMBERGRIS CAYE
    On Saturday April 8 and Sunday April 9, the Belize Hotel Association conducted an active membership recruitment drive in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. This outreach included one-on-one meetings with potential Resorts, Hotels, Restaurants, Tour Operators and affiliated businesses. The interest received was extremely positive and we expect to have several new members joining the Association for the year 2017/2018. This allows us a greater number of properties and services to offer at the International Shows we attend on behalf of our members. See list of 2016/2017 trade shows that Belize Hotel Association attended for this membership year. The BHA would like to thank everyone who offered support of our efforts in San Pedro in particular the Sunbreeze Hotel that provided accommodations for staff. We would also like to thank all the persons of the San Pedro Business community who took time out of their busy schedules to meet with us.

    Splashers
    We are going to try something different this week. This is a photograph not a painting. I am going to walk you through how to paint something from a picture. I will bring a copy of the picture for everyone to have and will provide a stencil for the bird if you wish to use it but I will encourage everyone to try and sketch it out themselves!. Hey guys looking forward to seeing you Thursday. I would appreciate if you brought correct change as the bar is not impressed when we take all their change!

    Get Ready for Karaoke Fun
    at El Divino, Banana Beach Resort, San Pedro Ambergris Caye

    Get a chance to win a trip to San Pedro when you sign up for your CARICOM Skills Certificate!
    Sign up TODAY!

    San Pedro Easter Splash 2017
    Who is ready for this Easter Weekend? Check out the line up of all the performers and DJ's that will be playing at Central Park.

    Letter: Youth and the economic situation in Belize
    Is Belize the new Colombia? Belize is the only Central American corridor open. Is there any wonder why Guatemala has annexed Sarstoon Island where Guatemala, Honduras and Belize are benefiting from drug transshipment. Is this the reason why Southern Command is here? Everything is interrelated; US visas of high officials are being revoked, Mr Middleton has visa phobia. The youth is learning by observation that they must survive by any means necessary. If any, past indication is a trend right now. Before Easter, crime will escalate, especially petty crime. Anything to get a few bucks right now. Prostitution will increase and buying power is going down so more cell phones will be stolen. Belize has a service driven, consumer driven economy rather than a productive economy. People will want to consume and will not care how they get it. There is going to be less opportunity to hire youth for jobs and, if they are hired, they will not work as much because employers are going to have to pay them more, assuming they have to pay income tax. Employers are not going to want to do that, they will rather work with the ones they currently have. The fix is a short-term fix (raising of taxes), but it is sure to have long-term misery.

    Jennifer Gomez is missing
    Kindly be on the lookout for 19 year old Jennifer Gomez. The Belize City resident was reported missing on Friday, 24th March, 2017 by her mother Angela Gomez. Jennifer left home on Thursday, 24th March, 2017 at about 8:00 p.m. and since then she has not been seen since. Jennifer is about five feet tall and weighs about one hundred and thirty pounds. She was last seen wearing a gray short sleeved blouse with a pink heart on it. She was also carrying a pink school bag. The police say Jennifer is an "adult child with Disabilities."

    Jennifer Cowo is Missing
    Gloria Hernandez reported that her daughter 14 year old Jennifer Cowo is missing. The Trial Farm Villager has been missing since 10th April, 2017 at 6:45am. Jennifer weighs about 120 pounds and she's about 5 feet tall. She left home wearing a pink, sleeveless blouse. If she is seen kindly contact the Orange Walk Police Station or the nearest Police Station as soon as possible.

    Easter in Corozal
    Main event easter Sunday greasy pig & greasy pole....Miami beach Corozal round house.bless

    Easter with Thunderbolt!
    It's Easter time again! Schedule: Corozal to Sarteneja and San Pedro 7am Prices $25 and $50 one way respectively and $50 and $90 round trip respectively. Sarteneja to San Pedro 7:30 am. $50 one way $90 round trip. San Pedro to Sarteneja and Corozal 3pm. Sarteneja to Corozal 4:30pm. All are advised to be extra early on Thursday morning (at least by 6:15am) to purchase tickets or change round trip tickets for boarding passes. Last year we were sold out for passages by 6:30am.

    Public transportation for Easter Weekend.

    Belize National Teacher's Union (BNTU) Convention
    Will be held at the Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico in San Roman Village, Corozal on Wednesday April 19th at 8:00 A.M. - Thursday, April 20th at 3:00 P.M.

    BEL Submits Annual Tariff Review Application to PUC
    Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) submitted an application to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on April 1, 2017, under the Annual Tariff Review Proceeding (ARP) for the period July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. The Company, in line with its Mission “to provide reliable electricity at the lowest sustainable cost, stimulate national development and improve the quality of life in Belize”, is proposing to maintain the Mean Electricity Rate virtually unchanged at $0.3695 per kilowatt hour (kWh). No changes are proposed to other fees and charges to customers. In its submission, BEL is requesting a single “Industrial” classification for customers currently classified as “Industrial 1 and 2”. This will result in a gradual reduction in electricity costs for a wider range of manufacturers, agricultural and aquaculture producers. The Company is also seeking PUC’s clarification of the rental fee for attachments by other utilities on BEL poles.

    Culinary arts exchange--bringing the United States and Belize even closer together!
    The College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) is located in the United States and is currently hosting three Belizean college lecturers who have a focus on hospitality management and tourism. Josephine Juan of Sacred Heart Junior College, Lyann Flowers from Independence Junior College and Tiresie Lino of Ecumenical Junior College are the three teachers who are currently taking part in discussions with chefs and several of their counterparts at the US College. Their visit to the CCGA comes through a culinary arts faculty exchange which gives them hands-on experience as well as full-service observations in the preparation of campus dining events which takes them from the classroom to field work.

    Government of Belize delegation to Louisiana
    This week, we are proud to partner with the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) to welcome a Government of Belize delegation to Louisiana. The trip, hosted by LANG, is focused on the LANG Youth Challenge Program, designed to intervene and reclaim lives of at-risk youth and to produce graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens. The delegation includes Foreign Minister Elrington, MOD CEO Enriquez, MHD CEO Alpuche, BDF General Jones, and BDF and BCG officers. The delegation was warmly welcomed by LANG's MG Curtis and had the opportunity to meet Governor Edwards. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Bland is accompanying the Belizean delegation.

    Channel 7

    Contraband Cops Caught On Camera In Corozal
    Last night we told you about those alleged contraband cops from Corozal- who ran away from customs with a "bulto" full of clothes in the pan of the police patrol pickup. The thing is, customs caught it all on cell phone camera when it happened on Saturday, and then sent it to the officer commanding Corozal - which is why the Police Commissioner was forced to take immediate action. But customs didn't want to scandal the police department - with which they work closely - so the video was not sent to the media.

    Holy Week Execution
    A Holy Week execution has devastated a city family. Last night around 8:00, 39 year old Rafael Guerra was shot and killed near his Holy Emmanuel Street home. He had lent a friend his bicycle pump and was only waiting to get it back when two men emerged from a van and shot Guerra. It has all appearances of a well calculated attack, but Guerra's family and friends refuse to believe that. Courtney Weatherburne found out why. Voice of: Resident: "I was inside making tea at the time when I hear the gunshots them, instantly I went down on the ground with my baby, because it my 3 year old I had with me so I just grabbed him and went down on the ground, I say oh, get on the floor, get on the floor."

    Goat gold Diggers Keep Coming In Chiquibul
    Five more Guatemalan gold panners have been caught in Belizean territory. The four adults and one minor were caught yesterday 4 miles within Belize in the Ceibo Chico area of Southern Chiquibul. Signs of murky water flowing downstream told the police and FCD Rangers that there was activity in the creek. The lawmen found two men digging with a long iron bar in the creek, along with two other men and a minor. The minor carried a plastic vial with what looked to be a gold mineral under his arm. The men all said the vial belonged to them. There was also about 1 pound of pulverized minerals, including what appeared to be gold mixed with small pebbles wrapped in a t-shirt. And the patrol team found 4 live rounds of 12 gauge ammunition in the camp.

    Who Would Burn Down The Principal's Office?
    Investigators from the National Fire Service continue to investigate an unusual fire at the Our Lady of the Way RC School in Ladyville. But, tonight, those who work at the school have strong reasons to believe that someone intentionally set fire to the Principal's office. She's Denise Neal, and today, she told us what she found when she arrived on the school compound: Yesterday, when the Principal, Denise Neal, locked up her office, she thought that tomorrow would be just another day at work. That all changed last night when she got a call that her office was on fire.

    A Calcutta Collission
    A man is in a coma tonight after a massive accident in San Joaquin Village. Last night around 9:00 Edgar Wiltshire was driving his Chrysler van between miles 82 and 83 when a green Toyota pickup truck rammed into him. Justin Goff was driving the Toyota truck. Goff broke both his legs and his left arm while Wiltshire is in a coma at the KHMH.

    One More Committed for Supreme Court Trial in Bou-Nahra Home Invasion
    Paul Jex Jr. will stand trial in the June session of the Supreme Court. That was what came out today's preliminary inquiry in relation to the 2015 Sarkis Bou Nahra home invasion/rape case. As we had reported in July 2016 Paul Jex Jr. was charged for raping Sarkis Bou- Nahra's maid in front her husband and child during the raid. DNA results that were sent to Miami, directly connects Paul Jex Jr. to the rape. The supreme court session is set to begin on June 20th. So far, Brandon Baptist, Tyrone Meighan, and John and Sheldon Grinage have been committed to stand trial for aggravated burglary at the home of the diplomat.

    GST Officer Complains About Unfair, Irregular Taxing Practices
    Tonight, businesses are questioning whether they are being assessed fairly by the Department of General Sales Tax. This is after a letter emerged from a sales tax employee saying the department managers just want to charge businesses as much as possible, and will use any assessment formula to do so. GST Officer Elmer Reyes from Punta Gorda wrote the four page letter to the Solicitor General in December. He asks whether the Management of the Department should be allowed to influence the assessments made by the department's auditors.

    Chamber Calls On Government to Investigate And Regularize GST Methodology
    But the Chamber of Commerce has heard enough. A release issued today, called "Break the Corruption Chain" calls for the government to, quote, "immediately launch a thorough, complete and transparent investigation into the allegations made by the GST Officer, particularly due to the mandatory and onerous nature of penalties imposed by the Court for failure to pay GST assessments. Any methodology used by the Department of GST in auditing businesses and making assessments must be uniform and fair to the taxpayer as well as the Government." End quote. The Chamber calls for an impartial examination of procedures adopted by the GST Office, quote, "to restore stakeholders' trust and confidence in the GST department." The Chamber adds that to get its increased revenue, government must crack down on those businesses that do not pay GST - and they shouldn't unfairly burden the ones that do.

    Chamber Calls On Customs To Tax Contraband Cops
    And the Chamber also weighed in on those contraband cops that have been making news. The Chamber laments, what it calls, quote, "the apparent widespread facilitation by Police Officers in the transport of contraband of goods across the Belize/Mexico border." They complain that while the officers involved were charged for an "Act of Prejudice to Good Order and Discipline" and placed on interdiction, quote, "there is no mention that the statutorily prescribed fine of three times the value of the goods was levied against them. These officers were engaged in criminal activity and as such, we demand that they are subjected to the usual and full penalty that would be imposed against any other contrabandista. There can be no leniency when police officers are caught breaking the very laws they are sworn to uphold." END QUOTE.

    When a Disaster Is a Learning Experience
    Princess Margaret Drive in Belize City was the scene of quite a spectacle this morning. Two vehicles appeared to have been part of a major traffic accident. No, it wasn't real; it was only a test -a pop quiz, if you will. It was done so that emergency personnel from BERT could assess their ambulance crew's fitness and form in responding to a complex crisis. They're in the business where minutes could mean the difference between saving a person's life, or losing them to the serious injuries, so, management wanted to see them in action under the most adverse circumstances. 7News was there, and we spoke to the trainer about the performance of the staff:

    Is BERT Getting Paid To Time By Ministry?
    Today's mass casualty simulation gave us the perfect opportunity to speak with Andre Carrillo, the new National Coordinator for BERT. He took over from Yvette Burks in December, at a time when the Belize Emergency Response Team was trying to negotiate a new deal with the Ministry of Health. Last year, back in late August and early September, we told you about the rift between the Ministry of Health and BERT management. BERT felt that the monthly government subvention was not enough to cover their costs; while the Ministry of Health was saying that the Ministry's just couldn't afford the increase they were asking for. A temporary resolution was put in place while the two sides negotiated. 6 months have passed and today the press BERT's new boss asked how the negotiations are going.

    Benign BEL Doesn't Ask For Rate Increase In Annual Review
    It's time for BEL's annual tariff review - but instead of asking for a higher charge per kilowatttt hour, the company says it wants the same rate. The utility which has government as the majority shareholder - submitted its annual review to the PUC asking to leave the Mean Electricity Rate virtually unchanged at $0.3695 per kilowatt hour. It does not propose any changes to other fees and charges to customers. But it is asking for all Industrial Customers to be put in a single category; right now they are spread out across "Industrial 1 and 2".

    Man Jailed for An Ounce
    22 year-old Paul Smith is at the Belize Central Prison tonight where he will remain for an entire month, all because he had a little over one ounce of marijuana. Police say that they busted the Radisson employee with the weed this morning, when they went to his house on Antelope Street Extension. They were searching for gun and drugs, and when they asked him if he had anything to declare, he 'fessed up and told them that he had a small amount of cannabis. He asked them to give him a run, but instead, the officers arrested and charged him for it. He pleaded guilty to the charges figuring that he would have to pay a fine for the conviction, but the Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith, wasn't so accommodating.

    Illegal Lobster and Conch Catches Have Fishermen Paying Heavy Fines
    Today three men appeared in court for fishing related charges. Belize City residents, Leopold Young and Joe Lauriano were charged with possession of lobsters during the closed season. According to reports, both men were in possession of 294 lobsters last Saturday inside Harry Jones Lagoon. Lobster season closed in February so Young and Lauriano were arrested and charged. Young pled guilty to the charges, and was handed a noncustodial sentence. He was fined $250 for the offense, plus an additional $25 per lobster, bringing his final fine up to $7600. Young has until May 11th to pay the $250 plus a $5 court fee. He has until the end of July to pay the larger fine, or default and spend 6 months in prison.

    A Tapir Tragedy
    The Boom Road continues to be a hazard for Belize's national animal, the tapir. This was demonstrated last night when a light pickup truck knocked down a young male Tapir crossing the Boom Road. The driver - a policeman in his private vehicle - says the Tapir came running out of the bushes and he couldn't avoid a collision. As these pictures show, the front end of his pickup was substantially damaged. But while the pickup can be repaired, the young tapir cannot: the impact left him with a broken back and leg. A resident of the area had to do the humane thing and put him down. It's a sad scene, to see the carcass of the national animal being hauled across the pavement like that - and the Belize Zoo has been monitoring these accidents since 2008. The Zoo's Education Director Celso Poot says it's the second time this has happened in two weeks:

    Sharing Southern Hideways
    As the Easter holiday draws nearer, most Belizeans are finalizing their weekend travel plans. While most will head to the popular islands of San Pedro or Caye Caulker, of the Placentia peninsula while others go inland to Cayo, and overland to Chetumal, fewer will head South to enjoy some of the country's little known attractions. The villages of Monkey River and Punta Negra are two of those obscure getaways. They are located about half an hour away from Punta Gorda, and today our news team went down South to take a look at what these small villages have to offer. Here's a preview of what they learnt...

    Belizean With Toy Gun On Mexican Bus
    And finally tonight, there's a strange story that's making news in Mexico. It's about a drunk Belizean on a bus out of Merida. A site called Millennium News reports that a man named Mike Kenner Smith of Belize created a scare on the bus when he was spotted with a gun in his waist. The man had the ID of Nigel Arthur Myvett but he was allegedly drunk and asleep on the bus. That's when other passengers called the police who got unto the bus, and pounce don him while he was still sleeping. After they removed him from the bus, they found out the gun was fake. He allegedly told them he doesn't know how the gun got into his waist.

    Channel 5

    Who Wanted Rafael Guerra Dead?
    There was murder in the City on Monday night, within days of the Easter holidays. Thirty-nine-year-old Rafael Mario Guerra, a Salvadoran national was walking on Holy Emmanuel Street when he [...]

    On the Trail of Corozal Contrabandista Cops
    Three cops remain on interdiction tonight following investigations into their alleged involvement in contraband activity up north; we say alleged because while amateur footage captured the officers in the act, [...]

    Chamber Says Cops Should Be Fined for Uncustomed Goods
    The recent saga of three cops and a special constable caught on video in separate incidents of contraband at the Northern Border in Orange Walk and Corozal respectively has caught [...]

    Who Set Fire to Principal’s Office at Our Lady of the Way R.C.?
    On Monday night, police responded to a report of a fire at Ladyville R.C School where the lower flat of a two-storey building was engulfed in flames. Quick action by [...]

    Corned Beef Ban Lifted by BAHA, Health
    The Belize Agricultural Health Authority and Ministry of Health have lifted the temporary ban on the importation of corned beef from Brazil. BAHA says it has confirmed that the popular [...]

    Investigate G.S.T. Department, Chamber Asks Government
    News Five broke the story last Thursday of internal complaint in the General Sales Tax Department. A senior tax officer alleged influence by the Department’s management in the outcome of [...]

    B.E.L. Says No Change to Electricity Rate
    The General Sales Tax of twelve and a half percent imposed since the first of April affects bills greater than one hundred dollars, but the actual rate is not expected [...]

    Testing Emergency Response with B.E.R.T.
    There was a fatal traffic accident at the busy intersection of Princess Margaret Drive and Saint Joseph Street this morning, right next door to Social Security Board and the Karl [...]

    Where Were K.H.M.H. Docs, Nurses?
    And so while the emergency responders gave themselves good grades, what happened to the Karl Heusner Hospital itself? The hospital does have a mass casualty plan for situations like these, [...]

    Paul Jex Jr. Sent to Supreme Court on Rape Charge
    Paul Jex Junior is the last person to see his case go to preliminary inquiry in the home invasion that occurred back on December sixth, 2015 at the house of [...]

    BERT Close to Agreement with Government on Service
    Back in September, the Ministry of Health reached an accommodation with Belize Emergency Response Team to pay salaries for its emergency medical technicians and services beyond the annual government subvention.  [...]

    BERT Plans to Take Over Ambulance Service Across Belize
    Long-time national coordinator for the Belize Emergency Response Team, Yvette Burks, has handed over management of the organization to businessman Andre Carillo of Orange Walk. She continues to hold a [...]

    TIDE Brings Tourism to Monkey River, Punta Negra
    The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment, TIDE, has been actively involved with residents in two coastal communities in northeastern Toledo District.  The villages of Monkey River and Punta Negra [...]

    Preparing for 2017 Hurricane Season
    June to November – that is the span of the Atlantic Basin’s hurricane season. But truth be told, preparation for “The Big One” is never far from the minds of [...]

    U.B. Names New Vice President; Honors For New Prez from U.W.I.
    The University of Belize has recruited another renowned Caribbean educator to lead the tertiary institution.  In a release issued today, UB announced that Doctor Mariot Simon will serve as Vice [...]

    Ahmadiyya League Bring Home Youth Tournament Titles from Mexico
    The Ahmadiyya Basketball League has been running for about three years in Belize City. This year, they were invited to play in the under-seventeen and under-nineteen categories in a basketball [...]

    CTV3

    Libertad Residents Up In Arms, Due To Unreliable Potable Water
    Residents of Libertad Village are up in arms over the lack of reliable access to potable water in the community. They complain that the water shuts off in the morning and doesn’t return until late afternoon. Today they called our news reporter out to the community where they stood under the Water System and let their concerns be known. Eiden Romero: “Ahorita el problema es de que muchos aldeanos no estamos consiguiendo agua, cuando da las once que es la mera hora de que los niños están saliendo de la escuela, no hay agua, once, doce, una, el agua llega como las tres de la tarde y esos son horas de que los niños vienen de la escuela y hay familias como por ejemplo; acá estamos cerca del tanque si usted va más por Libertad hay familias que no consiguen agua y no están pagando agua...”

    Where Is Fourteen Year Old Jennifer Cowo?
    Tonight police officers attached to the Orange Walk Police Formation is asking for your assistance in locating a fourteen year old girl who went missing yesterday morning. According to reports, Gloria Hernandez, a resident of West San Martin Street located in the village of Trial Farm visited the police station where she told authorities that her daughter, Jennifer Cowo, had disappeared sometime before 7:00 yesterday morning and was last seen wearing a pink sleeveless blouse along with a long blue jeans pants and a pair of black footwear. Jennifer is of clear complexion, has long straight hair, and dark brown eyes. She weighs approximately one hundred twenty pounds and measures about five feet in height. Anyone with information surrounding the minor’s whereabouts is asked to kindly contact the nearest police station.

    Three Injured In Traffic Accident, One Victim Goes Into Coma
    Three men were injured in a head-on collision that occurred on Monday night at mile 79 on the Phillip Goldson Highway. We were at the scene shortly after the incident took place. We advise viewers that some of the images may be graphic for children. The images captured by amateur videographers show two badly damaged vehicles a few feet apart. On one side was a dark green in colour Toyota Tacoma pickup truck which was in the middle of the highway. Its front end was completely shattered and appeared compressed by heavy machinery. The other vehicle was a grey in colour Chrysler Town and Country Van which also had severe damages to the front.

    GST Officer Accuses Tax Department Of Cooking The Book
    Is the charging of General Sales Tax on businesses in Belize done on a fair and equitable basis, or is there manipulation, bias or even malice. While we can’t say if the last two exist, a strong-worded letter written by Elmer Reyes, the GST officer in Punta Gorda, to Solicitor General, who is the Government’s legal advisor, confirms that GST senior managers are guilty of manipulating the system to raise more revenue in particular cases. Reyes’ four-page letter has been leaked to the media. In it, he asks for a legal opinion to the question: “to what extent should Department of General Sales Tax Management be allowed to influence the outcome of Department of General Sales Tax Auditor’s Audit results/Auditor Report”?

    BAHA Lifts Temporary suspension Of Corned Beef From Brazil
    Last month on the 23rd of March 2017, a temporary suspension was placed on the importation of corned beef from Brazil as a result of reports which indicated that several major meat processors had been processing contaminated beef and poultry meat, and that the companies were allegedly making substantial payoffs to officials in order to obtain sanitary licenses.

    LOVE FM

    Belize Lifts Suspension on Corned Beef Importation
    In late March, a ban was placed on the importation of corned beef from Brasil after reports surfaced that authorities in that country revealed that several major meat processors had been processing tainted beef and poultry meat. It was further alleged that the companies paid bribes to officials in exchange for sanitary licenses. It was […]

    Arson at Catholic School in Rural Belize
    Last night the principal’s office at Our Lady of the Way R.C School in Ladyville was set on fire. Fire fighters managed to extinguish the flames but the act of suspected arson caused thousands of dollars in damages. Hipolito Novelo has the story.

    Free Zone Has New CEO
    Six months ago, the Chief Executive Officer for the Corozal Free Zone, Raul Rosado, resigned after serving in that capacity for about eight years. At the time there were speculations that Evan Cowo who is the caretaker for the Corozal Southeast constituency would be his replacement. It turns out, however, that Rosado’s replacement came over […]

    Murder Victim: Wrong Place Wrong Time
    A man was shot to death last night in Belize City. The victim has been identified as thirty nine year old Rafael Guerra, who is from El Salvador but lived on Holy Emmanuel Street. He was walking home at around 8 o’clock last night with a friend when they came under fire. He was shot […]

    Western Union Robbed in Southern Belize
    Police in Dangriga are investigating a robbery that occurred at the Western Union office in Dangriga. Thieves reportedly made off with a metal safe which contained six thousand, nine hundred dollars in cash and nine blank cheques.

    Public Accounts Committee Still Under Restructuring
    The Area Representative for Cayo South, Julius Espat has been quite vocal on many national concerns; perhaps even more so than the People’s United Party. Of all the concerns expressed by Espat since his election to the House of Representatives the one he seems most passionate about is the Public Accounts Committee whose role is […]

    Julius Says the Gov’t Has Been Lending to a Possible Disaster at the ICJ
    In yesterday’s newscast you may have heard the Cayo South Area Representative, Julius Espat speaking on his personal perspective regarding the issues of the referendum and Belize going to the International Court of Justice to settle the dispute with Guatemala. Espat says that he fully supports a referendum taking place but he is wary of […]

    Accident Leaves Man in Coma and Two Injured
    49-year-old, Edgar Wiltshire is reportedly in a coma at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City following a traffic incident that occurred in San Joaquin Village, Corozal District last night just before nine o’clock. The incident brought traffic to a stop for over an hour until the scene was cleared. Reports are still sketchy […]

    Former Banker Takes Over at BERT
    Andre Carrillo is the new Manager/National Coordinator at the Belize Emergency Response Team, BERT. Carrillo, a former banker, joined the BERT family in December of 2016. He was present for today’s road traffic accident simulation and told the media where he would like to lead the organization. ANDRE CARRILLO ” BERT NEW MANAGER IN OUT

    BERT and Government Keep at Negotiations
    Negotiations are still ongoing between the Belize Emergency Response Team, BERT and the government for the continuation of emergency services by BERT. The relationship between both agencies fell through over the financial sustainability of BERT’s land ambulance services and after medical technicians at BERT left the organization to join the government payroll. BERT requested GOB […]

    Shooter Targets Duo in Punta Gorda
    The weekend went without any murders being recorded. Unfortunately, it does not mean that there were not instances of violence unleashed on the streets. There were multiple shooting incidents as well a stabbing and a chopping scenario. We take you back to Friday night at about seven thirty when two persons who were in a […]

    Is Chester Being Punished by Superiors?
    In recent weeks we have been telling you of the shuffling taking place in the Belize Police Department involving the high ranking officers. Like we told you previously, of note is the removal of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, who currently has command of the south side of Belize City and who has engaged […]

    Fined for False Pretenses of a Police Officer
    Twenty-seven year old car dealer Aaron Wilson, who was convicted of two counts of false pretense of a public officer last week, was fined two thousand dollars for each count today by Justice Adolph Lucas. Justice Lucas subtracted two hundred and fifty dollars from each fine and ordered that Wilson pay one thousand seven hundred […]

    Another Record for Belize’s Tourism Arrivals
    Tourism arrivals into the country continue on a small but steady increase reports the Belize Tourism Board in its first quarter report for 2017. BTB has recorded increases for overnight arrivals for the first three months amounting to an overall two point seven percent increase at the end of March 2017. The BTB usually records […]

    BCC Ridding the City of Derelicts
    The Belize City Council has partnered with the Belize Police Department, the National Fire Service, the National Emergency Management Organization and the Human Services Department to eliminate abandoned buildings from within the city. These agencies have identified several derelict buildings and have decided to carry out a derelict buildings demolition project. Councilor in charge of […]

    Rivero Street Shooting Leaves Butler Injured
    Despite the violence that erupts primarily on weekends in the city, there is something about a Sunday morning that brings with it some semblance of peace and quiet. That peace and quiet was disrupted this past weekend, however when multiple shots were fired on Rivero Street on the south side of Belize City. Just after […]

    Brown’s House Still Stands
    The Belize City Council and its partners had plans to demolish a building at the corner of Amara Avenue and Allenby Street. The demolition was originally scheduled for this morning but later postponed to this afternoon when the authorities spoke to the owner. The building is barely standing and the only thing that’s keeping it […]

    $70K Plus For CEO Caucus Ride for Cancer
    The CEO Caucus ride that took place over the weekend has raised over seventy thousand dollars, surpassing its goal of fifty thousand. The ride was held on Saturday and the organizers are still receiving pledges. CEO in the Ministries of Human Development and Agriculture Judith Alpuche and Jose Alpuche respectively, addressed the crowd. JUDITH ALPUCHE […]

    Two of Three Robbers Caught for Circle R Hold Up
    Two men have been charged in connection with a robbery that occurred in Belmopan last Friday. We hear more in this report from correspondent Fem Cruz. FEM CRUZ “The manager of Circle R products, located at mile 44 on the George Price Highway along with his secretary are very much shaken up after they were […]

    Man Knows Who Set His Shop on Fire
    At around 3:40 on Saturday morning Belize City police were called out to Maskall Street in Belize City. There they met 72 year old Robert Ramclam who told police he was asleep when he heard noises coming out of his shop which is a few feet away from his home. He decided to investigate and […]

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    14-year-old teenager missing in Orange Walk
    Gloria Hernandez reported to police that her daughter, Jennifer Cowo, 14, of Trial Farm Village has been missing since yesterday morning. Jennifer is a clear skin, slim, long straight hair, dark brown eyes, weighs about 120 lbs, and measures about 5 feet in height. She left her home wearing a pink sleeveless blouse and a blue jeans long pants, and a black pair of slippers.

    BAHA and MOH Lift Temporary Suspension of Corned Beef from Brazil
    The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) issued a press release today indicating that they have lifted the temporary suspension on the importation of corned beef from Brazil.

    Almost $7,000 stolen from Western Union in Dangriga
    The front line associate at the Western Union Office at # 15 St. Vincent Street in Dangriga reported that between the hours of 6:00 p.m. on April 9th and 8:00 a.m. on April 10th, 2017 the Western Union office was broken into.

    Ladyville primary school set on fire
    According to police reports, last night around 10:41, police responded to a report of a fire at Ladyville R.C School where they observed the lower flat of a two story building engulfed in flames. Fire personnel managed to extinguish the flames. The value of items and damages are unknown at this time.

    Belize Chamber of Commerce says economy is failing due to corruption
    The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) issued a release today stating that it views with grave concern the recent revelations in the media regarding the alleged manipulation of General Sales Tax (GST) audit results by Management personnel at the Department of GST, as well as the apparent widespread facilitation by police officers in the transport of contraband of goods across the Belize/Mexico border.

    Gungulung man gunned down in Belize City
    Thirty nine year old, Rafael Mario Guerra, was gunned down last night on the south side of Belize City. According to reports, he was walking on Holy Immanuel Street in “Gungulung” when a white dollar van pulled up beside him.

    Fake Cop Charged
    After 7 years waiting on trial, last week a jury found Aaron Wilson guilty of 2 counts of false pretense of a public officer. However, sentencing was postponed until yesterday. The judge decided to impose two, $2,000 fines on the fake cop. Additionally, he was discounted $250 for the delays in his case. So in essence, he has to pay $3,500 dollars in fines of which half was required up front. The other half should be paid by June 9th, if not, Wilson will serve 9 months in prison for each count he was found guilty of.

    San Pedro gets new NEMO office
    As part of preparations for the upcoming hurricane season, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has relocated to a new office in San Pedro Town on the island of Ambergris Caye. The new office is located in a central area just opposite of the San Pedro Airstrip, on the second floor of a building that houses Wings San Pedro Department and Furniture Store on Coconut Drive.

    Hendrix students travel to Belize to study corals
    Two students from Hendrix College, a private liberal arts college in Conway, Arkansas, traveled to Belize last month for a marine biology project examining coral reefs. Brandon Cathey ’18 and Olivia Sims ’17 , traveled to Belize with biology professor Dr. Jenn Dearolf, as a part of the Hendrix Odyssey Program. The students stayed at Belize Marine Tropical Research Center in San Pedro, while investigating the environmental parameters that encourage the growth of elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn (A. cervicornis) coral on the reef.

    Tourism arrivals show a steady increase in 1st quarter says BTB
    The country has recorded an increase in overnight, cruise, and airport foreign arrivals between January and March, according to a report from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB). In January, 38, 531 tourists visited the country and stayed overnight while 39,221 tourists arrived in the month of February, and 44,400 arrived in March. According to the BTB, this is the second year in a row that the total amount of overnight arrivals to Belize has surpassed 70,000 visits within the first two months of a specific year.

    “Beyond the Horizon 2017” launched
    The United States Southern Command and the U.S. Army South have partnered with Belize to launch a project entitled, “Beyond the Horizon 2017.” The partnership exercise will provide three medical events and five construction projects in communities across Belize. One of the project entails building a new clinic for the Ladyville Health Center. Army engineers with the 672nd Engineer Company Renegades from Missoula, Montana have already spent two weeks in Ladyville to commence the construction project.

    NEMO Minister inspects potential hurricane shelter in Lemonal
    While on a working tour in the Belize River Valley area, Edmond Castro, the Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management (NEMO) joined the regional coordinator for NEMO, Al Westby, and Lemonal Village Chairman, Kenroy Reynolds on an inspection of the old community centre in that village.

    Blogs

    Easter Weekend to be held in Placencia, Belize
    Several hotels and bars in Placencia will be hosting various events over the Easter weekend, varying from a horse shoe competition and kayak race at the Sugar Reef Bar, to a volleyball marathon and several contests organised by the folks at the Tipsy Tuna. A percentage of the proceeds from bar sales at the Tipsy Tuna will be given to the Placencia Sidewalk Committee to rebuild the parts of the peninsula landmark or to donations around town. What sets Belize apart from other Central American nations when Easter rolls around? As a society that takes the season of Jesus’s resurrection very seriously, your visit will coincide with a four-day celebration that’s a non-stop ride through parties, events and religious rituals. The nation shuts down in deference to the pious nature of the season, but you won’t care if you visit because you are in Belize to slow down and relax, right? In, Placencia, you will see some of the main attraction from the Easter Weekend in Placencia – including Mr. Physique and Swimsuit contest, Coconut Husking contest, tips on planning for Easter 2017. A brief feature on the Maya Beach Hotel & Casa Placencia Garden Rooms.

    Visiting Caye Caulker for Easter 2017?
    A part from San Pedro's biggest event on Easter weekend, the small island of Caye Caulker is ram jam with locals and visitors. The area near the "Split" turns into a huge adult party over Easter weekend. Latter I will outline some of the things you should know about that, but now let's focus on south of the "Sportsbar". When you get south of that area Easter on Caye Caulker is completely different. Activities tend to be aimed at kids and innocent fun. Many of the companies on the island sponsor events like an Easter Egg hunt, water balloon fights and sack races. If you're coming to the island over Easter and bringing young kids this is the area you want to hang around. If you are going to come for Easter Weekend, consider booking a place on the south side of the island. Anything north of the Airport and south of the school would put you in an area that is pretty quiet at night but close enough that a five-minute bike ride gets you to the split.

    "Keep Calm Easter is almost Here" It will be held at San Pedro Ambergris Caye
    Every year in In the month of April the island is visited by millions of visitors on Easter Weekend. Easter weekend in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is definitely one of the busiest weekend of the year and one of the popular weekend celebrations on the island. Either it’s celebration through religious activities, beach parties or sports activities the island is packed with visitors.The San Pedro Town Council made preparation since March. Belizeans from all around the country travel to the island for this specific time of the year. Hotels and golf cart rentals have to be booked months in advance because it is impossible to find one during that period. Easter entertainment preparation for this year's event will take place on April 14,15 and 16, The San Pedro Town Council had already started to beautify the island in preparation of the masses to give them a warm welcome.

    Things Happening around Corozal This Month
    The Corozal Town Public Library is holding an Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza from 9am to 11am on Thursday, 13th April 2017. Cost is $5 per child. Ages 4-13. There is limited space, so register today! The Corozal Town Public Library is holding an Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza from 9am to 11am on Thursday, 13th April 2017. Cost is $5 per child. Ages 4-13. There is limited space, so register today! Corozal celebrates Good Friday, along with the rest of Belize. Besides banks and governmental offices, most businesses will also be closed, some even that may be open on Easter Sunday.Corozal celebrates the Easter Weekend, along with the rest of Belize. Besides banks and governmental offices, most businesses will also be closed. The Corozal Bay Sailing Club, Oceana, and others will be participating in the Sarteneja Easter Regatta on Sunday, 16th April, 2017. There will also be a canoe race from Corozal to Sarteneja, bikini dancing, swimming competition, greasy pig, fishing competition, greasy pole, and a volleyball tournament.

    International Sourcesizz

    Maya, Mayas, or Mayan? Clearing Up the Confusion
    Many people misuse these three terms, assuming that “Maya” is a singular noun, “Mayas” a plural noun, and “Mayan” an adjective. We at Yucatan Today have been guilty of this mistake more than once over time; but now that we have learned the correct protocol we are changing our magazine and website wherever possible. The fact is, the word “Maya” should be used in all three of the above situations. Here are some specific examples showing correct usage: As a singular noun: He is (a) Maya. As a plural noun: They are Maya. As an adjective: Maya astronomy, Maya calendar, Maya civilization, Maya clothing, Maya culture, Maya folklore, Maya food, Maya glyphs, Maya hairstyle, Maya heritage, Maya hieroglyphs, Maya pyramids, Maya religion, Maya ritual, Maya warfare. The name of the spoken language: this is a little bit more complicated. “Mayan” refers to the family of 29 to 32 languages spoken by the Maya. However, there is one exception to this: according to The Open School of Ethnography and Anthropology, “The use of these words suddenly gets complicated…There is one Mayan language whose proper name is “Maya”! The native speakers of Yucatec Maya call their language Maya. Maya is the correct proper name of the language that they speak.”

    Hendrix Students Travel to Belize for Marine Biology Odyssey Project
    Hendrix College students Brandon Cathey ’18 and Olivia Sims ’17 traveled to Belize last month with biology professor Dr. Jenn Dearolf to troubleshoot a research project for students in Dr. Dearolf’s marine biology course. Their trip was funded by the Hendrix Odyssey Program. The project is an investigation of the environmental parameters that encourage growth of elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn (A. cervicornis) coral on the reef. According to Dr. Dearolf, the students determined how to deploy and collect data from a flow meter to measure current at depth. Light levels were also measured at the top and bottom of elkhorn coral stands at snorkel sites where this type of coral was abundant and scarce. Finally, GPS coordinates of coral stands were identified in order for them to be found in subsequent years. This identification will allow for multiple years of data to be collected from the same coral stands. In addition, the students and Dr. Dearolf were also able to brainstorm with other investigators staying at Belize Marine Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) and identify other variables that could be measured at the coral stands.

    Students find community in Belize
    A group of TCU students went to Belize this spring break for something different than the beaches, resorts and good times. They went to form a community. Christ Chapel Bible Church has taken college students on a spring break mission trip to Belize for six years. Krupa Patel, a freshman biology major, said she went on the trip to find fellowship. “The biggest impact of this trip is that we all came home with 95 sweet friends who will encourage each other to pursue Jesus every day,” she said. “Being able to build relationships with other students and the kiddos in Belize was incredible.” Christ Chapel has had a college ministry for almost 20 years. Josh Storie, the college pastor at the church, said the involvement with TCU students started with a bible study in the basement of the church which continued for 10 years.

    Moody's upgrades Belize's issuer rating to B3 from Caa2; stable outlook
    Moody's- has also raised Belize's long-term foreign-currency bond ceiling to B1 from B2 * Moody's on Belize- stable outlook reflects the balanced risks to Belize's credit profile at the B3 rating level

    Videos

  • The Girl Guide Association of Belize, 27min.

  • Craft Ideas for Children (Ethel Vargas Pre - School) (Easter Segment), 21min.

  • The Significance of Easter & Holy Week, 25min.

  • Beltraide - Public Sensitization of SBDC Belize's Workshop & Services, 28min.

  • YWCA - Water Safety Guide for Easter Holidays, 26min.

  • Photography Session, 24min.

  • Diving in Belize Part 1, Los Angeles to Belize travel day, 10min. I'm headed to Belize to get diving certified and spend a week on the beach on Ambergis Caye.

  • Caracol Belize, Caves and Big Rock, 2.5min. Caracol Mayan Ruins in Belize followed by some Caves then Big Rock.

  • C.y.T Latin Band Belize Band fest 2017, 17min.

  • Flavors of Belize - Easter Special, 1/2min. Easter Special - Whole Fried Fish

  • Ladyville community clean-up, 1min. Volunteers from Task Force Jaguar worked with the Belize Defense Force and local residents to clean up a local soccer pitch. The area is used as a community gathering spot and will serve as the location of the first free health care clinic, that is being put on as part of Beyond the Horizon 2017.

  • HIGH SPEED CHASE VIDEO OF POLICE OFFICIALS GOES VIRAL, 2.5min.

  • This is the historic interview with Foreign Minister of Belize, Sedi Elrington, 3hr. on WUB, Friday, April 7, 2017

  • Patty Outdoors - Belize Boys’ Trip: Lionfish Ceviche, 1.5min. I’ve always been fascinated watching our boat captain Michael and dive master Palma making lionfish Ceviche after the day’s dives are done. The process is quick and the ingredients are simple but the result is always awesome. Here they are, showing us how it's done.

  • Belize reel, 2min. Just a few clips from Belize.

  • Belize 2017, 8min. Maite and Cody go to Belize.

  • In BELIZE at my mom and dad's house - walk around enjoying the day, 5min. Great day in BELIZE - the weather is great.

    April 11, 2017


    FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

    Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

    Specials and Events

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


    The San Pedro Sun

    Mahogany Bay Village employees encouraged to ‘think differently’ about their future
    On Thursday, April 6th, the team of Mahogany Bay Village (MBV) and Caribbean Homes and Exports were treated to a surprise inspirational talk by finance author and investor Robert Kiyosaki. Members of the construction team through office staff gathered at the MBV conference room to listen to the “rags to riches” business specialist. The talk centred on the concept that everyone has a choice in deciding their future and no one method is similar for the same person. “As long as you keep working hard you will get ahead,” said Kiyosaki. “School will never teach you about money, so you have to decide what to put in your head. Work for more than just money. You have to think smart. It’s up to you to change your thinking. Each person has the potential to be a rich person, but it’s really hard and requires hard work.”

    CEO Caucus Cancer Awareness Ride Exceeds Fundraising Goal Again
    The CEO Caucus of the Government of Belize takes this opportunity to express its sincerest gratitude to the public, partners, donors and members of the cycling community who participated in “The CEO Caucus Cancer Treatment Ride 2017: We’re with You” which took place on Saturday 8th April 2017. The CEO Caucus announces that to date the 2017 Ride raised over $70,000. The final amount will be announced later as the initiative is still receiving pledges. Proceeds are for the Belize Cancer Treatment Center Dangriga.

    Faber promises compensation to teachers who did not strike
    Minister of Education, Honorable Patrick Faber made an announcement on Monday, April 3rd stating that the Ministry of Education (MOE) had $1 million dollars to distribute to teachers who did not participate in the Belize National Teachers Union’s (BNTU) 11-day strike in October 2016. BNTU President Luke Palacio issued a press release in response, accusing both the MOE and the Government of Belize (GOB) of Union Busting. Faber said that $1 million was allocated to honor the “loyal” teachers. “So while it is we cannot fully compensate those teachers who attended school on those days, we thought that it would be important for us to give some kind of honorarium to those teachers and so in consultation with the Prime Minister Dean Barrow, and we have agreed to set aside $1 million dollars that will be divided among those teachers. We are hoping that this can be done before the Easter break comes,” said Faber.

    Ambergris Today

    Sun And Moon Festival Hits San Pedro To Kick Off Easter Festivities
    As part of fundraising efforts towards the San Pedro Children’s Home Hope Haven, Raise Me Up held a Sun and Moon Festival that took place this past weekend from Thursday, April 6, to Sunday, April 9, 2017, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. After a recent visit to Belize, DJ Trimmer reunited with Britney O’Daniel, an old friend whom he knew back in Dallas. Since he had come to Belize to celebrate his birthday with his friend and some Dj buddies, they did a mini club, yacht and beachside tour. When Britney saw that this event went over well she came up with the idea to do a festival on the island to help raise money for the children’s home. DJ Trimmer is known for throwing parties and to him it was a perfect idea; a party for a purpose. The Opening Moon Party took place at Luna Loca on Thursday from 8p.m. to 12a.m. The Sun Party, VIP boat party took place the following day Friday from 2p.m to 8p.m.

    Easter Travel Advisory Issued For Belizeans Going To Mexico
    The Embassy of Belize in Mexico issued a travel advisory for Belizeans visiting Mexico for Easter. · Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, that you have a valid driver`s licence, and that all vehicle documents are in order. · Vehicles with Belizean licence plates may only circulate within the state of Quintana Roo (which includes Cancun and Playa del Carmen) without a temporary import licence. Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 metric tons cannot travel further into Mexico apart from Chetumal and no permit is granted.

    Belize Immigration Resumes Passport Services
    The Department of Immigration and Nationality Services hereby informs the public that it will resume normal processing of applications for renewal and issuance of new passports Today, Monday, April 10th 2017. Persons wishing to apply for expedited passport services may now submit applications to the office in Belmopan. Applications for normal passport services continue to be accepted at all district offices except Orange Walk and Dangriga.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    >Power interruption 7:30am to 9:30am, Wednesday, April 12: entire Caye Caulker
    BEL to conduct urgent repairs of hotspots at the Caye Caulker Substation.

    Nesting season of the American Crocodile, and shortly after the Morelet's Crocodile
    We have seen a lot of activity in Placencia with females looking for good nesting habitat. We are now into nesting season for the American Crocodile here in Belize, and this means there will be a bit more croc activity. If you find a nest please do not disturb it as the eggs are extremely fragile, and mom will be nearby. If you have any information on nesting crocs please email us at [email protected].

    Green Dollar Symposium
    You're invited to the first ever Green Dollar Symposium. The GDS is organized by the National Protected Areas System Secretariat. This unique and inspiring symposium is designed for the private sector and focuses on the socio - economic benefits happening now in Belize's Protected Areas, as a result of ground breaking environmental protection measures pioneered by different sectors of our economy.

    CEO Caucus Cancer Awareness Ride Exceeds Fundraising Goal Again
    The CEO Caucus of the Government of Belize takes this opportunity to express its sincerest gratitude to the public, partners, donors and members of the cycling community who participated in “The CEO Caucus Cancer Treatment Ride 2017: We’re with You” which took place on Saturday 8th April 2017. The CEO Caucus announces that to date the 2017 Ride raised over $70,000. The final amount will be announced later as the initiative is still receiving pledges. Proceeds are for the Belize Cancer Treatment Center Dangriga.

    Beyond the Horizon 2017
    Be sure to take advantage of the Beyond the Horizon 2017 medical services events available to communities across Belize. The medical services events are free to the public and will offer family medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics, optometry, and dentistry. Beyond the Horizon is a a partnership exercise between U.S. Southern Command and the Government of Belize that will provide three medical services events and five construction projects to communities across Belize. The medical services event are free to the public and will offer family medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics, optometry, and dentistry.

    CHETUMAL WILL RECEIVE 30 THOUSAND BELIZEANS IN THE HOLY WEEK 2017
    Seventeen thousand Belizeans will travel to Quintana Roo, according to Belize's council in Mexico, Jorge Valencia Gómez, who said that the vast majority of these visitors will remain in the lodging centers of Chetumal. For the weekend bridge and commercial in the neighboring country of Belize will have a break from this Thursday, and their workers will enjoy the long weekend, announced the council in Mexico Jorge Valencia Gomez. This will bring economic benefits to Quintana Roo, particularly to the south, as approximately 30,000 Belizean citizens traveled to Majahual and Chetumal to enjoy the holiday period.

    National Agriculture and Trade Show Dance
    Saturday April 29th, 9pm-3am, $30

    Sarteneja United Drum Corp
    Sarteneja United Drum Corp is an amalgamation of the Nazarene Marching Band and the Sarteneja Marching Band. Under the leadership of Band Director Antonino Rivero, 55 member strong band has ranked 2nd twice in the Drum Corp category. They are known for their unique colors and this year's coral colored outfits with delicately done embroidery were tribute to the Maya Mestizo culture. Their theme included Lionfish props in order to encourage fans to eat the Lionfish which is a predator not welcomed by fishing villages such as Sarteneja.

    Power interruption 9:00am to 11:00am, Tuesday, April 11
    North San Pedro from Journey’s End Resort to Tranquillity Bay Resort. Two 5 min power interruptions from 9:00am to 9:05am and 10:55am to 11:00am will also affect entire North San Pedro. BEL to urgently replace regulator on power distribution system in area.

    Belize Band Fest 2017
    Lots of great photos!

    South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch April, 2017 General Meeting
    Wed, April 12, 7pm, Lone Start Grill and Cantina

    Butterflies of Belize
    From the US Embassy

    Blue Hole Flight with Tsunami Adventures
    Such a great tour, fly over the Blue Hole and the Turneffe Atolls.

    TOURISM ARRIVALS SHOW A STEADY INCREASE IN 1ST QUARTER OF 2017
    Even following such unprecedented growth in 2016, the latest statistics for the first quarter of 2017 indicate that tourism arrivals in Belize continue to register a small but steady increase. This underscores the hard work and dedication of our tourism stakeholders and the fact that Belize continues to attract travelers, as a growing and popular world tourism destination.

    CARICOM week celebration
    Join the CARICOM week celebration and Sign-up to participate in the Art Competition today!

    PHOTOS: The journey from Mile 25 George Price Highway to Belmopan
    CEO Caucus Cancer Ride

    PHOTOS: Starting Line at Mile 25 George Price Highway
    CEO Caucus Cancer Ride

    Co-Ed Softball Tournament 2017
    The San Pedro Town Council's Co-Ed Softball Tournament 2017 closed with a bang! After weeks of hitting the bases, on Sunday, April 9, 2017, the Hon. Louis Sylvestre was the host of the Championship games. Playing for the big win were Quality Reef vs. Extreme who battled it out for the 3rd place prize followed by San Pedro High School vs. Sea Star Dive Shop for the 1st Place prize! After a few hits and misses, Quality Reef came out victorious against Extreme and took the 3rd place prize.

    Belize Crime & Safety Report 2017
    Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is the only English speaking country in Central America and is located south of Mexico and east/north of Guatemala on the Caribbean Sea. Approximately 25-30% of the population lives in Belize City, and nearly 50% are located in rural communities. Tourism is a major part of the economy, with high season running November-April. Over 1.8 million tourists visited Belize in 2016. Favorite destinations include the cayes (islands) off the eastern coast, including Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, and the coastal areas of Placencia and Hopkins in the south. There is no indication that foreigners are broadly targeted, although tourists can be easy targets when not displaying situational awareness. Over the past several years, there has been a shift in major crimes from being concentrated mostly in the population center in Belize City to districts in the north, west and south of Belize. Murder, sexual assault, and robberies have occurred in tourist areas in recent years and visitors should remain vigilant. Criminal acts, including extremely violent acts, can and do happen in all areas of Belize, to include Belize City and the tourist destinations (San Pedro, Caye Caulker). It is generally preferable that you comply with a robber’s instructions. Break-ins and vandalism of automobiles do occur.

    Corozal Easter Bus Schedule

    Valentino Blanco has been appointed as the new CEO - Chief Executive Officer of the Corozal Free Zone
    He succeeds former CEO Raul Rosado Sr. who last year, had tendered his resignation.

    Belizean Exodus to Mexico for the Holy Week Easter Weekend!
    Between 30,000 to 35,000 Belizeans are expected to travel to Quintana Roo,Mexico according to Belize's consul in Mexico, Jorge Valencia Gómez, who said that the vast majority of these visitors will remain in the hotels and lodging centers around Chetumal (in an interview with the Mexico Press). As a result of the holy week easter holiday, which unofficially commences on Holy Thursday, April 13th for some businesses and their employees in Belize, many vacationers will be able to enjoy the long upcoming holiday weekend, explained Belize's Consul in Mexico, Jorge Valencia Gómez. This will bring economic benefits to the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico particularly to the southern Yucatan area, because approximately 30,000 Belizean citizens will travel to Majahual and Chetumal to enjoy the holiday period.

    Channel 7

    More Contraband Cops - This Time With Clothing In Corozal
    Tonight, a new set of a contraband cops are making news. This time they were caught smuggling a bag of contraband clothing - and they ran from Customs like common criminals - except these criminals were in a police pickup. On Saturday at around 2:00, Corporal Abner Marroquin was commander of the Isuzu D-Max #42-03 assigned to the Corozal police station when Customs tried to stop them at the Santa Elena border checkpoint to examine a large black bag they had in the pan of the pickup. The police drove through the regular checkpoint and accelerated out of the compound. So Customs had to set chase - and the police truck actively evaded them - all of this was caught on a customs officer cell phone camera. But the cops had an advantage because customs were in a car, so the pickup cut down a sugar road in Chan Chen village, and threw the bag in the bushes - just like what criminals do when the cops are chasing them. The D-MAX made a clean escape - and customs recovered the bag - which is similar to one of the "Bultos" - often seen being smuggled into Mexico.

    Alleged Shooter Who Was Shot In The Back Goes To Court in Wheelchair
    He was shot in his back - but that didn't stop police from wheeling 30 year old Leroy Goff into court this evening to face charges for shooting a 14 year old. Goff was shot on on March 23 on San Pedro. The 14 year old boy told police that that he was lying in bed when he heard a loud bang. When he opened his window and looked outside he saw his brother, Delson Paguado holding his chest. There as another loud bang, and that's when his brother began to run. He also told police that the gunman - allegedly Leroy Goff - pointed the gun at him and he ran. Goff was then shot and subdued by neighbors who kept him in custody until the police arrived.

    Gangs Trying For Truce
    Today, gang figures from all different Southside neighborhoods crowded into the conference room at the Raccoon Street police station to talk out their issues. The meeting went for hours and ended at around 5:15 when various participants told us that they are working on a truce. They told us that they are hoping to have a peace march on Wednesday. Southside Commander Chester Williams has been working steadily to try and mediate the issues between rival gangs. He is set to be transferred form the Southside at the end of June.

    Fake Cop Sentenced, Judge Lenient
    Last week a jury found fake cop Aaron Wilson guilty of 2 counts of false pretense of a public officer. As you saw on 7News, Wilson emphatically rejected the jury's decision; he said they got it wrong - since he never impersonated a police officer, he was acting as a special constable. But, he had to tell that to the judge at sentencing today. Instead, though, his attorney Christelle Wilson took a different tack. She explained to us today that he could have been facing prison time - so she had to ask the judge to consider the 7 hard years he waited for trial:.. Christelle Wilson, Attorney for Aaron Wilson: "The sentence was that he could have been sent to prison for 2 years, but the judge after hearing the arguments and also being made aware or reminded that the court has an inherent power, a discretionary power whereby they can impose a fine as opposed to a custodial sentence where the court sees it fit to do so and what we argued today was that there was a very long delay, from 2010 to 2017 when this matter came before the court and Mr. Wilson has suffered throughout those 7 years and the judge said nobody endured any loss as a result of what he was charged and convicted of."

    Capital Cops Nab Robbers, Quick
    Belmopan Police were quick to strike back at criminals this weekend after an armed robbery. It happened on Friday afternoon at "Circle R" Rice at mile 44 on the Western highway. Two men with a revolver showed up at the depot and demanded money. The officer commanding Belmopan told the media more via telephone:.. Voice of: Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett, OC - Belmopan Police: "We received information of a robbery at Circle R products, located just outside of Belmopan and near to Cotton Tree Village. Our officers immediately proceeded to the area where the manager Mr. Vargas reported to us that he and another staff member was at the work site when they were approached by 3 men who were in a black car approached the establishment and demanded money."

    21 Year Old Recovering After Shooting
    Tonight, 21 year-old Earlin Butler Jr., a resident of Rivero Street in Belize City, continues to receive treatment at the KHMH after he was shot by a gunman early yesterday morning. We know very little about the incident because his family has declined to comment, and police have not released any details other than to confirm that the incident happened. We do know that Butler was at his home and sometime at around 7 a.m.. That's when someone approached and opened fire, hitting him in the chest and abdomen. There is no known motive and those we have spoken to say that it comes as a surprise to them. That's because Earlin Butler Jr. is a clerk at the Vital Statistics Unit, and all indications are that he is law abiding youth who keeps out of trouble.

    84 Year Old Woman and Son Grazed By Stray Bullets
    So, while Earlin Butler Jr. remains hospitalized for that shooting on Sunday morning, about 14 hours later, there was another shooting. This one was on Antelope Street, and in the spray of gunfire, 84-year-old woman Ignacia Alpuche was grazed by a bullet, while her son, Miguel Alpuche, was injured in the right foot. Alpuche spoke with us today and said that he and his mother were injured by the gunshots which penetrated their upstairs home, but which were fired from down the street. He told us that he and his family were sitting in their living room last night. They were having a small memorial at the house for his father who had passed away. He said that their door was open, and they heard the sound of gunshots outside on one the street.

    Father In Law Chopped Wife's Allegedly Abusive Husband
    38 year old Gabriel Zelaya was chopped on Friday night in the Halls Layout area of Corozal - and police say it's his own father in law who did it. 59 year old Armando Cob told police he did it because Zelaya has been continually abusing his wife - who is Cob's daughter. Zelaya was taken to the KHMH where he is listed in a stable condition

    Woman Says She Was Stabbed By Cousin
    And there's another report of a blade used in a dispute between relatives, this time it's cousins. It happened early on Saturday Morning on Caye Caulker where around 2 a.m., police were on patrol, and saw 20 year-old Megan Marie Holland in distress, right in front of the police barracks. Holland reported that she had a misunderstanding with one of her cousins. The officers encouraged her to make a formal complaint, but she refused and went home. She appeared to be fine when the cops spoke with her, but about 5 minutes later, they received information that she had collapsed inside her house.

    A Pair of Persons Shot In PG
    So far we've told you about three people shot in the city. Well, two more were shot in Punta Gorda. On Saturday night at about 7:00 29 year old Jordy Flores was shot to the right arm and 21 year old Renita Jackson was shot to the right upper leg. Both of them were in a car on at the junction of Orange and Cayo streets when a lone gunman on bicycle rode up and fired several shots at the car.

    Cayo Man Shoot To Head
    And In Cayo, a man was shot in the head. On Saturday morning at 1:10, police found 27 year old Deon Gongora was on Bishop Martin St. in Santa Elena. He had been shot to the head and mouth. He is in critical but stable condition at the western Regional Hospital.

    Citco Demolition Stalled
    Today the Belize City Council along with the Police Department, National Fire Service, NEMO and Human Services Department met to launch a new project. The agencies have joined together in an effort to get rid of the City's derelict buildings, or the structures that pose risks to public safety, health and natural disaster relief efforts. We spoke to the man spearheading the project, City Councillor Phillip Willoughby, for more... Phillip Willoughby - Belize City Councillor: "All of us at the table have discussed 3 important issues that are of high importance where it concerns: 1) abandoned and derelict buildings, derelict vehicles and overgrown lots. The residence and the community has also spurred the talks for us to be more proactive for the city to lead the charge in relation to the said undertaking. So on my part along with NEMO, it is how well and best we prepare the city as the we mitigate against these derelict buildings that may be deemed dangerous in times of disaster and we have to mitigate better to protect life and preserve property, maybe not the owner property that is or the owner of the structure that is deemed abandoned or derelict but to secure persons within the vicinity or the proximity where these structures are."

    Examining the Impact of Child Labour In Sugar Industry
    It's not a popular subject - but it is a real one: Child labour is a part of Belize's sugar industry. But just how much a part? Today, the government and the European Union embarked on a partnership to find that out. It's a consultancy aimed at collecting statistics about child labor in Belize's Sugar industry. The new information will be used to ensure that Belize is operating within Fair Trade International's policy's regarding child labor. One of the project's stakeholders, Diana Shaw from the Child Development Fund, told us more... Diana Shaw, Child Development Foundation: "This project is a consultancy to research on the incidents of child labor in the sugarcane producing areas of Belize in Orange Walk and Corozal, so that we can document for the purposes of establishing the record for Belize for Fair Trade International. The European Union and the other partners that Belize needs to be able to report on the progress that it's making and the steps that are being taken to eliminate child labour in Belize."

    Ban On Corned Beef Lifted
    After a few weeks, Belize's temporary ban on corned beef from Brazil has been lifted. BAHA sent out a release today saying, quote, "In order to verify the safety and wholesomeness of corn beef already in country, samples were collected from importers' warehouses, retail shops and supermarkets. Microbiological testing conducted at BAHA's Food Safety Laboratory did not detect any pathogens." The release adds, quote, "Belizean consumers can be assured that the corned beef imported from Brazil is safe for human consumption. Therefore, BAHA and MoH are releasing all corned beef at warehouses that were placed under quarantine." End quote.

    10 Year Old Driving Horse and Buggy Dies In Accident
    There was a fatal accident in the Orange Walk District on Saturday where a 6-year-old child died after a vehicle hit a horse and buggy that he was travelling in. That child is Johan Thiesen of Ship Yard Village, and he was along with his 4 other brothers, 10 year-old Jacobo Thiesen, 1 year-old Gerado Thiesen, 7 year-old Pedro Thiesen, and 4 year-old Heinrich Thiesen. The eldest, 10 year-old Jacobo, was the one in control of the horse and buggy, and they were traveling on the Ship Yard and Indian Creek Village Roady at around noon on Saturday. That's when a Dodge Ram Pickup, driven by 27 year-old Felipe Cuellar, hit the horse and buggy, causing it to violently flip. All 5 boys suffered varying degrees of injury, but Johan was the one who took the worst of it. Those injuries claimed his life while he was on the way to the Northern Regional Hospital. The other 4 boys were treated and released from the hospital.

    Another Arson In City
    There was a fire in Belize City early on Saturday, and police believe that it was arson. 71 year-old Robert Ramclam, a resident of Maskall Street, Belize City, woke up at 3:30 AM to find flames engulfing his shop. When he sprang out of bed he saw a man he recognized, who walking away from the shop. The shop was partially damaged, and the shop and its contents are not insured. Police say that they are investigating.

    The Best Women Raced In
    Yesterday, 11 elite female cyclists went out on the George Price Highway to find out who was the best in the 29th Annual Women's Cross Country Cycling Classic. It's a 70-mile ride from Cayo to Belize, and the female athletes battled back and forth for almost 4 hours. At the very end it came down to a 4-way sprint between defending Champion Kaya Cattouse, past champion Alicia Thompson, Patricia Chavarria, and American Gina Kavesh. To hear it told from Kaya's perspective, she had to work hard for the entire race to ensure that none of her competitors to made a solo run to victory. Here's that photo finish where the 3 top cyclists crossed the line with inching each other out with more or less the same time:

    CEO's Ride For Charity
    So, while Belize's elite women cyclists were battling on the road to see who the best was. The CEO's within the Government of Belize were taking it at a more leisurely pace on the road for the 2nd Annual CEO Caucus Ride. Their ride is to raise funds for cancer treatment, and the Government is reporting that over 200 riders from all across the public service, especially the CEO's, came out to ride from Mile 25 on the George Price Highway to the Agricultural Showgrounds in Belmopan. At the end, the event raised over $70,000 which will go the Belize Cancer Treatment Center in Dangriga. That's a success from the perspective of the organizers, and here's what a few of the presenters had to say after riding over 20 miles:

    BTB says Tourism Arrival Up In Overnight And Cruise
    Tourism arrivals - particularly in the overnight sector - continue to grow. Now, it's not the kind of runaway growth witnessed in 2016, but the numbers are still increasing - ever so slightly. For overnight tourism there were increases in each of the first three months of the year, less than a percent in January, 4.2% in February, and 3.3% in March. March - which records the most tourists every year - set a new record with over 44,400 tourists coming in the highest number of arrivals ever recorded in a single month.

    Aurelio, En Vivo!
    On Friday night, Aurelio Martinez was back on the Bliss Stage - 13 years after he first claimed it for Paranda Music. In the intervening years, he's turned Garifuna Soul into a Garifuna Jazz, and on Friday night a 15 piece band had the Bliss rocking with transcendent tunes. Tonight, we leave you with highlites from the two and a half hour show - and a clip of each of the almost 30 songs that were performed. Enjoy, and join me back here tomorrow.

    Channel 5

    No Vacation Yet But Did Kids Show Up to “Make-Up” School?
    Instead of enjoying vacation time going into the Easter holidays, students at most public schools as well as teachers, were present in the classrooms across the country. And that’s how [...]

    Teacher Doesn’t Mind Sharing “Honorarium” with Fellow Staff
    Up to news time today, Ministry of Education officials confirmed to News Five that the one-million dollar honorarium to non-striking teachers had not been issued and that data was still [...]

    More Cops Charged for Contraband in Corozal; This Time Customs is Behind the Camera
    On Friday, police made a belated announcement of disciplinary proceedings against a police constable and a special constable based in Orange Walk, who were accused of illegally contrabanding items at [...]

    Domestic Dispute Leads to Chopping in Corozal
    A Corozal family is grappling with an explosion of violence at their home over the weekend that has landed a husband and wife in hospital and her father in possible [...]

    Family’s Mourning Interrupted by Gunshots on Antelope Street
    A family deep in prayer was caught by stray bullets on Sunday night at their Antelope Street house in Belize City. Miguel Alpuche Junior and his mother, Ignacia, were offering [...]

    Earlin Butler Jr. Shot in the City
    Just after seven on Sunday morning, shots rang out on Rivero Street, near Kraal Road on south side Belize City. Reports are that as twenty-one-year-old Earlin Butler Junior stood outside [...]

    Multiple Shootings Reported Countrywide
    Several other persons remain critically injured at medical facilities across the country following separate shooting incidents on Saturday in the west and south. The first shooting took place near the [...]

    “Fake Cop” Aaron Wilson Fined; Told by Judge to Keep Quiet
    Convicted fake cop, Aaron Wilson has been given a stern warning by Justice Adolph Lucas for mouthing off in the media last Tuesday, after being found guilty on two counts [...]

    Wilson Must Find Real Money to Pay Off Fine
    Wilson was fined a total of four thousand dollars for both counts, but the penalty was reduced by two hundred and fifty dollars each due of the length of time [...]

    Belmopan Cops Collar Robbers at Circle R
    Two Belize City men will spend the next five and a half years in jail and Belmopan police are looking for a third after solving a robbery reported last Friday [...]

    Man Charged for Going After Minor in San Pedro
    A San Pedro resident accused of a shooting incident that sent a minor to the hospital was arraigned this morning at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court before the Chief Magistrate. [...]

    CitCo et al. to Tackle Abandoned Buildings in Old Capital
    Abandoned and infested buildings are a common across the City – they are hot beds for substance abusers and criminal elements. These are just some of the issues that the [...]

    Overgrown Lots and Abandoned Vehicles Will Also be Cleared
    As a part of the multi-agency approach to clean up the city and make it safer, additional works will be undertaken outside of the demolition of derelict buildings. These efforts [...]

    B.P.P.’s Maheia Says Faber Has Been Wasteful; Must Resign
    Separate press releases from the Belize Territorial Volunteers and Belize Progressive Party this evening condemned the Government’s decision to spend a million dollars of taxpayers’ monies as an Easter “reward” [...]

    Teen Arsonist Sought for Burning Home and Shop in City
    An early morning fire over the weekend was put out by quick action of the property owners and the Fire Department.  In the early hours of Saturday morning, seventy-two-year-old Robert [...]

    Tourist Arrivals Up
    The Belize Tourism Board is reporting another record for tourist arrivals to the Jewel.  In releasing the statistics for the first quarter of 2017, there have been two point seven [...]

    Not Expelled, Bishop Martin Students in Pregnancy Case Stay Out of School
    Two teenagers, a male and a female second form student attending Bishop Martin High School in Orange Walk Town, remain out of school tonight on their own will, following the [...]

    Sports Monday Covers Football, Basketball and More
    Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.     [Highlights of weekend sporting activities….]

    CTV3

    Six Year Old Dies In Traffic Accident
    A road traffic accident that occurred over the weekend here in the Orange Walk District has left one minor dead and four others injured. Sometime after midday on Saturday six year old Johan Thiesen, a resident of the Ship Yard Mennonite Community was traveling along the Ship Yard and Indian Creek Village Road in a horse and buggy accompanied by four of his siblings (all minors) when it came in collision with a Dodge Ram pick-up driven at the time by twenty seven year old Jose Felipe Cuellar of August Pine Ridge Village.

    Father-in-law Chops Son-in-law
    A domestic dispute involving an alleged abuse victim and an avenging father in Corozal landed a man in a critical state in the hospital on Friday night. Thirty eight year old Gabriel Zelaya was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital over the weekend for chop wounds he sustained at the hands of his common-law wife’s father. Neither of families were willing to speak to the media today, but according to the Police’s report, Zelaya was chopped by 59 year old Armando Cob. The incident occurred at Cob’s residence, and followed an incident at Zelaya’s home where it is believed an altercation took place between him and his wife, allegedly leading to domestic abuse.

    Allege Land Grab In Corozal
    A cane farmer from the community of Estrella, located 2 miles south of Libertad Village in the Corozal District, is appealing for fairness and justice after his leasehold land on which he has been planting and harvesting sugarcane for decades, seems to have been stripped away from him by the Lands Department in Corozal District. Fifty eight year old Porfirio Amaya says that he found out that the land has been taken away from him when he received a phone call from an anonymous person advising him to be vigilant about the property. Like tales from a misfortune teller, Amaya said he realised something was up when he went to check the land to pay his taxes but was turned back for a number of reasons. This culminated last week when he received another call, reportedly from the person who is be the land beneficiary. He told us more.

    Tourism Continues To Bloom In Belize
    The Belize Tourism Board today released the first quarter statistics for the months of January through March of this year 2017 and is reporting an increase in overnight, cruise and airport visitors when compared to the same period last year which had seen an unprecedented growth. According to the release, in January, a total of 38, 531 tourists visited the country and stayed overnight while 39,221 tourists arrived in the month of February resulting in an overall increase of 2.7% compared to last year’s record numbers. This marks the second year in a row that the total amount of overnight arrivals to Belize has surpassed 70,000 visits within the first two months of a specific year.

    BTV Calls On Government To Distract Disbursement Of One Million Dollars To Teachers
    Also speaking against GOB’ honorarium to teachers who did not strike is the Belize Territorial Volunteers who shared their discontent via a press release issued earlier this evening. The release states that despite the fact that the 2017 budget was underfunded due to a lack of financing, the PM along with the Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber have agreed to spend $1 million of taxpayers’ monies to reward teachers who did not go out to protest. The BTV indicated that, quote “Even though few teachers chose to stay in the classroom they were unable to teach as students did not show up so what is Minister Faber paying one million dollars for? Upon careful analysis of this blatant pilfering of money, one can only point to one reason for that: it is called UNION BUSTING. Minister Faber is definitely rewarding those teachers who did not participate in the strike action and punishing those who did”. End of quote.

    Contraband COPS On The Loose
    The Belize Police Department is tonight once again at the center of controversy, this time its two officers attached to the Corozal Police Formation who are being accused of wrongdoings. Police Corporal Abner Marroquin and Police Constable Elston Rojas are tonight in interdiction after being charged with Prejudice to Good Order and Discipline after the two men attempted to evade customs officers. Reports are that Corozal Police received a video from Custom Officers from the Northern Border Station showing a police vehicle being pursued by the officers. According to the customs officials, on Saturday 8th April 2017 at around 2:00 p.m., a police vehicle with two police officers inside were seen transporting a black bag in the pan of the pickup, the men are said to have refused to stop at the checkpoint and were subsequently pursued by Custom Officers. The vehicle though, was able to evade the officers as its driver diverted into a feeder road.

    The Belize Times

    LOW-DOWN, DIRTY SHAME! – $1 MILLION HANDOUT FOR EASTER CHEER
    It is the most incredible thing heard in recent times where the UDP has mastered the incredible, unbelievable and unacceptable. Patrick Faber, the Minister of Education, Deputy Prime Minister and boy who wants to play dress-up as Prime Minister, announced that he plans to take ONE MILLION DOLLARS of taxpayer monies to pay teachers who did not participate in the October 2016 strike, for whatever reason. Faber, known for his pibil pork tacos and rum fest using Petrocaribe monies which we will have to pay back, is up to his old tricks, playing a political Easter Bunny this time. If it were his money filling those red Easter baskets, it wouldn’t be a problem. But Faber proposes to use OUR money to reward those teachers he believes are supportive of his government.

    BANNED IN THE USA?
    While we have not received official confirmation from the US Embassy just yet, the Belize Times has received unconfirmed reports that there are two separate lists of those whose US Visas have been cancelled. One of those lists, we are told, has 17 names. Four of those are of UDP Ministers, four of high-level Police Officers and the rest are CEOs and government officials. All are allegedly under investigation by the US for Immigration and other infractions. It is no real news that there has been mass cancellation of Visas, as those reports have been circulating for some time. According to those unconfirmed but credible reports, the Ministers who are currently unable to travel to the US include Minister of Defence John Saldivar, former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, Minister of Social Development Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez and an unnamed 4th ...

    Confused & Clueless
    In the wake of the scandalous, disturbing and dangerous display by Police officers in San Pedro over the weekend, Police Commissioner Allen Whylie and his political boss Elodio Aragon Jr. seem unable or unwilling to comprehend and act on what happened. In a press briefing today on the steps of the Raccoon Street Police Station, both men seem to feel that in charging two officers with the relatively minor offence of Harm, they have done enough and we should all just move on. While footage from various phone cameras provide clear evidence of Police excess, and that is an understatement, as his UDP colleague San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero did, Elodio Aragon seems to blame the crowd for provoking the Police and accept the dangerous Police behaviour as justified.

    Police Gone Wild on La Isla Bonita
    The Police Department is once again battling shame and disgrace after two of its Police Constables, 27 year-old Norman Coye and 22 year-old Darnell Madrill, officers attached to the San Pedro Police Station, were caught on cell phone cameras brutalizing a woman, aggressing a crowd of enraged citizens, and carelessly firing dangerous weapons near a group of civilians. That wild police shooting left 3 confirmed injured, and 2 more are reported to have suffered gunshot wounds. Despite all that, they are only facing several counts of harm. The controversial incident happened between 4 o’clock and 4:30 on Saturday morning, April 1. Patrons of the Daddy Rock Night Club were leaving to go home when there was some sort of altercation between 2 women. It is believed that they were under the influence of alcohol. There were on-duty police officers working at the night club and it was their responsibility to keep the peace, but the disturbance somehow caught the attention of Coye and Madrill.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Two police officers charged for evading customs
    On Saturday, April 8, Corozal Police received a video from custom officers from the northern border station showing a police vehicle being pursued00 p.m., a police vehicle with two police officers inside were transporting a […]

    Belizean Metal Band to represent Central America in Germany
    According to NacionMetal.net, Verge of Umbra, a Belizean Metal Group won the Central American metal competition on Saturday night in Guatemala City. Verge of Umbra competed with bands from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Panama. The band will now represent Central America […]

    CitCo demolition project starts in conflict
    The Belize City Council (CitCo) began a project today to demolish structures around the city that may pose a hazard but the first demolition ended in conflict with the proprietor of the building because of a court order. Councilor Phillip Willoughby, explained that the […]

    Over $70,000 raised for Cancer Treatment from CEO ride
    On Saturday, the CEO Caucus of the Government of Belize rode to raise funds for the Belize Cancer Treatment Center of Dangriga. This year’s theme was titled, “We’re with You”. In a statement released by the CEO Caucus, it thanks the public, partners, donors […]

    Shatta Youth and Tariq drop new song
    Two young artists from Punta Gorda Town have release a new song entitled “Be Strong”. Thirty year old Eddie Sanchez better known as“Shatta Youth” features Tariq Avilez “Big Riq” in the new single. The link to this latest song can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/starbwoy1/shatta-youth-ft-riqo-be-strong-2017 […]

    The winners of Bandfest 2017
    This year’s band fest was held at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk Town and saw the participation of 13 bands. In first place for the drum corps category was the Southern Sound Drum corps from Dangriga. In second place was Holy Redeemer Marching Band […]

    Alvarine Burgess locked down by Belmopan Cops
    Alvarine Burgess, known as the passport whistle blower, was locked down by Belmopan police on Saturday night. However, she was released at around 9 a.m. on Sunday without any charges. According to Burgess, she was reportedly at a football game in Belmopan where the […]

    Mother worries about missing son
    Police are requesting your assistance in location a Roaring Creek man who reportedly went missing on Saturday.According to police reports, Orlando Sedacey, 27, left his mother’s house on Saturday on a bicycle. However, he has not returned since or communicated with her. He is of […]

    Thieves steal over $10,000 worth of items from American Merchants
    Last week Thursday, around 8:30 a.m., the owner of American Merchants reported that between the hours of 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5th 2017 and 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 6th, 2017 person (s) broke into his establishment on Magazine Road and stole an […]

    Cops arrest thieves just hours after robbery
    After robbing $800 and a cell phone from a business establishment outside of Belmopan, two men have found themselves in police custody. According to police, on Friday they visited Circle R Product establishment located at Mile 44 on the George Price Highway, Cayo District […]

    Man Shot in the Face in Santa Elena, Cayo
    According to police reports, yesterday around 1:10 a.m., police visited a restaurant located on Bishop Martin Street, Santa Elena Town where they saw Deon Gongora 24, of Hillview area, Santa Elena Town suffering from a gunshot wound to the left side of his face. […]

    Fire intentionally set in Belize City grocery store
    On Saturday morning around 3:40, police visited Maskall Street in Belize City where Robert Ramclam, 71, reported that he was at home sleeping and at 3:30 a.m., he heard noises coming from his shop located about 6 feet away from his house. When he […]

    Orange Walk accident leaves 1 dead several injured
    There was a fatal road traffic accident in Orange Walk on Saturday. Acting on information, police visited the Northern Regional Hospital where they saw the body of 6-year-old Johan H. Thiesen of Camp #40, Ship Yard Village, Orange Walk District. He was reportedly on-board […]

    Corozal Free Zone has new CEO
    The Corozal Free Zone has a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Valentino Blanco, who was once employed at the Department of Environment. Blanco replaces former CEO Raul Rosado Sr. who resigned last year in October. Our colleagues at CTV3 News reported that Blanco is […]

    Alicia Thompson wins 2017 female cross country classic
    The winner of the 28th annual women’s cross country cycling classic is Alicia Thompson of the Belize Bank Swoosh Cycling. In second place was Patricia Chavarria of Chavarria Team and in third place was Kaya Cattouse of Smart/C-Ray. In fourth place was Gina Kavesh of […]

    Belize District BNTU President speaks out
    The Government of Belize (GoB) has agreed to gift $1 million to teachers that didn’t strike last October. The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has strongly criticized that move. Here is what the Belize District BNTU President, Kathleen Flowers had to say about it […]

    GOB continues mismanaging the country says BPP
    bpp The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) issued a release this morning condemning the announcement by the government of Belize (GOB) to provide “an honourarium” to teachers who did not take part in the October 2016 industrial action. “Apart from the Barrow Administration’s blatant attempt […]

    Blogs

    10 Top Reasons To Have a Belize Family Summer Vacation
    Affordable family vacations can be a tricky business these days. The usual busy family has so many different interests and expectations, how do you keep everyone engaged, entertained and enthused while spending quality time together? Our answer has been family vacation packages to – Belize, that little tropical jewel nestled in the heart of the Caribbean basin. Since our family first discovered Belize we have returned three times, and friends we have recommended the place to came back with glowing reports and thanked us profusely. What is so magical about this tiny, English-speaking Caribbean paradise, and what makes it the ultimate affordable family vacation spot? After being asked many times why I love Belize so much, I put together my top 10 reasons:

    Market Day at Mahogany Bay Village, so much more than produce!
    Mahogany Bay Village has rapidly developed into a charming, true village-style community. With several new businesses on board and providing unique services to guests and locals alike, MBV has even extended to a bi-monthly market day. But this isn’t your average produce-picking, grab some groceries type of market. Nope; MBV Market Day is a chance to grab farm-fresh and locally sourced produce and fresh breads, while eating delicious treats and drinking refreshing beverages all while live music plays. It’s a fun few hours to mingle, get to know the vendors at the village, and even nab some souvenir items to take back home, if you’re a visitor! One of our visits even introduced us to a delightful sake ice cream, courtesy of Chef Toshiya of the soon-to-be-opened Jyoto Japanese/Sushi restaurant. Besides the made-on-the-spot sushi rolls available for sale, his booth offered the ice cream and sake for sale.

    International Sourcesizz

    The 10 Best Places To Live Overseas In 2017
    Where are the best places in the world for you to live better, reinvent your life, and have a grand adventure in 2017? Here’s how we answer that question… If you want to leave the troubles and the worries of our age behind, little Santa Familia village in Cayo, Belize, is calling your name. Life in Cayo is back to basics, simple, and sweet. You know your neighbors, they know you, and you all look out for each other. Belize’s Cayo is a region of wide-open spaces, fresh air, warm sun, and fertile land, making it our pick for the world’s best place to disconnect and unplug.

    U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers complete phase one of BTH – Belize Exercise
    U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers battle the heat and humidity in Belize while enhancing their readiness during Beyond the Horizon (BTH) 2017, a campaign of three medical exercises and construction projects over a four month period in Belize. From engineering to water purification and laundry and bath, Army Reserve Soldiers are testing their capabilities during this exercise by providing focused humanitarian services to areas in Ladyville, St. Matthews and Cayo. During BTH, active duty, National Guard, U.S. Air Force Reserve, U.S. Marine Reserve, and U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers will rotate in and out of Belize after reaching their particular milestone within their three week period.

    Belize shrimp industry rebounding after EMS
    Belize's shrimp industry is rebounding after its was rocked by diseases. In 2014 shrimp export earnings netted Belize over BZD90 million dollars ($45 million) in foreign exchange, or about 14.8% of all of Belize’s export earnings. At the time it was projected that this industry would be one of the greatest earners for Belize. But the industry was hit by Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS). Three months into the disease, most farms had been affected plummeting production to less than half of what it was in 2014. Last year, exports were just over BZD10m.

    Beyond the Horizon 2017 provides free medical services event in Ladyville
    U.S. Soldiers and Marines worked together to open a free medical clinic April 9, 2017, as a part of Beyond the Horizon 2017. BTH 2017 is a partnership exercise between the Government of Belize and U.S. Southern Command that will provide three free medical service events and five construction projects throughout the country of Belize from March 25 until June 17. Members of the Utah National Guard‘s Medical Command were on site to provide several different basic medical procedures and health care services to the local Belizean population. “We are providing dental services, vision exams, general medicine, a women’s health clinic, and a pediatric clinic,” said Lt. Col. Erin Merryweather, Deputy Commander of Clinical Services with the Utah MEDCOM.

    Videos

  • How to Make Belizean Garnaches, 8.5min. Belizean Garnaches are a simple taco like dish that's made with refried beans, sauteed onions in tomato sauce and Dutch or Edam cheese.

  • GFSS Belize 2017, 4min. A group of 20 Goldfish team members traveled to Gales Point Belize to teach swim lessons, build a house, and help in the

  • Belize Missions 2015 | Kettering College, 5min.

  • Cave Tubing in Belize, 7min.

  • FIU Study Abroad: Belize 2017, 9min.

  • Aurelio Live OUTRO, 13min.

  • Scuba diving Lighthouse Reef, 2min.

  • Belize Barrier Reef, 2min.

  • Belize Spring Break 2017, 3min. SHS Travel Club takes on the jungles and beaches of Belize in an adventures of a lifetime!

  • A WALK IN BELIZE, 4min.

  • Belize flats fishing -- Turneffe Island Resort, 3.5min. Watch as Jason Dattilo catches bonefish, permit and tarpon from the flats of the Turneffe Atoll off the coast of Belize using light-weight spinning equipment.

  • The caves were huge | Belize City, Belize, 7min.


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